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Markets

Market: The Korea Exchange designates 23 low-liquidity stocks for single-price trading in the coming year.

National

A probe was launched to determine the cause of the fatal plane crash.

Aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the crash of a Jeju Air B737-800 plane, which killed 179 people at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. Only two of the 181 passengers and crew aboard the flight from Bangkok survived. The crash has prompted a national mourning period through Saturday.

Investigators are focusing on a landing gear malfunction, likely caused by a bird strike, and potential engine issues. Another Jeju Air B737-800 experienced a similar landing gear problem the next day, intensifying concerns. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport plans special inspections of all 101 B737-800 aircraft operated by Korean carriers, including Jeju Air’s fleet of 39 planes, known for their high utilization rates.

The plane’s flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have been retrieved and will be analyzed in Seoul. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and engine manufacturer CFMI will assist in the investigation.

A concrete structure near the runway worsened the crash’s severity. The ministry will review regulations on such installations, which are also present at other airports. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered a nationwide inspection of airline safety systems and stressed transparency in the investigation.

More than 140 victims have been identified, including 11 school students. Families of the deceased have formed a coalition, halting funerals until recovery and identification efforts are complete. Memorial altars have been set up nationwide to honor the victims.

Business

New Year countdown events canceled following Muan airport crash.

South Korea will usher in the New Year under a somber atmosphere following the tragic Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, which claimed 179 lives. In response, the government has declared a national mourning period lasting through Saturday.

Major year-end celebrations, including countdowns and concerts, have been canceled. In Seoul, the Jung District Office called off its "2025 Countdown Show Light Now," originally planned at the Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong-dong. Public broadcaster KBS was set to air the event live but has withdrawn its coverage.

Similarly, MBC canceled its "Wannabe" K-pop special, which featured performances by groups like NewJeans, Vespa, and Ateez. The pre-recorded segments were completed before the cancellation.

Instead of celebrations, Lotte World Tower, South Korea's tallest skyscraper, will honor the victims by lighting its 555-meter-high structure in white from 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily during the mourning period, expressing condolences in place of its planned countdown event.

Travel Guide Korea

Best Cafes In Seoul and Nearby!

Korea is a tourist hub. In 2023, almost 12 million visitors come to Korea to visit this country according to Road Genius. The reason you can realize if you come to Korea.

Today we will look at some of the best cafes around Seoul you must visit! [link]

K-pop

'Squid Game' Season 2 tops Netflix charts, but receives mixed reviews.

"Squid Game" Season 2 premiered Friday, topping Netflix's global charts for three days, but received mixed reviews from critics and viewers. The season follows Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he seeks revenge and aims to dismantle the deadly survival competition.

Critics praised its layered storytelling and thematic depth but noted a lack of innovation compared to Season 1. Viewers were divided: some lauded its suspense, performances, and music, while others criticized repetitive themes and unclear character motives.

Netflix’s global marketing, including a Young-hee robot installation at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, drew both attention and criticism. Locals found the figure unsettling in a family-friendly space, while art experts questioned its placement in a historic public area.

Despite the debate, "Squid Game" Season 2 cements its status as a cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for its final season in 2025.

Job Post

[Fairmont Seoul] Hiring Foreign Talents

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Travel Agency Sales Executive

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Work area: Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi - do

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