Articles by Lee Jaeeun
Lee Jaeeun
jenn@heraldcorp.com-
Male parental leave takers reach one-third of total, record high
Men accounted for almost one-third of all workers taking parental leave in the first half of this year in South Korea, marking the first time they have exceeded 30 percent. According to data released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Sunday, fathers accounted for 32.3 percent of the 69,631 total parental leave takers from January to June this year. The total number of workers taking parental leave increased by 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year, rising to 67,465. While th
Social Affairs Aug. 4, 2024
-
Unpaid wages hit record high, affect over 150,000 workers
The government has estimated that unpaid wages surged about 27 percent in the first half year-on-year, hurting over 150,000 workers in South Korea and disrupting their livelihoods. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Thursday, back wages in the first half of this year reached 1.04 trillion won ($762 million), with a total of 150,503 affected workers. Compared to the same period last year, the amount of unpaid wages increased by 26.8 percent, and the number of affected workers gr
Social Affairs Aug. 1, 2024
-
Seoul mayor suggests revival of urban diplomacy with Beijing, Tokyo
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon met his Beijing counterpart Mayor Yin Yong in the Chinese capital on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral economic and cultural cooperation between the two megacities, his office said Wednesday. In the mayoral meeting held for the first time in six years, Oh addressed the need to revive the trilateral partnership among Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo, stressing the importance of urban diplomacy to discuss the challenges and opportunities of metropolitan cities at a sub
Social Affairs July 31, 2024
-
NK trash balloons have landed at over 3,000 sites in South: police
Balloons carrying rubbish sent from North Korea since late May have been discovered at more than 3,000 sites throughout South Korea, a police report showed Tuesday. According to a police report obtained by Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Yang Bu-nam, balloons sent by North Korea were found at 3,359 locations across South Korea between May 28 and July 25, during which 10 balloon campaigns were conducted. South and North Korea have used balloons in their propaganda campaigns since the Korean War in
Social Affairs July 30, 2024
-
[Community Discovery] Mapo-gu completes Seoul experience: district head
Mapo-gu, home to Gyeongui Line Forest Park, World Cup Park, Haneul Park and vibrant university areas, is set to enhance its reputation as a premier cultural and tourist destination, becoming a must-visit hot spot for tourists from overseas, according to the current district office head. “If you haven’t traveled all over Mapo-gu, you haven’t truly experienced Seoul,” said Park Gang-su, 65, in an interview with The Korea Herald. The district’s cultural vibrancy is evi
Social Affairs July 30, 2024
-
6 in 10 workers commute despite dangerous weather: survey
A survey released Monday showed that six out of 10 South Koreans reported braving the weather to arrive at work on time, despite government recommendations to work from home or adjust commuting hours due to safety concerns over natural disasters like typhoons and heat waves. According to the survey conducted by the civic group Workplace Gapjil 119, about 15.9 percent of respondents also expressed concern about facing workplace disadvantages for being late during natural disasters. The survey ask
Social Affairs July 29, 2024
-
Actor’s excessive airport security sparks probe into human rights violations
The National Human Rights Commission of Korea said Friday that it launched an investigation into allegations of excessive security measures involving actor Byeon Woo-seok. The investigation follows a complaint submitted on July 14, accusing the security measures during Byeon’s recent travels of infringing on human rights. The NHRCK will examine whether the airport's security team was complicit in the actions of a private security firm, which included blocking gates and conducting ticket an
Social Affairs July 26, 2024
-
Assembly defers Supreme Court judge appointment amid nepotism accusations
The National Assembly on Friday postponed the adoption of a report on the confirmation hearing results for one Supreme Court justice nominee, putting the brakes on her appointment amidst growing controversy over allegations of nepotism. The decision by the parliamentary special committee to delay the confirmation of Lee Sook-yeon, a Patent Court judge, came after allegations surfaced involving her daughter. There are suspicions that her 26-year-old daughter benefited significantly from unlisted
Social Affairs July 26, 2024
-
First lady apologized for causing public concern: lawyer
First Lady Kim Keon Hee apologized for causing public concerns as she attended questioning by the prosecution, her lawyer said Thursday. Kim's legal representative, lawyer Choi Ji-woo, said in a YouTube interview that she told the prosecution before the interrogation began on Saturday, adding that she feels sorry for letting the people down as first lady. Amid growing criticism over speculations that the first lady was receiving preferential treatment by being questioned at a venue outside
Social Affairs July 25, 2024
-
Assembly panel defers 'yellow envelope bill'
The parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee on Wednesday decided to defer a decision on a pro-labor bill that aims to limit companies from making claims for damages against legitimate labor union disputes. National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Jung Chung-rae said that the decision was put on hold, citing the need for further discussions due to differences between the ruling and opposition parties. The National Assembly passed a similar bill last year, but P
Social Affairs July 24, 2024
-
What are the charges faced by Kakao founder?
The founder of South Korean tech giant Kakao Corp. was detained Tuesday on charges of stock price manipulation related to the firm's takeover of K-pop powerhouse SM Entertainment last year, prosecutors said. The Seoul Southern District Court granted the prosecution’s request for a pretrial detention warrant for Kim Beom-su, also known as Brian Kim, on charges of violating the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act, citing concerns about evidence destruction and flight r
Social Affairs July 23, 2024
-
Anti-corruption agency raises meal expense cap for public officials
The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced on Monday that it has decided to raise the meal expense limit for public officials from 30,000 won ($22) to 50,000 won, citing the need to reflect the country's steep inflation since the limit was set. This proposal came eight years after the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, also known as the "Kim Young-ran law," was implemented. The antigraft act, named after the former Supreme Court justice who was then head of the co
Social Affairs July 22, 2024
-
Employment rates, wages drop once women become mothers: study
The employment rates and wages of South Korea's female workers significantly dropped after they become mothers, with about one in two mothers leaving their jobs after giving birth, a recent study showed Monday. According to a report released by the Korea Development Institute, women's employment rates decreased by 47.1 percent in the short term -- defined as within four years after childbirth -- and by 43.4 percent in the long term -- defined as five to 10 years after childbirth. Simil
Social Affairs July 22, 2024
-
Prosecution probes first lady on Dior bag scandal, alleged stock manipulation
Prosecutors questioned First Lady Kim Keon Hee face-to-face for the first time from Saturday to early Sunday on allegations of her involvement in a stock manipulation case, as well as receiving a Christian Dior handbag and other luxury gifts in exchange for favors, the South Korean prosecution confirmed Sunday. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office announced Sunday that Kim was questioned for around 12 hours, from 1:30 p.m. Saturday to 1:20 a.m. Sunday, at an undisclosed government build
Social Affairs July 21, 2024
-
[Weekender] Save the date for affordable, unique weddings in Seoul
When it comes to his big day, hotels, wedding halls and convention centers have never been an option for Bae Sung-jae. The 38-year-old always wanted a wedding that broke from the Korean norm, where hundreds of guests gather at an indoor venue to watch the newlyweds make their wedding vows, followed by a meal or a buffet, and then a photo session. The budget was also an issue. Wedding venues charge not only for food and drinks but also use of the venue, screen for videos and flowers. Instead, he
Social Affairs July 20, 2024
Most Popular
-
1
Slew of top K-pop stars ready to return from military
-
2
S. Korea, US clinch 2026-30 defense cost-sharing deal in pre-election push
-
3
Military aircraft evacuating S. Koreans in Lebanon returns home
-
4
Concerns raised over chronic labor shortage at state-run center for digital sex crime victims
-
5
BTS-themed moon jar to be unveiled on Hangeul Day
-
6
Samsung unveils 'personalized AI' for all devices
-
7
Market uncertain on Korea's October rate cut despite slowed inflation
-
8
1,430 minors investigated for drug offenses from 2018 to 2023: police
-
9
Special counsel bill to probe first lady scrapped
-
10
Coldplay to celebrate release ‘Moon Music’ with Han River drone show