Breaking his silence since rumors began emerging nearly two weeks ago, Kwon Ji-yong, more widely known as G-Dragon of K-pop boy band Big Bang, showed up before police on Monday afternoon for questioning over alleged illegal drug use. The 35-year-old singer and rapper arrived at the Incheon Metropolitan Police building at around 1:20 p.m. to undergo an interrogation and drug test conducted by the drug crime investigation unit. “I have no relation to drug-related crimes. That is why (I came

Social Affairs Nov. 6, 2023

Eight in 10 South Koreans think they should be able to decide whether to mute or enable their camera shutter sound on their phones, a survey showed Sunday. According to a survey conducted by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission from Oct. 23 until Saturday on 3,476 respondents, 86.2 percent of those polled answered “yes” when asked if they think individuals should be able to adjust the camera shutter noise settings. Muting the camera shutter sound is disabled for all device

Social Affairs Nov. 5, 2023

Authorities in Seoul are struggling to control the spread of bedbugs, as a total of 17 bedbug infestations have been reported in seven Seoul districts as of Sunday, according to local reports. The city has set aside 500 million won ($381,000) to prevent bedbug infestations from spreading, particularly in facilities vulnerable in terms of hygiene. As part of this initiative, the city will distribute checklists to residents to know if they’ve got an infestation in those areas. Last Thursday,

Social Affairs Nov. 5, 2023

Police unveiled a four-year blueprint Thursday for using artificial intelligence technology to predict and combat crimes. The police believe the technology can help fill the gaps in security in rural areas caused by the concentration of police personnel in Seoul and the metropolitan area. They will also seek to use it to improve investigative abilities and technology to combat voice phishing, as the crime is mostly conducted through exploiting mobile telecommunications. The plan includes a progr

Social Affairs Nov. 2, 2023

진행자: 박준희, Ali Abbot 1. Opposition lawmakers allege celebrity drug scandals are part of government coverup 기사 요약: 연예인 마약으로 이슈 덮는다? 민주당 '음모론' 제기 [1] While South Korean celebrities’ drug allegations continue to dominate headlines, the main opposition party claimed on Friday that the ongoing investigation into such drug scandals may have been premeditated to divert public attention from current political issues that are unfavorable to the ruling party and the government. * Allegat

Podcast Nov. 2, 2023

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday were honored with the special International Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation for their efforts in improving relations between the countries, despite historical issues and domestic opposition. “I am honored to receive this year’s “Profile in Courage Award,” a symbol of John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier,” Yoon said in a prerecorded acceptance

Politics Oct. 30, 2023

While South Korean celebrities’ drug allegations continue to dominate headlines, the main opposition party claimed on Friday that the ongoing investigation into such drug scandals may have been premeditated to divert public attention from current political issues that are unfavorable to the ruling party and the government. In a radio interview with the news channel YTN on Thursday, Rep. An Min-suk of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea said a series of drug scandals involving big

Politics Oct. 27, 2023

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Thursday upheld the military criminal code that punishes same-sex sexual activities between soldiers, even if it took place outside of military property and was consensual, saying that the military needs to maintain discipline and combat power. In a 5-4 decision, the highest court upheld the constitutionality of Article 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act, which stipulates that “anal sex and other indecent acts” between military personnel can

Social Affairs Oct. 26, 2023

The Association of International Ministries, a network of English-speaking churches and ministries in the greater Seoul area, said Thursday it would hold a special memorial service Sunday to commemorate the victims of last year's deadly Itaewon crowd crush On Oct. 29 last year, crowds packed into an alley in Itaewon, Seoul, from three directions, forming a crush that claimed the lives of 159 people. “To those who are grieving, we grieve with you and long to pray with you and support y

Social Affairs Oct. 26, 2023

It’s that time of the year again for a 25-year-old officer worker surnamed Na to revel in the whimsical joy of Halloween traditions like dressing up and getting together with friends. She plans to go to Itaewon during the weekend to grab a drink and later stay the night with her friend at an accommodation facility in the area -- hoping there won’t be a repeat of the Itaewon crowd crush that took the lives of 159 people on Oct. 29 last year. Although a somber atmosphere lingers in par

Social Affairs Oct. 25, 2023

Drug crimes in Seoul are most common in areas with vibrant nightlife scenes and wealthy neighborhoods, a study suggested Monday. According to the study on the analysis of spatial influencing factors on drug crimes in Seoul, Itaewon, Gangnam and Hongdae are the top three spots for drug crimes. The three neighborhoods are well known for their vibrant nightlife replete with an array of escort bars, nightclubs and accommodation facilities. The study, written by inspectors at the Seoul Seongdong Poli

Social Affairs Oct. 23, 2023

Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in Oscar-winning movie “Parasite,” could be summoned for questioning sometime this week, reports said Sunday, citing police, as part of an expanding investigation into suspected drug use involving the actor and seven others. According to the reports, police are also considering a warrant to take a hair sample from the 48-year-old for drug testing in case he refuses to comply. The police probe is still at an internal stage, a precursor to a formal

Social Affairs Oct. 22, 2023

Artificial intelligence in education can offer equitable learning opportunities for less-advantaged students, but it may not alleviate the intense competition among elite students striving to gain admission to prestigious colleges, according to a US education technology pioneer. “AI appears to be most useful to people who aren’t really good. If you’re a great writer, using AI to write your article (wouldn’t be helpful). But AI can help the bottom of the class and, arguabl

Social Affairs Oct. 19, 2023

With South Korean schools set to shift to AI-driven digital textbooks in schools in 2025, Stephen M. Kosslyn, a former Harvard University dean of social science, believes the switch can cool off the country’s private education market, and competition for medical school places. He says it is an opportunity to resolve the overconcentration of talent in a narrow set of fields and colleges. AI learning models can help students find their purpose, he says gradually reducing reliance on the priv

Social Affairs Oct. 18, 2023

The union members of Seoul Metro, the operator of Seoul Subway Line Nos. 1 to 8, will go on strike next month to protest management's workforce reduction plan, the union said Wednesday. The walkout, which is set to take place on Nov. 9, a Thursday, comes after the two sides failed to reach an agreement over the dispute after conducting 10 rounds of negotiations, since the initial round on July 11. “Seoul City’s plan to reduce and restructure the workforce will ultimately threate

Social Affairs Oct. 18, 2023