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From Blacklist to Nobel: Han Kang’s Journey Illuminates South Korea’s Cultural Struggles

From Blacklist to Nobel: Han Kang’s Journey Illuminates South Korea’s Cultural Struggles

SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – The Swedish Academy’s announcement on October 10 naming South Korean author Han Kang as the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature has reignited discussions about artistic freedom and political interference in South Korea. The Academy specifically cited Han’s ability to “confront historical trauma” in their decision, notably referencing her [...]

Korean Chicken Franchises Bolster Own Apps as Delivery Platforms’ Fees Rise

Korean Chicken Franchises Bolster Own Apps as Delivery Platforms’ Fees Rise

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – As restaurant owners’ frustrations grow over high commission fees charged by food delivery apps, several major chicken franchise chains in South Korea are ramping up incentives for customers to use their proprietary ordering platforms.  According to industry sources on October 10, the country’s top three chicken franchises — BBQ, bhc [...]

South Korea’s Animal Shelters Strain Under Burden of Abandoned Pets

South Korea’s Animal Shelters Strain Under Burden of Abandoned Pets

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – In a cramped 33-square-meter apartment in Seoul, 14 cats huddle among stacked metal kennels and cardboard boxes. This makeshift animal shelter, one of many across South Korea, exemplifies the growing crisis of pet abandonment in a country where pet ownership has soared to over 10 million households. Despite the rise [...]

Korean Literature Breaks into Global Mainstream with Nobel Prize after Booker Prize

Korean Literature Breaks into Global Mainstream with Nobel Prize after Booker Prize

SEOUL, Oct. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — Han Kang’s historic win of the Nobel Prize in literature marks a major breakthrough for Korean literature, which has been gaining international recognition in recent years. Even before the Nobel triumph, numerous Korean authors had garnered acclaim on the world stage through prestigious international literary awards. Korean writers have [...]

South Korean Streaming Services Face Scrutiny Over Consumer Rights

South Korean Streaming Services Face Scrutiny Over Consumer Rights

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korean consumers are grappling with inconvenient cancellation processes and limited refund policies in the country’s burgeoning video streaming market, according to a recent government investigation. The Korea Consumer Agency and Democratic Party lawmaker Min Byoung-dug released findings on October 8 from their joint study of six major streaming providers, including [...]

Study Reveals Alarming Suicide Risk Among Low-Income Diabetics in South Korea

Study Reveals Alarming Suicide Risk Among Low-Income Diabetics in South Korea

SEOUL, Oct. 9 (Korea Bizwire) – A new study from South Korea has uncovered a disturbing link between diabetes, economic hardship, and suicide risk, highlighting the urgent need for social attention and practical support for vulnerable patients. The Korean Diabetes Association (KDA) reported on October 8 that low-income individuals with diabetes face a suicide risk 4.34 times [...]

South Koreans Lead in Tech Adoption, Yet Harbor Deep Anxieties About AI in the Workplace

South Koreans Lead in Tech Adoption, Yet Harbor Deep Anxieties About AI in the Workplace

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a striking paradox, South Korea, a global leader in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, is grappling with widespread worker anxiety about the impact of AI on job security, according to a recent international study.  The report, released by researchers Cheong Se-jeong and Shin Young-kyu from the Korea [...]

Coupang’s User Base Grows Despite Membership Fee Hike

Coupang’s User Base Grows Despite Membership Fee Hike

SEOUL, Oct. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – Coupang, the South Korean e-commerce giant, has seen an increase in its user base despite raising its membership fees. This development challenges predictions of a mass exodus from the platform and underscores the company’s strong market position in a fiercely competitive landscape.  According to data from WiseApp, Coupang’s monthly active [...]

South Korea’s Supreme Court Rules Designated Drivers Eligible for Union Membership

South Korea’s Supreme Court Rules Designated Drivers Eligible for Union Membership

SEOUL, Oct. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – In a landmark decision, South Korea’s Supreme Court has ruled that designated drivers can be classified as workers under the country’s labor union law, potentially opening the door for collective bargaining rights based on their employment status.  The ruling, handed down on September 27, marks the first time the nation’s [...]

South Korea Launches Ambitious Biodata Project to Usher in Era of Precision Medicine

South Korea Launches Ambitious Biodata Project to Usher in Era of Precision Medicine

SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – In a bold move towards personalized healthcare, the South Korean government has embarked on a large-scale initiative to build a national biodata bank, aiming to usher in an era of precision medicine. The project, launched in April, seeks to collect and integrate genetic information, clinical data, and lifestyle habits from [...]