1 - South Korea's top court recognizes some rights for same-sex couples :
South Korea's Supreme Court ruled it discriminatory for state health insurers to treat same-sex couples differently, allowing them to register as dependents. This landmark decision, sparked by a gay couple's lawsuit, marks progress toward LGBTQI rights and could pave the way for legalizing same-sex marriage. Activists celebrated the ruling as historic, while anti-discrimination legislation remains stalled.
2 - What are DMZ loudspeaker broadcasts for? :
South Korea resumed loudspeaker broadcasts at its border in response to North Korea's trash-filled balloon provocations. Starting Sunday, this move followed North Korea's release of 500 balloons, with 240 landing in the South. The broadcasts, part of long-standing psychological warfare, were halted in 2018 but revived by the current administration. Experts question their effectiveness, suggesting they have limited impact and could escalate tensions
3 - Prosecution probes First Lady on Dior bag scandal, alleged stock manipulation :
Prosecutors questioned South Korea's First Lady Kim Keon Hee for the first time regarding a stock manipulation case and receiving luxury gifts in exchange for favors. Kim was interrogated for 12 hours, focusing on her involvement in Deutsch Motors stock transactions and a Dior handbag allegedly received from Pastor Choi Jae-young. This marks the first time a sitting president's wife has been summoned for a prosecution investigation.
4 - Samsung, SK, Hyundai, and LG ramp up promotional campaigns for the Paris Olympics :
Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG will enhance their advertising campaigns for the 2024 Paris Olympics, focusing on their latest technological advancements. Samsung will stream the opening ceremony via Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphones, while Hyundai supports Korea's archery team with AI and AR technology. SK Telecom and LG Electronics aim to boost brand awareness and sales, leveraging the global exposure from the event.
5 - VC industry launches K-beauty funds amid rising popularity of Korean makeup :
Venture capitalists are intensifying efforts to create funds for K-beauty startups, spurred by the rising popularity of South Korean cosmetics in the U.S. and Japan. Firms like Mark & Company and Signite Partners have launched significant funds, focusing on small and medium-sized indie brands with global scalability. This trend marks a 'second heyday' for Korean cosmetics, driven by the K-pop phenomenon and expanding beyond the Chinese market.
6 - Korean chipmakers wary of possible US subsidy flip-flop :
Korean firms are cautious about U.S. subsidy programs for chipmakers as Trump's negative views raise concerns. Biden's exit from the 2024 race adds uncertainty, affecting stocks like Samsung and SK Hynix. Experts believe Trump's potential changes to subsidy priorities could impact investment strategies.
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