South Korea is introducing a new banking service that allows smartphone users to conduct deposits and withdrawals using QR codes. This service will be available in addition to the existing NFC system. Seventeen local banks will offer QR-based banking services at 49,000 ATMs across the country. The introduction of QR codes aims to provide users with a convenient and efficient way to access banking services.
The use of QR codes for banking transactions is part of South Korea's ongoing efforts to promote innovation and deregulation in the finance sector. Finance Minister nominee Choi Sang-mok has expressed his commitment to rev up economic growth through these measures. The government believes that embracing technological advancements will contribute to the country's economic development.
In other news, K-pop megastar BTS has requested fans to refrain from visiting boot camps to see off their favorite stars as the last four members of the group prepare to join the Army. The group's appeal comes as a way to ensure the safety and well-being of both the fans and the military personnel.
Self-driving buses have also made their debut in Seoul, providing nighttime service and connecting the busiest areas of the city. This initiative aims to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce congestion in urban areas. The introduction of self-driving buses is part of South Korea's broader efforts to embrace autonomous vehicles and smart transportation systems.
Lotte Chilsung Beverage, a South Korean company, has signed an agreement with a U.S. wine company to export its soju products to the U.S. market. This partnership will enable Lotte Chilsung Beverage to expand its presence internationally and tap into the growing demand for Korean alcoholic beverages.
Furthermore, the national security advisers of South Korea, the United States, and Japan will meet in Seoul to discuss joint responses to regional geopolitical risks. This meeting highlights the importance of trilateral cooperation in addressing shared security concerns and maintaining stability in the region.
South Korea continues to pursue various initiatives to drive economic growth, promote cultural exports, and enhance national security. The country's adoption of QR codes for banking services, the efforts of K-pop sensation BTS to ensure the safety of their fans, the introduction of self-driving buses, and the expansion of Lotte Chilsung Beverage's exports all contribute to South Korea's ongoing development and global engagement.
Visa has launched a citywide concert ticket giveaway campaign for MTR tap to ride passengers in Hong Kong. The campaign, in collaboration with music and entertainment platform Katch, offers lucky draw chances to win tickets to the 'Katch the POP' concert on 8 June 2024. The concert will feature performances by popular boybands MIRROR and ERROR, as well as acclaimed female K-pop star Jessica Jung. Participants can enroll their eligible Visa credit or debit cards on the Katch website and earn lucky draw entries by tapping to ride on the MTR with their enrolled Visa card. A total of 1,600 concert tickets are up for grabs. The winners will be announced on 30 May 2024.
Google Wallet now automatically adds plane passes and cinema tickets from Gmail. The integration is live for some global movie chains and airlines. A QR code must be present in the email ticket confirmation for the connection to function. Google has been expanding its virtual wallet to include insurance cards, transit passes, gym memberships, club loyalty cards, state driver's licenses, and over forty additional banks. Google Wallet also introduced the option to manually archive passes. Google has expanded Wallet to the Dominican Republic, Monaco, and Peru, and enabled loyalty cards to display membership advantages when users search and browse products on Google.
Metro has rolled out a tap-to-exit pilot program at the North Hollywood train station in an effort to boost compliance with fare requirements and ensure that passengers have paid the fare. The program requires rail passengers to tap their fare card to exit the subway station. Similar tap-to-exit programs are already in place on other systems, including Bay Area Rapid Transit, Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, and Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority. The move comes as part of Metro's efforts to improve safety and cleanliness on the transit system. The Metro Board of Directors has also approved motions to increase law enforcement presence on the transit system and explore technological improvements for buses, trains, and stations.
Sources:
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (QR code banking services in South Korea)
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (Finance Minister nominee Choi Sang-mok's commitment to economic growth)
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (BTS's request to fans)
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (Introduction of self-driving buses in Seoul)
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (Lotte Chilsung Beverage's export agreement)
- [Yonhap News Agency](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231205005500320?section=news) (Trilateral meeting on regional security)
- [US Times Now](https://www.ustimesnow.com/your-movie-ticket-or-boarding-permit-will-now-be-instantly-added-to-google-wallet/) (Google Wallet's auto-adding feature for boarding passes and movie tickets)
- [Thailand Business News](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/thailand-prnews/visa-launches-citywide-concert-ticket-giveaways-for-mtr-tap-to-ride-passengers-starting-with-performances-by-wildly-popular-local-boybands-and-k-pop-star) (Visa's concert ticket giveaway campaign for MTR passengers in Hong Kong)
- [MyNewsLA.com](https://mynewsla.com/crime/2024/05/29/metro-begins-tap-to-exit-pilot-program-at-north-hollywood-train-station-2/) (Metro's tap-to-exit pilot program at North Hollywood train station)