Aju Press - Aasia News Hub

Journalist

Joonha Yoo유준하

ReporterCOEX Sejong Center for the Performing Arts & Music, Culture, Entertainment, Automotive

Joonha Yoo is a bilingual journalist at AJU Press (AJP), covering music, culture, entertainment and Korea’s automotive industry.
Raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, he often writes from the scene, bringing firsthand detail to stories ranging
from BTS comeback concerts to unique cultural events that catch the world's eye. "I write from the scene, not from the sidelines."

Latest by Joonha Yoo

World Cup 26: Korea's World Cup ritual finds a new home SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Gwanghwamun Square may remain South Korea's spiritual home of World Cup cheering, but on a sweltering Friday morning with temperatures already topping 32 degrees Celsius, many fans chose a different way to experience the national team's second World Cup outing. Some took the day off. Others watched discreetly from office desks. Families gathered at movie theaters, friends met over daylight beers, and football fans headed to Seongsu and Gangnam, where pop-up culture has become Seoul's new gathering language. South Korea ultimately fell 1-0 to Meico, backed by a roaring home crowd in Guadalajara and aided by an avoidable mistake that proved decisive. Yet for millions glued to televisions and smartphones, every shot, every block and every near miss produced a familiar national soundtrack of sighs, groans and collective cheers. The World Cup, once synonymous with millions flooding Gwanghwamun in red shirts, has quietly evolved into something more dispersed — and perhaps more intimate. Instead of a single giant rally, Friday resembled thousands of smaller gatherings spread across the country. That shift was perhaps most visible in Seongsu. Long known as Seoul's answer to Brooklyn and a mecca for fashion and beauty pop-ups, Seongsu briefly turned into a football district as supporters gathered at Play Place in Ttukseom Hangang Park. The venue, which previously hosted green markets and Children's Day festivals, was transformed into a World Cup cheering space. "We wanted people to experience Seoul's two strongest cultural symbols together: the Han River and football," said Kim Kyung-min of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Future Hangang Headquarters. Kim said the location was deliberately chosen for its proximity to Seongsu, where brands and pop-up stores have created a destination culture of their own. Public spaces have also become more accessible, he added. "High-quality cultural infrastructure that people once had to pay a lot for is increasingly being offered for free or at very low prices. Combined with social media, these experiences spread very quickly." Industry observers say the trend reflects a broader shift in how younger Koreans consume leisure. "Younger generations no longer simply consume spaces created by large corporations," said Lee Ho-gyu, chief executive of S Factory, a cultural space operator in Seongsu. "They want to occupy spaces themselves and give them meaning through the content they choose." The experience of isolation during the pandemic also changed consumer behavior, he said. "People now crave raw energy and emotional solidarity that can only be felt in person." For many Seoul residents as well as foreign visitors, Seongsu has become an obvious answer to a simple question: where should we meet? "It was already a place full of pop-ups, restaurants and people, so it feels effortless," said Jung Yoo-seok, 29. "When friends come from outside Seoul, this is where I bring them. It shows the version of Seoul they expect to see." Kim Geon, 28, said the neighborhood's popularity has created its own self-reinforcing logic. "When my friends and I decided to take a day off for the World Cup, we didn't even ask where to watch it," he said. "We just assumed there would be something happening in Seongsu." Elsewhere, brands have adapted the World Cup experience to fit weekday mornings. Near Gangnam Station, around 100 supporters gathered at a temporary Cass FIFA World Cup Fan Basecamp, an invitation-only viewing event offering beers, popcorn and cheering kits. Inside, attendees received both regular and alcohol-free beers, reflecting another subtle shift in Korean World Cup culture. For decades, football and late-night drinking were inseparable. But a 10 a.m. kickoff forced the ritual to evolve. "Because the match is in the morning, drinking felt uncomfortable," said Park Ji-hyun, 31, a graduate student from Seoul. "The alcohol-free option let us enjoy the atmosphere without feeling guilty." Outside a pub after the final whistle, Mexican and Korean fans lingered over drinks in the midday heat. "Viva Mexico, but Korea and Mexico, we are like brothers," said Gloria Ramirez, a 37-year-old traveler from Mexico. "The result is not going to change anything about the way we think of Korea." South Korea's World Cup is not over. The team remains second in Group A and will face South Africa in its final group match next week. But Friday suggested something larger than football itself. The giant red ocean at Gwanghwamun has not disappeared. It has simply fragmented into thousands of smaller islands of support. A World Cup is no longer just a sporting event. It is another reason for people to gather, occupy a space and turn an ordinary Friday into a shared experience. *AJP reporters Han Jun-gu, Yoo Na-hyun, and Ryu Yuna contributed to this article. 2026-06-19 16:08:07
K-Pop's Global Success Faces Infrastructure Challenges in South Korea Fans of BTS, the group with the largest global fandom, waited 75 minutes for the concert to start in Busan on June 12. Hybe, the group's management company, later apologized for the confusion at the venue, including issues with fan gift distribution and delays in merchandise collection. However, fans expressed that their discomfort was not solely due to the wait time. A fan from Malaysia remarked, "No one knew why we were waiting or how much longer it would be. We could only hear sounds from behind the venue and had to rely on rumors among fans to understand the situation." This fan had also attended the 2022 Busan concert. "Back then, the flow was unclear, and I stood for nearly nine hours. The overall management was chaotic. BTS is known for starting on time, so this was particularly surprising. The biggest issue was communication." He compared the experience to a concert in Singapore, stating, "Even at large events, the entire process from entry to exit is very systematic." Two months earlier, on April 9, the same tour kicked off at the Goyang Sports Complex north of Seoul, where fans had to endure heavy rain during the outdoor event. These incidents highlight a broader issue facing K-Pop, rather than being solely a BTS problem. While K-Pop has become a massive industry globally, does South Korea's concert infrastructure keep pace with this growth? K-Pop Thrives, But Venues Lag Behind The Jamsil Olympic Stadium, a primary venue for large-scale concerts in Seoul, began renovations in 2023 and is not expected to reopen until December 2026. The Seoul World Cup Stadium, one of the few venues that can accommodate over 60,000 people in the metropolitan area, has limited concert bookings due to concerns about turf damage. Another major option, the Gocheok Sky Dome, is difficult to use during the professional baseball season from spring to fall. As a result, concert organizers are competing for dates at limited alternative venues, such as the 15,000-seat KSPO Dome and the Incheon Inspire Arena. The issue of venue shortages predates the closure of the Jamsil Olympic Stadium. South Korean popular music began to gain national recognition in the late 1990s after decades of censorship, but investments in large-scale concert infrastructure came much later than the industry's commercial growth. Seoul faces challenges with limited land and high property prices. The construction of large concert venues often encounters obstacles such as construction costs, administrative procedures, and project delays. The Seoul Arena, which is being developed in Dobong District, was first discussed around 2015 and is now aiming for a May 2027 opening. Japan's Infrastructure Outshines South Korea's Japan presents a different model. Venues like Tokyo Dome, Kyocera Dome in Osaka, and similar large concert halls in Nagoya and Fukuoka provide a relatively clear "dome tour" circuit for touring artists. Many of these venues are integrated into regional infrastructure designed to accommodate large audiences. Tokyo Dome City is a mixed-use entertainment area centered around the concert venue, featuring hotels, restaurants, shopping facilities, and subway access. This structure allows concerts to extend beyond isolated stadium events into a comprehensive urban consumer experience. While Japanese concerts also face issues such as congestion, merchandise lines, and rising hotel prices, the surrounding infrastructure helps disperse audience flow and provides spaces for fans to stay, move, and spend before and after events. A fan from abroad cited Singapore as a benchmark, stating, "I think Singapore manages concerts the best, with the entire process from entry to exit being very systematically organized." China has a large physical capacity, but access to K-Pop remains uncertain. The Beijing National Stadium can accommodate about 80,000 people, while the Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena holds around 18,000. However, since the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea in 2016, there have been very few instances of major K-Pop artists holding large concerts in mainland China. In September of last year, the Dream Concert scheduled to take place in Hainan was indefinitely postponed just days before the event. Similarly, a concert by Kep1er in Fuzhou was canceled that same month. While there are signs of K-Pop performances resuming in Hong Kong, the mainland Chinese market remains uncertain. Concert Venues Are Essential Industry Infrastructure The South Korean popular music concert market recorded its largest size ever last year. Despite some large venues in Seoul being closed for renovations, limited concert availability, or already booked, ticket sales increased by 29%, reaching approximately $730 million. Event organizers who have handled Asian tour schedules for international artists like Oasis and Mariah Carey believe that the shortage of concert venues in South Korea is linked to the cancellations of Madonna and Adele's concerts in the 2010s. The fact that Taylor Swift's 2024 Asia tour includes Tokyo but not Seoul is also mentioned in this context. When fans travel abroad to see performances that skip South Korea, spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and merchandise flows to other countries. Conversely, when large concerts are held in South Korea, that spending benefits the local economy. Kim Hee-jung, 62, who runs a convenience store near the Busan Asiad Main Stadium, has observed this trend since BTS held their 'Yet to Come in Busan' concert at the same venue in October 2022. Kim stated, "When BTS makes a comeback or holds a major concert, related collaborative products come in, and those products definitely help sales. If many people come to Busan, it can only be good for the city." Plans Abound, But Venues Are Still Lacking Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated in a briefing last December that the government plans to enhance the sound and lighting of regional sports facilities for use as concert venues. In the coming years, they aim to utilize the Seoul Arena and Goyang Arena, with a long-term goal of developing a large dedicated dome. Minister Choi emphasized the need for a 50,000-seat dome stadium, explaining that it should not be a temporary conversion of sports facilities but rather a space designed from the outset for both sports and concerts. However, the Seoul Arena has been in development for nearly a decade without opening. The CJ Live City project in Goyang has also stalled since construction was halted in 2023. The Jamsil Indoor Stadium is set to be demolished in July 2026, and the nearby student gymnasium is expected to be torn down a year later, which may exacerbate the shortage of concert venues in the short term.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-19 08:04:00
World Cup 26: Mokoena penalty earns South Africa draw against Czechia SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to earn South Africa a 1-1 draw against Czechia in a Group A match at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday, denying the Czechs a win they had looked capable of holding for most of the game. Czechia took the lead in the sixth minute through Michal Sadílek and protected the lead for more than 75 minutes before a handball by substitute Pavel Šulc inside the area handed South Africa a way back into the match. Mokoena drove his spot kick low into the corner to level the score and keep South Africa's tournament hopes alive. It was a bitter result for Czechia, which had made five changes from the side beaten 2-1 by South Korea and looked capable of managing the match after its early goal. Miroslav Koubek's side found early success through a compact defensive shape and direct attacks led by Patrik Schick and Adam Hložek, but its inability to add a second goal left the door open. South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, moved away from the five-man defensive shape used in its opening loss to Mexico and played with greater presence in midfield. Iqraam Rayners led the attack, while Mokoena and Jayden Adams gave South Africa a stronger platform in central areas. The change gave South Africa more possession, but not enough cutting edge. For long stretches, the team moved the ball without seriously testing Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, and Czechia appeared on course to claim the three points it badly needed. The match turned in the 83rd minute, when the ball struck Šulc's arm inside the penalty area and referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. Mokoena stepped up and finished calmly, rescuing a point for South Africa. The goal came with a cost. Mokoena had been booked in the 32nd minute, his second yellow card of the tournament, ruling him out of South Africa's final group match against South Korea. For a side already short on attacking sharpness, losing its most influential midfielder is a significant blow. Both teams now sit on one point after two matches. Czechia will likely need to beat Mexico in its final group fixture to keep any realistic hope of advancing. South Africa faces a similar task against South Korea, but will have to do it without Mokoena. The draw also sharpened the stakes for South Korea and Mexico, who both entered their second Group A match on three points. South Korea faces Mexico later Thursday in Guadalajara, Friday morning at 10 a.m. in South Korea (0100 GMT). A win would move South Korea to six points and secure its place in the round of 32, regardless of the final matchday results. For South Korea, the Atlanta result did not settle qualification. But it made the route clearer: a win over Mexico would send South Korea into the round of 32. 2026-06-19 05:39:14
Europe and Korea seek scale-up partnership at NextRise 2026 SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korean and European startups explored ways to scale up together as both sides seek complementary roles in a rapidly changing technology landscape at the opening of NextRise 2026 in Seoul. The two-day event at COEX, co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association, Korea Development Bank, Korea Venture Business Association and Korea Venture Capital Association, is one of Asia's largest startup fairs. This year's program spans artificial intelligence, big data, fintech, biotechnology, energy, defense, robotics and quantum computing. The event drew speakers from major global technology, investment and innovation organizations, including OpenAI, Google Cloud, NVIDIA, Perplexity, Anthropic, MIT, 500 Global and the European Innovation Council. For Korea's startup ecosystem, the gathering is more than an exhibition. It is where domestic startups seek overseas partners, foreign startups court Korean corporations and investors, and policymakers test new models of cross-border technology cooperation. One session highlighted a growing convergence between Europe and South Korea. Titled "Europe & Korea: Deep Tech Leaders Connect – Meet the European Innovation Council's Leading Deep Tech Scaleups," the discussion focused on cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology and climate technologies. The session came a week after the EU-Republic of Korea Summit in Brussels, where both sides pledged to support the international expansion and collaboration of deep-tech startups. "We want to work together to support the international expansion and collaboration of EU and Korean deep-tech startups," said Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to South Korea. Astuto said Europe and Korea should view each other not as competitors but as partners with complementary strengths. "Europe is at the cutting edge in several sectors of research," he said. "Korea is particularly strong in transforming research into industrial output and scaling innovation." The panel also featured Manuel Mendigutia, senior adviser and global business lead at the European Innovation Council, and Naia Jang, chief executive of Korean startup accelerator Groove Round. Mendigutia introduced the EIC as the European Union's flagship deep-tech investment program, which supports breakthrough technologies from laboratory research to commercialization through a combination of grants and equity investments. The EIC brought 10 portfolio companies to NextRise 2026 as part of its global expansion efforts, seeking partnerships with Korean corporations, investors and institutions. For European startups, speakers said, Korea represents more than a sales destination. Its large conglomerates, fast-moving consumers and industrial base make it an attractive testing ground for commercializing advanced technologies. Jang said Korea's speed remains one of its biggest advantages. "The Korean market is very fast at accepting new technology," she said. "Even if there is really good technology, if there is no market to accept it and bring it into industrial sites, the technology will remain technology itself." At the same time, she said Korean startups are increasingly compelled to look abroad because of the domestic market's limitations. "Korean startups honestly don't have a choice anymore," Jang said. "We have to go to the global market because the Korean market has limitations." Europe remains an attractive destination, she said, but practical barriers persist. "We like Europe, and we like going to Europe," she said. "But for business, we don't have a lot of practical information. We don't have a lot of experience working together." Jang said events such as NextRise can help close that gap by directly connecting entrepreneurs, investors, corporations and public institutions. She also noted that Korean companies have become increasingly open to foreign startups. "We don't care about the nationality of startups," she said. "As long as we can communicate well and the technology is good, Korean companies and institutions are very welcoming." Astuto said future cooperation should extend beyond startups themselves and include investors, corporations, universities, research institutes and governments. "Innovation rarely happens in isolation," he said. The session reflected a broader shift underway at global startup fairs. They are no longer simply venues to showcase new products. Increasingly, they have become platforms where countries compete to build long-term technology alliances. For Europe, Korea offers speed, industrial execution and a receptive market. For Korean startups, Europe offers research depth, market diversity and global networks. The challenge now is turning those conversations into commercial partnerships once the conference lights go out. 2026-06-18 17:40:10
Korean Wave's expanding global impact highlighted in Paris SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Government officials and industry leaders gathered this week in France to discuss the global popularity of South Korean films and dramas, American streaming giant Netflix said on Thursday. The gathering, attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, took place at the Palais des Congrès de Paris on Tuesday as part of an event marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. Their discussions focused on how South Korean films, TV series and other content are fueling global interest in tourism, food, beauty and other lifestyle sectors. The event also brought together about 100 Korean companies and retailers, with exhibition spaces dedicated to six themes showcasing collaborations and partnerships in tourism, consumer goods, beauty and other sectors. In a session titled "From Screen to Lifestyle," Choi Seung-hyun, vice president of Netflix's Seoul office, said the platform has become a primary way for international viewers to discover South Korean content, adding that more than 80 percent of Netflix subscribers worldwide have watched at least one series. She also said a survey conducted by Netflix last year across eight countries found that 83 percent of regular viewers of South Korean series in France chose Netflix as their main viewing platform. Kim Hyung-suk, head of instant noodle giant Nongshim's Europe office, said the popularity of Korean dramas, which often feature scenes of people eating instant noodles and other foods, has helped boost interest in South Korean cuisine there. Nongshim's sales in Europe rose 46 percent in the first half from a year earlier, according to Kim. Jung Sun-hwa, head of the Korea Tourism Organization's office in Paris, said South Korean beauty shops, restaurants and supermarkets are now attracting more locals there rather than primarily serving South Korean residents and students. She also said locations and food featured in films and dramas are increasingly becoming reasons for French people to consider traveling to Seoul. Park In-nam, a senior official at the Korea Creative Content Agency, said the country's content exports reached a record US$14.08 billion in 2024, with the agency aiming to expand into markets in Europe and North America beyond Asia. Netflix said it will continue its partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency through their joint training program for aspiring directors, production workers and other professionals, which has already produced about 2,200 graduates over the past two years. 2026-06-18 11:12:53
KOSPI extends rally as SK hynix tops 2.5 Million won for first time SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI extended its gains Wednesday as investors rotated into semiconductors, power-cable shares and biotechnology, even as foreign investors turned heavy sellers on the main bourse. The benchmark KOSPI closed up 1.6 percent at 8,864.24, after moving between an intraday high of 8,872.18 and a low of 8,605.66. Foreign investors sold 1 trillion won worth of shares on the main bourse, while institutions bought 581.9 billion won ($384.9 million) and retail investors purchased 545.7 billion won. Semiconductors remained the market's main engine. SK hynix surged 5.84 percent to 2,521,000 won, crossing the 2.5 million won level for the first time, as investors continued to bet on stronger shareholder returns and growth in the high-bandwidth memory market. Samsung Electronics reversed early weakness to close up 1.02 percent at 346,500 won, while SK Square jumped 6.3 percent to 1,596,000 won as investors sought indirect exposure to SK hynix's upside. Power-cable shares delivered one of the strongest theme moves of the session, with the group rising 8.5 percent. Gaon Cable hit the daily limit, jumping 29.9 percent to 341,000 won after announcing a bonus issue of 0.8 new shares for each existing common share, citing growth in the artificial intelligence data-center power infrastructure market as the rationale for sharing gains with shareholders. Biotech and health-care names also drew strong buying. The biotechnology sector rose 6.7 percent, led by D&D Pharmatech, up 18 percent to 108,100 won, and ToolGen, up 16 percent to 49,750 won. Life-science tools and services gained 4.4 percent, with Curiosis up 11.2 percent to 33,300 won and OliX up 9.8 percent to 142,000 won. Construction shares pulled back sharply after recent steep gains. Daewoo Engineering and Construction fell 9.7 percent to 24,800 won and Samsung E&A dropped 7.4 percent to 52,500 won as investors took profits following a run-up driven by Middle East reconstruction hopes. Hyundai Motor also fell 3.4 percent to 618,000 won, underscoring that the day's gains remained concentrated in selected growth themes rather than the broader large-cap market. The KOSDAQ rose 1.3 percent to 1,031.96, moving between an intraday high of 1,039.55 and a low of 1,008.57. Foreign investors bought 31.9 billion won on the junior bourse, while retail investors sold 20.3 billion won and institutions sold 15.3 billion won. Shipbuilding-related shares rose 5.8 percent, with Dongil Steelux hitting the daily limit at 1,523 won. Character merchandise stocks gained 4.8 percent, led by SAMG Entertainment, up 9 percent to 30,200 won, ahead of the August release of the sequel to its hit animated film "Love of Hachoo Pink." The won weakened slightly against the dollar, closing at 1,511.9 won. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose for a fifth consecutive session, closing at a fresh record high for the third straight day, up 0.72 percent to 69,902.25. The broader TOPIX climbed 0.55 percent to 4,013.23, crossing the 4,000 mark for the first time on a closing basis. Investors interpreted the Bank of Japan's decision to raise its benchmark rate to 1 percent, the highest since 1995, as confirmation that Japan's recovery remains intact rather than a headwind for equities. Artificial intelligence and semiconductor shares attracted dip-buying, while dividend reinvestment flows added further support. China's Shanghai Composite rose a modest 0.4 percent to 4,109.96, lagging the stronger conviction seen in Seoul and Tokyo. Oil prices continued to retreat on expectations for a U.S.-Iran agreement, with West Texas Intermediate falling 1.2 percent to $75.20 a barrel and Brent crude slipping 0.7 percent to $78.40, easing concerns over supply disruption and energy-driven inflation across the region.T 2026-06-17 17:29:42
World Cup 26: Unauthorized drone sparks security scare at Korea training SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) -South Korea's closed-door training session in Mexico ahead of its second World Cup group match against Mexico was briefly disrupted by an unidentified drone intrusion, the Korea Football Association said Wednesday. The incident took place during South Korea's private tactical session at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, as the team prepared for its Group A match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unlike the previous day's session, which was briefly opened to the media for about 15 minutes, Wednesday's roughly 90-minute session was fully closed to outsiders. According to the KFA, the drone was detected while players were still going through warm-up drills, before the team had begun its main tactical training. Team officials said no tactical information was exposed. Security staff at the training ground alerted Mexican military personnel stationed near the training site, who used signal-jamming equipment, forcing it down. South Korean team security officials, local police and military personnel moved to recover the drone, but two men believed to be its operators had already collected it and fled the scene, according to the KFA. The suspects' escape was captured by the South Korean team's video staff, but their identities and nationalities have not been confirmed. A FIFA security officer assigned to the South Korean team asked Mexican police to investigate the incident. The KFA separately reported the matter to FIFA and requested measures to prevent a similar case from happening again. A team official said it was too early to determine whether the drone was sent to gather information on South Korea's tactics, used by foreign media or flown by a member of the public. "The situation ended during the warm-up stage before tactical training began, so there was no impact on the team's tactical security," the official said. South Korea completed the training session after the incident. All 28 players, including forward Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City and defender Kim Tae-hyun of Kashima Antlers, took part along with two training partners. Korea will face Mexico in its second Group A match at 10 a.m. Friday (0100 GMT) at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan. 2026-06-17 15:05:00
Grammys add Asian pop category for 2027 ceremony SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - The Grammy Awards will add five new categories for its 2027 ceremony, including one dedicated to Asian pop music. The new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category will recognize Asian pop performances originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop and C-pop, with meaningful use of one or more Asian languages. The addition comes as K-pop and other Asian pop genres have gained a larger presence in the global music market. K-pop acts including BTS and BLACKPINK's Rosé have received Grammy nominations in recent years, though none have won a main category award. "Golden," from Netflix's animated film "K-pop Demon Hunters," became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy earlier this year, taking Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards. The four other new categories are Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Latin Song. With the addition of the R&B collaboration category, the existing Best R&B Performance category has been renamed Best R&B Solo Performance. The addition of Best Traditional Folk Album also prompted the Recording Academy to rename Best Folk Album as Best Contemporary Folk Album. The Recording Academy also updated several rules for the next awards cycle. The maximum number of times an artist may be submitted for Best New Artist was raised from three to four, while the threshold of new recordings required on an eligible album was lowered from 75 percent to 66 percent. The changes were made through the academy's annual member-driven process and will apply to the 69th Grammy Awards, which will be held Feb. 7, 2027, and air on ABC, Disney+ and Hulu. 2026-06-17 11:34:08
Asia markets sideline ahead of Fed decision, Nikkei sole gainer SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - South Korea's main index took a light breather after a nonstop four-day rally of more than 12 percent as foreign investors turned sellers ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision. As of 10:30 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI stood at 8,703.90, down 0.3 percent from the previous session. The index moved between an intraday high of 8,727.58 and a low of 8,605.66. Foreign investors turned sellers after three consecutive sessions of buying, offloading a net 974.3 billion won, while institutions also sold a net 225.4 billion won. Retail investors took this as a cue to buy, purchasing a net 1.3 trillion won ($786.4 million) worth of KOSPI shares. Investors were awaiting the outcome of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee meeting later in the day. Markets widely expect the Fed to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, but investors are watching for signals from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first post-meeting press conference. Despite the broader decline, select sectors posted sharp gains. Electric utilities led advances, with the sector rising 3.1 percent. Korea Electric Power Corp. gained 3.9 percent to 41,300 won, while KEPCO Engineering & Construction rose 0.9 percent to 135,800 won. Shipbuilding shares also advanced, with the sector up 3.1 percent. Hanwha Engine jumped 10.5 percent to 65,500 won, while HD Hyundai Marine Engine gained 6.7 percent to 76,900 won. Cable and steel pipe-related shares were among the strongest thematic plays. The cable sector rose 7.9 percent, led by Gaon Cable, which surged 26.9 percent to 333,000 won, and KBI Metal, which jumped 21.1 percent to 5,730 won. Steel pipe makers also rallied 7.9 percent, with HiSteel climbing by the daily limit of 30 percent to 4,225 won and Yulchon advancing 29.9 percent to 1,225 won. The secondary KOSDAQ rose 0.5 percent to 1,023.90 after moving between an intraday high of 1,026.28 and a low of 1,008.57. Retail investors bought a net 123.2 billion won, while foreign investors and institutions sold 124.4 billion won and 3.1 billion won, respectively. The won was little changed at 1,513.20 against the U.S. dollar. Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday but remained near three-month lows after four straight sessions of declines, as expectations for a U.S.-Iran peace agreement continued to weigh on supply concerns. West Texas Intermediate rose 0.2 percent to $76.20 a barrel, while Brent crude gained 0.2 percent to $79.10. Brent traded below $80 a barrel as investors anticipated Washington and Tehran would sign a preliminary agreement in Switzerland on Friday. The deal is expected to grant Tehran broad economic incentives, including the immediate resumption of oil exports. If implemented, the agreement could also allow more tankers to resume passage through the Strait of Hormuz, although shipping companies remain cautious about the route's longer-term stability. The additional supply outlook, combined with higher OPEC+ export quotas and increased production from the United Arab Emirates following its departure from the cartel during the conflict, is expected to add to global inventories. Industry data showed U.S. crude inventories fell by 8.3 million barrels last week. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.4 percent to 69,696.10 after testing the 70,000 level in the previous session. China's Shanghai Composite fell 0.3 percent to 4,079.03, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 0.3 percent to 24,552.39. 2026-06-17 11:06:17
Netflix's 'Teach You a Lesson' tops non-English TV chart for second week SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - Netflix's Korean series "Teach You a Lesson" remained No. 1 on the streamer's global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows in its second week, Netflix said Wednesday. "Teach You a Lesson" ranked No. 1 in 46 countries, including South Korea, Japan and Singapore, and entered the Top 10 in 91 countries, including the United States, Britain, India, France, Germany, Australia, Mexico and Brazil. The series logged 21.1 million views, a metric Netflix defines as total hours watched divided by a title's runtime, and 225.8 million hours watched during the week. Teach You a Lesson premiered on Netflix on June 5. It follows a fictional government body called the Teacher Rights Protection Bureau, whose members intervene in school-related cases on behalf of victims. The show stars Kim Moo-yul, Jin Ki-joo, Pyo Ji-hoon and Lee Sung-min as bureau members. 2026-06-17 10:47:20