Transport · Gyeonggi
A threatened general bus strike across Gyeonggi Province was averted early Friday morning after marathon negotiations concluded at 2:32 AM. Labor and management reached an agreement regarding wage adjustments, avoiding commuter chaos across the capital region. All 4,130 commuter and regional buses across 854 routes operated normally starting with the day's first scheduled runs.
So what
Travel between Seoul and Gyeonggi Province normally without taking emergency detour buses or altered transit routes.
Culture · Seoul
Veteran South Korean actor Choi Bool-am passed away in a Seoul hospital on the evening of October 29 at age 87. Long cherished as Korea's national father figure, he headlined historic television dramas including 'Chief Inspector' (수사반장) and 'Country Diaries' (전원일기), while hosting the culinary culture program 'Korean Cuisine and Dining' (한국인의 밥상) for 14 years. A public memorial has been established at Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul.
So what
Expect extensive tributes, television retrospectives, and cultural discussions across Korean media throughout the weekend.
Culture
K-pop girl group ILLIT members Wonhee and Iroha will modify their stage routines during upcoming activities following injuries. Their agency BELIFT LAB announced that medical staff recommended limiting heavy movement and intense choreography. Both members will still join scheduled appearances, either performing seated or minimizing active physical dancing to prioritize recovery.
So what
If you are attending upcoming ILLIT performances or fan events, expect Wonhee and Iroha to participate while seated.
Transport
Korean budget carrier Jin Air disclosed that an external cyberattack resulted in unauthorized access to personal records belonging to 1,454 registered members. The airline notified affected users and reported the incident to the relevant privacy regulatory bodies. Security teams are evaluating the extent of compromised information and reinforcing server infrastructure against further intrusion.
So what
If you have an account with Jin Air, check your registered email for security notices and update your password immediately.
Money
Major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb suffered an internal systems security breach exposing the personal information of 6,444 users. Leaked data includes customer bank account numbers and copies of personal identification cards. Financial regulatory authorities have begun inspections to determine liability and assess any direct asset damages across trading accounts.
So what
If you use Bithumb, enable multi-factor authentication, verify your balance, and stay alert to targeted phishing messages.
Culture · Seoul
Amorepacific health brand Vital Beautie has opened an experiential pop-up store titled 'Super Glow Sauna' along Yeonmujang-gil in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul. Running through November 3, the venue adopts a traditional Korean public bathhouse motif to promote skin turnover cycles and its edible retinol products. The venue includes custom skin diagnosis zones, sauna-inspired photo spaces, and skincare sampling booths.
So what
Visit Yeonmujang-gil in Seongsu-dong before November 3 to try Korean bathhouse-themed photo zones and receive free skincare samples.
Food · Seoul
The 11th annual 'Sea Farm Show' aquaculture fair opened Friday at Seoul Plaza in central Seoul, running through November 1. Moving outdoors to the city center for the first time, the event features 92 booths hosted by 39 organizations highlighting domestic fisheries. Visitors can attend live flatfish cooking competitions, participate in seaweed-tasting sessions, and purchase fresh seafood products on-site.
So what
Stop by Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall this weekend if you want to sample fresh domestic seafood dishes and watch chef showcases.