| CBNU-KNUT Integration: What Is the Current Status? |
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Since July 2023, discussions on the integration between CBNU and Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT) have been in full swing with the aim to be selected for the government’s Glocal 30 project. However, the two universities had experienced difficulties because of opposition from university members as well as the local community. Contentious issues include the separation of diplomas, transfer of departments, and establishment of a plan that is not specific enough. At present, the two universities have resolved several important issues such as the university name and separation of diplomas through steady discussions, but university members have pointed out that, “Information on the integration and process of the project are not being shared sufficiently.” |
| Returning Medical Students: What Challenges Need to Be Resolved? |
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In Feb. of last year, when the Yoon Suk-yeol administration announced a policy to increase medical school enrollment quota by 2,000 students, medical students who opposed this took collective leave of absence. The reason was that they argued their opinions were not consulted when increasing the existing medical school quota from 3,058 to 5,058 students. The medical-government conflict that continued for about a year and six months reached a turning point on July 12, when the Korean Medical Student Association (KMSA) announced the return of all medical students, about a month after the new government took office. |
| CBNU Global Overseas Training Program |
| CBNU’s Office of International Affairs has once again been selected for the Global Overseas Training Program by the Chungbuk Institute for Talent & Lifelong Education. This is the third consecutive year of selection. The program goes beyond simple language study by combining student projects with cultural experiences to nurture global talents. |
| Beyond the Spray: Toronto’s Streets Alive with Graffiti |
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Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is filled with towering skyscrapers and modern streetscapes, yet traces of art can be found throughout the city. Among them, the most striking is Graffiti Alley on Queen Street. To experience its allure firsthand, CBT reporters joined a graffiti walking tour. Graffiti is a form of visual art created on public spaces—such as walls, buildings, and subways—using spray paint or markers. Once dismissed as an illegal act, it has today become recognized as part of urban culture and art, receiving a wide range of interpretations. |
| Livelihood Recovery Consumer Coupons: What Are Their Ripple Effects? |
| Government rolls out Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupons (LRCC) to stimulate domestic consumption by supporting small businesses and boost the local economy. The government is distributing LRCC in a phased manner, with amounts differentiated by not only income level but also by region and vulnurability, providing each citizen with between 150,000 and 550,000 KRW. The first round of coupons distribution, which began on July 21 and will continue until Sept. 12, provides every citizen with 150,000 to 400,000 KRW. The second round, scheduled from Sept. 22 to Oct. 31, will offer an additional 100,000 KRW to 90% of the population. |
| Once-in-30-Year Torrential Downpours Now Hit Every Summer |
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In the summer of 2025, torrential rains swept across Northen Chungcheong Province and much of the nation, leaving widespread damage in their wake. Over just five days in mid-July, Cheongju recorded 342.2mm of rainfall, Seosan 578.3mm, and Sancheong, near Jirisan National Park a staggering 788mm. Downpours once described as “once-in-30-years” events by the Korea Meteorological Administration have now become almost annual occurences. |
| Green Friends That Bring Peace of Mind, Pet Plant |
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Recently, as the number of single-person households has increased, pet plants have emerged as a new lifestyle trend, serving as an alternative to pets that require intensive care. Pet plants go beyond being mere plants; they interact with people, provide psychological comfort and joy, foster emotional bonds and connection, and become part of everyday life. According to the 2024 Korea Wellness Report published by KB Financial Group’s KB Management Research Institute, 71.6% of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, experienced mental difficulties in the past year. |
| Germany Gears Up: What It Means for Europe? |
| Following the World War Ⅱ, Germany undertook a process of military downsizing and established itself as a peaceful nation. However, the recent rapid changes in international affairs have led Germany once again onto the path of military buildup. The conflict between the United States and Europe over the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) defense spending contributions, as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has made Germany realize that it can no longer rely solely on NATO for its security. Against this backdrop, Germany’s rearmament signals a new shift in the European security order. |
| [Desk Column] War without Power |
| Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has now entered its third year. Since the inauguration of the Trump administration in Jan., he has repeatedly declared its intent to “end the war within 24 hours.” Yet the reality of negotiations has revealed the stark dynamics of power politics, where competing national interests collide. |
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Last : 2025.09.01 월 15:53 
