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🔒 18 Years on the Run — Caught at Last!

After nearly two decades on the run, a former South Korean bank employee who embezzled 1.1 billion KRW (approx. $800,000) has finally been extradited from the Philippines and returned to Korea to face justice.

In 2007, Mr. A, a loan manager at a major commercial bank, falsified loan documents and fled to the Philippines after stealing the funds. For 18 years, he evaded capture — until Philippine immigration officials flagged him in September 2024 while he was filing paperwork.

On June 27, 2025, he was flown back to Korea in handcuffs via Incheon International Airport.

🎰 Also Caught: Online Gambling Ring Leader

On the same flight, authorities also returned Mr. B, who had been hiding in the Philippines for 10 years while running illegal online gambling sites. His group reportedly managed over 16 billion KRW (approx. $11.5 million) in funds.

Thanks to a joint operation between the Korean National Police and Philippine authorities, both fugitives are now in custody.

💬 After years of international coordination, Korean authorities say this sends a clear message:

"No matter how long it takes, justice will catch up."

Learn Korean through this news:

#FugitiveCaptured #KoreanNews #BankEmbezzlement #OnlineGambling #InterpolArrest #SouthKoreaCrime #JusticeServed #Extradition #필리핀송환 #해외도피범검거

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KIIP 3: Unit 2–Essential Words and Phrases About Personality Traits

In this lesson, we will learn essential vocabulary and grammar to describe personality traits and express behavioral changes in Korean. You'll be able to talk about your own personality, observe changes in others, and suggest alternative solutions in various situations.

This unit introduces two key grammar patterns: Adjective + 아/어지다 (used to describe changes), and Verb/Adjective + 는 대신에 (used to suggest alternatives).

For details:

#kiip #kiip3 #learnkorean #korean

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Tragic Fire in Busan Claims Lives of Two Young Sisters

A devastating apartment fire in Busan on June 24 has taken the lives of two sisters, aged 10 and 7. The fire broke out at 4:15 a.m. on the 4th floor of a 20-story building in Gaegeum-dong while the girls were home alone.

The cause was likely an electrical malfunction. The building, constructed in the early 1990s, had no sprinkler system on that floor—something current regulations still don’t require for lower levels in older buildings.

Neighbors remember the sisters as polite and cheerful. The family had recently applied for welfare support, and local authorities have pledged medical and financial aid.

This heartbreaking incident is prompting renewed calls for stricter fire safety laws in aging apartment complexes.

For details:

#BusanFire #GaegeumDong #FireSafety #KoreaNews #TragicLoss #FireRegulationReform

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🚫🅿️ “Reserved Parking?” — Korean Style!

A parking spot in Korea has gone viral after someone tried to claim it using a folding chair, a bicycle, and a baby stroller... all to hold a public parking space!

They even left a laminated sign that reads:

📄 “죄송합니다. 곧 돌아올 예정입니다. 치우지 마세요. 이 근처에 삽니다.”

(“Sorry. I’ll be back soon. Please don’t move this. I live nearby.”)

The setup looks way too professional — almost like this isn’t their first time doing it .

Netizens didn’t hold back:

💬 “Public space isn’t your personal driveway.”

💬 “If you live nearby, why not just walk?”

💬 “Someone should park a scooter there out of spite.”

💬 “This kind of behavior should be fined too!”

📍 Is this a smart hack or just plain selfish?

#KoreaViral #ParkingSpaceDrama #죄송합니다_치우지마세요 #SelfishParking #UrbanEtiquette #ViralInKorea #PublicNotPrivate

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KIIP 3: Unit 1–Essential Words and Phrases About Interpersonal Relationships

In this lesson, we will learn essential vocabulary and grammar to talk about interpersonal relationships in Korean. You will be able to describe your relationship with coworkers, seniors, and friends, express difficulties, and improve communication in social situations.

For details:

#kiip #kiip3 #learnkorean #grammar #korean

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V-아/어 대다 grammar = keep doing, do something repeatedly (in a negative or excessive way)

V-아/어 대다 grammar is used to describe repeated or continuous actions, often in a negative, annoying, or excessive way. It can be translated into English as "keep doing" or "do something repeatedly."

아이가 계속 울어 대서 미칠 뻔했어요.

The baby kept crying and I almost went crazy.

친구가 옆에서 말해 대니까 집중이 안 돼요.

I can’t concentrate because my friend keeps talking beside me.

For details:

#korean #topik #grammar #learnkorean #koreangrammar

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💰 South Korea Now Has 1.3 Million Millionaires — Ranked 10th in the World!

According to the newly released 2025 Global Wealth Report by Swiss bank UBS, South Korea has officially crossed the 1.3 million mark in millionaire population, securing 10th place globally.

📈 As of 2024, 1,301,000 South Koreans hold assets worth over $1 million (approx. 1.375 billion KRW). That’s up from 1,295,674 in 2023 — steady growth in uncertain times.

🧭 Top 10 Countries with the Most Millionaires:

🇺🇸 United States – 23.83 million

🇨🇳 China – 6.33 million

🇫🇷 France – 2.90 million

🇯🇵 Japan – 2.73 million

🇩🇪 Germany – 2.68 million

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – 2.62 million

🇨🇦 Canada – 2.10 million

🇦🇺 Australia – 1.90 million

🇮🇹 Italy – 1.34 million

🇰🇷 South Korea – 1.30 million

🌏 Other Notables:

Netherlands (1.27M), Spain (1.20M), Switzerland (1.12M), Taiwan (759K), and Singapore (331K)

📈 Global Wealth Snapshot:

🌍 60 million millionaires worldwide

💼 $226 trillion USD in total combined wealth

🔮 5 million more millionaires expected by 2029

In the U.S. alone, an average of 1,000 new millionaires are created daily, while China adds about 386 every day. Even amid global economic shifts, wealth continues to grow rapidly.

For details:

#KoreaMillionaires #GlobalWealthReport2025 #SouthKoreaRanks10th #UBSWealthReport #KoreanEconomy #MillionaireTrends #GlobalWealth #KFinance #재테크 #자산관리

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🔴 CAUGHT ON CAM — BUT WALKED FREE?!

A woman living alone in Andong was shocked to find a man breaking into her apartment — not once, but three times — to steal her underwear, all clearly captured on her home security camera.

The man entered through her third-floor balcony, rummaged through her drawers, sniffed her underwear, and left — only 3 minutes before she got home. Even more disturbing, the suspect lives right behind her building.

Police arrested him, but the court denied the arrest warrant, saying he was a first-time offender with "no risk of repeating the crime."

⚖️ Legal experts and netizens are outraged:

“How can someone caught on camera committing a sex-related break-in be let go?”

📢 Shouldn’t victims’ safety come first?

Is it time to rethink how courts assess 'risk' and first-time offenses in sex crimes?

🔁 Share if you believe safety and justice should come before excuses.

💬 What do YOU think? Let us know

For details:

#AndongUnderwearTheft #SouthKoreaCrimeNews #CaughtOnCamera #ProtectVictims #CCTVJustice #LegalReformKorea #여성안전 #속옷절도 #사건반장

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“Why I Cursed My Own Brother”: President Lee Jae-myung Opens Up About His Troubled Family Past

In a deeply personal and emotional account, President Lee Jae-myung has spoken publicly about the painful family conflict with his elder brother—an issue that resurfaced during his political career due to a leaked recording in which Lee was heard angrily cursing. The South Korean president explained the background of the family dispute, shedding light on the toll it has taken on both his personal life and public image.

President Lee shared that he was born into a large, working-class family of seven siblings. Most of them worked in manual labor jobs, such as construction and sanitation. Lee noted that he was once particularly close to his third-oldest brother, but that their relationship deteriorated over family matters—especially conflicts involving their elderly mother.

The turning point came after Lee was elected Mayor of Seongnam. According to Lee:

“My brother began introducing himself as ‘the mayor’s family’ and called government officials, demanding favors—everything from inspections to disciplinary actions. I had no choice but to order public servants not to take his calls and completely cut contact with him.”

When that didn't work, his brother began calling the mayor’s office, the audit department, and even demanded job placements—like recommending acquaintances to become university professors. Lee stood firm, refusing all requests.

Unable to reach Lee directly, his brother allegedly turned to their mother, pressuring her to contact Lee on his behalf. Things escalated dangerously:

“He told our mother he would kill her and burn the house down if she didn’t get me on the phone,” Lee said.

“Eventually, he physically assaulted her, even though she was nearly 80 years old.”

This marked the moment Lee says his anger boiled over. The two later had a heated phone call, which was secretly recorded. A portion of the recording was leaked, revealing Lee’s explicit language and cursing.

“I don’t deny it. If he had been in front of me, I might have hit him. That call happened the night my mother was injured, and I was on my way to the police station. I was furious.”

Despite the family turmoil, President Lee emphasized that he has never granted special privileges to anyone, not even to his family:

“Other than that one brother, none of my siblings have tried to use my position for personal gain. They’ve lived honest lives, working hard. And I have never given anyone any undue favors. I never will—even if it’s my own brother.”

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorea #이재명 #집사부일체 #learnkorean #LeeJaemyung #FamilyConflict

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Only in Korea... you buy 1 sweet golden melon (참외) for 7,000 won — and get a whole watermelon (수박) for FREE! 😲🍉💥

Yes, you read that right!

"👉 참외 1개에 7.000원

🎁 덤으로 수박은 써비스!"

"👉 Buy 1 sweet golden melon (참외)

🎁 Get 1 full-size watermelon (수박) as a bonus!"

📍Spotted at a local market — this deal is juicier than the fruits themselves! 😂

Summer in Korea is full of surprises, and this is definitely one of them!

#KoreaTravel #KoreanMarket #Chamoe #Watermelon #KoreaDeals #FunnyKorea #FruitSurprise #SummerInKorea #KoreanCulture #TravelKorea #MustTryInKorea

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South Korea’s Labor Unions Demand 11,500 KRW Minimum Wage for 2026

South Korea's major labor groups are calling for a significant hike in the national minimum wage. For 2026, they propose an hourly wage of 11,500 KRW, a 14.7% increase from the current 10,030 KRW. Meanwhile, employer representatives argue that even a 1% increase would be difficult due to ongoing economic uncertainty.

Labor Unions Demand 11,500 KRW Hourly Minimum Wage for 2026

On June 11, 2025, the “Living Wage for All” campaign group—a coalition including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), and civil society group People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD)—held a press conference in Seoul to announce their official 2026 minimum wage proposal.

Their demand: 11,500 KRW per hour, an increase of 1,470 KRW (14.7%) from the current 10,030 KRW hourly wage.

They criticized the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s decisions to raise the minimum wage by only 2.5% in 2024 and 1.7% in 2025, calling them “ultra-low increases that undermine the legal purpose of the minimum wage system—ensuring stable livelihoods for low-wage workers.”

Employers’ Side: “Even a Freeze Would Be Hard”

While labor groups have submitted a formal proposal, employer representatives have not yet presented an official wage offer. However, the prevailing sentiment among business groups is that a wage freeze or zero increase may be the most feasible option.

Ryu Ki-jung, executive director of the Korea Employers Federation (KEF) and a member of the Minimum Wage Commission, stated:

“The economy is in a broad crisis. In sectors like food and hospitality, employment numbers are falling fast. Small business owners simply aren’t in a position to absorb a wage increase. It’s difficult to even discuss any percentage hike right now.”

This stark divide between labor and business sets the stage for what could be a tense round of negotiations at the Minimum Wage Commission in the coming weeks.

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorea #minimumwage #BreakingNews #learnkorean #Economic

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South Korea to Relocate Presidential Office Back to the Blue House: ₩25.9 Billion Budget for Return

On June 10, 2025, the Presidential Office officially announced the allocation of 25.9 billion KRW in reserve funds for the upcoming relocation of the presidential office from Yongsan back to Cheong Wa Dae. This move marks a key reversal of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration’s controversial relocation of the office to Yongsan in 2022.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung stated that the move is part of President Lee’s vision to normalize the national administrative system. According to Kang, the return will be implemented in phases, using weekends and holidays to minimize disruption to government operations.

In preparation for the return, the Blue House Foundation has posted a formal announcement titled "Adjusted Operations for Blue House Tours" on its official website and social media platforms. According to the notice:

Tours will continue normally until July 14

From July 16 to July 31, adjustments will be made to visitor limits, tour routes, and other logistics

Starting August 1, all public tours will be temporarily suspended for safety and facility inspections

Once the return to the Blue House is completed, limited public access may resume

The Cheong Wa Dae Foundation announced that after the full relocation, limited public access may resume depending on national security protocols and facility readiness.

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorean #LeeJaemyung #learnkorean #BreakingNews #청와대

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South Korea Eyes 250,000 KRW Vouchers for All Citizens: Lee Jae-myung’s Relief Plan Explained

The “250,000 KRW National Relief Fund” is a proposed universal payment to help boost consumer spending and support economic recovery. Originally introduced by the Democratic Party in February 2025, the plan aims to distribute:

250,000 KRW in local currency (지역화폐) to every South Korean citizen

An additional 100,000 KRW for low-income households, such as basic livelihood recipients, near-poverty groups, and single-parent families

That means up to 350,000 KRW per person for those in the most vulnerable groups.

The total cost of this measure is estimated at 13.1 trillion KRW, and the government hopes it will revitalize household consumption and strengthen local economies.

According to senior Democratic Party officials, the second supplementary budget (추가경정예산안) is targeted to pass the National Assembly by July 2025, possibly as early as this month.

President Lee Jae-myung is directly overseeing the Emergency Economic Task Force, fast-tracking the plan to address slowing economic activity and falling tax revenues. The budget scale is expected to exceed 20 trillion KRW.

The relief payments will likely be issued in local currency or regional gift certificates (지역사랑상품권). These stimulate spending within communities and support small businesses.

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorean #economic #leejaemyung #breakingnews #25만원소비쿠폰

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Why You Should Take a Day Off on October 10, 2025 | South Korea’s 10-Day Golden Holiday

This October brings a once-in-years opportunity for South Korean office workers and travelers: a rare 10-day holiday stretch that hasn’t occurred since 2017—and won’t come again until 2028.

Here’s how the 10-day golden holiday unfolds:

October 3 (Friday): National Foundation Day – Public holiday

October 4–5 (Saturday–Sunday): Weekend

October 6–8 (Monday–Wednesday): Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

October 8 (Wednesday): Substitute holiday for Chuseok

October 9 (Thursday): Hangeul Day – Celebrates the creation of the Korean alphabet

October 10 (Friday): Take one vacation day off! 💡

October 11–12 (Saturday–Sunday): Weekend again!

A full 10-day holiday from October 3 to October 12, 2025.

This is the longest uninterrupted holiday in South Korea during October since 2017. The stars have truly aligned this year with major national holidays and weekends falling in perfect sequence.

According to the calendar, a similar 10-day golden break won’t happen again until October 2028 — three years from now.

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorea #koreanculture #publicholiday #chuseok #goldenweek

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Why Is Korea's Memorial Day on June 6? Meaning and History of Hyunchoongil (현충일)

South Korea observes Memorial Day (현충일, Hyunchoongil) every year on June 6 to honor those who sacrificed their lives to protect the country. But why was this date chosen, and what are its historical roots?

For details:

southkorea #koreanculture #publicholiday #MemorialDay #현충일

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South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung's Inaugural Speech – Full English Translation

존경하고 사랑하는 국민 여러분, 여러분이 선택해 주신 대한민국 제21대 대통령 이재명 인사드립니다. Respected and beloved citizens, I greet you as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, whom you have chosen.

한없이 무거운 책임감과 한없이 뜨거운 감사함으로 이 자리에 섰습니다. With an infinitely heavy sense of responsibility and an infinitely deep sense of gratitude, I stand here today.

5천200만 국민이 보내주신 5천200만 가지 열망과 소망을 품고 오늘부터 저는 대한민국 21대 대통령으로서 진정한 민주공화국 대한민국을 향한 첫발을 내딛습니다. With the hopes and aspirations of 52 million citizens in my heart, today I begin my journey as the 21st President of the Republic of Korea, taking the first step towards a true democratic republic of Korea.

미래가 우리를 향해 손짓하고 있습니다. 벼랑 끝에 몰린 민생을 되살리고, 성장을 회복해 모두가 행복한 내일을 만들어갈 시간입니다. The future is beckoning to us. It is time to revive the livelihood of the people, restore growth, and create a future where everyone can be happy.

정쟁 수단으로 전락한 안보와 평화, 무관심과 무능 무책임으로 무너진 민생과 경제, 장갑차와 자동소총에 파괴된 민주주의를 다시 일으켜 세울 시간입니다. It is time to restore national security and peace, which have become tools for political conflict, to rebuild the livelihoods and economy that have collapsed from indifference, incompetence, and irresponsibility, and to revive democracy, which was destroyed by armored vehicles and automatic rifles.

우리를 갈라놓은 혐오와 대결 위에 공��과 화해, 연대의 다리를 놓고, 꿈과 희망이 넘치는 국민 행복 시대를 활짝 열어젖힐 시간입니다. It is time to build bridges of coexistence, reconciliation, and solidarity over the hatred and confrontation that divided us, and to open wide the doors to an era of national happiness filled with dreams and hope.

한강 작가가 말한 대로, 과거가 현재를 돕고, 죽은 자가 산자를 구했습니다. 이제는 우리가, 미래의 과거가 되어 내일의 후손들을 구할 차례입니다. As writer Han Kang said, the past helps the present, and the dead save the living. Now, it is our turn to become the past of the future and save the generations yet to come.

국민 앞에 약속드립니다. 깊고 큰 상처 위에 희망을 꽃피우라는 준엄한 명령과, 완전히 새로운 나라를 만들라는 그 간절한 염원에 응답하겠습니다. I promise before the people that I will respond to the stern command to let hope bloom over deep and profound wounds, and to the earnest desire to build a completely new country.

이번 대선에서 누구를 지지했든 크게 통합하라는 대통령의 또 다른 의미에 따라, 모든 국민을 아우르고 섬기는 '모두의 대통령'이 되겠습니다. Regardless of whom you supported in this election, I will be a "President for All" who embraces and serves all citizens, according to the deeper meaning of unification expressed by the President.

대한민국은 오늘도 새로운 역사를 쓰고 있습니다. 식민지에서 해방된 나라 가운데 유일하게 산업화와 민주화에 성공한 나라, 세계 10위 경제력에 세계 5위의 막강한 군사력을 자랑하며 K-컬처로 세계문화를 선도하는 나라. Today, Korea is writing a new chapter in history. We are the only country among those freed from colonial rule that has succeeded in industrialization and democratization, boasting the 10th largest economy in the world and the 5th most powerful military force, leading world culture with K-culture.

이 자랑스러운 동방의 한 나라가 이제는, 맨손의 응원봉으로 최고 권력자의 군사쿠데타를 진압하는 민주주의 세계사의 새 장을 열고 있습니다. This proud country in the East is now opening a new chapter in the world history of democracy by suppressing a military coup of the highest authority with nothing but the strength of people's support.

대한민국의 이 위대한 여정을 대한국민의 이 위대한 역량을 전 세계인이 경이로움으로 지켜보고 있습니다. The world is watching in awe as the great capabilities of the Korean people support this great journey of Korea.

오색 빛 혁명, K-민주주의는 위기에 처한 민주주의의 새 활로를 찾는 세계인들에게 뚜렷한 모범이 되었습니다. The K-Democracy, which emerged from the colored revolution, has become a clear model for people around the world seeking a new way for democracies in crisis.

사랑하는 국민 여러분, 우리는 지금 대전환의 분기점에 서 있습니다. 낡은 질서가 퇴조하고 새 질서, 문명사적 대전환이 진행 중입니다. Dear citizens, we are standing at the crossroads of a great transformation. The old order is retreating, and a new order, a civilization-level great transition, is underway.

지금까지 겪어보지 못한 초과학기술 신문명 시대, 눈 깜빡할 새 페이지가 넘어가는 인공지능 무한경쟁 시대가 열렸습니다. We have entered an age of super-scientific technology and new civilization, an age of artificial intelligence and limitless competition where pages turn in the blink of an eye.

기후 위기가 인류를 위협하고, 산업 대전환을 압박합니다. 보호주의 확대와 공급망 재편 등 급격한 국제질서 변화는 우리의 생존을 위협합니다. The climate crisis threatens humanity and pressures industrial transformation. The rapid shifts in the international order, such as the expansion of protectionism and the reorganization of supply chains, are threatening our survival.

변화에 뒤처져 끌려갈 것이 아니라 변화를 주도하며 앞서가면 무한한 기회를 누릴 수 있습니다. Rather than lagging behind and being dragged into change, we must lead and advance in change to seize limitless opportunities.

그러나 안타깝게도, 이 중차대한 시기에 우리는 민생, 경제, 외교, 안보, 민주주의 모든 영역에서 엉킨 실타래처럼 겹겹이 쌓인 복합 위기에 직면했습니다. However, sadly, at this critical juncture, we are facing a complex crisis, piled up like tangled threads in all areas: people's livelihood, economy, diplomacy, security, and democracy.

For Full Speech: https://www.koreantopik.com/2025/06/south-koreas-president-lee-jae-myungs.html

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Lee Jae-myung Elected as South Korea’s 21st President

Lee Jae-myung has officially won the 21st Presidential Election of South Korea, marking a major shift in power just three years after the country’s last political crisis and calls for accountability over the “martial law scandal.”

According to the National Election Commission (NEC), the final vote count concluded at 5:02 AM on June 4, just 8 hours and 22 minutes after ballot counting began. Lee secured 17,287,513 votes, winning 49.42% of the total vote share.

Lee’s closest rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, received 14,395,639 votes, or 41.15% of the vote.

Vote difference: 2,891,874 votes

Vote percentage gap: 8.27 percentage points

This marks a decisive victory for Lee, although he fell slightly short of the absolute majority (50%), missing it by 0.58 percentage points.

Lee Jun-seok, of the newly formed Reform New Party, came in third with 2,917,523 votes (8.34%).

Kwon Young-kook, the candidate from the Democratic Labor Party, received 344,150 votes (0.98%).

Independent candidate Song Jin-ho earned 35,797 votes (0.10%).

Learn Korean through this news:

#southkorea #Presidentialelection #LeeJaeMyung #BreakingNews #PoliticalNews