Journalist

Park Jayeon
  • Korea Fire Agency Warns of Extinguisher Sales Scams Using Fake Fine Threats
    Korea Fire Agency Warns of Extinguisher Sales Scams Using Fake Fine Threats The National Fire Agency warned that scams are spreading in which criminals impersonate firefighters or fire agencies to pressure businesses into buying fire extinguishers or to induce proxy purchases of equipment. The agency said Tuesday that 1,309 attempted fire-agency impersonation scams were identified nationwide over the past year. Of those, 161 businesses suffered financial losses totaling about 2.95 billion won, nearing 3 billion won. The tactics have grown more sophisticated. What once centered on simple requests to buy items on someone else’s behalf has evolved into coercive sales pitches that exploit owners’ fears of administrative penalties. In one scheme, scammers pose as senior fire station officials and call gas stations or factories, warning that a scheduled inspection will result in heavy fines if lithium-ion fire extinguishers are not on site. They then send fake guidance messages steering targets to buy from specific vendors, taking tens of millions of won. A separate “no-show” scam also persists: criminals send forged official documents using a fire station’s name to hardware stores, request proxy purchases of items such as first-aid kits or ladders, take the money and disappear. The agency stressed that fire authorities do not recommend or broker purchases of firefighting equipment by phone or text under any circumstances. It also said it never instructs private businesses to buy items on its behalf or asks for transfers to personal bank accounts. “Any case that mentions fire inspections or fines while forcing a purchase or requesting a proxy purchase is 100% a scam,” the agency said, urging people to end suspicious calls immediately and report them to 119 or 112.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-22 15:29:44
  • South Korea to Start High Fuel Price Relief Payments April 27; Interior Ministry Checks Local Readiness
    South Korea to Start High Fuel Price Relief Payments April 27; Interior Ministry Checks Local Readiness The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said April 21 that it inspected payment preparations by cities, counties and districts nationwide ahead of the start of high fuel price relief payments on April 27 and urged smooth execution. The program will provide 100,000 to 250,000 won per person to the bottom 70% by income. Vulnerable groups can receive up to 600,000 won. The ministry held a meeting chaired by Vice Minister Kim Min-jae with deputy heads of 226 local governments to review the full application and payment process. It asked local governments to forecast demand for offline payment methods such as prepaid cards and paper local gift certificates, secure sufficient supplies, and ensure card designs do not reveal whether a recipient is in a vulnerable group. The ministry also urged local community service centers to actively run “visit application” services for residents with limited mobility, including older adults and people with disabilities, to prevent gaps in coverage. It said centers should coordinate with welfare departments when needed to identify eligible residents in advance and make proactive visits. To prevent improper distribution and use — including cashing out benefits through private transactions or using another merchant’s name — the ministry called on local governments to operate reporting centers for fraudulent distribution and strengthen monitoring. It also asked centers to set up waiting areas for applicants and to train staff in advance on standards for handling objections so residents do not face unnecessary inconvenience during applications and payments. Relief payments will be issued first from April 27 to May 8 to basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty households and single-parent families. A second payment period will run from May 18 to July 3 for those who missed the first period and for the remaining 70% of the public covered by the program. “The role of cities, counties and districts, and of local community service centers, is critical because they are the closest point of contact with the public,” Kim said. “We will work closely with local governments to carefully check preparations and ensure there are no blind spots.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 15:32:59
  • South Korea to stop labeling stepchildren on resident registration records
    South Korea to stop labeling stepchildren on resident registration records In South Korea, family relationships shown on resident registration certificates and extracts will no longer distinguish between “child” and “spouse’s child,” with both listed simply as household members. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said a partial revision to the Enforcement Decree of the Resident Registration Act was reviewed and approved at a Cabinet meeting on the 21st. The ministry said the changes are aimed at better protecting personal information for remarried families and others, reflecting diverse family structures more evenly, and improving administrative convenience for foreign residents. Under the revision, anyone considered family under the Civil Act — except the head of household’s spouse — will be labeled “household member,” while others will be labeled “cohabitant.” The listing order will also change so the head of household’s spouse’s lineal ascendants and descendants are placed at the same rank, replacing the previous practice in which a “spouse’s child” was listed after a “child.” Rules for recording foreign residents’ names will also be updated. Previously, resident registration records used only Roman-letter names, while family relationship registers used only Hangul, creating difficulties in confirming identity. Going forward, resident registration records will show names in both Hangul and Roman letters to improve accuracy and convenience when using administrative and financial services. In addition, applications to correct or change entries in resident registration records — previously limited to the foreign resident — will be expanded to allow the head of household or household members to apply. The ministry said it will work with local governments to strengthen guidance and publicity to reduce confusion during implementation. The revision will take effect Oct. 29 after computer systems are updated. Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung said the revision is expected to provide stronger protection for sensitive personal information for remarried families and move administrative services toward greater inclusion of diverse family forms. 2026-04-21 15:09:35
  • Seoul to Redevelop Jeongneung Public Bus Depot Into Sports and Transit Complex
    Seoul to Redevelop Jeongneung Public Bus Depot Into Sports and Transit Complex Seoul said it will redevelop the Jeongneung public bus depot in Seongbuk-gu into a mixed-use complex combining transit functions with neighborhood sports and convenience facilities, including a swimming pool, a multipurpose gym and a fitness center. The city said Tuesday it has prepared a basic plan to use the space above the Jeongneung bus depot at 771-7, Jeongneung-dong, and will move ahead with the project. Seoul plans to request a central investment review from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in June and, depending on the outcome, proceed with follow-up steps including design and construction. Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the site Tuesday afternoon to check conditions and urged progress on the long-delayed project. He also called for measures to ensure resident safety and reduce inconvenience during implementation. The basic plan reflects the results of a planning study launched in September. Seoul said it kept the main uses and overall building scale from the earlier proposal, but reorganized space to cut costs by 10% and secured a temporary depot nearby to improve feasibility. The project, fully funded by the city at about 40 billion won, requires the ministry review because it involves construction of sports facilities costing more than 30 billion won. Seoul said it had finalized the development’s uses after gathering resident input and in April last year submitted a plan centered on sports facilities for review, but was told to reconsider and has since adjusted the basic concept. Under the plan, the Jeongneung bus depot will be rebuilt as a complex from two basement levels to three stories above ground, with a total floor area of 7,338 square meters. The ground floor will house bus parking, the first basement level will include a swimming pool, and the second and third floors will contain a multipurpose gym and a fitness center. Seoul said it placed bus parking at ground level to fundamentally reduce safety risks such as fire, and separated circulation routes for the transport company’s offices and resident-use facilities to improve operations. In February, the city held a briefing at the Jeongneung 4-dong community center attended by about 100 people, including Seoul’s political affairs vice mayor, a local lawmaker, the Seongbuk district mayor, city and district council members, and residents. Residents welcomed the plan but asked for quick, visible progress, saying it has been long sought by the community.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 15:03:17
  • Seoul to Develop Chang-dong as K-Entertainment Hub Around 28,000-Seat Seoul Arena
    Seoul to Develop Chang-dong as K-Entertainment Hub Around 28,000-Seat Seoul Arena An area around Chang-dong in Seoul’s Dobong district will be redeveloped into a global cultural hub and a cluster for the culture and entertainment industry, centered on the 28,000-seat Seoul Arena set to open in the first half of next year. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced the plan at a news briefing at City Hall on April 21. The city aims to draw domestic and overseas visitors to boost the local economy and create jobs by fostering the entertainment industry, positioning Chang-dong as an economic anchor for northeastern Seoul. “Chang-dong, long seen as the outskirts of Seoul, will be reborn as a stage the world comes to — ‘K-Enter Town, Chang-dong,’” Oh said. “It will be a new engine driving Seoul’s next growth and a starting point for urban competitiveness that brings vitality to northern Seoul.” The city said the project will build Chang-dong into a place where performances run year-round, where concerts expand into industry and jobs, and where events translate into tourism and spending. Officials said they expect economic effects in the trillions of won, extending beyond ticket sales to lodging, transportation, dining and shopping. Chang-dong is to be promoted as a “Live Stage” city, with global concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. The city plans to host more than 100 performances annually at Seoul Arena, each drawing about 30,000 people. It also plans to introduce a live-broadcast system, dubbed “Connective Live,” so people outside the venue can watch and share performances in real time. Oh said the arena’s opening could bring about 2.7 million global tourists to Chang-dong each year, calling it a key driver for Seoul’s push toward an era of 30 million foreign tourists. The city also plans programs and performances linked to cultural sites in northern Seoul, including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the “Dongdaemun K-pop Street,” to spread the project’s impact across the broader northeastern area. Events tied to Seoul’s seasonal Spring Festival are also planned to coincide with the arena’s opening. Nearby facilities — including the Seoul Museum of Photography, the Seoul Robot and AI Science Museum, and cultural spaces under the elevated structure near Chang-dong Station — are to run exhibitions and hands-on programs on an ongoing basis. A “multi-purpose cultural convention” facility inside the arena complex is planned to host music awards, album showcases and fan meetings. To encourage spending, the city plans K-culture-themed retail facilities within the district. Working with the privately developed Chang-dong station complex, it plans to support shopping tied to K-fashion and K-beauty, including merchandise. A K-food specialty market is planned for the site of an NH Hanaro Mart. For underused land near Chang-dong Station and aging commercial areas, the city plans incentives including floor-area ratios of up to 1,300% to bring in commercial uses, tourist accommodations and office space. The city also plans to attract and nurture culture and entertainment companies. A public-run support facility for popular music will provide assistance for music content production and distribution, targeting smaller agencies and other high-potential firms. Startup space is also planned at the Chang-dong Aurne startup center and the Seed Cube Chang-dong cultural industry complex. Across the Jungnang Stream in the Sanggye area, the city said it will also seek culture-industry tenants for the Seoul Digital Bio City (S-DBC) under development, allowing performance and entertainment firms alongside bio-related businesses to strengthen links between Chang-dong and Sanggye. To help visitors handle lodging, leisure and dining within the district, the city plans to expand infrastructure under a “Live City” concept. It plans to add 700 hotel rooms and promote urban homestay businesses using nearby housing. Chang-dong Station is also expected to add “Seoul Arena Station” or “K-Enter Town Station” as an additional name to improve access and brand recognition. The city put the total budget for the “K-Enter Town, Chang-dong” project at 2.7 trillion won. It said 2 trillion won in private and public capital had been invested through last year, and it plans an additional 700 billion won starting this year. “The essence of growth and change in northern Seoul, including K-Enter Town, Chang-dong, is improving the quality of life for residents in northern Seoul as well as Seoul’s urban competitiveness,” Oh said. He pledged strong support until the area’s potential becomes competitiveness and change leads to a real narrowing of gaps. 2026-04-21 14:06:48
  • Ferry service along Han River tops 100,000 riders since full resumption last month
    Ferry service along Han River tops 100,000 riders since full resumption last month SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - More than 100,000 people have taken ferries along the Han River in less than two months since the service resumed full operations early last month, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Friday. The water ferry service had been halted on some routes shortly after its bombastic launch in September last year due to a series of technical glitches and other problems, and then fully resumed on March 1 after being partially suspended for about 100 days. The number of riders is growing far faster than in the service's early days, when it took about six months to reach 100,000, bringing the cumulative total to more than 200,000. In a recent survey of passengers, which allowed multiple answers, about 96 percent said they were satisfied, according to the city government. About 94 percent said they would recommend the service to others, and 89 percent said they would ride again. "The quick rise in the number of passengers shows the possibility that the service can be used as one of the transportation options," said Park Jin-young, a city official. "We will keep improving the service and offer more connected services so that both residents and tourists can use it more conveniently," he added. 2026-04-17 14:41:05
  • BTS Comeback D-12 Seoul to deploy 3,400 personnel for BTS event
    BTS Comeback D-12 Seoul to deploy 3,400 personnel for BTS event SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - The Seoul City will deploy more than 3,400 personnel to manage crowds and ensure safety during the upcoming BTS comeback event scheduled for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of the capital city. City officials said nearby subway stations will bypass stops and bus routes will be temporarily diverted on the day of the event to reduce congestion around the venue. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon hosted a joint safety inspection meeting Monday with officials from district governments, police and fire authorities to review preparations for the large-scale event. The city will operate a special safety control tower composed of eight working teams responsible for crowd management, traffic control, emergency medical response and facility safety. Authorities plan to monitor crowd flows in real time across the venue, nearby subway stations and other areas expected to see large gatherings. Police and emergency personnel will also be deployed to support traffic control, medical services and rescue operations. The Seoul Fire Department will dispatch 99 fire engines and 765 firefighters, while police will implement a stadium-style crowd control to manage pedestrian movement and respond to potential emergencies. Officials said patrols will be strengthened around Gwanghwamun Square and Sejong-daero starting the day before the event to prevent overnight camping, long queues and sidewalk congestion. Illegal street vendors will also be subject to enforcement in cooperation with local district offices. To improve convenience for visitors, the city plans to secure more than 2,500 public and portable toilets around the event area. Traffic controls and subway bypass planned Four nearby subway stations Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5 (Purple Line), City Hall Station on Lines 1 (Dark Blue) and 2 (Green Line), and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 (Orange Line), will operate without stopping during peak hours on the day of the event. Subway entrances at those stations will also be closed to prevent overcrowding, while nearby stations such as Euljiro 1-ga may also bypass stops depending on crowd conditions. Seoul Metro said safety inspections have already been completed at 17 stations around the venue, and the number of safety personnel will be increased from 111 to 461 on the day of the event. To facilitate safe departures after the performance, 12 additional subway trains will be deployed starting at 9 p.m. (1200GMT), increasing service frequency by 24 trips on Lines 2, 3 and 5. Several bus routes passing through key routes around the square will also be temporarily rerouted or skip stops during traffic control operations. Digital guides and multilingual support for visitors Seoul will also release a digital guidebook in both Korean and English in mid-March to help domestic and international visitors navigate transportation, safety information and nearby attractions. The city plans to provide a multilingual online map showing the locations of public toilets, information booths and medical stations around the event area. Real-time safety notices and traffic updates will also be sent through emergency text alerts in Korean and English. The city’s Dasan Call Center, Seoul's official, multilingual, one-stop telephone service will expand multilingual services during the event, while 70 tourism interpreters and about 600 volunteers will assist visitors on site. Oh emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparation for the event. “We must view the entire downtown area from Gwanghwamun to Seoul Plaza as a single event venue. Our mission will only be complete once the last citizen returns home safely.” 2026-03-09 18:04:46
  • Nearly 80% of online shoppers fear exposure of personal information, survey finds
    Nearly 80% of online shoppers fear exposure of personal information, survey finds SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Nearly 80 percent of online shoppers expressed concern about the potential exposure of their sensitive personal information, a survey reveals. The findings were based on the survey of 1,000 consumers released by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Friday. About 78 percent of respondents worried about a personal data leak while shopping on online malls and other platforms, and 28.1 percent said they had experienced at least one. The survey also revealed that three out of 10 having encountered issues such as defective products or late deliveries. The most common complaints were defective or faulty products (65.6 percent), delays in deliveries (42.7 percent), and false or exaggerated advertising (30.1 percent). Nearly half of respondents also reported frustrations with customer service, citing automated systems that left them unable to reach a representative or a person in charge. When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted chatbots, the most cited inconveniences were generic, unhelpful responses (39.4 percent) and poor handling of more complex issues (23.4 percent). But many users found value in AI-driven recommendations, particularly for discovering new products (39.5 percent) and finding items that suited their preferences (28.6 percent), though nearly a third admitted they often ended up buying things they did not need. Some 69.7 percent said feedback from other shoppers often influenced their purchasing decisions, but many questioned its authenticity, suspecting that some reviews were written by staff or paid reviewers, as negative feedback was rarely seen. Fast delivery also mattered to some 86.2 percent of respondents when deciding on a purchase, but many also agreed that improving working conditions for delivery workers, such as ensuring adequate rest, sufficient workspace, and increased staffing, was necessary. About half of respondents worried about false or exaggerated claims by influencers and TV personalities who leaned on their fame rather than the quality of the products they promoted. "Online shopping has become part of our daily lives, and while it brings great convenience, it also exposes consumers to new risks," said city official Kim Myeong-seon, pledging to work toward consumer safety. 2026-02-27 14:56:59
  • BTS Comeback D-45: Seoul scrutinizes crowd safety and price gouging
    BTS Comeback D-45: Seoul scrutinizes crowd safety and price gouging SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - As visitor numbers are expected to rise ahead of BTS’s comeback in March, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has begun reviewing comprehensive measures, including crowd safety management and a crackdown on price gouging. On Wednesday, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon chaired a meeting at 10 a.m. to review key issues surrounding the BTS comeback event and discuss measures to ensure public safety and welcome global fans. During the meeting, officials reviewed event safety plans to ensure that both residents and international visitors can enjoy the city safely. Measures to minimize potential inconvenience for foreign tourists using accommodation facilities, curb price gouging at traditional markets, and expand entertainment offerings such as performances and exhibitions were also discussed. With large crowds expected at key locations such as Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul Plaza, comprehensive safety management measures will be implemented. These include strengthening reviews of safety plans through expert consultations and dividing the main event areas into smaller zones to prevent crowd-related risks. Event organizers will deploy sufficient safety personnel in line with expected crowd sizes, positioning them at venues and other areas around event sites where large crowds are anticipated. The city will also step up monitoring crowd movements. Using real-time urban data and CCTV systems from the city’s disaster and safety control center, officials will closely track crowd density. On-site conditions will be shared with event organizers and relevant agencies, including police, fire authorities and district offices—to enable immediate responses based on risk levels. On the day of the concert, the city will implement safety measures tailored to each stage of the event. Before and after the performance, crowd flows will be guided to prevent congestion and ensure smooth entry and exit, while additional steps will be taken during the show to avoid overcrowding in specific areas. Firefighters, emergency personnel and vehicles will be deployed, and emergency routes will be secured in preparation for potential incidents. Transportation measures will also be introduced, including the possibility of subway trains passing through nearby stations without stopping and bus route diversions due to road controls. Additional on-site safety steps include securing sufficient restroom facilities, suspending rentals of the city’s bike-sharing service and shared personal mobility devices to ensure pedestrian safety, and cracking down on illegal street vendors and illegal parking. Multilingual safety messages will also be displayed on stage screens and electronic boards at Seoul Plaza. To prevent harm to both foreign visitors and residents, the city will step up efforts to curb unfair business practices. Joint inspections with district offices will focus on compliance with accommodation price display rules and on cracking down on practices such as pressuring guests to cancel reservations. To stabilize accommodation prices, the city plans to work with online travel agencies through industry meetings and cooperate with related organizations, including the Korea Hotel Association and the Seoul Tourism Association. To help disperse demand, accommodation-dense areas outside Jongno and Jung districts will be promoted through the Visit Seoul website. The city will also conduct on-site inspections using undercover inspectors posing as customers to crack down on price gouging and other unfair trade practices. The city officials will also create a festive atmosphere that both domestic and international visitors can enjoy. Streets and public spaces across Seoul will be decorated to welcome global fans, alongside a range of tourism and hands-on experience programs. Around the time of the BTS performance, street performances, random dance festivals and other programs will be held at major locations such as Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul Plaza and Han River parks. It also plans to offer special experiential events for global fans and residents, including unique programs using the Han River bus. Mayor Oh Se-hoon said that holding BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square, in the heart of Seoul, presents a prime opportunity to showcase the city’s appeal as a global cultural capital to the world. He added that the city will take a comprehensive approach—covering crowd safety, price gouging and entertainment offerings—to make Seoul a truly global tourism destination that people from around the world can enjoy. 2026-02-04 14:17:54
  • Ferry service along Han River to fully resume in March after safety checks
    Ferry service along Han River to fully resume in March after safety checks SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - Seoul's water ferry service along the Han River is expected to resume full operations in early March, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Friday. The service was halted on some routes due to technical glitches after its bombastic launch in September last year. The city government had planned to resume the service in January, but it was delayed as safety inspections and other checks by the Ministry of Interior and Safety took longer than expected. The ministry found numerous violations in regulatory compliance and facility management, prompting it to issue over 50 corrective measures. The city government is now required to submit detailed plans and proposed actions by mid-February to ensure the service resumes in March. Once fully resumed, the service will offer about 16 one-way trips daily, gradually expanding to more routes with up to 12 ferry boats, including express trips, serving as a new transportation option for commuters and tourists while allowing them to enjoy a scenic cruise along the river in the heart of Seoul. A city official vowed, "We will prioritize safety to restore public trust while making the service more convenient for commuters and other users." 2026-01-30 17:08:26