Author Jeong Bo-ra Nominated for Philip K. Dick Award,

Elevating Korean Sci-Fi 📚
Author Jeong Bo-ra has been nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award with the English edition of her short story collection, Cursed Bunny! 🎉 She expressed her immense joy, calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime event."

Korean sci-fi often emphasizes reflecting on humanity rather than focusing solely on scientific worldviews. Jeong highlights this as a unique strength. Her works delve into themes of artificial intelligence and humanity, offering fresh perspectives on the human condition.

This nomination is expected to further elevate the international stature of Korean sci-fi. ✍️

Youth Struggling with Job Shortages…

The ‘Just Taking a Break’ Population Surges to 400,000 😔

The number of young people who are ‘just taking a break’ has increased again recently. As of December last year, 410,000 individuals in the 15 to 29 age group were classified as ‘inactive,’ representing a significant 12.3% increase compared to the previous year. This group refers to young people who are not actively job-seeking or are simply taking a break without any particular illness or disability.

In December 2023, the number was 366,000, but it surged again after one year. This change is attributed to the slow economic recovery post-COVID-19 and the ongoing recession. The unemployment rate is rising, the number of unemployed individuals is increasing, and the number of those in precarious employment has skyrocketed. Additionally, the number of long-term unemployed young people is also on the rise, highlighting the growing instability of youth employment. 😢

Fishing Boat Capsizes in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do… 1 Dead, 4 Rescued 🚢

At around 5:04 PM on the 19th, a report came in about a 9.77-ton fishing boat capsizing off the coast of Jikdo, near Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do. The Coast Guard swiftly dispatched seven patrol ships and two rescue helicopters for the operation, successfully rescuing four of the five crew members. Unfortunately, the captain was found in a state of cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital.

According to the crew’s statement, the incident occurred when the boat tilted while raising its anchor. The Coast Guard is investigating the exact cause of the accident, emphasizing the importance of ensuring crew safety, and a thorough investigation into the cause is necessary. 🧐

The Incident Unfolds 🌌
Around 3 a.m., shortly after news of the arrest warrant broke, approximately 300 of President Yoon's supporters gathered outside the Seoul Western District Court and began a heated protest. Dozens of individuals breached the police barriers at the rear entrance and climbed over the walls, shouting that the door had been broken through. Inspired by this, the rest of the crowd surged into the court premises.

Once inside, they smashed windows, destroyed exterior walls, and threw items such as fire extinguishers, flower pots, monitors, and signboards while entering the main building. Some wielded umbrellas and metal pipes as they climbed to the 7th to 9th floors, where the judge’s chambers were located, kicking down doors and shouting for the judge. Terrified court employees had to evacuate to the rooftop for safety. Despite their efforts, the judge in question, Cha Eun-kyung, had already left the premises.

Damage and Recovery Efforts ⚖️
The court sustained significant damage, leaving the premises in disarray. Recovery and restoration efforts are expected to take considerable time. In response, the Court Administration Office announced plans to repair the facilities and provide psychological support to employees traumatized by the incident.

Police and Judicial Response 🚔
Eleven minutes after the breach, at 3:32 a.m., additional police forces were deployed to control the situation. Despite their efforts, it took hours to fully regain control. Nine officers were injured during the confrontation, and 46 protesters were arrested on charges including obstruction of public duty and property damage. Legal experts have labeled the incident a direct challenge to the rule of law, calling for severe penalties under charges such as aggravated obstruction of public duty and rioting.

President Yoon’s Response 🗣️
President Yoon addressed his supporters, urging them to express their opinions peacefully and asking the police to respond with restraint. However, his delayed statement following the violent incident has drawn criticism from various quarters.

This unprecedented event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and public order. Let this moment encourage reflection on the value of peaceful, democratic communication. 🙏

"Ga-sik" is a very subtle word in Korean society. It refers to behavior that appears kind and friendly on the surface but hides insincerity or different intentions. However, an interesting point is that "ga-sik" is not always negative. Sometimes, it can be necessary in social contexts. 🌱

For instance, in Korean society, it is considered important to show respect to elders or superiors, which often leads to "ga-sik" behavior. When we were children, parents often told us to "act politely in front of adults." This is a form of "ga-sik" behavior—being respectful on the outside, even if we don’t necessarily admire or respect the person in the way we act.

Ga-sik Can Be Necessary

But "ga-sik" is not always a negative thing. Sometimes it’s necessary to maintain social etiquette or respect between people. For example, at work, when a boss brags about a successful project, you might say, "That’s amazing!" even if you might not think so inside. Though it’s not your true feeling, this kind of "ga-sik" compliments helps to smooth over the conversation and boosts the boss’s morale. In this case, "ga-sik" can act as a social tool that facilitates communication. 🗣️

The Other Side of Ga-sik

However, excessive "ga-sik" can lead to negative outcomes. If someone is constantly pretending to be something they’re not, the other person may sense insincerity and feel disconnected. In personal relationships with family or close friends, too much "ga-sik" can break trust. For example, if a friend is going through a tough time and you ask, "Are you okay?" but your concern feels superficial, the friend may sense the insincerity. This kind of "ga-sik" can harm relationships. 😔

The Line Between Ga-sik and Etiquette

In Korea, "ga-sik" and "etiquette" often overlap. For example, when meeting a superior, you might be "ga-sik" without realizing it, simply by maintaining proper manners. The key point is that "ga-sik" isn’t always a "lie" or "hypocrisy" but can also be a way to show consideration for others. The phrase "ga-sik" is not always used with a negative connotation—how and when we use it appropriately is what matters. 🧐

Conclusion

In the end, "ga-sik" is not just a lie or hypocrisy; it can be seen as a form of "etiquette" in Korean society to maintain relationships and show respect for others. Understanding that "ga-sik" isn’t always negative is crucial, and the key is how we balance sincerity and appearance in different situations. In Korean society, finding this balance is an essential virtue! 💫

Ga-sik might sometimes feel uncomfortable in Korean society, but it also reveals the complex emotional lines and relationships between people. The key is to use it appropriately without going too far, maintaining good relationships and harmony. ✨

윤석열 지지자들, 서울서부지법 난입 사태 🚨 

by 에디터 나래🕊️