1. Gwangmyeong Tunnel Accident: 2 Dead and Dozens Injured 🚨🚗

2. Chinese Teens Caught Filming Fighter Jets — Espionage Charges Unlikely 🚁👀

3. Quantum Industry Ecosystem: Global Competition Intensifies 💻🌍

South Korea Just Shook Hands with Syria! 🤝

APR's Korean Picks #2 Banpo Stream, Draped in a Sea of Blossoms 🌸

Gwangmyeong Tunnel Accident: 2 Dead and Dozens Injured 🚨🚗
A major traffic accident occurred in the Gwangmyeong Tunnel, causing significant damage. Early on the 12th, multiple vehicles collided in quick succession, and as of now, two people have been confirmed dead, with dozens more injured. The accident took place in a high-traffic area, and it is believed that the crash occurred in a congested section. The police and fire departments are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, and the injured are being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. As a result, vehicles traveling through the tunnel faced severe traffic congestion, and traffic control measures, along with alternative routes, will remain in effect until the cleanup is completed. This incident has raised awareness about road and highway safety, with calls for measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. 🚨🛣️

Chinese Teens Caught Filming Fighter Jets — Espionage Charges Unlikely 🚁👀
Two Chinese teenagers were caught photographing South Korean fighter jets and military facilities without permission. They had entered on tourist visas and used DSLR cameras to take thousands of photos near U.S. military bases and major airports.

One teen reportedly said his father works for Chinese public security. While the motive is still under investigation, authorities suspect possible intelligence gathering. However, South Korean law limits espionage charges to acts benefiting an "enemy state," currently only North Korea, so espionage charges are unlikely.

Instead, they are being investigated under the Military Bases Protection Act, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or a ₩30 million (approx. $22,000) fine.

The case has sparked debate about legal loopholes and the need to broaden the definition of “enemy state.” The Defense Ministry emphasized that any threats to national security will be met with strong legal action. 🛑✈️

Quantum Industry Ecosystem: Global Competition Intensifies 💻🌍
The quantum industry is rapidly growing worldwide, and the global competition is intensifying. Quantum technology, especially quantum computers, has the potential to solve complex problems that current computing technologies cannot handle. As a result, many countries and companies are focusing their research and development efforts on this technology. The United States and China are currently leading the field, and the commercialization of quantum computers is expected to bring revolutionary changes to the economy and various industries. South Korea is also increasing its interest in the quantum industry, with the government pushing forward various support policies, aiming to make this sector a future growth driver for the nation. Companies are actively investing in quantum computing technology, and countries are engaging in both collaboration and competition to strengthen their competitive positions. The development and commercialization of quantum technology, along with the changes in the industrial ecosystem, are expected to have significant economic implications. The quantum industry is not just about technological advancements but is becoming a crucial factor in the global competition between nations, with the potential to reshape economic landscapes. 🧑‍💻🔬

South Korea Just Shook Hands with Syria! 🤝 by Editor Puff ☁️

Right now, spring is in full bloom across Seoul. As you walk through the city, it’s easy to spot cherry blossoms, forsythias, azaleas, and more bursting into color. Flowers are blooming even in the most unexpected corners — in front of houses, along alleys, and near bus stops. When the wind blows and petals begin to swirl through the air, it’s hard not to pause for a moment and just admire the scene. It feels like the flowers are quietly whispering, “Spring is here.” 🌿

한국, 시리아랑도 손잡다! 🤝

4월의 추천 #2 벚꽃이 흐드러진 도시 속 쉼표, 반포천 🌸

한국어 사전: 십중팔구 [Sip-jung-pal-gu] 🔮🤞🏆

한국이 마침내 시리아와 외교관계를 맺으면서, 북한을 제외한 전 세계 유엔 회원국 191개국 모두와 수교를 달성했어요! 여기에 유엔 비회원국인 교황청, 니우에, 쿡 제도까지 포함하면 수교국은 총 194개국에 이르죠. 👏

지난해 쿠바와의 수교에 이어 이번 시리아와의 수교는 한국 외교의 또 다른 성과로, 중동 외교에서 새로운 지평을 연 사건이에요. 조태열 외교부 장관은 4월 10일 시리아 수도 다마스쿠스를 직접 찾아가 시리아 외교장관과 '한-시리아 외교관계 수립 공동성명'에 서명했어요.

그동안 시리아는 북한과의 오랜 밀착 관계로 인해 한국과 수교가 어려웠는데요, 최근 내전 이후 시리아의 정치 구도가 바뀌고 새 정부가 출범하면서 수교가 가능해진 거예요. 😊 실제로 북한 외교관들도 아사드 정권 붕괴 이후 시리아를 떠난 상태라고 하네요.

이번 수교는 단순한 형식적인 선언이 아니라, 향후 협력의 기반이 될 중요한 첫걸음이었어요. 조 장관은 시리아가 안정을 되찾고 재건을 추진하는 이 시점에 한국의 개발 경험을 공유하고, 인도적 지원도 아끼지 않겠다는 의사를 밝혔어요. 실제로 의약품, 의료기기, 쌀 등 인도적 물품 제공도 약속했죠. 💊🍚

또한 상황이 나아진다면 한국 기업들이 시리아 재건 사업에 참여할 수 있는 길도 열릴 수 있겠다고 밝혔어요. 이에 대해 시리아 측도 큰 기대를 나타냈고, 특히 대(對)시리아 제재 완화를 위한 한국의 지원도 희망한다고 했어요. 🙂‍↕️

조 장관은 시리아 임시 대통령인 아메드 알샤라도 예방해, 포용적 새 정부 출범을 축하하며 국제사회가 요구하는 정치개혁과 화학무기 제거 등에도 지속적으로 응해달라는 메시지를 전했어요. 한국 역시 이러한 변화를 뒷받침할 수 있는 역할을 하겠다고도 했죠.

✨이 일이 왜 중요할까요?

한국은 이제 사실상 전 세계 거의 모든 나라와 외교 관계를 맺은 국가가 되었고, 이는 곧 한국 외교의 범위와 영향력이 한층 더 넓어졌다는 걸 뜻하죠.

특히 중동에서 중요한 전환점을 맞이한 시리아와의 협력은, 평화와 재건이라는 전 지구적 과제에 한국이 기여할 수 있는 기회이기도 해요.
한국의 외교가 이제는 단순한 경제·안보 중심을 넘어, 인도주의·개발 협력까지 포괄하는 ‘책임 있는 글로벌 파트너’의 모습으로 성장하고 있다는 걸 보여주는 상징적인 순간이라고 할 수 있어요. 🌍