Category: General

SEOUL, North Koreans celebrated the Lunar New Year on Saturday dining on traditional food and playing folk games, while also paying tribute to their two late former leaders on one of the country’s biggest holidays, Pyongyang’s state media reported.

The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s main newspaper, published an article in its Saturday edition describing the Lunar New Year as “one of the holidays that our people enjoy the most.”

According to the story, North Koreans clean up their homes and prepare traditional dishes to mark the Lunar New Year. The paper also said North Korean people dine on “tteokguk,” a soup with rice cakes, with their family and take “sebae,” a formal bow, before the elderly — just as South Korean people do.

North Koreans also play folk games on the Lunar New Year, including “yutnori,” a board game played with four wooden sticks as dice.

Even though it’s a holiday, North Koreans don’t celebrate the Lunar New Year over an extended holiday, as South Koreans do.

Unlike in South Korea, whe
re millions of people travel out of Seoul and its surrounding region toward their hometowns en masse during the weekend, North Koreans face travel restrictions.

In North Korea, the birthday of its founder, Kim Il-sung (April 15), called the Day of the Sun, and the birthday of Kim’s son, Kim Jong-il (Feb. 16), known as Kwangmyongsong Day, are considered the two biggest holidays.

On the start of the new year, North Koreans typically visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun or statues of the two Kims in their neighborhoods to pay tribute to their former leaders.

The reclusive regime began celebrating the Lunar New Year in 1989 on Kim Jong-il’s order, and it became an official holiday in 2003.

The Korean Central News Agency claimed Saturday that it was thanks to Kim Jong-il’s devotion to the Korean tradition that the people were able to celebrate the Lunar New Year with joy.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

36 young players who showed outstanding skill Prepare to move forward in chasing your important dreams. To have a chance to sign a contract to join the Muangthong United “Kirin Phong” Academy, ages 13 and 14, at Thunderdome Stadium on February 4, 2024, with the atmosphere being lively.

On February 3 – 4, 2024, inside the Thunderdome Stadium, the Muangthong United “Kirin Phong” club organized a youth selection activity. There are football talents from all over the country, ages 13 and 14, for the opportunity to further develop into the club’s Academy football players in the future, which has received a lot of interest from young people as always. More than 800 people participated in the test.

This opening selection has undergone intensive evaluation. By the senior club coaching staff and the quality academy “Kilen Phayong” such as Chalo Hongkhachorn, Uthai Bunmoh, Natthaphon Panrit, Jesada Jitsawat, Dusakorn Thonglao, Pakasit Saensuk, Danno Siaka, etc.

Before 36 youths passed through the camp together agai
n. To select the final round around the end of February. to be more concentrated Before the names of those who have passed the selection process to enter the Muangthong United Academy are announced.

Source: Thai News Agency

Chanthaburi, The National Parks Department raided a house in Tha Mai District. Chanthaburi Province Various animal skulls, star cat skins, marbled cat skins, pangolin scales, and a pellet gun silencer were found. He was detained and sent for prosecution at the police station. New port

Mr. Kongkiat Temmuan, director of the Conservation Area Administration Office 2 (Sriracha), said that the head of Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary Head of the Kung Krabaen Non-Hunting Area and officers of the Wildlife Suppression Line No. 4 together with police officers of Tha Mai Provincial Police Station, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province Including Tha Mai District administrative officials searching a house in Village No. 10, Khao Bai Si Subdistrict, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province. According to the search warrant of the Chanthaburi Provincial Court The heads of various wild animals were found hanging on the walls of the house and in the bedroom.

Animal heads found include:

– 6 bull heads

– 4 red cow heads

– 3
antelope heads

– 4 wild deer heads

– 7 deer heads

– 5 chamois heads

– 1 tapir head

In addition, 8 more skulls of unidentified animals were found.

The team of officers searched further and found 2 sheets of star cat skin, 1 sheet of marble cat skin, 370 grams of pangolin scales, and also found gun silencers for use with 2 single-shot guns.

From the inquiry of the people living in the said house Initially, it was stated that No license to own animal remains The team of officials then detained him as the accused. It is an offense according to the Act. Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 2024, Section 17 and Section 87 and violates the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act 1992, Section 97 and then sent to prosecute at the police station. New port

For wild animal carcasses seized as seized items. By requesting permission from investigators at Tha Mai Provincial Police Station to keep it at the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary Office.

Source: Thai News Agency

SEOUL, South Korea’s point man on North Korea said Saturday the government will keep pushing for the reunion of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, saying Pyongyang’s provocations will not deter Seoul’s drive.

Kim made the remark after attending an annual gathering of separated families and others who were born in North Korea but ended up south of the border following the war. To mark the Lunar New Year, they came to pay their respects to their ancestors and family members in North Korea by taking bows in that direction from the border town of Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

“We will not give up on our pursuit of fundamental solutions to the problems regarding separated families and abductees,” Kim said. “The government will not be affected by any type of provocation or action from North Korea.”

Kim said Seoul will remain open to dialogue with Pyongyang on humanitarian matters and added, “North Korea must respond seriously without any political considerations whatsoever.”

Kim said any effort to addres
s inter-Korean humanitarian issues must begin with the restoration of an inter-Korean liaison communication channel, while also blaming Pyongyang for the strained ties between the Koreas.

“We urge North Korea to normalize that communication channel, which it unilaterally cut off in April last year,” Kim said. “To separated families, who suffered through the war and division on the Korean Peninsula, the recent series of actions taken by North Korea is absolutely deplorable. North Korea must halt provocations that threaten the survival of our people and must not ignore the pains of separated families.”

In recent years, aging members of separated families in South Korea have died without having a chance to meet with their long-lost relatives in North Korea amid strained inter-Korean ties.

The number of surviving separated family members came to 39,881 as of the end of November 2023, with 65.6 percent of the total aged 80 and older, government data showed.

The divided Koreas have held 21 rounds of reunions si
nce the landmark summit of their leaders in 2000, bringing together more than 20,000 family members who had not seen each other since the war. The two sides last staged temporary family reunions in 2018.

In 2022, South Korea proposed holding talks with North Korea on family reunions, but the North has yet to respond to the offer.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Take a look at works that showcase Thainess. And talked with the team of 3 snow sculptors representing Thailand who won second place at the 74th Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan after being absent from the event for 4 years since the Covid situation. It is considered the pride of Thai people throughout the country.

Source: Thai News Agency

Roi Et, Immediately arrested a young man who was hallucinating drugs. Kicking a relative into a pond and throwing stones again. Ready to threaten people not to go down to help causing the young man who was kicked into the water to drown.

Police Lieutenant Uthai Pannuea, investigative officer Muang Roi Et Police Station With patrol and investigative team (Surasri) Muang Roi Et Police Station Received a report that someone was kicked into the water and died, police and forensic technicians at Roi Et Hospital. Participate in investigating the scene which happened at Bo Phansawut or Sa Watthana Chanthachum Near the moat around the city of Khum Saphan Si Suwan. Roi Et Municipality

The Asokong rescue team found the body of the deceased. His name was known as Mr. Surasit, aged 45 years. Villagers who witnessed the incident said that The perpetrator is Mr. Jirasak, age 43, who is a cousin. whose consciousness is impaired Frequently hallucinating from taking drugs Walk away and go home. Police officers from the Sur
asee Investigation Team followed up to the community’s home. Roi Et Municipality Found the perpetrator sitting in the house. 500 meters from the scene of the incident, he was detained for preliminary investigation. along with making a plan to include a confession at the scene of the crime

The perpetrator claimed that he was hallucinating. Before the incident happened while walking past The deceased used a slingshot to shoot himself. This made him angry, so he followed and kicked the deceased into a pond that was more than 2 meters deep. He still did not recover from his revenge. Grab a large stone and Throw at the deceased until he saw the deceased sink into the water So he walked away. Until the police followed and arrested him for questioning, he admitted that he had actually committed the crime. Before being taken away to make a confession plan

From the investigation, the statements of eyewitnesses, including relatives, did not follow the words of the perpetrator. Eyewitnesses said that before the incide
nt the deceased was sitting by the pool. Then the perpetrator walked from the house. He walked in and used his feet to kick the deceased until he fell into the water. Then he saw the perpetrator walk in and pick up dozens of rocks around the pond and throw them at the deceased who was struggling in the water. Many villagers went to help. But the perpetrator threatened him not to go near him or to help him. until the deceased disappeared into the water Then the perpetrator walked away. So he called the police and coordinated rescue work to find the deceased’s body.

Physical examination by a forensic doctor Roi Et Hospital It was found that on the head of the deceased there was a wound on the right cheekbone near the eye. and his left eyebrow was broken. On the back of his head, two more wounds were found, caused by rocks thrown at him. But the skull was not broken.

The relatives of the perpetrator also testified that The perpetrator was addicted to drugs and had hallucinations and paranoia, causing chaos. An
d there is fear that people will hurt him all the time.

Source: Thai News Agency

SEOUL, President Yoon Suk Yeol visited a Marine Corps unit Saturday to show appreciation for the troops’ service and order strong readiness against North Korea, his office said.

On the Lunar New Year holiday, Yoon visited the Marine Corps Second Division in Gimpo, just west of Seoul, to inspect the unit’s military readiness amid heightened tension with Pyongyang.

“If the enemy provokes, you have to sternly and overwhelmingly respond under the principle of ‘act first, report later’ to completely crush the enemy’s will,” Yoon was quoted as saying.

He inspected the multiple rocket system Cheonmoo and urged the troops to be prepared against any North Korean provocations.

During his meeting with soldiers, Yoon made surprise appearances in some soldiers’ video calls with their parents on the traditional holiday.

Source: Yonhap News Agency

Yaowarat, The Yaowarat Chinese New Year Festival has officially begun. The Prime Minister attended the opening ceremony. along with wishing for a day of fun I want everyone to be happy, wealthy, prosperous, and healthy.

Last evening, Prime Minister Mr. Settha Thavisin attended the opening ceremony of Yaowarat Chinese New Year and walked around the event, which was attended by foreign tourists. Especially Chinese tourists Come and ask to take pictures with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also wished for a day of fun. I want everyone to be happy, wealthy, prosperous, and healthy.

Meanwhile, in the evening, Yaowarat Road is filled with fun activities and Thai-Chinese cultural performances. Lion-Dragon Dance Performance Lion Dok Mei Procession, a special highlight, TAT has also built a golden dragon tunnel beautifully decorated and decorated with lights under the concept of “Celebrating the Golden Year of Prosperity” at the Chaloem Phrakiat Arch, Yaowarat Road, 1-29. February 2024, ready to organize a P
rojection Mapping show under the story of beliefs and faith of Thai-Chinese people. Performance name ‘Dragon King God’ near Yaowarat Road Today until this Sunday and street food Yaowarat It is also considered a destination for tourists around the world. And this Chinese New Year event received great praise from both Thai and foreign tourists.

It is considered that more and more tourists are interested in visiting the Chinese New Year Festival at Yaowarat every year. Because besides delicious food The atmosphere is still fun. and the people at Yaowarat are bright and lovely. TAT believes that only during the Chinese New Year festival It should attract tourists and generate more than 34,390 million baht in money for Thailand. This kind of atmosphere will continue tomorrow (11 Feb.) another day.

Source: Thai News Agency

Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai is lively. Thai-Chinese and foreigners come out to shop at Chinatown Chiang Mai 2024 to pay their respects and ask for blessings from the god Guan Yu. Make business prosperous while TAT Phuket expects during Chinese New Year More than 6,800 million baht in circulation

Chinese New Year Festival Chinatown Chiang Mai 2024, Warorot Market Area Last night (February 9) was lively. There are Thai-Chinese people and foreign tourists who come to buy food. From shops to opening booths selling various kinds of food, no less than 50 booths to sit and eat. Or buy it to take home and eat.

At the same time, there are Thai people of Chinese descent. and foreigners They brought auspicious fruits or ducks and chickens to offer to Guan Yu. and a total of 8 gods within the Guan Yu Bubia Shrine in the Lao Zhou Alley area. The area in front of the shrine is beautifully decorated with lights. and light firecrackers loudly all day and all night To make the business prosperous

TAT expects Chinese Ne
w Year spending of 6,800 million baht

in Phuket. Both Thai and foreign tourists are interested in taking impressive photos at the Charter Bank intersection. which the Phuket City Municipality brings in a mythical dragon and lanterns to decorate the grass area To be a check-in point In addition, around Suriyadet Circle or fountain circle It is decorated with large vases. Complete with moving butterflies and flowers. It created a lot of excitement for both Thai and foreign tourists.

Mr. Lertchai Wangtrakuldee, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office, revealed that the number of tourists during Chinese New Year Between February 8-16, a total of 9 days, the number of room reservations is approximately 81% of the number of rooms at various hotels. There are approximately 111,000 rooms open for service. It is estimated that 6,800 million baht will flow in during the 9 days.

The Pak Preaw Chinese New Year Festival 2024 has begun

in Saraburi, in the area of ??Che Buan Heng Tua Factory a
nd Phichai Road, Soi 7-8, organizing a festival tourism promotion event. “Chinese New Year, Slender Mouth” for the year 2024, there will be a parade. along with costumes showing Thai-Chinese arts and culture The procession is led by the mayor of Saraburi. Municipal member executive committee Dress in Chinese royal costume and a set of royal guards protecting teachers and students under Saraburi Municipality Municipal employees, community leaders, dressed in cheongsams, walked along the road. The atmosphere in the procession consisted of a procession of lions, golden dragons, a procession of angels, lions, dragons, Pae Yim, and Eng Kor. Along the route the procession passed by giving out auspicious oranges to fellow citizens, villagers, and participants. Watch the procession For good fortune

In addition, within the event there will be a lion dance performance, an engko performance, a dragon dance performance. Milk and spring roll eating competition Live music and singing performances with tourists, merchants,
and citizens dressed in red. Interested in joining and watching the event lively The roads within the event will be decorated with beautiful lanterns. There are also 5 more spots for tourists to take selfies for the event. “Chinese New Year Pak Preaw” will be held for 3 days between 9-11 February 2024.

Source: Thai News Agency

South Korea’s online gaming giant Nexon Co. said Thursday its net profit sharply decreased in 2023 from a year earlier due to higher operating cost deriving from foreign exchange losses and investment in U.S. film studio AGBO, despite record high annual sales.

Net profit came to 655.8 billion won (US$493.6 million) last year, down 30 percent from a year ago, the company said in a regulatory filing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The company reported a yearly operating profit of 1.25 trillion won, up 30 percent from the previous year, and record-setting sales of 3.93 trillion won, up 20 percent on-year.

For the fourth quarter, the company posted a net loss of 373.3 billion won. Its quarterly operating profit dived 59 percent on-year to 40.5 billion won, while revenue rose 4 percent to 753.8 billion won.

Nexon said its yearly net profit decreased due to operating income underperformance affected by foreign exchange loss on U.S. dollar-denominated cash deposits and its AGBO investment.

But sales hit an all-tim
e high in 2023 on the popularity of its steady sellers, including Maple Story, FC Online and Dungeon and Fighter, as well as its mobile games, such as FC Mobile and Blue Archive, the company added.

In particular, Nexon’s latest games — Dave the Diver and The Finals — gained worldwide popularity, with Dave the Diver recording a combined 3 million units of global sales last year, and The Finals reporting 10 million downloads in two weeks after its release.

Nexon said it plans to release two new titles this year, third-person shooter The First Descendant and Mabinogi Mobile.

Owen Mahoney, CEO of Nexon Japan, said the success of The Finals will likely become the company’s next major franchise to play a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion strategy, and season two of the title will be released in March.

Lee Jung-hun, CEO of Nexon Korea, said the company is working to release Dungeon and Fighter Mobile in China as soon as possible and plans to update its other original titles to continue its gro
wth.

Lee is set to become the new CEO of Nexon Japan next month.

Source: Yonhap News Agency