AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Joonha Yoo
  • ARKO connects 15 performing arts festivals under summer series
    ARKO connects 15 performing arts festivals under summer series SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - The Arts Council Korea will launch the 2026 ARKO SUM FESTA in July, bringing together 15 performing arts festivals across the country under a single brand, the council said Tuesday. ARKO SUM FESTA was introduced last year as an integrated brand for festivals selected under the council's national performing arts festival support program. This year's edition will focus on strengthening links among participating festivals and expanding audience access to local performing arts events. The festival series will run from July to September in cities and regions including Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Chuncheon, Miryang, Gwangmyeong, Hwaseong and Eumseong. Participating festivals span theater, dance, music and traditional arts. Theater events include the Korea Theater Festival in Busan, while dance programs include the Busan Ballet Festival and the Chuncheon Performing Arts Festival. Music events include the July Festival and the Seoul International Computer Music Festival, and traditional arts festivals include the Dongnae Folk Arts Festival in Busan's Dongnae-gu district. Ahead of the main festival period, ARKO will hold Preview Week programs in two rounds, from June 19 to 20 and from July 25 to 26. The preview programs will introduce participating festivals through showcases, workshops, exhibitions and hands-on programs. All Preview Week events will be free of charge, though some indoor performances and workshops will require advance reservations through Naver Booking. Advance registrants will receive ARKO SUM FESTA merchandise and a coupon book for participating festivals. The first Preview Week will begin with an opening event at the main hall of ARKO Arts Theater on June 19, featuring theater, dance, traditional arts and music performances from programs highlighted in last year's festival series. On June 20, additional showcases, workshops, exhibitions and public participation programs will be held at ARKO Arts Theater and around Marronnier Park in Seoul. Lee Beom-heon, chair of the Arts Council Korea, said expanding contact points with audiences is as important as developing strong festival programs. "Through ARKO SUM FESTA, we will strengthen the promotional foundation for participating festivals and helps audiences more easily discover and enjoy performing arts festivals across the country," Lee said. 2026-05-26 17:35:23
  • KOSPI touches down above 8,000 for first time amid flat Asian market
    KOSPI touches down above 8,000 for first time amid flat Asian market SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) -South Korean stocks closed above the 8,000 mark for the first time Tuesday as investors rushed to compensate for Monday's market holiday and price in the broader Asian rally fueled by hopes for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and renewed momentum in AI-related shares. The benchmark KOSPI surged 2.6 percent to close at 8,047.50 after climbing as high as 8,131.15 during the session. The index stayed above the 8,000 threshold throughout the day and passed the test above the new four-digit territory, a yawning stretch from the mid-2,000 range just a year ago. Institutional investors led the advance, purchasing a net 911.1 billion won ($605.5 million) worth of shares on the main bourse. Retail investors sold a net 616.7 billion won, while foreign investors offloaded 184.1 billion won after reversing from earlier buying and extending their recent selling streak. The junior KOSDAQ rose 1.0 percent to 1,172.50 after touching an intraday high of 1,205.12. Retail investors bought a net 224.2 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors sold 148.6 billion won and 33.7 billion won, respectively. Semiconductor heavyweights drove the broader market higher as investors reinforced bets that South Korea's AI-led chip rally still has room to run. Samsung Electronics rose 2.2 percent to close at 299,000 won, while SK hynix jumped 5.7 percent to 2,052,000 won, reinforcing expectations that the two stocks may settle into a new trading range after breaking major price milestones. Gains spread across the semiconductor supply chain. Samsung Electro-Mechanics surged 17.3 percent to 1,572,000 won, while DB HiTek soared 21.8 percent on expectations for passive fund inflows tied to its upcoming inclusion in the KOSPI 200 index. AI-related component makers also rallied sharply. Samwha Capacitor hit the daily trading limit with a 30 percent jump as investors bet on stronger demand for multilayer ceramic capacitors, or MLCCs, used in AI servers and advanced electronics. LG Innotek climbed 23.6 percent to 1,096,000 won, while Samwha Electronics rose 29.9 percent. Shipbuilders were another major source of strength as expectations for expanding global defense and energy infrastructure spending continued lifting the sector. Hanwha Ocean advanced 10.2 percent to 134,700 won, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained 9.6 percent. Automakers also joined the rally, with Hyundai Motor Company rising 5.2 percent to 689,000 won. LG Electronics added 1.1 percent to 239,500 won. Some large-cap shares, however, lagged the broader market. POSCO Holdings fell 1.2 percent to 442,000 won, while Naver slipped 1.5 percent to 200,000 won. Samsung SDI declined 0.8 percent to 642,000 won and SK Square edged down 0.3 percent to 1,181,000 won. The Korean won strengthened as risk appetite improved, closing at 1,504.30 per dollar, up 12.90 won from the previous session. The currency opened at 1,515.0 won and briefly weakened to around 1,516 won before reversing course during afternoon trading. Still, foreign selling in equities suggested overseas investors have yet to fully return despite the record-setting rally. Foreigners were net buyers earlier in the session before turning sellers shortly before the close, according to market data. Oil prices also rebounded Tuesday after plunging the previous session, reflecting lingering caution over Middle East developments despite growing optimism surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations. Brent crude traded above $98 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $91.60. Prices remained below recent highs as markets monitored whether diplomacy could eventually reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Regional markets were mixed. Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3 percent after hitting a record high in the previous session, while China's Shanghai Composite also fell 0.3 percent. Hong Kong equities edged higher, supported by semiconductor-related shares. 2026-05-26 16:54:22
  • YouTuber faces arrest warrant in defamation case against Kim Soo-hyun
    YouTuber faces arrest warrant in defamation case against Kim Soo-hyun SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Kim Se-eui, the head of YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, also known as HoverLab, is facing an arrest warrant over defamation allegations and other charges involving actor Kim Soo-hyun. Kim appeared at the Seoul Central District Court at around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, where he denied all charges, adding that he would file a complaint against the police officers and prosecutors handling the case. "I do not admit to any of them," Kim said before entering the court. The case stems from a series of YouTube broadcasts and claims in which Kim alleged that the actor had been in an "inappropriate" romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor. Kim is also accused of falsely claiming that the actor pressured the actress over debt repayment, leading to her death. Police suspect Kim of spreading false information to defame the actor. They also believe some of the evidence lacks credibility including KakaoTalk messages suspected of being fabricated and an audio recording allegedly created or doctored using artificial intelligence. Kim said the request for an arrest warrant against him was "intentional and hastily prepared," claiming it was aimed at obstructing his business and vowing to take legal action against investigators. The court is expected to decide on Kim's arrest warrant later in the day or the following morning. Meanwhile, the actor, who has suspended activities amid the scandal, has filed a complaint against Kim and a separate civil suit seeking 12 billion won (about US$8 million) in damages. 2026-05-26 15:46:59
  • AJP Watch: Shinsegae vows to make amends regardless of cost over Starbucks Korea blunder
    AJP Watch: Shinsegae vows to make amends "regardless of cost" over Starbucks Korea blunder SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday delivered a second public apology within a week over Starbucks Korea’s controversial “Tank Day” promotion, bowing repeatedly in a televised appearance and pledging to restore public trust through action rather than words after what the group described as a “serious” failure in historical awareness. Speaking at the Josun Palace hotel in Seoul, Chung bowed deeply three times during a five-minute apology addressing bereaved families of the May 18 Democratization Movement, the family of late student activist Park Jong-chul, citizens of Gwangju and the broader Korean public. “I will not make any excuses. This is my fault,” Chung said. “We will regain the public’s trust not through words, but through actions.” The apology came eight days after Starbucks Korea promoted tumblers branded with the word “Tank” on May 18, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. Critics also condemned the campaign’s use of the phrase “Tak! on the desk,” saying it evoked the infamous explanation once used to cover up the 1987 torture death of student activist Park Jong-chul. What initially appeared to be a marketing blunder quickly escalated into one of the most serious reputational crises faced by the Shinsegae Group in recent years, triggering boycott campaigns, police complaints, mounting political pressure and public criticism from President Lee Jae Myung. Social media became a major battleground for the backlash. One video posted on X showing a consumer removing a Starbucks logo from a tumbler with nail polish remover drew 4.8 million views, while another post showing an unusually empty Starbucks outlet during the holiday weekend amassed nearly 4 million views alongside thousands of reposts and boycott messages. Internal review finds systemic failures In a follow-up briefing, Yang Jong-hwan, managing director of Shinsegae’s internal audit team, said investigators reviewed company emails, work laptops, internal messenger records and other communication channels involving 15 employees, including five executives, using digital forensic methods. Cross-check interviews were also conducted with more than 10 employees. The probe did not uncover evidence of deliberate coordination or intentional political messaging, according to the company. But the review also exposed clear limitations. Of the five key employees directly involved in handling the “Tank” naming process, only two voluntarily submitted personal mobile phones for forensic analysis. Three declined, citing privacy concerns. Yang acknowledged that while the company wanted broader access, it lacked authority to compel employees to surrender personal devices. Executives nevertheless insisted that internal messenger records and work-related data showed no evidence of premeditated collusion. Kim Su-wan, vice president and head of external affairs, described the controversy as a symptom of an organization overly focused on speed and sales performance at the expense of historical sensitivity. “This case showed that speed and sales considerations had taken priority over historical awareness and social sensitivity,” Kim said. According to Kim, the promotion was handled by a small e-commerce team composed largely of younger employees, including two workers in their early 20s. Internal communications after the controversy suggested that some staff members did not fully grasp the historical weight associated with May 18 or the wording used in the campaign. “The task now is to create programs that can strengthen historical awareness across generations, from younger employees to senior staff,” Kim said. Executives acknowledged that the campaign should have passed through multiple review layers including corporate social responsibility and legal checks, but said several safeguards either failed or were bypassed altogether. “Even if the original planner made a poor judgment, this situation would not have escalated this far if the internal filtering system had functioned properly,” Kim said. “The core problem was that the review system failed to work as it should have.” Why the backlash became so explosive The controversy touched two of the most painful episodes in South Korea’s democratic history. The May 18 Democratization Movement refers to the 1980 uprising in Gwangju against military rule under the Chun Doo-hwan regime. The movement was violently suppressed by troops and later became one of the defining symbols of South Korea’s democratization struggle. Critics argued that using the word “Tank” on May 18 inevitably evoked memories of military violence and authoritarian repression tied to the uprising. The phrase “Tak! on the desk” carried a separate historical resonance linked to the death of Park Jong-chul, a Seoul National University student activist tortured to death during police interrogation in 1987. Authorities initially attempted to explain his death by claiming an investigator had struck the desk — “tak” — causing Park to collapse suddenly, a story later exposed as a cover-up. His death helped ignite the June Democracy Movement that accelerated South Korea’s transition to direct presidential elections. For many South Koreans, the combination of “Tank Day” and wording associated with Park’s death appeared to trivialize two defining traumas of the country’s authoritarian era. Growing commercial fallout Shinsegae said former Starbucks Korea CEO Sohn Jung-hyun and the executive overseeing e-commerce operations were dismissed immediately after the controversy erupted, with additional disciplinary action under review. Chung’s first apology, issued shortly after the backlash began, failed to calm public anger as boycott campaigns intensified online and civic groups filed criminal complaints. At Tuesday’s press conference, Chung repeatedly stressed that front-line Starbucks employees should not bear the blame. “The responsibility lies with the organization and management, including myself,” he said. “I earnestly ask that people look more warmly upon Starbucks partners and field employees at stores across the country.” He described store workers as “diligent employees” serving customers from early morning until late at night, while pledging a fundamental overhaul of the group’s risk management and social responsibility systems. “Today’s apology will not be the end, but a beginning,” Chung said. “We will start again from the beginning.” Executives also acknowledged the growing financial impact. Jeon Sang-jin, executive vice president overseeing corporate management, said sales had fallen “considerably” since the controversy, though the company declined to provide figures. He said the priority was restoring trust rather than minimizing short-term damage. The company said it is reviewing refund requests for prepaid Starbucks cards and account cancellations with relevant authorities because such products are governed by Fair Trade Commission regulations. Executives added that Starbucks’ U.S. headquarters had been fully informed of the incident and is discussing improvements to internal risk-control systems with the Korean operation. However, Shinsegae said the controversy does not currently appear to trigger contractual issues involving Starbucks’ U.S. parent company. The episode has also revived scrutiny of earlier marketing controversies among Korean consumer brands. In 2024, Starbucks Korea faced criticism for releasing a “Siren Classic Mug” on the anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, while fashion platform Musinsa issued a renewed apology after the Starbucks controversy resurfaced attention on a similar “Tak! on the desk” phrase used in one of its 2019 advertisements. For Shinsegae, the central challenge now extends beyond whether the campaign was intentional. The deeper question is whether one of South Korea’s most influential consumer groups can convince the public that its internal systems are capable of preventing another breakdown where commercial marketing collides with unresolved national trauma. 2026-05-26 12:21:00
  • Golden wins Song of the Year award at AMAs
    'Golden' wins 'Song of the Year' award at AMAs SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - "Golden," the main theme song of Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" won "Song of the Year" award at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday. The global hit song beat out nine major contenders including American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia," Alex Warren's "Ordinary," Morgan Wallen's "I'm The Problem" and Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas." At the ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the song's performers, Ejae and Rei Ami, appeared on stage to accept the award, while Audrey Nuna was unable to attend. Ejae credited fans for giving the song and film "tremendous strength," expressing gratitude to them as well as the cast and crew of the 99-minute film. She also wished Rei Ami a happy birthday, as she turned 31 that same day. Rei Ami also thanked fans, family, and others, saying she is grateful for what has been a "life-changing year." "Golden," co-written by Ejae, became a global hit alongside the success of the film, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive weeks. It had previously earned critical acclaim by winning top honors at major awards ceremonies including the Grammy Awards, the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. 2026-05-26 11:32:59
  • Shinsegae chiefs apology over Starbucks controversy - text
    Shinsegae chief's apology over Starbucks controversy - text SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) -Below is the full statement of Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology over Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" controversy. To the people of the nation, I stand before you today with a heavy and apologetic heart. First, as chairman of Shinsegae Group, I sincerely bow my head in apology and ask for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the bereaved family of the late activist Park Jong-chul, the citizens of Gwangju and the people of the nation who have felt deep pain and disappointment because of this incident. The reason the investigation took time was because we wanted to conduct a thorough review. We take very heavily the fact that many people were hurt and angered by Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing. I take very seriously the fact that many people felt deep pain and anger because of Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing campaign. Regardless of the reason, what hurt the hearts of the people is not something light. I will not make any excuses. This is my fault. All members of Shinsegae Group, including myself, will remember the history and sacrifices of our society and always strive to deeply understand and respect the feelings of the people. What I earnestly ask is that people look more warmly upon Starbucks partners and field employees at stores across the country. They are simply diligent workers doing their best in their respective positions from early morning until late at night for every Starbucks customer. The responsibility lies with the organization and management, including myself. Right now, I believe it is more important that we try to understand one another and move forward together. We all share the same desire to leave behind a better South Korea and a better world for future generations. Shinsegae, including myself, will take this incident as a lesson. We will listen more, and carry responsibility more heavily. We will sincerely approach customers again with genuine hearts. We will fundamentally reexamine our internal systems and risk management framework, while also raising our standards for social responsibility. Today's apology will not be the end, but a beginning. We will start again from the beginning and work to regain the public's trust not through words, but through actions. Once again, I sincerely bow my head in apology to everyone who has been hurt by this incident. 2026-05-26 10:39:48
  • Shinsegaes Chung vows to take full responsibility over police finding
    Shinsegae's Chung vows to take full responsibility over police finding SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) -Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a second public apology Tuesday over Starbucks Korea's controversial "Tank Day" promotion, bowing deeply in a five-minute televised public apology and saying he would seek forgiveness "through actions, not words" in a rare public act of contrition by a major South Korean business leader. Speaking at the Josun Palace hotel in Seoul, Chung said the company took the controversy "very heavily" and acknowledged that the campaign had deeply hurt the public by touching one of the country's most traumatic democratic memories. "We sincerely apologize," Chung said. "The reason the investigation took time was because we wanted to conduct a thorough review. We take very heavily the fact that many people were hurt and angered by Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing." "What hurt the hearts of the people is not something light," he added. "I will not make any excuses. This is my fault," he said, while strongly denying any ill intention. The extraordinary appearance underscored how a marketing campaign initially seen as a corporate blunder escalated into a broader political and social crisis ahead of local elections, triggering public boycotts, police complaints and mounting pressure from government agencies. The controversy erupted after Starbucks Korea launched a "Tank Day" tumbler promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Critics accused the company of trivializing the massacre by using military-themed marketing language and the phrase "Tak! on the desk," widely associated in South Korea with the torture death cover-up of student activist Park Jong-chul during the military dictatorship era. The backlash intensified after President Lee Jae Myung openly condemned the campaign, prompting ministries and public institutions to suspend partnerships and review ties with Starbucks Korea. Chung said responsibility lay entirely with management, including himself, not with front-line employees working at stores nationwide. "What I earnestly ask is that people look more warmly upon Starbucks partners and field employees at stores across the country," he said. "The responsibility lies with the organization and management, including myself." "Right now, I believe it is more important that we try to understand one another and move forward together," Chung said. "We all share the same desire to leave behind a better South Korea and a better world for future generations." "Shinsegae, including myself, will take this incident as a lesson," he added. "We will listen more, and carry responsibility more heavily. We will sincerely approach customers again with genuine hearts." Chung also pledged that the company would treat Tuesday's apology as a starting point rather than a conclusion. "Today's apology will not be the end, but a beginning," he said. "We will start again from the beginning and work to regain the public's trust not through words, but through actions. The company also unveiled findings from its internal investigation into how the campaign was planned and approved, though officials did not immediately disclose whether additional disciplinary measures would follow beyond the dismissal of former Starbucks Korea chief executive Sohn Jung-hyun. The apology marks one of the most serious reputational crises faced by Shinsegae Group in recent years, exposing the growing political and cultural risks facing corporations in South Korea as historical memory and social sensitivities increasingly intersect with branding and consumer culture. The full statement of his apology is as follows: To the people of the nation, I stand before you today with a heavy and apologetic heart. First, as chairman of Shinsegae Group, I sincerely bow my head in apology and ask for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the bereaved family of the late activist Park Jong-chul, the citizens of Gwangju and the people of the nation who have felt deep pain and disappointment because of this incident. The reason the investigation took time was because we wanted to conduct a thorough review. We take very heavily the fact that many people were hurt and angered by Starbucks Korea's inappropriate marketing. I take very seriously the fact that many people felt deep pain and anger because of Starbucks Korea’s inappropriate marketing campaign. Regardless of the reason, what hurt the hearts of the people is not something light. I will not make any excuses. This is my fault. All members of Shinsegae Group, including myself, will remember the history and sacrifices of our society and always strive to deeply understand and respect the feelings of the people. What I earnestly ask is that people look more warmly upon Starbucks partners and field employees at stores across the country. They are simply diligent workers doing their best in their respective positions from early morning until late at night for every Starbucks customer. The responsibility lies with the organization and management, including myself. Right now, I believe it is more important that we try to understand one another and move forward together. We all share the same desire to leave behind a better South Korea and a better world for future generations. Shinsegae, including myself, will take this incident as a lesson. We will listen more, and carry responsibility more heavily. We will sincerely approach customers again with genuine hearts. We will fundamentally reexamine our internal systems and risk management framework, while also raising our standards for social responsibility. Today's apology will not be the end, but a beginning. We will start again from the beginning and work to regain the public's trust not through words, but through actions. Once again, I sincerely bow my head in apology to everyone who has been hurt by this incident. 2026-05-26 09:20:03
  • How wishes rise from cliff-side temple on Buddhas birthday
    How wishes rise from cliff-side temple on Buddha's birthday SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) - Lotus lanterns glowed across South Korea on Sunday as temples filled with worshippers marking Buddha's Birthday, one of the country’s most widely observed religious celebrations and a day centered on compassion, reflection and prayer. At Hyangiram Hermitage in the southern coastal city of Yeosu, visitors climbed steep stone stairways beneath rows of colorful lanterns hung in honor of the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The holiday, observed on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, commemorates the birth of the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago. In South Korea, where Buddhism has shaped art, architecture and spiritual life for centuries, the day is both a religious observance and a cultural tradition that draws believers and nonbelievers alike to temples nationwide. At Hyangiram, monks led chanting ceremonies inside prayer halls thick with incense smoke while worshippers bowed repeatedly before golden Buddha statues. Families arrived carrying children dressed in bright traditional clothing, elderly couples moved carefully along the uneven cliffside paths and younger visitors stopped to write personal wishes beneath hanging lanterns. Many of the lanterns carried handwritten prayers for peace, health and family. Others bore wishes reflecting anxieties of modern life: hopes for employment, recovery from illness or comfort during uncertain times. As sea winds swept through the temple grounds overlooking the South Sea, the lanterns shifted gently above visitors’ heads throughout the day. At Hyangiram, the occasion drew visitors who came not only to pray but also to experience a place where mountain, sea and centuries of faith converge. Families carrying lotus lanterns climbed the winding granite paths together, while elderly worshippers paused along the stone stairways to catch their breath before continuing upward. The scent of incense drifted through the narrow passages between the rocks as temple bells echoed faintly over the shoreline below. Some kneeled quietly before the main hall, pressing their palms together in prayer. Others stood near the cliff’s edge, looking out over the waters off Yeosu in silence. Monks in gray robes moved steadily between the prayer halls and lantern-lined courtyards, occasionally stopping to speak softly with visitors or help light candles placed before Buddhist statues. The hermitage’s name, meaning “hermitage facing the sun,” reflects both its geography and its spirit. Perched on the cliffs of Geumo Mountain at the southern tip of Dolsan Island, it looks directly toward the horizon where the sun rises over the South Sea. Even on a cloudy morning, shafts of light occasionally broke through the haze and reflected across the water beneath the temple cliffs. According to temple tradition, the site dates to 644 CE, when the Buddhist monk Wonhyo is said to have built a small hermitage here, originally called Wontongam. It was later known as Geumoam during the Goryeo period before taking its current name during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon era. Wonhyo is also said to have encountered Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, during meditation, a tradition that helped establish the site as a place of devotional prayer facing the sea. Hyangiram is best known as one of southern Korea’s most popular sunrise spots. On New Year’s Day, its narrow paths are often packed before dawn with visitors waiting for the first sunrise of the year. But on Buddha’s Birthday, the atmosphere carried a quieter rhythm. Instead of countdowns and celebration, there were hushed conversations, the soft rustling of prayer tags in the wind and the steady sound of footsteps against worn stone. The path up is not easy. Visitors must squeeze through tight gaps in the rock and climb steep, uneven stairs carved into the mountainside. Some sections are so narrow that people must turn sideways to pass. There are no shortcuts. But that effort is part of what the place gives back. At the top, the sea opens suddenly in front of you, and the climb makes the view feel earned. By mid-morning, the rock ledges around the temple had begun to fill. People sat alone or in small groups beneath strings of pink, blue and yellow lanterns. Some wrote wishes for health, peace or family on paper tags tied beneath the lanterns, while others carefully inscribed messages onto roof tiles that would remain at the temple long after the holiday ended. Small details gave the site much of its character: stacks of coins balanced in the hands of weathered stone Buddhas, tiny monk statues tucked between lanterns, candles flickering in lotus-shaped holders and handwritten prayers swaying in the ocean wind. Near one hall, visitors lined up quietly to pour water over a small baby Buddha statue resting inside a lotus basin, a traditional ritual symbolizing purification and renewal. The scenery here is not grand in the usual sense. What lingers instead is the layering: sea and rock, lantern and footstep, old story and today’s climb. On Sunday, the small cliff-top temple faced the sun as it always has, while those who came carried their prayers, memories and quiet intentions toward the water. 2026-05-25 09:34:50
  • Seouls New Attraction: The Seoul Moon Balloon Offers Unique City Views
    Seoul's New Attraction: The 'Seoul Moon' Balloon Offers Unique City Views Seoul is a city that often requires its residents to look up. With towering buildings, complex roads, and people constantly on the move, there is little time for reflection. Whether navigating subway transfer corridors or waiting at crosswalks in the financial district, the city rarely allows for a moment of pause. In the center of Yeouido Park, a massive white balloon known as the 'Seoul Moon' momentarily shifts this familiar perspective. Adorned with the phrase 'SEOUL MY SOUL' and a smiling face, it resembles a city branding sculpture from afar, while up close, it evokes memories of amusement park rides. It appears lighthearted and whimsical—until the doors close. ▲ As the doors close, height takes precedence over scenery For those with a fear of heights, the 'Seoul Moon' serves as a small test before becoming a viewing platform. As the balloon slowly ascends, the heart reacts faster than the feet can feel the distance below. The seating area is donut-shaped, open on all sides, making the view both exhilarating and intimidating. No matter where one looks, the ground is visible, and the balloon sways slightly with the wind. Fear is omnipresent, equally distributed in all directions. As the cable loosens, Yeouido Park drifts further away. People, once clearly visible, shrink to mere dots below. While the sound of the wind fills the ears, the stunning view of Seoul momentarily fades from focus. The beauty is acknowledged, but fear takes precedence. Only upon reaching the maximum height does the view begin to register. The National Assembly and bridges over the Han River, along with cars on the roads, appear flattened like toys. What typically feels large and bustling from the ground seems surprisingly small and serene from above. The city itself hasn’t changed; only the perspective has. The 'Seoul Moon' is a tethered helium balloon that rises to a maximum height of 130 meters. Shaped like a full moon with a diameter of 22 meters, each ride lasts about 15 minutes from boarding to disembarking. Adult tickets cost 25,000 won. According to the Seoul Tourism Foundation, over 100,000 passengers have taken the ride, with approximately 44% being foreign visitors. Before boarding, German tourists Milita and Carsten shared that they discovered the 'Seoul Moon' through the travel app Klook and decided to visit Yeouido Park. Having arrived in Korea less than a day ago, their expectations were simple: "We want to look down at the buildings of Seoul from above." For first-time visitors to Seoul, this balloon offers a quick overview of the city. Before familiarizing themselves with the subway map or navigating the alleyways, they can gain a bird's-eye view of the entire city. ▲ After descending from the sky, the river awaits After descending from the sky, the next destination was the Han River Bus terminal in Yeouido. Upon boarding the boat, passengers initially settled inside. At the bow, people were already bustling about, taking photos and enjoying the breeze. Watching them through the glass, it was clear that everyone was savoring the moment in their own way, creating a beautiful scene. With the Han River as a backdrop, some passengers were dancing. Eventually, they ventured outside to take photos and feel the wind. Experiencing the river breeze directly was different from viewing it through glass. The wind was stronger and colder than expected. As the boat moved into the center of the river, Seoul unfolded on both sides. To the south, sleek, tall buildings lined the shore, while to the north, older residential areas and heavy apartment complexes stood in a row. This view revealed a side of Seoul that one would never encounter on the subway. As they watched the people outside, they soon became part of the scenery themselves. As the boat passed under the Jamsu Bridge, a sign reading '7.75m' caught their attention. While the concrete bridge loomed overhead, the boat glided beneath it without a hitch. Only the passengers felt the tension. The Han River Bus is a water transportation service connecting seven terminals, including Jamsil, Ttukseom, Okus, Apgujeong, Yeouido, Mangwon, and Magok. The standard fare is 3,000 won, with transfer discounts and climate-friendly card options available. Since its launch in September of last year, it has served over 270,000 passengers. Inu-rim, a resident of Yeouido, uses the Han River Bus as a practical means of transportation. He noted that the route from Apgujeong to Yeouido aligned perfectly with his needs. "It’s great to enjoy the Han River while getting home," he said, adding that while it’s not a daily commute, it’s a nice option for occasional experiences. Christel, visiting from Mexico, offered a succinct evaluation. "If you want to enjoy the scenery without rushing, this is the perfect boat for you." ▲ A time that becomes a landscape rather than a destination Seoul is a fast-paced city. Transfer times, traffic flow, office schedules, and smartphone notifications all synchronize with the rhythm of speed. Slowness is often categorized as inefficiency. However, the 'Seoul Moon' and the Han River Bus momentarily transform this inefficiency into a shared experience. One elevates people into the sky, making the city appear smaller, while the other carries them slowly across the river. There were moments when fear almost made one close their eyes or stay indoors. Had they done so, they would have seen nothing. In that brief time, Seoul became not a destination, but a landscape.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-23 13:55:57
  • Former mimiirose member Hyori releases duet single Neutron Star
    Former mimiirose member Hyori releases duet single 'Neutron Star' SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - Hyori, former member of K-pop girl group mimiirose, has released a new duet single, "Neutron Star," with rookie vocalist Yuni, her agency Pocket7 Entertainment said Thursday. The digital single was released on major streaming platforms on May 16. Neutron Star is a ballad that uses images of the night sky and outer space to describe longing for someone who has grown distant but still exerts an emotional pull. The track pairs Hyori’s delicate vocals with Yuni’s deeper tone, focusing on the contrast between the two female vocalists. The single marks Hyori’s first major release as a solo artist since mimiirose disbanded in April, signaling a shift in musical direction from her girl group era. Pocket7 Entertainment said Hyori is currently working on a solo album targeted for release in June. Neutron Star is available on major music streaming platforms. 2026-05-21 17:50:35