Korea24 – 2021.03.24. (Wednesday)

- News Briefing: Military officials have confirmed that North Korea launched two short-range cruise missiles into the West Sea on Sunday, but South Korea and the U.S. have downplayed concerns, saying the action does not violate UN Security Council resolutions, which bans ballistic missile launches. (Koo Heejin)

- In-Depth News Analysis Part One: James Fretwell from NK News talks about the North launching short-range cruise missiles and what it signals for the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

- In-Depth News Analysis Part Two: Alastair Gale, Wall Street Journal Japan’s editor, talks about the International Olympic Committee’s decision to close the Tokyo Olympics to overseas spectators and what it means for the Games. He discusses how much the decision made last week costs for the Olympics, and Japan’s plans to protect domestic spectators amid the pandemic.

- Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: South Korea will heavily invest in self-driving technology(레벨4 자율주행 상용화 앞당긴다…'혁신사업단' 출범), the top court sides with people who were blasted by light reflected off of neighboring skyscrapers(“눈뜨고 못 산다”…빛 반사 피해 첫 인정 ‘줄소송 예고’), and there are some possible issues with South Korea’s new drone pilot law(“족보만 보면 100점” 황당한 드론 자격증 시험…어떻길래?).

- Korea Book Club: Barry Welsh shares Chang Kang-myoung’s(장강명) "Fired(알바생 자르기)” that tackles the issue of generational conflict in the workplace and the bipolarity of employment practices in South Korea.

- Morning Edition Preview: Mark shares a story from the Korea Times featuring a cartoonist who tackles racial discrimination in South Korea and a piece from the Korea Herald that covers the Incheon International Airport Corporation hosting the 5th Annual World Aviation Conference in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Korea24 – 2020.03.23. (Tuesday)

News Briefing: People Power Party’s Oh Se-hoon was chosen on Tuesday as the pan-opposition candidate for next month’s mayoral by-election. Oh will now face the ruling bloc’s choice Park Young-sun in April.(Koo Heejin)

In-Depth News Analysis: Reporter Michael Lee from the Korea JoongAng Daily recaps the PPP’s Oh Se-hoon defeating former presidential candidate Ahn Cheol-soo from the People’s Party to represent the pan-opposition in April’s by-elections. Lee talks about the pledges of the two candidates as well as their campaign strategies.

Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: A man heroically saves a family trapped inside a vehicle from drowning(4급 장애 50대 몸 던져 일가족 3명 구했다…긴박했던 순간), talks start circulating around Son Heung-min’s possible transfer due to Tottenham’s deep debt(‘2346억 적자’ 토트넘, PSG에 손흥민 판매?... “PSG는 영입 가능한 팀 중 하나”), and KBS will air a TV special entirely dedicated to BTS allowing fans to see another side of the group(방탄소년단 단독 토크쇼 ‘렛츠 BTS’ 100분 편성…29일 KBS 2TV 방송 ).

Touch Base in Seoul: Poet Lee Jiye talks about her recently published book of poems “Aftereffects” dedicated to her late father. She delves into her creative process and how being British-Korean plays a role in her work.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times featuring an upcycling artist that creates dog sculptures out of plastic waste. He then talks about a Korea Herald piece that tackles the issue surrounding the large amount of dogs in Korea that are abandoned and/or euthanized.

Korea24 – 2021.03.22. (Monday)

News Briefing: A unified opposition candidate for next month’s Seoul mayoral by-election is expected to be finalized within the next two days, with a public survey underway. This comes as candidates vying for the position - Oh Se-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo - reached an agreement on Sunday over how they would determine the winner between them, in order to raise the chances of unseating the ruling party from the capital city's leadership. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis Part One: South Korea’s vaccination expert committee along with other top medicine regulators have confirmed there is no correlation between the vaccine and blood clots. Professor Neil Mabbott, chair of immunopathology at the University of Edinburgh, talks about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the safety concerns surrounding it.

In-Depth News Analysis Part Two: Business news reporter Andy Peters from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution talks about the US International Trade Commission ruling against SK Innovation last month, siding with LG Chem on a battery trade secret dispute. With the deadline for President Joe Biden to veto the ruling or for the parties to reach their own agreement is fast-approaching in April, he discusses what lies ahead for the parties involved.

Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: The government mulls ways to prevent another public agency scandal like the LH debacle(LH 같은 사고 나면 공공기관 전체 임직원 성과급 삭감 추진), people without fishing licenses harvest clams much to the locals' dismay(우르르 와서 트럭 째 조개 싹쓸이…어민 분통), and Park Bom is set to make her comeback with her new single, "Do Re Mi Fa Sol." (박봄 31일 컴백 )

Sports: Yoo Jee-ho from Yonhap News Agency talks about South Korea's national football squad facing Japan in a friendly, Choo Shin-soo of the SSG Landers working out the rust in his KBO debut, and Heungkuk Life being just a win away from reaching the V-League's championship final.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times featuring the Embassy of Belgium in Korea making a year-long set of programs in celebration of the 120th anniversary of bilateral relations between Belgium and South Korea. He then shares a story from the Korea Herald that talks about Gyeongbokgung Palace opening its doors for nighttime tours.

Korea24 – 2021.03.19. (Friday)

News Briefing: The government has identified an additional 28 civil servants and public employees in its ongoing probe of the land speculation scandal gripping South Korea. They were found to have purchased property in areas included in the government's urban development project. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea discusses the continuing trend in job losses amid the pandemic, the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) showing South Korea's economy possibly ranking 10th in the 2020 GDP rankings, and U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley’s plan to offer its wealth management clients access to bitcoin funds.

Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: Drivers tamper with their scooters to travel at high speeds deemed unsafe(시속 50km까지 불법개조 킥보드…법 공백에 사고 증가), China requires certain visa applicants to get Chinese COVID-19 vaccines(中 백신 맞아야만 ‘비자 신청 간소화’…입국 대기자들 ‘발동동’), and Olympic short track champion Shim Suk-hee announces her desire to make the national team(쇼트트랙 심석희 "태극마크 다시 달고 싶다..간절하고 그리워“).

Movie Spotlight: Film critics Darcy Paquet and Jason Bechervaise share Jero Yun's(윤재호) "Fighter(파이터)," on a North Korean defector reigniting her talent as a professional boxer. They also discuss "The Mauritanian(모리타니안)," based on events that occurred at Guantanamo Bay.

Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week, including the start of COVID-19 inoculations for South Korean citizens 65 and older, including President Moon Jae-in.

Korea24 – 2021.03.18. (Thursday)

- News Briefing: South Korea and the United States adopted a joint statement after their two-plus-two meeting on Thursday between their top diplomats and defense chiefs. It addresses the Seoul-Washington alliance, Korean Peninsula Issues, regional cooperation, and pan-global cooperation. (Koo Heejin)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Dr. James Kim from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and Dr. Bruce Bennett from the Rand Corporation delve into the results from the S. Korea-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial meeting. They discuss issues including the recent remarks made by North Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

- Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: Exploding tempered glass reveals possible flaws in its manufacturing process(유리가 왜 이래?…강화유리, 폭발하듯 깨진다), a friendly football match between South Korea and Japan's national squads is still on despite COVID-19 concerns([특파원 리포트] 왜 하필 이때 한일 축구?…日정부·JFA “도쿄올림픽 시뮬레이션”), and movie theater chain CGV ups ticket prices in an effort to outlast the pandemic(CJ CGV "관람료 1천 원 인상…영화 산업 고사 직전").

- Explore Korea: Andy St. Louis from Seoul Art Friend shares the art exhibition "Lee Bul: Beginning," currently held at the Seoul Museum of Art. Andy tells us more about the renowned artist and the exhibition which showcases her artistic journey from all the way back in 1984. (서울시립미술관 서소문본관 전시 “이불-시작”)

- Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that delves into the dormitory culture of the K-pop industry. He also talks about a Korea Herald article that showcases various spots one can hike in the springtime.

Korea24 – 2021.03.17. (Wednesday)

- News Briefing: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Seoul on Wednesday and had individual talks with their South Korean counterparts, Defense Minister Suh Wook and Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong. The four top officials will then hold a joint "two-plus-two" meeting on Thursday. (Eunice Kim)

- In-Depth News Analysis Part One: Leading North Korea expert Professor Brian Myers from the Department of International Studies at Dongseo University gives his thoughts on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong blasting the combined ROK-U.S. military exercises. Professor Myers also previews the ROK-U.S. talks between the top officials of South Korea and the U.S.

- In-Depth News Analysis Part Two: Assistant Professor of Neurology at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital Dr. Pamela Song delves into the importance of sleep and how it relates to health as March 19 marks World Sleep Day, hosted by the World Sleep Society.

- Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: A massive amount of yellow dust misses South Korea despite warnings and forecasts(최악의 황사 온다더니..'파란 하늘' 왜?), South Korea cracks down on DUIs - even when committed while traveling very short distances(“내 집인데도?” 주차장 2미터 음주운전에 벌금 1,500만 원), and an experiment involving Cheongju households reveals the social and economic benefits of reducing waste(쓰레기 줄이기 100일 도전! 결과는?).

- Korea Book Club: Barry Welsh shares "The Catcher in the Loft(생강)” by Cheon Un-yeong(천운영), a story inspired by a former police inspector who brutally tortured pro-democracy demonstrators in the 1980s in South Korea.

- Morning Edition Preview: Mark shares a story from the Korea Times that talks about an artist using old jeans to create cityscapes and a Korea Herald piece that delves into the growing pigeon problem in the residential areas of Seoul.

Korea24 – 2020.03.16. (Tuesday)

News Briefing: Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, lambasted Seoul and Washington's ongoing joint military exercise, threatening to abandon the two Koreas' military peace agreement and abolish its committee in charge of inter-Korean affairs. In response, the South Korean government stressed that the combined military exercise should not be an opportunity to heighten military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. (Koo Heejin)

In-Depth News Analysis: Jennifer Moss, workplace expert and writer of the book “The Burnout Epidemic,” delves into the concept of burnout. She also talks about how the pandemic has affected the situation and what can be done to prevent burnout.

Korea Trending with Lee Ju-young: Minari’s Youn Yuh-jung becomes the first Korean actor to ever get a nomination for best supporting actress for the 93rd Academy Awards(윤여정), a mother and son are reunited after 31 years thanks to her diligence and matching DNA samples(“내 아들아!” 실종된 6살 장애 아들 31년 만에 찾은 모정), and two K-League clubs turn their backs on former FC Barcelona youth player Paik Seung-ho(백승호 첫 심경 고백 “마음 아파…K리그에서 꼭 뛰고 싶다”).

Touch Base in Seoul: Literary translation duo Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton talk about their work in translating Korean literary works for English readers over the past 40 years. They also delve into their latest translation project on Kim Soom’s(김숨) “One Left(한 명),” the story of a woman who was kidnapped into the life as a comfort woman.

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that talks about the history of the USS Pueblo, the U.S. naval vessel captured by North Korea back in 1968, and what it's like to be onboard the vessel.

Korea24 – 2021.03.15. (Monday)

News Briefing: Police raided the homes and offices of public officials accused of land speculation, in the brewing Korea Land and Housing Corporation(LH) scandal. Meanwhile, in a meeting with his aides on Monday, President Moon Jae-in vowed tackling real estate corruption will be a key policy for the remainder of his term. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis Part 1: Professor Cedarbough Saeiji, a scholar of Korean contemporary culture in media and performance and visiting assistant professor at Indiana University, gives her thoughts on the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards and discusses BTS' nomination and performance. Though the K-pop phenomenon didn't come home with a trophy, Professor Saeiji talks about what is next for the group and for K-pop as a whole.

In-Depth News Analysis Part 2: Reporter Michael Lee from the Korea JoongAng Daily gives the latest updates on the LH scandal as the government is working on reform plans while its parties argue over how to move on with investigations.

Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: An accomplice involved in the Baksabang chatroom scandal gets into trouble while he's behind bars(‘박사방’ 공범 남경읍, 구치소에 음란물 반입하다 적발), am elderly Korean-American woman is brutally attacked in New York state(뉴욕서 얼굴맞은 80대 할머니…'한국사위' 호건 분노했다), and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma pleasantly surprises those being vaccinated as he performs at a COVID-19 vaccination center(백신 맞으러 와 첼로 집어든 동네 아저씨..알고보니 요요마).

Sports: Yoo Jee-ho from Yonhap News Agency talks about the roster for the men's national football team for a friendly match against Japan being announced(축구 한일전 국가대표팀 24인 명단 발표), Choo Shin-soo of the SSG Landers expecting to play his first KBO match sometime this week(추신수 SSG랜더스 훈련 합류), and the last WKBL finals match between Samsung Life Blueminx and KB Stars determining the champion(여자농구 챔피언결정전).

Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a piece from the Korea Times that talks about the ASEAN Culture House(ACH) hosting the film screening event, "2021 ASEAN Cinema Week – On: Tact."

Korea24 – 2021.03.12. (Friday)

News Briefing: Byeon Chang-heum has expressed his intent to resign to President Moon Jae-in amid growing public criticism over the alleged irregular land speculation involving employees of Korea Land Housing Corporation and other public officials. (Eunice Kim)

In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-seok from the Catholic University of Korea gives his thoughts on South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang making its debut on the New York Stock Exchange. He also talks about the signs of "Revenge Spending" in South Korea as well as the concerns over inflation.

Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: A rape victim was refused late-night emergency medical aid from centers in charge of providing it(성폭행 피해자 응급처치 거절한 해바라기 센터…“야간당직 없었다”), a woman chased down a scammer on her motorcycle(“어디 우리 시어머니 돈을!” 며느리의 끈질긴 ‘검거 정신’), and a petition calls for the cancellation of a friendly football match between South Korea and Japan over COVID-19 concerns(축구 한일전 반대 청와대 국민청원).

Movie Spotlight: Film critics Darcy Paquet and Jason Bechervaise share "Ammonite(암모나이트)," loosely based off of one of the earliest paleontologists in history Mary Anning. They also review "Possessor(포제서)," a film that is a blend of science fiction and horror, directed by David Cronenberg.

Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visiting Seoul for talks with their South Korean counterparts.

Korea24 – 2021.03.11. (Thursday)

- News Briefing: The government has discovered additional improprieties by employees of the state-run housing developer Korea Land and Housing Corporation(LH) on top of about a dozen cases announced earlier, involving purchases of land abusing inside information. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun pledged to adopt rigorous compliance standards to make sure that such illicit purchases do not occur in the future. (Koo Heejin)

- In-Depth News Analysis: Professor Lee Yanghee from Sungkyunkwan University, former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, and Khin Ohmar, human rights activist exiled from Myanmar, give their thoughts on the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) condemning the Myanmar military's violent acts against protesters. They also address the concerns of further violence and discuss what needs to be done by the international community.

- Korea Trending with Alex Sigrist: A drug deal via South Korea's express delivery is foiled(퀵서비스 마약거래), a woman is found to have walked for 12 days in freezing weather(설 연휴 아들 찾아 길 나섰다가 열흘 이상 헤맨 북한이탈주민), and former MLB star Choo Shin-soo of the SSG Landers gets to have his locker next to fellow baseball veteran Kim Kang-min(SSG 랜더스 추신수 라커 배정).

- Explore Korea: Allison Needels from the travel/history blog Moon Bear Travel talks about the Seoul City Wall(한양도성), and delves into its deep history from the Joseon period and shares famous spots that visitors can stop at when they walk along the walls.

- Morning Edition Preview with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark shares a feature from the Korea Times that covers the award-winning filmmaker Erick Oh and his film "Opera" that made the shortlist for the animated short film category at the 93rd Academy Awards.