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Global Affairs Lab


The Thinnest Samsung Smartphone Yet: The Story of the Galaxy S25 Edge
Samsung Electronics of South Korea has introduced a new smartphone—the Galaxy S25 Edge—that makes a striking first impression with one standout feature: its thickness, or rather, the lack of it. Lee Ji-young, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s design team, described it in one sentence: “A model that strips away the unnecessary and completes the most essential form.” Its slim and lightweight appearance is further accentuated through harmony with color, material, and finishi
Oct 15, 20252 min read


Young Travelers Are Shifting Toward “Purpose-Driven Travel”
Travel habits among the younger generation are rapidly evolving. Moving beyond simple sightseeing, there is a growing trend of “purpose-driven travel” focused on specific interests such as watching sports events, wellness retreats, extreme adventures, and culinary exploration. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Millennials and Gen Z have redefined the meaning of travel—not just as a way to relax, but as a meaningful activity that reflects personal hobbies and passions. In particula
Oct 8, 20252 min read
What If North Korea Opened Its Doors to Foreign Pop Culture?
This article paints an imagined scene of what life could look like if North Koreans had unrestricted access to global pop culture. In a university classroom in Pyongyang, film students sit in rapt attention, watching the climax of The Shawshank Redemption. As Andy Dufresne stretches out his arms in the rain, embracing freedom, gasps of admiration ripple through the room. Kim Young-chul (21), a junior student, walks down the hallway with friends after class and says, “I wish N
Sep 18, 20253 min read


South Korean Soprano Sumi Jo to Receive France’s Highest Order of Arts and Letters
“Bravo! Madame Sumi!” Inside the Opéra-Comique in Paris, under the applause of French dignitaries, South Korean soprano Sumi Jo (61), elegantly dressed in a hanbok, slowly stepped onto the stage. Awaiting her was the Commandeur rank—the highest grade of France’s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, awarded for significant contributions in the fields of arts and culture. On May 26, Sumi Jo will officially receive the honor—a rare distinction for a Korean national. The medal is expec
Jul 16, 20252 min read


Trump’s Visit to Korea (June 5–6, 1998)
In the photo, Trump is seen visiting Korea, walking through the Okpo Shipyard and inspecting ships under construction. He also posed for a commemorative photo with his entourage in front of the main building. According to reports at the time, Trump showed interest in Korea’s shipbuilding industry. A shipyard official said, “Records show that he visited Okpo Shipyard on June 5, 1998, at the invitation of the Daewoo Group.” During this visit, Trump not only toured the Daewoo Sh
Jul 10, 20251 min read


The Wave of Freedom Led by Ordinary Citizens – The Arab Spring
1. A Flame That Sparked a Wave of Change In December 2010, in the small town of Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, 26-year-old Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire after repeated harassment by corrupt officials and an oppressive government. His tragic act was not simply a personal despair—it came to represent the cry of a generation of young people across the Middle East and North Africa who had lived under authoritarian rule for decades. But the flame he lit didn’t stop at the streets. I
May 27, 20252 min read


Mass Protests in Hungary Over Proposed ‘Media Suppression Bill’
Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has introduced a bill aimed at restricting the activities of independent media outlets and NGOs that receive foreign funding. The proposed legislation would impose heavy fines on these organizations, ban them from receiving donations, and potentially prohibit their operations altogether. While the government has named the bill the “Law on the Transparency of Public Life,” critics argue it is effectively a crackdown on progressive, independent med
May 27, 20252 min read
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