If there were ever any chance of a “cooperative parliament,” as President Moon Jae-in once hoped, the latest clash of two judicial titans -- Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl -- appears to have just blown it. In her battle to reform the country’s powerful prosecution, or tame it as some would say, on Tuesday, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae suspended Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl from duty over alleged wrongdoing. The unprecedented move sent s

Politics Nov. 25, 2020

South Korea on Sunday signed a mega free trade pact that would create the world’s largest open trading bloc of 15 economies, including China and Japan. President Moon Jae-in formally inked the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at a virtual summit with the leaders of 14 partner countries, including 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said. “We note that the RCEP Agreement is an unprecedented mega re

Foreign Affairs Nov. 15, 2020

Over 1,600 members of a minor Christian sect, which was at the center of the first wave of coronavirus infections in South Korea between late February and March, have donated their plasma to aid the development of a cure, the church said Sunday. A total of 1,646 congregants of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus who had recovered from COVID-19 had joined the plasma drive as of Sunday, while declining to be financially compensated, the church said. Health authorities offer 300,000 won ($252) to do

Social Affairs Sept. 6, 2020

Typhoon Haishen is veering toward Japan and is unlikely to make landfall in South Korea, the weather agency said Saturday. Currently packing top winds of 53 meters per second and with a central atmospheric pressure of 920 hectopascals, Haishen is stronger than typhoons Maysak and Bavi, which struck the country between late August and this week. It has been recognized as a super typhoon by the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center. On the Korea Meteorological Administration's five-point

Social Affairs Sept. 5, 2020

Floor Leader Ju Ho-young of the main opposition United Future Party said Pastor Jun Kwang-hun of Sarang Jeil Church, the focal point of what has become Korea’s second-largest COVID-19 cluster, should face consequences, seeking to distance his party from some Christian groups resisting the government‘s anti-virus efforts. “What Rev. Jun has done is unforgivable. He should be held responsible for his actions that threatened the public good,” Rep. Ju said in an interview

Politics Aug. 22, 2020

Schools are likely to offer virtual classes, instead of opening on April 6 as scheduled, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread. The Education Ministry said last week it was mulling online classes to help schools meet the statutory yearly school days as the spring semester, which normally begins in early March, has already been postponed three times due to COVID-19. “We are considering both offline and online classes to prepare against possible community and classroom transmissio

Social Affairs March 29, 2020

More than half of people who have been infected with novel coronavirus in South Korea have recovered, figures released by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed Saturday. As of midnight Saturday, the country’s accumulated number of COVID-19 patients stood at 9,478 -- 4,811 of whom had fully recovered, with 4,523 still sick and 144 dead. The recovery rate was 50.8 percent and fatality rate 1.52 percent. “Now, there are more people who have recovered than are s

Social Affairs March 28, 2020

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged young people to join the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus by avoiding social gatherings, saying individual efforts are as essential as government measures. “For the youth, especially, it is essential that people stay away from places like clubs,” Chung said during the daily virus response meeting. He also directed related agencies to keep a close tab on how clubs and other entertainment businesses were enforcing vi

Social Affairs March 28, 2020

South Korea reported 147 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the total to 9,478. Daegu, the southern city hardest by the virus, accounted for nearly half of the new cases with 71, while 24 were identified during the infection screening process of international arrivals. Gyeonggi Province counted 18 new cases, followed by capital Seoul with 18 and Incheon 5. The number of people discharged from hospital after full recoveries exceeded those receiving treatment Saturday

Social Affairs March 28, 2020

The history of Seoul dates back nearly 2,000 years, but citizens and visitors alike find it difficult to imagine what life here must have been like just half a century ago. From the 1950s to the present, the city has undergone the most dramatic transformation in its history, one that is almost unparalleled from a global perspective as well. Rising from the ashes of war to attain economic prosperity, the city has abandoned the remnants of its impoverished past and embraced futuristic skyscrapers,

Culture Dec. 20, 2019

Part of the joy of the Yuletide season is visiting Christmas markets. Although not as grand as those found in some European cities, Seoul has places where one can shop for Christmas decorations, gifts and treats. Han River Park Seoul’s Bamdokkaebi Night Market’s official 2019 run ended in mid-October, but is back for a special Christmas edition. Opening today at the Multiplaza inside Yeouido Han River Park, the market’s Bamdokkaebi charm is intact -- a mix of delectable fo

Travel Dec. 20, 2019

South Korea is not particularly well known as a Christmas holiday destination for travelers, but it has some aspirations.  Taking a cue from famous Christmas markets and light festivals around the world, Seoul has decked out its Cheonggye Stream in a splendid display of colorful lights. And this weekend the “spaceship” Dongdaemun Design Plaza will turn into a magical, sparkling place when it holds its inaugural light festival. Down in the portside city of Busan, the sandy beach

Travel Dec. 20, 2019

A giant eagle and gorilla recently took up residence by an outdoor pool in Jungnang-gu in northeastern Seoul. They -- along with smaller animals, scarecrows and other figures arranged on the pool grounds during the offseason -- are all made of straw from this year’s rice harvest. The sculptures are the works of artist Lee Chun-su and the people of Buan County in North Jeolla Province. About 30 works are on display as part of the rural county’s efforts to showcase what it calls &

Culture Dec. 13, 2019

Christmas meals here do not necessarily involve a whole roasted turkey sitting right at the center of the table waiting to be carved. The festive feast could be on food of any kind from sushi to fried chicken, pizza or a bowl of rice with good old doenjang jjigae. Whatever the choice is, many folks here like to finish it with a cake, since Christmas has somehow become one of the two special days in a year to be celebrated with a cake, the other being the birthday. Here are some ideas for hassle-

Food Dec. 13, 2019

December’s party scene has changed in Korea. Some say it’s because of the economy and lifestyle trends that focus on well-being. Others point to young generations’ aversion to old-fashioned, big get-togethers that inevitably involve awkward speeches, toast-making and undesired boozing. In the Dec. 27, 2013, issue of The Korea Herald, the Weekender discussed how Koreans devoted the entire month to year-end parties, which left many drinking copious amounts, despite efforts t

Food Dec. 13, 2019