Chiefs Kang Hoon-sik, Kim Yong-beom, and Wi Seong-rak Share Untold Stories of Korea-U.S. Negotiations in Newly Released YouTube Video
"It was truly shocking... an absolutely outrageous proposal." Kim Yong-beom, Chief of Policy at the Presidential Office, recalled his reaction upon seeing the detailed negotiation proposal sent by the U.S. after the first Korea-U.S. summit in Washington, D.C. last August, as shared in a Korea-U.S. tariff and security negotiation story released on YouTube on the night of the 14th. On July 30, the two countries had agreed in principle and attended the first summit, but the detailed proposal later presented by the U.S. was drastically different from what had previously been discussed.
Apple is reportedly ramping up succession plans in anticipation of CEO Tim Cook potentially stepping down as early as next year. According to the Financial Times (FT) on the 14th (local time), Apple's board and top executives have recently intensified preparations for CEO succession with Cook's possible departure in mind. The leading candidate to succeed Cook is John Turnus, Apple's Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering. As Apple launches new product lines and partners with AI companies,
"Sometimes, we see bubbles. In those times, not participating in the market may be the winning move." Michael Burry, founder of hedge fund Scion Asset Management, wrote this on his X account on the 30th of last month (local time). This was his first social media post in about two years. Burry, famous for predicting the 2008 U.S. financial crisis and amassing a fortune through short selling, is now warning of an "AI bubble."
Yang Namhee, Chairman of Wellbiotech, accused of orchestrating a stock price manipulation scheme similar to the "Sambu Construction stock manipulation" case, may have his detention determined as early as the 15th. According to the legal community, the Seoul Central District Court will hold a detention warrant review for Chairman Yang at 3 p.m. that day, presided over by Chief Judge Park Jungho. The special prosecutor's team investigating various allegations against First Lady Kim Keonhee has charged Yang with violations of the Capital Markets Act, aggravated breach of trust under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, and embezzlement.
E-Land Fashion issued an apology on the 15th regarding delays in product deliveries following a fire at its logistics center in Cheonan, Chungnam. New Balance, distributed by E-Land World in Korea, announced on its website, "Unexpected delays have occurred in the logistics center's operation schedule, causing some orders to be shipped later than usual," and "Products are being prepared for shipment sequentially." They added, "We will provide updates as soon as the schedule is confirmed," and "We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused."
Warren Buffett (95), known as the "Oracle of Omaha," has led Berkshire Hathaway to make a significant investment in Alphabet, Google's parent company. Berkshire, which has long been cautious about investing in tech stocks, has added Alphabet shares worth billions of dollars to its portfolio, drawing attention on Wall Street. According to Berkshire's quarterly 13F report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the 14th (local time), the company held $4.33 billion (about 6.3 trillion won) in Alphabet shares as of the end of September.
Following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about intervening in Taiwan in case of emergency, China has been strongly criticizing Japan and has now advised its citizens to refrain from visiting Japan. On the 15th, the Chinese Embassy in Japan announced via its official WeChat account, "The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Japan urge everyone to exercise extreme caution if planning to visit Japan in the near future," and "Chinese nationals already in Japan should closely monitor local security and heighten their sense of safety."
As the running craze continues, the athleisure (everyday sportswear) market is growing despite a slump in the fashion industry. Athleisure refers to workout clothes such as leggings and training pants that can be worn as everyday attire. According to the fashion industry on the 15th, Andar, Xexymix, and Hyungji Elite all recorded their highest-ever quarterly sales in the third quarter this year. Andar's third-quarter sales reached 77.4 billion won, the highest ever for that period, with cumulative sales hitting a record 213.2 billion won. Xexymix also posted record-high third-quarter consolidated sales.
As sneaky price hike strategies spread among U.S. companies, consumer warnings about so-called "sneakflation" are growing louder. This refers to strategies that increase consumer costs in subtle ways, such as switching to cheaper ingredients or reducing services and benefits, without directly raising product prices. "Sneakflation, driven by inflation and tariffs" According to the Washington Times, sneakflation is spreading in industries such as airlines, hotels, food, and streaming services in the U.S.
If you see the emergency room ping-pong problem as simply a matter of whether or not patients can enter the ER, you will never find a solution. Whether the medical community or doctors are truly a self-serving interest group is unclear, but the fact that many people unconsciously come to see them that way does not help solve the problem. This perspective only makes people see the issue in terms of good and evil. This error was also present behind the scenes during the government-medical conflict in the previous administration. Kim Yoon of the Democratic Party...
The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, held in Hong Kong on the 6th, was a scene that showcased the competitiveness of the Asian liquor industry. The event featured more than 620 brands from 21 countries, and the newly created "World of Spirits" zone featured distilled spirits from 13 countries. This year, China and Japan stood out. Chinese baijiu companies set up large booths with the goal of globalization, and Japanese sake brands actively promoted themselves with national support...
"The ambition is there, but nothing is prepared." When asked about the outlook for offshore wind power, a senior official in the domestic wind power industry recently responded with this lament. On November 11, the government finalized the 2035 National Greenhouse Gas Reduction Target (NDC) at a cabinet meeting. The power sector must reduce greenhouse gases by 68.8-75.3% compared to 2018. The spread of renewable energy must accelerate. As of the end of last year, the installed capacity of renewable energy was 34GW, which must increase to 100GW by 2030 and more than 150GW by 2035...
With the rise of single-person households, spending on convenience foods has surged, making instant rice a staple for Koreans and raising interest in its safe storage and consumption. Bulk purchases and long-term storage are common, but experts stress that it is safest to avoid eating instant rice past its expiration date. The average shelf life of instant rice is about nine months, thanks to aseptic packaging technology that uses high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization and airtight packaging. Inside the packaging,
Editor's Note: A new path to tackling obesity, once a medical challenge, is opening up. This is thanks to the emergence of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class drugs, which help maintain satiety and suppress appetite. The recently launched Maunjaero in Korea is a dual agonist for GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) and GLP-1, showing greater weight loss and evolving as a treatment for complex metabolic diseases such as diabetes and MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic hepatitis). However, misuse for cosmetic purposes alone remains a concern.
A significant number of Europeans are unable to use up their remaining annual leave as the year draws to a close. On the 13th (local time), Euronews reported that a Mastercard survey of 20,000 people across 21 European countries found that 47% of respondents still had at least 7 to 20 days of annual leave left. The most common reason for not taking leave was "lack of financial means" (23%). This response was highest in Serbia (40%), Bulgaria (33%), Romania (32%), and Croatia.
E-Land Fashion issued an apology on November 15, stating that some product deliveries would be delayed due to a fire at its logistics center in Cheonan, Chungnam. New Balance, which is distributed in Korea by E-Land World, announced on its website, "Currently, due to an unexpected delay in the logistics center's operations, the shipment of some orders is slower than usual. Products are being prepared for shipment in sequence." The company added, "We will provide a detailed schedule as soon as it is confirmed," and apologized, saying, "We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause." E-Land Fashion also posted similar notices on the websites of its own brands, including Spao and Roem. The Cheonan logistics center stores products for 10 brands, including not only New Balance but also Spao and Who.A.U, so deliveries for these brands are expected to be delayed. According to the fire authorities, a fire broke out at the E-Land Fashion logistics center in Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan
As the running craze continues, the athleisure (everyday activewear) market is expanding its growth, even amid a downturn in the fashion industry. Athleisure refers to activewear such as leggings and training pants that can be worn as everyday clothing. According to the fashion industry on November 15, Andar, Xexymix, and Hyungji Elite achieved their highest-ever quarterly sales in the third quarter of this year. Andar recorded third-quarter sales of 77.4 billion won, the highest ever for a third quarter, with cumulative sales reaching a record 213.2 billion won. Xexymix posted consolidated third-quarter sales of 69.9 billion won and operating profit of 6.1 billion won, marking its best-ever quarterly results. Hyungji Elite reported consolidated third-quarter sales of 44.6 billion won and operating profit of 7.5 billion won. Compared to the same period last year, sales and operating profit increased by 34% and 402%, respectively. Analysts attribute the strong performance of athleisure
Apple is reportedly accelerating its succession plans in preparation for the possible departure of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Cook as early as next year. According to the Financial Times (FT) on November 14 (local time), Apple's board of directors and senior executives have recently strengthened preparations for CEO succession, keeping in mind the possibility that Cook may step down. The leading candidate to succeed him is John Ternus, Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple. If Ternus, who comes from the hardware division, becomes CEO at a time when Apple is facing challenges such as launching new product lines and competing with artificial intelligence (AI) companies, it would mean that an executive from the hardware sector would once again lead the company. Discussions about a successor are reportedly unrelated to Apple's current performance and have been part of a long-standing plan. The timing of the new CEO announcement has not been decided. Sources said tha
"It turns out that among leisure activities in our country, games account for the highest proportion, and the industry itself is also significant. I will make sure it becomes an even more enjoyable and meaningful field." Prime Minister Kim Minseok visited "G-Star 2025" held at BEXCO in Busan on the 15th, toured Exhibition Hall 1, and stated, "There is much the government needs to do, including easing regulations, to help the game industry take root." Kim said, "I couldn't make it last year, but coming here this year, I find myself drawn to games," and emphasized, "Not long ago, President Lee Jaemyung said, 'Games are not addictive substances.' We discussed this together, and I think it is very meaningful." He also asked about the history of G-Star, its status in the global market, and what kinds of game shows exist in other countries. He added, "While there are large corporations in the game industry, there are also many smaller developers. I hope G-Star will continue to grow into an
There has been a warning that the habit of using gym showers barefoot after exercising can pose a serious risk of infection. On November 14 (local time), the British Daily Mail and other outlets reported that Nick Iker, a microbiologist and quality control analyst with 500,000 followers on social media, released an experimental video in which he directly confirmed the proliferation of bacteria on public shower floors. Iker swabbed the floors of shower rooms in gyms and other public spaces, transferred the samples to culture dishes, and stored them in a special incubator. After a certain period, when he opened the dishes, he found thick layers of bacteria. He emphasized that this is the decisive reason why people should wear slippers in public showers. The risk of bacterial contamination in gyms has already been pointed out by several experts. Dr. Primrose Freestone, a clinical microbiologist at the University of Leicester, explained that the areas where bacteria multiply the most in gy
In November, the number of influenza (flu) patients in South Korea has surged, prompting health authorities to issue a warning. According to the outpatient sample surveillance results for clinics released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on November 15, the number of suspected flu cases observed at around 300 sample medical institutions nationwide during the 45th week (November 2?8) was 50.7 per 1,000 outpatients. This is approximately 2.2 times higher than the previous week's figure of 22.8. Suspected flu cases refer to patients exhibiting flu symptoms such as a fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, cough, and sore throat. There has been a particularly sharp increase in cases among children and adolescents. Among those aged 7 to 12, the number of patients with flu symptoms was 138.1 per 1,000, far exceeding the overall average. For children aged 1 to 6, the figure was 81.1, and for adolescents aged 13 to 18, it was 75.6, indicating a clear trend of the flu sp
There have been repeated warnings that even if you only drink water from reusable bottles such as tumblers, inadequate cleaning can expose you to various illnesses. The Associated Press recently introduced reasons why water bottles should be cleaned regularly and provided tips for reducing contamination. According to the report, water bottles are easily contaminated because your mouth and hands come into frequent contact with them during use. If not cleaned properly, they can become a breeding ground for mold and various microorganisms. The difference depending on the material was not significant. Most materials, including metal, glass, and plastic, allow microorganisms to grow. In particular, plastic is prone to scratches, making it more likely for bacteria to settle. Experts warn that using contaminated water bottles can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, respiratory irritation, and worsening allergies. These concerns have been supported by recent research findings.
The "2025 Aurum Hwangchil Festival" will take place from November 19 to 23 at the organic Hwangchil tree farm in Muan, South Jeolla Province. Set in a vast ecological reserve spanning over 400,000 pyeong, this Muan festival will feature a variety of programs themed around Hwangchil, blending local health, art, and nature. Due to venue and capacity limitations, the festival will operate entirely on a reservation-only basis, with applications available through Naver Reservation. Admission is 10,000 KRW for adults and middle/high school students, 5,000 KRW for children (aged 8 and above), seniors (65 and above), and people with disabilities, and free for preschoolers. Citizens of Muan, Mokpo, Yeongam, and Shinan (with ID) are eligible for free entry without prior reservation. During the festival, the food court will offer dishes and beverages made with Hwangchil, and the original sushi bar "Saboru" will provide an omakase fish course experience. Artistic performances will be held on the l
The 2025 season of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour has become noticeably younger. The average age of winners dropped by more than five years (5.07 years). The KLPGA Tour concluded its 2025 season on November 9 with the Daebo HausD Championship at Seowon Hills in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. This year, there were 31 tournaments, producing 23 different champions. The total prize money reached a record high of approximately 34.6 billion won. Five players achieved two or more victories. Jungmin Hong, Yewon Lee, and Shinsil Bang each secured three wins, while Jiwon Ko and Minsol Kim each claimed two titles. The most notable trend this year was the age of the champions. Players in their 20s dominated the tour. The average age was 23.48 years. Sohyun Bae, at 30, was the only winner in her 30s. Born in 1993, she claimed victory at the Aurora World Ladies Championship in August, marking her fourth career win. The KLPGA Tour was led by early-20s players such as Yewon Lee,
Adam Hadwin (Canada) has returned to the top of the leaderboard after a long time. On November 13 (local time), at Port Royal Golf Course (par 71, 6,828 yards) in Southampton, Bermuda, Hadwin recorded seven birdies and one bogey in the first round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, part of the PGA Tour Fall Series, which has a total prize fund of 6 million dollars. He finished the day with a 6-under-par 65, leading the field by one stroke over Takumi Kanaya (Japan), who shot a 5-under-par 66 to share second place. Some players were unable to complete their rounds due to sunset. Hadwin reduced his score by four strokes on the front nine with birdies on holes 1 and 4, followed by consecutive birdies on holes 7 and 8. On the back nine, he gained a birdie on the 13th hole (par 3) but lost a stroke with a bogey on the 15th hole (par 4). However, he bounced back with consecutive birdies on holes 16 and 17, finishing the day at the top of the leaderboard. His putting was outstanding, av
Kai Trump, granddaughter of former U.S. President Donald Trump and an invited player, experienced firsthand the high level of competition among professionals. On November 13 (local time), at the Pelican Golf Club (par 70, 6,349 yards) in Bel Air, Florida, USA, Kai Trump carded a score of 13-over-par 83 in the first round of the LPGA Tour Annika Driven (total prize money: 3.25 million dollars). She finished in last place among the 108 participants. Still an amateur, Kai recorded nine bogeys and two double bogeys without a single birdie that day. In a post-round interview, Kai Trump said, "I was much more nervous than I expected, but I think I hit a lot of good shots. There were also many times I ended up in the wrong spot," adding, "This was my first LPGA Tour event, and I feel like I'm getting used to it now. I learned a lot, and it was a wonderful experience." Hae Ran Ryu shot a 6-under-par 64, recording seven birdies and just one bogey. She started the tournament in first place, one