Podcast
Korea JoongAng Daily - Daily News from Korea
Hosted by Newsroom of the Korea JoongAng Daily · EN
Audio recordings of the Korea JoongAng Daily's in-depth, on-the-scene news articles and features informing readers around the world of the issues of the day in Korea.
Under the slogan "Your window to Korea", the Korea JoongAng Daily is an English-language news organization focused on Korea that strives to publish factual, timely and unbiased articles.
65episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Speak out or stay silent? The tightrope walk for Korean celebrities during a political crisis.
Dec 27, 202400:05:59Tap to summarizeThis article is by Kim Ji-ye and read by an artificial voice. Korea has found itself at the center of a political storm in the past month, ignited by President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt to declare emergency martial law on Dec. 3. This turmoil didn't just reverberate through politics - it sent shock waves through the economy, sparked international discourse and even impacted the entertainment industry. Celebrities were not immune. While freedom of expression is often considered a given, Korean stars frequently find themselves treading a more delicate line. Singer Lee Chae-yeon faced backlash after showing support for her fans' participation in President Yoon's impeachment protest on Dec. 7. "What do you mean by being in the position to talk about politics?" she wrote on her fan platform fromm, responding to a fan who argued she shouldn't be speaking out. "As a citizen of the nation, I'll handle things myself," she said. "I'll decide what to speak about. I'm a celebrity, so of course, I'll use my voice." Her Instagram was flooded with both supportive and hateful comments. Despite the criticism, she posted a photo of herself attending the rally that Saturday. In a country where freedom of speech is legally protected but less widely accepted socially, the higher moral expectations placed on celebrities complicate their decision to speak out on political or social issues. The choice becomes even harder with the growing diversity of communication platforms in the digital age. Speak up and take a blow For stars, speaking out - or staying silent - can both be seen as wrong. While some urge celebrities to remain neutral, others condemn them for not using their platforms to speak up, putting them in a precarious position. On Dec. 8, a list of film industry signatories was released, including prominent figures such as "Parasite" director Bong Joon-ho and "Decision to Leave" director Park Chan-wook, along with actors like Moon So-ri and Ko, among others. However, a counter-list dubbed the "celebrity list" soon followed, calling out those who were not signatories, including actors Lee Byung-hun, Jung Hae-in, Jung Woo-sung and Ha Jung-woo. While most celebrities try to keep a low profile during politically turbulent times, some celebrated after the impeachment motion passed on Saturday. Singer and actor Seohyun posted an Instagram Story featuring a cover photo of Han Kang's "Human Act" (2014), a novel about the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, along with a quote from her group Girls' Generation's song "Into the New World" (2007), which became an anthem for protests demanding the president's impeachment. Seohyun wasn't the only one expressing joy on social media. Actors Ko Min-si, Lee Dong-wook, singer Park Hyo-sin and rapper P.O. also celebrated the outcome. Playing dumb or just normal? Is it safer for celebrities to simply share their daily lives to avoid backlash? It doesn't seem that simple. Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo faced criticism for posting a fashion shoot for Vogue on Dec. 7, the day the impeachment vote was taking place. DAY6's Dowoon was also slammed for posting a practice video of him in a military uniform on Dec. 5, after the release of footage of military troops clashing with protesters outside the National Assembly. The malicious comments and rumors surrounding Dowoon spiraled out of control, prompting his agency, JYP Entertainment, to intervene. "Recently, false rumors about DAY6 member Dowoon have been widely spread and reproduced," JYP said in a Dec. 9 statement. "We will take strong measures against the spread of baseless rumors and malicious defamation targeting DAY6 and its members." Just stay a star Fans may not want to see their favorite stars caught up in political drama, but they also don't want to see them exploited for political purposes. This dynamic helps explain why some Koreans disapprove of celebrities speaking out. "Apart from the United States and Europe, Korean celebrities tend to avoid discussing [po...
Transcribe →Today's fortune: Dec. 27, 2024
Dec 26, 202400:06:14Tap to summarizeRead what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune. Check the year of your birth for today's prediction. Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 (Nov. 27 on the lunar calendar) Rat Wealth: fair Health: good Love: joyful Lucky direction: north 1936: Handle tasks personally for best outcome. 1948: A day to enjoy good food and blessings. 1960: Gains may outweigh losses. 1972: A progressive day over stagnation. 1984: Finish tasks without delay. 1996: Knock, and the door will open. Ox Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1937: A day of simple, repeated routines. 1949: Comfort may lead to slight boredom. 1961: Rest and play without worry. 1973: Give more than you receive today. 1985: Exchange what you can for mutual benefit. 1997: Tasks might take longer than expected. Tiger Wealth: spending Health: fair Love: conflicted Lucky direction: west 1938: Speak less, act wisely and spend carefully. 1950: Avoid physically demanding work. 1962: Stay silent and let the day pass uneventfully. 1974: Lie low and avoid unnecessary commitments. 1986: Avoid responsibility for matters beyond your control. 1998: Emotions must not dictate your actions. Rabbit Wealth: average Health: cautious Love: strained Lucky direction: west 1939: Even without an appetite, eat healthily. 1951: Prevent injuries - move with caution. 1963: Stay neutral and avoid taking sides. 1975: Observe without interference. 1987: Don't linger too long at gatherings. 1999: Dress warmly rather than stylishly. Dragon Wealth: average Health: average Love: romantic Lucky direction: east 1940: Overlook minor flaws for peace of mind. 1952: Parenting requires patience and effort. 1964: Regardless of issues, appreciate your partner. 1976: Being a good child can feel challenging. 1988: Life is built on bonds of affection. 2000: Avoid overinterpreting gestures of kindness. Snake Wealth: fair Health: good Love: happy Lucky direction: east 1941: Life itself is a reason to be happy. 1953: Joy may fill your life today. 1965: Luck may favor you unexpectedly. 1977: Happiness may surround your daily experiences. 1989: Anticipate long-awaited news or results. 2001: Encounter people or things that brighten your day. Horse Wealth: fair Health: good Love: passionate Lucky direction: west 1942: Embrace new beginnings with enthusiasm. 1954: Stay young at heart, no matter your age. 1966: Finish today's goals without procrastination. 1978: Dive into work with ambition and focus. 1990: Work-related gatherings may occur. 2002: Confidence and initiative lead to success. Sheep Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: south 1943: Cherish traditions and heritage. 1955: People rarely change, accept them as they are. 1967: Be kinder to those who test your patience. 1979: Avoid expecting too much from others. 1991: Leave gatherings early to rest and recharge. 2003: Expect to help or receive assistance. Monkey Wealth: average Health: average Love: jealous Lucky direction: north 1944: Challenges may come, stay steady. 1956: People don't easily change their ways. 1968: Knowingly allow some things to slide. 1980: Too many leaders can spoil progress. 1992: The grass always seems greener elsewhere. 2004: Jealousy leads to unnecessary frustration. Rooster Wealth: excellent Health: strong Love: united Lucky direction: west 1945: Small streams merge to form mighty rivers. 1957: Working together achieves greater results. 1969: A lucky day for triumphs and recognition. 1981: More people or resources may enhance success. 1993: Support from others boosts your endeavors. 2005: Expect strengthened personal and professional relationships. Dog Wealth: average Health: average Love: generous Lucky direction: north 1946: Spend wisely to enh...
Transcribe →National Assembly submits motion to impeach acting President Han
Dec 26, 202400:06:04Tap to summarizeThis article is by Michael Lee and read by an artificial voice. The liberal Democratic Party (DP) submitted a parliamentary impeachment motion against acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday after he said he would hold off on appointing the National Assembly's nominees for the Constitutional Court. The DP, which holds a 170-seat majority in the 300-member legislature, plans to hold a floor vote on the impeachment motion on Friday, after the requisite 24 hours since its introduction have passed. The DP's move marks a dramatic escalation in the political crisis that has ensued since President Yoon Suk Yeok briefly declared martial law on Dec. 3 and was consequently impeached by the DP-controlled legislature 11 days later. Much of the battle between the country's rival parties has been focused on the issue of appointing new justices to fill three vacancies in the nine-member Constitutional Court, which will decide Yoon's fate in the coming months. The nominations are intended to fill seats on the court's bench that are reserved for candidates forwarded to the president by the National Assembly. All three seats have been vacant since Oct. 17, when the terms of the previous parliamentary appointees expired. As an impeachment motion requires the support of six justices to stand, the court's current six members would have to unanimously support Yoon's removal from office if new justices are not appointed. While the DP has argued that the acting president can and should appoint the National Assembly's candidates for the court, this argument has been disputed by both Han and the conservative People Power Party (PPP). In his public address at the government complex in Jongno District, central Seoul, earlier Thursday, Han said he would "refrain" from exercising the "unique" presidential right to appoint court nominees. Noting that "not a single justice has ever been appointed to the Constitutional Court without an agreement between the major parties," the acting president argued he should not act on the nominations "unless there is bipartisan consensus." Han's announcement came after the DP warned him on Tuesday that he, too, could be impeached if he did not "immediately" approve the legislature's picks. However, the DP's warning appeared to have failed to move Han, who said his position was "not important" relative to the need for political consensus. Han's speech, and the DP's subsequent decision to seek his impeachment, is likely to further delay the appointment of the three candidates officially nominated by the National Assembly on Thursday. The nominations of Seoul Western District Court judges Ma Eun-hyeok and Jeong Gye-son, who were picked by the DP, both passed with 193 votes from 195 lawmakers present. The nomination of former judge and current attorney Jo Han-chang, who was recommended by the PPP, passed with 185 votes in support. Despite nominating Jo, the PPP largely boycotted Thursday's proceedings at the National Assembly. The party, which holds 108 parliamentary seats, has argued that only the elected president has the right to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court, though the Supreme Court said Wednesday that the acting president can exercise that power as well. The only PPP lawmakers who defied their party line to attend the nomination votes were Reps. Cho Kyoung-tae, Han Zeea, Kim Sang-wook and Kim Yeaji. Interim PPP leader Kwon Young-se said Wednesday that his party could file a complaint with the Constitutional Court if the legislature attempted to railroad the nominations. The two parties not only disagree over whether Han has the right to appoint new justices - they also dispute how many lawmakers are needed to impeach an acting president. While the DP claims that a simple majority in the National Assembly is enough to suspend Han from his position as prime minister, the PPP argues that two-thirds of lawmakers must support an impeachment motion against Han as he is currently the ac...
Transcribe →Won continues freefall to 1,464.8 as political strife worsens
Dec 26, 202400:03:46Tap to summarizeThis article is by Shin Ha-nee and read by an artificial voice. The Korean won plummeted further on Thursday, even breaching the 1,460 per dollar threshold for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2009. The latest plunge came amid heightened political chaos as the Democratic Party (DP) moved to impeach the acting president. Shares also extended losses for the second consecutive trading session against the backdrop of surging uncertainties, with retail investors driving the decline. The benchmark Kospi fell 10.85 points, or 0.44 percent, to 2,429.67 on Thursday after a choppy session. Trading volume was weak at 6.08 trillion won, with retail investors offloading shares worth a net of 248 billion won, while institutions bought 121 billion won and foreigners, 17.3 billion won. The won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,464.8 per dollar as of 3:30 p.m., up 8.4 won from the previous session. It was the weakest closing rate since March 13, 2009, when the impact of the Great Recession of 2008 pushed it to 1,483.5. After opening at 1,455.2 won per dollar, the rate peaked at 1,466 at around 3:20 p.m., the weakest point during regular trading since 1,488 won to the dollar was recorded on March 16, 2009. The won briefly traded above the 1,460 threshold during extended trading hours on Tuesday. The won-dollar exchange rate has been hovering above the 1,450 won mark for five trading days in a row since Dec. 19, when the U.S. Federal Reserve's hawkish outlook for benchmark rate reductions next year further strengthened the dollar. The won's recent depreciation was particularly steep even considering the dollar's strength, as the domestic political turmoil added to the devaluation pressures on the already fragile market. The latest development has been driven by acting President Han Duck-soo, who has been in charge since President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on Dec. 14, declining to approve Constitutional Court justice nominees, which prompted the DP to move to submit an impeachment motion against him in the National Assembly. "The won depreciated while the U.S. dollar index remained largely unchanged [at the 108 level since Dec. 19], as domestic risks played a significant part," noted iM Securities economist Park Sang-hyun. "It appears that foreigners' concerns are growing over the ongoing situation surrounding the impeachment proceedings," said Park, suggesting that prolonged uncertainties - coupled with mounting woes over the weak domestic economy - are having a negative impact on sovereign credit and foreign capital flow. If the persistent political uncertainties continue to surge without a prompt resolution, the won-dollar exchange rate may reach the 1,500 per dollar mark earlier than expected, Park warned. Korea's consumer sentiment index fell 12.3 points to 88.4 in December, the largest monthly fall since the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, according to the Bank of Korea on Tuesday. Hana Securities economist Chun Kyu-yeon also warned against dismissing the possibility of the exchange rate reaching the 1,500 won-per-dollar level. "The won-dollar exchange rate is likely to move further upward considering the incoming Donald Trump administration's America First policy directions and a potential escalation of the trade conflict," said Chun. "The won-dollar exchange rate's trajectory for 2025 will depend on where the exchange rate stands at the time of Trump's inauguration, and if the foreign exchange situation remains unstable, it will be necessary to remain open to the possibility of a 1,500 won-per-dollar level next year."
Transcribe →Tradition meets modern techniques: Behind Korea's largest hanok hotel
Dec 12, 2024Tap to summarizeThis article is by Han Eun-hwa and read by an artificial voice. YEONGWOL COUNTY, Gangwon - If you type "Hanok Heritage House" into Google Maps, the application shows you a place in the middle of nowhere, situated in the remote, mountainous area of Yeongwol County, Gangwon - in the vicinity of the Seondol Cliff and Seogang River. The plot of land that stretches about 339,000 square meters (84 acres) was rarely visited until construction began in 2021 to build the luxurious hanok (traditional Korean house) hotel. The hotel is partially completed with three private hanok, each between 327 and 461 square meters in size, but the high-end hanok lodging facility has already gone viral, attracting celebrities like Lee Young-ae and Ko So-young. Being amazed by the scale of the beautifully well-built hanok accommodation, visitors wanted to know whose idea it was to build such a facility. Not only celebrities but daemokjang, master carpenters in charge of the entire process of building traditional houses, were impressed by the hanok hotel project because it is a dream project where up-to-date materials compensate for some of the hanok's weaknesses. "We believe this Yeongwol project is the last chance given to hanok," said Park Eui-jun, a 55-year-old daemokjang who has been working with Cho Chung-il, the CEO of Kona I. It was Cho's idea to build a hotel that overlooks the scenic view of Yeongwol. A physics graduate from Sungkyunkwan University, Cho is often dubbed a pioneer in the venture industry. He developed a transportation card system when a strip of paper was used as a ticket for commuters. Now, the IC chips his company produces are widely used for credit cards and electronic passports. "I would say that every single Korean uses my company's IC chips," said Cho. As of last year, Kona I was the world's fourth-largest IC chip manufacturer. His life was initially a far cry from traditional houses, and his dream of building hanok, which he first came up with 13 years ago, wasn't taken seriously. When asked what made him initiate this hanok project, Cho said, "I believe in analog. Digital is nothing but fake." The Hanok Heritage House is the biggest hanok accommodation in terms of scale across the country, with 100 billion won ($69.8 million) spent on construction so far. An additional 200 billion won will be shelled out by 2028 since another project is underway on the site. The following are excerpts from an interview with Cho, edited for length and clarity. What made you embark on this project of building a hanok hotel? I initially wanted to build my hanok, and the personal project became this big. I travel a lot for business because my company develops IC chips and does business with over 80 countries. Whenever I saw the traditional buildings of other countries being preserved well, I was amazed. They made me dream of building hanok. I visited more than 100 hanok around the country and found many problems that hanok possess. They're too cold, inconvenient and you keep having problems while you reside. I asked for tips from famous carpenters on how to improve these issues, but they said it was impossible to fix those. So, I began studying hanok on my own. What problems did you find with the existing methods of hanok construction? Most carpenters rely on their senses. When they are asked about problems, they say, "That's what makes hanok, and that's a natural phenomenon." So, I even looked up all the overseas theses on lumber. I realized the biggest problem lies in the procedure of drying the wood. Hanok is built with large slabs of wood but when the inner part of the wood is not dried and used for hanok, it keeps contracting and expanding and ends up having troubles. I told carpenters about the characteristics of wood, such as the cellulose fiber, so we needed a special varnish to dry the wood properly, but they laughed at me. So, how did you fix the problems? I invested first. I began studying drying procedures after I rented a ...
Transcribe →