Author: Seoul Reporter

The Haeinsa Temple Museum is set to unveil a special exhibition titled ‘Haeinsa: Rooted in Silla, Blooming in Goryeo,’ offering the public a rare opportunity to view the national treasure ‘Uisangdaesajwasang’ (Seated Buddha Statue of Monk Uisang). The exhibition opens on December 22nd and will run until January 3rd of the following year. Showcasing Buddhist Culture from Silla to Goryeo This significant exhibition delves into the rich Buddhist culture and recorded heritage of Korea, focusing on the Silla and Goryeo dynasties. The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on the historical and artistic…

Donatella Versace is embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture, establishing an independent beauty and fashion brand. This announcement comes approximately one year after her departure from the iconic Versace family business. The new brand, slated for a 2027 launch, will see Versace serve as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) and will initially focus on a beauty line. A New Creative Chapter for Donatella Versace In a statement, Donatella Versace expressed her vision for the new enterprise: “Creativity must be fearless, inclusive, and alive in the world. I have always been inspired by the next generation, and through this collaboration, I have…

Hundreds of Korean Air flight attendants took to the streets on November 17th, chanting slogans and singing the “March for the President” outside the airline’s headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The demonstration, organized by the Korean Air flight attendants’ union, highlighted a growing dispute over seniority rules, a critical issue for cabin crew, as the airline prepares to merge with Asiana Airlines on December 17th. Seniority: A Critical Factor for Flight Attendants In the world of flight attendants, seniority, or ‘seoyeol’ (서열), is more than just a measure of time served; it dictates career progression and crucial operational decisions. The primary…

Former Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu has been formally sent to prosecutors over allegations of obstructing business during the selection process for the national team coach. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s financial crime investigation unit transferred Chung, along with former KFA Technical Director Lee Yong-soo and former Vice President Kim Jung-bae, to the prosecution on Tuesday. This action stems from an investigation initiated by Jongno Police Station in July, which was later handed over to the metropolitan agency. Allegations of Obstruction in Coach Appointment The investigation into Chung and other KFA officials began following public criticism after the…

The South Korean government has strongly refuted claims that its recent farmland survey will lead to the forced sale of agricultural land. Officials stated that the survey specifically targets speculative and improperly managed land, not the vast majority of legitimate farms. Concerns have also been raised about a potential decrease in land transactions and prices due to the survey, but the government maintains these assertions are inaccurate. Addressing Concerns Over Forced Sales Lee Young-soo, a senior agricultural and livestock advisor at the Presidential Office, addressed public anxieties during an online policy briefing on the YouTube channel ‘Fact Bang-a-gan’. Some citizens…

South Korea has established its first sentencing guidelines for violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, four years after the law’s implementation. These guidelines aim to provide a framework for judges, recommending penalties ranging up to 15 years imprisonment for business owners or legal representatives found responsible for serious industrial accidents. The recommendations are based on the degree of violation concerning the duty to secure safety and health. Establishing Sentencing Standards for Serious Accidents The Supreme Court’s Sentencing Commission convened on March 21st to deliberate and approve proposed amendments to sentencing guidelines. These revisions specifically address major industrial accidents, industrial…

LG Electronics has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining NVIDIA’s certification for its 2.5MW (megawatt) class liquid cooling systems, specifically designed for next-generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. This approval marks a crucial step for LG Electronics in accelerating its expansion into the global liquid cooling market, targeting major technology companies. NVIDIA’s ‘DSX Ready’ Certification for AI Data Centers NVIDIA awards its ‘DSX Ready’ certification to products that meet stringent design requirements for AI factory platforms. The evaluation process for these systems, particularly for Computer Distribution Units (CDUs) intended for AI factories, focuses on high-capacity units exceeding 2.3MW. LG Electronics’…

North Korea announced on September 20th that it successfully conducted a test of a new type of strategic weapon system, a short-range ballistic missile featuring hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) technology. The test was reportedly observed by top officials, including Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. Hypersonic Missile Test Conducted According to state media reports on September 22nd, the missile launch was a significant step in advancing the country’s weapons technology. North Korea asserted that the test posed no negative impact on the safety of neighboring countries and was a legitimate exercise…

Law firm Barun, represented by managing partners Lee Dong-hoon, Lee Young-hee, and Kim Do-hyung, convened a joint seminar on ‘ESG and Compliance Issues’ with the Korean Corporate Counsel Association on October 21st at the Barun Building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event aimed to discuss strategies for in-house legal teams to transform compliance from a risk management function into a source of business competitiveness in an era of complex, overlapping regulations. Navigating the Era of Combined Regulations The seminar addressed the challenges posed by the current regulatory landscape, where multiple rules—spanning areas like labor, environment, data, and corporate governance—are simultaneously applied.…

The South Korean food industry has been rocked by a series of major cartel investigations this year, involving key raw materials such as sugar, flour, and starch. These investigations have resulted in total fines exceeding 1.8 trillion won (approximately $1.3 billion USD). Amidst these significant penalties, the effectiveness and complexity of the leniency program, a crucial tool for uncovering cartels, are drawing increased attention. The National Assembly has initiated a review of the program’s implementation. Parliamentary Review of Leniency Program Underway Sources within the industry indicate that the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee (AFROF Committee)…