Coloring the world, the Cheonan K-Culture Expo comes to a close... Proving itself as a representative cultural industry expo

Introducing K-content that combines culture and technology... Confirming the reputation of Korea's representative cultural expo

The 2025 Cheonan K-Culture Expo, held over five days under the theme “Global K-Culture, Coloring the World,” closed on the 8th after attracting domestic and international tourists. The K-Culture Expo, which opened on the 4th, came to a close with the K-Talk Show “NoBack Tak Jae-hoon,” the Cheonan Foreigners' Festival, the closing ceremony, and the closing reception. Now in its third year, the K-Culture Expo showcased a variety of K-pop culture content blending culture and technology, reaffirming its reputation as Korea's leading comprehensive cultural industry expo. From K-pop performances such as the K-Retro Concert, K-OST Concert, and ‘SBS Power FM Wendy's Young Street’ to themed exhibitions, food, beauty, webtoon, video content, game, and Korean language industry exhibition halls, industrial conferences, and K-Hanbok Fashion Shows, the event showcased the diversity of the cultural industry. To explore the present and future of the K-content industry and enhance the competitiveness of the cultural industry in the AI era, AI, immersive media, extended reality (XR), and interactive technologies were introduced in each exhibition hall to enhance immersion. Programs that visitors could enjoy together, such as K-POP random play dance and street karaoke, were held, and an experience zone with about 50 experience booths was set up, where visitors could participate in traditional games and craft experience programs. 1,000 drones lit up the night sky with K-culture themes, and the Independence Hall of Korea was open at night for the second year in a row, providing nighttime attractions. This festival was a participatory event created jointly by local small business owners, companies, and communities, and was followed by cultural events linked to the K-Culture Expo, such as a Memorial Day tribute concert, a youth artist festival, a K-indie showcase, and a veterans' cultural festival. In particular, despite the large crowds that gathered at the expo site over the five days, the event was held without a single safety incident, demonstrating a high level of visitor culture. At the grassy area in front of the main stage, families, couples, and friends gathered in small groups, spread out blankets, and enjoyed the performances. They sang along to the songs performed by the artists on stage, creating a vibrant cultural scene where visitors and K-Culture came together. Kim Seok-pil, Acting Mayor of Cheonan City, stated, “This K-Culture Expo served as a platform to introduce our culture to the world and foster understanding across generations and borders through K-Culture. We will continue to develop cultural platforms to establish Cheonan as a representative cultural city of Korea and a hub for K-Culture.” [News Source: Chungcheongnam-do Cheonan City]

Minister Cho Tae-yeol of Foreign Affairs meets with a delegation from the Japan-Korea Economic Association

Discussions on ways to expand economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan amid changes in the global economic environment

On the afternoon of May 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with a delegation from the Japan-Korea Economic Association, including Vice Chairman Aso Yutaka, who visited South Korea to attend the 57th Japan-Korea Economic Conference (May 27-28), and exchanged views on economic cooperation between the two countries. Minister Cho expressed gratitude for the Japan-Korea Economic Association's significant role in promoting exchanges and creating cooperation opportunities between companies of both countries, and urged the business communities of both countries to continue playing an active role to sustain the momentum of improved friendly cooperation between Korea and Japan, which has been difficult to achieve recently. In particular, he emphasized the need for the two countries, which are facing similar challenges due to the rapidly changing trade environment, to maintain close communication at the government and business levels, while also expanding cooperation within the framework of the trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan. In addition, he noted that the Korean Pavilion at the Osaka Expo currently underway in Japan has secured a spot among the top three most popular pavilions alongside the U.S. and Italian pavilions, and expressed hope that the friendly atmosphere between the two countries will be further strengthened based on the interest shown by many Japanese people in the Korea Day event (May 13). He also expressed hope for the active participation of Japanese companies in the APEC meeting to be held in Gyeongju in October. Aso emphasized the growing importance of economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan amid the severe global situation and introduced various activities of the Korea-Japan Economic Association aimed at promoting economic cooperation between the two countries, including the Korea-Japan High School Student Camp and internship programs for Korean university students organized by Japanese companies in South Korea. Aso stressed that human exchange centered on the younger generation plays a very important role in the future of bilateral relations, and called for both countries to work together to address common challenges such as low birth rates, aging populations, and supply chain crises, and to design a shared future. Koji Akio, the incoming chairman of the Japan-Korea Economic Association, who will take office next month, stressed the need for Japan and South Korea to demonstrate leadership in safeguarding the multilateral trade system under the new global economic environment and to jointly promote cooperation with ASEAN and other global southern countries. Mizushima Koichi, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea, highly evaluated the fact that the “Korea-Japan Business Leaders' Conference” has been held without interruption for 57 years since its first meeting in 1969, contributing to the solidification of bilateral relations, despite the ups and downs in bilateral relations. He also stated that economic strength is the source of national power for both Korea and Japan, and that the role of the business community is important. Additionally, Ambassador Mizushima expressed gratitude to Minister Cho for the stable development of bilateral relations under the strong trust between Minister Cho and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya, and expressed hope for strengthened cooperation between the foreign ministries of both countries in the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to listen to the voices of the business communities of both countries to expand economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan, make efforts to support businesses, and maintain close communication with the Japanese government. [News Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

Lim Tae-hee, Superintendent of Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education, “Ecological environment education linked to world botanical gardens and arboretums to continue at Gyeonggi Shared Schools” Special session hosted by Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education at the 11th World Botanical Gardens Education Conference

Special session on “New Direction in Education: Cooperation between Local Communities and Public Education”

The Gyeonggi-do Office of Education held a special session on the theme of “A New Direction for Education: Cooperation between Local Communities and Public Education” at the 11th International Conference on Education in Botanical Gardens (ICEBG) held at COEX on the 9th. The 11th International Conference on Education in Botanical Gardens and Arboreta is held to share educational ideas from botanical gardens and arboreta around the world and promote the excellence of domestic and international botanical garden and arboretum education. The conference, which runs from the 9th to the 13th, is being held in Korea for the first time in East Asia. During the event, more than 1,500 people from 70 countries are expected to participate. Previously, the Gyeonggi-do Office of Education signed a business agreement with the Forest Service in 2024 to expand the operation of eco-friendly and environmental programs for students. Through the Gyeonggi Shared School operated by the National Arboretum, the office is actively leading the way in eco-friendly and environmental education by teaching students about the relationship between humans and plants and animals, and practicing sustainable forest ecology education in the era of climate crisis. In recognition of these efforts, the Gyeonggi-do Education Office has been invited to participate in the special session of the World Botanic Gardens Education Conference. At the special session, Kim Hye-kyung, Director of the Regional Education Policy Division, presented on “Community Collaboration-Based Biodiversity and Plant Education: Gyeonggi Shared School.” She showcased examples of Gyeonggi Shared School operations related to biodiversity and plant education, as well as the achievements of ecological and environmental program operations, in collaboration with local education support offices and local governments in regions including Yangpyeong, Yangju, Iwol, Siheung, Gwacheon, Anyang, and Goyang. In his presentation at the special session, Superintendent Lim Tae-hee said, “The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education is practicing carbon-neutral ecological education to ensure that the earth, the home of all humankind, can be preserved in a sustainable manner through the coexistence of nature and humans.” He added, “We will continue to promote ecological education linked to world botanical gardens and arboretums through Gyeonggi Shared Schools.” He added, “At Gyeonggi Shared Schools, students participate in environmental protection activities in a more fun and practical way with support from various educational programs and materials.” He emphasized, “Gyeonggi education strives to nurture students into citizens who contribute to global environmental conservation through education and practice.” Im concluded, “We look forward to active collaboration with all of you attending the World Botanical Garden Education Conference in connecting ecological and environmental sites with education. I hope this time will serve as a starting point for positive changes in ecological and environmental education at botanical gardens and arboretums around the world.” [News Source: Gyeonggi-do Office of Education]

Jeju Island, the age of AI... Seeking coexistence between humans and technology

On the 9th, leaders discussed the direction of technology and art in the age of artificial intelligence through a dialogue at the AI & Art Forum.

At the 2025 Jeju AI International Film Festival, domestic and international experts gathered to discuss the possibility of coexistence between artificial intelligence (AI) and art. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province announced on the 9th that the “AI & Art Forum” was held at the Jeju Content Promotion Agency's Be IN+ Performance Hall as the second day of the “2025 Jeju AI International Film Festival.” The Leaders' Dialogue, held in the first part of the forum, explored the direction of technology and art in the AI era under the theme “Technology (術); Art (術). The Art of Coexistence (術).” Lee Joon-ho, policy advisor to Jeju Province, served as the moderator, and Oh Young-hoon, governor of Jeju Province; Kim Dae-sik, professor at KAIST; Yang Yoon-ho, vice chairman of the Korean Film Council; Yang Eun-hee, director of the Jeju Kim Chang-yeol Art Museum; and Lee Tae-ri, vice chairman of the Korean Film Directors Association, participated as panelists. The discussion covered topics such as the development of AI and the crisis facing art, the possibility of coexistence between AI and art, and the direction of the Jeju AI International Film Festival. Governor Oh Young-hoon explained the background behind the Jeju AI International Film Festival, stating, “Rather than following the trend of this period of great transformation, we believe that we must take the lead. We announced Jeju's AI and digital transformation roadmap and believe that film is the best medium to convey this message to the residents of Jeju and the people of Korea.” He added, “We will build a global platform for AI creation in Jeju by establishing a robust power infrastructure and data centers and nurturing talent.” Professor Kim Dae-sik remarked, “AI is an excellent tool that can amplify the capabilities of creators,” and predicted, “In the AI era, the core of competition will be who can utilize AI more effectively.” Vice Chairman Yang Yoon-ho analyzed, “AI has learning effects, but it is difficult to incorporate basic desires, so it is difficult for AI to become the ultimate creator,” and expressed his belief that “ultimately, people who use AI as a useful tool will become good creators.” Yang Eun-hee, Director, remarked, “Looking back at the history of art, AI is not as astonishing as the invention of photography or film.” She evaluated, “Although AI may seem unfamiliar now, it will become a useful tool that provides new resources for creators.” Vice Chairman Lee Tae-ri said, “As AI films are developing rapidly every year, it is time for humans to evolve in step with them,” expressing his hope that “the Jeju AI International Film Festival will play a major role in making South Korea an AI powerhouse.” At the Jeju Global AI Film Competition Awards Ceremony held earlier, awards were presented to the finalists selected from 1,210 entries from 95 countries. The Grand Prize went to French director Elliot Orlie for his film Evolution, while the Best Film Award went to director Ahn Tae-hee for his film Let's Sunnulim, which drew attention for showcasing Jeju's unique community culture. Additionally, global award winners from Iran, Singapore, China, and other countries visited Jeju to participate in the award ceremony. The Grand Prize and Excellence Award recipients received cash prizes, trophies, and a one-year subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud as additional awards. During the second part of the forum, the Global Fusion Discussion session, themed “AI for Good, AI for JEJU,” featured participants including the UNESCO East Asia Regional Office's Cultural Affairs Officer (Duan Bit Han), the Brazilian Embassy in Korea's Education Affairs Officer (Carlos Gorito), and AI instructors and students from Brazil's AI art class, who explored the future of AI art education. The event also reviewed the outcomes of the “Jeju Culture Global AI Art Class” program, which was jointly organized by Jeju Province and the UNESCO East Asia Regional Office and targeted 11 countries including Brazil, Mongolia, and Colombia, and discussed the positive impact of AI led by Jeju. Following the forum, corporate lectures by Adobe and Google Cloud were held. This was followed by screenings of invited works such as “Wind, Dream” by the Korean National University of Arts (K-Arts) A&T Lab and “I'm PoPo” by director Kim Il-dong, as well as the Grand Prize and Excellence Award-winning works from the Jeju Global AI Film Competition, along with director Q&A sessions (GV). In the event hall lobby, KT's catering robots, SW Future Fulfillment's AI robot soccer, AI Go, Adobe Korea's creative generative AI model “Adobe Firefly” experience booth, Naver Hyperclova X experience booth, and over 100 video and image works created by students from the Jeju Culture Global AI Art Class were on display, attracting much attention. On the third day of the Jeju AI International Film Festival on the 10th, screenings will begin with ‘Wind, Dream,’ followed by nine award-winning films (Grand Prize to Merit Award) and honorable mentions. Additionally, KBS Jeju AI Production Research Society will screen ‘Forgotten Jeju Horse, Hero Reckless,’ followed by a discussion with the directors of the award-winning films. [News Source: Jeju Province]

The Crisis in Korean Society as Seen through the Eyes of Protestants, “Protestants' Perceptions of Major Social Issues in 2024,” Released

- Protestant perceptions illuminate reality in times of crisis - Four key areas explore causes and solutions to the crisis - Article, “In an Era of Crisis, Searching for Clues to Reform the Church and Society” by Dr. Seung-min Shin

The Korea Institute for Christian Social Affairs (KICSA) has released a report on Protestant perceptions of major issues in Korean society, “2024 Protestant Perceptions of Major Social Issues: Multilayered Crisis in Korean Society,” has been published. The book compares the differences in perceptions between Protestants and non-Protestants in four areas: politics, religion, climate and ecology, and gender, and analyzes the nature of the multi-layered crisis facing Korean society. Each year, the organization has selected a major social issue and its connection to the Protestant faith to examine the perceptions of Protestants and non-Protestants. In 2024, the study focused on issues shaping contemporary Korean society, including the government of Yoon Seok-yul and the political situation before the impeachment, religious change, the climate crisis, and gender conflict. The research was commissioned by Korea Research and conducted through a web survey of 1,058 Protestants and 1,094 non-Protestants aged 18 and over nationwide. The sample was selected to reflect the October 2024 resident registration demographics, with a sampling error of ±3.0 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. This book is a joint research project by four theologians, Dr. Jinsoon Song (Lecturer, Department of Christianity, Ewha Womans University), Dr. Ik-Sang Shin (Professor, Graduate School of Theology, Anglican University), Dr. Kyung-Il Jung (Research Professor, Institute of Theological Studies, Anglican University), and Dr. Hyung-Mook Choi (Director, Third Age Christianity Research Institute). The report analyzed the perceptions of Protestants and non-Protestants in four key areas: political society, religion, climate ecology, and social gender. In the area of political society, the report compared the differences in perceptions between Protestants and non-Protestants, focusing on the evaluation of the Yoon administration, foreign policy, and the advent of the AI society. In particular, it pointed out that the conservatism of Protestants transcends political ideology, emphasizing the need for national sovereignty and social solidarity in the face of impeachment. In the field of religion, we reflected on the role of Protestantism in an era of increasing de-religionization and de-churchization, and analyzed the spread of hatred and discrimination. It explored the reasons for the persistence of social and cultural conservatism in the Protestant faith and provided directions for future religious policies. In the area of climate ecology, we analyzed the emotional reactions of Protestants and non-Protestants to the climate crisis and their attitudes toward government policies. It pointed out the contradictory attitude of recognizing the seriousness of the climate crisis but not taking action, and emphasized the environmental responsibility of Protestants. In the area of socio-gender, the study found that gender inequality and gender conflict are key issues, in addition to job security and housing stability, to address the declining birthrate. He pointed out that the Protestant concept of the normal family is rigid, and sought the direction of social change needed in the era of the population cliff. “We are passing through a very critical historical juncture, and if we do not properly grasp the causes of the crisis and find healthy alternatives, we will fall into an irreversible spiral,” said Dr. Seungmin Shin in the foreword, emphasizing that he hopes the research will serve as a step toward social reform and church renewal. The book includes an overview of the research and its direction, as well as detailed findings in the areas of politics, religion, climate ecology, and gender. It also includes survey questions for both Protestants and non-Protestants, providing a detailed look at the research process. The book is not for sale, and detailed findings and survey questions can be found on the article's website at https://jpic.org. [News Source: Portal News (Gookak Times)]

Book-reading robot rental service launched, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

Reading robot utilizing AI vision technology...providing a new reading experience for children

Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, announced on March 27 that it has started a book-reading robot rental service utilizing AI (artificial intelligence) vision technology. The service is aimed at childcare institutions such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and community childcare centers in the district, and one robot and more than 50 exclusive books are rented for a month on a first-come, first-served basis. The reading robot (Luka) is equipped with a function that analyzes images and reads the story on the page while flipping through the book, and can also sing songs and play simple games. It is expected to provide children with a new reading experience where they can read and interact with a robot. Rental applications are available on the Yuseong-gu Integrated Library website until March 10, and inquiries can be made to Agarang Library. “I hope that children can experience the joy of reading books in a new way with a robot that reads to them and expand their imagination to their heart's content,” said Yuseong-gu Mayor Jung Yong-rae. ”We will support children to provide them with a variety of interesting reading experiences.” [News source: Yuseong-gu, Daejeon]

Rethinking the Way We Handle School Violence

Rethinking the Way We Handle School Violence School should be a place where students feel safe, respected, and able to learn freely. However, in recent years, a growing number of reports have shown that school violence — including bullying, verbal abuse, and even physical aggression — continues to be a serious problem in Korea. More concerning is the fact that the current response system often fails to protect victims effectively or to solve the root causes of the problem. If we want real change, it is time to examine what is going wrong and what must be done differently. ◇ What’s Not Working?

Understanding Gender Sensitivity: Why It Matters in Today’s Education

In our rapidly changing world, fairness and respect are values that matter more than ever. As young people grow up in a society filled with diverse identities, it is important that they are taught not just how to study, but how to understand and care about those around them. One of the key lessons that should be part of every student's learning journey is gender sensitivity. In Korean, this is called 성인지 감수성, which means the ability to recognize, understand, and respond respectfully to gender differences and inequalities. Teaching gender sensitivity in schools is not just helpful — it is essen

When Respect Fades: Analyzing the Rise in Parent-Led Violence and Teacher Exodus in South Korea

In a country renowned for its fierce academic competition, South Korean teachers now face escalating risks—not solely from the pressures of high-stakes exams, but from a growing wave of verbal abuse, threats, and even violence by parents and students. This troubling trend is triggering a surge in teacher resignations and mental health crises, shaking the foundations of public education. Rising Resignations and Reports of AbuseRecent data paints a stark picture: Nearly 589 teachers with less than five years of experience left the profession between March 2022 and April 2023—a nearly twofold i

When Respect Fades: The Alarming Rise of Parent Violence in Korean Schools

Education is often described as the foundation of a nation’s future, and teachers are at the center of that foundation. In South Korea, a country known for its strong emphasis on education and academic achievement, teachers have traditionally held a respected position in society. However, recent incidents involving verbal abuse, threats, and even physical violence by parents toward teachers have raised deep concerns across the country. As cases of parent-led violence increase, many educators and citizens are beginning to ask: what is happening to the relationship between schools, parents, and

The Controversial Future of AI Digital Textbooks in Korea

As the world becomes increasingly digital, education systems around the globe are seeking ways to modernize. South Korea, known for its strong academic culture and technological leadership, is now stepping into a new phase of innovation through the use of AI Digital Textbooks (AIDT). These textbooks, powered by artificial intelligence, promise to transform classrooms with personalized learning and smart feedback systems. However, despite their potential, AIDTs are also facing serious controversy regarding their fairness, effectiveness, and role in education. AI Digital Textbooks are more than

The National Education Committee: Shaping the Future of Korean Education

In a society where education is deeply connected to personal success and national progress, how a country sets its education policies matters greatly. In South Korea, education has long been a top priority — but also a topic of frequent political debate and constant change. To bring greater consistency, vision, and fairness to the nation’s education system, the National Education Committee (NEC) was established. This new, independent body is now at the center of Korea’s efforts to create long-term, future-oriented education policies that can serve students, teachers, and society more effective