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North Korea fires ballistic missiles About 10 projectiles toward East Sea
Photo: 한국경제
In short
North Korea fired about 10 missiles toward the East Sea on the afternoon of October 29.
Our military initially announced they were projectiles of uncertain identity.
Through subsequent analysis, they were confirmed to be short-range ballistic missiles.
Key facts
When
The launch occurred around 12:30 p.m. on October 29.
Who
North Korea launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea.
What
About 10 projectiles believed to be short-range ballistic missiles were fired.
How
The military is analyzing specifications, and South Korea, the US, and Japan shared information.
What it means for me
There is no direct impact, but the security situation on the Korean Peninsula requires continued monitoring.
International · 7 sources combinedp. 2 / 25
Kim Jong Un makes surprise China visit Blue House closely monitors developments
Photo: 헤럴드경제
In short
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, made a surprise visit to Dandong, China on October 24.
After meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang, he is likely to return home the same day.
The Blue House said it is closely monitoring the situation with several possibilities in mind.
Key facts
When
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of North Korea's State Affairs Commission, visited China on October 24.
Who
Chairman Kim met Premier Li Qiang in Dandong, Liaoning Province, China.
How
He traveled by train from Pyongyang to Sinuiju, then crossed the New Yalu River Bridge to arrive in Dandong.
Why
Analysts interpret this as a message ahead of the New Yalu River Bridge opening and next month's APEC summit.
What it means for me
General readers should follow the news to monitor possible changes in Korean Peninsula security situation.
Living · 6 sources combinedp. 3 / 25
Nail-Pedak rematch KIA, Samsung PO Game 4
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
KIA and Samsung played Game 4 of the playoff on the 30th in Gwangju.
The starting pitchers were Nail and Pedak, who faced each other in Game 1 four days earlier.
With Samsung leading 2-1, a win would send them directly to the Korean Series.
Key facts
When
Game 4 was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 30th.
Where
The game was played at KIA Champions Field in Gwangju, South Jeolla Province.
Who
KIA's James Nail and Samsung's Chris Pedak faced off as starting pitchers again.
What
Samsung, leading 2-1, needed just one more win to advance to the Korean Series.
What it means for me
Baseball fans should pay close attention to whether Samsung advances to the Korean Series.
International · Planned · 3 sources combinedp. 4 / 25
BOJ Governor continues rate hikes Cannot tolerate inflation above 2%
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Bank of Japan Governor Ueda said the central bank can no longer tolerate rising prices.
The policy is to continue raising interest rates to control inflation.
Even after the September rate increase, the financial environment remains accommodative, he assessed.
Key facts
When
He made the statement at a press conference of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on October 16 (local time).
Who
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda made the remarks.
What
He said underlying inflation has approached 2% and any further increase is unacceptable.
How
He said the accommodative environment persists even after the September rate hike, so the policy interest rate will continue to be raised for adjustment.
What it means for me
It may influence yen exchange rates and import price fluctuations, so it is worth noting when planning currency exchange and travel.
Health · 2 sources combinedp. 5 / 25
Uljin County free flu vaccination Expanded to all residents
D-173 Deadline April 30 · Free flu vaccination deadline
Photo: 프레시안
In short
Uljin County has expanded free flu vaccination to all county residents.
Starting October 26, ages 15-64 can also receive free vaccinations.
Vaccinations are available at 38 locations until April 30, 2027.
Visitor info
Period
October 26, 2026 – April 30, 2027
Locations
12 contracted clinics and 26 public health facilities, totaling 38 locations
Documents
ID required; ages 15-64 must also bring resident registration certificate
Inquiry
Uljin County Health Center, Preventive Medicine Team
Key facts
When
Vaccinations are available from October 26 to April 30, 2027.
Where
Vaccinations are provided at 12 contracted clinics and 26 public health facilities, totaling 38 locations.
Who
All Uljin County residents, including ages 15-64, are eligible for free vaccination.
How
Bring an ID; ages 15-64 must also bring a resident registration certificate.
What it means for me
Uljin County residents can receive free flu vaccination with just an ID and resident certificate.
Workers in their 40s are included in the 15-64 age group and can receive free vaccination.
Residents in their 60s are included in the expanded eligibility and can receive free vaccination.
Culture · Planned · 2 sources combinedp. 6 / 25
Daegu Arboretum Chrysanthemum Exhibition Held November 6–15
D-7 Deadline November 15 · Exhibition end date
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Daegu Arboretum will hold a chrysanthemum exhibition from November 6 to 15.
You can see about 13,000 chrysanthemum artworks and sheep-shaped sculptures.
Chrysanthemums and lighting are installed at Dongdaegu Station so you can enjoy them at night too.
Visitor info
Location
Daegu Arboretum (Daegu)
Period
November 6–15, 2026 (10 days)
Key facts
When
It runs for 10 days from November 6 to 15.
Where
The 25th Chrysanthemum Exhibition will be held at Daegu Arboretum.
What
About 13,000 chrysanthemum artworks and sheep and dinosaur-shaped sculptures are on display.
How
Chrysanthemums and landscape lighting are installed at Dongdaegu Station, allowing evening viewing.
What it means for me
Daegu residents and visitors can enjoy autumn chrysanthemums at the arboretum from November 6–15.
Culture · 2 sources combinedp. 7 / 25
Daelim Foundation marks 30th anniversary 70 works by Kim Changnyeol, Nam June Paik
D-203 Deadline May 30 · Collection exhibition viewing deadline
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
The Daelim Cultural Foundation is holding its first collection exhibition to mark its 30th anniversary.
About 70 works by Picasso, Nam June Paik, Kim Changnyeol and others will be shown at the Daelim Museum of Art in Seoul.
The exhibition runs from October 30, 2026 through May 30, 2027.
Visitor info
Location
Daelim Museum of Art (Jongno-gu, Seoul)
Period
October 30, 2026 – May 30, 2027
Key facts
When
Opens October 30, 2026 and runs through May 30, 2027.
Where
At the Daelim Museum of Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Who
First collection exhibition by the Daelim Cultural Foundation on its 30th anniversary.
What
About 70 works by Korean and international artists including Picasso, Nam June Paik, and Kim Changnyeol.
What it means for me
Art lovers can enjoy the exhibition at their leisure until May next year.
Policies · 2 sources combinedp. 8 / 25
347.6 Billion Won Vietnam Valley Bonghwa County Project Termination Petition
Deadline Deadline October 31 · Public Petition Consent Deadline
Photo: 매일경제
In short
Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang Province is creating a tourism special zone themed on Vietnamese history.
Nearly half of the 347.6 billion won project budget comes from Bonghwa County's own budget.
A public petition to terminate the project has been submitted to the National Assembly.
Key facts
When
The Ministry of SMEs and Startups designated it as a special zone on August 6, and the petition closes on the 31st.
Who
Bonghwa County is pursuing the project after receiving designation from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
What
A 347.6 billion won special zone will be built in the Changpyeong area of Bongseonŭp from 2026 to 2030.
How
Funding comes from 105.1 billion won in national treasury, 27.7 billion won from the province, 170.1 billion won from the county, and 44.7 billion won from the private sector.
What it means for me
This case illustrates why verification of necessity and cost-effectiveness in local government projects is important.
North Korea loudspeaker test broadcast National Intelligence Service denies it
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Residents near Paju on the border reported hearing North Korean loudspeaker sounds on October 29.
Witnesses said they heard ghost-like sounds and animal cries for about 4 to 5 hours.
The National Intelligence Service and military concluded it was a false report, saying no loudspeaker operation was confirmed.
Key facts
When
The sound continued for about 4 to 5 hours starting from 6 a.m. on October 29.
Where
In the border area of Paju, Gyeonggi Province and Daeseong Village inside the Demilitarized Zone.
Who
Paju residents said they heard the sound, while the National Intelligence Service called it a false report.
What
Claims conflict over whether North Korea conducted a test broadcast on its loudspeakers aimed at the South.
What it means for me
The immediate impact is limited if you are not a border resident, but changes in inter-Korean tensions should be monitored.
Economy · Planned · 6 sources combinedp. 10 / 25
Homeplus 6 stores Face power cutoff over unpaid bills
Photo: 한국경제
In short
Six Homeplus locations in the Seoul metropolitan area face power cutoff due to unpaid electricity bills.
Power cutoff was scheduled for October 27-30, and the Incheon Songdo store was added in November.
When power is cut, about 10 in-store businesses like beauty salons will have to close as well.
Key facts
When
Power cutoff was scheduled for October 27-30, and the Incheon Songdo store was added as a target in November.
Where
Six locations: Homeplus Pocheon Songwoo, Kinex, Goyang Terminal, Namyangju Jinjeop, Paju Unjeong, and Gajwa stores.
What
Korea Electric Power Corporation announced power cutoff due to unpaid electricity bills.
Why
Homeplus is facing financial difficulties, dividing employee salaries of around 20 billion won monthly.
What it means for me
Customers at affected stores should check in advance whether operations will be suspended.
In-store vendors at affected stores may have to stop operations immediately if power is cut.
Society · 4 sources combinedp. 11 / 25
Arrest warrant rejected 50 days ago Rep. Kim Byung-gi summoned on 31st
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Police will summon independent Rep. Kim Byung-gi for questioning again on the 31st.
An arrest warrant filed in September was rejected 50 days ago.
Police plan to wrap up their investigation into 13 allegations after this questioning.
Key facts
When
The October 31st questioning comes 50 days after the arrest warrant was rejected.
Who
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Division is handling the case.
What
Rep. Kim is being summoned for the 8th time on charges including bribery and obstruction of business.
How
Police recalled him after supplementary investigation including evidence destruction suspicions and recorded calls.
What it means for me
Useful reference for readers interested in the progress of political corruption investigations.
Policies · Planned · 6 sources combinedp. 12 / 25
Industry ministry pursues special investigative police Technology theft penalties significantly strengthened
Photo: 매일경제
In short
The government decided to grant the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy authority to establish special investigative police for technology theft cases.
Penalties for technology theft crimes will be strengthened, and more criminal proceeds will be confiscated.
The related bill amendment was submitted to parliament in October, and detailed plans will be prepared by year-end.
Key facts
When
An Industrial Technology Protection Committee meeting was held on October 19, and the bill amendment was submitted the same month.
Who
Chaired by Minister Kim Jung-gwan of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy, 15 government agencies including the National Police Agency attended.
What
The ministry is pursuing a plan to introduce special investigative police authority for technology theft cases.
How
The scope of criminal proceeds confiscation will be expanded, and research and development costs will be included in damage compensation amounts.
What it means for me
Unless you work in advanced industries or own technology companies, there will be no immediate major impact on daily life.
Economy · 6 sources combinedp. 13 / 25
Homeplus cancels voluntary retirement August wages delayed indefinitely
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Homeplus has withdrawn voluntary retirement applications it received this month.
Payment of 75% of remaining August wages has also been postponed indefinitely.
Some stores face power outages due to unpaid electricity bills.
Key facts
When
On October 29, Homeplus notified employees of the voluntary retirement cancellation.
Who
About 400 employees who applied between October 7-14 are affected.
What
Payment of 75% of remaining August wages has been postponed indefinitely.
How
Lack of liquidity forced delays in both severance and wage payments.
What it means for me
Homeplus customers and tenant businesses should be aware of potential disruptions to store operations.
Small business tenants at Homeplus should watch for service disruptions from power outages and delayed payments.
Economy · 6 sources combinedp. 14 / 25
CJ and Dou Kium Consortium Joins JoongAng Ilbo Acquisition Bid
Photo: 한국경제
In short
CJ Group has partnered with Dou Kium Group to enter the bidding for JoongAng Ilbo acquisition.
The main bidding for JoongAng Ilbo sale closed on October 19, and CJ Group joined at the final stage.
CJ Group is the third-largest shareholder holding 9.24% stake in JoongAng Ilbo through its subsidiary.
Key facts
When
Main bidding for JoongAng Ilbo sale closed on October 19.
Who
CJ Group formed a consortium with Dou Kium Group.
What
The two groups participated in the main bidding for JoongAng Ilbo management rights acquisition.
How
CJ Group holds 9.24% stake as third-largest shareholder through CJ OliveNetworks.
What it means for me
Changes in news organization ownership structure can affect editorial direction and the overall media industry.
Emergency room searched Medical sector seeks restrictions
In short
Ajou University Hospital's Pediatric Emergency Center was searched as part of an investigation into an infant death case.
After the search, 7 professors at the center announced their intention to resign, raising concerns at the facility.
The medical community requested the government to limit searches at emergency rooms and other medical facilities as a matter of principle.
Key facts
When
October 30 press conference by Korean Society of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, October 31 Korean Medical Association delivered opinion to Ministry of Health and Welfare
Who
Korean Society of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Specialized Emergency Medical Center Council, Korean Medical Association
What
Requested principle restrictions on searches at emergency rooms, delivery rooms, intensive care units and other essential medical facilities
How
Requested prior consultation in unavoidable cases, and medical expert opinions be reflected in court warrant reviews
What it means for me
It is necessary to monitor whether institutional improvements will be made so that medical care is not hindered when using emergency rooms.
