Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Comedian Park Mi-seon Says She’s Studying for Insurance License Exam South Korean entertainer Park Mi-seon said she is preparing for a certification exam. On March 24, Park posted a photo on social media with a message urging students to study early. “There’s a time for studying, too. If any students are seeing this, study while you’re even a year younger,” she wrote. She added, “Does the brain age, too? I can’t memorize anything. This is driving me crazy.” Asked by a fan what test she was taking, Park replied, “An insurance exam.” When another fan asked whether she was getting the license to film life and property insurance commercials, she responded, “Correct.” Under current rules, an advertising model must hold an insurance planner’s qualification to directly explain detailed information about insurance products in a video. In November last year, Park appeared on the tvN variety show “You Quiz on the Block” and said breast cancer was found during a comprehensive health screening. She said that when doctors opened her up for surgery, they found it had spread to the lymph nodes. “If it spreads, chemotherapy is essential, so I had radiation treatment 16 times, and I’m currently on medication,” she said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 09:30:05 -
CJ CheilJedang builds food industry's first automated frozen kimbap line to chase global demand SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - CJ CheilJedang has constructed the food industry's first automated frozen gimbap production facility at its CJ Blossom Campus in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, as the South Korean food giant moves to scale up its global kimbap business. The fully automated line handles every stage of production — from filling and rolling to cutting and tray packaging — and took about 18 months to develop, according to CJ on Wednesday. The company said the system reduces weight variation between products, raises output speed, and meets stringent international hygiene standards through a redesigned process layout. Quality improvements were also built into the line. CJ CheilJedang applied its frozen-rice cooking expertise to optimize the texture and sheen of each product's rice, while ingredient-specific heat treatment settings were calibrated to preserve the color and bite of individual fillings. Flash-freezing technology ensures quality holds through distribution and storage. The investment backs the company's Bibigo frozen gimbap line, which launched in 2023 as part of its broader K-food export push. The products have logged cumulative global sales of over 8 million units, with annual revenue growing at about 130 percent on average. CJ CheilJedang said it plans to use the Jincheon facility as a springboard for further export growth, with a focus on the U.S., Europe, and Australia. The company also intends to expand its U.S. grocery store presence in the second half of this year. "This goes beyond simply securing capacity — it is a strategic investment to accelerate the expansion of K-food's global footprint," a spokesperson said, adding that the firm aims to build Bibigo gimbap into a defining brand of Korean cuisine worldwide. 2026-03-25 09:15:48 -
Public Golf Course Visits in South Korea Fell 4.2% in 2025; Green Fees Also Down The Korea Public Golf Course Association said average visits to public golf courses in 2025 fell 4.2% from 2024. In data released March 25, the association said the average number of visitors per 18-hole course was 85,642 in 2025, down from 89,376 in 2024. It said attendance has declined each year since 2022. Green fees also fell. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the average weekday fee was 146,000 won, down 8.2% from 159,000 won in 2024. The average weekend fee was 188,000 won, down 8.7% from a year earlier. Outside the metropolitan area, average fees were estimated to have dropped about 1% to 2%. The association said it held its 2026 regular board meeting and general assembly March 24 at Olympic Parktel in Songpa-gu, Seoul. It reviewed and approved its 2025 business results and financial statements and a proposed 2026 budget totaling about 1.696 billion won. At the general assembly, the association also reported its efforts to seek changes to laws and systems affecting the golf industry. It cited proposals to revise what it called unreasonable rules in standard contract terms related to deposits and cancellation fees; to exclude self-employed caddies from coverage under the national pension and health insurance; and to introduce systems reflecting industry conditions in connection with the “Basic Act for Working People” bill and the “worker presumption system.” The association said it supports member companies by providing statistical analysis and publishing a professional bulletin, “Public Golf Course Management Brief.” It said key initiatives this year include regularizing personnel and information exchanges with the Japan Golf Course Managers Association; supporting course management in response to abnormal weather through on-site diagnostics and soil and water-quality analysis; and expanding issuance of official certificates for special achievements such as holes-in-one. At the meeting, Hong Jae-won, CEO of Bellastone CC, and Kim Nam-il, president of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization, which operates Bomun GC and Andong Lake GC, received top awards for management innovation. Excellence awards went to Hwang Yong-hae, deputy general manager at Diamond CC; Son Hyun-kyung, deputy general manager at Solago CC; Lee Ji-min, assistant manager at Seven Valley CC; and Kang Min-su, an employee at West Ocean CC. Association Chairman Woo Jeong-seok said the golf industry’s business environment is changing faster than ever amid domestic and global economic conditions, shifting consumer trends, and new systems and regulations. He said the association will “push forward more strongly” its roles and responsibilities across various areas to improve conditions for public golf courses facing many challenges. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 09:15:00 -
BTS live return takes world by storm, album tests "creative mettle" SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - The livestreamed BTS open-air stage performed before more than 100,000 people in Gwanghwamun for a comeback after a four-year hiatus drew 18.4 million viewers, according to Netflix, marking one of the largest synchronized global concert events to date as the group returned with its first studio album in six years Arirang,” described by The New York Times as “a raucous test of its creative mettle amid rapidly changing genre norms." The performance entered Netflix’s weekly Top 10 in 80 countries and ranked No. 1 in 24, with viewers across time zones tuning in simultaneously, turning the Seoul stage into a shared global broadcast. RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook took the stage at “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG” in central Seoul before extending the momentum overseas and two days later headlined a second event at Pier 17 in New York. Held atop a rooftop venue overlooking the East River, the Pier 17 showcase gathered around 1,000 invited fans selected through Spotify streaming data — many already chanting lyrics and replicating choreography to songs released only days earlier. Online response scaled in parallel. The campaign generated more than 2.62 billion impressions across Netflix-owned channels, with related hashtags trending across the United States, South Korea and major markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America. The rollout highlights a shift in K-pop’s delivery model, combining large-scale physical concerts with streaming platforms and data-driven fan targeting to extend reach beyond geography. The music itself is drawing scrutiny alongside the scale. In a Critic’s Pick review, The New York Times described the album “Arirang” as “a raucous test of its creative mettle amid rapidly changing genre norms,” positioning the release as both a commercial milestone and an artistic checkpoint. The review notes the album’s maximalist structure and genre shifts, framing it as a project balancing experimentation with the demands of global success and the expectations surrounding BTS and its agency Hybe. Netflix is set to release a documentary, “BTS: THE RETURN,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the reunion, album production and stage preparation, extending the narrative beyond the live performances. Ultimately, the comeback reflects both scale and uncertainty. As the New York Times review concludes, beneath the group’s vast commercial machinery may still lie “a work of odd and satisfying art” — suggesting BTS’ return is not only a global event, but also an open question about how far it can stretch creatively within its own success. 2026-03-25 09:11:47 -
South Korea Changes Korean Spelling of Mongolia’s Capital to ‘Ulaanbaatar’ The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of Korean Language said on the 25th they reviewed the Foreign Ministry’s request to change the Korean spelling of Mongolia’s capital and decided to revise it from “Ulaanbaatar” written as “Ulan Bator” in Korean to “Ulaanbaatar.” The capital’s name has long been written in Korean by convention as “Ulan Bator (Ulan Bator).” Officials said that form reflects a Russian-language spelling and differs from local Mongolian spelling and pronunciation, creating administrative inconvenience. To address confusion in the field, the ministry and the institute convened the “2026 First National Institute of Korean Language Committee on Foreign Proper Names” and decided the standard Korean rendering should follow “Ulaanbaatar (Ulaanbaatar).” A Foreign Ministry official said Mongolia had asked South Korea to change the spelling “in consideration of the close relationship between the two countries,” adding that public inquiries had continued because of the confusion. The official said the ministry welcomed the decision and expected it to contribute to “future-oriented” ties and to expanding friendly perceptions between the two peoples.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 08:54:38 -
SK hynix files for US IPO listing SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - SK hynix has begun taking steps for a U.S. stock-market listing, the chipmaker said on Wednesday. It filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the previous day, seeking a listing on a U.S. stock market via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). ADRs allow non-U.S. companies to trade their shares on U.S. stock exchanges through depositary banks rather than by listing shares directly, making it easier for investors to purchase foreign stocks. Its global rivals such as Taiwan's TSMC, use ADRs to trade on the New York Stock Exchange and attract international investors. SK hynix said it aims to be listed within the year, pending the SEC's review, though details such as the size, structure and timing of the IPO have yet to be finalized. 2026-03-25 08:43:05 -
Omega to Provide Official Timekeeping for TGL Final Series Swiss watchmaker Omega is providing timekeeping technology throughout the TGL screen golf league season, aiming to support a faster, more structured competition format. Omega has handled timekeeping for all TGL matches held since December at the SoFi Center in Florida, including the league’s central “40-second shot clock.” As the official timekeeper, the company said its role goes beyond measuring time, helping raise pace and tension while influencing players’ strategic decisions. TGL is a hybrid golf league that combines simulator-based long-game play with short-game shots on an indoor, high-tech green. The 40-second shot clock is designed to create quicker action and a team strategy-focused structure, making time a decisive factor. Omega has placed shot-clock timing displays on both sides of the venue’s large front screen to heighten visual engagement. “Precision, power, time, technology and team dynamics are Omega’s core values, and they align with TGL’s fast, technology-driven play and emphasis on teamwork,” Omega said. The company added that TGL’s push to reshape traditional golf also matches Omega’s “pioneering spirit,” calling the partnership a way to put those values into practice. Omega’s timekeeping will continue during the final series, scheduled for March 24 and 25 in a best-of-three format. Jupiter Links GC, featuring Tiger Woods and Kim Ju-hyeong, will face Los Angeles Golf Club, which includes Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, with the title at stake. Omega has served as an official timekeeper at international sports events for more than 90 years, starting with the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Since 2001, it has also been the title sponsor of the Omega European Masters, maintaining ties to golf.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 08:36:18 -
KBO Season Opens With LG, KT and Samsung Slight Favorites; Asia Quota Looms Large The KBO League heads into the 2026 regular season with what analysts expect to be one of its tightest races in years, with a newly introduced “Asia quota” rule seen as a key variable that could swing the standings. The 2026 season opens March 28 and will run 144 games per team, 720 games total. Five openers are scheduled for 2 p.m.: KT Wiz vs. LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul; Kiwoom Heroes vs. Hanwha Eagles at Hanwha Life Ballpark in Daejeon; KIA Tigers vs. SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field; Lotte Giants vs. Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park; and Doosan Bears vs. NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park. Commentators said the league looks unusually balanced. Min Hoon-ki, a SPOTV analyst, said in a phone interview March 23 that while the past two or three seasons were competitive, “this year is truly an all-time scramble.” Excluding Kiwoom, he said, the other nine clubs have improved and “a dogfight without a runaway team” could last to the end. Kim Sun-woo, an MBC Sports Plus analyst, also said the field has leveled out enough that it is difficult to pick even the top five. Even so, analysts gave a slight edge to LG, Samsung and KT. Min said defending champion LG has fewer uncertainties and strong depth. He said KT has a solid pitching staff and strengthened its lineup by adding Kim Hyun-soo and Choi Won-jun. Min said Samsung upgraded its offense by signing Choi Hyeong-woo, but added that staying healthy will be crucial. Kim said exhibition games suggested LG “still looks strong,” and that Samsung’s lineup remains potent despite injuries, with the two clubs appearing a step ahead. The new Asia quota system is expected to be the biggest wild card. Under the rule, teams can sign one player from an Asian league — including Australia — at up to $200,000, with no position restrictions. Nine of the 10 clubs used the slot on a pitcher. KIA was the only team to sign a position player, adding Australian infielder Jared Dale. By nationality, seven of the Asia-quota players are Japanese, two are Australian and one is Taiwanese. Min said the change effectively gives teams a fourth foreign player and could have an outsized impact if an Asia-quota pitcher emerges as an ace or a closer. Kim said the rule is likely to influence the standings because nearly every club, except KIA, used it to bolster pitching. He added that for SSG — with ace Kim Kwang-hyun no longer on the roster — the performance of Japan’s Takeda Shota has become “extremely important.” Another storyline is whether Lotte, which finished first in the exhibition standings, can carry that momentum into the season. It was Lotte’s first time atop the exhibition table since 2022, when it tied for first with LG and KIA, and its first outright exhibition title since 2011. Kim credited Lotte’s strong exhibition run to standout performances by younger players and intense internal competition that has lifted the team’s hitting. He said Lotte lacked power and home runs last season, but could be worth watching if its revamped offense translates to the regular season. Min was more cautious, saying the key question is whether a young core can withstand a long season, adding that while Lotte should compete, it is unclear whether it has top-five strength.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 00:06:00 -
KBO League draws record preseason crowds, fueling 10 million-fan expectations The 2026 KBO League is drawing big crowds even before opening day, raising expectations it could top 10 million fans for a third straight season. Momentum has also been boosted by South Korea’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, setting up what analysts expect will be an even tougher ticket hunt. The KBO has set attendance records in each of the past two seasons, cementing its status as the country’s most popular sport. After breaking the 10 million mark for the first time in 2024 with 10,887,705 fans, last season drew a record 12,312,519. In the 2025 season, 331 of 720 games sold out, a sellout rate of about 46%, and seat occupancy reached 82.9%. This year’s outlook has been lifted by the WBC, which ended March 18 (Korean time). South Korea reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years, drawing renewed attention from fans. The surge showed up in TV ratings. Nielsen Korea reported combined ratings for the three major terrestrial broadcasters of 16.5% for the game against Japan, 12.4% for the game against Australia that clinched a quarterfinal berth, and 9.5% for the quarterfinal against the Dominican Republic. The early demand was also clear in exhibition games. The Korea Baseball Organization said attendance on March 21 and 22 was 80,042 and 83,584, respectively. Both days surpassed the previous single-day exhibition record of 71,288 set on March 9 last year. Commentators said the crowds point to another strong season. Min Hun-gi, a SPOTV analyst, said he was surprised to see nearly 20,000 fans at Busan’s Sajik Baseball Stadium for an exhibition game. “Now pro baseball has firmly become a major social and cultural phenomenon beyond just a sport,” Min said. “This year it will be really hard for fans to get tickets.” Kim Sun-woo, an MBC Sports Plus analyst, said the exhibition-game atmosphere suggests the league could again reach 10 million fans. “In the WBC, young players became the focal point and delivered results, which raised interest among baseball fans,” Kim said. “That energy will carry straight into strong support for each club in the regular season.” The KBO is also moving quickly to match fan demand. Starting March 27, it will team up with Starbucks Korea to release new stadium-themed drinks, food and goods. The league also renewed a digital partnership with TikTok for a third straight year, planning original content and interactive events to expand its online outreach.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-25 00:03:00 -
Asian stocks rise on Trump remarks on Iran despite lingering volatility SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - South Korea's KOSPI closed up more than 2 percent on Tuesday, tracking gains across Asian and U.S. markets as investors reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks delaying potential military action against Iran, despite swirling intraday volatility. The benchmark index rose 148.17 points or 2.74 percent to close at 5,553.92 points. It opened more than 4 percent higher, rose to an intraday high of 5,643, fell to 5,395.2, and later recovered to close at 5,553.92. Retail and institutional investors bought 722.5 billion won ($483 million) and 968.3 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 1.986 trillion won, extending their selling streak. Most large-cap stocks closed higher. Samsung Electronics rose 1.8 percent to 189,700 won, and SK hynix gained 5.7 percent to 986,000 won. Hyundai Motor added 1.4 percent to 492,000 won. LG Energy Solution surged 10.3 percent to 392,500 won, leading gains. Samsung Biologics rose 1.6 percent to 1,547,000 won, while Hanwha Aerospace advanced 4.5 percent to 1,335,000 won. The broader gains reflected improved sentiment across the market. The junior KOSDAQ gained 24.55 points or 2.24 percent to close at 1,121.44. Similar to the KOSPI, it showed early strength, briefly turned lower during the session, and later recovered its upward momentum in the afternoon. Foreign and institutional investors bought 167.1 billion won and 22.1 billion won worth of shares, respectively, while retail investors sold 159.6 billion won. The move was driven by remarks from Trump, who signaled a weeklong delay in potential military action against Iran, citing ongoing dialogue. A sharp overnight drop in oil prices also supported the move. But market volatility remained elevated. The KOSPI has triggered sidecar mechanisms 10 times in less than two months, one of the highest frequencies since the global financial crisis. In March alone, seven sidecars were activated. Circuit breakers were also triggered twice this month, the first such occurrence since March 2020. The rebound came as part of a broader global rally, with Asian and U.S. equities moving higher on expectations following Trump's remarks, although underlying geopolitical risks remain unresolved. However, the broader situation remained uncertain, with markets continuing to react to headlines rather than confirmed developments. The shift in sentiment was also reflected in global markets. Overnight, U.S. markets closed higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4 percent, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 gained 1.4 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. Asian markets also advanced. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 1.4 percent, with automakers leading gains. Toyota Motor climbed 2.79 percent to $210.64 after announcing a $1 billion investment in U.S. plants, reinforcing expectations for continued global expansion. China’s Shanghai Composite gained 1.8 percent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 2.7 percent. Despite the gains, volatility remained a key feature of the market. The South Korean won strengthened to 1,495.2 per dollar, reversing recent weakness as markets reacted to Trump's remarks on Iran. Oil prices held above key levels, with Brent crude at $102.6 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $90.6. Frequent swings in oil prices and conflicting signals over U.S.-Iran negotiations have continued to drive volatility in global markets. 2026-03-24 17:56:37