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Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Multicultural acceptance rises among South Korean adults, drops for teens: Survey
Acceptance levels are typically higher among younger adults and students but decline with age. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - South Korean adults' level of acceptance toward immigrants has increased slightly since 2021, but the reverse is true for middle and high school students, a government survey revealed on June 5. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family released research results measuring Koreans' acceptance of multiculturalism through indicators such as cultural openness, prejudice toward immigrants and willingness to engage in intercultural relations. A total of 11,000 individuals participated in the research: 6,000 adults aged 19 to 74 and 5,000 middle and high school students. The research is conducted every three years as part of the government's efforts to develop effective policies. The 2025 results showed that the average multicultural acceptance score for adults rose to 53.38 out of 100, up from 52.27 in 2021. It is the first increase in nine years, signaling a shift toward more inclusive attitudes. In contrast, youth scores dipped, with middle school students averaging 71 points and high school students 68.52. Acceptance levels are typically higher among younger adults and students but decline with age. Among adults, those in their 20s showed the highest levels of acceptance (55.44), while those aged 60 and above recorded the lowest average score (51.14). The report also highlighted a strong link between direct contact with immigrants and positive attitudes. Respondents who had frequent interactions with people of different cultural backgrounds showed significantly higher acceptance scores. Additionally, the study found that participation in intercultural activities has a greater influence on improving acceptance than formal education. Youth who joined multicultural programs or volunteered with immigrant communities displayed consistently higher scores than those who only received classroom instruction. Public perception regarding the contribution of immigrants to society was largely positive, with over 78 per cent of adults agreeing that the increase in immigrants helps alleviate labor shortages. Over 65 per cent said they would have a positive impact on the general economy, while more than 55 per cent agreed that they would contribute to cultural diversity. The ministry plans to use these findings to improve national social integration policies, focusing on increasing practical opportunities for interaction between citizens and immigrant communities. A government official emphasised that fostering firsthand experiences, rather than passive education, will be key to building a more cohesive and inclusive society. The National Multicultural Acceptance Survey has been conducted every three years since 2012 and is used as foundational data for shaping multicultural and integration policy in South Korea. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Airbnb experiences themed after K-pop boy band Seventeen to be rolled out in major cities
Airbnb experiences themed after K-pop boy band Seventeen to be rolled out in major cities SEOUL – In short-term lodging, experience could matter just as much or more than the spaces themselves, which is why a collaboration with a K-pop boy band such as Seventeen is so beneficial, according to Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. At a press conference in Seoul on June 4, the vacation rental website's head honcho recalled working with the South Korean group in 2024, a project he said had proved to be hugely popular with not only Seventeen fans, but Airbnb travellers as a whole, because of the unique experience it offered. The collaboration included replicating the set of Seventeen's music video Love, Money, Fame (2024) into a real-life accommodation, allowing Carats - what Seventeen fans are dubbed - to experience a unique stay. The same props from the music video were also used to furnish the Seventeen-inspired Airbnb room. 'We plan to roll out Seventeen-themed Airbnb programmes in major cities,' Mr Chesky said at the press conference, without identifying where. This followed a meet-and-greet event for 60 pre-selected Seventeen fans where the K-pop act were one-day-only special Airbnb hosts, in celebration of its 10th anniversary. Seventeen Airbnb Experience, as the fan gathering was called, was a demonstration of Airbnb Originals, a celebrity-hosted exclusive experience that is part of Airbnb Experiences, an ambitious programme Airbnb launched in May to focus on unique activities run by local hosts. The programme is to help travellers truly experience their local surroundings with local hosts who know just how to do so, according to Mr Chesky. 'The biggest asset in people's lives is really not their home — it's their time. What if people could share not only their space, but their time with someone else?' he asked. The latest trip to Seoul by the Airbnb CEO is part of his global tour to promote Airbnb Experiences. He has made stops in Paris, Berlin, Milan and Tokyo, and emphasised that Seoul is a strategic market he personally finds deeply inspirational. According to Airbnb Korea, bookings on the platform in the country in 2024 soared 20 per cent from the previous year. The make-up of international visitors to South Korea is increasingly becoming diverse, the company added without elaboration. THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
‘Like a graveyard': South Korea President Lee Jae-myung on the empty presidential office
SEOUL - President Lee Jae-myung on June 4 jokingly pointed out the lack of preparation for the handover by officials of the previous administration, saying that there was nothing prepared at the presidential office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. 'I just came to the Yongsan office, and it's like a graveyard. There's nothing, not even an employee to give me something to write. No computers, or even printers,' he told reporters on his first day as the new leader of Korea. Announcing the first batch of key nominations for key members of the administration, he stood where his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol stood on Dec 3 to declare martial law, which ultimately was his downfall from the leadership position. He joked about how the presidential office, which had ceased function after the parliament impeached Mr Yoon on Dec 14, did not have any system for him to sign off on key documents. Ms Kang Yu-jung, the spokesperson of the presidential office, told reporters later that it had been 'physically impossible' to conduct work at the presidential office on the first day. She said the office lacked basic infrastructure and tools such as an internet connection or even pencils and paper, not to mention that the previous administration did not leave transition instructions for the incoming administration. Mr Lee ordered officials formerly dispatched from government branches - who have returned to their original posts since Mr Yoon's impeachment - to return to their previous post in the presidential office, Ms Kang said. During his presidential campaign, Mr Lee said his time at the Yongsan office would just be temporary. He said the presidential office would soon be relocated to its previous spot in Cheong Wa Dae after the building has been remodeled, and will push for a relocation to Sejong city in the long run. Local media outlets reported that the presidential office is expected to be moved to Cheong Wa Dae in the next six months. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
Farmer dies while allegedly burning waste in S. Korea, as practice persists despite wildfire risks
Despite being illegal, the burning of waste by residents in South Korea's agricultural areas remains a persistent problem. PHOTO: AFP Farmer dies while allegedly burning waste in S. Korea, as practice persists despite wildfire risks SEOUL - A farmer in his 60s was found dead at the scene of a fire in South Korea's South Chungcheong Province on June 1 , with authorities suspecting he started the blaze himself to dispose of agricultural waste. Officials at the Nonsan Fire Station received a report of a fire at a farm in the provincial city of Nonsan at around 2.35pm (1.35pm, Singapore time) on June 1 , which they fully extinguished at around 3.05pm. Rescue authorities found the victim at the scene near a greenhouse, having apparently suffered cardiac arrest due to smoke inhalation. The fire caused around 300,000 won (S$280) in damage. Officials said the victim appears to have inhaled smoke while burning farm waste, including plastic. The burning of waste by residents in agricultural areas remains a persistent problem, despite it being illegal. It was the main cause of one of Korea's largest-ever wildfires, which ravaged the southeastern region in March. Among the wildfires, which killed and injured dozens, a blaze in Angye-myeon, in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, is thought to have been started by a farmer burning waste from his orchard. That suspect, in his 60s, is currently facing criminal charges for starting the wildfires, along with another suspect in his 50s who allegedly ignited a fire in neighboring Anpyeong-myeon while tending the grave of his grandparents. The two suspects are charged with violating the Forest Protection Act, and would likely be subject to a compensation lawsuit if convicted. But even when burning waste does not lead to a wildfire, it's still against the law. Starting a fire near a forest is punishable by an administrative fine of up to 300,000 won, and unlawful disposal of waste is subject to a fine of up to 1 million won. In addition to the risk of fire, burning substances like plastic releases fumes that are harmful to humans and the environment. Despite this, waste burning remains a widespread practice in the country, with offenders often facing minimal or no punishment. Yonhap News Agency reported that there were 310 cases in the Gyeongsang provinces of residents illegally burning agricultural waste from December 2024 to March. All of the offenders were let go with a warning and no fine. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Straits Times
South Korea to limit number of times day care centres need to respond to needless parent complaints
According to the new guidelines, the parent or legal guardian of a child can issue a complaint about a disciplinary action against a child within 14 days. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - The South Korean government plans to set up a guideline for operation of day care centres to prevent actions that may hinder the operations of child care facilities such as parents repeatedly issuing complaints for no good reason. The Ministry of Education reportedly issued an administrative notification ahead of implementing the guideline, with will specify the rights imposed on teachers and management of the day care centers. This follows Education Minister Lee Ju-ho — currently doubling as acting president — pledging in May to set up a criteria distinguishing 'justified guidance from child abuse crimes'. According to the new guidelines, the parent or legal guardian of a child can issue a complaint about a disciplinary action against a child within 14 days. The head of the day care centre is mandated to respond to a complaint within the 14 days it was made. But if the same complaint is made repeatedly without justifiable cause, the day care centre can refuse to reply after responding to the matter twice. The guideline specified that members of the day care centre may implement measures for guidance on a range of issues: matters related to the growth and development of children, those that may inflict health and danger of children or other people, those that infringe justified child care duties of those working for the centre or other children's right to be cared for, along with possession and use of items that can influence the overall atmosphere of the class. As such, teachers and heads of day care centres can guide the child on matters such as manners, use of language and overall communication, conflicts within children, and the attitude towards particularly vulnerable children. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Get the ST Smart Parenting newsletter for expert advice. Visit the microsite for more
