BUZZ KOREA

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea is one of the world’s most cashless societies, leading the transition to a "cashless economy." With mobile payments and digital wallets becoming integral to daily life, especially among younger generations, this shift is not just about convenience—it’s reshaping how people live and interact in modern society. 1. What is a Cashless Society? A cashless society is one where physical money is rarely used, with transactions instead carried out through digital means like credit cards, mobile apps, QR codes, and NFC (Near-Field Communication). South Korea is at the forefront of this global trend. As of 2024, less than 10% of transactions involve cash, and digital payment methods dominate. Even traditional markets, once reliant on cash, now commonly accept QR codes and card payments. 2. Mobile Payments and Lifestyle Changes Among the Young Younger generations have been pivotal in driving the adoption of digital payments, embracing new technologies a...

Photo Credit = Pixabay South Korea's railway and subway unions have announced plans for indefinite strikes starting next month, demanding wage increases and additional manpower.  Tourists visiting South Korea are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions. The Korean Railway Workers' Union held a press conference on November 21 at Seoul Station, declaring, "If the government and the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) do not change their stance, we will begin an indefinite strike on December 5." Adding to the concerns, the Seoul Metro Union, which operates subway lines 1 through 8, announced on November 19 that it would hold a strike starting December 6. The union is opposing workforce reductions and the implementation of a one-person operation system. The potential strikes are expected to cause significant inconvenience for visitors relying on public transportation, especially as the year-end tourism season approaches. In the first half of 2024, South Korea ...

For 25 years, the MAMA AWARDS has pioneered new paths, establishing itself as a prestigious global K-POP awards show. This year, the 2024 MAMA AWARDS promises to deliver stages filled with passion and ambition, reflecting the event’s legacy of excellence. The 2024 MAMA AWARDS will kick off on November 22 KST (November 21 local time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA. Following this, the excitement will continue on November 22 and 23 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, in a relay format. As the lineup of prominent performing artists takes shape, ILLIT, TWS, and YOUNG POSSE are set to showcase their distinct styles and aspirations on stage, heightening anticipation among fans. ILLIT, who was named in the first lineup of performing artists, has garnered attention for her unique and quirky charm. Following her debut hit Magnetic , she achieved back-to-back success with her second single, Cherish (My Love) , both of which performed strongly on domestic and international music cha...

Photo Credit = Pixabay For those new to cryptocurrency investing, selecting the right exchange is the first and most critical step. Each platform differs in terms of coin offerings, fee structures, and security measures, making a careful decision essential. In South Korea, the top four exchanges are Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit. Here’s a breakdown of their features and strengths. Fees: A Key Factor in Choosing an Exchange Transaction fees are a primary consideration for investors, as lower fees mean more capital can be allocated to actual investments. Upbit, Korea’s leading exchange by trading volume, charges 0.05% for regular transactions and 0.25% in the BTC market. Bithumb has a higher base fee of 0.25%, but it offers subscription coupons that can reduce fees to as low as 0.04%. Coinone and Korbit charge 0.2% and 0.15%, respectively. Low transaction fees have contributed to the financial success of these exchanges. In 2021, Upbit’s operator, Dunamu, reported revenue of KRW 3....

Photo Credit = Pixabay Microplastics are tiny particles generated as plastic materials break down under environmental factors like friction and light. Although there is no universal definition, the term typically includes microplastics (less than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 1 µm). The rising concern over microplastics stems from their potential health risks. Studies have shown that microplastics are present in the air we breathe, drinking water, food, and everyday products like toothpaste, lotion, and shampoo. Experts warn that when microplastics enter the body through the respiratory system, digestive tract, or damaged skin, they can accumulate in tissues, potentially leading to long-term issues such as obesity, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, genetic mutations, reproductive toxicity, and even cancer. Microplastics Found in Blood Vessels A study published earlier this year in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) by researchers at Luigi Vanvitelli Universi...

The debate over transitioning Dongduk Women’s University into a co-educational institution has intensified, spreading from internal campus disputes to external gender-related conflicts. Students opposing the transition have staged a week-long protest, while external groups and online threats further exacerbate tensions. Campus Protests and Division Among Students Students opposing the co-ed transition have occupied the university’s main building since November 11, boycotting classes in protest. They argue that the university must maintain its identity as a women-only institution to ensure the safety and educational rights of female students. However, the prolonged protests have sparked divisions among students. A group of students critical of the protest formed a “Victims’ Coalition,” arguing that their right to education is being violated. “Some students depend on class attendance to secure scholarships or graduate, and their rights are being stripped away,” one student commented. Per...