ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – The popular Korean drama “Sky Castle” is set for a Japanese remake, signalling a trend of transcultural adaptation in entertainment.
JTBC’s acclaimed series, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of ambitious mothers navigating the competitive landscape of elite university admissions for their children, will now be recreated by TV Asahi Corp, one of Japan’s largest broadcasters.
In the Korean original, the storyline revolves around determined women resorting to extreme measures to secure their children’s enrollment in prestigious universities. However, for the Japanese adaptation overseen by SLL, the focus shifts to the intense challenges surrounding admission to elite high schools, a reflection of Japan’s rigorous educational system.
Matsushita Nao, renowned for her role in the popular Japanese series “Get Ready!”, steps into the lead role previously held by Yum Jung-ah in the Korean version.
Yum portrayed Han Seo-jin, a formidable mother driven to secure her daughter’s place at a top university.
Meanwhile, Koyuki Matsuyama, known globally for her role alongside Tom Cruise in “The Last Samurai” (2003), assumes the role of an admissions consultant originally played by Kim Seo-hyung.
The upcoming series, marking the first collaboration between SLL and TV Asahi following a recent memorandum of understanding, is scheduled to premiere in July, promising to bring the gripping narrative of “Sky Castle” to a new audience while adapting to Japan’s unique educational context.
“You Are the Apple of My Eye,” starring Jung Jin-young (left) and Kim Da-hyun. PHOTO: ANN/THE KOREA HERALD SOURCE
One of the most successful Korean romance films, “Classic” (2003) will be remade into a Taiwanese film under the title “Our Destiny.”
“Classic,” which featured top actors Son Ye-jin, Cho Seung-woo and Zo In-sung in main lead roles, garnered nationwide popularity upon its release for its detailed portrayal of love, aided by legendary tracks such as “Me to You, You to Me” by Jatanpung.
The Taiwanese remake is on track to be released in 2025, having started shooting earlier this month.
Vanda Margraf, who starred in Taiwanese blockbuster “Ip Man 4: The Finale” (2019), takes on the lead role previously portrayed by Son.
Going the opposite way, Taiwanese romance “You Are the Apple of My Eye” (2011) is to be remade in Korea.
The Taiwanese film narrates the story of a group of close friends who develop a crush on a popular female student named Shen Jiayi.
K-pop idols take on starring roles, as Jung Jin-young from the Korean boy band B1A4 and Kim Da-hyun from Twice portray Jin-woo and Seon-ah, respectively. Jin-woo is a mischievous prankster who gathers the courage to confess his feelings to Seon-ah, whom he has a crush on.
The Korean film, which also started shooting this month, has yet to set a release date.
“Secret” (2007), the highest-grossing Taiwanese film in South Korea after selling 170,000 tickets nationwide in 2008, is also set for a local adaptation.
The original film narrates the story of a piano prodigy who encounters a mysterious girl after transferring to a prestigious music school.
The Korean version, titled “Secret: Untold Melody,” will star Doh Kyung-soo of EXO as the male lead and Won Jin-a as the female lead, narrating the stories that unfold as Doh’s character, a musically gifted student, encounters the character portrayed by Won at university.
Directed by Seo Yoo-min, who made her directorial debut with the thriller “Recalled” (2021), “Secret: Untold Melody” is to be released in the later this year.
ANN/CHINA DAILY – Lynk & Co unveiled its inaugural all-electric sedan, the Z10, in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking a significant leap into the electric vehicle market for the brand.
Lin Jie, Lynk & Co’s general manager, highlighted the Z10’s advanced features, including 800-volt batteries capable of adding 573 km of range in just 15 minutes, with a full charge providing over 800 km of driving distance. Equipped with dual silicon carbide motors, the sedan boasts a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds.
Emphasising safety, Lin noted that the Z10 adheres to stringent safety standards in China and Europe.
The name “Z10” symbolises “ZERO,” embodying Zeal, Enjoyment, Responsibility, and Originality, reflecting Lynk & Co’s vision for innovation and sustainability.
The Z10 expands Lynk & Co’s vehicle lineup as part of its broader mission to create a platform that integrates people, vehicles, and the global community.
Lynk & Co reveals its first all-electric sedan – the Z10, in Gothenburg, Sweden. PHOTO: ANN/CHINA DAILY SOURCE
ANN/CHINA DAILY – China and New Zealand have embarked on trade in services negotiations based on a negative list approach, a move aimed at bolstering their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Premier Li Qiang announced this decision during talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Wellington, as part of Li’s official visit to the country’s capital.
The negotiations are part of the upgraded Protocol to the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect on April 7, 2022.
Under the negative list approach, both countries agree to open up their markets except in specific areas where restrictions are explicitly outlined in services schedules.
During their meeting, Li and Luxon oversaw the signing of several agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in mutual areas of interest.
These include enhancing trade facilitation, improving the business environment, boosting exports of agricultural products to China, advancing in science and technology collaboration, patent examination, and joint efforts in migratory bird protection.
The leaders also addressed the media together, underscoring their commitment to closer bilateral ties.
A joint statement of outcomes of the China-New Zealand leaders’ meeting was issued on Thursday.
Premier Li Qiang holds talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Wellington, New Zealand, on Thursday. PHOTO: XINHUA
During their talks, Li and Luxon expressed their satisfaction with the achievements in the development of China-New Zealand relations.
They pledged to view and handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, in order to promote the continuous, healthy and stable development of China-New Zealand relations.
Li said the development of China and New Zealand presents opportunities, rather than challenges, for each other.
He underscored the need for both countries to continue to work as partners who adhere to mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual learning, unity and cooperation.
China is ready to expand trade with New Zealand, explore cooperation potential in areas such as the digital economy, the green economy, new energy vehicles and creative industries, and jointly promote regional economic cooperation.
He called for efforts to eliminate noneconomic factors that disrupt economic and trade relations between the two countries, and provide a stable, predictable and favourable business environment for enterprises.
China will include New Zealand on the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, the premier said, adding that Beijing hopes Wellington will provide greater convenience for Chinese citizens visiting New Zealand.
Noting that both countries are staunch supporters of multilateralism, and both advocate free trade and the building of an open world economy, Li emphasised the need for both countries to strengthen communication and coordination within a multilateral framework to promote win-win cooperation among all parties.
Luxon acknowledged the robust growth of economic and trade relations and close people-to-people exchanges between New Zealand and China over the past 10 years, since they established a comprehensive strategic partnership, emphasising the benefits to both peoples.
He reaffirmed New Zealand’s adherence to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to enhance communication and dialogue with China at all levels.
On Thursday, Li also met with New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, and both of them pledged to enhance traditional friendship and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday that the premier will make official visits to New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia from Thursday to June 20.
SINGAPORE (CNA) – Since assuming office last month, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong mentioned on Saturday (Jun 15) that adjusting to a reduced level of personal privacy has been a necessary adaptation for him.
“I suppose I can summarise it as ‘more work, more stress, less privacy’, but I will do my best to adapt and adjust to these new realities,” he said on the sidelines of a community event in Tampines, in response to a question from the source.
Saturday marks one month since Mr. Wong assumed office from his predecessor Lee Hsien Loong, who now serves as Senior Minister within the Cabinet.
“In the past, as a minister, I could still move around without security, wear a cap, and people wouldn’t recognize me as much,” Mr Wong shared.
“Now, even when I wear a cap and mask, people can still recognize me, and there is security presence everywhere, indicating that someone important is around. So, that’s a noticeable change.”
(From left) Assistant Professor Charlene Chen, second advisor to Tampines GRC grassroots organisations, North East District mayor Desmond Choo, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment and for Transport Baey Yam Keng, at the Tampines Learning Festival on Jun 15, 2024. PHOTO: CNA
INITIAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Mr Wong made these remarks to reporters following his participation in the Tampines Learning Festival, an event aimed at fostering a love for learning among young children and fostering community cohesion.
He mentioned that his visit to Tampines marked the beginning of a series of visits he plans to undertake “over the coming months” to connect with as many Singaporeans as possible.
“All of you know that I’ve just started my introductory visits to countries abroad. I think it’s equally, if not more important, for me to also visit our own districts in Singapore,” he said.
Mr Wong made his first overseas trip this past week, with stops in the capitals of Brunei and Malaysia where he met fellow leaders.
When asked if he plans to visit all constituencies before the next General Election, Mr Wong said such ministerial visits, including by the prime minister, have taken place regularly and are “not tied to a political calendar”.
“The only difference this time is that as a new PM, I think I need to make the extra effort to spend more time on the ground and to spend time across different constituencies. I’ll try to cover as many as I can,” said Mr Wong.
“I think it’s important for me to do so, to be able to engage and interact with Singaporeans directly and also for Singaporeans to get a better sense of who I am as the new prime minister.”
The next General Election is due by November next year.
ENGAGING WITH SINGAPOREANS
Mr Wong said there are currently many platforms through which the government can engage with citizens.
“Of course, I do it on social media. I’ve said I will be engaging the media more regularly. And indirectly through the media, we will also be able to engage with Singaporeans or at least address their concerns,” he said.
He added that government platforms and agencies also provide him and his Cabinet ministers another avenue to engage with Singaporeans.
“I think we are now doing more platforms to engage than ever before, and the platforms to engage are not just to listen and receive feedback, but increasingly also to collaborate and work together,” Mr Wong said at Tampines East Community Club.
“And I truly believe that these platforms for stronger partnerships are important because this is the only way for us to take Singapore forward.”
Despite existing platforms, Mr Wong said it is still important for him as a new PM, to be present and spend time on the ground, not just in his own constituency of Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC, but across the country.
“You have feedback on policies, ideas for making your neighbourhood better, I would like to hear these ideas from you and listen to you directly. If you have ground-up initiatives and projects to advance I too would like to hear from you,” he said.
“We want to support you, cooperate, collaborate and work together.”
TAMPINES THE FIRST STOP
Mr Wong told reporters that he was heading for a dialogue session with a group of Tampines grassroots leaders, community volunteers and members of different organisations, after his visit to the festival on Saturday.
On the agenda would be a whole range of issues, some linked to families, parents and children, and others including interests such as green issues.
“That will be the kind of engagements I hope to have across the different constituencies. We try as much as possible for it to be organic,” he said.
“I may visit a market, I may visit a hawker centre, I may engage different groups, I may make use of existing events that are already being organised in the constituency like this learning festival here in Tampines.”
He said the curated dialogue sessions will allow for deeper conversations, although the schedule for the constituency visits is still being worked out.
With Mr Wong on Saturday were Tampines GRC MPs Masagos Zulkifli, who is the Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor for the North East District, as well as Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment and for Transport Baey Yam Keng.
Also present was Nanyang Technological University Assistant Professor Charlene Chen, who is the second advisor to Tampines GRC grassroots organisations.
In the past, Mr Choo and Nee Soon GRC MP Carrie Tan had also been second advisers to grassroots organisations before they became election candidates.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Gervonta “Tank” Davis made a triumphant return to the ring after more than a year away, dominating Frank Martin and knocking him out at 1:29 of the eighth round Saturday night to retain the WBA lightweight championship.
Davis delivered a right and two lefts to Martin’s face to send the Indianapolis resident to the canvas for his first career loss after he won his first 18 fights. Tank again proved to be one of boxing’s most ferocious punchers, improving to 30-0 — all but two by knockout.
This fight further solidified Davis, a Baltimore native and resident, as one of his sport’s top pound-for-pound boxers.
Not that this was a surprise. Davis was a 7-1 favourite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
That bout between 29-year-olds headlined the 100th championship fight night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, which has been supplanted by T-Mobile Arena as Las Vegas’ prime spot for combat sports. To mark the occasion, four title fights took place, including the interim WBC light heavyweight championship that David Benavidez won by unanimous decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
But there was no doubt who the main attractions were on this night, and that was clear at Wednesday’s press conference. Davis and Martin bantered back and forth during the Wednesday news conference. Then when the two boxers did the traditional poses afterward, Davis pretended to take a swing at Martin. Martin flinched and Davis left the podium laughing.
This was Davis’ first fight since April 22, 2023, when he delivered a devastating left uppercut that handed Ryan Garcia a seventh-round knockout at T-Mobile Arena.
The 421-day layoff showed early as Martin won two of the first three rounds, including a right that caught Davis in the face.
That seemed to wake up Davis, who then took over the fight by repeatedly sending Martin into ropes and corners. Davis appeared ready to finish off Martin with several hard blows in the sixth round, bringing the pro-Tank crowd of 13,239 to its feet.
Benavidez (29-0) made a successful debut in his move up from super middleweight. The Las Vegas resident defeated Gvozdyk (20-2), a Ukraine native who trains in Oxnard, California, by scores of 116-112, 117-111 and 119-109.
Alberto Puello (23-0) of the Dominican Republic won the WBC interim super lightweight championship with a split decision over Gary Russell (17-1) of Capitol Heights, Maryland. Two judges gave Puello the victory with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 and another had it for Russell 118-109.
Dominican middleweight champion Carlos Adames (24-1) retained his WBC belt with a unanimous decision over Terrell Gausha (24-4-1) of Encino, California. Two judges scored the fight 118-110 and the other had it 119-109.
Heisman Trophy winner and Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was among those in attendance. Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan and coach Antonio Pierce and owner Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders also were in the crowd.
Gervonta Davis poses on the scale during a weigh-in Friday, June 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. Davis is scheduled to fight Frank Martin in a WBA lightweight championship fight Saturday in Las Vegas. PHOTO: AP
Muslim pilgrims gather at top of the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, June 15, 2024. PHOTO: AP
MINA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia. The ritual marks the final days of Hajj pilgrimage and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world.
The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated on a sacred hill in Mount Ararat outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj.
The pilgrims left Mount Arafat on Saturday evening to spend their night in a nearby site known as Muzdalifa, where they collected pebbles they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil.
The pillars are in another sacred place in Mecca, called Mina, where Muslims believe Ibrahim’s faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but then God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish version of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac.
Pilgrims will spend the next three days in Mina, where they walk long distances on pedestrian-only streets toward a multi-story complex housing large pillars. There, they cast seven pebbles each at three pillars in a ritual meant to symbolise the casting away of evil and sin.
While in Mina, they will visit Mecca to perform “tawaf,” circumambulation, which is circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque counterclockwise seven times. They will make another circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf, at the end of Hajj and as they prepare to leave the holy city.
The rites coincide with the four-day Eid al-Adha, which means “Feast of Sacrifice,” when Muslims with the financial means commentate Ibrahim’s test of faith through slaughtering livestock and animals and distributing the meat to the poor.
Once the Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads and remove the shroud-like white garments worn during the pilgrimage, and women to snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal and rebirth.
Most of the pilgrims then leave Mecca for the city of Medina, about 340 kilometres (210 miles) away, to pray in Prophet Muhammad’s tomb, the Sacred Chamber. The tomb is part of the prophet’s mosque, which is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, along with the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
All Muslims are required to make the Hajj once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. Many wealthy Muslims make the pilgrimage more than once. The rituals largely commemorate the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, Ismail’s mother Hajar and Prophet Muhammad, according to the Quran, Islam’s holy book.
More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah said in a briefing, slightly less than last year’s figures when 1.84 million performed the rituals.
Most of the Hajj rituals are held outdoors with little if any shade. It is set for the second week of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar, so its time of the year varies. And this year the pilgrimage fell in the burning summer of Saudi Arabia. The heat soared to 47 C (116.6 F) at Mount Arafat on Saturday.
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Titled “Narcissism”, Jaemin of NCT is set to make his debut as a photographer with a solo photo exhibition, announced SM Entertainment on Friday.
The exhibition will take place in Seoul from June 29 to July 19, featuring a collection of photographs that span seven years.
Jaemin’s work will include self-portraits, images of his fellow bandmates, and landscapes. The exhibition will also showcase collaborative pieces with contemporary artists, alongside a lineup of exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
Simultaneously, Jaemin will join his group NCT Dream for a live performance in Hong Kong this weekend as part of their tour, “The Dream Show 3: Dream()scape”.
This extensive tour covers 25 cities and will culminate in Seoul at the end of this year. Recently, the seven-member subunit completed their successful first dome tour in Japan, attracting a total of 235,000 concert attendees.
ANN/THE STAR – Hidden behind the smiles of many fathers today lies a modern struggle that is increasingly common yet often overlooked. In the past, fathers were primarily tasked with being the breadwinners, focusing solely on financial support.
However, contemporary expectations now demand that fathers not only provide financially but also actively engage as nurturing and involved parents.
Balancing these dual roles is exacting a toll on their mental well-being, intensifying stress levels and leading to a range of psychological challenges.
Joshua Hong, chairman of Better Dads Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for healthy and responsible fatherhood, elaborates on the evolving nature of fatherhood.
“Fatherhood today is shaped by the era we live in, influenced by social and cultural dynamics, parental expectations, and each father’s unique abilities, aspirations, and intentions,” Hong explains.
“Today, fathers are increasingly expected to be actively involved in all aspects of their children’s lives, including caregiving, emotional support and household responsibilities.”
But while expectations have changed, work and the world have yet to catch up, at least in Asia. Fathers don’t have much support to carry out familial duties thanks to a lack of family-friendly working policies, and they even lack avenues to reach out for help to thrive psychologically.
PHOTO: ENVATO
DYNAMICS OF WOES
There are several social factors and trends that contribute to the elevated stress levels experienced by fathers today, centering on their role as the breadwinner, says Hong.
“With increasing globalisation and technological advancements, many fathers find themselves grappling with longer working hours, higher job demands, and the pressure to excel in competitive environments.
“In addition, economic factors such as rising living costs, housing expenses, and financial instability add to the stress burden experienced by fathers.”
Hong says the pressure of being a provider while having to be constantly present to lend emotional support to the family is difficult to bear.
“This can often lead to a constant juggling act between work responsibilities and family commitments, causing stress and exhaustion.”
At the same time, shifting societal expectations and norms regarding fatherhood have added another layer of pressure.
“While there’s a growing emphasis on fathers being actively involved in their children’s lives, there’s often a lack of supportive policies and cultural recognition to accommodate this shift.
“Fathers may feel torn between traditional provider roles and the desire to be present caregivers, leading to feelings of guilt or inadequacy when they’re unable to meet all expectations,” says Hong.
He points out that the breakdown of traditional support structures within communities and families further compounds stress levels for fathers.
“With more families living away from extended family members and support networks, fathers may feel isolated and overwhelmed in their parenting journey, lacking the emotional and practical support that previous generations may have relied upon.”
Better Dads Malaysia adviser Jason Leong says instances of fathers suffering from mental health strains, including anxiety and depression, were seen during the pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a lot of changes, stress, anxiety, and depression for fathers. We were engaging with a lot of men through our programmes during the pandemic years and we noted a significant uptick in the cases of men suffering from depression.”
Leong says according to studies by the Health Ministry and the police, men were at least three times more likely to commit suicide than women between the years 2020 and 2023.
“Many men feel they are failing today. They are lonely and isolated without any close men friends they can talk to about their emotions. We need to promote a more flexible and compassionate understanding of fatherhood to alleviate the pressures faced by fathers today.”
Faltering duties
High levels of stress and anxiety are common among fathers who feel that they are failing in their roles as both caregiver and breadwinner, says Universiti Sains Malaysia’s gender and leadership expert Dr Zaireeni Azmi, who also specialises in sociology and psychology.
“This is especially true for those of the lower income group. They often feel greater stress due to financial instability, which can directly impact their overall wellbeing and also the ability to engage with their children.”
Worrying about finances can cause anxiety and, “An anxious person can be irritable, have difficulties concentrating, and experience an increase in heart rate and muscle tension.
“There is also depression and sleep disorders, all part of the psychological impact of being burnt out, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. This can lead the affected person to be detached from his family or isolate himself.”
Such setbacks can deter fathers from fulfilling the duties that they had committed to earlier.
“A father might have wanted to be involved in their children’s lives but could not be due to the burden of psychological impacts.”
The lack of interaction between a father and children in a family can lead to the latter suffering from stress and anxiety too, according to a study done by the University of California. The absence of parents during “critical developmental stages” may lead to feelings of neglect and insecurity in children, the study found.
At the same time, social media plays a huge role in adding to stress levels, says Zaireeni.
“The rise of social media leads to a culture of comparison. Some people like to upload pictures with their children, leading to some fathers feeling pressured to meet the standards of parenting displayed on social media.
“This constant comparison increases stress levels, spurred by unrealistic expectations of how fathers should behave or carry themselves.”
Zaireeni says there are studies in the United States that link fathers’ mental health and child maltreatment; she is not aware of similar research carried out in Malaysia.
Among the key points of a systematic review titled “Fathers’ Mental Ill-health and Child Maltreatment” that was published on Feb 1, is that there was “stronger evidence for the association between paternal depression and child maltreatment.
This indicates that fathers suffering from depression may be more likely to engage in behaviours that can be classified as child maltreatment”.
“However, the evidence for the association between paternal post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, and child maltreatment was found to be weak or non-existent.”
Zaireeni says there is mixed evidence for the association between fathers’ mental health and child maltreatment.
“The study is not conclusive on the matter. At the same time, there are varying degrees of stress and not all parents who suffer from high levels of stress will end up maltreating their children.”
Extending aid to fathers
Hong says several types of psychological support and interventions could be effective in helping fathers manage stress and improve their overall mental health and well-being.
From parenting support groups to workplace support programmes, such facilities can mitigate the burden of mental stress.
“Establishing parenting support groups specifically for fathers can offer valuable peer support and camaraderie. These groups can provide a platform for fathers to share their experiences, exchange tips and advice, and offer emotional support to one another.
“Being part of a supportive community of fellow fathers can help reduce feelings of isolation and enhance overall well-being.”
He also says stress management workshops or seminars can equip fathers with practical skills and strategies to navigate stress more effectively.
“These workshops can cover topics such as time management, anger management, setting boundaries, assertive communication, and problem-solving techniques tailored to the unique challenges faced by fathers.”
As for workplace support programmes, Hong says employers can introduce employee assistance programmes, psychological first aid, and flexible work arrangements and initiatives to promote a successful balance between work and life.
“Providing a supportive work environment that acknowledges and accommodates the challenges faced by working fathers can help alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.”
Malaysia can also emulate father-friendly policies practised by other countries such as Iceland, Japan, and Sweden.
“One notable example is Sweden’s robust parental leave system, often considered one of the most father-friendly policies in the world.
In Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of parental leave per child, which can be shared between both parents. Notably, 90 of these days are specifically designated for each parent, incentivising fathers to take an active role in caregiving from the early stages of their child’s life.
This policy not only promotes gender equality in parenting responsibilities but also supports fathers in bonding with their children and participating more fully in family life.
Hong says Sweden also offers a generous allowance for parental leave, typically providing 80 per cent of salary replacement during leave periods.
“This financial support enables fathers to take time off work to care for their children without facing significant financial strain, enhancing their ability to prioritise family commitments without sacrificing their livelihoods.”
SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Grappling with a saturated domestic market, South Korean convenience store giants are now setting their sights on international expansion, particularly across Southeast and Central Asia.
This strategic move comes amid burgeoning economic growth in these regions and a rising affinity for Korean culture, driving demand for Korean-style comprehensive convenience stores.
At present, the leading players in South Korea’s convenience store sector, BGF Retail and GS25, have established a formidable presence with a total of 1,168 outlets overseas.
GS25 leads with 573 stores bearing its brand in Vietnam and Mongolia, while BGF Retail operates 543 CU stores across Mongolia, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
Emart24, a smaller competitor under the Shinsegae Group, also contributes to the overseas footprint with 52 stores in Malaysia.
The companies are expanding their footprint in the Central Asian market, leveraging their expertise in managing compact stores equipped with centralised product distribution systems.
“Just as neighbourhood supermarkets in Korea were not seen as standard nationwide until around the 1980s, supermarkets in Central Asian countries weren’t modernised until the entry of Korean convenience stores,” said an official from one of the Korean operators, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“As these Central Asian countries achieve economic growth, there is a growing demand for sophisticated and standardised convenience stores where consumers can enjoy consistent product quality no matter where they are.”
The very beginning of the convenience store industry in Korea was not as sophisticated as it is today.
A clerk hands over a cup of tteokbokki to customers at a GS25 store in Vietnam. PHOTO: ANN/THE KOREA HERALD SOURCE
Only after the first three domestic convenience stores owned by Lotte Group – which opened in the early 1980s – all closed in 1984, did the first 7-Eleven store appear in Seoul in 1989, spreading convenience stores across the nation.
Since then, homegrown brands began to emerge, primarily focusing on benchmarking Japanese-style neat and modern convenience stores.
“The initial perception of convenience stores among Koreans was not positive due to their higher prices for the sake of ‘convenience.’ However, they experienced rapid growth during the economic crisis in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as ready-made meals such as lunch boxes and instant cup noodles became popular for their affordability,” said Chang Woo-cheol, a professor of tourism and hospitality industry at Kwangwoon University.
“The increase in one-person households and the development of new towns in Korea also fueled the demand for convenience stores. In particular, conglomerate-led centralised logistics systems contributed to the modernised convenience stores we see today,” he added.
In the meantime, industry officials said that the nation’s convenience store industry boom came with various merchandising efforts from domestic companies in recent years.
“Not only Korean customers but also foreign visitors love visiting convenience stores in Korea due to their diverse and unique product offerings,” a BGF Retail official said. “For instance, we release numerous collaboration products in partnership with various conglomerates, with over 1,000 new products launched annually, even including gold bars, cars and massage chairs that you wouldn’t typically associate with convenience stores.”
The BGF Retail official also highlights the growing popularity of Korean culture as one of the key factors in their success both domestically and overseas.
“As Korean convenience stores are frequently featured in the media, the demand for Korean-style convenience stores in other countries has also increased. Reflecting this demand, shelves in our stores in Mongolia and Kazakhstan have price tags and product descriptions written in both the local language and Korean.”
Meanwhile, the focus on overseas expansion by Korean convenience stores comes amid the saturation of the market at home.
With BGF Retail and GS25 operating 18,000 and 17,390 stores, respectively, there are about 55,580 convenience stores in Korea. The figure is a significant increase from 38,451 in 2018, but the growth rate began to slow down starting in 2021 after years of excessive competition and growing operating losses.
Over the same period, the number of overseas BGF Retail and GS25 stores started to jump, reaching 209 and 191 in 2021, and 510 and 498 in 2023, respectively. They first entered overseas markets in 2018 with 21 and 26 stores, respectively.
JOHOR BARU (ANN/THE STAR) – Johor police chief Commissioner M Kumar reported an incident where two men – one with a criminal record of nearly 40 offences – were killed in a shootout with police on Friday which occurred at 5.04pm on Jalan Abad.
“Officers from the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department and the Johor police special investigation unit (D9) were trailing a suspicious white car. When the suspects realised they were being followed, they attempted to flee and opened fire on the police.
“In response, the police returned fire until the situation was secure,” Kumar said in a statement.
After the shootout, police inspected the vehicle and confirmed that both suspects were deceased.
They also found two guns – one on the body of one of the suspects – along with substances believed to be drugs.
Comm Kumar said one of the suspects was a 42-year-old man with a criminal record involving 38 offences, including drug-related crimes.
“The identity of the second suspect has yet to be confirmed as no identification documents were found on him.”
Comm Kumar added that the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.
He urged those who have information on the incident to come forward to assist investigations.
“They can reach Johor police through their hotline at 019-2792095 or our command centre at 07-221299.”
The source earlier reported that at least two men on the wanted list were killed during a shootout in Johor Baru.
Social media was abuzz with pictures of the main road along Taman Abad being cordoned off and with a heavy police presence.
Heart-stopping incident: A photo of the shootout scene that has been making its rounds on social media. PHOTO: ANN/THE STAR SOURCE
