Towards a 0% Start Rate: Stopping the Economy in the Name of Safety
South Korea is challenging itself to a 0% construction start rate to achieve a 0% industrial accident rate. We diagnose the paralysis of construction sites and the supply cliff caused by punishment-centered regulations like the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, and the economic repercussions this will entail.
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"Why Only Hit Coupang?" vs "They Deserve It": Anatomy of Korean-Style Anger
We dissect the reality of the anger surrounding the Coupang data breach, where 33.7 million personal records were leaked. Will the 'public shaming' style criticism toward Coupang lead to system improvement, or will it end as just another political show? We seek fundamental solutions through the 17-year history of repeated data leaks.
Column
The Trap of Regulation and Vested Interests: Lessons from Gwangju and Korea's Future
Gwangju's population has fallen below 1.4 million for the first time in 21 years. The result of 10 years of blocking large complex shopping malls under the pretext of 'protecting traditional markets' is disastrous. Gwangju's failure foreshadows a grim future for all of South Korea trapped in regulations and vested interest cartels.
Economy
Trump's Second Term Tariff Bomb: Why Korean Auto Parts Makers Are Fleeing to Vietnam
Facing a 25% tariff threat, K-parts makers are attempting 'third-country laundering' in Vietnam. The U.S. Commerce Department warns of precise targeting against surging detour exports. An in-depth analysis of the 'Origin War' for survival.
Society
After the Dongduk Women's University Protest, Who Got the Bill for Restoration?
Pay 5.4 billion won... School vs. Student Council, the unending 'War of Money'. With cancellation penalties for the job fair added, student council executives face bankruptcy crisis.
Economy
The Light and Shadow of 4 Major Groups' 800 Trillion Won Investment... "Flashy Numbers, Yet Why Is My Life Still Grim?"
Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG announce 800 trillion won domestic investment plan over 5 years... Controversy over 'missing trickle-down effect' amid 3 years of 2% low growth.
Economy
Domestic Demand Slump and 'Qualitative Deterioration' of Jobs... Double Trouble for Economy
Due to high inflation and high exchange rates, consumer sentiment is shrinking, and companies cite 'domestic demand slump' as the biggest risk. As quality jobs disappear, the qualitative deterioration of employment is emerging as a serious social problem.
Politics
The Kim Keon-hee Special Counsel Probe: A Political Storm Engulfing the Presidency
The Special Counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee has become the epicenter of a political earthquake. We analyze the key allegations, the legal battle, and the implications for the Yoon administration.
Politics
The Unification Church Gate: Deep-Rooted Ties with Politics Shake the Nation
Allegations of illicit lobbying and political funding by the Unification Church have plunged the political arena into chaos. We investigate the 'black cartel' connecting religion and politics, and its impact on democracy.
Society
Coupang Labor Controversy: The Dark Side of 'Rocket Delivery'
Behind the convenience of Coupang's Rocket Delivery lies a fierce controversy over labor rights. We examine the 'blacklist' allegations, the grueling work environment, and the clash between innovation and worker safety.
Society
Xenophobia and Anti-China Sentiment: A Social Crisis Fracturing Korea in 2025
Anti-China sentiment has evolved into a generalized xenophobia, threatening South Korea's social cohesion and economic future. We analyze the causes, consequences, and the urgent need for a shift in perception.
Economy
2026 KRW/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: The New Normal of 1,400 Won and Scenarios for Breaking 1,500 Won
A deep dive into the 12 structural factors keeping the KRW/USD exchange rate stuck in the 1,440s range at the end of 2025, with three key scenarios for 2026.
IT & Science
World's First 6G Real-Time Demo: Dawn of the Hyperconnected Society
Samsung-SK joint demonstration achieves 1Tbps speed – Holographic communication becomes reality
Economy
2026 Economic Outlook: Signs of Recovery or Continued Stagnation?
Expert analysis: What 5 key indicators tell us about the global economy's direction
Life & Culture
The Era of the AI Butler: Smart Home 3.0 Trends
Gone are the days of voice commands. Enter "Context-Aware" AI appliances that take care of you before you ask.
Economy
MoreTrump's Second Term Tariff Bomb: Why Korean Auto Parts Makers Are Fleeing to Vietnam
Facing a 25% tariff threat, K-parts makers are attempting 'third-country laundering' in Vietnam. The U.S. Commerce Department warns of precise targeting against surging detour exports. An in-depth analysis of the 'Origin War' for survival.
The Light and Shadow of 4 Major Groups' 800 Trillion Won Investment... "Flashy Numbers, Yet Why Is My Life Still Grim?"
Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG announce 800 trillion won domestic investment plan over 5 years... Controversy over 'missing trickle-down effect' amid 3 years of 2% low growth.
Domestic Demand Slump and 'Qualitative Deterioration' of Jobs... Double Trouble for Economy
Due to high inflation and high exchange rates, consumer sentiment is shrinking, and companies cite 'domestic demand slump' as the biggest risk. As quality jobs disappear, the qualitative deterioration of employment is emerging as a serious social problem.
2026 KRW/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: The New Normal of 1,400 Won and Scenarios for Breaking 1,500 Won
A deep dive into the 12 structural factors keeping the KRW/USD exchange rate stuck in the 1,440s range at the end of 2025, with three key scenarios for 2026.
2026 Economic Outlook: Signs of Recovery or Continued Stagnation?
Expert analysis: What 5 key indicators tell us about the global economy's direction
Politics
MoreThe Kim Keon-hee Special Counsel Probe: A Political Storm Engulfing the Presidency
The Special Counsel investigation into First Lady Kim Keon-hee has become the epicenter of a political earthquake. We analyze the key allegations, the legal battle, and the implications for the Yoon administration.
The Unification Church Gate: Deep-Rooted Ties with Politics Shake the Nation
Allegations of illicit lobbying and political funding by the Unification Church have plunged the political arena into chaos. We investigate the 'black cartel' connecting religion and politics, and its impact on democracy.
Shock! Former President Summoned by Special Counsel... The Truth Behind First Lady Kim Keon-hee's Allegations?
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol summoned for special counsel investigation regarding bribery allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon-hee... Investigating the background of this unprecedented situation in constitutional history.
The Winter of the Special Trial: Will Justice Be Realized in the 'Second Impeachment' Crisis?
The Constitutional Court begins deliberation on the impeachment of the President... A fierce legal battle over 'violation of the constitution' vs. 'political offensive.' The plaza is divided into two, and tension reaches its peak.
The Swamp of Fandom Politics: Is Korean Democracy in Crisis?
Extreme fandom culture dominating both ruling and opposition parties... Policy disappears, leaving only hatred and division. Diagnosis of the crisis in party politics.
IT & Science
MoreSociety
MoreAfter the Dongduk Women's University Protest, Who Got the Bill for Restoration?
Pay 5.4 billion won... School vs. Student Council, the unending 'War of Money'. With cancellation penalties for the job fair added, student council executives face bankruptcy crisis.
Coupang Labor Controversy: The Dark Side of 'Rocket Delivery'
Behind the convenience of Coupang's Rocket Delivery lies a fierce controversy over labor rights. We examine the 'blacklist' allegations, the grueling work environment, and the clash between innovation and worker safety.
Xenophobia and Anti-China Sentiment: A Social Crisis Fracturing Korea in 2025
Anti-China sentiment has evolved into a generalized xenophobia, threatening South Korea's social cohesion and economic future. We analyze the causes, consequences, and the urgent need for a shift in perception.
A Country Without Old People? The Shock of 40% Elderly Poverty Rate
Korea ranks 1st in elderly poverty among OECD nations... The bleak reality of seniors driven to cardboard collecting and cold rooms amidst a super-aged society.
Korea's Multicultural Tipping Point? Foreign Population Hits 1.7 Million, Fueled by Vietnam Surge
The number of foreign residents in Korea has surpassed 1.7 million, a record high. With a sharp rise in Vietnamese nationals, is this the future for a shrinking Korea or a seed for social conflict?
Entertainment
MoreKim Woo-bin & Shin Min-ah: The "Wedding of the Century" After 10 Years of Love
The entertainment industry's representative long-term couple, Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-ah, finally tied the knot in a private ceremony after 10 years of dating. A star-studded guest list featuring Lee Kwang-soo and the "Zo In-sung Family" stole the show.
The Fall of Stars: Celebrity Scandals and Moral Hazard in 2025
From drug scandals involving top stars to school violence and gapjil... The public turns its back on the entertainment industry's endless moral hazard.
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Vital Intelligence Hub
"Why Only Hit Coupang?" vs "They Deserve It": Anatomy of Korean-Style Anger
We dissect the reality of the anger surrounding the Coupang data breach, where 33.7 million personal records were leaked. Will the 'public shaming' style criticism toward Coupang lead to system improvement, or will it end as just another political show? We seek fundamental solutions through the 17-year history of repeated data leaks.
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
낙관주의는 성취로 이끄는 믿음이다. 희망과 자신감 없이는 아무것도 이루어질 수 없다.
— Helen Keller