Category: The Korea Herald

  • Trump’s Quest for a Nobel Peace Prize

    Trump’s shifting stances on tariffs and foreign policy reflect a drive for attention and a desire for a Nobel Peace Prize. From China to India, Gaza to Ukraine, his moves aim to position himself as a peacemaker, though critics say his impatience undermines lasting diplomacy.

  • Most Older Koreans Hope to Work Past 73

    Most older South Koreans want to work well past the legal retirement age of 60, with the average expected retirement age now 73.4. Yet many leave their main jobs earlier, often before 53. Economic needs and enjoyment drive this trend, as over 10 million aged 55 to 79 remain active in the workforce.

  • South Korea Pulls Plug on AI Textbooks

    South Korea’s National Assembly stripped AI-powered digital textbooks of official status, ending key funding and legal support. The move halts the Yoon administration’s AI education project amid low adoption and backlash. Publishers face financial crisis, layoffs, and protests as schools lose subscriptions and the future of AI textbooks dims.

  • Why Korea is Talking about Arctic Shipping Route

    South Korea is eyeing the Arctic shipping route to cut travel time to Europe and boost Busan’s role as a logistics hub. Melting ice makes the path viable, but challenges remain—Russia controls the route, costs are high, and sanctions complicate access. Still, the government sees it as a future strategic opportunity.

  • Seoul’s Summer Too Hot Even For Mosquitoes

    Seoul’s intense summer heat is driving mosquitoes away, with numbers dropping over 50% compared to a decade ago. Sweltering temperatures above 37°C, shorter monsoon seasons, and cutting-edge pest control like drones and LED traps are making it hard for mosquitoes to survive, though a brief resurgence may come as temperatures cool in the fall.

  • Why Do Trump Tariffs Target Allies First?

    Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on Japanese and South Korean exports starting August 1, citing unfair trade practices. Both allies, deeply tied to US markets in autos and tech, now face major economic risk. Japan condemned the move while Korea seeks talks before the deadline.

  • Why This Summer Could Be Korea’s Hottest Yet

    South Korea is bracing for one of its hottest summers ever, with temperatures already hitting 40°C in some cities and Seoul recording its highest July temperature since 1908. A shortened monsoon and early heat waves are raising fears of a longer, more intense summer, echoing the extreme heat of 2018.

  • How To Prevent The Second Korean War

    The Korean War began 75 years ago, and with most veterans gone, younger generations risk forgetting its brutal cost. South Korea rose from war-torn poverty to global success, but peace remains fragile. With U.S. support uncertain, experts urge strong defense, Asian alliances, and national unity to prevent future conflict.

  • Why Some South Koreans Throw ‘Sologamy’ Weddings

    Some South Koreans are choosing to marry themselves in solo ceremonies called sologamy to celebrate self-love and resist societal pressure to wed. These weddings also help recoup traditional cash gifts amid falling marriage rates. While still rare, more companies now offer benefits for self-marriage, reflecting changing views on relationships.