Ahn Jae-hyun works at a company many Koreans term as a “workplace of the gods” ― one that offers high job security and a host of other perks ― but what he does is not his dream job. “I still dream of becoming a journalist,” says the 29-year-old office worker. Ahn, who once interned at a local newspaper, says that he prefers a journalist’s “thrilling life” over a “comfortable life.” “I cannot forget the thrill of seeing my efforts presented in the form of an article in the newspaper each day.”  S

Gone are the days when journalists dictated how news was delivered and what made headlines.The explosion in use of social networking and smartphones has undermined the monopoly that professional reporters once had.Rather than simply producing news, they had to become communicators, working in collaboration with the public. They also had to adjust to new, more varied methods of delivering information.Defense journalist Yang Nak-gyu of the Asia Economy Daily is among those to embrace the changes e

The Sewol tragedy has left many to blame. The captain of the ill-fated ferry escaped, leaving hundreds of passengers trapped in the sinking boat. Maritime authorities closed their eyes to the ferry operator’s illegal business activities for years. But the country’s mainstream media also failed in their jobs right in the midst of the disaster. Public criticism has been mounting against the Korean media as it relied too much on the government’s inconsistent and inaccurate announcements, releasing

Beer poured just right is the perfect thirst quencher for hot summer’s day

Wheesung reflects on self on new EPWheesung“The Best Man” (KT Music)Ballad and R&B singer Wheesung has released his new EP “The Best Man,” featuring seven tracks filled with personal reflections and signature vocals.Wheesung looks back on his life as a singer on his new album, sharing his thoughts as he returns to the music scene after more than two years of military service.The last track, “Must Make Money,” is particularly attention-grabbing given that the singer blatantly criticizes himself a

Korean food in ceramic art at Lotte Hotel SeoulLotte Hotel Seoul’s Korean restaurant Mugunghwa is presenting the “Elegance of Korean Cuisine” promotion from May 12-31, during which a special menu featuring traditional banga and royal cuisine will be offered. The courses will be served on dishes crafted by Korean ceramic artists. The lunch course, priced at 100,000 won, includes fish dumplings, bamboo sprouts, grilled chicken, abalone soup and bamboo rice. The dinner course, priced at 135,000 won

After electricity was discovered, it took about 200 years for light bulbs and lamps, and other electrical products, to hit the market.The Web was created in the 1990s following the invention of the ARPANET system in the 1970s through a collaboration between the Pentagon, scientists and businesses that aimed to reduce inefficiency by sharing resources via network connections.A new market in which all sorts of physical objects ― ranging from home appliances and streetlights to roads and cars ― can

As was seen in the dot-com industry, venture entrepreneurship has been the key to creating not only new technologies but also new industries and values that can forever reshape conventional markets.Start-ups will be called upon again to develop an entirely new market where every physical object can connect to the Internet.With the Internet of Things gaining momentum, ventures such as Bitfinder and SinglePet are seeking to come out with their own connected innovative products and services that ho

An Oracle yacht that uses IoT technology (Oracle)A man walks into a clothing store and sees customized advertisements based on his shopping data as soon as he gets his eyes scanned.This scene is from Hollywood blockbuster “Minority Report” but a similar situation could soon become reality thanks to the Internet of Things.Cisco Systems, the U.S. networking equipment giant, said people can already get a similar experience.“If you use, for example, Cisco’s Connected Mobile Experience, what happens

As an example of the potential for the Internet of Things, take for instance the mousetrap. It has been a very long time since anyone has built a genuinely better mousetrap.But with the ubiquity of device connectivity these days, it is now possible for the janitorial staff in a commercial warehouse to be notified via smartphone when a mouse has been caught in some dark corner of the building ― and subsequently inform the end-user that it is time to set another trap. In short, IoT can improve eff

Not so long ago, automakers were all about competing to produce and market vehicles with better horsepower and fuel-efficiency.With the Internet of Things coming around the corner, automakers’ focus has shifted from not only introducing cars with powerful engines that consume less gas, but also to dashboards with in-car networks.Automakers are revving up to form an alliance either with Apple, Google or both, following the introductions of their in-car platforms that can be linked with drivers’ i

Young urban males are changing Korea’s luxury, beauty retail landscape

Menswear moves away from traditional suit pairings to more casual vibe

Korean men in their 20s and 30s are more interested in skin care ― the various products and treatments ― than anywhere else in the world, according to skin care product manufacturer Estee Lauder.“Healthy skin allows an individual to make favorable impressions on others while also providing that extra sliver of confidence, which are both important in this contemporary society driven by fierce competition,” Lab Series communications manager Kim Jung-sook told The Korea Herald.Changes in lifestyle

More getting plastic surgery in a society where appearance can mean power