Author: Seoul Reporter

South Korea’s government has decided to abolish the daily limit on overtime pay for civil servants, allowing them to receive compensation for all hours worked beyond their standard schedule, even if it exceeds four hours per day. This policy change, announced by the Ministry of Personnel Innovation and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, aims to ensure civil servants are adequately compensated for their extended work hours. Background and Rationale for Policy Change Previously, civil servants could only receive overtime pay for up to four hours of work per day, even if they worked longer. Any hours worked beyond…

A group of former prosecutors has strongly condemned the investigative panel’s attempt to access trial

South Korea has officially revoked 198 state commendations previously awarded to 167 individuals implicated in incidents of state violence, including military coups and martial law. This significant move, announced on October 21st, represents a substantial effort to rectify past injustices and ensure that state honors are only bestowed upon those with legitimate contributions to national security and development. Comprehensive Review of State Commendations The affected commendations are linked to a range of historical events deemed acts of state violence. These include the 12.12 military coup, the 5.18 Gwangju Uprising suppression, martial law operations, and espionage cases. This latest batch of…

The United Kingdom is accelerating its efforts to bolster the national artificial intelligence (AI) industry with a significant governmental reshuffling. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed a dedicated AI Minister, a move signaling a renewed focus on the sector’s growth and integration into the national economy. This strategic appointment marks the first time an AI Minister will attend Cabinet meetings, underscoring the government’s commitment to prioritizing AI development. Appointment of the New AI Minister Niranjan Sharma, a Labour Party politician and former executive from the tech hub of Wales, has been named the UK’s new AI Minister. His appointment, confirmed…

A former manager of comedian Park Na-rae has been arrested on suspicion of extortion and business obstruction. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Shin, allegedly attempted to extort money from Park by threatening to expose personal information. Allegations Against Former Manager According to police reports on the 21st, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station apprehended Mr. Shin, who previously worked as Park Na-rae’s manager, on the 16th. The charges include alleged extortion and business obstruction. Investigators revealed that Mr. Shin claimed Park Na-rae had used company funds for personal expenses, including transactions with men. He allegedly threatened to publicize these private…

Lionel Messi is reportedly set to miss the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, a decision that significantly diminishes the likelihood of a highly anticipated matchup against Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. The absence of the Argentine icon from the mid-season exhibition event stems from a combination of player welfare regulations and his personal recovery needs following a demanding international tournament. Messi’s Absence from MLS All-Star Game Global sports media outlet ESPN reported on June 21st (Korean time) that Lionel Messi, the celebrated captain of Argentina and Inter Miami, is expected to be unavailable for the upcoming MLS All-Star…

A growing internal debate is emerging within the South Korean police force regarding the expansion of its rotation assignment system. This discussion has been amplified following a high-profile case involving the murder of a female student in Jeonnam and Gwangju, which prompted the government to announce measures aimed at preventing internal corruption within police investigations. The National Police Staff Union (NPSU), representing police officers, is now calling for the abolition of the rotation system for all ranks, including those below the superintendent general level, which is currently being considered for expansion. Background: The Jang Yoon-gi Case and Proposed Reforms The…

Global music sensation Jennie is generating significant buzz with the release of teaser images for her upcoming single, “Less than a Lover.” The images, featuring the BLACKPINK member alongside an unidentified male, have ignited widespread curiosity and fan speculation regarding the identity of her co-star. Intriguing Teaser Images Fuel Fan Theories The initial wave of intrigue began with a Polaroid-style photo shared by Jennie. In the image, she is seen leaning her head naturally on the man’s shoulder, creating an intimate atmosphere that strongly suggests a romantic connection. However, the male model’s face was obscured by a heart sticker, leaving…

The main opposition party has strongly criticized a recent property transaction involving former President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, accusing them of hypocrisy and exploiting loopholes in housing and loan regulations. The controversy centers on the sale of an apartment in Yangji Village, Bundang-gu, Seongnam City, for 2.9 billion won, which was reportedly accompanied by the establishment of a 1.77 billion won mortgage. Critics argue this maneuver allowed the couple to circumvent stricter lending rules that ordinary citizens face when trying to purchase their own homes. Allegations of ‘Hypocritical Loopholes’ During a party meeting, the floor leader for…

Seoul is bracing for significant rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 100 millimeters (approximately 4 inches) of precipitation. In response to the anticipated downpour, the city has implemented traffic control measures across all 29 of its major river crossings. The heavy rains, which began on July 21st, are expected to continue with varying intensity through July 23rd, prompting a city-wide alert and mobilization of emergency response teams. Intense Rainfall and Immediate Impacts The meteorological forecast indicates a substantial amount of rain, with initial estimates for July 21st ranging from 30 to 100 millimeters. The following days are also expected to…