☠️ North Korea has showcased a new drone attacking a target as Seoul and the U.S. conduct large-scale military exercises.

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 👀 Today’s Email about:

• North Korea has showcased a new drone attacking a target as Seoul and the U.S. conduct large-scale military exercises.

• Extreme heat is expected to hit the Korean Peninsula every year.

• Can celebrities recover public support after being involved in school bullying scandals?

NEWS 📰

North Korea has showcased a new drone attacking a target as Seoul and the U.S. conduct large-scale military exercises

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently oversaw a test of new exploding drones designed to crash into targets, according to state media. The test, which was conducted amid joint military drills by the U.S. and South Korea, involved various drone types that successfully hit their targets, including a model resembling South Korea’s K-2 battle tank. Kim emphasized the importance of equipping North Korea’s military with advanced drones as soon as possible to enhance war readiness.

The drone test coincides with the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which focus on preparing for North Korean threats. These exercises include live-fire training and an aerial drill involving 60 warplanes. South Korea’s military is closely monitoring North Korea’s drone capabilities, with some analysts suggesting that the drones shown in North Korean media resemble Russia’s Zala Lancet-3 drones.

This development comes amid growing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with both countries facing separate confrontations with the U.S. and its allies. There are allegations that North Korea is supplying Russia with munitions in exchange for economic aid and military technology, potentially strengthening Kim’s nuclear-armed military.

Kim has also been expanding North Korea's short-range missile and artillery systems, which are reportedly nuclear-capable, raising concerns about his intent to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons near the South Korean border. South Korea's spy agency has noted that while North Korea is focusing on missile production, it's unclear if they can produce enough to fully arm their newly deployed nuclear-capable missile launchers.

Extreme heat is expected to hit the Korean Peninsula every year.

As global temperatures rise, the idea of a comfortable summer may soon become a relic of the past for the Korean Peninsula. Experts warn that extreme heat will likely become an annual occurrence by 2030, marking a "new normal" in summer weather patterns.

Yoon Jin-ho, a climate studies professor at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, has forecasted that summer temperatures will consistently exceed historical averages due to the accelerating impacts of global warming. His research, conducted with Utah State University, indicates that the typical fluctuations in summer temperatures will give way to consistently hotter conditions. By the 2030s, the likelihood of experiencing a cooler-than-average summer will nearly vanish.

This year's heatwave, which has already led to a record number of heat-related illnesses, suggests that these extreme conditions are becoming more severe. Indicators such as Seoul's record-breaking tropical nights point to a summer potentially rivaling the extreme heat of 2018.

Experts are now calling for a more proactive approach to treating extreme heat as a disaster, similar to responses for typhoons or heavy rainfall. While the government has developed heatwave response plans, these measures often rely on individual efforts rather than comprehensive administrative action.

Particular concern is being raised for vulnerable communities, such as outdoor workers and older adults, who are disproportionately affected by extreme heat. The need for tailored forecasts, solutions, and differentiated strategies for urban and rural areas is becoming increasingly urgent. For instance, expanding green spaces in cities could help mitigate the "urban heat island" effect, where heat is intensified by concrete surfaces, air conditioning, and vehicles.

As former National Institute of Meteorological Sciences director Jo Chun-ho points out, addressing the impact of heatwaves requires integrating climate considerations into urban planning and building design. This shift in focus is essential to reducing the impact of extreme heat as it becomes a regular feature of summers on the Korean Peninsula.

ENTERTAINMENT 🌄

Can celebrities recover public support after being involved in school bullying scandals?

Several celebrities, once accused of school bullying, are attempting comebacks, sparking debates about whether they can regain public trust. Actor Kim Ji-soo, who left the spotlight three years ago due to bullying allegations, recently shared a video update, saying he has reconciled with the accuser and plans to return to acting.

Despite efforts by celebrities like Kim to make a comeback, online criticism and public sensitivity to bullying make it difficult for them to regain their former popularity. This is especially true given the increased awareness of bullying, partly fueled by popular dramas like "The Glory."

For instance, Song Ha-yoon and Kim Hieora, both involved in bullying controversies, have had to pause their careers despite their rising fame. While some stars, like Kim So-hye and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin, have managed to return to the industry after a hiatus, their reception has been mixed.

The path to redemption is complex, with some celebrities pursuing legal action against their accusers, like Jo Byeong-kyu and Park Hye-soo. However, the success of their comebacks remains uncertain as they navigate ongoing controversies.

Travel Guide and The Best Way to Enjoy Korea

Many of you who live in Seoul and who are coming to Korea, may heard about the Han River of Korea! It’s one of the most significant rivers and around the river, there is a lot to do! You should not miss these:

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Unravel Korea!