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Star's Tragic End, Diabetes Game-Changer, Tesla's Surprise
Just reporting the facts.
Centrist Chronicle
December 30, 2023
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The renowned South Korean performer, Lee Sun-kyun, tragically passed away in central Seoul this Wednesday, in what appears to be a suicide. At the time of his passing, he was embroiled in a high-profile investigation concerning allegations of drug use, which he vehemently denied, claiming they were attempts at extortion. He was 48 years old.
Lee, who was born and received his education in Seoul, became a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry in the late 2000s, thanks to his impactful roles in various TV shows and movies. His career reached new heights on the international stage with his pivotal role in the 2019 dark comedy thriller "Parasite." This film, a winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, made history by being the first non-English language movie to secure the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards in its 92-year history. Lee's talent also shone in the 2021 science fiction thriller series "Dr. Brain," which holds the distinction of being the first Korean-language series produced for Apple TV+. At the time of his demise, Lee was involved in multiple ongoing projects.
The drug laws in South Korea are known for their stringency. In a nation with a population of about 52 million, there are less than ten facilities dedicated to drug rehabilitation. Furthermore, South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, a statistic that highlights the gravity of mental health issues in the country.
Individuals suffering from type I diabetes face the daily challenge of administering several insulin injections to themselves. This is because their bodies are unable to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone naturally. Timing these injections is crucial, particularly around meal times and physical activity, to effectively manage the body's glucose utilization.
There's ongoing research focused on the development of glucose-responsive insulin, often referred to as "smart" insulin. This innovative approach aims to significantly enhance the lives of those with type I diabetes. The goal is to create a type of insulin that not only requires less frequent injections but also maintains stable blood-glucose levels for extended periods.
It is anticipated that Tesla will report yet another groundbreaking quarter in terms of electric vehicle (EV) deliveries, although it might fall slightly short of the ambitious target of 2 million vehicles for the year, a goal previously highlighted by CEO Elon Musk at the year's start.
In response to decelerating sales, Tesla took strategic steps by significantly reducing the prices of its four vehicle models around the world in 2023. This strategy was particularly emphasized in China, a market where Tesla has seen a decline in its share against local competitors like BYD.
This competitive pricing strategy, coupled with a general slowdown in EV demand, has led major automakers, including Ford Motor, to reevaluate and scale back their electric vehicle initiatives. This shift has left Tesla as the clear frontrunner in the U.S. market, contributing to a significant rise in its stock value, which more than doubled over the course of the year.