SEOUL, August 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid rising temperatures and summer body pressures, South Korean health authorities are sounding the alarm over a disturbing body image trend spreading across social media platforms. The Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHPI) on Thursday warned against the glamorization of extreme thinness—particularly the so-called “bone arm” ideal—highlighting its potential harm [...]
SEOUL, August 1 (Korea Bizwire) – Once regarded as a beloved and affordable comfort food, samgyeopsal—Korean pork belly—has reignited public debate, with customers increasingly voicing frustration over high prices and excessive fat content in their orders. The latest controversy erupted when a YouTuber named “Kkujun” posted a video from a restaurant in Ulleungdo, claiming that [...]
SEOUL, July 31 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korean consumers grapple with rising food prices, ultra-low-cost products priced under 1,000 won are gaining popularity—prompting convenience stores to expand their “super-value” offerings. On July 30, 7-Eleven announced the launch of two canned coffee products, “Seven Select Black Coffee” and “Seven Select Café Latte,” each priced at [...]
SEOUL, July 30 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s credit card spending rose sharply in the second quarter of 2025, buoyed by recovering consumer sentiment and optimism over potential economic stimulus measures in the second half of the year. According to data released Wednesday by the Credit Finance Association, total card-approved transactions reached 313 trillion won [...]
SEOUL, July 30 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has one of the lowest numbers of practicing physicians among developed nations, but its citizens visit the doctor more often than anywhere else in the OECD, highlighting a paradox of limited manpower and high demand in the nation’s healthcare system. According to the OECD Health Statistics 2025 [...]
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s over-the-top (OTT) streaming market has firmly established itself as a new standard in media consumption, with more than 20 million monthly active users (MAUs) now regularly engaging with major platforms. According to new data released Tuesday by WiseApp Retail, a market analysis firm tracking real-time app and payment [...]
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — In a nation known for its rigorous education system, even dogs are facing entrance exams. A growing number of South Korean dog daycare centers — dubbed “pet kindergartens” — are implementing admission tests to assess a dog’s socialization, obedience, and emotional stability before enrollment. The trend has sparked comparisons to [...]
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Koreans are sleeping less, working and studying less, and spending more time consuming digital media than ever before, according to a new government survey tracking the nation’s evolving daily routines. The Statistics Korea report, released Monday, showed that for the first time since the time-use survey began in [...]
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean elementary school students are spending more time studying than ever, while their sleep and playtime continue to shrink, reflecting the intensifying pressure of early academic competition, according to new government data released Monday. The 2024 Time Use Survey by Statistics Korea found that elementary students now study [...]
SEOUL, July 29 (Korea Bizwire) — A sweltering heatwave over the weekend sent South Koreans flocking to air-conditioned department stores and shopping malls, leading to a double-digit surge in sales at major retailers. In contrast, large discount chains saw a dip in revenue, despite government-issued consumer coupons aimed at reviving domestic spending. According to industry data [...]