Korea24 - 2021;09.17. (Friday)

News Briefing: With the Chuseok holiday just ahead of us, S.Korea records another day over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases. The Prime Minister has urged vigilance for those traveling during the holiday. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis(Weekly Economy Review): Prof. Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea helps us understand the principle of separation of industrial and financial capital as the FTC looked into Kakao Corp. and its founder for alleged violation of the fair trade act. We also talk about the latest export figures.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: Police investigate the allegations that a stationery store owner sexually molested children at his store near an elementary school( "슬러시 준다며 가슴 만졌다" 학교앞 문방구 아저씨의 배신), people in Thailand, including their PM, are excited for Lisa's solo debut(태국 블랙핑크 ‘리사앓이,’ 태국 총리도 언급), and in the US, the White House is trying to answer Nicki Minaj's questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and their side effects(美 유명 래퍼 발 백신 '가짜뉴스'에 백악관도 진화 나서).

Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Marc Raymond review the Netflix action thriller "Kate" set in Japan, along with On The Line(보이스), a local revenge thriller starring Byun Yohan.

Next Week from Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares events taking place in the following week, including President Moon’s trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

Korea24 – 2021.09.16. (Thursday)

News Briefing: The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un criticized South Korean President Moon Jae-in for his remarks on the North during his inspection of a missile test. Meanwhile, North Korea's state media reported on Thursday that the previous day's missile test was conducted by a railway-borne missile regiment. (Koo Hee-jin)

In-Depth News Analysis (Korean Politics Digest): Last week the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) booked presidential hopeful and former Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl to investigate allegations of political meddling. We’ll get reaction to this escalating controversy from Affiliate Professor Kim Byung-joo from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. He’ll also provide his thoughts on the latest from the presidential primaries of the two main rival parties, including Chung Sye-kyun’s decision to drop out of the race for the ruling Democratic Party, and Choe Jae-hyeong of the main opposition People Power Party disbanding his presidential campaign.

Korea Trending with Jung Ye-won: An individual in their 80’s in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, collapsed in their home and spent seven hours unattended after the first department failed to respond to two 119 calls (119 기다리며 대문도 열어놨는데‥80대 노인 7시간 방치). Meanwhile, a middle school girl who was kidnapped into a vehicle by 5 men in Hongdae, Seoul, turns out to have been used as a money collector for a voice phishing ring (홍대 인근서 여중생 납치 후 2700만원 뺏은 ‘보이스피싱 조직 사주’ 괴한 5인…검찰 송치). And Elon Musk’s aerospace manufacturer SpaceX has launched a spacecraft into space carrying an all-amateur crew, starting a 3-day journey orbiting the earth ("머스크 스페이스X 우주관광 차원이 다르다"…민간인 4명 고도 575km 비행)

Explore Korea: Starting this week, we begin a new travel series with Hannah and Allie from Moon Bear Travel introducing locations featured in the Korea Tourism Organization’s latest season of ‘Feel The Rhythm Of Korea’ videos. To start, Hannah introduces us to the two videos featuring sites in Seoul, including the Seosomun Shrine History Museum and Tapgol Park.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews a Korea Times report by Kim Bo-eun about South Korea coming 4th out of 32 countries in the 2021 International Earth Science Olympiad(IESO), an annual competition for secondary school students. Mark also introduces Choi Si-young’s piece in the Korea Herald on the civilian-led advisory panel that was put together in June to boost civilian oversight of the military.

Korea24 – 2021.09.15. (Wednesday)

News Briefing: North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. This comes just two days after the regime announced that it had carried out test launches of a new type of long-range cruise missile. Meanwhile South Korea has confirmed that it has successfully tested the launching of a ballistic missile from a submarine. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis: Environmental, social and corporate governance or ESG management is becoming a key concern for companies around the world, and President Moon Jae-in has vowed to provide support so that more Korean companies can participate in ESG activities. But resistance among Korean companies remain and a recent report by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) showed that domestic companies are more vulnerable to ESG risks than their European counterparts. To find out more about ESG, and the challenges facing Korean companies, we speak to Moon Jungbien (문정빈), professor of International Business and Strategy from Korea University.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: First graders at an elementary school were evacuated from the grounds after a man barged into the classroom bleeding from stab wounds (흉기에 찔린 남성이 초1 교실 난입… 보건교사가 응급처치). Meanwhile, a middle schooler has received a lifetime ban from the archery world after shooting and injuring another student with an arrow (후배 등에 활쏜 '학폭 중학생', 양궁계에서 퇴출 당했다). And an incident in Gyeonggi province is showing how taxi drivers are increasingly helping to prevent voice phishing scams (“현금 들고 장거리 이동”…택시기사 신고로 보이스피싱 덜미).

Korea Book Club with Barry Welsh: Barry introduces us to a murder mystery short story first published in 1999 by the celebrated writer Kim Young-ha (김영하) called ‘Photo Shop Murder’ (사진관 살인 사건). The story draws on the conventions of crime fiction to set up a compelling detective story set in Seoul.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews a piece by Park Han-sol in the Korea Times about writer Kim Young-ha’s book ‘Black Flower’, about the hardships faced by Korea immigrants who settled in Mexico in 1905, has now been translated into Spanish and published in Mexico.

Korea24 – 2021.09.14. (Tuesday)

News Briefing: The U.S. special envoy for North Korea Sung Kim said Washington will provide humanitarian aid to the North regardless of progress in denuclearization efforts. Kim made the remark at a news conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, where he met with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts. (Koo Heejin)

In-Depth News Analysis: The use of electronic ankle monitors have been under the spotlight, after a convicted sex offender managed to remove one and kill two women last month. The Justice Ministry apologized and said they would do more to monitor those wearing electronic monitors, as well as make the anklets sturdier, but questions have been raised why this was not addressed in the first place and what more can be done to reduce recidivism. To discuss, law professor Park Yong-chul (박용철) from Sogang University joins us on the line.

Korea Trending with Jung Ye-won: 24 foreign products purchased through purchasing agencies have been deemed “unsuitable” by a government agency for safety reasons (공룡완구·자전거·와플기기···해외 구매대행 24개 제품 안전 ‘부적합’). Meanwhile, South Korean apparel companies are facing supply disruptions as COVID-19 infections surge in Vietnam ("추석 끝나면 바로 대목인데…한해 장사 다 망칠 판" 속 타들어가는 패션기업). And a collaboration between K-Pop sensation BTS and one of the world’s biggest rock bands, Coldplay, has been confirmed (BTS·콜드플레이, 협업곡 '마이 유니버스' 함께 부른 영상 공개).

Touch Base in Seoul: David Yoon, the New York Times bestselling author of the YA book ‘Frankly In Love’ joins us via video. We discuss his love of writing, which he fervently pursued while working as an interactive designer, the challenges of representation, and the work he does with his wife, Nicola Yoon, who is also a bestselling YA author.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Park Han-sol’s piece for the Korea Times on American artist Mark Dion and his Seoul exhibition “The Sea Life of South Korea and Other Curious Tales”. Mark also covers Lee Si-jin’s report for the Korea Herald about the K-Culture Festival set to kick off next month at the Kintex convention center.

Korea24 – 2021.09.13. (Monday)

News Briefing: North Korea said on Monday that it carried out successful tests of a new type of long-range cruise missile over the weekend. The US and Japan have slammed the launches, with Washington calling them threats to the country's neighbors and the international community. South Korea has said it is analyzing North Korea’s claims. (Koo Heejin)

In-Depth News Analysis: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to arrive in Seoul on Tuesday with discussions on bilateral relations, North Korea and other regional and global issues on the agenda. South Korea is his last stop on a week-long tour of other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, and this comes just two weeks after the US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ trip to the region. Adding another dimension to Wang Yi’s visit is North Korea’s latest provocation. To preview Wang’s visit Professor Robert Kelly from Pusan National University joins on the line.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: Investors will be able to buy fractions of a company’s stock on the Korean bourse starting next year (삼성전자 주식 '0.1주' 살 수 있다…국내 주식 소수점 거래 허용). Meanwhile, economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic are thought to have driven a restaurant owner in Seoul to take his own life (마포구 식당 주인의 안타까운 죽음…“코로나19로 매출 타격”). And in international news, the UK has decided to drop its plans to introduce vaccine passports (영국, 백신여권 계획 철회...규제는 풀고 백신 접종은 강화)

Monday Sports Round-up with Yoo Jee-ho: Starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays recorded his worst start of the season, raising concerns at a crucial time when the team is fighting for a playoff berth. In England, footballer Hwang Hee-chan makes the perfect first impression delivering a goal in his debut appearance for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Meanwhile, the disgraced volleyball twins, Lee Jae-young and Lee Da-young, are looking for a fresh start in Greece, but obstacles remain.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Kwon Mee-yoo’s piece for the Korea Times about the Korea Foundation presenting several virtual concerts throughout this month. We also feature Park Yuna’s report in the Korea Herald on an exhibition of trendsetting hairstyles created by leading hair designer Cha Hong.

Korea24 – 2021.09.10. (Friday)

News Briefing: The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials(CIO)has booked presidential hopeful and former Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl over political meddling allegations. Yoon is facing four charges, including power abuse, disclosure of official secrets as well as violation of privacy and election laws. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to give his thoughts on economic issues of the week, including the Korea Economic Research Institute(KERI)’s growth forecast of 3.9% for the nation this year, economist Jeffrey Frankel’s warning of the "everything bubble” bursting soon, and President Moon’s pledge to help make South Korea the world’s ‘overwhelming’ shipbuilding leader.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: Former national speed skating coach Cho Jae-beom(조재범)’s prison sentence for sexually assaulting Olympic short track champion Shim Suk-hee(심석희) has been increased to 13 years (성폭행 혐의 조재범, 항소심서 13년 선고). A woman in her 50’s suffering pain for weeks after receiving plastic surgery was found to have taken her own life earlier this year (성형 수술 후 부작용 호소하던 50대 극단적 선택). And former manager of South Korea’s national football team, Guus Hiddink, has announced his retirement (히딩크 감독, 지도자 은퇴 선언).

Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review the action-packed, female-led Hollywood blockbuster, ‘Gunpower Milkshake’, as well as local indie mystery thriller, ‘Good Person’ 좋은 사람, the latest to be produced by the highly acclaimed Korean Academy of Film Arts.

Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to Seoul starting next Tuesday, trilateral talks among South Korea, US and Japan’s nuclear envoys in Tokyo next Tuesday, “two plus two” talks between South Korea and Australia’s foreign and defense ministers in Seoul next Monday, and Typhoon Chanthu possibly hitting the peninsula next week.

Korea24 – 2021.09.09. (Thursday)

News Briefing: North Korea staged a nighttime military parade on Thursday to mark the 73rd anniversary of the regime’s founding, but there was no speech from Kim Jong-un, and no new strategic weapons unveiled. (Koo Hee-jin)

In-Depth News Analysis (Korean Politics Digest): Affiliate Professor Kim Byung-joo from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies joins us to look at the latest developments from the two main political camps in their race to pick their presidential candidates for next year’s elections, including Lee Jae-myung’s landslide wins in the first two primaries for the ruling Democratic Party, and former presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo’s surge in the polls to second place among candidates for main opposition People Power Party.

Korea Trending with Jung Ye-won: North Korea has been suspended from participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics due to their absence in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (IOC "북한 올림픽위원회, 도쿄올림픽 불참으로 자격 정지"). Meanwhile, there has been public outcry after a hotteok store owner suffered severe burns due to the actions of a disgruntled customer (호떡집 ‘3000원 갑질男’…안잘라 준다 끓는 기름에 던져 주인 화상). And the military has explained its plans to hand over the task of arresting AWOL soldiers to officers instead of soldiers starting next year (탈영병 잡는 ‘D.P.’ 병사보직 내년 사라진다…軍 “드라마와 무관”).

Explore Korea with Ahn Jae-woo: Culture and arts contributor Ahn Jae-woo returns to the show to introduce two exhibitions taking place in the Seochon 서촌 district. The first is titled “Winter, Summer” on view at Art Space 3, featuring works by a pair of artists, You Hyeonkyeong and Lee Jin-han. The other is called “Highlife” on view at The Reference Seoul featuring photography works by Che Onejoon.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Lee Hae-rin’s piece for the Korea Times, how consumers are seeking gift sets with less plastic packaging to cut back on waste. We also cover Shin Ji-hye’s piece for the Korea Herald on Representative Lee Sang-hun of the ruling Democratic Party criticizing South Korea’s regulations on foreign performers.

Korea24 – 2021.09.08. (Wednesday)

News Briefing: Daily new COVID-19 cases topped 2-thousand once again in South Korea for the first time in a week, totalling 2,050 infections. That includes a record high in the Seoul metro area, of 1,476 domestic cases. Meanwhile, health officials have said they could begin considering the transition into a new COVID-19 management system of living with the virus in November. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis: South Korea's National Assembly passed a bill last week dubbed the “Anti-Google Law”, which aims to curb Google and Apple from forcing software developers to only use their in-app payment systems and pay commission. With this change, South Korea becomes the first in the world to legislate such regulations against dominant app market operators. To take a closer look at the law, and whether it will set the stage for similar action in other countries, we connect with reporter Yoon So-yeon (윤소연) from the Korea JoongAng Daily.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 120 pilots of Asiana Airlines have lost their qualification to operate the super-sized A380 aircraft due to lack of flights amid the pandemic (코로나로 필수 비행 횟수 못 채워···아시아나 A380 조종사 120명 자격 상실). Meanwhile, the South Korean men’s national football team just edged out a win against Lebanon 1-0 in their latest World Cup qualifying match (손흥민 빠진 레바논전… 권창훈, 교체 2분 만에 골문 열어). And K-Pop sensation BTS’ second English track “Butter” has returned to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 following the release of a new remix (방탄소년단, 한달만에 빌보드 1위 탈환…‘버터’ 리믹스 덕분).

Korea Book Club with Barry Welsh: Our pick this week is ‘Loving’ 연인 by renowned poet and writer Jeong Ho-seung 정호승. Translated by Brother Anthony of Taizé, this magical work follows the adventures of Blue Bubble Eyes, a fish on a wind chime at a Buddhist temple, as she ventures out into the world to find love and happiness.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Bahk Eun-jis’ pieces in the Korea Times about the expansion of government support for those studying “special foreign languages.” Meanwhile Song Su-hyun writes in the Korea Herald on the imminent arrival of streaming service Disney+.

Korea24 – 2021.09.07. (Tuesday)

News Briefing: South Korea recorded its highest ever COVID-19 tally covering a Monday, at 1,597 new infections. Health officials are warning the public against complacency, especially ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Meanwhile, more than 60 percent of the population has now received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. (Koo Hee-jin)

In-Depth News Analysis: In the World Meteorological Organization’s inaugural ‘Air Quality and Climate Bulletin’ published last Friday, the UN agency reported that levels of key air pollutants temporarily plunged last year, due to COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. Dr. Oksana Tarasova, chief of the WMO’s Atmospheric Environment Research Division, joins us over the phone to tell us more.

Korea Trending with Jung Ye-won: A man who cut off his electronic ankle monitor and was on the run has now been caught by the police (장흥서 전자발찌 끊고 달아난 성범죄자 마창진 검거). Meanwhile, a survey has estimated that some 2 million South Korean adults are not able to properly read, write, and do basic math (성인 200만명, 기본적인 읽기·쓰기·셈하기 못 해). And a premature baby that weighed just 288 grams at birth has now been successfully discharged from hospital (288g 미숙아 '건우'…생존율 1% 기적 이루고 집으로).

Touch Base in Seoul: Maths teacher Julie Henning joins us by video call to tell us about her extraordinary story, growing up facing poverty and discrimination as a mixed race child in war torn Korea, before being adopted by the Nobel Prize winning writer Pearl S. Buck. Her memoir ‘A Rose in a Ditch’ has now been published in Korea.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark helps us preview Jon Dunbar’s piece in the Korea Times about a series of new online kids’ programs aimed at young viewers, presented in both Korean and English. For the Korea Herald, Mark discusses Im Eun-byel’s preview of the 13th Seoul International Music Festival being held in October.

Korea24 – 2021.09.06. (Monday)

News Briefing: The government has revealed that a gradual, step-by-step transition into a new COVID-19 management system is being considered... to coexist with the virus in normal everyday life. Senior health officials stressed though that any review of easing quarantine must come after preconditions are met, including expanded vaccinations and a reduction in hospitalizations, serious cases and death toll. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced last week that he will not run in the leadership election for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party(LDP), meaning his term will end on September 30, only a year after he took office. Suga had reportedly been keen to serve another term, but it seems the party turned against him as his approval ratings plummeted in light of the nation’s struggle to battle COVID-19. To discuss Suga's decision and what it means for Japan, as well as for relations with South Korea, Associate Professor Lim Eun-jung (임은정) from the Division of International Studies at Kongju (공주) National University joins us on the line.

Korea Trending with Walter Lee: With the rollout of COVID-19 relief payments beginning, the government has warned the public of “smishing” scams (국민지원금 위장한 피싱 문자 기승…"즉시 삭제해야"). Meanwhile, SK Group becomes the latest conglomerate to end its “regular recruitment” system of hiring (SK그룹 마지막 공채…사라지는 기업 공채). And in Afghanistan, the Taliban have ordered women attending private universities to wear a niqab (탈레반, 니캅 착용조건 여대생 등교 허용…“남녀 철저 분리해야”).

Monday Sports Round-up with Yoo Jee-ho: The Taeguk warriors are looking to put their disappointing goalless draw behind them, as they gear up for the next World Cup Qualifier against Lebanon on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, golfer Im Sung-jae has broken the PGA Tour’s single season birdie record. And Kim Kwang-hyun of the St. Louis Cardinals suffers through the shortest of his MLB career.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: In tomorrow’s Korea Times, we preview a piece by Bahk Eun-ji about a survey that shows one in four online gamers in the country have experienced sexual harassment or gender discrimination while playing. And in the Korea Herald, Im Eun-byel writes about outdoor music festivals signaling their return even amid the pandemic.