South Korea's central bank has proposed bringing in foreign care workers and paying them less than the minimum wage to address economic challenges associated with the aging population. This proposal, if implemented, would be a significant shift from the current employment standards for foreign workers in South Korea, who are currently entitled to the same minimum wage as local workers.

South Korea's Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon has announced a proposal for a legal amendment to screen asylum seekers for any history of terrorist acts or associations with terrorist groups. This represents a shift in Han's stance, as he has previously been an advocate for integrating outsiders. The amendment aims to address the current lack of legal grounds for denying refugee status to terrorists, thereby ensuring national security.

North Korea announced the successful launch of a military reconnaissance satellite into space on Tuesday night, a claim that was reported earlier by South Korea's military. The Korean Central News Agency confirmed the satellite's placement in orbit early Wednesday, while Japan's Defense Ministry has not confirmed this.

South Korea's president has directed officials to share details of a failed North Korean satellite launch with Japan and the U.S. This decision follows a recent summit agreement. North Korea's state media acknowledged the unsuccessful launch, citing an issue in the rocket's third stage, and plans to attempt another launch in October.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol advocated for real-time nuclear and missile information sharing with Japan and the U.S. during South Korea's Liberation Day. He emphasized the shared values of freedom, democracy, and a rules-based international order between the countries, highlighting the need for cooperation to counter the nuclear threat from North Korea.

On the anniversary of the Korean War armistice, North Korea strengthens ties with Cold War-era allies China and Russia. Kim Jong Un showcased ballistic missiles and heavy weaponry to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, signaling the ongoing influence of the war's legacy on the diplomatic and security stances of the two Koreas.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, on his first official visit to the U.S., addressed speculation about South Korea potentially developing its own nuclear weapons. Amidst North Korea's new weapons tests, Yoon and other conservative politicians have suggested that South Korea cannot solely rely on American protection and should consider an independent nuclear arsenal for national security.

North Korea has escalated tensions by claiming to have successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which it says can reach the US mainland. This development comes just before the G20 summit where North Korea's weapons program is on the agenda. The missile, Hwasong-14, reportedly flew for 39 minutes, covering 933 km and reaching an altitude of 2802 km. South Korea's president has urged North Korea to refrain from crossing a point of no return, while a Nuclear Policy analyst in London emphasized that North Korea is unlikely to use nuclear weapons without significant military escalation. The US has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the launch.

The article discusses concerns in South Korea regarding the possibility of the US taking unilateral military action against North Korea without consulting Seoul. It references the US missile strike on Syria as a potential indicator of the Trump administration's willingness to act alone. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's comments and the deployment of the USS Carl Vinson to the Korean peninsula are mentioned as contributing to the anxiety in South Korea. South Korean officials, including a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman and presidential candidate Moon Jae-in, have emphasized the importance of US-South Korean consultation before any military action. The article also touches on the domestic focus on economic issues and corruption in the upcoming South Korean presidential election, despite the tensions with North Korea. Additionally, it mentions satellite imagery of North Korea's nuclear test site and the anticipation of possible North Korean provocations.

The article discusses the expansion of the US military base Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, and its economic and social impact on the local community. Park Kyung-chan, a local business owner, credits the US base for the area's development and appreciates the security it provides. However, the expansion has led to tensions, including the displacement of farmers and violent standoffs. The US military's ban on patronizing certain local businesses due to concerns over illegal activities has also affected the local economy. The article touches on the broader implications of the US military presence in East Asia, including the potential for increased military conflict with China. Local residents and activists view the US presence as an obstacle to peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula.

The article discusses the Indian film 'LOEV,' directed by Sudhanshu Saria, which presents a narrative of love and friendship between two men, Sahil and Jai, set against the backdrop of middle-class India. The film challenges the stereotypical portrayal of India in Western cinema by focusing on the characters' personal and professional lives rather than poverty or cultural clichés. Despite the film's fresh take on homosexual relationships, it faced challenges in festival selections and funding due to its theme. 'LOEV' premiered internationally but has yet to be screened in India, with hopes for a release in the coming months. The article also touches on the legal and social challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India, including the debate over a colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality. The film aims to foster empathy and challenge homophobia by portraying a nuanced story of same-sex love.

The article discusses 'Hong Kong Trilogy: Preschooled Preoccupied Preposterous,' a film by Christopher Doyle that captures the complexities of Hong Kong. The film, which blends documentary and feature elements, focuses on the Umbrella Movement and the city's generational, political, and economic challenges. Doyle, an Australian cinematographer who has become a significant figure in Hong Kong cinema, reflects on his career and the making of the film. The movie examines the lives of different generations in Hong Kong and their perspectives on the city's future. It has been shown at various film festivals and is seeking partners for a U.S. release. The article also touches on the difficulties of funding art-house documentaries in a film industry increasingly influenced by mainland China's money.

The article tells the story of Ham Hak-joon, an 86-year-old man in Seoul who lives in isolation and worries about who will take care of his funeral since he has lost contact with his family. It introduces Good Nanum, an organization that provides funerals for unclaimed bodies, highlighting the increasing number of such cases in South Korea. The article discusses the societal changes leading to more elderly people living and dying alone, with fewer children feeling obligated to support their aging parents. It also touches on Ham's life history, including his military service, his failed business during the Asian Financial Crisis, and his current financial struggles. The piece ends with Ham finding some solace in knowing that Good Nanum will ensure he won't die anonymously.

The article discusses the efforts of North and South Korean scholars to create a unified Korean language dictionary, known as Gyeoremal-kunsajeon, to address the linguistic divide that has developed since the division of the peninsula over 60 years ago. The project, funded by the South Korean government, aims to prepare for a future reunification by reconciling the different forms of Korean that have evolved, with the South incorporating many English words, while the North has created homegrown substitutes. The work on the dictionary began in 1989 but has faced delays due to political turmoil, including the halting of inter-Korean exchange after the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in 2010. A recent meeting in Kaesong marked the first collaboration in four years, and further discussions are scheduled in Shenyang, China. The project is seen as an important cultural endeavor, particularly in light of Korea's history with Japan's attempts to eradicate Korean language and culture during its occupation.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the redevelopment plans for Seoul's Gangnam district, known for its association with the K-pop hit 'Gangnam Style'. Local mayor Shin Yeon-hee intends to transform the area into a K-pop themed 'global luxury district' to attract more foreign tourists, with attractions like K-Star Road. However, local vendors like Lee Seon-ja, a pseudonym for a street food stall owner, are concerned that the changes will threaten their livelihoods. The vendors' situation gained attention after videos of their food carts being forcibly removed were posted on YouTube. Despite their willingness to cooperate with the government and upgrade their stalls, they feel ignored and fear the loss of their traditional role in Korean culture.