1. Society: Working as an Illegal Female Tattooist in South Korea
In South Korea, a 1992 Supreme Court ruling classified non-medical tattooing as illegal, limiting legal tattoo procedures to licensed doctors. As a result, many tattoo artists work without legal protection, often facing risks such as workplace harassment.
Female tattooists, in particular, report issues related to gender discrimination and safety concerns. Despite increasing calls for legalization, the pace of social and legal reforms remains slow, leaving the industry in a gray legal zone.
2. Economy: Crisis for the 50s Generation - I Am a Job Seeker
With some major corporations encouraging voluntary retirement for employees in their 50s, an increasing number of middle-aged workers are being forced to leave their jobs before the legal retirement age of 60.
Statistics indicate that the average retirement age in major companies is now 50.5 years old. Many job seekers in their 50s are struggling to find new employment opportunities, with some applying to dozens of positions without success.
As the economy slows and companies cut investments, employment prospects for middle-aged job seekers continue to shrink. Some individuals are acquiring new certifications in hopes of securing jobs, but the effectiveness of this strategy remains uncertain.
3. Politics: Fluctuating Party Approval Ratings - The Shifting Role of Centrist Voters
Since the December 3 martial law crisis, party approval ratings have been fluctuating, with centrist voters playing a decisive role. The growing influence of the centrist electorate is affecting both ruling and opposition parties.
Political analysts suggest that centrist voters are balancing between holding the ruling party accountable while also being cautious about the opposition. As a result, their votes could become the deciding factor in an early presidential election.
4. Society: The Dilemma of Carrying Power Banks on Airplanes
A recent fire incident on an Air Busan flight at Gimhae International Airport has sparked safety concerns over carrying power banks on planes.
While airlines allow power banks in carry-on baggage, experts recommend passengers keep them in visible areas for safety. Aviation authorities are reviewing existing regulations, and stricter safety measures may be implemented soon.
5. International: Japan Fails to Fulfill Its UNESCO Commitments for 'Battleship Island'
Japan has failed to follow through on commitments it made when registering Hashima Island (Battleship Island) as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Despite agreeing to acknowledge and display the history of forced labor by Koreans during Japan’s colonial rule, Japan has not fully implemented these measures. The country has also not removed controversial exhibits suggesting that Korea’s annexation by Japan was legal.
The South Korean government has expressed strong concerns and urged Japan to honor its international commitments regarding historical accuracy.
