South Korea’s former first lady, Kim Keon-hee, just had her master’s degree revoked by Sookmyung Women’s University after investigators found her 1999 thesis was riddled with plagiarism. This isn’t just about sloppy academic work—it’s a sign that the era of political spouses skating by on privilege might finally be ending.

Editor’s Note: First ladies (or spouses) often operate in a gray area—highly visible but rarely scrutinized like elected officials. This move suggests South Korea’s institutions are willing to call out misconduct, even years later, which could set a precedent for holding power couples to higher standards. For a public already skeptical of elite impunity, it’s a big deal.

South Korea recently banned the dog meat trade, a major cultural shift—but now animal advocates are worried about what comes next. Around 500,000 dogs bred for meat face an uncertain future, with many at risk of being euthanized if shelters and rescue efforts can't handle the sudden influx. It's a bittersweet victory: while the ban is progress, the logistics of rehoming or caring for so many animals is a huge challenge.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just about ending an industry—it's about what happens after. The ban reflects changing attitudes in South Korea, but the sheer number of dogs involved means there's no easy solution. If shelters are overwhelmed, it could lead to heartbreaking outcomes, making this a critical moment for global animal rescue groups to step in. The story highlights the messy reality of progress—sometimes doing the right thing comes with unintended consequences.