Express buses face uncertain future | Why is Anthropic sourcing Korean books?
A new week has begun! Here are the important stories from Korea.
Today, express bus ticket prices are rising even as fewer people use the buses. Competition with high-speed trains is also growing. In another story, new evidence has raised concerns that Anthropic may have obtained Korean, Taiwanese and Japanese books to train its AI systems, possibly raising copyright issues.
Meanwhile, Korea's Kospi stock index reached record highs earlier this year but has become the worst-performing major stock index in the world so far this month.
Today's top story
KOREA
Express buses face an uncertain future as higher fares and KTX competition reduce passenger numbers
Express bus fares in Korea rose by 9 percent at the start of this month. Many passengers are now asking whether taking the bus is still worth the money, because trains can get them to their destinations faster for almost the same price.
After fares went up on October 1, express bus tickets cost almost as much as tickets for KTX high-speed trains. The price increase happened even though the number of people riding express buses had continued to fall.
Express buses brought in a lot of money in Korea during the 1980s. Today, they are struggling to attract passengers because fares have risen and they face continued competition from KTX trains.
Feature of the day
KOREA
Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese books targeted in Anthropic's 'Project Panama' search for AI training material
Shipping records and court documents show that Anthropic obtained very large numbers of Asian books to train its AI systems. This has raised new concerns about copyright in Korea.
More stories
Korea's chip industry boom increases national income, but workers see few benefits
BBC reports that luxury yachts were seen near Kim Jong-un's compound in Wonsan
Five Korean university campuses to visit for autumn leaves
Korean police break up a record $17 billion online gambling network operating overseas
Editor's picks
BUSINESS
Kospi falls from one of the world's best-performing stock indexes to the worst-performing one
Korea's main stock index began the year with record gains. But since the start of October, it has performed worse than any other major stock index in the world. A sharp wave of selling in major chip companies has caused the decline.
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Cult leader sentenced to 33 years in prison for sexually assaulting followers
The court gave the sentence two years after Jeong Myeong-seok, leader of the religious group known as Jesus Morning Star, was formally charged with a crime.
BUSINESS
Korean manufacturers change their China strategies as U.S. pressure grows
Samsung, SK hynix and Hyundai are putting more money into businesses in the United States, India, Vietnam and Japan. Policies under the Trump administration and growing competition between the United States and China are changing how companies manage their supply chains.
LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT
Seoul's favorite street foods come together at a two-day market festival
After a seven-year break, the Seoul Market Fair will return to Cheonggye Plaza this weekend. The two-day event will bring together traditional market sellers, outdoor dining and performances.