Articles by No Kyung-min
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No Kyung-min
minmin@heraldcorp.com-
Provincial students to gain wider access to med schools
For aspiring medical doctors in South Korea, where they live is likely to play a major factor in shaping their chances of entering medical school, as the new admissions plan envisions clear advantages for students living outside the capital. According to the Korean Council for University Education and universities, out of the total 4,567 enrollments set for the nation’s 40 medical schools in the 2025 academic year, at least 1,801 slots are exclusive to those who completed their high scho
Social Affairs May 26, 2024
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Test finds kids' accessories from AliExpress, Shein to be tainted with toxic chemicals
Chinese e-commerce giants AliExpress and Shein have been found to sell children's accessories tainted with high levels of toxic metals, exceeding permitted levels, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Thursday. According to chemical safety tests conducted by the Korea Conformity Laboratories on seven children's products sold on AliExpress and Shein, two accessories -- a children's watch listed on Shein and a children's necklace from AliExpress -- contained hazardous
Social Affairs May 25, 2024
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‘Gimflation’ in S. Korea as dried seaweed prices grow on rising global demand
Dried seaweed or gim, a staple dish nicknamed "rice thief" for its perfect pairing with rice, is seeing considerable popularity globally these days. In recent years, gim's deliciousness, coupled with its nutrient content and recognition as a food source beneficial to ocean ecosystems, has captivated taste buds worldwide, making its way into an unexpected array of dishes, served in salads, broths, casseroles, pizza and even occasionally sprinkled on ice cream. Yet, despite the
Hashtag Korea May 23, 2024
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Govt. floats conditional driver's licenses for seniors, then revises it to ‘high-risk drivers’
The South Korean government’s plan to implement conditional licenses for "senior citizen drivers" has been reworded to "high-risk drivers," following a public backlash over potential infringement of the human right to mobility for older people. On Monday, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport and the Korean National Police Agency said they were studying a new measure that would restrict highway access and nighttime driving for drivers 65 and over based o
Social Affairs May 22, 2024
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[Words to know] Corporate jargon to navigate S. Korean workplaces
Some coming straight out of college, new employees endeavor to adapt to South Korea's corporate culture, a journey made smoother if they're well-versed in business jargon -- both formal and informal. For international recruits, the challenge may be compounded by both a new language and a different work culture. Here are some insights into Korea's corporate culture explained through common office lingo, empowering those pursuing their careers here to navigate their workplaces.
Hashtag Korea May 21, 2024
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[News Focus] Mystery deepens after hundreds of cat deaths in S. Korea
A wave of unexplained cat deaths has sparked a dispute between pet owners and authorities in South Korea, with owners unconvinced that the pet food thought to be at the center of the controversy was not to blame. According to local animal activist groups Life and Myoeon, a total of 513 cases of cats displaying similar symptoms -- acute neuromuscular diseases, high fever, elevated liver enzymes and kidney failure -- have been documented as of May 12. Of the affected animals, 181 have died. The ac
Social Affairs May 19, 2024
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[Weekender] Geeks have never been so chic in Korea
The stereotypical nerd with glasses who gets straight As in school has never been so fashionable in South Korea. Once relegated to the corner of the school cafeteria, geeky individuals have stepped into the limelight, as the mainstream warms to the intriguing blend of their characters and fashion, encapsulated by the term, “geek chic.” The term is not new. But the fashion is undergoing a revival amid a growing appreciation for nerd-like qualities, making geeky style elements all th
Hashtag Korea May 18, 2024
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E-sports reporter sustains eye injury due to fire effects at gaming event
Sports and e-sports reporter Gwak Min-seon is reportedly suffering from impaired vision after being exposed to on-stage pyrotechnics at a gaming event on Sunday, officials from Gwak's agency said Friday. According to an official announcement from Gwak’s agency, Starit Entertainment, Gwak sustained physical damage to her face due to sparks set off during the celebration of the champion team of the 2024 Battleground Mobile Pro Series at an e-sports stadium in Daejeon on Sunday. She wa
Social Affairs May 17, 2024
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Vintage digicams sought again by '90s kids
Old digital cameras, long neglected and gathering dust in South Korean homes, are now seeing a resurgence in demand in the secondhand market. Driving this newfound interest in vintage devices are both people in their 20s who grew up in the smartphone-camera era and those in their 30s who used digital cameras as kids. "I think owning a vintage camera is really hip nowadays," said Park Hye-in, 31, in an interview with The Korea Herald. Having recently purchased a used vintage camcorder
Hashtag Korea May 17, 2024
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Online post claims alleged needle in hanwoo beef cut
An online user claimed to have discovered broken metal pins, resembling syringe needles, in Korean premium hanwoo beef, raising questions about meat inspection protocols. On Tuesday, a user of the online community Bobaedream shared images of metal pieces she claimed were from a needle tip found in beef. She described an experience of chewing on a "small metal pin" first and "a pin resembling a sharp needle tip” later, although a thorough search for other metal parts afterwar
Social Affairs May 15, 2024
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[Pressure points] Should non-drinkers split the check with friends who drink?
Where does the value of liquor lie at gatherings involving food and alcohol: in its price tag or in its mood-enhancing role? The social pressure on non-drinkers to chip in for their friends' alcoholic drinks is a contentious issue here, as shared platters, paid for collectively, often make up the bulk of the bill, unlike in some societies where individuals typically cover the cost of their own meals and drinks. Indeed, anonymous online discussion forums such as Blind, for verified employe
Hashtag Korea May 14, 2024
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[Words to know] What it means to 'chew' messages
Since the advent of the smartphone era, KakaoTalk -- which Koreans commonly shorten to “katalk” -- has become the go-to form of digital communication among Koreans, eclipsing conventional text messaging. The nation’s No. 1 messenger app remains unchallenged here, even amid the proliferation of messenger platforms, each offering slightly different communication functions. Explanations of commonly used terms on KakaoTalk, often abbreviated for swifter messaging, along with re
Hashtag Korea May 14, 2024
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Ice cube alert: Viral YouTube video exposes dangers of unclean ice machines
Frequently used but unclean ice-making equipment at cafes and restaurants has stirred concern online due to a YouTube video that went viral, drawing attention to the potential health risks posed by ingesting ice cubes from such machines. In an April video posted on the Korean YouTube channel, I am a Businessperson, (direct translation) featuring salespeople and other businesspeople, a cleaning service provider in his 50s, specializing in air conditioning and ice maker maintenance, underscores
Social Affairs May 13, 2024
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Seoul transit pass for travelers to be available starting July
Seoul's all-inclusive transit pass, the "Climate Card," will soon be available for short-term use by visitors to Korea starting in July, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday. The city's initiative to introduce a short-term pass, available for one, two, three, five, and seven days, is geared towards enhancing the user experience through its affordable pricing. City officials explained that the pass is estimated to cost around 20,000 won ($15) for a five-day duration. Thi
Social Affairs May 12, 2024
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YouTuber fatally stabbed on livestream by another YouTuber in Busan
A YouTuber in his 50s was apprehended after killing another YouTuber who was livestreaming in Busan, police authorities said Thursday. As per the Busan Metropolitan Police, the victim in his 50s was fatally stabbed while livestreaming on YouTube to his approximately 4,000 subscribers during a visit to the Busan District Court for a legal trial. The suspect, also in his 50s and identified as an acquaintance of the victim, is known to be a YouTuber as well. His channel has about 8,000 subscriber
Social Affairs May 9, 2024