The Korea Herald Series

Latest News

Social Affairs
[Graphic News] Rice consumption per capita hits record low

Annual rice consumption per capita has been steadily declining for 40 years, reaching a new all-time low last year. While the use of rice in processed foods and alcohol has increased, consumption by manufacturers for rice cakes, noodles and snacks has decreased. Statistics Korea’s “2024 Rice Consumption Survey Results” revealed that for the 2023-2024 crop year (Nov. 1, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2024), per capita rice consumption was 55.8 kilograms, a 1.1 percent decrease (0.6 kg) from the previous year.
Feb. 11, 2025 - 08:00:00
More sports
[Graphic News] S. Korea’s performance at the Asian Winter Games

The 9th Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games began on Feb. 7 at the International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center in Harbin, China. This marks the first Asian Winter Games since the 2017 Sapporo event. First held in 1986, the Asian Winter Games provide a major platform for Asian athletes in winter sports. South Korea previously hosted the games in Gangwon Province in 1999, an experience that helped pave the way for hosting the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. South Korea has dispatched a tota
Feb. 10, 2025 - 08:00:00
More sports
[Graphic News] 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games overview

The 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games will be held in Harbin, China, Feb. 7-14, marking the city’s second time hosting the winter event after a successful edition in 1996. Athletes from across Asia will compete in 64 events across 11 disciplines in six sports, including biathlon, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, skiing and ski mountaineering. The Games will also feature new events such as mixed doubles curling, ski mountaineering and synchronized aerials in freestyle
Feb. 5, 2025 - 08:00:00
WorldNews
[Graphic News] S. Korea ranks 3rd globally with visa-free access to 192 countries

South Korea’s passports have again ranked among the most powerful in the world, allowing holders to enter 192 countries without a visa. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, published by British citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, South Korea was tied for 3rd place in terms of passport power, alongside Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. South Korea previously ranked 3rd in January 2020, climbed to 2nd place the following year, and has consistently maintained its position
Feb. 3, 2025 - 08:00:00
Technology
[Graphic News] LG Electronics leads world in AI robotics patent applications

Over nearly a decade, from 2012 to 2021, LG Electronics emerged as the global leader in the number of applications for AI robotics patents. In the field of AI robotics patent applications, LG Electronics ranked first, surpassing other companies from both China and the United States. According to a report from the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the number of AI robotics patent applications grew from just 20 in 2012 to 1,260 in 2021, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 58.5 percent,
Jan. 27, 2025 - 08:00:05
Travel
[Graphic News] Koreans pick Japan as top tourism destination this year

Japan has emerged as the top travel destination for South Koreans this year, according to a survey conducted by the local booking platform Yeogi Eottae. The survey, which gathered responses from 443 users of the customer experience management platform Data Space, found that 36.3 percent of participants selected Japan as their desired destination. Europe followed as the second most popular choice, with 24.7 percent of respondents, while Vietnam ranked third at 21.5 percent. When asked about the r
Jan. 23, 2025 - 08:00:00
WorldNews
[Graphic News] Key figures in Trump’s second administration

Donald Trump, who has prominently advocated for “America First” policies, was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday. Trump’s Cabinet in his second term is expected to be composed primarily of “loyalists,” unlike in his first term. He is receiving strong support from his own Republican Party, which controls both the House and Senate.
Jan. 22, 2025 - 08:00:00
WorldNews
[Graphic News] Key events in Donald Trump’s life

Jan. 21, 2025 - 08:00:00
WorldNews
[Graphic News] A look at the inauguration of US President-elect Trump

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, will be inaugurated as the 47th president on Monday in Washington. The inauguration was initially planned to take place on an outdoor stage in front of the US Capitol, connecting to the National Mall. However, due to the forecast of an Arctic cold wave, it will be held indoors for the first time in 40 years.
Jan. 20, 2025 - 08:00:00
Culture
[Graphic News] 6 out of 10 Koreans prefer in-person cultural events

Sixty percent of surveyed Koreans prefer attending movies or cultural events in person, and they spend an average of 187,000 won ($127) per month on leisure activities, according to a recent survey. The study, conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, surveyed Korean nationals’ attendance at cultural and arts events. It found that 63 percent of respondents engage in these activities in nonvirtual formats. The rate of in-person attendance at cultural events has steadily increased
Jan. 15, 2025 - 08:00:00
Social Affairs
[Graphic News] Higher pay tops Korean workers’ 2025 wishlist

Higher wages are the top priority for Korean employees in the new year, according to a report by Embrain Public. The survey, which polled 1,000 salaried employees over the age of 19, was commissioned by Workplace Gapjil 119, a group of labor experts and lawyers focused on protecting employees’ rights and eliminating workplace abuse. The report reveals that 77.7 percent of respondents prioritized higher pay, followed by 25.8 percent who desired less intense work or reduced work hours. Additionall
Jan. 14, 2025 - 08:00:00
WorldNews
[Graphic News] Seoul 6th in global city competitiveness in Japanese ranking

South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, has ranked sixth on the Global Power City Index, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The annual ranking, compiled by Japan’s Mori Memorial Foundation, evaluates 48 major global cities based on six categories: Economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment and accessibility. The evaluation uses 26 criteria and 70 indicators to determine each city’s overall competitiveness. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon had initially aimed t
Jan. 13, 2025 - 08:00:02
Soccer
[Graphic News] Son, named among top left wingers, extends his stay

Son Heung-min has been recognized as one of the world’s top left wingers and will continue his journey with Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League for another year. Soccer media outlet Score90 released its rankings of the top five players worldwide for each position on Jan. 1, placing Son fifth in his primary position as a left winger. He ranked behind Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) in the top spot, followed in order by Raphinha (FC Barcelona), Luis Diaz (Liverpool) and Nico Williams (At
Jan. 9, 2025 - 08:00:00
Social Affairs
[Graphic News] Number of singles over 40 jumps sixfold in 2 decades

The proportion of unmarried individuals in their 40s grew 6.7 times for men and 5.7 times for women in 2020 compared to 20 years earlier, a government report showed, underscoring the trend of marrying later or not at all, which some blame for South Korea’s ultralow birth rate. The growing trend is attributed to people marrying later and a rise in lifelong singlehood, according to the annual social report by Statistics Korea. The report offers insights into the status of Korean society and key tr
Jan. 8, 2025 - 10:33:26
WorldNews
[Graphic News] Average approval ratings of recent US presidents

The passing of former US President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29, at the age of 100, has sparked reflection on his legacy in diplomacy and humanitarian work. While widely celebrated for his efforts after leaving office, Carter’s presidency faced significant challenges, earning him an average approval rating of 45.5 percent. This ranks the second-lowest among post-World War II presidents, just above Harry Truman’s 45.4 percent. Donald Trump recorded the lowest first-term average at 41.1 percent. In sta
Jan. 7, 2025 - 08:00:01