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Cultural Views on Occupational Prestige Vary Globally, with Politicians and Firefighters at the Top in Different Regions

Cultural Views on Occupational Prestige Vary Globally, with Politicians and Firefighters at the Top in Different Regions

SEOUL, Mar. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has shed light on the varying perceptions of occupational prestige across different countries, with lawmakers being held in high regard in Korea, China, and Japan, while firefighters are esteemed in the U.S. and Germany. The research, conducted by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training [...]

Seoul Extends Transportation Aid to All Expectant Mothers Amid Birth Rate Crisis

Seoul Extends Transportation Aid to All Expectant Mothers Amid Birth Rate Crisis

SEOUL, Mar. 17 (Korea Bizwire) –In an ambitious push to tackle South Korea’s alarmingly low birth rate, officials in Seoul announced on Sunday that they would provide transportation subsidies to all pregnant women living in the capital, regardless of how long they have been residents. The measure, eliminating a previous six-month residency requirement, is part [...]

Study Reveals Birth Rate Among Contract Workers Significantly Lower Than Full-Time Employees

Study Reveals Birth Rate Among Contract Workers Significantly Lower Than Full-Time Employees

SEOUL, Mar. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – In a revealing study on South Korea’s labor market dynamics and their impact on family planning, researchers have pointed to a stark disparity in birth rates between contract (irregular workers not covered by major insurance) and full-time corporate employees. The findings suggest that the fertility rate among women in [...]

Seoul Performance by Pro-Putin Russian Ballerina Cancelled Amid Backlash

Seoul Performance by Pro-Putin Russian Ballerina Cancelled Amid Backlash

SEOUL, March 15 (Korea Bizwire) — A Seoul ballet performance featuring Russia’s star ballerina, Svetlana Zakharova, was canceled Friday due to public backlash over staging shows by individuals supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially amid the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. The Ukrainian-born Russian principal dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet was scheduled to perform [...]

No Rush to Move Out Among Young Adults Living with Parents

No Rush to Move Out Among Young Adults Living with Parents

SEOUL, Mar. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has revealed that 7 out of 10 young adults aged 25 to 39, residing with their parents in apartments, have no immediate plans to live independently until marriage.  The study, titled ‘Trend Report: The Kangaroo Tribe,’ was released on March 14 by Focus Media Korea, the operator [...]

Controversy Erupts Over Adult Entertainment Festival in Suwon

Controversy Erupts Over Adult Entertainment Festival in Suwon

SUWON, Mar. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – A festival featuring Japanese adult video (AV) performers scheduled for next month in Suwon, South Korea, has sparked backlash from women’s and civic groups, labeling the event as an act of sexual exploitation.  On March 12, the Suwon Women’s Network, comprising seven women’s organizations, along with a coalition of about [...]

Seoul Park’s Ball Game Restrictions Spark Debate Over Urban Play Spaces for Kids

Seoul Park’s Ball Game Restrictions Spark Debate Over Urban Play Spaces for Kids

SEOUL, Mar. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – A banner urging restraint in playing ball games at a children’s park in Seoul has sparked an online debate, highlighting a deeper issue of shrinking play spaces for children in urban areas. The sign, which quickly spread on social media, has drawn criticism for seemingly contradicting the very purpose of [...]

As South Korea Grapples with Low Birth Rates, Childcare Centers Transform into Elderly Care Facilities

As South Korea Grapples with Low Birth Rates, Childcare Centers Transform into Elderly Care Facilities

SEOUL, Mar. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – In a striking reflection of South Korea’s demographic shifts, numerous kindergartens and childcare centers across the nation are shuttering their doors, succumbing to the dual pressures of plummeting birth rates and an aging population. In response, a growing number of these institutions are pivoting to serve the elderly, transitioning into [...]

Despite Declining Birth Rates, South Korea’s Premium Market for Children’s Products Thrives

Despite Declining Birth Rates, South Korea’s Premium Market for Children’s Products Thrives

SEOUL, Mar. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – In South Korea, a somewhat surprising economic trend is unfolding: despite the nation’s birth rates hitting new lows each year, the market for premium children’s products continues to expand. This growth is largely driven by the “ten pocket” trend, where up to ten family members are willing to open their [...]

Hwang Sok-yong’s ‘Mater 2-10′ Longlisted for 2024 International Booker Prize

Hwang Sok-yong’s ‘Mater 2-10′ Longlisted for 2024 International Booker Prize

SEOUL, Mar. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean novelist Hwang Sok-yong’s “Mater 2-10″ has been longlisted for the 2024 International Booker Prize, the British literary awards said Tuesday. Hwang’s novel, translated into English by Sora Kim-Russell and Youngjae Josephine Bae, was announced as one of the 13 preliminary nominees by the Booker Prize Foundation on [...]