Tag: South Korea

International

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim to Lead Star-Studded Launch of Korea’s Presidential Pop Culture Committee

Tanisha Cardozo

South Korea will officially launch its Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange on October 1, with performances by Stray Kids and Le Sserafim scheduled as part of the inaugural event.

The committee is co-chaired by Park Jin-young, founder of JYP Entertainment, and Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young. It is described as a new body aimed at supporting the international growth of Korean popular culture across sectors such as K-pop, dramas, films, and games.

According to media reports, approximately 270 citizens will be invited to attend the launch ceremony, which President Lee Jae-myung has referred to as being prepared like a festival. He has also stated that the committee will “firmly support the global leap and growth of our popular culture.”

The Presidential Committee for Popular Culture Exchange was announced in September 2025, and its official role includes facilitating collaboration between the government and the private sector within Korea’s cultural industries.

Stray Kids and Le Sserafim, two of the country’s leading K-pop acts, are expected to perform at the launch event, underscoring the government’s recognition of pop culture as a significant part of its international image and economic influence.

National

India and the World: Celebrating Independence Day Together

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India observes its Independence Day annually on 15th August, commemorating its freedom from British rule in 1947. Interestingly, India shares this date with five other nations, each celebrating a unique historic milestone of liberation or national pride.

  • South Korea and North Korea: Both nations celebrate their liberation from Japanese occupation in 1945, marking the end of World War II in the Korean peninsula.
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo: Gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960, a day now celebrated with national pride and reflection.
  • Bahrain: The island nation in the Persian Gulf achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, commemorating sovereignty and nationhood.
  • Liechtenstein: Observes its National Day on August 15, celebrating the heritage and constitutional traditions of one of the world’s smallest yet historically rich nations.

While India’s celebrations feature flag hoisting, parades, and patriotic events across the country, it’s fascinating to note that this day resonates with the spirit of freedom in multiple corners of the globe. It reminds us that the journey of independence, though distinct for each nation, is universally cherished and celebrated.

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South Korea’s Innovative Approach to Boosting Birth Rate

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In a bold move to combat its record-low birth rate, Saha-gu district in Busan, South Korea, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative offering substantial incentives to couples who get married and have children. This pioneering approach aims to revive family life and stimulate population growth in a country grappling with a demographic crisis.


Couples in Saha-gu district can receive up to 20 million won ($64,000) in cash incentives, along with housing support for up to five years. The district’s matchmaking event, scheduled for October 2024, is a prime example of these efforts, offering participants:

  • Up to 1 million won ($720) for initiating a relationship
  • An additional 2 million won for progressing to a formal family meeting
  • A substantial bonus of 20 million won upon marriage


South Korea’s birth rate has hit an all-time low of 0.72 births per woman, far below the 2.1 births per woman needed to sustain population growth. The government has launched various initiatives to address this issue, including the creation of a new Birth Rate Ministry. Saha-gu district’s approach stands out for its direct financial support, starting from the initial stages of a romantic relationship.


While this initiative offers a novel approach, experts question whether financial incentives alone can reverse the trend. High living costs, a competitive job market, and shifting societal norms have led many young South Koreans to delay or forego marriage and parenthood. To effectively address the demographic crisis, policymakers may need to adopt a multifaceted approach, tackling both financial burdens and underlying social and economic factors.


Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. South Korean marriages increased by 14.8% in 2024, the largest jump since 1990, offering a glimmer of optimism for the nation’s aging population. The fertility rate also rose for the first time in nine years, with some attributing this shift to changing social values and government support schemes.


Saha-gu district’s innovative approach to boosting birth rate is a step in the right direction. While challenges persist, the initiative’s success could pave the way for other districts to follow suit. As South Korea continues to grapple with its demographic crisis, innovative solutions like this one offer a beacon of hope for the nation’s future.

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Goa Tourism Expands Global Presence with Successful Roadshow in South Korea

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Goa, 28 March 2025 : The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted a roadshow in Seoul, South Korea in Seoul and Busan on 28-29th March. The initiative aimed to position Goa as a premier travel destination for Korean tourists while fostering stronger tourism ties between the two regions.

During the visit, the Goa delegation led by Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, met with Shri Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, who appreciated Goa’s enhanced infrastructure that offers improved accessibility to its diverse attractions. He highlighted Goa’s renowned cultural heritage sites, water sports, and wellness experiences, including yoga and Ayurveda experiences, as key elements appealing to international travelers.

The Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, noted that Goa continues to attract a significant number of international tourists, particularly from Russia and the UK. Domestic travellers have also shown growing interest in visiting Goa, even during the monsoon season. He highlighted key initiatives to enhance visitor experience, including plans to expand direct international flight connectivity and develop a digital transportation guidance app.

To further promote Goa’s offerings, the Department of Tourism will soon share its latest promotional videos with the Indian Mission for public outreach through social media channels. An invitation to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will also be extended to engage Korean travelers and filmmakers.
Smt. Ananya Agarwal, First Secretary and Head of Chancery, Embassy of India, Seoul, Republic of Korea introduced the Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) as a prominent platform to showcase Goa’s tourism potential to Korean audiences.

Currently, there are eight flight routes connecting Goa to South Korea, operated by airlines such as Air India, Korean Air, and Asiana Airlines. Plans are underway to further expand connectivity to cater to the growing interest in Goa as a travel destination.

The Department of Tourism continues its proactive efforts to showcase Goa’s rich culture, heritage, and adventure opportunities, inviting travelers from around the globe to discover the state’s unique charm.