-
Society
Blind dates going instant, shallow
Young adults flock to ‘booking bars’ in search of dateing partners Dozens of young people in their early 20s were standing in line outside a bar on Friday night. Although there was a two to three hour wait for those toward the back to enter the bar in the Hongdae…
Read More » -
Society
Yonsei to compete with Ivy League
Local universities have adopted ambitious globalization programs, creating more all-English classes and attracting students and professors from abroad. The education ministry has backed such moves under a long-term plan to nurture world-class universities and meet the growing needs of students and parents for a globalized education. Some private colleges, however,…
Read More » -
Society
Is taxing religion an act of blasphemy?
Gambling monks scandal raises old issue anew The gambling scandal shadowing the country’s largest Buddhist order has triggered debate on whether the government should collect taxes from temples, churches and religious organizations. For decades, there has been an argument over taxing monks and clergymen, but little progress has been made…
Read More » -
Society
Korea pursues ‘hallyu’ initiatives
30 language institutes will be set up around world every year As part of efforts to boost the staying power of “hallyu” or the Korean wave, the government plans to set up language institutes around the world — 30 or more every year. Plus, the current Romanization system, already 10…
Read More » -
Society
Power struggle hits Jogye Order
The largest Buddhist order, Jogye, is in turmoil following last week’s release of a video clip showing eight monks gambling with hundreds of millions of won at a hotel room in late April. Jogye Order President Ven. Jaseung is under growing pressure to resign amid rumors that his opponents are…
Read More » -
Society
Real face of adoption shames 8th Adoption Day
On May 11, 2006, National Adoption Day was established to achieve a healthy adoption culture and to encourage domestic adoptions. However, real change seems to have been slow. Even now, adoptees are still exposed to illegal trades or violence. Lately, an unidentified person uploaded a posting that she said she…
Read More » -
Politics
A host of economic challengies agonize Syria
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks to the media at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, April 19, 2012. Ban said here Thursday that the situation in Syria remains highly precarious, and he looks forward to an early action by the UN Security Council on his proposed expansion…
Read More » -
Society
Indonesian taekwondo athletes aim four golds
Harsono Danie, an Indonesian Taekwondo player, performs ‘Kumgang Pumsae’ during 6th International Taekwondo Pumsae Competition at Olympiat stadium in Vladivostok, Russia, Jul 30, 2011. <File Photo> JAKARTA, May 11 (Xinhua) — Indonesian taekwondo competitors are expecting to grab four gold medals during the International Islamic Solidarity Games (ISG) in Riau…
Read More » -
Society
Taxing gambling monks
The leadership of Jogye, the nation’s largest Buddhist order, is being thrown into question following the disclosure Thursday of a video clip showing monks gambling, drinking and smoking in a hotel room. The monks were seen playing poker with hundreds of millions of won, which is believed to be from…
Read More » -
Over 100,000 petitioners ask White House to adopt East Sea
More than 100,000 people have signed on an online petition asking the White House for its support to have the East Sea rather than the Sea of Japan adopted as the name of the body of water separating Korea from Japan. The petition drive started two months ago. Now, the…
Read More »