My summer really has been far less productive than I’d hoped it would be. Here’s hoping I can get back on track. In the meantime, here’s a quick overview of things that have happened this week:
- The Park Geun-hye saga: “Samsung heir jailed 5 years for bribery,” “Will Lee Jae-yong still try to manage Samsung Group from behind bars?” and “Lee Jae-yong’s conviction on bribery charges bodes ill for Park Geun-hye.”
- Egg recall: “Egg inspections complete, but safety concerns remain” and “South Korean egg scandal.”
- May 18 Democratic Uprising: “The Desire to ‘Correct’ History Drew in a Crowd of an Audience,” “Who First Ordered Soldiers to Open Fire and Who Was Behind the Helicopter Shooting? Will the Truth Be Revealed After 37 Years,” and “Official order to shoot civilians during 1980 Gwangju massacre uncovered.”
- “Naver tries to skirt chaebol label.” The company argues that it isn’t structured like a typical chaebol company and that its founder owns less than a tenth of what other chaebol families typical own in their companies.
- “Drug firms cut spending on entertainment, meals by 19% after anti-graft law.” Looks like the law is working–at least on paper.
- “8 in 10 Korean men admit abuse of girlfriend.” This figure includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse.
- “Racism in Korea, from TV to real life.” Article sites several examples and anecdotes about racism in Korea.
- “In 2nd video, defector says she wasn’t forced.” Another video of Lim Ji-hyun has been released.
- “Plagiarism found in 1,500 college admission essays.” These numbers are roughly the same as the previous years.
- “When Your Child Goes Missing For 18 Years.” Song Hye-hee disappeared in 1999, and this article discusses her father’s search for her and the stats for missing children in Korea.
- “Fears mount over ‘toxic’ sanitary pads” and “Lilian sanitary pads cause stir.” 14,000 people have expressed their intentions to participate in a lawsuit.
- “Number of newborn babies still on the decline.” Just 188,500 babies were born in the first half of the year.
- “Flexible Working Hours Encouraged in Public Service Sector.” This sounds really nice, honestly.
- “Hallyu in peril over souring Korea-China political relationship.” An overview of Hallyu’s history in China and how the current political climate is affecting it.
- “Kim Hee Ae And Kim Hae Sook To Star In Film About Comfort Women Fighting For Justice.” This sounds like a movie designed to make you cry.
- “Lee Seung Gi In Talks For Hong Sisters’ New Fantasy Drama.” Please pass on this, unless they’ve remembered how to tell a satisfying story.
- “Don’t discount Kim Hee-sun’s star power : After success of ‘Woman of Dignity,’ the fashion icon talks surpassing expectations.” An interview with Kim Hee-sun.
- “Moon Chae Won To Join Cho Seung Woo And Ji Sung In Final Chapter Of Historical Film Trilogy.” I haven’t seen any of the previous installments, but hey.
- “Steven Yeun In Talks To Join Yoo Ah In For New Film.” Interesting.
- “Siwon confirms romantic drama as first project after military service.” Congrats on returning safely and picking a new project.
- “Lee Kwang Soo And Jung Yoo Mi Cast As Leads Of Upcoming tvN Drama.” Well, I’m intrigued.
- “Yoo Ji Tae, Ryu Hwa Young, And Woo Do Hwan Confirmed For Upcoming KBS Crime Drama.” Why must there always be just one woman on the team?
- “Kim Jong Kook And HaHa Team Up For New Variety Show.” Good luck, you two.