🇰🇷 South Korea — Friday, April 10, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 6:13 PM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · An expat working at a foreign company in Seoul for 7 years
Seoul
rain
Rain 35%
UV 4
Emergency Supplementary Budget Approved
The National Assembly has officially passed a 26.2 trillion KRW 'war supplementary budget' aimed at stabilizing the economy. The package includes funds to support those affected by high oil prices, as well as increased backing for the K-Pass program and naphtha support. Eligible citizens may see cash payments of up to 600,000 KRW as early as late April.
Editor's note
It is a massive injection of cash, and while it might take some sting out of inflation, I wonder what the long-term impact on our already stretched national debt will look like. If you're a local tax resident, keep an eye on the official government portals to see if you qualify for these payments—don't just wait for a notification that might never come.
Coupang's First Massive Dividend
E-commerce giant Coupang has decided to pay out approximately 1.46 trillion KRW in dividends to its U.S.-based parent company. This marks the first such payout since the company's inception in Korea.
Editor's note
That is a staggering amount of capital leaving the local market. It certainly raises eyebrows among local investors who have been watching Coupang's growth in the Korean logistics space for years.
AI Hallucinations in Academic Circles
A concerning report highlights that AI-generated fake diseases have successfully infiltrated academic journals. These fabricated medical conditions were not only generated by AI but were subsequently cited as legitimate facts in various research papers.
Editor's note
I genuinely don't know where to start with this one. It feels like we are living through a massive real-world test of 'garbage in, garbage out,' but with actual academic integrity at stake. If you work in research or data analysis here, maybe double-check your sources—and then check them again.
Workplace Safety Warning
Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon has ordered a strict investigation into a serious finger-amputation accident that occurred at the Samlip Siheung factory. The Ministry has signaled a zero-tolerance approach to safety violations in industrial settings.
Editor's note
It is heartbreaking to see another industrial accident in the news. The government is clearly feeling the pressure to show they are taking these workplace hazards seriously.
Baseball Season Hits Million-Fan Milestone
Professional baseball in Korea is seeing a massive surge in popularity, reaching the 1 million cumulative spectator mark faster than at any point in the league's history. The LG Twins are currently riding a five-game winning streak.
Editor's note
If you've tried to book tickets for a game at Jamsil or Gocheok recently, you know the struggle is real. The energy in the stadiums this year is definitely something else.
Reference Media: Hankyoreh