Series

Hoarding disorder may have bigger implications

A series of tragic fire incidents in South Korea have been linked to individuals with hoarding disorders, raising interest and awareness of the condition characterized by persistent difficulty in discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value. The excessive accumulation of items creates hazardous living conditions, leading to increased fire risks. On Feb. 26, a fire broke out in a single-room apartment in Buk-gu, Busan. Noticing the smell of burning, the landlord entered the unit and f

Influenza and pneumonia, a dangerous combination

Vaccination, hygiene, early detection remain key to defense This winter has brought one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory, significantly increasing the risk of pneumonia as a secondary infection. Health experts warn that influenza weakens the immune system, making it easier for bacterial infections like pneumococcal pneumonia to take hold. Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, the wife of South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup, died from pneumonia after contracting influenza while on a vacation in Japa

Does thinking about sex make your hair grow faster?

In South Korea, it's a popular belief that one way to get one's hair and nails to grow faster is to think naughty thoughts. But is that really the case? Actually, the answer is no. There is no scientific evidence that having erotic thoughts directly makes hair grow faster. Hair growth is primarily regulated by genetics, hormones, blood circulation and overall health, not by thoughts or emotions alone. What exactly is critical for their growth? Since hair and nails constantly regenerate, they req

Has flu become stronger? Truth about influenza

With the South Korean health authorities continuing to emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially with a higher risk of infection during the Lunar New Year holiday which begins on Jan. 25, concerns are growing over handling the flu epidemic that just reached its peak. According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency data, the recent flu outbreak saw the highest level of infected patients since 2016. The agency’s hospitalization surveillance data from 220 sample hospitals showed