The World On arirang

South Korea has the highest rate of credit card usage among the world's major countries. Fifty-point-six percent of all payments for purchases of goods or services are made with credit cards. South Korea also ranks at the top based on the number of items purchased with cards at 34 percent. Why do South Koreans, who have one-point-nine cards per person on average, prefer to use plastic?

South Korean President Park Geun-hye and New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key held a summit in Seoul on March 23 and signed a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries. We'll forecast the economic benefits each country is expected to gain from the FTA and the potential growth in economic exchange between the two countries.

Researchers at Yonsei University have developed a fabric-based pressure sensor. They have successfully attached the pressure sensor to a glove to control a drone! The core technology for the so-called "smart fabric" involves nanosilver particles that transmit electricity. Smart fabric is comfortable on the body as it is as soft as regular fabric while still transmitting electricity. The technology is expected to be commercialized in two to three years and likely bring a tremendous change to smart clothing.

Researchers have introduced information and communications technology to maintain indoor air pleasant and clean at all times regardless of the amount of micropollutants. A new service allows users to measure air pollution and to monitor the data on smartphones and computers. An air purifier linked with a mobile phone operator provides a tailored air care service by analyzing big data. Here's a look at how information and communications technology is used to maintain fresh air.

Three women surrounding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have risen as Pyongyang's new power elite. Kim's younger sister Yo-jong may replace their aunt Kim Kyoung-hui as the most applauded female descendent of the "Mount Baekdu blood." Kim's wife and first lady Ri Sol-ju has been boasting her power by making unusually frequent appearances with her husband at official events while Kim's older half sister Sul-song is also known as a hidden source of power. We'll take a look at the power structure of the most influential women in North Korea.