Earthquake Hits Korea

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 hit North Gyeongsang Province of Korea on Sept. 12. According to the Ministry of Public Safety and Security, a total of 23 people were wounded and 1,118 cases of property damage were reported. This was the biggest earthquake that occurred in Korea since the recording started in 1978.

Samsung Recalls Galaxy Note 7

On Sept. 2, Samsung decided to recall all of their newly released Galaxy Note 7s. Shortly after the release, a battery issue was identified after a phone had caused a fire. As a result, Samsung recalled all the Galaxy Note 7 phones that had been sold and gave rental phones to customers until new products became available on Sept. 19.

Abortion Issue for Pregnant Women with Zika Virus in Brazil

A controversy over abortions by pregnant women with the Zika virus was aroused in Brazil in early September. The Senate of Brazil opposes the legalization of abortions of infected pregnant women, while Rodrigo Janot, the Attorney General of Brazil, agrees with the action. Brazil’s public opinion is split with 58 percent disagreeing with legalization.

North Korea Holds Its Fifth Nuclear Test

North Korea carried out its fifth nuclear experiment on Sept. 9.
Global society, including China, the United States and United Nations (UN) Security Council, recommended keeping a strict watch on North Korea. The Park administration also emphasized the need to apply pressure to North Korea through all means, together with neighboring countries.

Korea, Living Measure for Elderly in Need

According to the Population and Housing Census published by National Statistical Office on Sept. 7, the demand for elderly residence housing will rapidly increase in the near future. However, currently implemented living measures for the elderly are comparatively few. Experts say that residence countermeasures should be prepared within 10 to 15 years or related problems will arise.