Nearly 5% of births in Korea now occur outside of marriage, reaching a record high, according to the stats agency.

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• "Anti-state forces": How South Korea’s president coined his favorite catchphrase.

• Financial authorities are opposing the restructuring plans of SK and Doosan.

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NEWS 📰

"Anti-state forces": How South Korea’s president coined his favorite catchphrase.

President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent remarks about “anti-state” forces during a Cabinet meeting, coinciding with the 2024 Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, have sparked significant attention. He warned of threats from North Korea’s gray zone tactics like misinformation, fake news, and cyberattacks, and called out “anti-state forces” within South Korea that, according to him, threaten democracy by inciting disorder and division.

Yoon has increasingly used this term, likening it to “anti-government” activities mentioned in the National Security Act. Although the law doesn’t explicitly mention “anti-state forces,” Yoon has applied the label to his critics, particularly those from the opposition, whom he accuses of undermining national security and public safety.

Since entering politics, Yoon has often employed strong ideological rhetoric, especially against the previous Moon Jae-in administration, which he accuses of fostering left-wing ideologies and weakening democracy. Despite a brief period of bipartisan cooperation early in his presidency, his approval ratings have plummeted, leading him to double down on these divisive tactics.

Critics argue that Yoon’s use of the term “anti-state forces” is a deflection from his own administration’s failures, including botched policies and public controversies. Instead of uniting the country, Yoon’s rhetoric seems to deepen divisions, with many suggesting that he should take responsibility for his missteps and seek genuine dialogue with the opposition.

Nearly 5% of births in Korea now occur outside of marriage, reaching a record high, according to the stats agency.

In 2023, a record 4.7% of babies in South Korea were born to unmarried parents, reflecting a shift in social norms and the rising costs of marriage. This marks a steady increase from 2.1% in 2013. The overall number of births dropped to a historic low of 230,000, down 7.7% from 2022, continuing an eight-year decline. The country's fertility rate also fell to a record low of 0.72, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. However, there was a slight rebound in births in the second quarter of 2024, the first increase in over eight years.

ENTERTAINMENT 🌄

Tving is set to unveil a 30 billion won epic drama titled Queen Woo, set in the Goguryeo era.

Tving is set to release the highly anticipated historical drama "Queen Woo," with a budget of 30 billion won ($22.5 million). This epic drama, set in the Goguryeo Kingdom, follows Queen Woo as she navigates a dangerous political landscape after the king's sudden death. She has just 24 hours to secure the throne amidst power struggles involving princes and tribal leaders.

Jun Jong-seo stars as Queen Woo, a historical figure known for marrying her late husband's younger brother under levirate marriage customs. This role marks Jun's first foray into historical drama, aiming to break away from her typical action and thriller roles. During a press conference, she shared her initial challenges with the period drama's speech style but eventually found a way to blend her natural voice with the traditional tone.

The series, however, has faced criticism over historical accuracy, particularly regarding the costumes and hairstyles, which some argue reflect Chinese influences rather than authentic Goguryeo attire. Director Jung Se-kyo addressed the controversy, explaining that extensive research was conducted, but due to limited historical records, some artistic interpretations were necessary. The production team relied on sources like the "Samguk Sagi" and the "Gwanggaeto the Great Stele" to ensure authenticity.

The first four episodes of "Queen Woo" will be available on Tving starting Thursday.

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