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Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Lee Kyong-hee] Fake news, false reports, conspiracy theories
Within hours after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3, a rabid right-wing YouTuber contended that 99 Chinese spies were apprehended at an election management facility and transported to a US military base in Okinawa, Japan. Thereafter, social networks were rife with rumors that the Chinese accounted for 30 percent of anti-Yoon protesters demanding his impeachment. Nonsensical online demagoguery? Of course. But to many supporters of the disgraced YouTube-addicted former president, it rang true. After all, during his turbulent presidency, Yoon often blamed Chinese influence on domestic politics and elections without providing evidence. The Yoon supporters eventually descended on an enclave of lamb skewer restaurants mostly run by ethnic Koreans who left China for their ancestral homeland in search of better opportunities. Screams of 'Go back to China!' and 'Commies, disappear quickly from the Republic of Korea!' filled the air near Konkuk University, eastern Seoul. The pathetic scene of violence evoked a sense of deja vu. Rewind to July 1931, when Japan hyped a minor dispute between local Chinese farmers and Korean settlers in Manchuria to justify its aggression. The dispute began when a group of Koreans subleased land outside of Wanpaoshan village, north of Changchun, Jilin province, and began digging an irrigation ditch in an area not included in the sublease. Some 400 Chinese farmers, armed with farming tools, confronted the Koreans, and the Japanese consulate in Changchun dispatched police under the pretext of protecting subjects of their empire. The Chinese security authorities also sent police. The clash ended with several Chinese wounded, but Japanese police officers and Korean farmers unharmed. To ignite anti-Chinese sentiment, the Japanese colonial authorities had Korean newspapers publish fabricated reports claiming that hundreds of Koreans were killed during the so-called 'Wanpaoshan Incident.' Anti-Chinese riots erupted across Korea, causing hundreds of Chinese casualties and major property damage. Meanwhile, anti-Korean riots in China continued under Japan's wartime propaganda. Months later, a New York Times dispatch from Changchun dated Nov. 4 said: 'Fully 10,000 Korean farmers have been massacred by Chinese or slain while defending their homesteads during the last six weeks in Jilin Province alone, according to an estimate given out here today by a Japanese General commanding a division of 5,500 troops.' The media manipulation thus turned a minor skirmish between farming groups into a major conflict, devastating an ethnic community and eventually dealing a fatal blow to Korean independence movements in the broader Manchurian region. Fast forward to chaotic post-liberation Korea in 1945. Freed at last from four decades of harsh foreign rule, Koreans failed to achieve national unity and fell victim to great power politics. Again, newspapers played a role -- significant, if not decisive -- in the partition of the peninsula under two contesting regimes. In the summer of 1945, Koreans expected their country would quickly become free and independent again. They were not aware that the big powers, under US initiative, were considering a four-power trusteeship that might last as long as 40 to 50 years. The trusteeship issue was resolved by the foreign ministers of the US, the UK and the Soviet Union, who convened in Moscow in December 1945. Their communique, adopting the Soviet draft concerning the Korean question, stipulated a four-power trusteeship for up to five years to supervise a unified provisional Korean government, which would be established by a US-Soviet joint commission. On Christmas Day, before the announcement of the final decision, the United Press reported from Washington that 'Secretary of State Byrns went to Russia reportedly with instructions to urge immediate independence as opposed to the Russian thesis of trusteeship.' Korean media carried the story on Dec. 27, each editing and compiling it as they saw fit. The news bombarded the already polarized political scene. The idea of 'trusteeship' itself was unacceptable; anti-trusteeship became a strong rallying point for the right. The rightist Dong-A Ilbo had an inflammatory headline: 'Soviet Union Asserts Trusteeship; United States Asserts Immediate Independence.' The rightists seized upon the opportunity to denounce communists as 'country-selling Soviet stooges.' The US Military Government in Korea added to the confusion by deliberately implying that trusteeship was solely a Soviet policy. Amid extreme confrontation between the right and the left, leading politicians from both camps were assassinated. The turmoil ever deepened. The North-South division perpetuated. Much about the controversial newspaper reports on the Moscow conference, regarded as among the worst Korean press performances to date, remains a mystery. None of the newspapers offered an apology for false reporting, disregarding the basic principles of fact-checking and verification, nor did they elucidate the background of their reporting. Most recently, the press coverage of the visit by Morse Tan, a Korean American law professor and former US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, raises questions about his identity as well as evidence of his claims about election fraud in South Korea and President Lee Jae-myung's childhood. The press should focus more on fact-finding to enhance accountability and win back the public's trust, which has been lost to social media. Today's information disorder and consequent conundrum, complicated by the proliferation of new media and the ever-present foreign interference, requires unwavering journalistic integrity and professionalism. News consumers also need to improve their information literacy. Ultimately, they get the media they deserve.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
From sponsored child to World Vision Korea chief
Cho Myung-hwan reflects on journey of hardship, perseverance and paying it forward World Vision Korea President Cho Myung-hwan fixes his bow tie ahead of an interview at The Korea Herald's office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on July 7. (Im Se-jun / The Korea Herald) For much of his career, Cho Myung-hwan, president of international humanitarian NGO World Vision Korea, stayed quiet about two facts from his early life: that he was once a sponsored child, and that he struggled in school. An emeritus professor at Konkuk University and a long-respected authority in HIV/AIDS research, Cho first shared both publicly at age 60, during a lecture attended by some 3,000 people. 'I wanted to tell how someone without exceptional talent could work hard, earn a Ph.D., and help others,' he said in a recent interview with The Korea Herald. Now leading one of the world's largest aid organizations, Cho sees his life as living proof that even a small act of kindness — a modest donation or a few words of encouragement — can change the course of a child's future. "Sponsorship brings happiness to both the giver and the receiver," he said. "It can change one child's life and in turn, the world. I'm living proof." Sponsored child, unremarkable student Cho's is not a story of innate brilliance or rare opportunity, but of the quiet, powerful transformation that can happen when a child is told they matter. He was fortunate to have someone who did exactly that: Edna, his American sponsor, whom he affectionately calls his 'other mother.' From infancy, she sent powdered milk, toys, letters, and $15 a month. But more than anything, it was her unwavering encouragement that shaped his path. Even after the sponsorship officially ended at age 18, she continued writing and donating until her passing in 2001. 'She always asked in her letters what my dream was. When I replied that I wanted to be a firefighter, or a baseball player, when I was into baseball, she would write back, 'You'll be the best firefighter, the best baseball player in the world.'' Cho grew up in poverty, with his father having fled south during the Korean War. 'I still remember how I envied classmates for the sausage in their lunchboxes.' Though poverty often made hope feel like a luxury, Edna's support gave him something else. 'She let me grow without shame,' he said. 'She helped me believe that I have future.' Still, Cho said, he was an unremarkable student throughout school. When it came time to apply for university, a friend of his father who was then a professor at Konkuk University suggested he consider microbial engineering, a department that sometimes had unfilled seats. "He told me biotechnology would shape the future," despite it being an unpopular major at that time, Cho recalled. Cho said his journey to becoming a professor was, again, driven by sheer persistence. After completing his undergraduate studies at Konkuk University in Seoul, he went to the United States for graduate school, only to struggle with poor grades and eventually be expelled. It was an extremely difficult period, and having nowhere to go, he even studied on park benches, he recalled. Then, a professor introduced him to Charles Sterling at the University of Arizona, who accepted him into a Ph.D. program in HIV/AIDS research. Cho earned his doctorate and returned to Korea, later joining the faculty at his alma mater, Konkuk University. Calling himself the 'last-place Ph.D.,' he said that he just never gave up. At 49, Cho paused his academic career to study public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. 'I realized science alone wasn't enough,' he said. 'To help more people, you need policy, you need business.' Over the years, he served twice as president of the AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific and worked on global health and development projects. World Vision delivers emergency supplies at an earthquake-stricken site in Republic of Haiti. (World Vision) Cho assumed his current role at World Vision in 2021. Founded in 1950 during the Korean War to support war orphans and widows by Korean pastor Han Kyung-jik and American journalist-pastor Bob Pierce, World Vision has grown into the world's largest international NGO, operating in about 100 countries. With an annual budget of approximately 4.2 trillion won ($3.09 billion), it has helped more than 200 million children over 75 years. Over the years, South Korea has also undergone transformation, from one of the world's poorest countries to now the 12th-largest economy and from aid recipient to "donor nation." "Now is the time to show the world a warmer, more compassionate Korea. World Vision aims to be part of that journey," Cho said. World Vision Korea recently expanded its focus to address the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable children. 'Climate change affects everyone, but for children in fragile regions, it's a matter of survival,' said Cho. 'While wealthier communities can adapt, children in poor areas suffer first and worst.' One example is the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration initiative to restore forests in Ethiopia. The project reforests degraded land, improves ecosystems, and helps communities build climate resilience — while offering carbon offset opportunities for global partners. The organization is also embracing new approaches to fundraising. On June 1, World Vision became the first NGO in Korea to accept cryptocurrency donations, partnering with Dunamu, the operator of the digital asset exchange Upbit. The group received 0.55 ether ($1,430) from a donor and sold it. Earlier this year, it received over 5 bitcoin and nearly 1 ether through the platform — equivalent to roughly 670 million won. Upbit matched up to 300 million won in donations. Looking ahead, the organization plans to experiment with fractionalizing artworks into NFTs, enabling donors to support causes by purchasing small digital shares. A child in Republic of Haiti smiles at a temporary shelter provided by World Vision. (World Vision) 'Dream until your dream comes true' Cho believes every life is precious and that no one is born without a purpose. "There was a time I felt useless," he said. "Poverty made me think I had no role in this world. But Edna's support helped me dream — and that brought me to where I am today." Now at World Vision, Cho sees his work as a way to finally give back the love and support he received from Edna and extend it to as many children as possible. 'Even helping just one more child live a better life, it matters.' "Sponsorship can help children live with joy and hope. I know, because I was one of them," he said. As the organization marks its 75th anniversary, Cho said the ultimate goal remains simple, yet bold: To create a world where organizations like World Vision are no longer needed. 'Our vision,' he said, 'is sponsorship that ends sponsorship.' rachelyj0213@
Gulf Insider
13-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
South Korea Lab Makes Bird Flu 100% Lethal In Mammals
South Korean scientists have conducted a lab experiment that made a purported wild avian influenza 'bird flu' virus 100% lethal in mammals, achieving total death in infected mice by enabling the virus to adapt inside their bodies and spread to others. The dangerous move comes as the U.S. develops a 'next-generation' universal vaccine platform called 'Generation Gold Standard' that will focus on avian influenza jab creation, signaling a coordinated international push to engineer and preemptively vaccinate against lab-enhanced bird flu strains with pandemic potential—despite worldwide fallout from similar COVID-era June 2025 in Virology Journal , the study describes how researchers at Konkuk University infected mice with a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain—one that already contained a small percentage (4%) of a mammalian-adaptive mutation known as PB2-E627K. That tiny minority of mutant virus was enough to take over and kill every infected host. 'All challenged mice died by 8 dpc. Transmission through direct-contact occurred in 100% of cases, and all contact mice died within 12 days.' This was not an accidental discovery. Researchers intentionally infected mammals with a virus they knew contained a mutation that helps bird flu spread and replicate more effectively in mammals, including humans. Once inside the mice, the mutation exploded to near-total dominance—not just in the lungs, but in the brain, where it caused seizures, ataxia, and fatal neurological damage. 'The PB2-E627K variant, initially present at 4% in the virus stock, was selected and reached near-fixation (~ 100%) in the lungs and brains by 6 days post-challenge and was subsequently transmitted.' 'In dead direct-contact mice, the E627K mutation in PB2 was found at a proportion of 99.8–100% in both the lungs and brains.' The virus became neurotropic—targeting the brain—and caused seizures and other neurological symptoms before death. 'Two out of three direct-contact mice displayed significant neurological symptoms, including seizure, ataxia, and bradykinesia.' This is precisely the kind of gain-of-function-style research that Congressional hearings and federal reports have linked to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic—a disaster that killed over a million Americans and possibly far more if COVID vaccine injury data is fully accounted for. 'Even a small proportion of mammalian-adaptive mutations can quickly become dominant as the virus serially transmits between mammals.' The virus strain used in the study—isolated from a wild duck in Korea—was given to mice intranasally at high dose. After just one round of infection, the mutation that enables efficient replication in mammals (PB2-E627K) went from 4% to nearly 100%, and was then passed to other mice who also died. 'In experiment 2, with a 1:1 challenge-to-contact ratio, all the challenged mice died. Transmission occurred in 50% of cases; three out of six contact mice died.' This was not nature running its course—this was a deliberate laboratory setup that triggered a lethal evolutionary pathway, with full awareness of the risks. No genetic engineering was needed—just the right environment and host to favor viral adaptation. This is exactly the kind of procedure that reportedly allowed a bat coronavirus to become a pandemic-capable human pathogen in Wuhan. 'These findings highlight the need for continuous genomic monitoring to detect mammalian adaptation markers and assess interspecies transmission risks.' Yet this isn't the only high-risk bird flu experiment South Korea is conducting. Just a month earlier, South Korean scientists published another Virology Journal paper revealing that they had engineered a chimeric H5N1 virus using hallmark gain-of-function (GOF) techniques—combining gene segments from three different influenza viruses to increase the virus's heat resistance, alter host targeting, and enhance human cell entry. 'Recombinant viruses were generated using a pHW2000 plasmid-based reverse genetics system.' 'Combining the R90K and H110Y mutations (22W_KY) resulted in a synergistic increase in thermal stability and maintained HA activity without measurable reduction even after 4 h at 52 °C.' '22 W HA and 22 W NA genes, along with six internal genomic segments (PB2, PB1, PA, NP, M, NS) from PR8 and a PB2 gene from 01310 containing the I66M, I109V, and I133V (MVV) mutations' The study also confirmed enhanced antigen uptake and intracellular penetration in human cells: 'The highest level of intracellular entry was observed for BEI_22W_KY, confirming its superior effectiveness in penetrating cells.' These GOF enhancements—increased thermostability, host retargeting, and replication modulation—were achieved without any mention of special oversight or biosecurity risk assessments, despite the White House having confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic was caused by a virus engineered using similar techniques. The timing raises concern, especially as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a $500 million 'next-generation' bird flu vaccine initiative, drawing direct parallels between vaccine development programs and risky virological engineering. If any of these engineered viruses escape containment—accidentally or intentionally—they could ignite a global pandemic, ironically the very scenario these experiments claim to prevent. This particular mouse-killing study was performed in Biosafety Level 3 facilities at Konkuk University, sanctioned by the university's Institutional Biosafety and Animal Care Committees: 'All experiments involving viable HPAI H5N1 viruses were conducted at a Biosafety Level (BSL)-3 facilities (Konkuk University) in accordance with procedures approved by the Konkuk University Institutional Biosafety Committee (approval no. KUIBC-2024-06).' 'Animal infection studies were reviewed, approved, and supervised by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Konkuk University (approval no. KU24080).' The COVID pandemic taught the world what happens when supposed mammal-adaptive viruses leak from research settings. Yet instead of a global moratorium on these reckless experiments, labs are still running trials that kill every mammal they infect—and worse, documenting how to do it again. Also read: Saudi Arabia Edge South Korea On Penalties To Reach AFC U-17 Asian Cup Final
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why do K-pop acts take pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why are K-pop idols taking pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience — people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new Korean music since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
