Podcast appearances and mentions of darcy paquet

This week, Ellen and Mark read between the lines, and find out what can get lost in translation. Mark speaks to the film critic, Manuela Lazic, who discusses the impossibility of translation, and her experiences of watching films and television across languages. Next, the translator and film critic, Irina Margareta Nistor details her role in overdubbing bootlegged VHS tapes during the Ceaușescu dictatorship in Romania. During the 1980s, her work allowed local audiences an escape from the regime through the medium of foreign cinema. Meanwhile, Ellen discusses the poetry of translation with Darcy Paquet. The translator has produced subtitles with collaborators including the South Korean film director, Bong Joon Ho, on the Oscar award winning film, Parasite. Darcy shares the challenges found in a set character count, and some of the cultural specificities he's noted along the way.Producer: Mae-Li Evans A Prospect Street production for BBC Radio 4

Kim Seon-Hyang, ‘Water Snake' - Translated by Darcy Paquet and Sun Kyoung Yoon from Korean by Modern Poetry in Translation Magazine

This week we're excited to present a conversation which recently took place as part of our new series, Korean Cinema's Golden Decade: The 1960s, following a screening of Yu Hyun-mok's 1961 South Korean classic, Aimless Bullet. Film critic, lecturer, and author Darcy Paquet and series co-curators, Korean Film Archive's Young Jin Eric Choi and Subway Cinema's Goran Topalovic, lead a discussion of the film. Banned in 1961 for its scathing critique of postwar reconstruction but now widely hailed as one of the greatest Korean films ever made, Yu Hyun-mok's breakout feature was this unrelentingly bleak, noir-tinged melodrama set in the aftermath of the Korean War. The film follows the tragic bond between two brothers living with their surviving family in a Seoul slum called Liberation Village. While Cheol-ho, an accountant suffering from a toothache he can't afford to treat, struggles to scrape together a meager existence, the senseless consequences of the war gradually tear at the seams of his family and push his younger brother, Young-Ho, to a desperate measure. An on-location tour through the traumatized atmosphere of Korea's capital, Aimless Bullet artfully blends expressionist and neorealist styles within a grimly introspective portrait of a nation left shattered by hatred and fear—touching on everything from military prostitution and economic inequality to the exploitations of the film industry itself. Restored in 2015 by the Korean Film Archive.

Da Binge Bois arrive on this day to talk about one of the biggest movies of the last five years, Korean film Parasite! After watching two Korean movies that fell off in the third act, does Parasite come through and hold strong? Is this movie worthy of all the praise and accolades it received? Time to find out during this review! Movie Synopsis: Parasite is a 2019 South Korean thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, who co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won and co-produced. The film, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, Park Myung-hoon and Lee Jung-eun, follows a poor family who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family, infiltrating their household by posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. The script is based on Bong's source material from a play written in 2013. He later adapted it into a 15-page film draft, and it was split into three different drafts by Han. Bong stated that he was inspired by the 1960 Korean film The Housemaid, and by the Christine and Léa Papin incident in the 1930s. Filming began in May 2018 and finished that September. The project included cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, film editor Yang Jin-mo, and composer Jung Jae-il. Darcy Paquet, an American film critic and author, provided English translations for the film's international release.

Korea24 – 2023.01.06. (Friday) News Briefing : DP leader Lee Jae-myung will appear for prosecutors' questioning next Tuesday, in connection to a bribery investigation involving Seongnam FC. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis(Weekly Economy Review) : The Yoon administration has eased real estate regulations but the market still faces challenges ahead with the current economy. Prof. Jeon Jae-sik from Konkuk University's Real Estate Studies department joins the show to help us understand the situation. Korea Trending with Walter Lee : 1. Users are criticizing Kakao’s compensation for regular users regarding last year’s blackout, as a free service it offered will transition to a paid subscription after a month. (톡서랍 한달 뒤 자동 유료전환…카카오 '낚시 보상’ 논란) 2. Ticket prices for BLACKPINK’s concerts in Hong Kong later this month have gone up, to as high as eight times the original price, with scalpers selling them online. This comes as Hong Kong is expected to reopen its border with mainland China on Sunday. (49만원 VIP티켓이 400만원으로…中팬심 불붙인 ‘韓 걸그룹’) 3. An elementary school in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has continued its decades old tradition of presenting its graduating students with calves over seven months old. Students who graduate are gifted with one calf each, and have to offer another calf three years later. ("졸업하면 송아지 1마리"···어느 초등학교의 '특별한 장학금') Movie Spotlight: Film critics Darcy Paquet and Jason Bechervaise review the new Korean comedy “Switch” starring Kwon Sang-woo as a famous actor who gets to live out an alternate life path. They also share their thoughts on “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” the sequel to the 2019 hit “Knives Out.” Next Week from Seoul with Emma Sparkes : -The government will hold a public debate on the compensation for victims of Japan’s wartime forced labor. -BOK chief Rhee Chang-yong will attend a meeting in Switzerland, and later the rate-setting meeting on Friday. -Big Bang’s Taeyang will make a comeback with his new single “Vibe” featuring Jimin of BTS.

Korea24 – 2022.12.29 (Thursday) News Briefing: At least five people are dead and some 30 others wounded in a fire that broke out in a noise-barrier tunnel after a traffic accident on an expressway in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (People of the Year 2022): The South Korean men’s national football team have been chosen as Korea 24’s People of the Year after their outstanding performance at the World Cup in Qatar. The former assistant coach of the Taeguk Warriors, Sergio Costa, joins us via video call to talk about the team’s achievement. Korea Trending with Diane Yoo: 1. Seoul city has proposed plans to raise subway and bus fares by 300 won next year. (서울 대중교통 요금 이르면 내년 4월 300원 인상) 2. Volleyball player Jo Jae-sung has admitted to trying to evade mandatory military service through a broker. (배구선수 조재성, 병역비리 가담 시인) 3. A story about consulting firms in the US helping younger employees in companies overcome their fear of phone calls has attracted attention. ('전화 공포증' MZ세대 위한 통화법 코칭 등장) Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us to discuss the year in Korean cinema and reveal their picks for the best film, director, actor and supporting actress of the year. Morning Edition Preview with Richard Larkin: - The Korea Herald: Places to see first sunrise of 2023 in South Korea (Kim Hae-yeon) - The Korea Times: Millennium Hilton Seoul disappears into history (Lee Hae-rin)

Korea24 – 2022.12.16 (Friday) News Briefing: Memorial ceremonies for the victims of the Itaewon crowd crush were held across the country, marking the 49th day since the tragedy, representing the final day of mourning in Buddhist tradition. (Emma Sparks) In-Depth News Analysis: Professor Ahn Jae-myung from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) joins us on the line to discuss South Korea's first-ever lunar orbiter, Danuri, entering the moon’s orbit this week after its four month journey from earth. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The CEO of Institut Pasteur Korea, Dr. Jee Young-mee, is reportedly being tapped to head the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. (새 질병관리청장에 지영미 유력…‘이해충돌’ 논란 백경란 후임) 2. A Seoul subway train broke down on a bridge on Thursday night, trapping some 500 passengers for two hours. (‘한강철교 위’ 지하철 1호선 고장…2시간 동안 ‘덜덜’) 3. South Korea is set to compete in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship next November. (한국, 6년만에 열리는 APBC 참가…내년 11월 개최) Movie Spotlight with Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet: - “Avatar: The Way of Water (아바타: 물의 길)” - “Before, Now & Then (나나)” Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - The government will release details for adjusting its COVID-19 indoor mask mandate by next Friday. - The Seoul Light-Gwanghwa and Seoul Lantern Festival will run at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul from Monday. - The World Cup final between Argentina and France will take place on Sunday.

Korea24 – 2022.12.09 (Friday) News Briefing: The nationwide truck drivers strike has come to an end after 16 days. Unionized truckers voted to call off the walkout, despite no demands having been met. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The cryptocurrency Wemix, operated by video game company Wemade, was delisted from South Korea’s key cryptocurrency exchanges on Thursday, spurring panic among its investors. We take a closer look at what happened with Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea. We also discuss the latest jobs growth data, and the growing number of single households in Korea. Korea Trending with Diane Yoo: 1. Police and firefighters in Ulsan killed three bears that escaped from an illegal breeding farm Thursday night. (울산서 곰 3마리 탈출...사육농장 부부 숨진 채 발견) 2. The national football team captain Son Heung-min thanked forward Oh Hyeon-gyu for his role in the team at the World Cup, despite not being included in the 26-man squad. (27번째 대표팀 선수‥등번호 없는 태극전사) 3. Singer/rapper TOP of the K-pop group Big Bang is set to accompany Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to fly around the moon next year. (日억만장자 마에자와 "빅뱅 탑과 내년 달 여행") Movie Spotlight: A new Korean film “Christmas Carol (크리스마스 캐럴)” hit cinemas this week. But despite its name, it is a very un-festive movie about a young man seeking revenge for the death of his brother. We’ll also discuss the US black comedy horror, “The Menu (더 메뉴)”, starring Ralph Fiennes, with our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - The top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United States and Japan will meet in Jakarta, Indonesia next week to discuss issues related to North Korea. - The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit South Korea from next Tuesday to Friday to discuss a range of nuclear issues with government officials. - South Korea’s first lunar orbiter “Danuri” is set to enter lunar orbit next week.

Korea24 – 2022.12.02 (Friday) News Briefing: A Seoul court is deliberating over an arrest warrant for the former national security adviser, Suh Hoon, over cover-up allegations involving the death of a fisheries official by North Korean soldiers in 2020. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): South Korea's consumer prices rose five percent in November, the slowest on-year gain since April, suggesting a continuing slowdown in inflation. Meanwhile, exports fell for the second consecutive month in November, leading to eight straight months of a trade deficit for the first time since the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea reviews the data for us. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Prosecutors have indicted nine people, including the grandson of Namyang Dairy Products’s late founder, on drug related charges. (남양유업 손자 마약 구속 기소…'재벌 3세 마약 스캔들' 터지나) 2. RM of the K-pop sensation BTS has released his first official solo album, Indigo. (BTS RM, 첫 공식 솔로 음반 '인디고' 발표) 3. Japan shocked the footballing world by advancing into the round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after beating powerhouse Spain. ([월드컵] 일본, 두 대회 연속 16강…아시아 새 역사) Movie Spotlight: “The Night Owl (올빼미)”, a historical drama centered about a mysterious death at a royal palace, is our first film this week. We also look at a comedy, “Men of Plastic (압꾸정)”, starring Ma Dong-seok, aka Don Lee, about a local chancer looking to start his own plastic surgery business. Critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet provide the reviews. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - South Korea faces Portugal in the final FIFA World Cup group match on Saturday 12AM(KST). - President Yoon Suk Yeol will hold a summit with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Seoul on Monday. - Next week marks 10 years since the Korean traditional song “Arirang” was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Georgina Godwin and historian Alex von Tunzelmann review the Saturday papers. Plus: Monocle's contributing editor Andrew Mueller on the week's stranger stories and we hear from US film critic Darcy Paquet, who translated the subtitles for the South Korean film ‘Parasite'.

In today's show, we ask: are Iran's protests coming to a head? Plus, we discuss whether Donald Trump will announce his intention to stand in the 2024 presidential race, the world's population surpassing 8 billion people and we hear from Darcy Paquet, who worked on the Oscar-winning Korean film ‘Parasite'.

Georgina Godwin and Enrico Franceschini discuss the spat between France and Italy over migrants, Anshel Pfeffer gives a rundown on Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu's new government, and Darcy Paquet, subtitle translator for ‘Parasite', on what makes a good film translation.

Korea24 – 2022.10.14 (Friday) News Briefing: North Korea conducted multiple provocations from Thursday night to the early hours of Friday, and claimed it was in response to South Korea’s artillery shots fired on Thursday. The South Korean defense ministry sent a notice to the North through a military hotline, urging it to abide by the 2018 agreement signed between the two Koreas to diffuse military tension. (Koo Heejin) Weekly Economy Review: The Bank of Korea this week made another big step of raising its key interest rate by 50 basis points, to three percent. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund raised South Korea’s growth outlook for this year by 0.3%p from July’s estimate, to 2.6% but slashed its outlook for 2023. Also this week, it was announced that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix would be given a one year exemption from the US' export curbs against China. Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea helps us digest the week's economic news. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. South Korea confirmed its first case of 'body packing'. The body packer was found to have died of acute ecstasy poisoning, caused by burst drug packets inside his body.(뱃속에서 마약 터진 남성 사망…국내 첫 ‘보디패커’ 확인 ‘충격’) 2. The man who spent 15 years in prison for raping eleven minors is facing release from prison, and it is being reported that he will be living at a rehabilitation facility under the Ministry of Justice. (미성년 11명 성폭행 김근식, 출소 뒤 경기도 갱생시설 거주) 3. Netflix plans to launch a cheaper, ad-supported plan in South Korea and eleven other countries next month. Users with this option will have to watch an average of 4-5 mins of ads per hour. (넷플릭스, 광고 기반 요금제 11월 출시…한국서 5500원) Movie Spotlight: DAEMUGA(대무가), a comedy-drama about shamanism by debut director Lee Hanjong, is quite an unusual film about three shamans and a gangster. The film is divided into three parts, with each part centered around one of the shamans. Film critics Darcy Paquet and Jason Bechervaise also talk about some of the highlights of this year's Busan International Film Festival that is closing today. Next Week from Seoul with Richard Larkin: - Top military officers from South Korea, Japan, and the United States will hold trilateral talks in the U.S. next week. - South Korean Foreign minister Park Jin will travel to Vietnam to celebrate the two countries’ 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year. - From next week, patients who visit the emergency room can receive treatment without testing for COVID -19 first.

Korea24 – 2022.10.07 (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea and the US have begun more joint naval drills, in a further response to North Korea’s recent missile provocations. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): It was revealed this week that US President Joe Biden sent a letter to President Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledging Seoul’s concerns over the US Inflation Reduction Act, which only gives tax credits to electric vehicles assembled in North America in a major blow to Korean automakers. We take a closer look at the significance of this letter, as well as Korea’s slowing inflation, with Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. At least 38, including 22 young children, were killed after a shooting and stabbing rampage by a former police officer at a childcare center in Thailand. (태국 어린이집서 총기난사 사건…어린이 22명 등 최소 38명 숨져) 2. The government approved former KDCA Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong, known for spearheading South Korea’s COVID-19 response efforts, to work at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. (정은경 前질병청장, 분당서울대병원 취업) 3. Netflix has stopped airing the Korean drama series “Little Women” in Vietnam amid allegations the show distorted historical facts regarding the Vietnam War. ('작은 아씨들', 베트남 넷플릭스서 방영 중단 "주의 기울일 것") Movie Spotlight: The 27th edition of the Busan International Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday. 243 films from 71 countries will be screened over its 10-day run, including 89 world premieres and 12 international premieres. Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us on the line from Busan to let us know what to expect. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will embark on a nine-day trip to three South American countries next week: Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. - On Wednesday, the Bank of Korea will have the first of its last two remaining policy meetings of the year, with another interest rate hike expected. - Seoul Fashion Week will kick off next Tuesday at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Korea24 – 2022.09.23 (Friday) News Briefing: All remaining outdoor mask mandates will be lifted in South Korea from Monday, including at outdoor sports stadiums, concerts and rallies. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points for the third time in a row on Wednesday, leaving South Korea’s benchmark rate 75 basis points lower than the US. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to discuss where this leaves the Bank of Korea’s future rate hikes, as well as government data showing that the nation is on track to record a trade deficit for the sixth consecutive month. Korea Trending with Jung Ye-won: 1. Japan has announced that it will resume visa-free travel for foreign travelers from October 11. (기시다 "외국인 무비자 일본 입국 내달 11일부터 허용") 2. Daejeon's fire and rescue authorities are looking for an anonymous hero who saved a woman from drowning after she accidentally drove into a stream. (하천에 추락한 차량 목격한 시민, 운전자 구하고 홀연히 떠나) 3. 34-year-old golfer Choi Na-yeon says next month's BMW Ladies Championship 2022 will be the last LPGA tour of her career. (LPGA 통산 9승 최나연, 10월 BMW 챔피언십 끝으로 은퇴) Movie Spotlight: What could go wrong on a ship full of dangerous criminals? Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet found out in the action-horror-thriller “Project Wolf Hunting” starring Seo In-guk. They give their reviews of the film, along with their thoughts on "Thunderbird", an indie thriller about debts and betrayal. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Seoul next Thursday. - A group of Korean lawmakers will travel to Japan for the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week. - The South Korean men’s national football team will play two friendly matches in preparation for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Korea24 – 2022.09.16 (Friday) News Briefing: China's top legislator, Li Zhanshu, is in Seoul, where he has met with President Yoon Suk-yeol. He also met with the National Assembly speaker Kim Jin-pyo, who proposed a three-way meeting with the parliamentary speakers of South Korea, China and Japan. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): On Tuesday, the US reported a higher than expected inflation of 8.3% in August, which sent markets tumbling. This also raised the odds of another major rate hike by the US Federal Reserve next week. In South Korea, the local currency depreciated further against the dollar, passing the 1,390-won mark for the first time in over 13 years. Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to dissect these latest developments. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Seoul’s Gwanak District has come under fire for sponsoring a golf tournament 'in solidarity with' victims of last month’s flooding in the region. (서울 관악구, '수재민과 함께하는 골프대회' 논란) 2. Nike has unveiled the new national team uniforms for 11 countries competing in the Qatar 2022 football World Cup, including South Korea’s home kit. ('황희찬 메인 모델' 나이키, 대한민국 새 유니폼 발표) 3. Honey J, leader of the dance crew “Holy Bang” that won “Street Woman Fighter”, has announced that she is getting married and having a baby. ('스우파' 허니제이, 결혼+임신 깜짝 발표) Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review “Confidential Assignment 2: International (공조2: 인터내셔날)”, the action-comedy sequel that has pulled in over 3 million admissions since its release before the Chuseok holiday, as well as the indie drama, “Kim Min-young of the Report Card (성적표의 김민영)”, which won the grand prize at the Jeonju International Film Festival in 2021. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - President Yoon Suk Yeol will depart on a three-nation tour next week, visiting the U.K, U.S, and Canada. - The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is expected to announce the 'Mobility Innovation Roadmap' on Monday. - A US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday, where a further rate hike is set to be announced.

Korea24 – 2022.08.12. (Friday) News Briefing: The Yoon Suk Yeol administration has announced Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong is among the list for the upcoming Liberation Day presidential pardons. Former President Lee Myung-bak has not been included. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The government announced plans this week to ease the financial burden on the public and combat inflation ahead of the Chuseok holiday. They include boosting stocks of key vegetables and fruits by up to one-point-four times the usual amount. Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to give his assessment of the measures, and reaction to the latest US inflation numbers. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The South Korean police have announced plans to use a restraint belt, instead of rope, when transporting suspects being held in jail. ('밧줄 호송' 사라진다…경찰, 이달까지 '벨트 포승' 보급 마무리) 2. A quick-thinking bus driver in Seoul stopped a woman who appeared to be getting ready to jump off a bridge as he was driving on his route. (빗속 양화대교 난간에 올라선 시민…버스기사와 승객이 구조) 3. Star volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung could play her first game in Korea in 17 months this Saturday at the 2022 Korean Volleyball Federation Cup. (김연경, 13일 KOVO컵 개막전으로 국내 복귀 기대) Movie Spotlight: Hot off the success of the smash hit series “Squid Game”, actor Lee Jung-jae’s directorial debut hit Korean theaters this week, “Hunt (헌트)”. Critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet give their thoughts on the espionage-action movie, as well as a new Netflix action movie, “Carter (카터)” by director Jeong Byeong-gil. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates will visit South Korea from Monday and meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol. - On Tuesday, the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) will launch an investigation into whether Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and ONE store violated the country's in-app payment laws. - South Korea and the U.S. are set to start preliminary military drills from Tuesday ahead of their combined Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise later this month.

Korea24 – 2022.08.05. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea’s first lunar orbiter, Danuri, has successfully been launched into outer space. It is now on its designated trajectory to the moon. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to discuss South Korea's 6.3% inflation in July, the steepest rise in almost 24 years. We also discuss the government and dairy farmers being at odds over a pricing system for milk. And we also look at the government's controversial plan to end the mandatory shutdown rules for large supermarkets. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Lee Yong-soo, a survivor of Japan’s wartime sex slavery, was injured as she was dragged away by security personnel at the National Assembly on Thursday, as she attempted to meet with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. (펠로시 만나려던 이용수 할머니 부상) 2. An Iraqi man reportedly threw a bundle of cash worth 22 million won into the air in a street in Seoul’s Nowon District on Thursday night. (노원구 거리서 현금 2200만 원 뿌린 외국인…직접 분실신고) 3. Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt will be visiting South Korea for the first time in 8 years later this month to promote his latest film “Bullet Train.” (브래드 피트, 8년 만에 내한) Movie Spotlight: The Korean blockbuster season is in full swing, and we review two out now in cinemas this week. Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet provide their thoughts on “Hansan: Rising Dragon (한산: 용의 출현)”, a prequel to the 2014 smash hit “The Admiral: Roaring Currents”, and the air-disaster movie “Emergency Declaration (비상선언)”. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - The South Korean government is expected to announce next week measures to tame inflation in preparation for the Chuseok holiday. - Foreign Minister Park Jin will visit China next Monday and meet with his counterpart Wang Yi. - High jump star Woo Sang-hyeok will compete in a Diamond League event in Monaco next Thursday.

Korea24 – 2022.07.22. (Friday) News Briefing: Rival political parties reached an agreement on the organization of standing committees for the second half of the 21st National Assembly, ending a 53-day vacuum in parliament. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The Yoon administration unveiled their tax reform plan on Thursday, proposing sweeping cuts, including corporate tax and the first income tax cut in 15 years. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to give his assessment of the proposal. He also gives his thoughts on the prolonged strike by unionized subcontract workers at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, which was finally resolved on Friday. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The operator of the nation's largest prostitution brokerage website has been extradited to Korea 10 months after being arrested in the Philippines. (‘70만’ 성매매사이트 ‘밤의 전쟁’ 운영자, 필리핀서 강제 송환) 2. The South Korean national men’s basketball team failed to advance to the semifinals of the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup after losing 78-88 to New Zealand. ('이대성·최준용 퇴장' 남자 농구, 뉴질랜드에 분패…아시아컵 4강 좌절) 3. The number of buses operating on a route to Iseltwald village in Switzerland is set to increase due to demand after appearing on the hit K-Drama series, “Crash Landing on You.” (“사랑의 불시착 효과”… 스위스 호수마을, 버스까지 늘렸다) Movie Spotlight: The sci-fi fantasy action film “Alienoid (외계+인 1부)” hit theaters this week, kick starting the local summer blockbuster season. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us in the studio to give their review on the ambitious film, as well as a new US$200 million Netflix action film, “The Gray Man (그레이맨), starring Ryan Gosling. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - Indonesian President Joko Widodo will arrive in South Korea next Wednesday for a bilateral summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol. - The National Assembly will hold a three-day interpellation session on government policies from Monday. - Veterans Affairs Minister Park Min-shik will travel to Washington DC next week to attend the unveiling of a new Korean War memorial monument.

Korea24 – 2022.07.15. (Friday) News Briefing: The South Korean won has fallen to the lowest point against the US dollar in 13 years, amid concerns over inflation and tightening monetary policies. It closed at 1,326.10 won per dollar. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Earlier this week, the Bank of Korea raised its key interest rate by a historic 50 basis points. Meanwhile, South Korea and the US are reportedly considering a currency swap deal as the Korean won continues to depreciate against the US dollar. And latest government figures show South Korea’s job growth slowed moderately in June. To provide analysis on these topics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. South Korea ranked 40th out of 52 nations in a survey on the best places to live in the world for foreigners. (“한국, ‘외국인 살기 좋은 나라’ 52개국 중 40위…의료는 2위”) 2. 24 visitors to an amusement park in Gyeongju were trapped on a roller coaster at a height of 55 meters for almost 50 minutes after the ride malfunctioned. (아파트 20층 높이서 멈춰선 롤러코스터…공포의 '50분') 3. A previously unknown self-portrait by artist Vincent Van Gogh has been discovered hidden behind another painting via X-ray. (반 고흐 미공개 자화상 137년만에 발견) Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us in the studio to review a new Korean action film starring Jang Hyuk, called “The Killer: A Girl who Deserves to Die (더 킬러: 죽어도 되는 아이)”, as well as “Elvis (엘비스)”, Baz Luhrmann’s biopic on the legendary rock and roll star, Elvis Presley. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - The Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong will meet the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Tuesday in Seoul to discuss global economic issues. - South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin is reportedly planning a visit to Japan next week to meet with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss bilateral ties. - High jumper Woo Sang-hyeok will be aiming to become the first Korean to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Monday.

Korea24 – 2022.07.08. (Friday) News Briefing: The ethics committee of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) has handed down a six-month suspension on leader Lee Jun-seok over allegations of destroying evidence related to a sexual bribery case. However, Lee has said he will not be stepping down. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): It was announced this week that South Korea's consumer prices rose 6% on-year in June, which is the fastest growth in nearly 24 years. Meanwhile, the Yoon administration announced that it will rein in the fiscal deficit to within 3% of the nation's GDP. And the head of the IMF warned that the risk of a global economic recession is on the rise. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to discuss these developments. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. South Korea’s first monkeypox patient has been discharged from the hospital after being in quarantine for 15 days. (국내 원숭이두창 첫 확진자 격리해제…"건강상태 양호") 2. Prosecutors are seeking a six-month prison sentence for Park Kyung-seok, the co-chair of a civic group representing people with disabilities, for disrupting bus operations during an undeclared protest last year. ('버스운행 방해' 박경석 전장연 공동대표, 징역 6개월 구형) 3. South Korea has been grouped with Japan for next year's World Baseball Classic. (돌아온 WBC, 시작부터 한일전…본선 조편성 발표) Movie Spotlight: The 26th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival opened on Thursday, one of the largest film festivals in Asia focusing on genre films. This is the first time the event is being held fully in person after the last two editions were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Film critic Darcy Paquet joins us on the line from Bucheon to tell us about the lineup and the opening night. Next Week In Seoul with Chris Welsh: - The Bank of Korea is expected to raise the key interest rate by 50 basis points at its policy meeting next Wednesday. - Some Korean convenience stores will begin the testing of delivery drones. - Premier League’s Tottenham Hotspurs will play in two exhibition matches in Korea next week.

Korea24 – 2022.07.01. (Friday) News Briefing: A heat wave has struck most parts of South Korea with monsoon rains subsiding. But Typhoon Aere is forecast to hit the peninsula next week. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announced it was raising electricity rates by the maximum level under the current pricing system this week. This has raised concerns over its potential impact on inflation. Meanwhile, the minimum wage for next year is set to be raised by 5%, and the Yoon administration has negatively assessed government funded “job projects”. For analysis on these topics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Food delivery drivers are quitting their jobs as demand for food deliveries have dropped since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. (집콕 끝난 배달 시장 라이더 이탈 가속) 2. Customs authorities booked a delivery worker who attempted to smuggle marijuana in parcels sent from the US, with the drugs hidden in small dolls. (인형 뱃속에 무언가?…택배기사가 고객 정보로 마약 밀수) 3. Fire service authorities are trying to determine what led a 20-story building in downtown Seoul to shake for some five minutes on Friday. (종로 르메이에르 빌딩 흔들림 신고) Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us to review “Decision To Leave (헤어질 결심)”, which won Director Park Chan-wook the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. They also review “TopGun: Maverick”, the sequel to the 1986 blockbuster starring Tom Cruise, which has already grossed over $1billion worldwide. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - The Democratic Party (DP) is set to elect a new National Assembly speaker next Monday. - An internal ethics panel of the People Power Party (PPP) is set to make its ruling on party chairperson Lee Jun-seok(이준석) in relation to allegations of sexual bribery. - Spanish football team Sevilla FC is arriving in Seoul next Friday ahead of a friendly with the English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur.

Korea24 – 2022.06.17.(금) News Briefing: President Yoon Suk Yeol spoke on the phone with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, and urged the UNSC to sternly respond to N.Korea's nuclear and missile threats. (Koo Hee-jin) In-depth News Analysis(WeeklyEconomy Review): Economics professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins the show to help us digest the week’s hottest economic issues. We discuss the US Federal Reserve biggest interest rate hike in 28 years and the outlook for the Bank of Korea's rate decisions in the coming months, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's economic policy directions, and more. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The defense ministry will begin a six-month trial program next week, extending the hours conscripts can use their mobile phones. Three types of time slots will be tested, from minimal hours to 24/7. (병사도 24시간 휴대전화 소지하나...연말까지 시범운영) 2. The KDCA emphasized the proper way to wear a face mask during Thursday's regular briefing, including changing to a new one when a mask gets wet. This comes as some raised concerns over the spread of COVID-19 at concerts known to spray water at the audience. (싸이 흠뻑쇼, 젖은 마스크 위험"… 다시 보는 올바른 마스크 착용법) 3. "American Song Contest" winner AleXa will perform at a red carpet event for “Top Gun: Maverick” in Seoul in Sunday. Tom Cruise will make his tenth visit to South Korea, along with other cast members of the highest grossing movie of the year in the US. (알렉사, 톰 크루즈 환영한다…'탑건' 레드카펫 축하 무대) Movie Spotlight: Director Park Hoon-jung is back with “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One(마녀2),” a sequel to the 2018 film which launched Kim Da-mi's successful acting career. In the sequel, rookie actor Shin Shi-a comes in as the new lead. Film critics Darcy Paquet and Jason Bechervaise also review the animated film “Lightyear(버즈 라이트이어),” a Toy Story spin-off by Pixar. Next Week from Seoul with Richard Larkin: Richard shares some events to look out for in the coming week, including teen swimming sensation Hwang Sun-woo’s medal quest at the 19th FINA World Championships in Budapest.

Korea24 – 2022.06.10. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea posted its first current account deficit in two years in April. This comes as the soaring prices of oil and raw materials pushed up imports and overseas dividend payments expanded. (Koo Hee-jin) n-Depth News Analysis(Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk discusses details of the unionized truckers' strike which enetered its fourth day on Friday, a new report finding that South Korea has the highest household debt-to-GDP ratio among 36 major economies, and the OECD raising its inflation outlook for 2022, while slashing its growth outlook. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna will be joining hands with the Culture Ministry to promote the beauty of Hanbok. Ten companies will be chosen to design and make new Hanbok, and Kim will be directly involved in the planning and promotion. (김연아, 전 세계에 한복 알린다...한복 상품 개발 참여) 2. The KFA announced on Thursday that Jung Woo-young (Al-Sadd) would be released from the men's national football team for its June friendlies, due to injury. The squad is set to play against Paraguay and Egypt without the reliable midfielder. (정우영, 발목-정강이 부상으로 대표팀 하차) 3. BTS dropped their new album “Proof” on Friday. The anthology album combines the past nine years of the group since their debut, consisting of 48 tracks including three new songs. They will make media appearances from next week. (방탄소년단, “Proof”로 컴백) Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jase Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review Hirokazu Kore-eda's latest film Broker(브로커), for which actor Song Kang-ho won his first Cannes award in the Best Actor category. Our critics also review Missing Yoon(윤시내가 사라졌다) by director Kim Jin-hwa, which was invited to this year's Jeonju IFF. Next Week from Seoul: Richard Larkin flags up some major events to look out for next week, including the Finance Ministry’s announcement of the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations economic policies.

Korea24 – 2022.06.03. (Friday) News Briefing: Inflation in South Korea has reached a near-14 year high, with latest government data showing that consumer prices had gone up by 5.4% on-year in May. The Bank of Korea has warned the inflation rate is expected to remain in the five percent range in June and July as well. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to give his analysis on the 14-year high inflation rate in South Korea. He also gives his thoughts on the record 62 trillion won budget that was passed by the National Assembly to support small businesses on Sunday, as well as a recent ruling by the Supreme Court related to the peak wage system. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The name for the new presidential office in Yongsan has been narrowed to 5 final contenders. (대통령 집무실 새 이름 후보 5개로 압축) 2. South Korea lost to Brazil 5-1 in the highly anticipated football friendly match in Seoul on Wednesday. (축구대표팀 브라질에 5대 1 완패) 3. Turkey has officially changed its name to Turkiye at the United Nations. (터키 국호 '튀르키예'로 변경, 유엔 승인) Movie Spotlight: The latest in the Jurassic World franchise, Jurassic World Dominion (쥬라기 월드: 도미니언), hit theaters in Korea this week. Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet give their thoughts on the film. They also review a local drama called Cassiopeia (카시오페아), starring the veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - South Korea and China will hold bilateral defense ministerial talks during the Asia Security Summit next Friday. - Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dmytro Senik will arrive in Seoul on Monday for a three-day visit. - South Korea will face Chile in its second men's national football friendly match this month. - K-Pop group BTS will release their new album "Proof" next Friday.

Korea24 – 2022.04.15. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea has decided to lift all social distancing measures, except mask wearing, starting Monday. It comes more than two years since the first set of restrictions were put in place. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): On Thursday, the Bank of Korea raised its key interest rate to its highest rate since August 2019… in a move to contain rising inflationary pressure. The central bank's monetary policy board unanimously voted to raise the policy rate by a quarter of a percentage point to one-point-five percent. To take a closer look at the decision, Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. KBS has found that the domain "독도.com" - Dokdo in Korean - is linked to a page on Japan's foreign ministry website, which carries their territorial claims over the islets. (독도.com 입력하니 ‘다케시마’…독도 ‘한글 도메인’ 선점한 일본) 2. Police in Seoul are investigating a man who repeatedly kicked a stranger’s parked car for no apparent reason. (길가던 남성, 발길 돌리더니… 딸 혼자 탄 차에 ‘공포의 발길질’) 3. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reaffirmed his intent to acquire the social networking service Twitter. (일론 머스크 "트위터 인수, 충분한 재산 있다…이사회 거부 시 '플랜B'") Movie Spotlight: The latest film from the Harry Potter franchise, ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (신비한 동물들과 덤블도어의 비밀)’, hit cinemas this week. Meanwhile, ‘Yaksha: Ruthless Operations (야차) was released on Netflix, reaching Top 3 on the streaming services global chart. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet give their reviews on these films. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - South Korea will lift all social distancing restrictions from Monday. - U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, arrives in Seoul on Monday. - Confirmation hearing for the Bank of Korea governor nominee will take place Tuesday. - Annual nighttime tours of Changdeok Palace will begin from next Thursday.

Korea24 – 2022.04.08. (Friday) News Briefing: Health authorities have revealed that they are mulling a readjustment of the infectious disease level of COVID-19 from a Class One to Class Two disease. This comes as the nation saw the daily caseload remain in the 200-thousand range for a fourth day. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Concerns over inflation reached new levels this week, after it was revealed that consumer prices for the month of March had risen by 4.1 percent, the highest on-year rise in over 10 years. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to assess the situation. We also discuss the national debt, which rose to a record high last year, and negotiations over next year’s minimum wage. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The UN General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council over serious human rights violations in Ukraine. (러시아, 유엔 인권이사회서 퇴출…93개국 찬성) 2. Former President Park Geun-hye has declared her support for lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha, who is set to run in the Daegu mayoral election in June. (박근혜 "고통스러웠던 시간 함께해"…유영하 지지선언) 3. The Samsung Thunders of the Korean Basketball League has appointed Eun Hee-seok, who heads Yonsei University’s basketball team, as their new coach. (‘파격 인사’ 서울 삼성, 연세대 은희석 감독 선임) Movie Spotlight: The highly-regarded US filmmaker Richard Linklater is back with another coming-of-age animated feature, ‘Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood (아폴로 10 1/2: 스페이스 에이지 어드벤처)’. Meanwhile, a new local independent drama has hit movie theaters in Korea: ‘The Girl on a Bulldozer (불도저에 탄 소녀)’ starring the promising young actress Kim Hye-yoon. Critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet give their verdict on the films. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - Free rapid antigen tests at COVID-19 test sites and public health centers nationwide will be discontinued from next week. - President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol will embark on a regional tour next week, starting with the southeastern city of Daegu. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a virtual speech to the South Korean parliament next Monday.

In this Episode 22 of the 'NoSoKoPo', we bring you PART TWO of Jay & Tim's interview with the multi-talented Eugene Kim - Eugene Kim is a translator, language tutor and more & she's someone we've both been acquainted with for some time, and whom Tim has collaborated with.In Part Two so much is discussed with Eugene and subjects include: Tips for anyone wanting to become a translator, whether computers (or A.I.) will ever completely take over from humans in the world of translation, how things may have changed or trends Eugene may have witnessed over time, the growing popularity of Korean literature and how fans of other aspects of Korean culture often get interested in novels and writing, and Eugene's words on motherhood. The subject of mental health is touched on too and we even chat briefly about Mind in Kingston. Lastly, Jay and Tim can't resist informing Eugene about their recent Korean reads, namely "To The Warm Horizon" by Choi Jin-young and "Grass" by Keum Suk Gendry-Kim.And if Colette Balmain and/or Darcy Paquet happen to listen to our podcast/s, they may catch Eugene and us speaking a little about them also! If you missed Part One, subjects covered include Eugene's experiences in the UK and Canada, her work with the magazine/online publication, "Nabillera", how Gothic literature has played a part in Ms Kim's work and working with the KCCUK's Korean Literature Nights as well as the book which Eugene and Tim worked on: "My Itchy Middle Finger" (손가락이 간질간질), by Kang Byoung Yoong.CORRECTION: A small but important piece of information provided in Part 1 [episode 21] was incorrect, and we mention this at the beginning of this new episode [ep. 22] - we have since corrected this for the audio version of the NoSoKoPo across all platforms, and for the video version we have edited the description to include details of this oversight, which is essentially this:In Part 1 of this interview, it was stated that "Nabillera" is from a poem by 정지용 (Jung Chi-yong). It is actually by 조지훈 (Cho Chi-hun).Finally - and perhaps to make up for that oversight - here is some additional information regarding that poem, which, as Eugene quite rightly states, is called "Sing-mu” (승무):It is also known as “The Nun's Dance", and this information (and more) can also be found on the Nabillera website's "About" section... Link is below. FURTHER INFO:Details about subjects covered in this episode can be found here:EUGENE KIM:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-kim-ba8b8019b/https://twitter.com/udolkimNABILLERAhttps://nabillerakorea.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Nabillera[JASON and TIMOTHY's podcast episodes can ALSO be found in this PLAYLIST: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi-ZZE-1zF1M50lsEie0d_oqMm2Tq3i-J]#KBCEuk#KBCE#NewMalden#KoreaTownInterview conducted / filmed on on 13th December 2021.The music featured in this show is by the wonderful Kaya:http://www.kaya-music.co.ukSHOW INFO: The Not So Korean Podcast with Jay & Tim is recorded live from New Malden, the UK and Europe's largest Koreatown. We bring you news, topics of conversation, and interviews related to the Korean community and K-Culture.LINKS:http://www.Instagram.com/NotSoKoreanPodcasthttp://www.Facebook.com/NotSoKoreanPodcastPODCAST:YouTube: https://YouTube.com/JasonVerneySpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/011IZHc3G4yl39Ep2BF6OXiTunes / Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-not-so-korean-podcast/id1576936240Amazon Music/Podcasts AudibleGoogle PodcastsSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-not-so-korean-podcast[and all good Podcast platforms]VIDEO / SOUND:Edited & Engineered by Jason VerneyARTWORK:Designed [but not Drawn] by Jason Verney

Korea24 – 2022.04.01. (Friday) News Briefing: The government has eased social distancing rules once again, raising the cap on private gatherings to ten, and relaxing business hour curfews for restaurants and cafes to midnight. Officials have said that these could be the last set of changes before all restrictions - except indoor mask-wearing - are lifted, if a "definite" decline in daily COVID-19 cases is seen over the next two weeks. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Last week, President Moon Jae-in tapped Rhee Chang-yong, a senior official at the International Monetary Fund, to be the next Bank of Korea governor. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line to assess his credentials and what he might bring to the role. We also take a look at South Korea's record export and import figures in March, and the possibility of further fuel tax cuts amid rising international energy prices. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Text messages between the victim and suspect of the ‘Gapyeong Valley Murder Case’, who is on the run, resurfaced online shocking many in South Korea. ("너무 배고파, 만원만"…'가평 계곡 익사' 남편, 이은해에게 보낸 카톡보니) 2. Lotte Department Store has caused controversy after adopting a strict new dress code for employees working in their stores. (“셔츠 1cm 보이고,긴 카디건·발목 양말X” 롯데百 복장규제 논란) 3. A college student was detained by police for vandalism and removing summit stones from mountains due to stress from his part-time job. ('정상석 미스터리' 범인은…'홧김에 돌 굴린' 대학생) Movie Spotlight: First up for review by our critics, Marc Raymond and Darcy Paquet, this week is Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast (벨파스트)’, a semi-biographical film of life in the title city in 1969 amidst a particularly violent period of sectarian conflict. It was nominated for 7 Academy Awards and won Best Original Screenplay last week. The other is a local gangster movie, ‘Hot Blooded (뜨거운 피)’, set in 1990’s Busan, starring Jeong Woo.

Korea24 – 2022.03.18. (Friday) News Briefing: President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol has officially launched his transition team and he has stressed that priority will be given to the needs of the general public and national interests. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2018, starting its efforts to battle the spiraling inflation. Meanwhile, Russia has managed to avert defaulting on its foreign debt despite increasing international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. To discuss these developments and its potential impact, including here in South Korea, Economic Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. A new variant of COVID-19 has been reported in Israel that contains elements of the omicron and stealth omicron variants. (이스라엘서 오미크론+스텔스오미크론 변이 발견) 2. A museum in Russia has requested the early return of artworks by artist Kazimir Malevich that are on display at an exhibition in Seoul. (러시아의 화풀이?…“한국에 전시 중인 미술품 반환해라”) 3. The Kiwoom Heroes have controversially signed its former shortstop, Kang Jung-ho, despite having previously been virtually expelled from the KBO after 3 DUI’s. (키움, 강정호와 계약…KBO에 임의해지 복귀 승인 요청) Movie Spotlight: The iconic veteran actor Choi Min-sik stars in a new film, 'In Our Prime (이상한 나라의 수학자)' that tells the story of a North Korean defector and mathematician, who is working as a security guard at an elite high school. Also out this week is ‘Spencer (스펜서), a biopic of Princess Diana, starring Kristen Stewart. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet provide their thoughts on the films. Next Week From Seoul with Richard Larkin: - Amended social distancing rules start Monday, with caps on private gatherings in South Korea going up from six to eight people. - Former President Park Geun-hye is expected to be discharged from hospital. - Professor Bae Il-hwan and students of Ewha Womans University's College of Music will begin lunchtime concerts in front of the Russian Embassy to wish for peace in Ukraine.

Korea24 – 2022.02.11. (Friday) News Briefing: Despite the growing COVID-19 case count, South Korea’s health authorities are mulling adjustments to social distancing rules, including changes to the COVID-19 pass system. The government is also considering a cap on the price of rapid antigen test kits amid supply concerns. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Another pandemic-related extra budget worth 54 trillion won is currently being discussed at the National Assembly. But the finance minister is warning against raising the budget too high. Meanwhile, new data has shown that South Korea’s working age population is estimated to drop significantly by 2030. For analysis on these issues, Economics Professor Kim Young-han (김영한) from SungKyunKwan (성균관) University joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The Supreme Court has upheld a 30-year prison sentence for a couple convicted of killing their eight-year-old daughter through years of abuse. (8살 딸 대소변 먹이고 살해한 20대 부부...징역 30년 확정) 2. Concerns are growing over the availability of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests after reports of people hoarding the self-test kits. ("약국 6곳 돌았다" "한꺼번에 25개 구입" …자가검사키트 사재기 시작됐다) 3. The two stars of the smash hit K-Drama series ‘Crash Landing on You’, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, announced their engagement on Thursday. (현빈-손예진, 황재균-지연 결혼발표) Movie Spotlight: Hercule Poirot is back! The latest Agatha Christie novel adaptation by Kenneth Branagh, ‘Death On The Nile’ hit cinemas in Korea this week. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet give their review. They also give their reactions to the nominations for the 94th Academy Awards announced on Tuesday. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - The government will announce its plans on second booster shots next week. Health authorities will also introduce the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. - The Beijing Winter Olympics continue, with short track skating, speed skating and the women’s figure skating to watch out for next week.

Korea24 – 2022.02.04. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea has decided to maintain current social distancing regulations for another two weeks. This comes as the nation saw another record daily COVID-19 tally of 27,443 infections. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Korean Politics Digest): The presidential candidates from Korea’s four main political parties faced off against each other in a televised debate on Thursday evening. It was a much anticipated event, especially as the two leading contenders remain largely neck-and-neck in the polls. To provide the analysis, Affiliate Professor Kim Byung-joo from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The Bank of Korea revealed that it disposed of more than 2 trillion won in banknotes and coins last year, due to damage. (불타고 물에 젖은 손상화폐 2조 원… "롯데타워 241배 높이”) 2. South Korea’s women’s national football team advanced to the finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time on Thursday. (한국 여자축구, 사상 첫 아시안컵 결승 진출...결승 상대는 중국) 3. K-pop star HyunA and rapper Dawn hinted at being engaged on their social media accounts. (현아-던, SNS 프로포즈) Movie Spotlight: Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review two local releases that went head-to-head at the box office during the Lunar New Year Holiday. The first is the action-adventure sequel ‘The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure’ (해적: 도깨비 깃발), followed by the political thriller ‘King Maker’ (킹메이커). Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - With the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics kicking off on Friday, Mark rounds up some of the key events to look out for involving Team Korea.

Korea24 – 2022.01.14. (Friday) News Briefing: North Korea has fired what the South Korean military believe to be two ballistic missiles. It is the third test launch by the regime in 9 days. This comes after Pyongyang publicly warned earlier in the day of a "stronger and certain" response to the announcement of new sanctions by the US. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): For this week’s Review, we take a look at some of the key economic policies by the four main party candidates and assess their feasibility with Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea. They include the ruling Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung promising to make South Korea the world’s fifth strongest economy, and the main opposition People Power Party’s Yoon Suk Yeol pledging to introduce a system for rent to be shared by the lessor, lessee and the state for small businesses. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The Supreme Court has sentenced a former HR manager of KB Kookmin Bank to one year in prison for tampering with the company’s hiring process to hire more men. ('여성 112명 점수 조작해 남성 합격' 국민은행 전 인사담당자 징역 1년 확정) 2. The Legoland Korea Resort is set to open on May 5th (Children’s Day) in Gangwon Province, 11 years after it first broke ground. (‘레고랜드’ 5월 개장 앞뒀지만…수천 억 부채 상환은 ‘걱정’) 3. The “Baby Shark Dance” video has become the first video on YouTube to surpass ten billion views. ('핑크퐁 아기상어 체조’ 세계 최초 100억뷰 영상 등극) Movie Spotlight: This week our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review director Steven Spielberg’s take on the classic musical ‘West Side Story (웨스트 사이드 스토리)’, as well as local action film ‘Special Delivery (특송)’, starring Park So-dam, best known for her role as Ki-jung or Jessica in the Oscar winning film Parasite. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - From next Monday private gatherings will be allowed to be up to six people from the current four, in updated COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. - President Moon Jae-in will embark on a three nation tour of the Middle East from January 15 to the 22. - Next week, a Seoul court will rule on Olympic speed skating champion Shim Suk-hee’s(심석희) last-ditch effort to compete at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Korea24 – 2022.01.07. (Friday) News Briefing: The government is seeking to revamp COVID-19 antivirus measures, taking into account the possibility of the omicron variant becoming the dominant strain. Meanwhile, the government has also asked its courts to make a swift ruling on its COVID-19 pass system to help minimize confusion. (KOO Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): South Korea announced on Thursday a range of measures to lessen the financial burden on the public ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio to take a closer look at those measures, as well as delving into the country's consumer prices last year and the economic growth outlook for this year. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Police have caught the Osstem Implant employee who embezzled over 188 billion won in company funds. (오스템 횡령 직원 윗선 개입 주장, 사측은 개입 부인) 2. The price of coffee at Starbucks in South Korea is set to go up starting next Thursday. (스타벅스, 커피값 결국 올린다…‘아메리카노 4500원’) 3. The Korean volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung has been ranked the number 1 female player in the history of the sport, according to the volleyball news and database site, Volleybox. (김연경 '전세계 전-현직 여자 선수 4만3831명중 TOP 1') Movie Spotlight: Two local releases are up for review for the first time in a while. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet provide their verdict on the ensemble holiday romcom ‘A Year- End Medley (해피 뉴 이어) and a gritty police thriller ‘The Policeman’s Lineage (경관의 피)’ Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - Anti-viral COVID-19 pills are set to arrive in Korea Thursday. - Korail’s train tickets for the Lunar New Year holiday will go on sale from next Tuesday to Thursday. - The final round of the national team trials in figure skating will take place on Sunday, to see who will represent Team Korea at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics.

Korea24 – 2021.12.17. (Friday) News Briefing: The government has announced a 4.3 trillion won plan to help support small businesses following the decision to tighten social distancing rules. Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum apologized on Friday for once again forcing small business owners to bear the brunt of the financial impact caused by the latest measures. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The government’s plan for small businesses begins with cash handouts of 1 million won for some 3.2 million small business owners who have suffered a decline in sales. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to take a closer look at the plan, as well as review the Bank of Korea’s forecast that inflation will remain in the two-percent range for longer than expected, and the end of Korea’s currency swap deal with the US. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. A military court has handed down a 9-year prison sentence to a noncommissioned officer (NCO) in the Air Force for sexually assaulting a fellow NCO who later died in an apparent suicide. (군법원, 공군 이중사 성추행가해자에 징역 9년…유족 반발) 2. Convicted child rapist Cho Doo-soon was attacked at his home in Ansan by a man in his 20’s, who made his way into Cho’s house by pretending to be a police officer. (조두순, 집에 침입한 20대 남성에 피습) 3. An off-duty veteran police officer in Busan caught a member of a voice phishing organization as the criminal was depositing money at an ATM machine. ("나 ATM 급해" 다짜고짜 시비 건 경찰, 피싱범 잡았다) Movie Spotlight: The highly anticipated Marvel blockbuster ‘SpiderMan: No Way Home’ has hit theaters in Korea, with already over a million admissions in the first two days. Our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet discuss whether it lives up to the hype, as well as review director Jane Campion’s acclaimed Western, ‘The Power of the Dog’. They also discuss what the latest COVID-19 restrictions in Korea could mean for the local film industry. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - Schools in the capital region will go back to more online classes from next week until winter vacation begins later this month. - Defense Minister Suh Wook will visit Thailand and Singapore next week to meet with his counterparts and boost bilateral defense cooperation. - Next week the finance ministry plans to unveil its 2022 economic policy directions.

Korea24 – 2021.12.10. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said nations need to develop a capacity to purge fake news in order to safeguard democracy. He made such comments at the Summit for Democracy hosted by US President Joe Biden. The virtual international conference is taking place as Seoul is trying to manage a diplomatic balancing act amid the growing US-China rivalry. (KOO Heejin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): This week we take a look at some new data that painted a grim picture of South Korea’s declining population, a slowdown in South Korea’s bank loans to households in November, and reports that the US Federal Reserve is considering speeding up the bond tapering timetable. Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us once again to dig deeper into these issues. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. KDCA chief Jeong Eun-kyeong has stressed the importance of COVID-19 vaccines in response to two petitions on the presidential office’s website. (‘방역패스 반대’ 여론에 靑 조기 답변 “청소년 안전성 인정받아”) 2. The Supreme Court has upheld the 13-year prison sentence for the disgraced former national speed skating coach Cho Jae-beom. ('쇼트트랙 국가대표 성폭행' 조재범 전 코치 징역13년 확정) 3. A special performance video of ‘Super Tuna’, a trot song by BTS member Jin, has taken the internet by storm. (방탄소년단 진 '슈퍼참치' 빌보드 핫 트렌딩 송) Movie Spotlight: This week our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review two international features. First up is the latest from writer-director Adam McKay in a star-filled satire called ‘Don’t Look Up’ (돈룩업). The second is the Palme D’Or winner at the 2021 Cannes Films Festival, titled ‘Titane’ (티탄), a horror-thriller written and directed by French filmmaker Julia Ducournau in only her second feature. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - President Moon Jae-in will make a state visit to Australia, leaving on Sunday. - The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a three-day state visit to South Korea starting from Thursday. - COVID-19 inoculation programs will begin at schools from next week, as part of efforts to pick up the pace of vaccinations among teenagers.

Korea24 – 2021.12.03. (Friday) News Briefing: The government has decided to tighten gathering restrictions and expand entry passes in a bid to curb the latest COVID-19 resurgence and prevent a further spread of the new omicron variant. Private gatherings will be limited to six people in the capital region and eight people elsewhere. Entry passes for those fully vaccinated will be required at restaurants and coffee shops, among others. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): South Korea posted a record monthly high in exports last month, passing the 60 billion US dollar mark for the first time. Meanwhile, South Korea's consumer prices grew at the steepest on-year pace in almost a decade. And the OECD revised up South Korea’s growth forecast for next year by 0.1 percent to now 3 percent. To help explain what these numbers mean for South Korea’s overall economic health, Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Police in South Korea will introduce a domestically-developed taser in the first half of next year, in response to the mishandling of a knife-attack incident last month. (경찰, 3연발 가능한 ‘한국형 테이저건’ 도입…‘원터치’로 병력 요청도) 2. Footballer Son Heung-min was voted ‘King of the Match’ after he led Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-0 win over Brentford on Thursday. ('EPL 5호골' 손흥민, 시즌 5번째 '킹 오브 더 매치') 3. People in Korea were looking up reports on Greece’s plans to make vaccinations mandatory for older age groups. (그리스, 60세 이상 백신 안 맞으면 벌금형) Movie Spotlight: Our film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us to review Edgar Wright’s ‘Last Night In Soho (라스트 나잇 인 소호)’, the British filmmaker’s dark love letter to London, as well as a Korean animation ‘Chun Tae-il (태일이)’ that tells the story about the life of the revered labor activist who died in 1970. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - New restrictions on private gatherings and the expansion of the vaccine entry pass system will begin next Monday. - President Moon Jae-in will attend the Summit for Democracy next Tuesday and Wednesday. - The environmental ministers of South Korea, China, and Japan will hold their annual meeting next Tuesday in Seoul. - The K-pop industry’s largest annual year-end music awards show, the Mnet Asian Music Awards(MAMAs), will take place next Saturday.

Korea24 – 2021.11.19. (Friday) News Briefing: Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum convened an emergency meeting with the heads of 22 general hospitals in the capital region to secure additional beds for critical COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, health authorities reported more than three-thousand new COVID-19 cases for a third consecutive day. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Statistics Korea announced on Thursday that the nation’s household income in the third quarter this year grew at its fastest on-year pace since the government began compiling such data in 2006, due to recovery from the pandemic, as well as the government's emergency relief funds. Meanwhile, a survey found six out of ten adults in Korea do not feel they will be able to climb the socioeconomic ladder. And another report found that the employment rate for university graduates in South Korea ranked 31st among 37 OECD members. For a deeper analysis of these figures, Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us in the studio. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. New research has traced the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic back to a female seafood vendor at the Huanan Market in Wuhan, China. ("코로나19 최초 환자는 中우한 수산시장 노점상") 2. Exiled Korean-American singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung-jun) continues his case requesting the South Korean government to allow him to enter the country, with his lawyers claiming there is no evidence that he had received notification of his mandatory military service. (유승준, 소송서 새 주장 "입영통지서 받았는지도 불분명") 3. The KT Wiz have won the KBO Korean Series, sweeping the Doosan Bears in four games to claim their first championship title. (‘막내’ KT, 두산과의 한국시리즈 4전 전승…통합우승 금자탑) Movie Spotlight: Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us to review the debut directorial feature by actress Jo Eun-ji (조은지), called PERHAPS LOVE (장르만 로맨스), a comedy about a washed-up writer and his complicated relationships. They also review Wes Anderson’s latest, THE FRENCH DISPATCH (프렌치 디스패치), a love letter to The New Yorker magazine in its heyday. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - President Moon Jae-in will hold a televised town hall meeting with members of the public on Sunday evening. - Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvarado Quesada will make a state visit to South Korea next week to hold talks with President Moon Jae-in. - A formal discussion on whether to prohibit dog meat consumption will take place at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum next Thursday.

Korea24 – 2021.11.05. (Friday) News Briefing: Former Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl has won the presidential nomination of the main opposition People Power Party(PPP). In the party’s presidential primary, Yoon grabbed 47-point-85 percent of votes cast in polls of party members and the general public carried out this week. Rep. Hong Joon-pyo garnered 41-point-five percent. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Korean Politics Digest): After a gruelling and contentious primary campaign, the People Power Party have chosen the former Prosecutor General and political outsider Yoon Seok-youl as their presidential candidate. He will now face the ruling Democratic Party’s nominee Lee Jae-myung next March. Affiliate Professor Kim Byung-joo from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies joins us to provide analysis of this result, and to look ahead to the race. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in an appeals court for the adoptive mother of a 16-month-old girl known as Jeong-in, who died last October after suffering from months of abuse. ('정인이 사건' 양모 2심서도 사형 구형…검찰 "지옥서 생활") 2. Starting from the end of this month, the government will normalize the entry of foreign workers on the E-9 visa, lifting COVID-19 related restrictions. ('위드 코로나'로 한발씩…외국인 근로자도 입국 정상화) 3. Amid the shortage of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in Korea, stories of generous acts by people offering the fluid for free or at a low cost has been trending. ("생계 걸린 일, 돈 장난 안해"…요소수 대란 속 당근마켓 나눔글 '훈훈') Movie Spotlight: The latest Marvel blockbuster ‘Eternals’ (이터널스) has hit cinemas, starring Korean action star Ma Dong-suk (aka Don Lee) among the film's long cast list. Helmed by the Oscar winning director Chloe Zhao, we’ll see what critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet think of the film, along with their review of the 1820’s American period drama ‘First Cow’ (퍼스트카우), directed by Kelly Reichardt. Next Week From Seoul with Antony Casey: - Industry Minister Moon Sung-wook(문승욱) will visit the US from Tuesday to meet with officials to discuss the chip crisis. - From next week, an executive order prohibiting the hoarding of diesel exhaust fluid will go into effect. - The government plans to offer nationwide discounts for lodgings to provide a boost for the local economy, amid the nation’s transition to the “living with COVID-19” system.

Korea24 – 2021.10.29. (Friday) News Briefing: The government will enforce the first phase of a gradual transition into a new ‘living with COVID-19’ system from next week, easing curbs on private gatherings and quarantine measures. Starting on Monday, up to ten people can gather for private meetings in the Seoul metro region, and up to 12 in non-capital areas. A COVID-19 vaccine pass system will be adopted for virus-prone entertainment facilities and indoor gyms. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The South Korean government has proposed a record high budget of 604.4 trillion won for next year. President Moon Jae-in said expansionary policies are inevitable as the nation seeks to overcome the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea revealed that South Korea’s economy was estimated to have grown 0.3 percent in the third quarter, casting doubt on whether Korea can achieve the forecasted 4 percent growth this year. And according to data by the BOK, 4 out of 10 companies were not able to pay interest on their loans with operating profits last year. Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea provides his analysis on these topics. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) has put off a decision on apartments that it says are being built illegally near the Gimpo Jangneung Royal Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (김포 장릉 문화재위원회 심의 결과 '보류') 2. South Korea has named Cesar Hernandez Gonzalez, as the head coach for the women’s national volleyball team, after Stefano Lavarini turned down a contract extension. (라바리니 보좌하던 세자르 코치, 여자배구 대표팀 지휘봉) 3. The social networking giant Facebook has rebranded itself as Meta, with ambitions to become known as a “metaverse company” (저커버그 페이스북 CEO "메타버스에 집중…사명 '메타'로 변경") Movie Spotlight: Films by two very prolific, veteran directors are up for review this week. First up is Sir Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel’ (라스트 듀얼). Set in 14th century France, it is reportedly based on a real event; the last officially sanctioned duel to the death in France over a rape charge. Meanwhile, auteur Hong Sang-soo returns with his 26th feature, ‘In Front of Your Face’ (당신 얼굴 앞에서). It tells the story of a former actress, who has been living in the US, returning to Korea to reconnect with her sister. Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us to provide their reviews. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - South Korea will begin reducing the number of COVID-19 vaccination centers next week, as much of the population has now been vaccinated. - President Moon Jae-in will continue his tour of Europe, attending the COP26 climate summit in Scotland from Monday, followed by a state visit to Hungary from Tuesday. - On Friday, the main opposition People Power Party will announce their Presidential candidate.

Korea24 – 2021.10.08. (Friday) News Briefing: The government has announced that it will allow COVID-19 patients who are under 70 years old and showing minor or no symptoms to be treated at home. Meanwhile the interval between Modern vaccine doses will be shortened to four week. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): South Korea’s benchmark stock index KOSPI tumbled below the 3,000-point threshold for the first time in six months this week. Meanwhile foreign direct investment pledges made to South Korea between January and September surged over 40 percent. And the nation's exports hit a record high in September. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to provide expert analysis on all of these issues. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: 1. Military prosecutors are seeking a 15-year prison sentence for an Air Force noncommissioned officer(NCO) accused of sexually assaulting a fellow NCO, who died in an apparent suicide in May. (공군 이중사 성추행 가해자에 징역 15년 구형) 2. A lawmaker has raised concerns that high value items, such as luxury watches and gold bars, are being sold on second-hand marketplace platforms to avoid paying tax. (당근마켓 '명품·골드바 거래' 탈세 우려에…국세청장 "과세 검토) 3. South Korea defeated Syria on Thursday in a World Cup Asian qualifier thanks to a dramatic late goal from captain Son Heung-min. ('손흥민 극장골' 한국, 시리아에 2-1 승리…A조 선두 도약) Movie Spotlight: The 26th edition of the Busan International Film Festival has kicked off in the southern port city, and our critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet are on the ground at the event this year. They join us via phone to tell us about the opening film, Im Sang-soo’s ‘Heaven: To the Land of Happiness’ (행복의 나라로) and what else to look out for this year. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: - South Korea celebrates Hangeul Day on Saturday, with Monday designated an alternative holiday. - The men’s national football team face Iran in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. - The 20th Korea International Art Fair(KIAF) begins next Friday

Korea24 – 2021.09.10. (Friday) News Briefing: The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials(CIO)has booked presidential hopeful and former Prosecutor-General Yoon Seok-youl over political meddling allegations. Yoon is facing four charges, including power abuse, disclosure of official secrets as well as violation of privacy and election laws. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Economics Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea joins us to give his thoughts on economic issues of the week, including the Korea Economic Research Institute(KERI)’s growth forecast of 3.9% for the nation this year, economist Jeffrey Frankel’s warning of the "everything bubble” bursting soon, and President Moon’s pledge to help make South Korea the world’s ‘overwhelming’ shipbuilding leader. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: Former national speed skating coach Cho Jae-beom(조재범)’s prison sentence for sexually assaulting Olympic short track champion Shim Suk-hee(심석희) has been increased to 13 years (성폭행 혐의 조재범, 항소심서 13년 선고). A woman in her 50’s suffering pain for weeks after receiving plastic surgery was found to have taken her own life earlier this year (성형 수술 후 부작용 호소하던 50대 극단적 선택). And former manager of South Korea’s national football team, Guus Hiddink, has announced his retirement (히딩크 감독, 지도자 은퇴 선언). Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet review the action-packed, female-led Hollywood blockbuster, ‘Gunpower Milkshake’, as well as local indie mystery thriller, ‘Good Person’ 좋은 사람, the latest to be produced by the highly acclaimed Korean Academy of Film Arts. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to Seoul starting next Tuesday, trilateral talks among South Korea, US and Japan’s nuclear envoys in Tokyo next Tuesday, “two plus two” talks between South Korea and Australia’s foreign and defense ministers in Seoul next Monday, and Typhoon Chanthu possibly hitting the peninsula next week.

Korea24 – 2021.09.03. (Friday) News Briefing: The government has extended the toughest Level Four social distancing scheme in the capital region and Level Three in other areas by another four weeks to October 3. But some restrictions on gatherings have been eased to accommodate small merchants hit by the pandemic and to account for the increase in vaccinations. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): On Tuesday, South Korea announced its budget proposal for next year worth 604.4 trillion won, up by 8.3% than this year. President Moon Jae-in has said this will secure a complete recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and shore up the domestic economy. However, the record spending plan is raising concerns about its impact on the nation’s fiscal health. Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: Police have revealed the identity of the man who cut off his ankle monitor and killed 2 women last week (전자발찌 훼손 살해범은 전과 14범인 56세 강윤성). Meanwhile, singer U-Know Yunho has issued another apology after being slapped with a fine for violating social distancing rules earlier this year ('유흥주점 심야모임' 유노윤호 거듭 사과 "장소 못 살펴 죄송"). And in the latest World Cup qualifiers, South Korea was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw with Iraq (‘손흥민 침묵’ 한국, WC 최종예선 첫판서 이라크와 0-0 무승부). Movie Spotlight: Marvel's first Asian superhero movie ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ has hit theaters in Korea. Critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet provide their verdict, along with a local coming-of-age film Snowball 최고의 삶, which picked up awards at the Busan International Film Festival last year. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews the emergency relief funds that will be handed out to the bottom 88-percent income bracket from Monday, the foreign minister of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn’s visit South Korea, and the launch of ‘H2KOREA’, a council related to the hydrogen industry involving major conglomerates.

Korea24 – 2021.08.27. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea has strongly condemned the suicide bombings near Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport on Thursday that left dozens dead and more than a hundred injured, calling it an act of terror. Meanwhile, the second and final group of 13 evacuees fleeing Afghanistan have arrived in South Korea via a military transport aircraft. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): South Korea has become the first major Asian economy to raise its benchmark interest rate since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bank of Korea on Thursday raised its key rate from a record low of 0.5% to 0.75%. This comes as household debt and property prices continue to soar. Meanwhile, the central bank’s growth forecast for 2021 remains at 4%. Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea provides a closer look. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: The mother of a young woman who died from a violent altercation with her boyfriend has revealed her daughter’s name and face (서 있지 못할 만큼 맞았다…"살인입니다"). Meanwhile, court proceedings have begun for B.I.(비아이), a former member of the K-pop group, iKON(아이콘), accused of buying and using drugs (檢, '마약 투여' 아이콘 출신 비아이에 징역 3년 구형). And up-and-coming figure skater Kim Chae-yeon(김채연) has impressed at her debut in the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior Grand Prix (피겨 김채연, 주니어그랑프리 데뷔전서 쇼트 2위). Movie Spotlight: Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join us on the line to review a new Korean horror film ‘Guimoon: The Lightless Door’. Starring Kim Kang-woo and Kim So-hye, the film takes place in an abandoned training center with a terrible past. They also provide their thoughts on a Hollywood sci-fi noir ‘Reminiscence’, starring Hugh Jackman. Next Week from Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews the delayed National Assembly plenary session, where revisions to the controversial press arbitration law is set to be put to the vote on Monday. South Korea is set to lift entry restrictions and resume visa-free entry programs for countries within the EU and the Schengen Area from next Wednesday. And train ticket reservations for the Chuseok holiday go on sale next Tuesday.

Korea24 – 2021.08.20. (Friday) News Briefing: Authorities have extended the current COVID-19 social distancing measures by two weeks, with adjustments. Starting Monday, restaurants and cafes in areas under Level Four can only stay open until 9 p.m. Additionally, private gatherings of up to four people are allowed at restaurants and cafes after 6 p.m. if they include two fully vaccinated people. Meanwhile, health authorities are set to begin efforts as early as late September to transition the nation's response management into the so-called "With Corona" system of coexisting with COVID-19. (Koo Hee-jin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Economics Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea joins us on the line as usual, to discuss South Korea recording its first drop in household income since the second quarter of 2017, and the scandal surrounding Merge Point, a local discount app that is now being investigated by financial authorities after it abruptly cut its services, causing chaos among customers. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: A new report has warned that Seoul’s population will shrink to less than three million within a century(100년 뒤 서울 인구 4분의 1토막... 전국 지자체 96%는 소멸 위험). Meanwhile, the last remaining dolphin at a controversial marine animal park on Jeju Island has passed away (마지막 돌고래 '화순이'…결국 수조 안에서 죽었다). And K-pop sensation BTS has announced the cancelation of its Map of The Soul Tour ("불가항력적 코로나"...방탄소년단, 1년 미룬 월드투어 결국 취소). Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet join on the line to discuss ‘Hostage: Missing Celebrity [인질]’, a local meta-action-thriller, starring Hwang Jung-min as himself, and the latest by Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan, with another supernatural mystery thriller, ‘Old’. Next Week From Seoul with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark previews the next round of COVID-19 inoculations set to begin for those aged 18 to 49 from next Thursday, President Moon Jae-in’s summit with Colombian President Iván Duque Márquez on Wednesday, two major revision bills that will be put to the vote at parliament on Wednesday, and the results of an investigation by the Pusan National University(PNU) into Cho Min(조민), the daughter of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk(조국), which are expected to be revealed on Tuesday.

Korea24 – 2021.07.23. (Friday) News Briefing: Rival political parties have agreed to provide ₩250k in emergency relief funds for the bottom 88% income bracket. Meanwhile, level 4 social distancing in the capital region has been extended for another two weeks. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): The leading presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Party currently, Gyeonggi province Governor Lee Jae-myung, announced details of his universal basic income plan. He pledged to provide 2 million won in basic income for each young person every year and 1 million won each for other citizens before the end of the next administration. Professor Yang Jun-sok from the Catholic University of Korea will provide his thoughts on the plan, as well as the latest decision by Fitch Ratings to maintain South Korea's credit rating at "AA-." Going for Gold with Mark Wilson-Choi: We wrap-up our Team Korea preview by looking at medal prospects in gymnastics and swimming, before we look ahead to a busy weekend ahead at Tokyo 2020. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: A Seoul court has rejected a plagiarism suit by an American children’s song composer over the popular children’s song “Baby Shark”(유튜브 조회 90억 '아기상어' 저작권 소송 승소). Meanwhile, the Incheon International Airport Police has reportedly arrested a man in his 40s for illegally making ‘ghost guns’ by assembling smuggled gun parts ("택배 수상한데" 덮쳐보니..총 12자루 나왔다). And a new study suggests more than two-thirds of India’s population may have COVID-19 antibodies, providing yet more evidence that the virus may have spread more widely than official figures suggest (델타 변이 진앙 인도, 확진자 90% 줄어든 이유). Movie Spotlight with Darcy Paquet and Molly Kim: This week we review two new Korean films. The first is a low-budget comedy called ACTION HERO 액션히어로, which won three awards at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival earlier this month. The second film is a romantic comedy released on Netflix last month, called SWEET & SOUR 새콤달콤, starring Jang Ki-yong and Chae Soo-bin, as well as Krystal / Jung Soo-jung, formerly of f(x). What will our critics make of these films?

Korea24 – 2021.07.16. (Friday) News Briefing: South Korea is considering bringing home all members of a naval unit currently on an anti-piracy mission near Africa over fears of a mass outbreak after some members were confirmed with COVID-19. Meanwhile, South Korea continues to see new cases hovering over 1500 prompting President Moon Jae-in to ask citizens to limit their movements and refrain from meeting others as much as possible, calling the weekend a critical period to curb virus spread. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea gives his thoughts on South Korea raising the hourly minimum wage over 5% for 2022 - with neither side happy, and a survey showing how many women in Korea drop out of the workforce after marriage. Going for Gold with Mark Wilson-Choi: Mark covers events that Team Korea is vying to grab a medal in for the first time ever, such as modern pentathlon and cycling. He also delves deeper into some of the new events coming to the Tokyo 2020 Games including sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: A post-coup Myanmar sees a huge surge in COVID-19 infections(미얀마 코로나 확산…교민 3명 사망), a professional fighter heroically saves a woman from a large stray dog(프로 격투기 선수, 들개 맨손으로 제압해 시민 구해), and 18-year-old Oliver Daemen is named the final passenger on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin spaceflight(베이조스 우주여행 동승자 – 18세 예비 물리학도). Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet delve into the much-talked-about Thai horror film “The Medium(랑종),” directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and produced by Na Hong-jin(나홍진). They also share the Korean horror film “The 8th Night(제8일의 밤)” starring Lee Sung-min(이성민).

Korea24 – 2021.07.02. (Friday) News Briefing: Daily new COVID-19 cases in South Korea rose to over 800 on Friday to hit a six-month high. Friday’s figure of 826 infections has been the highest since January 7, when it marked 869. (Eunice Kim) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea gives his take on the supplementary budget proposal that would fund relief for the bottom 80% income bracket. He also shares insight on South Korea's policy direction for the 2nd half of 2021 and the government’s growth forecast for this year. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: People line up at South Korean consulates after South Korea exempts two-week quarantine for certain entrants(LA 총영사관 격리면제 신청 장사진), prosecutors seek five years for former K-pop star Seungri who is accused of sex-related crimes(군검찰, 빅뱅 승리에 징역 5년 구형), and Team Korea adds four more to their men's Olympic football squad(‘손흥민 또 안뽑았다’…올림픽 축구 이상민 등 4명 추가 발탁). Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet share Jon M. Chu’s “In the Heights(인 더 하이츠),” based off the Broadway musical hit of the same name by Quiara Alegria Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda. They then discuss Kwon Oh-seung’s(권오승) feature debut, the thriller “Midnight(미드나이트).” Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week including Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki attending a meeting with his G-20 counterparts in Venice, Italy.

Korea24 – 2021.06.25. (Friday) News Briefing: The ruling Democratic Party(DP) has decided not to delay its primary for next year's presidential race, despite opposition from supporters of key contenders Lee Nak-yon and Chung Sye-kyun. The primary is scheduled to end in early September, as previously planned. (Koo Heejin) In-Depth News Analysis (Weekly Economy Review): Professor Yang Jun-suk from the Catholic University of Korea talks about another extra budget aiming to help those hit by the pandemic, the government and the ruling party considering another round of relief payouts to those in the bottom 80 percent income bracket, and a civic group's study on the increased housing prices during the Moon Jae-in administration. Korea Trending with Walter Lee: A high-profile case involving a death in the Han River is likely to be probed by the prosecution(친구 고소한 유족..故손정민 사건 결국 검찰 가나), a South Korean researcher is charged with collaborating with a North Korean spy('안방 드나들듯' 다녀간 北공작원..접촉한 인물은 구속기소), and a 12-story condominium partially collapses in the U.S. state of Florida(美 플로리다 아파트 한밤중 붕괴…“백여 명 연락 안돼”). Movie Spotlight: Film critics Jason Bechervaise and Darcy Paquet share the fast-paced thriller “HARD HIT(발신제한)” starring Jo Woo-jin(조우진). They also share “Scattered Night(흩어진 밤),” which won the grand prize at the 2019 Jeonju International Film Festival. Next Week from Seoul: Mark Wilson-Choi brings us stories and events to look out for the following week including the revamped 4-tier COVID-19 social distancing system.

0607 The Influencer (with Parasite subtitle translator Darcy Paquet) (#기생충 #봉준호 #cannes) Darcy Paquet, translator for award winning film 기생충 Parasite, joins us and reveal the secrets behind film subtitle translation.