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Showing posts from May, 2025

From the Lee-Park school controversy to Timothy Chalamet, Mountainhead, and Squid Game Season 3: Latest keyword summary

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Lee-Park school controversy In June 2025, allegations have arisen that Lebak School, known as a far-right historical education organization, has engaged in organized comment manipulation activities ahead of the presidential election, causing a significant stir in the political and educational communities. According to investigative reports, Lebak School operates a team called 'Jasongun (an army of free fingers saving the country with comments)', systematically writing comments to support or oppose specific candidates in online articles. They utilized multiple Naver IDs to defame candidate Lee Jae-myung and support candidate Kim Moon-soo, reportedly encouraging participation by offering a certificate for creative activity instructors. Reactions from the political sphere The Democratic Party of Korea has defined this as the 'constitutional chaos comment rebellion incident' and has reported those involved to the police. Candidate Lee Jae-myung criticized the comment ma...

Simultaneous spread of heatwaves and infectious diseases: Social response challenges to protect health during the summer

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In the era of dual disasters, the summer path we must create together The summer in South Korea has come to carry a meaning that is too heavy to simply be called a season. With global warming transitioning from mere warnings in scientific reports to a palpable reality in our daily lives, heatwaves are becoming a condition of survival that cannot be adequately described as just hot. Moreover, the threat of infectious diseases has added to this, turning our summers into epicenters of complex disasters. In the face of this layered crisis, we must reflect on past mistakes, contemplate current signs, and prepare a holistic response for the future. This article aims to analyze the structural causes and present practical solutions for society as a whole. Warnings from the past: The city heated itself, and humanity was trapped within it. In the late 20th century, South Korea achieved remarkable industrialization and urbanization, but behind this success lay the costs of defying the natur...

What measures should our society prepare for the increasing chronic diseases among the MZ generation?

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Young Generation's Health Crisis In modern society globally, including South Korea, chronic diseases are no longer issues confined to middle-aged or elderly populations. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and eye diseases are rapidly spreading among the younger generation in their 20s to 40s, and the speed and scale of this phenomenon exacerbate its seriousness. This raises an essential question: 'Why are modern individuals falling ill at earlier ages and more easily?' The importance of this question lies in the fact that the health problems currently faced by the younger generation stem from a complex interplay of multiple factors rather than a single cause. Silence of the Body in the Digital Everyday The normalization of digital devices is at the center of health changes in the younger generation. Through smartphones and various screens, we consume and gaze at thousands of pieces of information each day. This information overload can go beyond mere ...

Everyday Life Transformed by Minimalism and Technology: Finding the Essence of Life in Simplicity

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The Counterattack of the Small: Thinking in an Era Where Technology and Philosophy Meet Once, humanity held awe for the colossal. Ambitions for skyscrapers, massive machines racing across the fields, and transnational organizations seeking to control the world. Size was synonymous with power, and moving larger, higher, and faster symbolized progress. However, times have changed. Now, it is the small devices in our pockets that drive the world. Those things that were once unnoticed are quietly taking hold of the deepest realms of life. We now stand before a new question: 'What does it truly mean to be small?' The Philosophy of Smallness, the Abyss of Minimalism Minimalism is not about deficiency, but rather the aesthetics of choice. Simplicity is not a sign of poverty but the result of a refined intelligence that distills essence. 'Reduction' is not merely about elimination it is a continuous question and response about the core of life. What constitutes me? What i...

Nintendo Switch 2, the Empire in Your Hands: A Symbol of Future Technology and Industrial Hegemony Beyond Gaming Consoles

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The embodiment of technological hegemony, Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 precisely integrates cutting-edge semiconductors, high-resolution displays, and low-power high-performance processing technology within its compact and sleek design. This combination serves as a measure of competitiveness surrounding the technological sovereignty of various countries, extending beyond the performance of the hardware itself. Currently, the global technological standards vary based on whether companies and nations lead in this core technology, and the Switch 2 is a tangible result created at the forefront of this technological war. The gaming console reflects the present state of the industry and serves as a window into the upcoming future. Invisible Battlefield, Semiconductor War The semiconductor, at the core of Switch 2, is a strategic asset that is garnering attention in the modern world. The competition surrounding this small chip, involving Samsung and TSMC, as well as the United States ...

Weekend Healing Trip: A Time to Encounter Healing and Recharging in Nature

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A weekend to slow down the pace of life, a deep conversation with nature This weekend, we plan to step away from our busy daily lives and get a little closer to nature. In the life of a modern person who has been racing hurriedly through the noise of the city and the flood of information, there is a need for a pause, a moment to stop. Nature is a space that holds this pause. It accepts us without saying a word and comforts our hearts without needing to explain. The sunny weather forecasted by the meteorological service gives the impression that nature is quietly reaching out to us. This weekend's trip will not just be a simple outing, but a heartfelt conversation with nature and a valuable time for self-reflection. What we desire is not to go far away, but to face the tranquility we have forgotten in our close surroundings. The Healing Power of Nature The healing power of nature has been scientifically proven. Research results showing that simply walking slowly in the woods l...

Creating a Healthy Table with Seasonal Foods: Enjoying the Taste of Nature Throughout the Seasons

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The meaning of the time of nature and the wisdom of the table Life in modern times flows busily. As soon as we open our eyes to the sound of the alarm, the day begins a race against time, facing the daily routine as if we are being chased by the clock. Breakfast is often skipped, lunch is casually solved at convenience stores, and even dinner passes by carelessly, overwhelmed by fatigue. However, amidst the whirlwind of this hectic life, our bodies continuously demand one essence. That is "health." We sometimes try to find answers to health in grand changes, but true recovery often starts from surprisingly simple and fundamental aspects. Among those, if there is the most natural and ancient answer, it lies in "seasonal ingredients." Ingredients grown in the cycle of the seasons embody the rhythm and breath that the human body and mind must follow. Food grown in tune with nature's clock, embodying the rhythm of life. Seasonal ingredients are born and grow a...

Ethics and Responsibilities of Artificial Intelligence: How Will Humans Define the Boundaries of Technology?

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The Evolution of AI We are now living in an era that has moved beyond the time when technology simply waited for commands at human fingertips, coexisting with a new entity that sits alongside humans at the decision-making table. That entity is artificial intelligence. AI is no longer just a simple calculator or program. It has evolved into a 'quasi-autonomous being' that can recognize complex situations, learn vast amounts of data independently, and exhibit judgment capabilities similar to those of humans. From legal advice to disease diagnosis, and from financial decision-making to content creation—AI is establishing itself as a 'de facto decision-maker' that has a substantial and decisive impact on real life. Technology has transcended its mere status as a tool, becoming an active element that interacts with humans and contributes to the formation of a new technological ecosystem. Raising the Issue of Responsibility These changes provide us with surprises and co...

The Meaning and Legacy of the Gwangju May 18 Democratic Movement: Remembering as a Living History

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The Meaning of May in Gwangju The May of Gwangju does not exist only as a distant memory of the past. It is a spirit with a strong vitality that still permeates our lives today, living and breathing. Time has passed, but the cries of that day have not ceased. It continues to pose questions to all of us living today, asking what we must protect and how we should live from our respective positions. May of 1980 Gwangju May 1980 in Gwangju was not just a local tragedy. It was a rite of passage that our society had to go through to take a step further toward democracy. The courage of citizens who did not back down in the face of tanks and guns, the young people who took to the streets with nothing but their beliefs, and the neighbors who embraced each other's lives became the very roots of Korean democracy. Extraordinary Solidarity of Ordinary People The people who gathered in Gwangju at that time were not special individuals. They were students attending school, workers just st...

Closure of universities and cultural arts spaces, why are we losing our freedom?

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The Other Side of Social Change The era we live in speaks of constant progress on the surface, but beneath it, quiet cracks are widening. Behind the terms change and advancement, movements that actually go against the times are organizing and taking root. In particular, the repeated closures of universities and cultural spaces, along with the constraints placed on voices that seek to protect diversity and dignity, signify more than just a loss of space. It is a serious warning that the essential values this society should uphold—freedom, coexistence, and respect for humanity—are being gradually silenced. Through the gaps of that darkness, hatred and exclusion are reemerging, cloaked in the guise of 'tradition' and 'morality.' This writing confronts the reality of that trend and seeks to question where our society is headed now. The Role and Crisis of Universities Universities are not simply places for the injection of knowledge. They are mirrors through which soci...

What is true beauty in a appearance-focused society: Redefining self-esteem and standards

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The Era of Appearance As of 2025, we live in an era where appearance is regarded as an asset and beauty is seen as a measure of success. Social media and various forms of media constantly showcase ideal appearances through countless images and videos every day. The external standards presented in this way create a pressure that goes beyond mere trends, making individuals feel that they must conform to these standards to be integrated into society. Comparison and Self-Doubt Many people compare themselves and others based on filtered appearances and perfectly staged scenes. Such comparisons lead to expectations from others and self-doubt, driving them towards an endless effort to improve their looks. Among this, skin has emerged as the focal point of appearance management, with skin care treatments utilizing the latest technologies rapidly spreading to the public. The Evolution of Skincare Techniques Today, treatments like 'Pore Shrinking' and 'Booster Pro' are ga...

Dongtan incident, Hyomin's recent news, Djokovic and Gauff, and a comprehensive summary of hot issues including PSG and the FIFA Club World Cup

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Dongtan Kidnapping and Murder Case and Police Response On the morning of May 12, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in an apartment complex in Dongtan, Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. A 32-year-old woman, Kim Eun-jin, was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Lee Jun-ho (pseudonym). The victim was found in a corridor with her hands bound by cable ties and a black cloth covering her head. After the incident, she was transported to the hospital but sadly passed away. Following the crime, the perpetrator took his own life at the home where the two had previously lived together. This case highlights the failure of the police to take appropriate protective measures, despite the victim having reported previous instances of dating violence. The police issued a formal apology two weeks after the incident. This has sparked significant social controversy regarding the police's response and system related to dating violence. Hyo-min's Story of Marriage and Love Singer and broadcaster...
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2025 South Korea's presidential election turning point In 2025, South Korea has reached another turning point for the presidential election. The Yoon Suk-yeol government is entering the end of its term with its support base shaken, while the opposition, which gained an advantage in the general elections, is considering the possibility of a regime change. In this process, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party, is at the forefront, and at the heart of his campaign, quietly yet fiercely strategizing, is Representative Kim Min-seok. Kim Min-seok's current position symbolizes the changes in Korean politics. He was once in the spotlight, later stepping back from the stage for a time. However, his return to the political center is not just a simple comeback it is a rebirth in a completely different role. This article will analyze how the politician Kim Min-seok has transformed into a strategist and the practical role and significance he plays in the 21st presidential ...

The Evolution of Civic Politics and the Future of Democracy as Discussed by Yoo Si-min

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The Origins of Critical Support and the Awareness of Citizen Surveillance during the Roh Moo-hyun Era After the democratization of South Korea, a unique political culture known as 'critical support' took root in the progressive camp. This originated during the 1987 presidential elections when some activist groups chose to support an imperfect opposition candidate conditionally while criticizing the need for a change from the authoritarian regime. During Kim Dae-jung's administration, civil society took on the role of strict watchdogs rather than fully supporting the government, especially regarding misguided policies or decisions. This tradition was continued during President Roh Moo-hyun's term with the founding of 'Noh Sa-mo' (the group of people who love Roh Moo-hyun). At a meeting shortly after Roh's election victory, members shouted "Supervision!" in response to the question, "What should we do when he becomes president?" which r...

Lee-Park School 'Jaeson-gun' Comment Manipulation Controversy, Far-Right History Education Debate Spreads

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Purpose and Background of Lee-Park School Lee-Park School is an extreme right-wing educational organization established with the purpose of promoting the lives and achievements of former presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee. After retiring from public service in the late 2010s, representative Son Hyo-sook has led this organization for about seven years, investing even her public pension based on the belief that "without understanding history, there is no future." The name 'Lee-Park School' is derived from the surnames of Rhee and Park, and it aims to provide historical education that positively highlights these two figures. In light of current distrust in school education, Son has embarked on a historical education movement aimed at helping future generations develop a correct understanding of history, targeting elementary school students, teenagers, and parents. It is reported that she has been dedicated to developing historical content and training personn...