Supreme Court Sparks Controversy: Evangelical Lawyers Association Denounces Landmark Ruling on Same-Sex Couples’ Health Insurance Rights
Korean Peninsula Today (9/11)
Evangelical Lawyers Association Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Recognizing Same-Sex Couples as Dependents of Health Insurance
The Evangelical Lawyers Association has released a statement condemning the recent Supreme Court ruling that recognized same-sex couples as dependents for health insurance. The association pointed out that the ruling equated common-law marriage with same-sex unions, which is against common sense and basic legal principles. They emphasized that the court should not enact legislation that treats same-sex unions as marriage, which is not recognized by the Constitution or the law.
Sales of ‘Dog Strollers’ for Pets Surge in Korea
Foreign media outlets have reported that sales of pet strollers have surpassed baby strollers in Korea due to the declining birth rate and increasing number of pets. According to the Wall Street Journal, the number of registered pets in Korea has more than doubled compared to 2018, reaching an all-time high. As a result, sales of pet strollers have surged, with many people in Korea doting on their pets and taking them for walks in strollers.
North Korea: Market Operating Hours Reduced, Residents’ Anxiety Spreads
The North Korean government has reduced market operating hours by one hour, citing flood recovery efforts. However, residents are anxious that this measure may become permanent. According to Daily NK, the Commerce Bureau of the North Pyongan Province People’s Committee issued a policy to shorten market operating hours, which has been implemented in various cities and counties. Merchants and residents are complaining that the market’s operating hours have not been restored to their original levels, and are even more upset because the market was allowed to open on Fridays for a while last month but was closed completely this month.
North Korea: Border Guard Post Washed Away by Flood, Damage to Barbed Wire
North Korean authorities have issued an order to block ordinary citizens from approaching the border after border guard posts were swept away by floods in the Yalu River basin. According to Radio Free Asia, satellite images show that at least two guard posts have been swept away by the river, and the barracks for the guards have also been damaged. The government is concerned that the number of defection attempts may increase due to the damaged border infrastructure.
North Korea: Chronic Food Shortages Cause Crowds to Flock to Pick Wild Chives, Robbery Prevalent
North Korea’s chronic food shortages have led to crowds flocking to Samjiyeon City, Yanggang Province, to pick blueberries. However, several accidents have occurred, and robbery is also prevalent in the area. According to Daily NK, students have been skipping school to pick blueberries, and some have been robbed by thieves who steal not only the blueberries but also their outerwear. Residents are crying out for help, saying that they have nowhere to go to complain or report their cases.