Journalist

Ryu Yuna
  • South Koreas fertility nears 1.0 as births, marriages post double-digit gains
    South Korea's fertility nears 1.0 as births, marriages post double-digit gains SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) — South Korea’s notoriously low fertility rate gained a meaningful boost to 0.99 in January — the highest since monthly tracking began in 2024 — but questions remain over whether it can continue to hold near 1. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics on Wednesday, the number of births in January reached 26,916, up 2,817, or 11.7 percent from a year earlier, marking the highest January figure in seven years. Marriages also continued to post similar-pace double-digit growth. The baby increase follows a 12.5 percent year-on-year rise recorded in January 2025, extending the upward trend in births into early 2026. The rebound also pushed up the total fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have over her lifetime — to near 1.0, a sharp jump from 0.74 in December. The figure compares with an annual average of 0.80 in 2025, 0.75 in 2024 and 0.72 in 2023. South Korea became the only OECD country with a fertility rate below 1 in 2022, when the figure first fell into the 0.7 range. Annual births also showed signs of recovery, rising to 254,500 last year from around 230,000 in the previous two years. Still, the sustainability of the rebound remains uncertain. The increase is partly attributed to the so-called “second echo boom,” as those born between 1991 and 1995 — the children of the second baby boom generation (1964–1974) — enter their prime marriage and childbearing years. This cohort, which recorded more than 700,000 births annually, has helped lift marriages, alongside the continued impact of government policies aimed at encouraging childbirth. Despite the uptick, the country still recorded a natural population decline of 5,539 in January, as deaths continued to outnumber births. Jeon Young-soo, a professor of international studies at Hanyang University, urged caution in interpreting the rebound, noting that demographic effects have played a major role. “The rise in fertility is not necessarily a sign that the overall birth environment has fundamentally improved,” Jeon said. “Because fertility is a ratio, changes in both the numerator and denominator matter — while births have increased by tens of thousands, the population base has declined more sharply.” He also pointed to a backlog of delayed marriages following the COVID-19 pandemic as a factor behind the recent increase in births. Jeon said the trend could continue for the next two to three years but warned against overinterpreting short-term gains. “This could be a temporary phase driven by demographic factors,” he said. “Rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations, policymakers should focus on long-term, structural strategies to improve the conditions surrounding marriage and childbirth.” A breakdown by age shows birth rates rose across all groups, led by women in their 30s — the core childbearing cohort. The birth rate for women aged 30–34 climbed to 90.9, up 8.7 from a year earlier, marking the largest increase. The rate for those aged 35–39 also rose sharply to 65.8, up 8.0. Among younger women, the rate for those aged 25–29 rose to 25.6, up 1.5, while rates for those aged 24 and under and 40 and above edged up to 2.4 and 5.1, respectively. On a monthly basis, births increased from 24,099 in January 2025, extending the early-year upward trend. Births rose across all regions except Sejong, indicating a broad-based rebound nationwide. By birth order, the share of first-born children increased by 1.4 percentage points from a year earlier, while the proportions of second-born and third-or-higher births each declined by 0.7 percentage points. Marriages, a leading indicator of births, also increased to 22,640 in January, up 2,489, or 12.4 percent from a year earlier, suggesting continued near-term momentum — though uncertainties remain over its durability. 2026-03-25 15:49:49
  • Asian markets open higher on US peace plan for Iran; KOSPI lifted by SK hynixs IPO filing
    Asian markets open higher on US peace plan for Iran; KOSPI lifted by SK hynix's IPO filing SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Asian markets opened higher on Wednesday after reports that the U.S. had sent a proposal to Iran to end the conflict in the Middle East, while Israel had reportedly proposed a one-month ceasefire. But amid continuing conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran, U.S. stocks closed lower the previous day, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.18 percent, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell 0.37 percent and 0.84 percent, respectively, as earlier optimism for a possible end to the conflict faded. Among megacap tech stocks, Nvidia fell 0.25 percent and Amazon dropped 1.38 percent, while Tesla rose 0.57 percent and Apple edged up 0.06 percent. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 1.28 percent. In Japan, Nikkei 225 rose 2.54 percent to 53,581.99 in morning trade. The stock gains are supported by improving economic fundamentals as the island country emerges from decades of deflation. Corporate earnings have also been strong, with major listed firms expected to post record profits for a fifth consecutive year, supported by broad growth across semiconductors, services, and tourism. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also gained 0.87 percent to 25,280.52, China's Shanghai Composite rose 1.78 percent to 3,881.28 and Taiwan's TAIEX rose 3.22 percent to 33,661.02. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI rose 2.19 percent at the open, and the junior KOSDAQ gained 0.94 percent, before extending gains to trade up 3.18 percent to 5,730.30 and 3.23 percent at 1,157.49, respectively. SK hynix shares rose after the chipmaker said it had filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) the previous day, seeking a U.S. listing via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), with plans to complete the listing within this year. ADRs allow foreign companies to trade their shares on U.S. exchanges, providing broader access to global investors. SK hynix shares were up 3.85 percent at 1,024,000 won in early morning trade. Major KOSPI heavyweights traded broadly higher, led by chipmakers and autos. Samsung Electronics rose 2.74 percent to 194,900 won, Hyundai Motor advanced 2.85 percent to 506,000 won, and Kia rose 2.28 percent to 161,500 won. LG Energy Solution edged up 0.38 percent to 394,000 won. SK Inc. rose 3.87 percent to 618,000 won, Samsung Biologics gained 3.10 percent to 1,595,000 won, and Hanwha Aerospace added 1.05 percent to 1,349,000 won. Doosan Enerbility climbed 1.35 percent to 101,450 won. KB Financial Group advanced 2.65 percent to 150,800 won, Shinhan Financial Group rose 3.67 percent to 93,300 won, Mirae Asset Securities jumped 5.56 percent to 64,500 won, and Samsung Life Insurance climbed 3.38 percent to 229,500 won. But HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 1.55 percent to 508,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean edged down 0.08 percent to 122,200 won. In the KOSDAQ, Samchundang Pharm surged 11.22 percent to 1,041,000 won, leading gains. The rebound followed a brief pullback in the previous session on profit-taking after a five-day winning streak last week. The won strengthened slightly to 1,493.70 per dollar from a previous close of 1,495.2. 2026-03-25 11:29:54
  • Asia advances on easing Middle East tensions and oil price drop
    Asia advances on easing Middle East tensions and oil price drop SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) — Asian markets found modest relief Tuesday on signals of a potential truce after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended his ultimatum over attacks on Iran’s power infrastructure, though gains were pared amid mixed signals from Tehran and Gulf states. Japanese stocks rose at the open on expectations of early de-escalation in the Middle East, with the Nikkei 225 rebounding after plunging more than 5 percent in the previous session on fears of prolonged oil supply disruptions. The index was up 1.42 percent at 52,249.45 in morning trade. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 1.55 percent to 24,761.14, China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.68 percent to 3,839.05, and Taiwan’s TAIEX added 0.58 percent to 32,913.26. Overnight on Wall Street, all three major indexes closed higher after Trump signaled a pause in potential military action against Iran and a resumption of negotiations, boosting hopes for near-term de-escalation. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.38 percent, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained 1.15 percent and 1.38 percent, respectively. Oil prices also fell more than 10 percent, easing inflation concerns. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI rebounded sharply after the previous session’s steep decline. It rose 4.30 percent at the open before trimming gains to trade up 0.32 percent at 5,423.18 as of 10:53 a.m. The KOSDAQ added 0.34 percent to 1,100.63. Major KOSPI heavyweights traded mostly higher. Samsung Electronics rose 1.50 percent to 189,100 won, while SK hynix gained 2.79 percent to 959,000 won. Hyundai Motor advanced 1.55 percent to 492,500 won, and LG Energy Solution jumped 6.60 percent to 379,500 won. Samsung Biologics added 0.46 percent to 1,530,000 won, Hanwha Aerospace rose 3.29 percent to 1,320,000 won, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained 1.79 percent to 511,000 won. Celltrion climbed 2.66 percent to 193,300 won, Hanwha Ocean gained 2.27 percent to 121,600 won, and Hyundai Mobis rose 2.76 percent to 391,500 won. Naver advanced 1.56 percent to 212,250 won, while Mirae Asset Securities edged up 0.48 percent to 62,200 won. KB Financial Group and Samsung C&T posted modest gains, and HD Hyundai Electric rose 0.11 percent to 914,000 won. Samsung Life Insurance was unchanged at 217,500 won. On the downside, Kia fell 2.72 percent to 157,300 won, marking the steepest decline among major stocks. Doosan Enerbility slipped 0.35 percent to 100,350 won, while Shinhan Financial Group edged down 0.67 percent to 89,300 won. On the KOSDAQ, market leadership has been shifting rapidly, with the top spot by market capitalization changing five times so far this year. Biotech stocks have recently emerged as a key driver. Samchundang Pharm rose 4.57 percent to 984,000 won, briefly becoming the largest KOSDAQ stock by market cap. Its share price has surged more than 300 percent so far this year. Leadership has rotated among battery and biotech names, including EcoPro BM, EcoPro, Alteogen and now Samchundang. Despite net foreign selling of 5.8 trillion won in Korean equities over the past week, investors continued to buy biotech stocks, with four biotech firms among the top 10 net purchases. Strong inflows into newly listed active ETFs on the KOSDAQ, heavily weighted toward biotech, have also supported the sector. Analysts say biotech could replace secondary batteries as the next market leader, though high volatility tied to clinical outcomes remains a key risk. The won strengthened slightly to 1,500.60 per dollar from the previous close of 1,517.6, reflecting a temporary easing of Middle East tensions. 2026-03-24 11:24:06
  • KOSPI jumps as Iran strike fears ease, oil prices tumble
    KOSPI jumps as Iran strike fears ease, oil prices tumble SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) — South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI opened sharply higher on Tuesday upon expectation of a potential truce. Seoul’s main index rose 4.39 percent to 5,643.00 at the open, while the KOSDAQ gained 3.47 percent to 1,135.00. Gains later pared to around 2 percent as conflicting remarks from Washington and Tehran over a possible truce tempered early optimism. U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a potential strike on Iran by five days and signaled openness to negotiations, raising hopes for early de-escalation. The rally was further supported by a sharp drop in oil prices and easing bond yields. West Texas Intermediate crude plunged 10.3 percent to the high-$80 range per barrel, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield slipped to around 4.34 percent. The decline in oil prices reflected expectations of diplomatic progress and a normalization of supply, though volatility driven by geopolitical headlines is likely to persist. Major KOSPI heavyweights moved broadly higher. Samsung Electronics rose 3.92 percent to 193,600 won, while SK hynix jumped 5.47 percent to 984,000 won. Hyundai Motor advanced 3.30 percent to 501,000 won, and LG Energy Solution gained 4.92 percent to 373,500 won. Among other large caps, Samsung Biologics added 2.10 percent to 1,555,000 won. Hanwha Aerospace edged up 1.41 percent to 1,296,000 won, and Doosan Enerbility climbed 3.18 percent to 103,900 won. Financials and industrials also traded higher. KB Financial Group gained 2.41 percent to 148,800 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 2.99 percent to 517,000 won, and Samsung C&T climbed 3.10 percent to 283,000 won. Celltrion advanced 2.97 percent to 193,900 won, while Samsung Life Insurance added 2.76 percent to 223,500 won. Shinhan Financial Group rose 1.22 percent to 91,000 won, Hanwha Ocean gained 3.11 percent to 122,600 won, and Mirae Asset Securities advanced 3.07 percent to 63,800 won. Hyundai Mobis increased 2.10 percent to 389,000 won, while HD Hyundai Electric jumped 3.83 percent to 948,000 won. Kia was the only major decliner, falling 2.04 percent to 158,400 won. 2026-03-24 10:44:01
  • Vietnam emerges as new frontier for Korean movies
    Vietnam emerges as new frontier for Korean movies SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - With The King’s Warden the latest South Korean movie set for release in Vietnam, the Southeast Asian country is emerging as a strategic growth market for Korean cinema. The film, which drew over 14 million viewers at home, is set in Yeongwol county in Korea’s Gangwon province, and depicts the relationship between a young dethroned king and a village chief. It is set to open on April 10 across more than 200 screens, including CGV, Lotte Cinema, and major local chains, according to CJ HK Entertainment, the Vietnamese unit of CJ ENM, Vietnam’s film market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, since returning in 2022 to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. Korean companies, particularly CJ ENM’s Vietnamese unit, have played a major role in this growth. Since entering the market in 2014, CJ HK has participated in the production, investment and distribution of more than 20 movies. It led the production of Mai (2024) and Nha Ba Nu (2023), which ranked first and second in Vietnam’s all-time box office, and in 2025 placed The Ancestral Home among the country’s top 10 hits, ranking seventh overall. Industry observers say the relationship is evolving beyond content exports to co-production, with Korean firms shifting from external suppliers to local partners. Released in Vietnam on Aug. 1 last year, Leaving Mom was a co-invested project between Korean and Vietnamese production companies. Directed and written by a Korean filmmaker, the film was shot in both countries with a joint cast and crew. It surpassed its break-even point within three days with 840,000 admissions and went on to top the box office for 15 consecutive days, exceeding 2 million viewers. According to distributor Showbox, Exhuma drew more than 2.23 million viewers in Vietnam within 17 days of its release in March 2024, surpassing previous records. It also posted the highest opening-day and opening-weekend revenues for a Korean film in the market. Vietnam has emerged as a key partner for Korean film collaboration, offering a more open production environment compared with China and Japan. CJ CGV and Lotte Entertainment together hold about 54 percent of the multiplex market, providing strong distribution infrastructure for Korean content. At the same time, Vietnam’s domestic film industry share of box office revenue rose from 29 percent in 2019 to about 70 percent in 2025. Total box office revenue reached a record 5.59 trillion dong ($312 million) in 2025, up 24 percent from 2024 and more than 35 percent from 2019, with annual ticket sales exceeding 70 million. This contrasts with South Korea’s film market, which remains in a prolonged slowdown. Theater admissions fell 32.5% year-on-year to about 42.5 million in the first half of 2025, while revenue dropped 33.2%. Film production has also declined significantly, and the expansion of streaming platforms continues to weigh on both theatrical and secondary markets. 2026-03-23 17:52:55
  • Korean pet food firms push into Vietnams booming market
    Korean pet food firms push into Vietnam's booming market SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) — South Korean pet food companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam as a key growth market, capitalizing on the Southeast Asian country’s rapidly expanding pet economy and rising demand for premium pet care. Vietnam has quickly emerged as a strategic destination for Korean exporters. Korean-made pet food already accounts for an estimated 30-40 percent of purchases in some segments, underscoring strong brand recognition and consumer trust. South Korea’s animal feed exports to Vietnam have reached $27.2 million, highlighting the country’s growing importance as an overseas market for Korean firms seeking new revenue streams beyond a maturing domestic industry. The push into Vietnam comes as the country’s pet economy undergoes rapid expansion. Pet population in Vietnam estimated at 31.4 million in 2024 is expected to exceed 33 million this year, according to Euromonitor International. The market itself is projected to grow from around $500 million in 2023 to more than $700 million by 2027, representing an annual growth rate of about 11 percent. This growth is being driven not only by rising pet ownership but also by a shift toward higher-value spending. In cities such as Hanoi, demand for pet services is surging. Dog training centers charge roughly 3 million VND (about $170) per month and report dozens of monthly inquiries, with steady enrollment. Pet hotels and daycare centers are frequently fully booked during peak travel seasons, reflecting a broader willingness among owners to spend on convenience and quality care. Spending is also diversifying beyond basic pet food into services such as grooming, veterinary care and training, areas where Korean companies see opportunities to introduce higher-end products and specialized offerings. For Korean firms, Vietnam’s growth contrasts with more mature conditions at home. Data from the KB Financial Group Research Institute shows that 5.91 million households in Korea — 26.7 percent of the total — owned pets as of 2024, with the overall pet population estimated at 15.5 million. The domestic pet food market is likewise sizable, reaching around 2.2 trillion won ($1.7 billion) in 2025, but growth is gradually stabilizing. While consumer spending continues to rise — with KB Kookmin Card data showing a roughly 30 percent increase in pet-related spending between 2021 and 2024 — companies are increasingly looking abroad to sustain momentum. Major food companies have been expanding their pet food portfolios as part of this outward push. Pulmuone recorded a 35 percent year-on-year increase in pet food sales, with some products posting explosive growth. HY reported a 34.6 percent rise, while Dongwon F&B achieved double-digit growth and expanded exports to more than 10 countries, including Vietnam. Daesang PetLife also posted a 25 percent increase in revenue. 2026-03-23 16:54:33
  • Asia markets slide as foreign flows unwind amid U.S. ultimatum on Iran
    Asia markets slide as foreign flows unwind amid U.S. ultimatum on Iran SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) — A sharp pullback in foreign positioning rippled across Asian markets Monday after Washington issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting investors to cut exposure to risk-sensitive assets. Chip-heavy markets led regional losses. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped below the 51,000 mark for the first time since Jan. 5, according to Kyodo News, dragged down by semiconductor stocks. Advantest plunged 6.76 percent, while Tokyo Electron fell 4.35 percent. Oil-sensitive chemical and manufacturing shares, along with retail heavyweight Fast Retailing, also declined. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2.40 percent to 24,670.29, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.88 percent to 3,882.67, and Taiwan’s Taiex Index declined 2.04 percent to 32,860.10. The KOSPI slid sharply at the open, triggering a sell-side sidecar at 9:18 a.m. after KOSPI200 futures dropped more than 5 percent for over one minute — the 10th such activation this year. Foreign investors accelerated outflows, dumping more than 1.16 trillion won worth of shares shortly after the opening bell. The Korean won also came under pressure. The dollar-won exchange rate opened at 1,504.9 won and rose to as high as 1,511.8 won in early trade — its highest level since March 2009 during the global financial crisis. The market reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face further military action, intensifying fears of a prolonged disruption to a critical global energy route. As of 11:01 a.m., the KOSPI had fallen 4.88 percent, or 281.93 points, to 5,499.27, while the KOSDAQ dropped 3.65 percent to 1,119.08. Losses were broad-based across sectors. In semiconductors, Samsung Electronics declined 4.96 percent and SK hynix dropped 6.26 percent. Automakers also weakened, with Hyundai Motor down 4.84 percent, Kia falling 4.57 percent and Hyundai Mobis losing 5.37 percent. Energy, industrial and shipbuilding stocks were also under pressure. LG Energy Solution fell 3.60 percent, SK Square plunged 8.22 percent and Doosan Enerbility declined 5.75 percent. Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Electric all posted losses of around 4 to 7 percent. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics fell 3.81 percent and Celltrion declined 5.79 percent. Financials tracked the broader downturn, with KB Financial Group falling 4.83 percent, Shinhan Financial Group down 5.62 percent, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 6.50 percent and Samsung Life Insurance losing 4.32 percent. Among other large caps, Samsung C&T declined 5.38 percent and NAVER slipped 4.51 percent. On the KOSDAQ, Samchundang Pharm stood out among the few gainers, rising 3.97 percent on continued optimism over its oral insulin pipeline. Analysts said market direction this week will hinge on geopolitical developments and U.S. rate expectations, while warning of potential peak-out concerns in the memory cycle following Micron’s earnings. Investors were advised to monitor semiconductor earnings revisions and foreign fund flows closely. 2026-03-23 11:40:35
  • KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low
    KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI tumbled at the open on Monday, triggering a sell-side sidecar as investor sentiment soured sharply on energy crisis after an U.S. ultimatum on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. As of 9:54 a.m., Seoul's main index sank 6 percent 5,430.24, and the KOSDAQ nearly 5 percent to 1,105.33. Losers overwhelmed gainers by 859 to 57. The dollar hit 1,510.40, the first time above 1,510 since March of 2009 amid the global financial crisis. Fears of a broader conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran — coupled with surging oil prices and a global market sell-off — drove a broad risk-off sentiment, sending equities sharply lower. The escalation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face destruction on its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. Index-heavy Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plunged more than 6 percent. Automobile and mobility stocks also moved down, Hyundai Motor fell 4.06 percent to 496,000 won, Kia declined 3.62 percent to 162,400 won, and Hyundai Mobis dropped 5.12 percent to 380,000 won. In energy, chemicals and industrials, LG Energy Solution slipped 3.60 percent to 362,000 won, SK Square plunged 8.72 percent to 555,000 won, Doosan Enerbility fell 5.29 percent to 103,800 won, Hanwha Aerospace declined 4.24 percent to 1,264,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped 6.80 percent to 521,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean fell 5.58 percent to 121,900 won. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics edged down 3.31 percent to 1,548,000 won, while Celltrion declined 4.80 percent to 192,300 won. Financial shares followed the downward trend, with KB Financial Group falling 3.80 percent to 149,300 won, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 5.91 percent to 63,700 won, Samsung Life Insurance declining 4.32 percent to 221,500 won, and Shinhan Financial Group falling 4.29 percent to 93,700 won. 2026-03-23 10:05:09
  • BTS Live D-1: The world turns out in Seoul on eve of comeback concert
    BTS Live D-1: The world turns out in Seoul on eve of comeback concert SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) — The world has already arrived in Seoul. Under a clear spring sky, with budding mountains framing the city and the Taegeukgi fluttering alongside flashes of purple hanbok, Gwanghwamun on Friday felt both familiar and entirely transformed — a day before BTS returns to the heart of downtown Seoul. Crowds surged through the plaza, funneled into narrow corridors by police barricades. Safety personnel stood at regular intervals, scanning the movement. Officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government moved briskly through the area. “Please keep moving. Don’t stop,” they called out. Few listened. Gwanghwamun was already bustling with crowds and anticipation. Along the boulevard, digital billboards on buildings including KT Tower flashed images of BTS — the city’s returning icons, now reunited as a full seven-member group for the first time in nearly four years. Almost instantly, pedestrians froze mid-stride. Phones rose into the air. A spontaneous audience formed. Teenagers clutching light sticks, middle-aged couples, elderly visitors leaning on canes — all stood together, gazing upward. On the steps of the nearby Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, dozens sat shoulder to shoulder, watching as if it were an open-air cinema. For some, the moment had already tipped into something more. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” said Asana Ndandani, 38, who had just arrived from South Africa. She plans to stay a full month and attend another concert in nearby Goyang. “It feels like a dream,” she said. Her connection to BTS runs deeper than music. “They represent youth. They go through the same struggles that we go through,” she said, describing her favorite song, “Black Swan,” as a source of comfort. Language, she added, was never a barrier. “It’s not about understanding every word. It’s about the feeling. The message,” she said. “Being here, seeing all the members together — it’s a dream come true.” The journey itself was emotional. “The days leading up to ticketing — you can’t sleep,” she said. “When we got the Goyang tickets, we cried. We were video-calling from work and we literally cried.” Vuyo Matiwane, 36, also from South Africa, recalled attending a BTS concert years earlier. “It didn’t feel real,” she said. “Sometimes I watch the video and think, ‘I was actually there.’” She expects the same tomorrow. Cost, she added, was irrelevant. “If tickets were five times more expensive, we would still come,” she said. “I can sleep outside. As long as I’m here, that’s all that matters.” Holding up a bag of donuts, she laughed. “We’re eating now so we can survive until tomorrow.” Then, more softly: “We really hope BTS comes to South Africa.” Beyond Gwanghwamun, the ripple spread through the city. Bukchon Hanok Village, a short walk from the venue, was already overflowing. Visitors pressed shoulder to shoulder beneath curved tiled roofs, their voices blending into a polyglot hum of Japanese, Mandarin, French, Russian and English. The narrow alleys — once home to aristocrats centuries ago — now serve as an unlikely prelude to a global 21st-century music event. Local businesses are feeling the surge. “Business has doubled this week,” said the owner of a souvenir shop near Bukchon, pointing to shelves of BTS-themed goods picked over by eager hands. “We always have Japanese and Taiwanese customers, but now there are even more.” The data reflects the scene. Accommodation bookings for the third week of March jumped 103 percent from the previous week and 63.3 percent from a year earlier, according to Allmytour. Overall reservations for the month rose 33.5 percent on-year. Downtown accounted for 41.8 percent of bookings, concentrated around Myeongdong, City Hall, Jongno and Dongdaemun. Mid-range hotels — three- to four-star — were the most in demand. By nationality, visitors from Greater China made up 41 percent, followed by the Americas and Europe at 29.2 percent and Southeast Asia at 26.2 percent. A single BTS concert in Korea generates an estimated 1.2 trillion won ($800 million) in economic impact, according to the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute. For many, this is a first encounter with the country. “I like Seoul’s mix of traditional culture and modern architecture,” said Angela, a 62-year-old from Barcelona visiting with friends. The concert anchored her itinerary. “BTS music feels new to us,” she said. “That’s why I became a fan.” Matthew Dysart from Los Angeles arrived with his son, describing the event as both personal and professional. “I helped HYBE with the Netflix deal,” he said. “This is not just entertainment — it’s a cultural milestone.” Streaming platforms are watching closely. “Everyone in the U.S. is excited,” he said. “Netflix is especially excited about streaming the concert and the upcoming documentary.” Looking out over the crowd in Bukchon, he paused. “I think people have been waiting for years,” he said. By early evening, the city itself seemed to hum. The concert had not yet begun. But the world was already here. 2026-03-20 18:01:15
  • KOSPI defies broader trend as Asian markets decline amid oil-driven inflation fears
    KOSPI defies broader trend as Asian markets decline amid oil-driven inflation fears SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - Asian markets mostly fell on Friday, with South Korea's benchmark KOSPI the only major index to edge higher, as investors weighed rising oil prices against signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. Wall Street's three major indexes closed lower overnight but pared earlier losses, with the Dow Jones falling 0.44 percent and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declining 0.27 percent and 0.28 percent, respectively. Markets initially came under pressure from a surge in oil prices triggered by retaliatory attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East, compounded by expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. Losses narrowed toward the day's trading close as U.S. officials signaled restraint on further escalation and made remarks aimed at stabilizing oil markets, prompting bargain hunting. The Fed's chair Jerome Powell reinforced a hawkish stance, indicating that rate cuts are unlikely unless inflation shows a clear and sustained decline, and saying that further rate hikes were discussed at the latest meeting. Oil prices remained a key overhang, with Brent crude surging more than 10 percent intraday and briefly nearing $120 per barrel after Iran's attack on an energy complex in Qatar heightened supply concerns. The spike fueled inflation fears and pushed U.S. Treasury yields higher, with the 2-year yield touching 3.96 percent before closing at 3.79 percent, up 5 basis points. But sentiment improved later in the session after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had lost the capability to enrich uranium or produce missiles, signaling that military objectives may have largely been achieved. His remarks, along with indications that further strikes on energy infrastructure would be avoided, helped limit losses. Sector-wise, mega-cap tech stocks broadly declined, with Tesla dropping 3.18 percent. In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor-related shares showed resilience, lifting the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index by 0.87 percent. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell 4.11 percent to 24.06, reflecting reduced immediate market stress despite ongoing uncertainty. In Asia, investor focus is shifting toward corporate earnings, particularly in semiconductors. Cautious guidance from Micron despite strong earnings has raised concerns over a potential peak in the memory cycle, which may weigh on regional chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in the near term. As of Friday morning, Samsung Electronics was unchanged at 200,500 won, while SK hynix rose 0.49 percent to 1,018,000 won. Investors are likely to remain sensitive to oil prices, as prolonged energy inflation could complicate the Fed's policy path to rate cuts and sustain volatility across global markets. Foreign investors have been net sellers on the KOSPI this year, offloading over 36 trillion won worth of shares. Some analysts, however, believe the sell-off may be nearing its end, pointing to improving earnings momentum, particularly in semiconductor sectors. Geopolitical risks from the Middle East and a sharply weaker won have been cited as key drivers of foreign outflows. Surging oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar pushed the won past the 1,500 level against the greenback, further accelerating selling and market volatility. Pressure eased slightly as the won strengthened to 1,492.30 per dollar from a previous close of 1,501.3. As of 11:04 a.m., the KOSPI rose 0.48 percent to 5,790.78 points, and the junior KOSDAQ gained 1.60 percent to 1,161.80. But stocks traded mixed, with biopharmaceuticals, financials and energy shares leading gains while automakers and defense-related stocks lagged. In the energy and battery sector, LG Energy Solution gained 0.94 percent to 374,500 won and Doosan Enerbility advanced 2.45 percent to 108,900 won. Biopharmaceutical stocks showed strength, with Samsung Biologics climbing 2.27 percent to 1,621,000 won and Celltrion adding 0.50 percent to 203,000 won. Hyundai Motor was unchanged at 522,000 won, Kia edged down 0.12 percent to 170,300 won, and Hyundai Mobis fell 1.57 percent to 406,500 won. Defense and shipbuilding stocks were mixed, with Hanwha Aerospace dropping 3.78 percent to 1,323,000 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries slipping 0.53 percent to 564,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean rose 0.46 percent to 130,600 won. In the financial sector, KB Financial Group gained 0.64 percent to 156,700 won, Shinhan Financial Group rose 1.35 percent to 97,800 won, and Mirae Asset Securities jumped 3.90 percent to 69,300 won, though Samsung Life Insurance fell 2.60 percent to 224,500 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 3.38 percent to 53,372.53 amid geopolitical uncertainty, as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Japan to take a more active military role including support in the Strait of Hormuz during a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington, D.C. But she said that there are actions Japan can and cannot take "within the limits of Japanese law." Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.59 percent to 25,349.29, China's Shanghai Composite slipped 0.17 percent to 3,999.54 and Taiwan's Taiex Index edged down 0.10 percent to 33,655.23. 2026-03-20 11:52:40