Delta accounts for all cases, Korea invests in a space weather forecast system, and BTS fans build a forest
K-NEWS BITES
Thu 2021-10-21 (KST)
Umbrella union pushes ahead with nationwide rally (3 min read)
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions( KCTU) staged a nationwide rally Wednesday to demand better treatment of irregular workers, unionization rights for all laborers, and increased involvement from the government to strengthen employment security. The KCTU emphasized it would abide by its own coronavirus control measures during the rally despite the police plan to sternly respond to the rally, which violates South Korea's coronavirus rules. Though the labor union projects up to 500,000 active participation, only 80,000 members are expected to participate actively. The article includes a photo of the rally.
Online sex crimes targeting teenagers surged elevenfold over the past 3 years (1 min read)
According to a report by the Women's Human Rights Institute of Korea, online teenage sex crime victims rose from 111 in 2018 to 1,268 this year. According to the report released by Yang Kum-hee, a representative of the gender ministry, 5,695 digital sex crime victims have already been identified this year. 21.3 percent of these victims are in their 20s, 20.6 percent are teenagers, while 7 percent of digital sex crime victims are in their 30s.
Delta variant cases account for all new variant cases in S. Korea (1 min read)
There are four different kinds of variants in South Korea, and according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA), new Delta variant cases accounted for all new variant cases detected last week. The Delta variant is behind a spike in COVID-19 in Seoul and its neighboring areas. The variant spreads faster and is difficult for health authorities to curb.
New virus cases rise on more testing, vaccination push continues (2 min read)
According to KDCA, new coronavirus cases rose by nearly 500, though the total caseload was below 2000 for the 12th day, thanks to rising vaccine rates. 1,571 new infections were reported, with 9 new deaths raising the death toll to 2698. According to Jeong Eun-kyeong, head of KDCA, the country will reach a 70 percent vaccination rate by October 23-25.
General COVID Information for residents in Korea:
Ministry of Health and Welfare, South Korea
Coronavirus Statistics for South Korea
What Would an End-of-War Declaration Mean for the United Nations Command? (3 min read)
The United Nations Command (UNC) was primarily formed to restore peace and assist the Republic of Korea to “repel the armed attack and to restore the international peace and security in the area” during the Korean War. When hostilities ceased, the Korean People's Army, Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and a representative from the UNC signed an armistice agreement stating the UNC is responsible for its provisions. The role of the UNC evolved to maintaining and enforcing the armistice agreement. An end of war declaration would presumably supersede the armistice agreement, which then puts into question the UNC’s role and the need for its existence. This may in turn, result in the loss of a “longtime security guarantor.”
N. Korea confirms test-launch of new SLBM in state media report (2 min read)
According to the North's official Korean Central News Agency( KCNA), The Academy of National Defence Science conducted the SLBM test launch from “8.24 Yongung” which is where its first SLBM was launched successfully 5 years ago. KCNA also added the launch was to contribute to putting the country's defence technology on a high level and enhancing the underwater operational capacity of DPRK. The article includes a photo released by North Korea's official KCNA, showing the SLBM being fired on Tuesday.
N. Korean threat won't change even after end-of-war declaration: ex-USFK chief (2 min read)
In a meeting with security experts in Seoul, Curtice Scaparrotti, former leader of USFK (US Forces Korea), said threats the alliance was formed to counter won't change the day after the declaration of the war's end. Curtice reiterated their mandate as an alliance to defend the Republic of Korea and how a submarine launch capability could threaten it. President Moon Jae-in renewed his proposal for the declaration during the General Assembly which sparked debate in Seoul and Washington.
PoliGround aims to offer public opinion through virtual stock market (2 min read)
PoliGround is “online platform that offers public opinions of politicians through a sort of virtual stock market… where users are given free cyber money to make transactions on politicians who are represented as virtual stocks.” According to PoliGround CEO Seo Jung-ho, active citizen participation in politics has increased with limited channels for voters and politicians to interact. PoliGround intends to bridge this gap by offering real-time communication between politicians and citizens. The company also aims to provide big data analysis of public opinion.
South Korea invests in space weather forecast system: The launch expected in 2024 (1 min read)
Sartre Initiative Co., a state company that works under Hanwha Aerospace, was awarded $13.9 million for a space system that will forecast weather and ensure stable operations of military assets that malfunction due to unfavorable weather conditions. A DAPA( Defence Acquisition Program Administration) official stated civilian research organizations can utilize the weather forecast system with the help of an information-sharing mechanism.
Largest Gathering of Entrepreneurs of Korean Descent Kicks off in Seoul (1 min read)
About 1200 entrepreneurs of Korean descent from 46 countries gathered in southern Seoul at the Lotte Hotel World for the 19th World Korean Business Convention. The participants jointly vowed efforts and cooperation to help South Korea achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. President Moon Jae-in sent a congratulatory letter stating that Korean business people at home and abroad had a hand in helping the nation transition from a developing nation into a developed one.
BTS fans, environmental group build forest along Han River in honor of BTS member V (1 min read)
In its latest urban forest building collaborations with K-pop fans, the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement dedicated a grove of four zelkovas and 1200 bridal-wreath trees to BTS member V (Kim Tae-hyung) to honor him for his love of colour green. “Forest V No.1” was formed on the Han River Park, near the southern end of Jamsil Bridge, to send out an eco-friendliness message for the fight against climate change, recovery of Han River's ecosystem, and improving biodiversity.
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