Results for: South Korea

Plaintiffs in South Korea have filed a landmark climate lawsuit, arguing that the government’s inaction on climate change violates their constitutional rights. The case, Woodpecker et. al. v. South Korea, is the first of its kind in Asia to have a public hearing. Activists and experts argue that South Korea’s carbon emission reduction targets are insufficient and will lead to disastrous climate change. The case is being closely watched globally, as it could set a precedent for other countries in Asia to follow.

North Korea’s latest nuclear counterattack drill has sent shockwaves through the region, raising concerns about the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The drill, which was supervised by leader Kim Jong-un, involved simulating a nuclear attack on South Korea and Japan. This comes as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear program, posing a significant threat to its neighbors.

UBS Group AG has upgraded its recommendation on a key Chinese stock index to Overweight, citing resilient earnings amid ongoing concerns about the property sector and broader macroeconomic worries. The move comes as Chinese equity tracking ETFs and stocks of Chinese companies have seen gains, with iShares China Large-Cap ETF trading up 1.52%, KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF up 2.86%, and iShares MSCI China ETF up 1.26%. UBS analysts point to interventions from state-related funds and positive surprises in dividends and buybacks from local firms as tailwinds supporting the bullish outlook. In contrast, UBS has downgraded Taiwan and South Korea markets to Neutral, citing high premiums in the tech sector.

North Korean hackers have been targeting South Korean defense companies for over a year, stealing technical data and compromising their systems. The hacks were carried out by three hacking groups known to be backed by the North Korean state: Lazarus Group, Kimsuky, and Andariel. The stolen data includes sensitive information related to weapons systems and other defense technologies. South Korea’s defense industry has emerged as a major player in the global arms trade, making it a prime target for cyberattacks.

In a gruesome case of animal cruelty, a South Korean man in his 20s was sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats over the course of nearly a year. The man’s heartless actions were motivated by a hatred of cats scratching his car. He used various methods to kill the cats, including scissors, strangulation, and running them over with his car. The deliberate nature of the killings led the court to deem them “indescribably cruel”. Despite the man’s lack of prior criminal history and expression of remorse, the significant number of cats he killed and the mental health issues that may have influenced his actions were taken into account in determining the sentence. The case highlights the need for stronger legal protections for animals and the increasing concern for animal welfare in South Korea.

Alibaba, parent company of the South China Morning Post, has made a strategic investment in Ably, South Korea’s largest online fashion app. The investment of US$200 million will be used to build a logistics center and assist small and medium-sized businesses in exporting their products overseas. Ably, with a user base of 8.05 million monthly active users, is particularly strong in the women’s apparel market, aligning with AliExpress’s strategy to establish a dedicated women’s fashion channel.

A South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country’s most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years. The man, who is in his 20s, was convicted of violating South Korea’s animal protection law last week, the Changwon District Court in southeastern South Korea said Tuesday. According to a court verdict seen by Associated Press, the man harbored a deep hatred for cats after they scratched his car and went on a cat-killing spree between December 2022 and September 2023. He caught stray cats and adopted others from online sites before strangling some to death and killing others with scissors. The court ruled that the prison sentence was unavoidable because he repeatedly committed ‘indescribably cruel’ crimes in a premeditated manner.

North Korean hacking groups have been relentlessly targeting South Korean defense companies for over a year, breaching their networks and stealing technical data. This ongoing cyber offensive has been attributed to Lazarus, Kimsuky, and Andariel, groups linked to North Korea’s intelligence apparatus.

Amidst the stresses of modern life in South Korea, adults are increasingly turning to pet rocks as a peculiar yet effective remedy for loneliness and workplace burnout. Departing from their comedic origins in the 1970s, pet rocks are now perceived as a symbol of solace and connection. This trend resonates with the cultural significance of rocks in Asian societies, particularly the concept of ‘suseok’ or scholar’s rock. While traditional suseok was a symbol of prosperity, contemporary pet rocks offer a more affordable and relatable source of comfort, fostering a sense of companionship and reducing feelings of isolation.