Journalist
Joonha Yoo
joonhayoo94@ajupress.com
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BTS Live D-4 : Transit tip for the concert big day SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - An estimated 260,000 people are expected to flood central Seoul Saturday for the BTS comeback concert, turning the historic Gwanghwamun district into a vast open-air theater. Authorities estimate that while 22,000 ticketholders will be seated near the main stage, the larger crowds packing the city’s main boulevard and surrounding streets will effectively transform much of downtown into a pedestrian-saturated festival zone. In anticipation of the large numbers of international fans, Seoul is rolling out new measures to improve transit access. Starting Tuesday, overseas-issued credit and debit cards will be accepted at subway ticket machines across 273 stations, allowing visitors to purchase single-use tickets and short-term transit passes without cash. To accommodate the surge, major roads around Gwanghwamun Square will be gradually shut down. Sections of the Sejong-daero boulevard will be closed from Friday evening, with additional restrictions extending through Saturday and into early Sunday as crowds disperse. Public transportation will also be reconfigured. To ease congestion, 62 bus routes, including city, regional and airport lines, will be diverted away from the area, while nearby subway stations such as Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Gyeongbokgung may temporarily skip stops or restrict access during peak hours. Bike-sharing services will also be scaled back, with 58 public rental stations near the venue suspended in stages ahead of the event. “The concert is exciting, but the scale of traffic controls feels excessive, especially for people who still need to commute or work over the weekend,” said Kim Jun-hwan, a 30-year-old office worker in Seoul. Safety measures will also be in force. Fifteen temporary medical stations will be installed between Gwanghwamun Square to Sungnyemun Gate. Mobile intensive care units and on-site medical teams will also be deployed nearby. Information for non-Korean speaking visitors remains a concern. “The subway system is great, but I haven’t really seen much information about the transit pass or event logistics,” said Sarah Shaun, a 28-year-old BTS fan from the United States. “I’m excited for the concert, but with road closures and subway disruptions, we’re still figuring out how to get to the venue,” her husband Ethan added. “BTS concerts are always intense, so I think even a crowd of 260,000 can be manageable,” Sarah said. 2026-03-17 17:32:54 -
BTS Live D-4 - Latest from Gwanghwamun SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - With BTS’s comeback performance four days away, large-scale stage installation is underway at Gwanghwamun Square, where equipment and structures are being assembled across multiple sections of the site. Heavy machinery and staging crews were seen operating near the main installation area, while nearby sidewalks and elevated vantage points filled with onlookers photographing and recording the preparations. Some visitors were observed using professional cameras and mobile devices to document the setup process as anticipation builds ahead of the event. Moreover, crowds have begun gathering at vantage points overlooking Gwanghwamun Square, where the stage is currently being installed. At the rooftop of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, which offers a clear view of the site, people were seen taking photos and recording videos as preparations for the concert continued. Crowds are gathering around Gwanghwamun Square to photograph and document the comeback story from stage construction phase, with some livestreaming preparations using DSLRs and action cameras. Rooftop vantage points overlooking the venue are filling up as fans treat the event as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The influx is also being felt across nearby commercial districts. Currency exchange operators in Myeong-dong report a noticeable uptick in Japanese and Taiwanese tourists over the past week, while restaurants and takeaway chains are preparing for what some describe as an “unimaginable” surge in demand. Seoul city officials have launched a multilingual live information page covering transport changes, safety rules and venue logistics, signaling a full-scale readiness effort as the concert approaches. 2026-03-17 15:18:37 -
Asian stocks diverge, KOSPI ends positive despite jittery won SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) -Asian stock markets diverged Monday as oil prices climbed above $100 in response to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. With investors weighing energy risks and global demand signals, Japan and China edged lower, while Korea bucked the regional trend on strong semiconductor gains. Brent crude rose 1.6 percent to $104.83 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.6 percent to $99.30, keeping energy security concerns at the center of regional trading as the Iran conflict entered its third week. Despite the uncertainty, broader risk sentiment showed some stability. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures both rose about 0.7 percent, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield slipped to 4.265 percent and the dollar index edged down 0.1 percent to 100.31. Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 0.13 percent at 53,751.15 as investors remained cautious following recent volatility tied to energy markets. China’s Shanghai Composite slipped 0.4 percent to 4,079.43, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index traded about 1.4 percent higher in late dealings. In Seoul, the KOSPI rose 1.14 percent to close at 5,549.85, reversing early volatility as gains in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix offset weakness in other sectors. The index had opened 0.43 percent higher at 5,510.82 and swung between a high of 5,561.42 and a low of 5,448.75 during the session. Foreign investors remained heavy sellers, offloading 848.1 billion won ($567 million) worth of shares, while individuals purchased 717.5 billion won and institutions added 89.7 billion won. Technology stocks led the advance. SK hynix surged 7 percent to 974,000 won, while Samsung Electronics gained 2.83 percent to close at 188,700 won as investors continued positioning for strong demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. Elsewhere in the market, automakers weakened, with Hyundai Motor falling 2.1 percent to 506,000 won. Platform and biotech shares also declined, with NAVER dropping 2.3 percent to 218,000 won, Samsung Biologics losing 1.5 percent to 1,568,000 won and Celltrion sliding 2.7 percent to 200,000 won. Defense stocks were slightly softer despite persistent geopolitical tensions, with Hanwha Aerospace edging down 0.8 percent to 1,476,000 won. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ index underperformed, falling 1.27 percent to 1,138.29 as foreign and institutional investors turned net sellers. Individuals bought 712.5 billion won worth of shares on the KOSDAQ. Foreign investors, meanwhile, sold 499.4 billion won and institutions offloaded 171.8 billion won. Currency markets showed some stabilization after earlier volatility. The Korean won remained close to crisis levels, trading at 1,496.7 per dollar on suspected intervention after it tumbled below 1,500 won for the first time in daytime session. 2026-03-16 17:38:28 -
BTS Live D-5 : Seoul turns into citywide festival as BTS makes comeback SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Seoul is poised to burst into light and sound this weekend as a quarter million fans descend on the Korean capital for a comeback performance by the mega-group BTS. The concert in Gwanghwamun Square will be the first in four years, following the completion of mandatory military service by the group members. The performance will follow the release Friday of ARIRANG, BTS’ fifth studio album. All 22,000 concert seats sold out rapidly, underscoring global demand for the return of the world’s most influential K-pop act. Seoul is making the best of the global attention, with a city-wide “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” campaign running from Friday thru April 19, and featuring fan events, cultural programs, and public installations across major landmarks throughout the capital. The city’s project effectively expands the concert from the stage to all of Seoul itself, turning it into spaces where visitors can encounter the music and themes of the new album. Foreign fans have already begun arriving in the Myeongdong and Hongdae areas of the city ahead of the concert week, filling K-pop merchandise stores and popular fan gathering spots. Landmarks lighting up across Seoul Many of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks will be lit up in celebration of the BTS comeback. Displays will appear Friday and Saturday at 15 locations across the city, including the Sebitseom floating islands on the Han River. A 500-meter stretch of the walkway along the downtown Cheonggyecheon stream between the Ogansugyo and Beodeuldari bridges will turn into an “Arirang Light Walk” nighttime promenade featuring lighting installations and visual elements inspired by BTS and the new album. With the installation running from April 6 through April 19, visitors will be able to experience themed displays as they take a springtime stroll along one of Seoul’s most popular urban public spaces. Meanwhile, the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, one of the capital’s best-known riverside light shows, will stage special performances set to BTS music Saturday and Sunday, pairing the group’s songs with the nighttime skyline of the Han River. Across the city, ten large media facade screens will display welcome messages for visiting fans, while banners will line Sejong-daero, the main boulevard leading to Gwanghwamun Square. To assist international visitors, multilingual welcome messages will also appear at major tourist sites and traditional markets. Fan events and interactive experiences The citywide project also introduces several fan participation programs. At Yeouido Hangang Park, a riverside park along the Han River, there will be a temporary venue titled the “Love Song Lounge” Friday and Saturday. The space will host listening sessions, busking performances and fan activities linked to the album’s campaign theme, “What Is Your Love Song?” Fans can also take part in a stamp rally connecting multiple BTS-themed locations across Seoul. Meanwhile, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the landmark cultural complex designed by architect Zaha Hadid, will host additional programs including a music light show and live performances from April 6 to April 12. Events along the Han River Celebrations will extend beyond central Seoul to the Han River and surrounding districts. The 2026 Seoul Spring Festival will run from April 10 to May 5, while the opening performance of the Han River Drone Light Show is scheduled for April 10. Visitors can also explore the river with a one-day unlimited Hangang bus pass offered on Friday and Saturday, providing views of landmarks such as Sebitseom and N Seoul Tower from the water. Traditional and contemporary performances will also take place at river terminals in Mangwon, Yeouido and Apgujeong under the program “Arirang on Seoul Stage.” 2026-03-16 16:08:19 -
KPop Demon Hunters went Up, Up, winning 2 Oscars for Best Animated and Original Song *Updated with additional information SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) -KPop Demon Hunters turned Hollywood’s biggest night on Sunday into a K-pop celebration, sweeping two trophies at the 98th Academy Awards — Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song — as the Netflix sensation outshone heavyweight Hollywood contenders including Zootopia 2. Nearly a year after its global premiere, the animated hit — blending K-pop spectacle with Korean folklore and fantasy action — capped a remarkable awards-season run that has propelled it into one of the most culturally influential animated films in recent years. “To all the fans who got us here, and for all of those who look like me, sorry that it took us so long to see ourselves in a movie like this,” Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang said as she accepted the award alongside co-director Chris Appelhans and writer Michelle L.M. Wong. “But it is here, and that means the next generations don’t have to go longing,” Kang added. “This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.” Produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released globally by Netflix, the film premiered on June 20, 2025 and quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched titles. The story follows fictional K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Zoey, who secretly battle supernatural threats while maintaining their global pop-idol personas — a concept that merges K-pop performance culture with animated fantasy storytelling. The film’s Oscar triumph capped a year-long wave of accolades, including major wins at the Golden Globe Awards, Critics Choice Awards and Grammy Awards. “Golden” captures Best Original Song The film also claimed the Best Original Song Oscar for “Golden,” a track that became a breakout hit from the film’s soundtrack. Written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park, the song was performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI. “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone is singing our song,” singer-songwriter EJAE said in her acceptance speech. “I realized this award isn’t really about success — it’s about resilience. I’m incredibly grateful to our team, the amazing cast, all the producers, and of course my mom and dad.” Other nominees included “Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless, “I Lied to You” from Sinners, “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi!, and “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams. Hanbok-themed performance lights up Oscars stage The song also took center stage during the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI delivered a live performance of “Golden.” The stage opened with performers dressed in traditional Korean hanbok, accompanied by narration that built anticipation before the singers emerged in white to perform the K-pop-infused number. The performance blended synchronized choreography with Korean cultural imagery — bringing the film’s signature mix of K-pop aesthetics and folklore-inspired storytelling to the Oscars stage. With Netflix already announcing plans for a sequel, the triumph of K-Pop Demon Hunters suggests the film’s global cultural impact may only be beginning. 2026-03-16 08:54:47 -
BTS Comeback D-6: Police brace for massive crowds with heightened security SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - With less than a week left before K-pop juggernaut BTS' massive comeback concert, security at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul will be heightened, with over 6,500 officers mobilized as part of a set of safety measures, police said on Sunday. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, all available personnel will be deployed to the concert venue and surrounding areas to manage traffic, prevent crimes, and maintain safety, along with more than 5,400 pieces of security equipment. These measures come after a meeting last Friday between police, security managers of large buildings near the venue, and local government officials to discuss building access, rooftop closures, and other safety arrangements. As hundreds of thousands of people including foreign visitors are expected to pack the area this Saturday, police will manage crowds through about 31 gates to disperse them and use metal detectors to stop anyone carrying dangerous items from entering the venue. If crowds become too dense, these gates will be temporarily closed. Police will monitor the area in real time through CCTV and on-site inspections. They will also remain on alert for potential vehicle attacks or explosive threats. Visitors will be asked to cooperate with safety checks and are encouraged to carry minimal personal belongings to speed up entry. After the concert, authorities will help disperse crowds gradually to nearby subway stations and will also be prepared with evacuation plans. Police are also preparing for the possibility of concertgoers and other revelers moving to nearby tourist spots such as Itaewon and Seongsu-dong for post-concert gatherings. Traffic around Gwanghwamun will be restricted before and after the concert. The main thoroughfare in front of the statue of admiral Yi Sun-shin, the renowned South Korean naval hero of the Joseon Dynasty, will be closed from 9 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday, with emergency lanes remaining open for urgent vehicles. Details on traffic information and alternate routes can be obtained by calling 120 or other police hotlines. 2026-03-15 15:51:55 -
Trump calls on Korea, allies to send warship as Hormuz tensions rise SEOUL, March 15 (AJP) - United States President Donald Trump said Saturday (local time) that countries affected by Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz should send warships alongside the United States to help keep the key oil shipping route open. Writing on Truth Social, the social media platform Donald Trump launched after leaving the Oval Office in 2021, nations affected by the attempted closure of the waterway would be "sending war ships" alongside the U.S. to keep the strait open and safe. Trump specifically named China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain. "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK and others that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area," Trump wrote. Trump also warned that despite heavy damage to Iran's military capability, the country could still threaten the waterway by launching drones, deploying mines or firing short-range missiles. "The United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water," Trump wrote, adding that Washington would ensure the strait becomes "open, safe and free." The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil shipments. 2026-03-15 01:40:11 -
Asian stocks fall as oil nears $100 and tensions loom large in the second war week SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) — Asian stock markets ended lower Friday as oil prices climbed back toward the $100 mark and tensions in the Middle East continued to unsettle investors across the region with little sign of easing in the second week. The Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted, raising alarms about Asian economies relying heavily on crude imports from the Gulf. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude traded around $95 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude hovered near $100, keeping inflation risks firmly in focus. The cautious mood followed losses on Wall Street overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.6 percent, the S&P 500 dropped 1.5 percent and the Nasdaq Composite slid 1.8 percent as investors reacted to rising energy costs and prolonged geopolitical uncertainty. Technology shares led the decline. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 3.4 percent, reflecting concerns that escalating tensions in the Gulf could disrupt supply chains and global demand. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 slid 1.4 percent to 53,693, with exporters and technology stocks under pressure following weakness in U.S. equities. Chinese and Hong Kong markets also closed lower. The Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.9 percent to 4,090.2, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index lost 0.9 percent. Taiwan’s TAIEX slipped 0.5 percent. Malaysia was among the few regional markets to avoid the broader decline. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI fell 1.7 percent to close at 5,487.24 after swinging sharply during the session. The index briefly dropped to an intraday low of 5,392.52 before trimming some losses later in the day. Investor flows showed a clear divergence. Foreign investors sold 1.46 trillion won ($980 million) worth of KOSPI shares and institutions offloaded 1.03 trillion won, while retail investors stepped in aggressively, purchasing a net 2.45 trillion won and helping cushion the decline. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ edged up 0.4 percent to 1,152.96 after recovering from early losses. Institutions were net buyers of 275.6 billion won, while foreign and retail investors sold 108.2 billion won and 131.2 billion won, respectively. Trading activity remained heavy as investors repositioned portfolios amid global uncertainty. Turnover reached 22.97 trillion won ($15.4 billion) on the KOSPI and 14.25 trillion won on the KOSDAQ. South Korean equities have swung sharply in recent sessions as investors reacted to developments in the Middle East and rapid moves in energy markets. The KOSPI plunged 6 percent Monday to 5,251.87 as geopolitical tensions rattled markets, before rebounding to 5,532.59 Tuesday and climbing further to 5,609.95 on Wednesday. Among Seoul heavyweights, Samsung Electronics fell 2.34 percent to 183,500 won and SK hynix declined 2.2 percent to 910,000 won, reflecting weakness in global semiconductor shares. Battery maker LG Energy Solution dropped 3.9 percent to 369,000 won, while automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia slipped 0.8 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. Samsung Biologics also fell about 2 percent, adding pressure on the index. Internet platform operator Naver bucked the broader market trend, rising 0.5 percent to 223,000 won. Energy markets remained a key driver of sentiment. West Texas Intermediate crude rose from around $81 per barrel at the start of the week to about $96.7 by Friday, after briefly spiking as high as $115.4 during intraday trading. Brent crude climbed from roughly $85.1 to about $101, touching a weekly peak of $117. The surge revived concerns about inflation and potential disruptions to global supply chains, particularly for energy-importing economies across Asia. The Korean won weakened to 1,496.5 per dollar Friday, revisiting levels last seen in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. The U.S. dollar index rose from 99.17 to 99.89, underscoring stronger demand for safe-haven assets. 2026-03-13 17:30:11 -
BTS Comeback D-8: Downtown Seoul turns into a city-scale stage SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) — Towering buildings along Gwanghwamun are wrapped in giant BTS banners and purple-lit billboards as downtown Seoul gears up for the group’s long-awaited comeback concert next week. Across the historic boulevard, the capital is already shifting into concert mode. Restaurants are fielding bulk reservations, retailers are expanding merchandise displays and convenience stores are stacking drinks and ready-to-eat meals as fans begin arriving from across Korea and overseas. With just days remaining before the performance scheduled for March 21, authorities expect as many as 260,000 people could gather across the historic district, turning the heart of the Korean capital into a massive open-air concert venue. While the concert itself will accommodate about 22,000 ticket holders, far larger crowds are expected to fill nearby streets stretching from Gwanghwamun Square toward City Hall, where giant outdoor screens will livestream the performance. Police plan to deploy about 4,800 officers across the area to manage crowds as authorities coordinate traffic control and safety measures ahead of the anticipated influx of visitors. The concert follows the release of BTS’s fifth full-length album Arirang on March 20, marking the group’s return as a full lineup after nearly four years. Businesses prepare for the crowds For businesses near the historic plaza, preparations began days before the concert. Restaurants around Gwanghwamun say demand has surged as fans begin arriving in Seoul ahead of the event. “We’ve been receiving a large number of group orders ahead of the free BTS comeback concert,” said the owner of a restaurant near the square. “At this point, we’re even considering closing the store to the public on the day and focusing solely on fulfilling those orders.” Convenience stores are also bracing for increased demand. “Myeongdong has always been crowded, so it’s hard to say whether the concert alone has brought more people,” said the owner of a GS convenience store in the district. “But we plan to increase orders of ready-to-eat meals and drinks starting Thursday evening.” The owner added that sales of convenience meals have recently been rising and that more foreign visitors appear to be arriving in Seoul ahead of the concert. Major retailers are also adjusting operations to accommodate the influx of visitors. The two Musinsa outlets in Myeongdong — the shopping district in downtown Seoul about a 15-minute walk from Gwanghwamun — have expanded merchandise and staffing in anticipation of a surge in foreign shoppers. “We’re filling staff with foreign speakers and realigning shelves with items popular with foreigners. Our focus is entirely on Myeongdong outlets for next week,” said Kim Jae-eun, a spokesperson for the country’s popular street and online fashion platform. Convenience stores expand services for foreign visitors Convenience store operators are also ramping up preparations as the event draws closer. CU, one of South Korea’s largest convenience store chains operated by BGF Retail, said it will significantly increase inventory at stores near the concert venue, with some locations preparing stock levels more than 100 times higher than usual for key items such as beverages, snacks and ready-to-eat meals. The company said stores closest to Gwanghwamun will focus on rapid restocking and additional staffing to manage the surge of customers expected during the concert. Meanwhile, stores located in major tourist districts such as Myeongdong and Hongdae are preparing targeted displays featuring products popular among foreign visitors. Items frequently purchased by overseas tourists — including banana-flavored milk, spicy instant noodles and fruit-based highball drinks — will be highlighted in dedicated product sections. CU has also expanded services aimed at international customers. Some stores now offer AI-powered translation services capable of assisting customers in more than 30 languages, while self-checkout kiosks allow shoppers to complete purchases using English, Japanese or Chinese interfaces. In tourist-heavy areas such as Myeongdong, the company has also introduced currency-exchange kiosks that allow visitors to convert foreign currencies including U.S. dollars, euros, yen and yuan into Korean won. The preparations reflect a growing number of international visitors traveling to Seoul for major cultural events such as the upcoming BTS concert. Fans traveling across continents The concert is drawing fans from around the world, many of whom have traveled long distances to attend the performance in Seoul. “I came from the United States mainly to see BTS perform,” said Joanna Zhao, who traveled to Korea with her fiancé. “I’ve been a fan for years but never had the chance to attend a concert before.” Zhao said she plans to stay in Korea for two weeks after the concert, including a visit to Busan, the hometown of BTS member Jungkook. “I love the ocean, and I know there are many BTS-related photo spots in Busan,” she said. Her fiancé, Kevin Liu, said the scale of the event was both exciting and somewhat intimidating. “I’m a bit nervous about how many people will gather in such a tight space,” said Liu, a software engineer visiting from the United States. “But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend such a global event.” Fans from other parts of Asia are also making the trip. “Listening to BTS in Korea just feels different,” said Takuya Yamamoto, who traveled from Sendai, Japan. “The atmosphere here makes their performances more powerful.” Preparing for a city-scale gathering Local fans say they expect the event to transform the normally historic and political center of Seoul into a massive gathering of music fans. “Concert days in Seoul are always extremely crowded, so I’m a little concerned about how things will work on the day,” said Kim Beom-jin, a fan from Gyeonggi Province who plans to attend the performance with friends. Authorities say preparations are underway to ensure the event proceeds safely despite the unprecedented scale. Government officials have emphasized crowd-control planning and emergency response measures ahead of the concert as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather in central Seoul. For now, however, signs of the coming surge are already visible across the city center. 2026-03-13 16:22:07 -
Asian stocks weaken as oil prices climb toward $100 amid Hormuz attacks SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) — Asian stock markets ended mostly lower Thursday as oil prices surged toward the $100 mark following renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz, heightening concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Crude prices climbed sharply after a series of attacks on commercial vessels near the strategic waterway, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 4.8 percent to $91.5 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude gained 5.2 percent to $96.8. Geopolitical tensions have intensified after multiple tanker attacks near the Strait of Hormuz and escalating military confrontation between Iran and the United States. Iran has effectively restricted maritime traffic in the area since Feb. 28 following U.S. and Israeli missile strikes, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global energy flows. The International Energy Agency said Wednesday that its member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves — the largest coordinated drawdown in the agency’s history — in an effort to stabilize global markets. The move, however, did little to calm investor sentiment. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI fell 0.5 percent to close at 5,583.25 after swinging between 5,629.07 and 5,527.47 during the session. Foreign investors continued heavy selling, offloading 2.36 trillion won ($1.5 billion) worth of shares. Individual investors purchased 2.23 trillion won while institutions bought 53.9 billion won. Large-cap semiconductor stocks weighed on the index. Samsung Electronics fell 1.1 percent to 187,900 won, while SK hynix declined 2.6 percent to 930,000 won. Automakers showed mixed performance. Hyundai Motor dropped 1.7 percent to 521,000 won, while Kia rose 3.1 percent to 167,000 won. Battery maker LG Energy Solution gained 3.9 percent to 384,000 won, while Samsung Biologics fell 1.9 percent to 1,625,000 won. Defense-related stocks advanced amid rising geopolitical tensions. Hanwha Aerospace climbed 3.9 percent to 1,465,000 won, while LIG Nex1 added 1.8 percent to 755,000 won. Nuclear-related shares also strengthened, with Doosan Enerbility rising 2.5 percent to 103,500 won. Shares of OrbiTech surged 29.9 percent to 8,160 won after the company announced a contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power related to radioactive concrete waste treatment. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ outperformed the main board, rising 1 percent to close at 1,148.4 after touching an intraday high of 1,150.65. Retail and institutional investors led buying on the secondary market, purchasing 507.4 billion won and 252.4 billion won worth of shares respectively, while foreigners sold a net 688.1 billion won. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.1 percent to 54,453 while the broader TOPIX index dropped 1.3 percent to 3,649.9. Taiwan’s TAIEX declined 1.6 percent to 33,581.9. Mainland Chinese markets were relatively stable, with the Shanghai Composite Index slipping just 0.1 percent to 4,129.1. The Korean won weakened, with the dollar rising to 1,481.6 won. 2026-03-12 17:21:36