South Korea’s presidential office says it is seeking calm tariff solution, cites Kim-Lutnick channel Breaking: Cheong Wa Dae says it is calmly seeking solutions on tariffs; Kim Jeonggwan-Lutnick channel is important* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:27:00

South Korea Expands Youth Internships, but Participants Say Impact Is Limited South Korea’s “youth intern” program at public institutions, introduced to give young people work experience and serve as a bridge to full-time jobs, is drawing criticism that it is not delivering meaningful employment benefits in practice. The Ministry of Finance and Economy said Wednesday the government plans to expand youth intern hiring this year to 24,000, up 3,000 from last year. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said the government will “actively support” young people so they can build job skills through public-sector experience and enter the labor market more smoothly. The program was designed to strengthen job readiness through public-institution experience and shorten job searches. But as the program grows, complaints are rising that the internship often amounts to little more than “one line on a resume.” Critics point to short terms and uneven job quality. Many internships last about four months, which participants say is too brief to learn professional skills. Pay and duties vary by institution, and work is often described as routine administrative support or basic upkeep rather than specialized tasks. At the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the internship term is four months. Typical duties include drafting policy reports, analyzing materials and assisting with the ministry’s social media content. The program is structured as a short-term experience and does not lead to full-time conversion after the term ends. By contrast, the Korea Statistics Information Service offers a 10-month term and includes a review for possible conversion to full-time employment. It is seen as more skills-focused in statistics and data and as helpful for moves to private-sector big tech and consulting. Because of these differences, internships at public institutions often do not translate into private-sector jobs, analysts say. The value of an internship certificate in the broader labor market is unclear, fueling concerns the program is becoming a closed track mainly for those already preparing for public-sector employment. That, in turn, can push interns to focus even more narrowly on landing public-institution jobs. Experts say improving effectiveness will require more than expanding headcount. They call for a system that allows internship experience to be recognized as formal career experience in private-sector hiring and for institutionalized ways to reflect young people’s input from the program-design stage. Lee Yoon-ju, a senior research fellow at the Korea Youth Policy Institute, said membership in a work-experience policy council should be broadened and that deeper policy alternatives should be developed through the Youth Policy Coordination Committee. She also said the duties of hired youth interns should be clearly defined by each central government agency.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:25:19

South Korea’s Blue House Says U.S. Frustrated by Delay in Korea-U.S. Special Law Breaking: The Blue House said the United States appears frustrated that investment projects have been delayed due to a holdup in a special law related to the United States.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:25:13

Lee Jae Myung Floats Possible Sugar Tax, Sparking Health vs. Inflation Debate President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday raised the possibility of introducing a “sugar levy,” often called a sugar tax, to curb sugar consumption, prompting competing arguments over public health benefits and concerns about higher prices. Lee shared an article on X, formerly Twitter, titled “A sweet addiction stronger than drugs; 80% support introducing a sugar tax,” and asked for public input. “Like tobacco, what about curbing sugar use with a sugar levy and reinvesting the revenue to strengthen local and public health care?” he wrote. A sugar tax is an additional tax on foods and drinks with added sugar. The article said more than 120 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have adopted such taxes. The World Health Organization recommended in 2016 that member states consider a sugar tax, citing research linking sugar intake to higher risks of obesity, some cancers and cardiovascular disease. The U.K. taxes soft drinks based on sugar content at 0.18 to 0.24 pounds per liter. Supporters say a sugar tax can improve health. The article cited research in the United States finding that taxing soft drinks was linked to lower body mass index. Fabrice Etilé, a professor at the Paris School of Economics, estimated that a 10% increase in soft drink prices would reduce obesity rates by 3.9%. Critics warn it could fuel inflation, especially as a weak currency has already pushed up raw material costs. Denmark introduced a similar “fat tax” in 2011 but repealed it the next year, citing rising prices and a shrinking food industry, the article said. Public opinion appears favorable. A survey of 1,030 people conducted from Jan. 12-19 by Seoul National University’s Health Culture Project Group found 80.1% supported introducing a sugar tax. The article attributed the result to heightened health awareness, including the popularity of “zero” sugar drinks and foods. Yu Ho Rim, a professor at Kangnam University’s Graduate School of Taxation who wrote a paper titled “Analysis of Overseas Research Trends on Health Taxes (Sugar Tax) and Policy Implications,” suggested an alternative approach. “Rather than an indirect tax on consumers, there could be a way to impose a health tax as a direct tax on suppliers,” Yu said, adding that increasing suppliers’ tax burden could help curb production of foods considered harmful to health. Yu also said higher cigarette prices have, in part, contributed to lower smoking rates, and that “based on scientific analysis and social consensus,” policymakers could consider whether to apply the tax to sugar substitutes as well. 2026-01-28 17:24:42

South Korea’s Blue House Says U.S. Complaints Stem From Legislative Delays Breaking: The Blue House said U.S. dissatisfaction is “100%” due to delays in legislation and said it will explain its efforts to move the bills forward. 2026-01-28 17:21:00

South Korean Lawmakers Clash Over Trump’s Proposed Tariff Hike and Ratification Claims Lawmakers traded blame Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s sudden plan to raise tariffs on South Korea, with the People Power Party arguing the government failed to secure National Assembly approval for follow-up steps in U.S. tariff negotiations after Prime Minister Kim Min Seok’s trip to Washington. The Democratic Party countered that Trump’s approach to diplomacy and trade is unconventional and said a unified political response is needed to strengthen South Korea’s negotiating position. People Power Party lawmaker Song Eon Seok told Foreign Minister Cho Hyun at a full meeting of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that Kim had promoted his U.S. visit by saying he “promised faithful implementation of follow-up measures” and that communications improved through a “hotline” with Vice President Vance. Song said that “the next day” Trump announced he would raise tariffs to 25%, calling it a betrayal. Song also cited Trump’s materials as using the word “approve” in asking why South Korea’s legislature had not approved what he called a “special law on investment in the U.S.” He argued it could be read as questioning why the National Assembly had not agreed to ratification, and he urged the government to seek parliamentary consent if there were undisclosed elements. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Gi Hyeon echoed the criticism, saying it was not a hotline but a “hotbaji line,” using a Korean term implying weakness. He asked why the government was not submitting a ratification motion despite what he said would be a heavy burden on the public. Party lawmaker Kim Tae Ho also pressed Cho, saying the government was blindsided “before the ink was dry” on self-congratulation over a trade deal and asking what it had done to prevent that outcome. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae Jung said no one denies Trump’s “uniqueness,” but argued the opposition’s continued focus on ratification was effectively holding the government back and reducing agility in South Korea’s diplomatic and economic response. On the “South Korea-U.S. memorandum of understanding on strategic investment” signed in November last year, Lee said South Korea was not the only country to sign an MOU in that format and that no country was pursuing ratification procedures for it. Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ki Won said Trump was taking steps outside established diplomatic practice and warned against treating each move as if South Korea were at fault. “Trump will do more,” Hong said, adding that it was important to respond calmly. Cho said he believed Trump’s statement about raising tariffs on South Korea was unrelated to the “Coupang situation” or the online platform bill. He said that after the message was issued, the ministry contacted the U.S. State Department and concluded there was no direct link to Coupang or the online platform legislation. Cho added that it was difficult to identify any specific, reasonable cause and said that may be why Trump issued an additional message. 2026-01-28 17:19:59

Court Convicts Kim Keon Hee of Influence-Peddling, Acquits Her in Stock Manipulation Case A South Korean court on Tuesday said it recognized Kim Keon Hee’s political influence but ruled that her status alone could not expand criminal liability. The court found her partly guilty over receiving money and valuables linked to the Unification Church, but acquitted her of conspiracy allegations tied to the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case and an opinion-poll controversy involving Myung Tae-kyun, citing insufficient evidence. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 27, led by Presiding Judge Woo In-sung, said before delivering the verdict that the law cannot be applied differently to the powerful and the powerless. It said core criminal-law principles — the presumption of innocence and resolving ambiguity in the defendant’s favor — do not change based on a person’s position. On the Deutsche Motors case, the panel said there was room to believe Kim may have recognized or accepted the possibility that her accounts could be used for price manipulation. But it said prosecutors did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she coordinated roles or formed a shared intent with the manipulation group to carry out the scheme. The court noted there was no testimony that anyone in the group directly explained the operation to Kim or assigned her a role, and it found no material showing she personally placed trades. It concluded she did not go beyond the role of an investor who provided funds. “Conspiracy requires strict proof of awareness of the overall crime and performance of a role,” the court said, adding that without such proof it must acquit even if suspicion remains. For some acts, it also found the statute of limitations had already expired, considering trading dates, account-management patterns and time gaps. The court also acquitted Kim of violating the Political Funds Act. It said the opinion polls provided by Myung could not be seen as an exclusive financial benefit belonging to Kim and her husband, and it found no confirmation of instructions or involvement by Kim’s side in conducting or publicizing the polls. The court also said there was no evidence that a promise of nomination for a specific person was made in return. It concluded the act’s requirements — a contribution and quid pro quo — were not met. However, the court found her partly guilty in connection with money and valuables received in July 2022, ruling that Kim accepted them while aware of the Unification Church’s request for government-level support. In sentencing, the court said a president’s spouse can have significant influence on the president and is a symbolic figure representing the country, requiring a high level of integrity and restraint. The panel said Kim misused her position as a tool for personal gain. It said money often seeks access around power and that the higher the status, the more consciously one must guard against it, citing her acceptance of expensive luxury items as an unfavorable sentencing factor. After the ruling, the special counsel team led by Min Joong-ki said it was “difficult to accept” the court’s reasoning on co-offender liability, the Political Funds Act and solicitation issues, and said the sentence on the guilty portion was also inadequate given the case. The team said it would challenge the first-trial decision on appeal. Kim’s lawyers said they were grateful to the court for ruling “only according to law and conscience,” but said the sentence for influence-peddling bribery was somewhat high and that they would consider whether to appeal. The decision highlighted how far a president’s spouse’s political influence can be weighed in assessing criminal responsibility. The court did not deny that such influence exists, but drew a line, saying it does not automatically establish conspiracy or criminal liability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:19:15

Bodyfriend Lunar New Year Deals, Ceragem Wins 4 Good Design Awards, New Products From Yuhan-Kimberly, Hanssem and Ace Bed Bodyfriend launches Lunar New Year promotion, 'The Standard of Gifts' Bodyfriend said Tuesday it is launching its Lunar New Year “The Standard of Gifts” promotion for customers who rent or buy its health care robots, offering benefits worth up to 2.52 million won. The company said customers who rent or purchase eligible products can combine three offers — a special Lunar New Year gift benefit, an upfront-payment discount program and a co-branded credit-card statement discount — for total savings of up to 2.52 million won. Products included are the aesthetic health care robot “Quantum Beauty Capsule,” the full-body twist health care robot “Edenrobo” and the AI health care robot “Da Vinci AI.” A Bodyfriend official said the promotion offers “unprecedented price benefits” and includes an additional gift, allowing customers to receive “one more unit.” Ceragem wins four main prizes at U.S. Good Design Awards Ceragem said Tuesday that four of its major health care products won main prizes at the U.S. Good Design Awards. The winners were the relaxation appliances “Pause M8 Fit” and “Pause M10,” the circulation-improvement medical device “Celtron Circulation Chair,” and the beauty device “Medispa Pro.” A Ceragem official said the awards reflect global recognition of the company’s design philosophy, which considers not only appearance but also users’ living spaces and experiences. Yuhan-Kimberly launches Kleenex 'Humid Moist Mask Black' Yuhan-Kimberly said Tuesday it has launched the “Kleenex Humid Moist Mask Black,” designed to provide a humidifying effect. The company said the mask uses a humidifying pad that supplies moisture, helping keep the nose and throat comfortable in dry conditions. Kleenex introduced the humidifying-mask concept in South Korea in 2016, and the company said it has since become an everyday essential. Yuhan-Kimberly said the product is popular as an in-flight item for overseas travel and that last year’s annual sales rose about 900% from two years earlier. A Yuhan-Kimberly official called the Kleenex Humid Moist Mask a steady seller whose usefulness in dry environments — including winter, seasonal transitions and long flights — has been proven by consumers over 10 years. Hanssem unveils new FLO dining table series Hanssem said Tuesday it has launched its new FLO dining table series, aimed at creating a modern, on-trend dining space. The company said the concept is “harmony that blends into the space,” pairing a clean, straight tabletop with soft curved details for a neat but comfortable look. Hanssem said the table uses bold legs for stability and a matte finish for a more premium appearance. It comes in two colors: “Cotton White” and “Warm Black.” A Hanssem official said the FLO table combines a basic, timeless design with the company’s quality standards. Ace Bed launches OLIVO single bed with modern take on British retro style Ace Bed has launched the OLIVO single bed, a modern reinterpretation of British retro style. The company said Tuesday it is introducing OLIVO and will target consumers seeking a stylish bedroom with a new product that strengthens both design and functionality. Ace Bed described OLIVO as a fabric bed that balances comfort and refinement. The company said the headboard’s muted olive-green color and tidy check pattern create a calm but lively mood, and that the nature-inspired color works well with natural and modern interiors. An Ace Bed official said OLIVO would be a good choice for customers looking for an intellectual, classic interior with British retro sensibility.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:18:33

SK On posts 2025 Q4 operating loss of 441.4 billion won; full-year loss 931.9 billion won SK On’s fourth-quarter 2025 operating loss widened 19% from the prior quarter, hurt by base effects tied to the end of U.S. electric-vehicle purchase subsidies, among other factors. According to industry sources on Tuesday, SK On posted fourth-quarter revenue of 1.4572 trillion won and an operating loss of 441.4 billion won. The loss widened by 251.7 billion won from an operating loss of 189.7 billion won a year earlier. Compared with a 124.8 billion won loss in the third quarter, the deficit expanded by more than 300 billion won. Its operating margin was minus 30.3%, down 23.4 percentage points from minus 6.9% the previous quarter. For 2025, SK On reported revenue of 6.9782 trillion won and an operating loss of 931.9 billion won. SK On cited a decline in advanced manufacturing production tax credits under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act as a key factor behind the weak results. The AMPC benefit fell 71.8 billion won from the prior quarter to 101.3 billion won, weighing on fourth-quarter profitability. The company also recorded a large asset impairment during a restructuring of BlueOval SK, its joint venture with Ford. SK On said, “This impairment temporarily increased the pretax loss, but it is a one-time adjustment that occurred in the process of reflecting asset values under accounting standards.” SK On said it is continuing to prepare business expansion to secure steady growth drivers. It plans to broaden its energy storage system business and pursue new markets so its batteries can be used across industries, including humanoid robots.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:15:47

Amorepacific Donates 300 Million Won; WHO.A.U Debuts 2026 Collection; Skinfood Launches Limited Edition Amorepacific donates 300 million won to Hope 2026 giving campaign Amorepacific said Tuesday it donated 300 million won to the Community Chest of Korea’s “Hope 2026 Sharing Campaign.” The company has taken part in the campaign for 24 years since 2002. Since 2008, it has made designated donations to its “Beautiful Life” program to support the economic independence of women in vulnerable groups. Since 2024, it has directed donations to its “MEET YOUR BEAUTY” campaign aimed at helping teenagers develop a healthy sense of beauty. Amorepacific said it plans this year to expand MEET YOUR BEAUTY education through schools and related organizations, while also providing intensive programs for teenagers in vulnerable groups. It also plans to develop a standardized curriculum designed for use in the field to spread a message of inclusive beauty. An Amorepacific official said, “We see it as meaningful to practice social responsibility through the Hope Sharing Campaign,” adding, “We will continue sustainable giving and action so we can support neighbors in need.” E-Land’s WHO.A.U unveils first 2026 collection, “Urban Rhythm” WHO.A.U, operated by E-Land World, said Tuesday it will release its first 2026 collection, “Urban Rhythm,” simultaneously in online and offline stores. The collection is built around the theme of keeping one’s own rhythm in the fast pace of city life. The brand said the lineup reflects the lifestyle of today’s generation seeking balance amid noise and speed, featuring natural silhouettes and lightweight comfort. Key styles include lightweight padded outerwear and a “USA reversible warm-up jacket,” designed for everyday wear such as commuting or walking. The company said the items reflect the “granola girl core” trend, described as a nature-friendly outdoor style. A WHO.A.U official said, “Urban Rhythm is a collection for granola girls who keep their own tempo in the fast flow of the city,” adding that the brand is offering outerwear that combines style and mobility for a range of everyday settings. Skinfood launches limited-edition “Manggeureojin Bear” line in Olive Young collaboration Skinfood said Tuesday it is joining a collaboration campaign with Olive Young and the character Manggeureojin Bear, releasing a limited-edition lineup of pad and mask products. The main item, the “Manggeureojin Bear Collab Pad Double Planning Set (three types),” includes two full-size products and a free Manggeureojin Bear pouch (one of two types, selected at random). The “Manggeureojin Bear Collab Carrot Mask Planning Set” includes seven masks (5+2). Buyers of the planning sets will also receive a Manggeureojin Bear hair-fixing sheet. The products will be available starting Feb. 1 at Olive Young online and offline stores. To mark the launch, Skinfood said it will offer discounts of up to 40% throughout February, with discounts of up to 41% from Feb. 1-8. A Skinfood official said the collaboration with the popular character adds collectibility, and the company will continue trying new approaches to offer fresh brand experiences and enjoyment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:15:17