Saturday, November 7, 2026Korea
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Drug slipped into coffee 7.5 million won gambling golf loss
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Police caught a gang that secretly mixed drugs into a victim's coffee during gambling golf at a golf course in Gyeonggi Province.
The victim, whose judgment was impaired by the drug, lost the bet and handed over 75 million won.
Police referred the three members of the gang to prosecution on charges of violating the Narcotics Management Act and fraud.
Key facts
When
The crime occurred on July 30, and police referred the gang to prosecution on October 30.
Who
Three members in their 60s and 70s; the man in his 60s who manufactured the drug and received the extorted money was arrested.
What
At a Gyeonggi Province golf course, they mixed psychoactive drugs into coffee and seized 75 million won.
How
They divided roles in preparing drugs, making the drink, and acting as lookout, and built trust beforehand.
What it means for me
When meeting acquaintances or receiving beverages, it is necessary to verify the source.
International · 3 sources combinedp. 2 / 10
Swiss FM visits North and South Korea Opens Pyongyang diplomatic office
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Switzerland's foreign minister went to Pyongyang on October 29.
Switzerland attended the opening ceremony of its diplomatic office reopened in Pyongyang.
He then came to Seoul and met with the South Korean government.
Key facts
When
Minister Karin Keller-Suttter arrived in Pyongyang on October 29 and stayed until October 30.
Who
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis carried out his visit schedule to North and South Korea.
What
He attended the reopening ceremony of the Swiss diplomatic office in Pyongyang and held talks with North Korean authorities.
How
He then moved to Seoul on October 30-31 and met with South Korean government officials.
What it means for me
There is no direct impact on daily life, but it shows a trend of restoring diplomatic channels on the Korean peninsula.
Society · 3 sources combinedp. 3 / 10
Seoul College Entrance Exam: 113,454 Students Fewer Current Students, More Repeaters
D-11 Deadline November 18 · Preliminary Gathering Day for Exam-takers
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Among students taking the College Entrance Exam in Seoul, the number of current high school students decreased while graduates and exam repeaters increased.
Total test-takers are 113,454, down 704 from last year.
The exam is on November 19, and results will be released on December 11.
Key facts
When
The College Entrance Exam is November 19, with preliminary gathering on November 18.
Who
Total Seoul College Entrance Exam test-takers: 113,454.
What
Current students 59,625 (down 5.8%), graduates and others 53,829 (up 5.8%).
How
4,310 exam rooms across 228 test sites with dedicated staff for smart glasses.
What it means for me
Students should note exam locations and entry times, while parents should pay attention to the growing trend of repeat exam-takers.
Society · 3 sources combinedp. 4 / 10
Special crackdown on illegal lending Rewards up to 125 million won
D-54 Deadline December 31 · Special self-reporting and reporting deadline
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Police will intensively crack down on illegal lending from November 2 through April 30 next year.
If you report or provide information that helps arrest offenders, you can receive rewards of up to 125 million won.
Victims who lent bank accounts or SIM cards can also receive reduced punishment if they report it.
Key facts
When
Special crackdowns will be conducted for 6 months from November 2 through April 30, 2027.
Who
The National Investigation Service of the National Police Agency designates dedicated teams in provincial police agencies and police stations.
What
Illegal lending will be cracked down on: over 20% annual interest, illegal debt collection, and new types of illegal loans using gift cards and virtual assets.
How
Informants receive rewards of up to 125 million won, and victims who participated can receive reduced punishment if they self-report.
What it means for me
If you have been harmed by illegal high-interest loans, you can call 112 to report and receive reduced punishment and reward money.
If you used illegal loans due to financial difficulties, reporting during the special self-reporting period will reduce your punishment.
Society · 2 sources combinedp. 5 / 10
National Pension recipients surpass 8 million 7 in 10 receive less than 600,000 won monthly
Photo: 세계일보
In short
The number of National Pension recipients exceeded 8.06 million this year.
However, 7 out of 10 receive less than 600,000 won per month.
By 2030, the number of recipients is projected to reach 10.06 million.
Key facts
When
As of July 31, there are 8,062,142 National Pension recipients.
Who
The National Pension Service announced the recipient status for January to July 2026.
What
66.0% of recipients receive less than 600,000 won monthly.
How
The 200,000–400,000 won bracket accounts for the largest share at 38.0%.
What it means for me
The National Pension alone may not be enough for retirement living expenses, so additional savings are necessary.
If you are currently enrolled, you should check your projected future pension amount in advance.
After retirement, the National Pension alone may not be sufficient for living expenses.
Society · 4 sources combinedp. 6 / 10
Korea GSK Marks 40th Anniversary Shares Health with Communities
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Korea GSK is continuing social contribution activities for its 40th anniversary.
Employees made health calendars with seniors and planted trees along riverbanks.
The company plans to hold three events total by year-end.
Key facts
When
Events were held on October 2 (Seniors' Day) and October 14 (Lung Health Day) respectively.
Who
Korea GSK employees and 24 low-income seniors participated together.
What
Activities included making healthy aging calendars and creating an urban forest along the Jungnang Stream.
How
In partnership with Korea HelpAge and EcoPeace Asia, three events will run through year-end.
What it means for me
It has no direct impact on general readers, but serves as a notable corporate social responsibility example.
Society · 4 sources combinedp. 7 / 10
Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation Launches Onso Club
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation has created a cross-disciplinary talent exchange community.
Foundation scholarship recipients, entrepreneurs, social welfare experts, and artists participate together.
Expert lectures and small group meetings are held, with some open to the general public.
Visitor info
Location
6th floor lounge of Ondream Society, Myeong-dong, Seoul
Programs
Starting November: humanities book club, AI application study group, film and classical music appreciation meetings planned
Key facts
When
On October 23, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation announced the launch of the 'Onso Club'.
Where
It operates from the 6th floor lounge of Ondream Society in Myeong-dong, Seoul.
Who
Foundation scholarship recipients, entrepreneurs, social welfare experts, and cultural artists participate.
What
A cross-disciplinary talent exchange community offering expert lectures and social gatherings.
What it means for me
General readers may have opportunities to participate in public lectures or small group meetings of the Onso Club.
International · 4 sources combinedp. 8 / 10
Germany's massive Halloween protests Concerns about France unrest spreading
Photo: 연합뉴스
In short
Large-scale youth protests are planned across Germany on Halloween, October 31st.
This follows France's high school student demonstrations that escalated into riots.
Main slogans include education, cost of living, youth unemployment, and opposition to conscription.
Key facts
When
Mass protests are scheduled across Germany on October 31st for Halloween.
Who
A new youth group called 'Generation Z Rises Up' is organizing the protests.
What
Organizers are calling for participation around education issues, cost of living, youth unemployment, and opposition to conscription.
How
Organizer Akram Zello promised peaceful protests, but violent rhetoric has also spread on social media.
What it means for me
Growing social unrest in Europe could indirectly affect trade and travel.
Defense · 4 sources combinedp. 9 / 10
North Korea fires suspected ballistic missile Projectile launched toward East Sea
Photo: 헤럴드경제
In short
North Korea fired a projectile toward the East Sea on the afternoon of October 29.
Japan's Ministry of Defense said there is a possibility it was a ballistic missile.
The projectile is estimated to have fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Key facts
When
Japan's Ministry of Defense announced it on the afternoon of October 29.
Who
North Korea fired the projectile toward the East Sea.
What
North Korea launched one projectile suspected to be a ballistic missile.
How
It is estimated to have fallen outside Japan's EEZ, and no damage to ships has been confirmed.
What it means for me
There is no direct impact on daily life, but changes in the Korean Peninsula situation need to be monitored continuously.
International · 3 sources combinedp. 10 / 10
France protests enter third week Violence erupts in Germany
Photo: 한겨레
In short
Protests over cost of living and education continued for a third week in France.
On October 31, 320,000 people took to the streets across France.
Youth-led rallies were held in Germany, with violence occurring in some areas.
Key facts
When
Simultaneous rallies were held in France, Germany, and Portugal on October 31.
Who
Led by French student and labor groups and German youth group GenZ Revolt.
What
Rising cost of living, cuts to education and public services; Germany also opposed military conscription revival.
How
320,000 gathered in France with 565 arrests; looting and clashes occurred in some German areas.
What it means for me
Domestic media reports expanding discontent over cost of living and education in Europe as a political instability factor.
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