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Economic magazine
MG+S Credit Card: High Demand, Limited Issuance & 720,000 Won Cashback
MG+S Credit Card Sparks Frenzy: 42,000 applications in Two Weeks, Online issuance Halted
Seoul, South Korea – The newly launched “MG+S Credit Card,” a collaboration between Saemaul Undong and Hana card, has taken the market by storm, attracting an overwhelming 42,000 applications within its first two weeks. The card’s immense popularity has led to a halt in online issuance,forcing eager customers to visit physical branches in person,even amidst sweltering summer temperatures.
The buzz surrounding the MG+S Credit Card is largely attributed to its exceptional cashback and discount benefits. Cardholders spending over 1 million won monthly can receive a significant 60,000 won cashback,possibly totaling 720,000 won annually. Furthermore, the card offers a 10% discount on simple payments through platforms like Naver Pay and Kakao Pay, and a generous 50% discount on popular OTT services such as Netflix and YouTube.
this surge in demand, notably from younger demographics drawn to the digital-centric benefits, has significantly increased foot traffic at Saemaul Undong branches. one applicant,Mr. Park (32), shared his experience: “I applied for the MG+S credit card, but the applicant queue was so long it took about two weeks just to get it delivered.”
To further incentivize new customers and account holders, Saemaul undong is offering additional perks.Investment members who obtain the MG+S credit card by October and spend over 100,000 won within the month will receive a cashback of their annual fee. An extra 17,000 won cashback is also available for payments made through a Saemaul Undong account, with minimum investment amounts starting as low as 20,000 won.
An official from Saemaul Undong noted the important influx of first-time customers, highlighting the card’s success in attracting a new segment of users to their services. The overwhelming response underscores the strategic appeal of the MG+S Credit Card, effectively leveraging digital benefits to drive both card applications and broader customer engagement.
-Direct experiments and special lectures by 6 majors such as mechanical robotics and chemicals
The Gwangju Institute of Science and technology (GIST) hosted its “Open GIST Science Lab” on July 21, offering high school students a firsthand look at science and technology fields.
This signature program allows students to experiance specialized lectures and hands-on experiments on the GIST campus. It aims to help them explore career paths in advanced science and technology and understand the habitat of a research-focused university.
Ninety-four students from 52 schools, including science and general high schools, participated this year. They engaged in GIST’s specialized major experience programs, taking a significant step toward career exploration in science and technology.
A highlight for many students was the opportunity to experience overseas college life through sessions led by current GIST students, including lunch and open Q&A sessions.

Under the guidance of instructors and assistants, participants conducted experiments aligned with GIST’s bachelor’s program majors, deepening thier understanding of each field.
One student remarked, “I deepened my interest and understanding of my major by doing experiments that are difficult to see in schools.”
Lee Soo-jeong, head of GIST, expressed hope that the program provided students with valuable insights into GIST’s educational environment and research infrastructure, serving as a pivotal moment for their career aspirations in science and technology.
What are your thoughts on science education programs like this? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
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Elder Abuse Allegations Rock Nursing Home Linked to First Lady’s Family
A nursing home in Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, is under inquiry following reports of elder abuse and substandard care. The allegations, brought forth by a whistleblower, center on the facility’s operational practices and its connection to the family of First Lady Kim kun-hee.
The Allegations: Poor Care and Unsanitary Conditions
The whistleblower’s report, submitted to the Health Insurance Corporation and Namyangju City on April 9, detailed concerns about the quality and hygiene of meals provided to residents. Despite being advertised as a Hotel Nursing Home,
the reality, according to the report, was starkly different.

- Substandard Meals: Residents, who pay 375,000 won (approximately $275 USD) per month, allegedly received poor and unsanitary meals.
- Rotten Food: Rotten fruit was reportedly served as snacks.
- Diluted Drinks: One instance cited involved only seven bananas being used to make juice for 16 residents, with the mixture then diluted with water.
- Minimal Snack Costs: The cost of snacks was estimated to be around 100 won (less than $0.10 USD) per person.
The whistleblower further claimed that meals were prepared with cheap ingredients, with it challenging to find leek and meat dried pieces in Gomtang
and seaweed soup often served without seaweed. Hygiene was also a major concern, with reports of spoons being served with food already stuck to them.
![Meals also used cheap ingredients to reduce costs,and Gomtang was hard to find leek garnish or meat. [MBC 보도화면]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2025/04/30/news-p.v1.20250430.c99711e0d6e34f9b94cd94bb847c9a66_P1.jpg)
Medical Neglect and Physical Restraints
Beyond the food-related issues, the report also highlighted instances of alleged medical neglect and improper use of physical restraints.
- Delayed Medical Care: In one case, an 80-year-old resident with diarrhea and bloody symptoms was allegedly left unattended for nearly three weeks before being transferred to a hospital. This delay was attributed to the lack of on-site medical staff.
- Unauthorized Restraints: The whistleblower alleged that residents deemed unable to make decisions were tied to their beds 24 hours a day,without proper record-keeping.
The whistleblower testified, I give it so much that I can fish and save it, and the sausage is very cheap.
Nursing Home’s Background and management
The nursing home, which opened in 2017, is reportedly run by Choi eun-soon, the mother of First Lady Kim Kun-hee. While the official representative is Kim Jin-woo, Mrs. Kim’s brother, Choi is alleged to be involved in the actual operation, with key positions held by relatives.
Past Evaluations and Inspections
Prior evaluations have raised concerns about the facility’s practices:
- 2021 Evaluation: The Korea Health Service Corporation’s regular evaluation gave the nursing home the lowest rating in ‘excretion management’ within the ‘Protection of Senior Human Rights’ category, which assesses abuse and physical restraint.
- 2019 Inspection: A Namyangju City inspection revealed issues such as the use of questionable ingredients and insufficient record-keeping regarding the use of body restraints.
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Consequences
Following the public interest report, Namyangju City and the Health Insurance Corporation are conducting a field survey. the investigation will determine whether to recover unfairly paid care benefits and whether to impose administrative penalties, such as suspension or cancellation of the facility’s designation.