BUZZ KOREA

Photo Credit = X On December 3, 2024, South Korea was once again caught in the midst of a great historical upheaval. President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law under the pretext of national security, and the military seized control of major cities. Freedoms of assembly and expression were suppressed, and the daily lives of citizens were strictly monitored. Yet, even under such control, there was a generation determined not to remain silent: South Korea's MZ generation. The MZ generation found their own unique way of resisting—not through traditional means, but with lightsticks in hand, illuminating the darkness of oppression and showing their support for democracy. Lightsticks, symbols of the K-POP fandom, had long represented the unity and passion of music lovers. But that night, they took on a far greater meaning. They became a symbol of hope and support for democracy. In the streets of Seoul, citizens gathered with their lightsticks, creating a stunning display of diversity an...

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...