Tattoos in Korea: art or a dangerous medical procedure?

Tattoos were once generally thought of in association with gang members but now more and more people think of it as fashion or art.  According to a law that was put in place 25 years ago, all tattoo procedures are considered illegal in Korea unless performed by a medical professional.  

There was a time when majority of the people thought of tattoos as intimidating and disgusting but now the debate on tattoos is at a neck and neck race. 

"Tattoos offer a surprise.  It's an engraved picture so it allows you to see a different side to someone."

"I think tattoos are dangerous.  There can be dangerous side effects and once you get one it's hard to get it erased." 

More than a million people have tattoos and there's a growing number of tattoo artists in Korea.  It's becoming even more prevalent with semi-permanent tattoos for eyebrows, eyeliner, and other types of makeup on the rise.  But did you know that you can't give a tattoo if you're not a medical professional?

"I didn't know that it was illegal [to give a tattoo].  It's the first time I'm hearing that."

"I was completely unaware.  Everyone's getting it done though, aren't they?" 

At the 19th national assembly, there was an attempt to legalize tattooing but the proposal was rejected. A speaker for the Korean Medical Association said, "The act of using a needle to insert chemicals into a person is considered a medical procedure.  Viruses can spread.  It can cause infections and that's dangerous."  On the other hand the chairman of the Korean Tattoo Association argued, "I don't think it's that complicated of a procedure that a specialized doctor has to perform it.  I don't think there's a problem as long as we set rules like disposing of waste materials and following single-use protocols."

Japan and Korea are the only countries where tattooing is illegal.  The chairman said, "I don't know of any other country that sees it as a medical procedure.  They just strictly control it with sanitary practices and licensing.  I know that there's inadequacies but why can't we make it so that people in Korea can receive a license for it instead?"

The speaker for the Korean Medical Association commented, "Our country [compared to other countries] has double the prevalence for hepatitis.  It can spread [through tattooing procedures]."

The tug of war between tattoo as an art and tattoo as a danger continues.

Naver: Artistic or dangerous... an age where millions have tattoos, what's your take on it?

1. [+4772, -213] It's your choice whether you get a tattoo or not but I think it would be much better if legally we can set rules like banning minors from getting it, providing the proper tools, hygiene education, supervision, and license registration.

2. [+4014, -178] Tattoos are okay and all but please don't get couple tattoos......ㅠㅠㅠ you're going to regret it when you break upㅠㅠㅠ

3. [+3780, -491] I heard people regret it when they get older....

4. [+2601, -113] There's a lot of tattoo businesses that don't throw out needles after one use and are just unsanitary.  They even give tattoos to minors without the parents' consent

5. [+1302, -72] The true kind of 'cool' is when you've got a body that's been toned by self-management, tidy clothes and when only smart words come out of your mouth.

6. [+1155, -33] Objectively speaking, men that have so many tattoos just look pitiful.  If you wanna look cool and strong go work out instead,,

7. [+998, -21] I read back then that people use tax money to erase their tattoos. Don't do that

8. [+1082, -91] Tattoos aren't bad, it's just that I've never seen someone with a tattoo that's normal

9. [+860, -31] A few days ago I saw my neighbour.  He's a big guy in his 20s and he got a tattoo on his shoulder.  He was walking around with his head up high and flaunting his shoulder... ugh annoying

10. [+669, -14] Getting a tattoo = your choice but the responsibility is all on you too.

11. [+653, -55] I especially don't like it when I see celebrities getting tattoos and coming out on TV

12. [+491, -20] I don't care whether someone gets a tattoo or not. That's a personal choice but those that get one and then show off their arms acting all though & swearing ㅋㅋ You cute bastards

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Korean actor drops out of American TV show due to racial wage gap

Korean-American actors Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park withdrew from the American TV series, "Hawaii Five-O".  It was reported that both actors received 10-15% lower than their white counterparts.  Though CBS offered 'large and significant' offers to both actors, they made the difficult decision of leaving the show due to the still prevalent wage difference.

Daniel wrote to his fans about the issue on Facebook, "Though I made myself available to come back, CBS and I weren't able to agree to terms on a new contract, so I made the difficult choice not to continue.  I'll end by saying that though transitions can be difficult, I encourage us all to look beyond the disappointment of this moment to the bigger picture."

"The path to equality is rarely easy.  But I hope you can be excited for the future. I am.  I've got new acting projects on the horizon, as a producer, my company has its first show... The Good Doctor, set to air this fall on ABC.  There's a lot to look forward to and I'll be sure to share it with you."

Daum: Korean actor, drops out of American drama series due to pay gap.. "Difficult decision"

1. [+9190, -31] It must have been a tough decision for them.  They seem to have thought about it from a bigger picture rather than just a personal decision.  Fighting

2. [+7489, -117] Let's start by not discriminating ourselves too~!!!  I need to start with myself.  We need to put ourselves in their shoes and think about how much it hurts to be discriminated against.

3. [+5185, -33] Don't discriminate.  It's annoying.

4. [+1210, -4] Hawaii Five-O won't be entertaining without them though?

5. [+1053, -5] It's not an easy decision but you receive big opportunities for the stepping stones you bravely start on.  Wise decision.

6. [+1035, -10] There's a lot of people who think everything America does will be great.  Truthfully if you've lived in the states, America says they're a country who is logical and rational.  But it feels like that only applies to white people.  Since there's more discussion on black issues, they seem to be headed towards a better direction.  On the other hand, the racism on Asian Americans is off the charts.  Please get rid of the perfect fantasies you might have about America.

7. [+768, -1] They made such a tough decision.

8. [+746, -5] They did good. The racial discrimination is really harsh.

9. [+725, -1] I'm a fan who has watched all the past seasons.  If both of these actors leave, the show won't be any fun at allㅠㅠ I can't believe I can't watch the new season. Now what do I watch?

10. [+656, -1] Let's give them a round of applause for their brave decisions!

11. [+501, -2] I'd get it if it was a pay difference between a lead and sub actor but if their roles are pretty much equal and they're getting 10% less, then I can't see that as anything else but a wage gap.

SOURCES:
Daum: Korean actor, drops out of American drama due to pay gap.. "Difficult decision"
Facebook: Daniel Dae Kim - A message to my fans about Hawaii 5-0
Variety: CBS on 'Hawaii Five-0' exits: Made 'large and significant' salary offers to Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Park

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Only the rich with 'gold spoons' get into top Korean universities?

SKY: Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University

Kim Sang Gon, Education Minister

In order to get to the top universities in Korea, there's a comprehensive student record screening you have to prepare for.  It includes grades, introduction, list of awards, creative extracurriculars, volunteer work, research and essays.  It was introduced to help showcase individual student talents but it's just become a playing field for those with money and information.

A mother of a student preparing to enter university said, "It's seen as an investment.  You can spend over $35,000 in 10 months but if you can use money to change your kid's life, then of course people who have the means will use it.  That's why poor kids can't succeed in this kind of model."

Parents will spend thousands of dollars for elite high schools, tutors, extracurriculars and hagwons to embellish their kids' student records with the hopes of getting them into the top schools.  Elite high schools offer special programs to help with this.  For instance, they'll have experts coach students on high level research topics like 'analyzing chest CTs for lung cancer diagnosis' which they can then put on their record to help with admissions.  

Other parents team up to gather the latest information on what academics or extracurriculars to focus on to get into a top university.  They'll then build a curriculum using that information, hire the best private tutors and 'purchase' extracurriculars to gain admission. That's why this comprehensive student record screening is known as the gold spoon screening among many parents and students.

Kim Sang Gon said, "I will restore the education ladder that has crumbled, for equality of education opportunities."  One of President Moon Jae In's promises was to get rid of elite private high schools to promote education equality which has sparked controversy.

Naver: It all depends on how powerful your parents are?... 'The comprehensive student admission screening is a gold spoon screening'

(t/n: Naver recently made some changes in their comment system.  If I've marked a * before a comment, it means the original comment was "hidden due to the request of multiple users.")

*1. [+5638, -616] Normalize public education!!! I hope for this to happen, fighting!

*2. [+4286, -524] I support normalizing public education

3. [+3411, -353] Let's get rid of private schools and their corruption

*4. [+1658, -238] Make getting into university easy but harder to graduate from it. This is the answer.

*5 [+3197, -838] Is there a way for students to record that they're ilbe users on their admission screening?  I'm worried since they're people who could potentially become criminals...

6. [+811, -125] Extracurriculars only benefit those with gold spoons so it'd be nice if there was a limit on that ㅋㅋ

*7. [+2189, -598] The comprehensive screening didn't expand what I can show, it just limited me even more ugh

*8. [+838, -161] Normalize public education

9. [Deleted by user]

*10. [+892, -211] Let's just add more to what the comprehensive screening is lacking.  You say extracurriculars are advantageous to those with gold spoons but Moon Jae In's government pledged to lessen it
- [+122, -4] It's not that we need to get rid of the comprehensive screening because it benefits rich people, it's because we're driving children into an infinite battle with each other! It's truly an inhumane system which is why it needs to go
- [+96, 0] The comprehensive screening doesn't just have 1 or 2 problems. It's a complete mess. Nothing will change by just changing a couple of things. The biggest problem is the students involved are plunging into the temptation of immoral corruption.
- [+95, 0] Comprehensive screening = gold spoon screening... if we're being honest isn't this completely true?

SOURCES:
Naver: It all depends on how powerful your parents are?... The student admission screening is a gold spoon screening
The Korea Times: Elite high school controversy heats up
The Hankyoreh: For prestigious university admissions, S. Korean students and parents in a war for information
The Korea Times: Monthly tuition at children's English academies exceed $1000

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'Hamburger phobia' spreads after mother sues McDonald's Korea for daughter's illness

A mother filed a complaint to McDonald's Korea claiming that their hamburger caused her daughter to lose 90% of her kidney function.  The 4-year-old was diagnosed with 'hamburger disease' or 'hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)'.  She now has to undergo dialysis for 8-10 hours daily.  McDonald's responded to her claim and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

After news of this spread, various fast food chains are feeling more pressure from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and customers to inspect their products more carefully.

Like / Heartwarming / Sad / Angry / I want a follow-up

Naver: 'Hamburger disease' mother sues "I tear up seeing holes in my child..."

1. [+4588, -313] You all shouldn't point fingers at the mother saying she's not in her right state of mind to feed her 4 year old kid a hamburger.  Why don't you all try raising a child?  Kids are picky eaters.  There's kids who like eating hamburgers, others who like kimchi stew, those that like vegetables.  It varies.  Why blame her for allowing her kid to eat a burger that's not good for adults either, shouldn't the blame be towards fast food chains who target kids with 'children meal sets'?  Think of how the mother feels seeing her kid in that stateㅜㅜ She's probably already blaming herself enough

2. [+2724, -86] I hope McDonald's takes sincere action about this.  Not pointing fingers but is there another reason why they don't want to reveal the CCTV recording of the day they were at that McDonald's location?  This hurts my heart.  I feel like it's always the consumers that suffer in our country

3. [+2297, -87] Can't believe there are no comments on an article like this... if you're someone who has kids, your world would be crashing down.. they would rather be the one sick instead of their child

4. [+1898, -58] Hope it gets resolved, they get the compensation, and that the child gets proper treatment.... stay strong!

5. [+1964, -97] I don't think I can go to McDonald's. I'm scared my kid will turn out like that.

6. [+613, -63] If people find out I don't let my kids drink soda or eat hamburgers, people around me will react and say "she's already 4, and you're still not letting her eat those things?????" They'll think of me as such a strange mom.  But after this article popped up, people are blaming the mother for letting her 4 year old eat a burger? People's double standards are really no joke.  The fact is the kid got sick after eating the burger.  Why are there comments turning this around on the parents?  I don't get it

Like / Heartwarming / Sad / Angry / I want a follow-up

Naver: 'Hamburger phobia'... will there be an aftermath effect on other businesses 'extreme worry'

1. [+5368, -134] What are those producers doing that exposed castella cakes?  They should be reporting on patty factories and their production at this kind of time, no?  Or is it that you're afraid to do anything since it's a big corporation?

2. [+2798, -81] Hamburgers aren't even healthyㅠㅠ Might as well stop eating it as much..

3. [+2386, -351] It's not that I'm taking McDonald's side but since we're talking about it, aren't burgers sold in convenience stores even more dangerous?

4. [+1158, -104] There will definitely be people trying to fabricate facts.. then trash reporters who see that will report it as 'the truth'.. and when the actual truth is exposed, they'll try to hide

5. [+275, -18] I'm not the type who gives my kids junk food but sometimes it's inevitable at certain places where you can't bring in your own food.  I bet they were in the same position too and they must be blaming themselves for it.  This is such a terrible case to hear as a parent myself and I hope for the child's recovery.  Hopefully the investigations are done thoroughly.

SOURCES:

Naver: 'Hamburger phobia'... will the aftermath spread to other businesses 'extreme worry'

Naver: 'Hamburger disease' mother sues "I tear up seeing my child with lines into her stomach..."
YouTube: Fast Food Illness

Asia One: Mother files complaint against McDonald's after daughter diagnosed with 'hamburger disease' in South Korea

The Investor: McDonald's hamburger scare spreads in Korea

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Heightened tension after North Korea's ICBM launch

Estimated Range of North Korea's ICBM (Source: allthingsnuclear)

- On the 4th of July, North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.  Theoretically, a missile of this kind can reach US territory, which is raising tension internationally. 

- A technological advancement like the ICBM is currently putting pressure on negotiations and what their next step should be.

SOURCES:

NPR: Secretary of State confirms North Korea missile an ICBM, calls for global action

The Wall Street Journal: Launch Pattern, why North Korea could now threaten the US

NPR: Calm in Seoul as the North Korea question grows more urgent

Washington Post: Trump warns of 'severe' consequences for North Korea as Russia, China balk at tough US talk

Naver: ICBM realistically difficult to intercept with THAAD... 24 times the speed

Reuters: South Korea's Moon says it is time for North Korea to decide: dialogue or not

The Korea Herald: Moon says willing to to meet North Korean leader; wants no regime change

NPR: After North Korea's ICBM launch, now what?

Brookings: Dealing with a nuclear-armed North Korea, rising danger, narrowing options, hard choices

Naver: A dialogue with the North, sanctions if refused... meaning to the speech in Berlin

International Atomic Energy Agency: Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy and inhibits nuclear weapons

Naver

1. [+6024, -190] The US should now revoke putting limits on South Korea's missile development

2. [+4798, -193] What's even more difficult is we have no way to stop conventional and biochemical missiles..

3. [+5974, -1427] When Roh Moo Hyun said we should develop nuclear powered submarines, the long standing forces were against developing our own self defence!!

4. [+3234, -710] Honestly for a lowly country to successfully make an ICBM, imagine how proud and boastful they must feel.. it's just like a success for them.. but are we just going to do nothing and watch..

5. [+467, -56] For the good of the country, we have to know how to say 'no' when it comes to it whether it be US, China, or the North

6. [+366, -26] Shouldn't our country be making something too?  I want to make my kids forget the word 'war'

Naver

1. [+1719, -171] Listen carefully you bastard pig Kim Jong Un

2. [+1425, -136] Kim Jong Un, clean out your ears and listen~

3. [+1506, -170] "We hope the North doesn't cross the line to no return" Jong Un, you better listen

4. [+1555, -301] War cannot happen... let's stop this one now

5. [+1499, -282] They'd be the first ones to dig an underground tunnel if a war was to start

6. [+385, -36] Come out to the negotiations table while we're being nice you North pig.

피드백은 언제든 환영이니 말씀해 주세요.

Feedback is always welcome so please let me know if there are any mistakes.

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'Blind hiring', no more photos or school names on Korean applications

On July 5th, President Moon Jae In and the Ministry of Employment and Labour announced a new policy regarding applications for all public jobs.  

- Any information unrelated to the job can no longer be requested (incl. photos, name of school, hometown, and family background) 

- Currently, the policy doesn't include private sectors and >52% said they are not willing to adopt the new system

Naver

1. [+3146, -231] It's really great and all that they won't look at schools but if we're going to do that, might as well make it so they're not allowed to see our GPA.  A 3.0 would be the same 3.0 for someone else then

2. [+2519, -296] Please conceal age and sex too.  In that way, skill will be put upfront.  You're not sitting there to pick the young guy who will drink with you 'till the end or a pretty girl to look at.

3. [+1968, -138] They'll still ask this at the job interview but at least documents are one less thing to be frustrated about.  While we're at it, it'd be great to get rid of age and sex too.

4. [+1512, -76] It's only right that they shouldn't be demanding unnecessary information.  This is great for job seekers that shell out almost $200 for their application photos.  Those that already got their application photos taken must feel like it's unfair but that's just how it is

5. [+1308, -96] What about age??

6. [+368, -25] Photo, sex, age.  Get rid of it, just like how it is internationally.

 7. [+326, -12] Honestly speaking I don't understand why we need to include our family members' occupation. Ugh. What does that matter?

8. [+302, -12] Our application photos aren't even our real faces.  It's good that they'll be able to see what we look like at the interview instead.  I support this.

Daum

1. [+1278, -151] This is what a country should be Geun Hye~~

2. [+1112, -31] They also need to look into public workers getting hired through special application processes.  They should exclude participation from internal employees as judges.  

3. [+884, -64] Good

4. [+319, -13] What about age?? Isn't age #1 when it comes to job discrimination?

5. [+285, -4] There are even public institutions that take note of your parents' academic background.  Isn't that insane? Seriously

6. [+238, -5] Get rid of places that look for your elementary, middle and high school background, your parents' occupation and wealth.

7. [+233, -20] What's the point if they'll still ask this during the interview

8. [+189, -16] Please, it's not too late to go through this properly.  In order for us to be judged solely on skill, this goal needs to be accomplished.

SOURCES:

'Blind hiring' for public jobs, no more photos and school names on applications

Naver: Starting this latter half of the year, no more photos on public sector job applications

Daum: 'Blind hiring' for public sector jobs.. no more photos or school names on applications

Korea Times: Korea begins 'blind hiring' for all public jobs

Quartz: South Korea's president wants to ban photos, and questions about your parents, in job applications

Naver: School, hometown, photos... concealing flashy qualifications

YouTube: [Weekly Moon Jaein Ep. 4] A resume without unnecessary qualifications

피드백은 언제든 환영이니 말씀해 주세요.

Please let me know if there are any mistakes.

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Park Geun Hye officially removed from office, first SK president to be impeached

The court unanimously voted to impeach Park Geun-hye and South Korea now has 60 days to elect a new leader.  Judge Lee Jung-mi read the verdict live on television this morning, "President Park Geun-hye has been dismissed.  Her actions betrayed the country's confidence, democracy, and the rule of law, which cannot be tolerated."  Park Geun-hye now has to immediately forfeit executive immunity to criminal indictment.  

Yonhap News via Naver: 'Currently, President Park Geun-hye officially removed from office... unanimous decision by the court

1. [+43,901, -514] South Korea, manse!

2. [+32,572, -439] Everyone, we've won

3. [+31,060, -379] Justice is alive!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. [+26,713, -371] Hooray for South Korea~~~~~

5. [+20,697, -285] Justice has come to us!

6. [+7167,-115] I'm really in tears!  Now let's properly vote for the next president!

7. [+7271, -243] This is the difference between President Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye

(t/n: Former president Roh Moo-hyun was embroiled in a corruption scandal and later committed suicide by jumping from a cliff. He left a note apologizing for making many people suffer.)

8. [+6008, -108] Huge celebration!!  Park Geun-hye is removed from office

9. [+5714, -91] I'm crying.  Judge Lee Jung-mi's remarks today are so refreshing

News 1 via Naver: Currently "Court unanimously decides for impeachment"

1. [+45,008, -347] Manse South Korea!!!!!!!!!!!!

2. [+28,648, -234] Manse

3. [+27,570, -280] That's the end for her!  South Korea, hurrah!

4. [+21,801, -212] Nice!!!

5. [+17,761, -232] Ohㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

6. [+6308, -52] I agree with impeachment~!!!!  Scream it with me~~!!!ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

7. [+6117, -46] I'm crying!!  Spring is coming..

8. [+5916, -44] Korea, the court, everyone, you've all worked hard!!!!

Source: Yonhap News via Naver

1. [+18,377, -185] Thank you for the unanimous decision.

2. [+16,198, -186] Lee Jung-mi.. this must be what a girl crush is... 

3. [+12,219, -180] Park Geun-hye divorced South Korea and remarried to prison!!!!

4. [+9666, -122] Those are the right words!

5. [+7620, -103] Good

6. [+2568, -23] Lee Jung-mi looked very nervous at first... this must be that push and pull...

7. [+1713, -28] Justice is alive

8. [+1450, -19] What a breath of fresh air

Source: Herald Economy via Naver

1. [+10,562, -121] Manse...

2. [+8259, -98] Justice wins!

3. [+7801, -92] South Korea, manse

4. [+6975, -83] What a great result, kindness is alive!!!!

5. [+6935, -82] Now let's pick a proper president!

6. [+1187, -16] Cheers South Korea!!!!

7. [+1140, -21] Now let's lock her up

8. [+1117, -24] JTBC's the one who got her to be impeached...

Source: Yonhap News "Park Geun-hye dismissed... judges decide for impeachment 8-0"

1. [+43,561, -474] Hurray South Korea

2. [+34,166, -439] It was 8-0 Geun-hye-yaㅋㅋㅋ

3. [+25,639, -412] ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

4. [+24,852, -371] Everyone make some noise~~~~

5. [+23,487, -361] Manse

6. [+5512, -73] Justice is served.

7. [+5206, -70] South Korea, manse

8. [+4931, -66] This is a historical day for South Korea, let's remember this day

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"Please tell me your resident registration number."

Man: Please say your resident registration number.
Girl: 010... (t/n: Phone numbers usually start with this.)
Man: No, not your phone number, your resident registration number.
Girl: Yeah I got it, 010...
Man: No!! Not your phone number!! Your resident registration number!!
Girl: I'm telling you right now! I was born in 2001!!

OP: "A similar experience happened with kids I was teaching in a class, the student teacher got such a shock when one said their number started with 010 ㅋㅋㅋ......"


---
(The first 6 digits of the card represent your birthday starting with the year [more explained below], to differentiate someone born in 1901 compared to 2001, the 7th number is needed which indicates whether you're male/female and the century you're born in.)

t/n: Every resident in SK receives one just a month before their 17th birthday where they have to register their fingerprint at a local government office and be issued a resident registration card that has their identification number, name, address, photo, and fingerprint.

A resident registration number consists of 13 digits and each digit indicates a particular type of information about the person in the form of YYMMDD-SBBBBNC.

YYMMDD: Birthday
(Ex. Someone born on February 10, 2001 would have the first six digits as 010210 or someone born in April 22, 1982 would have 820422.)

S: Sex/Century born in
3 - Male, Born in 2000-2100 or 4 - Female, Born in 2000-2100
1 - Male, Born in 1900-1999 or 2 - Female, Born in 1900-1999
(Ex. If a male was born on June 1, 1901 and another male on June 1, 2001.  They'd have 010601-1****** and 010601-3****** respectively.)

BBBB: Place of birth
N: Differentiating number
C: Check digit

Daum Cafe: Please tell me your resident registration number 

- Feels like '01 kids were born just yesterday though..?

- Mine starts with 8.. uh.. nevermind..
> Hehe halmeoni~!~! Take me with you~!!!
> ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

- I work in a hospital and a police officer and I were asking a patient their resident registration number (RRN) and they said 000***-4******.  The police officer and I were just like, "I'm sorry, what??" three timesㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I think the patient got mad too because they had to repeat it three times and even had to clarify that they're a '00 line kid ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

- In my head, anyone starting from '99 line are still kids
> '99 line this year are in their last year of high school this year...... exam times....ㅜ
> So true, my cousin had a baby and in no time they were already in senior year...

- Never thought about why they needed to make the new 3, 4 (sex/century number 'S') but now that I think about it, you do need it because they could get mixed up with those that were born in 1905 or 1904

- Wow... 01... freaking crazy

- So weirdㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Feels so weird

- Wow these kids can seriously use their RRNs as phone numbers

- '01 line feels like they're still babies though......

- Time is so heartless

- A '00 is getting their ID already...? You're not kidding with me??

- Geez... I'm actually getting a bit of a culture shock... just a bit

- This is really making me feel old

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College students injured as retreat bus overturns and falls, netizens call for a stop to OT/MT retreats?

On Feb 22 at 5:45 p.m., a bus carrying university students on the interchange to Jungang Expressway in Danyang County, North Chungcheong Province crashed onto the guard rail, overturned, and fell 5 metres below.  The bus was headed to Kangwon-do as part of Kumoh National Institute of Technology's 3 days and 2 nights OT retreat for new students.  Representatives from the institution say that the bus of the accident was carrying math and chemistry majors and that over 1000 students divided by 25 buses were on their way to the retreat.  

(t/n: OT = orientation, MT = membership training; 

It's typically a retreat that takes part away from the city, such as in the countryside or the mountain area, to bond and build relationships between group members from companies or universities.)

All 44 students were transferred for treatment with 3 to 5 severely wounded while the rest suffered from minor injuries.  The driver also suffered from serious injuries and was transferred to the hospital.  Police report that most of the students were wearing seat belts and they are currently investigating whether it was caused because of a slippery road.  The university has since stopped the OT retreat and are in the process of bringing the students back home.

Yonhap News via Naver: University freshmen's OT bus falls 5m below... 1 dead, 44 injured

1. [+6535, -56] Rest in peace.

2. [+5197, -54] I saw the article and hoped no one died.. rest in peace..

3. [+4516, -60] This is why we must wear seat belts..

4. [+6073, -587] We need to get rid of OTs, just have it in the auditorium and let the people go home.. geez
> [+244, -500] Do we really need to go that far as to get rid of it;;
> [+430, -104] It's because the same accidents are becoming frequent.. I'm saying this as a university graduate and office worker now...
> [+823, -41] We do need to get rid of it.  When I was in my first year, I just paid for weird fees ㅋㅋ If not, at least make it voluntary instead.
> [+596, -22] I've wanted to go on an OT and when I did go for 1 night and 2 days, it was the worst thing ever..
> [+126, -351] That's like saying to get rid of cars since there's so many car accidents
> [+710, -32] OTs are pretty much useless now, you end up being close once you get to know people at school anyway.
> [+408, -28] People who haven't gone to university are trying to pick a fight, OTs truthfully don't have any meaning anymore.  All you do there is get wasted

5. [+3295, -165] Why does this always happen every time there's an OT?

6. [+707, -19] I also attended an OT back in the days but I don't get why we still have them.. I have no other memories except the seniors using drinking games to discipline the juniors.. when I see university students renting out a resort for an OT just to drink all night, do weird things, and throw up in the hallway? I can't help but think that we need to re-evaluate the meaning of an OT.

7. [+529, -8] The driver left us now... rest in peace...

8. [+428, -6] Why is an OT such a big deal, just do that in a lecture hall at school

9. [+390, -2] It's the driver that has died... rest in peace

10. [+386, -3] Do it on campus.  Why the need for 2 nights and 3 days...

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Young woman having sex at her own place vs. the neighbour who criticized her for it?

A young woman in her 20's brought her significant other to her rooftop place to visit.  Her room was very small and not soundproof so the couple had to keep the noise down.  When they opened their door in the middle of the night, the door next to them slammed open and an elderly neighbour started screaming at the young woman.

"A woman who lives alone, what right do you have to bring a man over to your place!  I can't believe, a woman doing this!"  The elderly then started to threaten her.  "Does your own mother even know you're acting this way?  I'm going to tell her right this moment.  If you're going to be bringing men to your place, move out right now!"

The young woman could not even act freely in the comfort of her own home and after this incident, she became conscious of her actions.  Even when she talked to her mom who always took her side, the word 'sex' never popped up in their conversation.  As someone officially on the government's map of childbearing age, she felt as if she was in a position where she could not even have sex.

Women in their 30's are criticized by elders for being no-good women not being able to get married whereas women in their mid-20's are criticized for bringing men over to their place.  The young woman feels conflicted about which ideals they expect her to conform to and wonders if the same situation would have played out if she was a man instead.

The young woman feels that she not only has to watch out for her safety as a woman living on her own, now she has to uphold a certain reputation.  Although she knows she shouldn't bother with those types of thoughts, she can't help but feel on edge when she brings her significant other because of the way her neighbours look at her and treat her.

Hankyureh via Daum: "Where do you think you're bringing a man in!"... It was my place but I was kept on my toes

1. [+4510, -426] These old geezers are really overstepping their boundaries.  They're the problem.  With her earned money, do they want her to do it in a car instead?  They don't see the bigger problem, these citizens that are on the same level as Park Geun-hye.

2. [+3397, -347] It's something that we can't even do anywhere we please, and it must be in a place where the others can't hear.  We have to save up money just to book an inn instead, the young generation is pitiful

3. [+2697, -295] Women who live alone have worries and anxiety because of men.  Your home is a place where you're supposed to be the most comfortable and we can't even have that.

4. [+1549, -217] I'm a woman too but this is totally wrong -_-.. The article keeps mentioning it as "her house" and "her place" but she lives in a small room that's not soundproof, do you think the neighbour would want to hear that kind of noise in 'their own house' too??  If she's so caught up in wanting her 'own space' then move to a place where no one can hear you do that.. a room that's as small as a container box can be a total bother, the person here is being way too selfish??!!  If you don't have the money to afford a better, more private place, then save up some money with your part-time job and do your thing at a motel;;;

5. [+1680, -349] The article is a piece of trash.  Without regard to whether you're a male or female, the fact that you're having sex in a place where the neighbour next to you can hear everything you're doing, isn't it basic manners to think about the neighbour?  That's the problem here.

6. [+1073, -147] I understand what the article is trying to say but the case they used just isn't it.

7. [+1014, -119] Isn't the article being too one-sided?  If the rooms are the size of a container box then the owner herself should know the level of that house and how sound can travel so easily.  With that, she should know to live quietly so is she trying to show off that she's being a nuisance to her neighbours by bringing her boyfriend to a place like that to have sex???

8. [+785, -56] Isn't it too much to be doing that in a rooftop place that's not soundproof?  Imagine how pissed off the elder beside them is?  She can just go to her boyfriend's, in any case the article gave a bad example!!!

9. [+694, -47] Looks like the problem isn't the fact that she's bringing her boyfriend over, it's her lack of manners for her neighbour for bringing him in a space where the next place can hear everything.  If you look at the other person's perspective, you'll find your answer.

10. [+597, -49] I don't think this is anything for her to be proud of ;  Looks like you're the one who made the mistake... you should think about your neighbour...

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Court turns down request to arrest Woo Byung-woo, denies involvement in Choi Soon-sil scandal

The investigation team is pursuing Woo Byung-woo, Park Geun-hye's former senior secretary for civil affairs, and investigating whether he obstructed an investigation into the deadly sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014 for Park Geun-hye's political benefit.

Woo Byung-woo denied any involvement in the scandal at a court hearing after a 19-hour questioning session.  Park Young-soo of the investigation team asked the court to issue an arrest warrant against Woo Byung-woo but the Seoul Central District Court turned down the request stating the allegations against him are debatable.

He flatly denied involvement in the scandal and said that he did not know who Choi Soon-sil was until after the scandal broke out.  Meanwhile, the deadline of the investigation is next week on Feb. 28.

JTBC via Naver: [Breaking] Woo Byung-woo, "All of it was President Park's orders... I only acted as the mediator"

1. [+35,508, -652] This seems to be these beasts' final look with no worries~ rot in jail when you get arrested~~~~~

2. [+32,447, -718] Of course Park and Choi gave him orders.  He played the role of Choi Soon-sil's dog managing government affairs.

3. [+28,791, -576] The one who's great at lying and acting ㅋㅋㅋ Woo Byung-woo, get ready to go to jail.  If you respect them so much, hold their hands and go to jail together.

4. [+23,779, -502] Yeah we got it, now rot in jail forever.

5. [+6485, -133] Kya~ he's cornered~~~ he's screwed now

6. [+4805, -101] Wow!  Now he's using Park Geunh-hye as a shield!

7. [+4698, -110] If that's true, then it's only right to impeach Chicken Head Geun-hye!

Yonhap News via Naver: Woo Byung-woo's arrest a 'misfire'... hard to find the truth to son's preferential treatment and other allegations

1. [+18,863, -1044] Let's request for it again on the 26th to 27th before the final deadline, I hope in the end we'll finish with Woo Byung-woo's arrest... Please convict Woo Byung-woo for being a devil

2. [+17,207, -812] Get an extension for the investigation team, search the Blue House and arrest both Park Geun-hye and Woo Byung-woo.

3. [+16,361, -724] Woo Byung-woo, this law twister, we need to arrest him for sure... we must arrange for the day when he won't be able to glare at anyone anymore

4. [+12,775, -648] Citizens, you are watching the last attempts of survival by Soon-sil's camp~ investigation team, stay strong~ fighting to you guys~

5. [+3206, -151] The Department of Justice is so corrupt, it's a situation where we need to rid of him too

6. [+3082, -171] The name of the judge is Oh Min-seok.

7. [+2613, -150] Let's request again and catch him..

News1 via Naver: "This will be the last time if he's arrested"...  Woo Byung-woo glares at a civilian class

1. [+29,868, -473] The way he looks at everyone else as if we're all under his feet!

2. [+27,184, -377] Exactly as he's always been...

3. [+25,984, -436] Rude bastard!

4. [+17,298, -322] Laser eyes

5. [+16,320, -320] Woo Byung-woo's true self...

6. [+4737, -62] Is it his habit to look down on people?

7. [+4332, -69] His eyes are just like a snake's, evil and haughty ugh

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Citizens angered at Park Geun Hye's last attempt to drag out the impeachment trial

The Constitutional Court has held 14 sessions since December 9th when the National Assembly voted to impeach Park Geun Hye.  Throughout the months, Park Geun Hye's side has done all it can to drag out the proceedings.  As a last resort, they have again asked the Constitutional Court to postpone the final hearing to March 2-3 saying that they need more time to prepare their final statements and to decide whether Park Geun Hye will appear at the hearing.  Their chances of stalling this time around are slim as the court dismissed their requests and asked them to submit their final statements by Thursday.

Yonhap News via Naver: President's side "post-pone the final impeachment trial until March 2~3"

1. [+26,198, -482] They're just doing all that they can now huh.. can't help it.  Let's hurry and impeach her already and put her behind bars..

2. [+24,889, -415] Oh stop it.  You coward~~ you've already delayed it long enough, haven't you??

3. [+24,442, -356] What have they been doing all this time that they want to delay it again?  How much longer do we have to take your grumbling?

4. [+22,292, -338] Is this a criminal trial?  We're deciding whether she is qualified to still be the present so why do we keep arguing back and forth about whether she's committed a crime or not?  Do that separately!  It's obvious that she is not qualified to be the president so why are we dragging it out like this?
> [+301, -5] At the same time the President's side announced their statements, some celebrities I've never even seen or heard of kept the #1 spot on the real-time searches..;;; Is Naver a part of the Blue House...
> [+280, -3] Refreshing ㅋ It's not even a criminal trial so what's this ㅋ
> [+237, -4] All of the citizens want her to step down but she still wants to be the president ㅡ ㅡ Crazy bitch

5. [+17,446, -302] Screw off, stop trying to hide behind a smoke screen

6. [+5656, -101] Looks like these losers are trying to get their pay for March too.

7. [+5557, -92] They're really planning on dragging it out until the end... if they're confident, why would they need that?

8. [+5501, -93] No way.  We must condemn her with the 8 members.  If they push it until March, it'll be after Judge Lee Jung Mi's retirement. I think that's what they're aiming for.
(t/n: Lee Jung Mi's six-year term ends on March 13.  At least seven judges of the nine-member panel are required to take part in the ruling and at least six of them need to support the impeachment.  If one of the seven judges is unable to take part, the impeachment ruling will be indefinitely suspended.  If the court were to appoint new judges at this point, the ruling is expected to be delayed.)

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Customers who speak to service workers informally?

Customer A: Excuse me
Waiter: Yes?
Customer A: Water

Customer B: There's this thing... don't you think it's better to address restaurant workers politely?
Customer A: How?
Customer B: "Please give me water," like this.
Customer A: Why should I?  I'm a customer.

Customer A: Hey (to the waiter)! Beer.

Daum Cafe: I'm embarrassed when I'm at a restaurant with this type of person.jpg

- This is my mom and dadㅜㅜ They always speak informally to part-time workers it's very embarrassing..

- So true ㅋㅋ They can't even speak like that to those who are higher in status than themㅋㅋㅋ but they abuse their power on service workers

- I have a similar experience.  I was riding a taxi with this person and they were such an asshole to the driver so when I asked about it when we got off, they said that the driver's getting paid so what.. ugh.. that's not even the problem, the fact is they treated that person like dirtㅠ

- You can tell what kind of person someone is through how they act in those situations

- But there's some people who are just shy so they don't like to talk a lot and will just say 'Hey.. water..' with their cups raised, would that still be considered rude?
> Employees won't know for sure if that person is just shy so they could get mistaken for being rude too
> But there's a clear difference between someone disrespectfully saying "Hey! Water!" and "Hey.. water.."
> The words I hate the most is when they say "Miss! (t/n: ahgashi) Water"

- I work part-time and an old man wanted a new plate, he didn't say anything and all he did was tap his chopsticks on the plate and made a noise like 'ddaeng ddaeng ddaeng!'
> I've gone through something similar, I was bringing them food and I asked where I should put it and they didn't even acknowledge me and just tapped with their hands at the spot in front of themㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ It made me feel like I was their dog, that bastard

- Ugh..... seriously... they think they're way above you or something

- Huh, there are actually people like that?? I've never seen anyone like that...
> If you've worked part-time at a restaurant, there are actually a lot

- I asked them, "How many people?" and the old guy said, "Ha! Ahgashi? Can't you count? Try to count! Then you'll find out how many of us there are!" He actually got mad at MEㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ the bastard

- A lot of elderly act like that.. from my experience

- This is just a problem with those people's characters

- That's why I always tell my family members if we're out somewhere to always use formal language with anyone... even if they're an elementary student or a middle school student, it's always formal language for me.  Why would you use informal language with someone you don't know;;  When I used to work in a service job, I would speak formally to kids too...

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