지금 뜨는 이유

With Armed Forces Day on the first of October approaching, many are checking their calendars and wondering, "Is it a day off this year?" To give you the bottom line: October 1, 2026, is a regular Thursday and has not been designated as a temporary public holiday. Because Armed Forces Day was a surprise temporary holiday back in 2024, many were secretly hoping for a day off again, but this year it is a normal workday and school day. Instead, because National Foundation Day falls on a Saturday this weekend, the following Monday, October 5, has been designated as a substitute holiday, giving us a three-day weekend.

The large-scale military parades in downtown Seoul that come to mind when thinking of Armed Forces Day will also not be taking place this year. The reason the parade, which annually causes traffic congestion and stops citizens in their tracks, has been omitted is due to a new policy from the Ministry of National Defense. To reduce fatigue caused by troop mobilization and equipment movement, the Ministry has introduced a 'Four-Year Armed Forces Day Event Plan' and decided to rotate the event's location. Accordingly, the official 78th Armed Forces Day ceremony will be held this year at the Gyeryongdae emergency runway in South Chungcheong Province, not in Seoul.

While there is no downtown parade, there are more opportunities to experience military culture firsthand. This year's Armed Forces Day ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Ground Forces Festival and the Gyeryong Military Culture Festival at Gyeryongdae. During the festival, which runs from October 1 to 5, you can view high-tech military equipment, watch tactical demonstrations, and even catch a spectacular air show by the ROK Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team. By moving the event from the city center to a festival venue, this year's Armed Forces Day is expected to be a new type of celebration that eases the burden on our troops while fostering a closer connection with the public.

The status of Shine Muscat, once considered an 'aristocratic fruit' that fetched tens of thousands of won per bunch and was a top-tier holiday gift, has completely changed. Not only has it become a common budget fruit found on supermarket shelves, but it is now even cheaper than traditional Campbell Early grapes.

According to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. (aT), the recent consumer price for a 2kg box of Shine Muscat has dropped to an average of 11,791 won. This is a 71% crash compared to five years ago, when it reached as high as 38,000 won. While the price drop is partly due to a collective increase in production by farmers, the decisive factor was consumer disappointment that the 'taste has changed.' As the market grew rapidly, some farmers prematurely harvested and distributed unripe fruit to secure higher prices, causing the overall sweetness to drop significantly.

In fact, according to a survey by the Korea Rural Economic Institute, more than 3 out of 10 consumers reported experiencing a decline in quality, with most complaining about a lack of sweetness and tough skins. With product quality in jeopardy, the Korea Grape Association has implemented measures to exclude products below a certain sugar content from distribution and is even providing subsidies to encourage farmers to switch from Shine Muscat to other grape varieties. It is a bitter result where excessive overproduction and competition to ship early have ultimately tarnished the reputation of a premium fruit.

On the morning of October 3rd, a tragic accident occurred on the 1100 Road on Hallasan Mountain in Jeju, where a cyclist in his 50s participating in a club ride collided with an oncoming tourist bus and lost his life. The accident, which happened as the cyclist was descending a two-lane downhill slope in Aewol-eup and struck a bus traveling uphill, immediately sparked a heated debate over safety among cycling enthusiasts and drivers. The police are currently investigating the specific details of the accident, including whether either party crossed the center line.

The 1100 Road is a 35.1km-long mountain route that cuts through an altitude of 1,100 meters, known for its steep inclines and continuous sharp curves. Due to the narrow road width and the virtual absence of shoulders, dangerous situations frequently occur when large buses, regular vehicles, and bicycles are all forced to share the path. Consequently, there is growing pressure within automotive online communities and forums to ban cycling on Jeju’s mountainous roads, such as the 1100 Road and the 516 Road, where the terrain is rugged and heavy traffic is common.

While the right to enjoy cycling as a recreational sport should be respected, critics argue that if a road’s structure makes it physically impossible for cars and bicycles to coexist safely, regulatory improvements prioritizing the safety of vulnerable road users are essential. To prevent recurring mountain road accidents, it is time to move beyond placing the burden of responsibility solely on individual drivers and cyclists and start a serious discussion on realistic road regulations and the securing of safety infrastructure.

The special counsel has demanded a 20-year prison sentence for Daegu Mayor Choo Kyung-ho. At the final hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court on September 30, 2026, the prosecution team led by Cho Eun-seok charged Mayor Choo with committing a major offense during the martial law period. The prosecution's stance is that Choo, who was the floor leader of the People Power Party at the time of the emergency martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, intentionally blocked his party members from entering the plenary session hall to prevent a vote on lifting martial law. They also presented specific evidence suggesting that he repeatedly moved the venue of the parliamentary party meeting between the National Assembly and the party headquarters to keep the 108 ruling party lawmakers from reaching the floor.

In contrast, Mayor Choo's side is firmly denying the charges. In their closing argument, his legal team stated that he had never received any direct requests for cooperation from former President Yoon Suk Yeol and was completely unaware of the reality of the sudden emergency martial law declaration. They argued that the frequent changes in the party meeting location were merely physical reactions to find an accessible space amidst the intense chaos within the National Assembly after control lines were established, not an intentional attempt to prevent lawmakers from participating in the vote. Mayor Choo himself pleaded his innocence, labeling the prosecution's indictment as a political investigation targeting him.

The outcome of this trial is directly tied to the future of Daegu's municipal administration, raising tensions within the local community. Under the Local Autonomy Act, if an elected public official receives a final sentence of imprisonment without prison labor or heavier, they immediately lose their office. How the judiciary will evaluate the actions of the ruling party leadership during an unprecedented martial law situation in constitutional history will be determined at the first trial sentencing on November 18.

On a weekday morning, domestic football communities and analysis sites were suddenly buzzing with news of a friendly match held in the U.S. This is because the friendly between Mexico and Peru, held on the evening of September 29 local time in Harrison, New Jersey, ended in a 1-1 draw. The reason this match drew such high interest in Korea early in the morning lies in the practical reality that it was a key match in the 116th round of the Sports Toto Proto competition. Many football fans and bettors were on the edge of their seats checking the real-time scores on their morning commute.

The match was a tense battle from both sides. Peru took the early momentum, with Jairo Vélez scoring the opening goal in the 26th minute. However, Mexico did not back down easily. Just after the start of the second half in the 48th minute, defender Víctor Guzmán headed home a powerful equalizer off a precise assist from Denzel García, leveling the match. A fierce contest followed, but both teams finished the game in a 1-1 draw without any further goals.

Beyond the final score, this match piqued the interest of football fans as a transitional experiment led by legendary manager Rafael Márquez. Ahead of an important rivalry match against the U.S., Márquez opted for a rotation strategy, fielding a large number of young prospects from the domestic league. Having recorded consecutive 1-1 draws, following the previous match against Colombia, the progress of Márquez’s team as they tackle the dual challenges of tactical refinement and injecting new talent will be worth keeping an eye on.

A photo of actress Kim Sa-rang eating pizza at an ordinary outdoor table on a New York street is delivering a fresh shock in her daily life. In the photo released on her personal channel on September 28, Kim Sa-rang was seen enjoying pizza while wearing a bold black off-shoulder halter dress, a look that stands in complete contrast to the casual diner vibe. This unique and stylish everyday moment, which looks like a scene straight out of a fashion pictorial, spread rapidly across social media and various communities as soon as it was posted. The real fun of this buzz lies in the New York vlog video uploaded to her YouTube channel the day before, on September 27. In the video titled 'Sa-rang Wears New York,' Kim Sa-rang shared her natural daily life, including strolling through landmarks like the New York Oculus and High Line Park, and cooking at her accommodation. In particular, as the easygoing process of visiting the pizza place that became the talk of the town was revealed in full, fans reacted with admiration for her confident and delightful sense of style as she navigated the alleyways in a glamorous dress. What impresses the public even more is her unchanging visual, which she has meticulously maintained, making her age of 48 completely irrelevant. Despite having been on a long hiatus from acting since the conclusion of the drama 'Get Revenge' in 2021, she proved her overwhelming presence, standing at the center of the trend with just a single daily life photo. Kim Sa-rang's New York daily life, which turned even an ordinary and simple space into her own glamorous runway, became the most certain and welcome greeting to the public who have been eagerly awaiting her next project.

Related Links

Can you truly control your blood sugar just by avoiding sweets? A recent study from Charles University in the Czech Republic, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Milan, suggests otherwise. By tracking healthy medical students with continuous glucose monitors, researchers found that the stress of an exam day alone caused their average blood glucose to rise by about 7%. This happens because the stress hormone cortisol triggers the release of stored glucose from the liver into the bloodstream. In other words, you can experience a glucose spike just by staring at an exam paper, even without eating anything.

Conversely, there is an interesting experiment showing that a burger devoured in 15 minutes actually kept blood sugar stable. According to research published in an international journal by scientists at the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil, participants who ate a plant-based burger made from baru fruit pulp and red quinoa experienced almost no post-meal glucose spikes. Thanks to a combination of ingredients rich in dietary fiber and polyphenols, the rate of blood sugar rise was dramatically inhibited, even when eaten quickly.

Ultimately, blood sugar management is a complex mechanism intricately linked not just to the types of food we eat, but also to our body's stress levels and the nutrient density of our ingredients. If your blood sugar remains unstable despite diligent dietary efforts, it might be time to take a look at what kind of 'exam' your mind is currently going through.

Can simply choosing the right breakfast menu help you manage both your health and weight? The morning diet of actress Kang Ye-won's 75-year-old mother, revealed on her YouTube channel 'Gwang Ye-won,' is catching the eye of those looking for a healthier lifestyle. Kang's mother shared that the secret behind losing 10kg in just six months at the age of 70—and maintaining it without a yo-yo effect—is the special menu she eats every morning.

The core of the diet is surprisingly simple. It consists of vegetables steamed without using any oil. She steams a combination of potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and tomatoes. By steaming instead of boiling, she minimizes nutrient loss and maximizes the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Steamed vegetables are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, making them a fantastic way to start a busy morning.

The video also captured some funny moments in the mother-daughter conversation. While carefully preparing breakfast, the mother playfully teased Kang about her past eye surgery, showcasing their realistic mother-daughter chemistry. Instead of expensive or elaborate diet foods, why not start your day with a light and filling bowl of steamed vegetables—a healthy habit built on simple, everyday produce?

Content creator Nitmolcash, who gained popularity for his unique characters and catchphrases, has admitted to allegations of dating violence and verbal abuse, and has fully ceased his activities. With his agency acknowledging most of the suspicions just one day after his ex-girlfriend's allegations surfaced, the production team of a public institution's web drama in which he stars has been left in a difficult position.

The controversy began on September 28 when Nitmolcash's ex-girlfriend released audio recordings online containing verbal abuse and threats of physical violence. The transcripts shocked the public, as they included not only private conflicts but also disparaging remarks labeling ordinary workers as part of the lower class and insults directed at disabled children. As the situation escalated rapidly, his agency, NOV Entertainment, issued an official apology on September 29, confirming that after verifying the facts, most of the allegations were true. Consequently, Nitmolcash has made his channel videos private, closed all his social media accounts, and entered an indefinite period of self-reflection.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly is in the most difficult position. The Assembly had invested significant effort into producing an eight-part comedic web drama titled 'The Assemblyman is Live,' casting Nitmolcash as the lead character, Jung Eui-yeol. They were scheduled to hold a production presentation on October 7 and premiere the first episode on their official channel two days later, but the lead actor's serious personal controversy and announcement to halt activities have put the entire promotional project at risk of being scrapped. As this is a work funded by public taxes, the production team is in deep deliberation over how to resolve the situation, whether through editing or re-filming.

Singer Kim Yeon-ja’s poignant tribute to her mother, shared in a broadcast preview, is touching many hearts. In a teaser released by the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' on September 28, Kim Yeon-ja broke down in tears as she opened up about her mother's worrying health condition. As a major star who has always radiated explosive energy on stage and brought positive vibes to the public, her personal sorrow—and the sight of her grappling with the news of her mother's sudden illness—resonates even more deeply.

Kim Yeon-ja confessed that just two years ago, her mother was vibrant enough to accompany her to broadcasting stations, but her condition has deteriorated rapidly to the point where she can no longer get out of bed on her own. It was especially heartbreaking to hear that her mother has been diagnosed with 'acute Parkinson's disease.' Kim previously shed tears when she mentioned that after building a beautiful new home for her mother, her mother suddenly began experiencing mobility and speech difficulties just as the house was being completed. This latest news of her mother's rapidly declining health has only added to the sadness of those watching.

The medical community is providing further expert analysis regarding the term 'acute Parkinson's' mentioned by Kim Yeon-ja. While Parkinson's disease is generally a slow-progressing neurodegenerative condition, experts suggest that if the progression is so rapid that the patient is unable to get out of bed within two years, it is more likely to be 'atypical Parkinsonian syndrome' rather than typical Parkinson's. As the pain of caregiving and her deep filial piety—previously hidden behind the bright lights of stardom—are now known, many are offering warm words of comfort and support ahead of the upcoming episode.

TV Chosun’s 'Mr. Trot 4', a leading trot audition show in Korea, is rushing prospective stars as the deadline for its second round of applications approaches. This second round closes on September 30, and applicants must submit an unedited singing video of about 5 minutes along with their application. As a stage that has produced outstanding stars like Lim Young-woong and Ahn Sung-hoon, it seems a large number of talented hopefuls dreaming of a life-changing opportunity are flocking to apply.

Ahead of this new festival, the heartbreaking confession of a past contestant has added a layer of poignancy. Cheon Rok-dam, who took 3rd place in 'Mr. Trot 3', recently appeared on a live segment on the show's official YouTube channel and opened up about scars he had kept hidden for a long time. He confessed with tears his guilt and longing for the late Seo Jae-ho, his former bandmate from Wanted who passed away in an unfortunate accident in 2004, expressing the sorrow he has carried deep in his heart for 20 years.

The poignant life stories of participants hidden behind the fierce competition serve as elements that make the contest more than just a survival show, bringing out a deep sense of humanity. As we look forward to the journey of Mr. Trot 4, it will be interesting to see what other tears and inspiration will be evoked by the next challenges taken on by these new prospective stars.

Last August, a surprise gift arrived at the homes of 70,000 Hanwha Group employees. Chairman Kim Seung-yeon spent 3 billion won of his own money to send healthy meal sets containing galbitang (short rib soup) and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to encourage staff struggling in the summer heat. While it may look like just another generous act by a corporate leader, the complex logistics operation hidden behind this massive gift revealed the latent synergies of a major corporate integration.

The biggest challenge was procuring 140,000 samgyetang chickens—two per employee—and delivering them fresh to households nationwide all at once. The key to solving this puzzle was none other than Ourhome’s infrastructure. By fully activating the manufacturing and logistics networks of Ourhome, a large food service company whose management rights were acquired by Hanwha Hotels & Resorts in May 2025, the acquisition effectively turned into a practical collaboration that enriched the tables of every group employee.

Chairman Kim’s letter, included in the gift box, is also a hot topic among employees. Instead of cold numbers like a bonus, seeing a leader dip into his personal pockets and mobilize the group’s new infrastructure to directly care for the health of his employees' families highlights Hanwha’s unique and tight-knit sense of partnership. It is an interesting case where corporate strategic M&A and a unique organizational culture blend perfectly, going beyond simple welfare.

The matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the LA Dodgers in the MLB National League Division Series (NLDS) has baseball fans buzzing with excitement that's hotter than the autumn breeze. Beyond a simple clash of powerhouse clubs, this series features a special narrative: a postseason showdown between Ha-Seong Kim and Hye-Seong Kim, former teammates and close friends from their days with the Kiwoom Heroes.

This series has been thrilling from the start. In Game 1 on October 4, the Dodgers defeated the Braves 5-3, fueled by Tarik Skubal's stellar pitching and a powerful home run display. Ha-Seong Kim, starting as the Braves' infielder, impressed local broadcasters with his signature elite defense, and fans naturally turned their attention to the Dodgers' surprise inclusion: Hye-Seong Kim. After spending most of the season in Triple-A, Hye-Seong Kim made a stunning addition to the Dodgers' 26-man postseason roster, recognized for his speed and defensive utility.

In Game 2 on October 5, both players were left out of the starting lineup as they took a breather. The Braves opted for a bullpen day while the Dodgers relied on ace Blake Snell; Ha-Seong Kim rested, and Hye-Seong Kim waited in the wings as a late-inning pinch-runner. Even if they don't face off in every plate appearance, the sight of these heroes, who once dominated the KBO, squaring off on the world's biggest stage is more compelling than any drama for baseball fans.

The Los Angeles Dodgers got off to a great start in the National League Division Series (NLDS), defeating the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1. While Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker led the charge with home runs, Korean baseball fans were focused on an unexpected name on the scorecard. The Dodgers had surprise-included utility player Kim Hye-seong on their 26-man postseason roster just before the game.

Kim's surprise selection drew attention from the local media, as he had been waiting for a call-up for over four months since being sent down to Triple-A in late May. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to bet on Kim's elite speed, clocked at 28.8 feet per second. He was brought on as a special pinch-runner and utility defensive option to flip the momentum in tight postseason situations.

This series has been further ignited by the dramatic "Korean showdown" against Atlanta's starting shortstop, Kim Ha-seong. Kim Ha-seong showed his class in Game 1 with a highlight-reel jump catch that stole a would-be base hit. Although both players will start on the bench for Game 2, the moment they step onto the field in a high-leverage situation late in the game will be the most thrilling point for Korean baseball fans to watch.

Many are sending their congratulations on the warm new chapter of life for actress Kang Sung-yeon and her husband, Director Jang Min-wook, following her heartwarming social media posts about their holidays and his candid confession on air. Appearing on KBS1's 'Morning Yard' on October 2nd, Jang Min-wook, a neurologist at a brain science center, shared an update on their life since their marriage in May 2016, saying he often wonders if he is allowed to be this happy.

Their connection began at a broadcasting station and was solidified at the hospital. The two first met on a health-themed variety show in 2022, but lost contact for a while before reuniting at an unexpected moment. When Kang Sung-yeon's mother was suffering from severe headaches, she visited Director Jang's clinic. Even though it was a scheduled day off, Director Jang willingly opened the clinic to treat her, and this kind act served as the catalyst for them to evolve from doctor and guardian to lovers.

After their marriage, Director Jang became a supportive father to Kang Sung-yeon's two sons, building a peaceful home. He mentioned that he has even started commuting by bicycle, inspired by his wife's healthy habit of exercising daily, reflecting the positive changes in their lives. The photos of their sweet bicycle date, which Kang Sung-yeon shared on the October 4th holiday, perfectly capture their peaceful daily life. The hospital door he willingly opened for a patient on his day off ultimately became the door to the most beautiful relationship of his life.