Good Morning: -6C to 2C | Make sure you’re in good clothes | How is your new your is going? Good or bad?

Markets

Market: The KOSPI now sits just above the 2,650-point plateau and it's expected to open under pressure again on Friday. [link]

National

Partnership to boost the SA film industry

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) and the Saudi Film Commission (SFC) have launched an executive collaboration program to strengthen cooperation in the film sector, foster cultural exchange, and promote industry growth. Building on a 2019 memorandum of understanding, the partnership focuses on knowledge-sharing, production cooperation, talent development, and technological innovation.

As part of the agreement, both organizations will organize training programs, workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities for filmmakers in production, animation, screenwriting, and directing. The partnership also supports co-development and co-production projects and networking events at major film festivals like Busan and the Red Sea International Film Festival.

Additionally, the collaboration aims to expand film distribution and promotion through screenings and cultural exchanges while encouraging knowledge-sharing in film policy, regulatory frameworks, and advancements in AI and digital production.

KOFIC Chair Han Sang-jun expressed hopes for stronger exchanges. At the same time, SFC CEO Abdullah Al Qahtani highlighted the partnership as a key step in advancing Saudi Arabia's film industry and global connections.

Business

China's Temu expands the range of required data from Korean users.

Temu has expanded the scope of data it collects from Korean users, now requiring addresses, phone numbers, customs codes, and transaction details. The updated privacy terms, effective immediately, also mandate data transfers to 27 companies across six countries, including Korea, the U.S., and Japan, for "efficient service provision."

This change comes amid growing concerns over Chinese platforms’ data collection, following Korea’s suspension of new downloads for the DeepSeek chatbot. Previously, Temu only required data for overseas payments, but the new policy significantly broadens its reach.

Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has been investigating Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress and Temu over privacy concerns. While AliExpress was fined 1.9 billion won ($1.32 million), a decision on Temu was postponed due to insufficient data. The PIPC's final report on Temu is expected soon.

Travel Guide Korea

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K-pop

BLACKPINK's Rose withdraws from the Korea Music Copyright Association.

BLACKPINK’s Rosé has withdrawn from the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), becoming the first major Korean artist to do so since Seo Tai-ji in 2003. Her departure, effective Jan. 31, aligns with her increasing international activities and aims to streamline copyright management globally.

Rosé applied to terminate her KOMCA membership on Oct. 31, 2023, following the success of her solo track APT. and her exclusive contract with Atlantic Records in September. Moving forward, her copyrights will be managed by Atlantic Records in collaboration with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).

Seo Tai-ji’s 2003 exit from KOMCA was in protest of the association approving a parody album without his consent. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK is set to embark on a world tour starting in July, covering Korea, the U.S., France, the U.K., Japan, and seven other locations.

Job Post

Hiring of kitchen assistants for Haidilao Korea Co., Ltd. Daehakro branch hall service

Working conditions: Full-time, part-time

Work area: Jongno -gu, Seoul

Salary: Decision after discussion

Apply: [Here]

Jongno-Dam Hall Serving and Kitchen Staff Who Return to Work After Retiring

Working conditions: Full-time, part-time

Work area: Jongno -gu, Seoul

Salary: Hourly wage of 12,000 won

Apply: [Here]