Feb. 1

• ●Stark gender inequality in housework exposes wives in Korea to depression: research The Korea Herald
  In many South Korean households, housework isn't just about keeping things clean -- it's also a common source of frustration, resentment, and, as new research suggests, mental health issues.

Feb. 3

• ●Less than 3% of over 120,000 asylum requests accepted in Korea since 1994 Korea JoongAng Daily
  More than 120,000 people have filed for asylum in Korea since the country began accepting asylum-seekers in 1994, with just 2.7 percent of them granted refugee status, government data showed Monday.
  
  

• ●Korean provincial government to offer premium beef for new moms to tackle low birth The Korea Times
  In response to the low birthrate crisis, the Suwon City government is introducing an incentive program to support small businesses that allow parents of first-grade elementary school students to start work at 10 a.m.
  
  

• ●South Korea's senior poverty increases for second straight year The Korea Herald
  South Korea's elderly poverty rate worsened for the second consecutive year, intensifying concerns as the country officially became a superaged society at the end of last year -- where 20 percent or more of the population is aged 65 and older.
  
  

• ●Half of young Korean men obese, with a third at risk for diabetes, hypertension The Korea Herald
  Nearly half of young Korean men are now classified as obese based on the body mass index, and roughly one in three has prediabetes or prehypertension, according to a new study.

Feb. 5

• ●Korea's only trauma surgeon training center to close after 100% budget cut The Korea Herald
  South Korea's only training center for trauma surgeons is set to close this month due to a lack of funding.
  
  

• ●Calling their children's bosses, helicopter parents 'evolve' in Korea The Korea Herald
  Hur, a team manager at a major conglomerate in South Korea, recalled a recent phone call that she received after an end-of-year team dinner that "baffled" her -- an angry call made not from her co-worker, but from the co-worker's mother.
  
  

• ●South Korea rejects most asylum seekers as refugee recognition rate stays at just 2.7% The Korea Herald
  South Korea has received more than 120,000 refugee applications since its asylum system was introduced just over 30 years ago, but the country's refugee recognition rate remains strikingly low at just 2.7 percent, according to the Ministry of Justice.
  
  

• ●Over 85% of Korean women turn to postpartum care centers The Korea Times
  In Korea, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern postpartum care, utilizing services at postpartum care centers has become a necessity for many women, not just a luxury, according to recent data.

Feb. 6

• ●Gov't to mandate cigarette makers disclose ingredients in products Korea JoongAng Daily
  The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Thursday that it would mandate that cigarette manufacturers disclose ingredients used in their products starting next year.
  
  

• ●Seoul hopes to spark love over art through Valentine's Day matchmaking event Korea JoongAng Daily
  A total of 2,356 unmarried young men and women signed up for a group blind date event on Valentine's Day hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the city announced Thursday.
  
  

• ●Uncertainty over Filipino caregiver program leaves parents in limbo The Korea Times
  As the Seoul Metropolitan Government's pilot program for hiring caregivers from the Philippines approaches its scheduled end this month, parents who rely on the service are growing increasingly anxious.

Feb. 7

• ●Three years in, SAPA fails to reduce workplace deaths The Chosun Daily
  Three years after the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (SAPA) came into effect in January 2022, workplace casualties continue to rise, particularly at construction sites.
  
  

• ●New enrollment at elementary schools hits historic low as Korea's birthrate battle continues Korea JoongAng Daily
  The number of incoming elementary school students nationwide has dropped to the 330,000 range for the first time due to the country's declining birthrate.