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Korea Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Hopes rise for revival of inter-Korean projects
With the new liberal administration in power in South Korea, a sense of hope is brewing among businesses for the revival of suspended inter-Korean economic projects. The anticipation is prominent among several South Korean businesses that were forced to leave the inter-Korean Kaesong Industrial Complex nearly a decade ago. They now share a hope of returning to the shuttered joint economic zone in the North's border city to either resume their business or retrieve what they left behind, a CEO of a manufacturing company with a factory in Kaesong told The Korea Herald on Sunday. 'There is definitely anticipation building among those who left their businesses in Kaesong,' said Shin Han-yong, former chairman of the Kaesong Industrial Complex Business Association and CEO of Shinhan Trading, a fishing-gear company. 'We have been given a false sense of hope multiple times throughout the past decade — I sincerely hope this time, we will be able to continue our business or be able to retrieve what was left behind (in Kaesong),' he added. Shin's hope is based on Lee's latest pledges to swiftly restore suspended dialogue channels with the North as part of his goal to alleviate the escalating military tension between the two Koreas. The joint economic zone, which opened in 2003, has remained closed since February 2016. Seoul shuttered the complex in response to Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test and long-range rocket launch a month earlier. South Korean factory owners have been banned from returning to the joint complex ever since, and the inter-Korean relations have significantly deteriorated in recent years, with the cross-border dialogue channel now completely cut off. Of the 124 firms that were members of the business association, many suffered significant losses or were forced to shut down after failing to return to the zone in the past nine years, according to Shin. Many held over 80 percent of their means of production in the border city. 'I'm one of the luckier ones,' said Shin, who is currently the head of the Global Business Leader center at Inha University and operates another business. 'We were only able to receive one-third of our investments through government compensations and insurance payouts — it devastated many of us.' In 2016, Shinwon, a clothing manufacturer, announced an impairment loss of 25.7 billion ($18.7 million) a few months after being forced out of Kaesong. It then received a combined 19.3 billion won in compensation from the government and insurance payouts. Echoing Shin's sentiment, Kim Ki-moon, chair of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, said that 'several SMEs that had operated in Kaesong Industrial Complex have expressed hope that the inter-Korean economic cooperation would thrive again,' during a meeting between Lee and Korean business leaders on Friday. Kim was the chairman of Romanson, a local watch manufacturer, which has an abandoned factory in Kaesong. 'As one of the first businessmen who entered (Kaesong), I want things to work out,' he added. Inter-Korean business-related stocks surged after Lee ordered the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts towards the North on Wednesday. The North, in response, halted its propaganda broadcasts near the border on Thursday. According to the Korea Exchange, shares of Hyundai Elevator, the largest shareholder of Hyundai Asan, which owns the rights to the Mount Kumkang tours, inched up 7.25 percent from the previous trading to 84,300 on Thursday. They fell 2.97 percent to 81,800 on Friday. Shares of Ananti jumped 26.7 percent to 9,870 won on Thursday from the previous session and closed higher at 10,600 won on Friday. The local luxury resort developer built a golf course and a hotel in the Mount Kumkang area in the 2000s. The South's tours to the Mount Kumkang area were halted in 2008, following an incident in which a North Korean soldier fatally shot a South Korean tourist. But observers pointed to signs of the North dismantling South Korea-built facilities in both the Kaesong complex and the Mount Kumgang area, and highlighted that the hurdles could be too high to revive certain suspended projects. Inter-Korean ties have historically experienced periods of thaw under the South's liberal governments following the 1950-53 Korean War, which resulted in the division of the country. A period of warming was highlighted globally, especially during the "sunshine policy" era under late liberal President Kim Dae-jung in the late '90s.
Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Summer is for chill bingsu, rooftop pork belly and a cool bookstore stop
Here's your guide to a fun weekend from culture desk reporters at The Korea Herald. Taste of summer, one scoop at a time We're midway through June, with the hottest time of the year just around the corner. While air conditioning can be a real blessing in the summer heat, making your taste buds tingle with a cold treat is a deliciously chill way to keep cool in the hot weather. Myosa Seoul, located near Seoul Forest in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, serves bingsu, a summertime staple of shaved ice that comes in a variety of styles, one featuring pistachio paste and a cherry on top. The heat-beating ice dessert is priced at 17,500 won ($12.77). Other signature items are bingsu with sweet corn and black bean paste, blending dessert-like sweetness with a touch of savory for a bold twist; bingsu topped with green peas and mugwort paste that blends creamy, sweet and earthy notes; and bingsu paired with black sesame and peanuts. In addition to cold desserts, the cafe offers a fish-shaped monaka wafer snack filled with cashew paste and buttercream, as well as cheesecake. Myosa Seoul 2 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul Rooftop Korean barbecue in Sindang-dong Now that summer is here, outdoor dining is a great way to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. A growing trend among younger diners is to enjoy Korean barbecue — especially samgyeopsal, or grilled pork belly — outdoors in the fresh air. Tae Tae Samgyeop No. 2, a rooftop Korean barbecue restaurant in Sindang-dong, Seoul, has become a hotspot among Millennials and Generation Z for exactly that reason. Known for its lively 'yajang' (outdoor seating) atmosphere, the restaurant often has long lines, especially on balmier days, so a wait is almost unavoidable. The most popular item on the menu is the 'kalsamgyeop,' or knife-sliced pork belly, which comes generously topped with minari (Korean watercress) in unlimited portions. However, the standout dish that shouldn't be missed is Tae Tae Samgyeop's signature yuni-jajang — black bean noodles. While pairing samgyeopsal with cold noodles is common in Korea, enjoying it with yuni-jajang is a rare and novel combination. As the sun sets, the lights under the rooftop tents begin to glow, offering a picturesque view of the evening sky. Grilled pork belly and a shot of soju in this setting may be one of the most romantic ways to experience samgyeopsal in Seoul during summer. Tae Tae Samgyeop No. 2 373-3 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul Tsutaya Books comes to Seoul Tsutaya Books, one of Japan's most popular bookstore brands and a destination for tourists, has opened its first pop-up store in Seoul. Known for blending books, design and lifestyle, Tsutaya brings a small slice of its minimalist aesthetic to Korea for a limited time. Titled Tsutaya–CCC Art Lab Seoul 1st Pop-up, the space is divided into three main sections. The first zone, 'Garden as Art,' draws inspiration from the Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore and presents an indoor garden-like space designed for quiet art viewing. Works by Japanese artists, including Kohei Nawa, Takeru Amano, Sako Arai and Hiroshi Mori, are on display. The art exhibition is located separately from the other two spaces, at the far end of the complex. The second area, 'Pieces of Taste,' focuses on lifestyle products that add artful touches to everyday life. Items such as notebooks, stationery, bags, hats, cups, plates, T-shirts and socks are arranged for browsing. In the final zone, 'A Little Bookshop,' visitors can enjoy coffee and books together. While the book selection is modest, it includes art publications and select magazines. The coffee is served by Tokyo-based Little Nap Coffee Stand, which operates twice a day at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Only 45 cups are served per session. The pop-up runs through July 13, open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nine One Hannam 91 Hannam-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul junheee@ hwangdh@
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
South Korean stalking victim stabbed to death while under police protection
SEOUL: A South Korean woman was found fatally stabbed inside her home on the morning of June 10 while under police protection following a stalking crime targeting the victim. The woman in her fifties was found by her family at around 3.30am local time, stabbed in her apartment in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, according to the Daegu Seongseo Police Station. She was taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead an hour later. There were no signs of theft at her home, leading police to suspect the man accused of stalking her. Officials were unable to find the murder weapon. The stalking suspect, a man in his forties under investigation for threatening the victim with a knife a month earlier, is believed to have climbed down a gas pipe to break into the victim's home on the sixth floor of the building. The man is believed to have fled the city, and the Daegu police have requested cooperation from other police stations in adjacent regions. The incident sparked criticism of law enforcement as officers were unaware of the crime until her family reported it, despite the police having installed a surveillance camera equipped with facial recognition technology in front of the victim's home. The suspect apparently wore a mask when he passed by the camera. Prior to the incident, the police had requested a warrant from a court to arrest the suspect, but the court denied the request, saying that sufficient evidence had already been collected in the stalking case and that the suspect was cooperating with investigators. - The Korea Herald/ANN
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Workplace Prank Backfires As Woman Fined $2,000 For Pulling Down Male Colleague's Pants
Last Updated: A woman in South Korea has been subjected to a hefty fine after a court ruled that pulling down her male colleague's pants in front of others amounted to sexual misconduct. A woman in South Korea has been ordered to pay a fine of 2.8 million won (around $2,000) after a court found her guilty of sexual misconduct over what was intended as a prank. The incident took place in Gangwon province, where she pulled down a male colleague's trousers—and, unintentionally, his underwear—in front of others. The court ruled that the act, regardless of intent, crossed the line into inappropriate and offensive behaviour, highlighting the importance of maintaining personal boundaries in the workplace. As reported by The Korea Herald, the Chuncheon District Court on June 7 not only imposed a fine of approximately $2,000 on the woman but also ordered her to undergo eight hours of sexual violence prevention education. The ruling emphasised accountability and the need for awareness around inappropriate behaviour in professional settings. The Chuncheon District Court rejected the woman's defence that the act was merely a harmless joke, the publication stated. The prosecution argued that the so-called prank resulted in sexual humiliation for the victim and pressed charges of indecent act by compulsion. Agreeing with the prosecution, the court reportedly ruled the behaviour as unacceptable and ordered the woman to pay a fine and undergo eight hours of sexual violence prevention education. However, while delivering the sentence, the court also considered mitigating factors—including the woman's lack of a prior criminal record, her genuine remorse, and her heartfelt apology to both the victim and his parents, which she made while kneeling. What Took Place During The 'Prank'? The incident took place on October 3, 2024, at a restaurant where both individuals were employed. In front of several coworkers, a woman in her 50s suddenly pulled down the pants of a male colleague in his 20s, intending it as a prank. However, in the process, she unintentionally pulled down his underwear as well, exposing him in front of others. What may have been meant as a joke quickly escalated into a case of public embarrassment and legal consequences. The Pantsing Prank: What Is It? Pantsing is the act of pulling down someone's trousers—often in a public or group setting—with the intent to embarrass or provoke laughter. Though sometimes dismissed as a joke, it is increasingly recognised as a form of bullying or harassment, particularly when done without consent. In a notable 2019 case, South Korean Olympic short track speed skating champion Lim Hyo-jun faced a one-year ban from competition after pantsing a teammate, underscoring the serious consequences such actions can carry.
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: K-pop idol-turned-actor Cha Hak-yeon comes into his own
From boy band leader to leading man, the former Vixx star carves a steady path on screen At 35, Cha Hak-yeon still carries the youthful spark that gave him a commanding presence in Vixx a decade ago. Turn back the clock to the days of the group's greatest hits, like "Voodoo Doll" and "Error," and that same electrifying energy, now channeled with more restraint, powers his transition from K-pop idol to seasoned actor. While fans may still remember him as the boy band's charismatic leader and main dancer, N, Cha has spent nearly a decade building his acting chops across television. Most recently, he's stepped into lead roles in the breakout hit "Castaway Diva" and the currently airing "Oh My Ghost Client." 'My experience with movement and choreography helps a lot with acting,' Cha tells The Korea Herald at a Samcheong-dong cafe. 'I can memorize a 5-6 minute action sequence in one rehearsal and nail it in a single take,' he laughs. Now he brings that confidence to "Midnight Sun," a remake of the 2007 Japanese tearjerker. In it, he plays Min-jun — a fruit vendor by day, aspiring actor by night — who falls for Mi-sol (played by Jung Ji-so), a singer living with a rare condition that prevents her from being exposed to sunlight. It's Cha's first lead role in a feature film, an opportunity that came rather naturally. 'The director said my energy aligned perfectly with Min-jun's,' he recalls. 'He told me to just bring what I already have rather than create something new.' Now, the actor exudes this relaxed assurance, articulating each word with quiet, thoughtful precision — but that wasn't always the case. 'When I first started acting, ignorance was bliss — I thought I could just wing it,' he says. 'Soon, I realized I needed to take a step back and really build my foundation.' After years of steady work, he's found his rhythm. 'I have this ease now that lets me trust the process and the people around me.' The film itself presents a difficult puzzle for the actors and viewers alike. "Midnight Sun" is largely a tonal misfire — its earnest, PG-13 wholesomeness feels awkwardly splattered across what should be devastating melodrama. The emotional crescendos, especially Mi-sol's inevitable goodbye, somehow manage to feel dead despite all the tragic weight they carry. It's the cinematic equivalent of watching someone cry through a gauzy, pastel-tinted Instagram filter. The role's earnest optimism seems to have left a lasting mark on the actor, though. Min-jun's try-anyway-even-if-you-fail attitude resonated so deeply, Cha claims, that it reshaped his outlook on future roles. 'Those lines felt like the character was speaking directly to me,' he says. 'It gave me the courage to take on more challenging roles' — including his upcoming lead in the BL (boys love) drama "The Killer Next Door." After more than a decade in the industry, Cha still finds strength in familiar places. Though he sat out Vixx's recent comeback due to scheduling conflicts, the group — and its fans — continue to be a grounding presence in his life. 'Starlight (Vixx's official fandom) gives me strength and motivation,' he says. 'I'm not someone who thrives in isolation. Having people who always believe in me — that's what pushes me forward.' The sentiment rings especially true following Vixx's 13th anniversary celebration last month, where the group shared a commemorative photo that had fans feeling all kinds of nostalgic. The members also showed up for him at the screening. 'Some of them even burst into tears,' he says. As for what's next, Cha prefers to keep things simple. 'Right now, I want to carry a full project on my own. I've learned so much from senior actors who create this amazing energy on set. I'd love to become that kind of presence.'
