Journalist

한준구
Han Jun-gu
  • Seoul subways go fully self-service on fares
    Seoul subways go fully self-service on fares SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - Seoul Metro announced on January 6 that it has completed the installation of 440 new transportation card kiosks across all 273 stations on Lines 1-8, marking the first upgrade in 17 years since the introduction of cash-only machines in 2009. The new kiosks now accept credit cards and mobile payment methods including KakaoPay and Naver Pay for purchasing and recharging single-journey tickets, monthly passes, and Climate Companion Cards. The number of available card types has expanded from one disposable option to five varieties including the Climate Companion Card. Passengers can now independently process refunds for single-journey and monthly passes, change prepaid card types, and re-register lost or stolen public transportation safety cards—services that previously required staff assistance. Seoul Metro emphasized accessibility improvements for transportation-vulnerable users, incorporating standards from the Disability Discrimination Act. The kiosks feature screens and control panels positioned within 1,220mm from the floor for wheelchair users and children, along with a low-screen mode. Additional features include braille keypads, audio guide headphone jacks for the visually impaired, and simplified interfaces with large text for elderly and low-vision users. 2026-01-07 16:01:31
  • PHOTOS:Cinematic society bids farewell to late actor Ahn Sung-ki
    PHOTOS:Cinematic society bids farewell to late actor Ahn Sung-ki SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - A memorial space honoring the late actor Ahn Sung-ki has been opened at the Seoul film center in Jung-gu, Seoul, and will operate from January 6 to 8. The space is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing citizens to freely pay their respects. Ahn Sung-ki made his debut in the film industry at the age of five through director Kim Ki-young's film "Twilight Train" in 1957. Over six decades, he appeared in more than 170 films and is regarded as a pillar of Korean cinema history. He led the Korean film industry through major works including "Whale Hunting," "Chilsu and Mansu," "Two Cops," "Taebaek Mountains," "Silmido," and "Radio Star." Ahn Sung-ki passed away at the age of 74 on the morning of January 5 at the intensive care unit of Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. 2026-01-07 15:58:40
  • Armys Nonsan training camp welcomes first recruits of 2026
    Army's Nonsan training camp welcomes first recruits of 2026 SEOUL, January 06 (AJP) - Korea's biggest Army training center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, officially commenced its 2026 operations on Monday with the year’s first enlistment ceremony. Approximately 1,760 new recruits took part in the proceedings, joined by thousands of family members and friends. As the primary gateway for military service, the Nonsan facility handles approximately 60 percent of all Army enlistees. Following this inaugural intake, the center expects to process and train an estimated 120,000 troops throughout this year. The recruits are scheduled to undergo six weeks of intensive basic combat training. Upon completion of the program, they will be assigned to their permanent units starting next month to fulfill their mandatory military service. 2026-01-06 17:41:06
  • Fresh cold spell grips Seoul
    Fresh cold spell grips Seoul SEOUL, January 6 (AJP) - A fresh cold spell returned to Seoul on Tuesday, with a morning low of -6 degrees Celsius, much colder than the previous day's -1 degrees. The mercury barely rose, with daytime temperatures climbing to just 4 degrees as frigid conditions persisted throughout the day. Other cities across the country also faced frigid temperatures, with Chuncheon at -10 degrees, Cheongju at -8 degrees, Daejeon at -7 degrees, and the southern port city of Busan at -2 degrees. 2026-01-06 16:29:00
  • PHOTOS:Brushstrokes of heritage: A mother-daughter duo redefine tradition in Bukchon
    PHOTOS:Brushstrokes of heritage: A mother-daughter duo redefine tradition in Bukchon SEOUL, January 05 (AJP) - Tucked away in the winding alleys of Gahoe-dong, the Bukchon Hanok Office serves as a serene sanctuary from the city's modern pulse. In late 2025, this traditional space — operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government — offered more than just a glimpse of historic architecture; it became the stage for a deeply personal convergence of art and lineage. The exhibition, titled "Yeon: A Mother-Daughter Story Connected by Brush," brought together calligrapher Baek Kyung-ja (known by her art name, Yesol) and her daughter, dancheong (traditional decorative coloring) artist Lee Eun-young. The show’s origin is as heartwarming as the art itself. When Lee suggested her mother hold a solo exhibition, Baek initially declined. The impasse was broken by Lee’s simple, spirited invitation: "Mom, then let's do it together!" Stepping through the sarangchae (guest quarters) and main house, visitors were greeted by a dialogue between generations. Baek, a veteran artist with over 40 years of experience in Korean calligraphy and folk painting, displayed works that radiated the profound weight and refinement of a life dedicated to the brush. Beside her, Lee — who transitioned from fashion design to training under a National Intangible Cultural Heritage master — presented dancheong pieces that felt strikingly modern in their composition and interpretation. As natural light filtered through the hanji (traditional paper) windows, it illuminated the vibrant pigments and deep ink tones of the artworks. Walking through the wooden-floored rooms, the concept of "yeon" — the Korean word for a karmic connection or bond — felt palpable. For those wandering the historic slopes of Bukchon, this modest yet soulful exhibition offered a rare moment where traditional and contemporary artistry harmoniously intertwined, proving that the strongest threads of heritage are often those shared between a mother and her daughter. 2026-01-05 17:18:43
  • Incheons third sea bridge opens with worlds highest bridge observatory
    Incheon's third sea bridge opens with world's highest bridge observatory SEOUL, January 05 (AJP) - Incheon's Third Sea Bridge, connecting Yeongjong Island—home to Incheon International Airport—to the mainland, opened at 2 p.m. on January 5. The new crossing is expected to cut travel time from Gangnam in southern Seoul to the airport to about 45 minutes. The 4.68-kilometer-long, 30-meter-wide bridge features six lanes for traffic, plus 3.5-4-meter-wide bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways on both sides. Linking Jungsan-dong in Jung-gu to Cheongna International City in Seo-gu, the bridge is the third sea-crossing structure connecting Yeongjong Island to the mainland. Tolls will be collected starting January 15 after a 10-day trial period of the "smart tolling" (non-stop electronic toll collection) system. Fees are set at 2,000 won for passenger cars, 3,400 won for medium vehicles, and 4,400 won for large vehicles. The bridge's main tower observatory, standing 184.2 meters above sea level, has been certified by Guinness World Records and the World Record Certification (WRC) as the world's highest sea bridge observatory. The observation deck is scheduled to open in March-April 2025. 2026-01-05 17:06:14
  • Gangnam Media winter festa illuminates Seoul streets
    Gangnam Media winter festa illuminates Seoul streets SEOUL, December 31 (AJP) - The "2025 Gangnam Media Winter Festa" opened on December 19 in the G20 Square and K-POP Square near exits 5 and 6 of Samseong Station in Gangnam District, Seoul. Gangnam District describes the event as "an urban festival combining spectacular media technology with warm winter sentiments." The festival features immersive media shows utilizing 17 large LED displays across seven locations in four buildings, incorporating light, sound, and interactive elements. The festival runs for 16 days through January 3, 2026. 2025-12-31 17:45:12
  • Public bike stations close ahead of New Years Eve bell-ringing ceremony
    Public bike stations close ahead of New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government will temporarily close 16 public bike rental stations near Bosingak Pavilion from 7 p.m. on December 30 to 8 a.m. on January 1 in preparation for large crowds expected at the New Year's Eve bell-ringing ceremony. The measure aims to ensure public safety and prevent accidents as thousands gather for the traditional event. The bell-ringing ceremony, held at midnight on January 1, marks the end of the year and welcomes the new year with 33 strikes of the Bosingak bell. 2025-12-30 17:55:25
  • Avatar 3 maintains box office lead for 13th consecutive day
    Avatar 3 maintains box office lead for 13th consecutive day SEOUL, December 30 (AJP) - "Avatar: Fire and Ash" continued its box office dominance for the 13th straight day, showing strong momentum in its third week of release. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network on December 30, the film attracted 139,110 viewers on December 29 alone, bringing its total audience to 4.175 million. Directed by James Cameron and released in South Korea on December 17 ahead of its global premiere, the film topped the box office from day one. Notably, "Avatar: Fire and Ash" surpassed the 4 million viewer mark in just 10 days, breaking the record previously held by "Zootopia 2" (13 days) for the fastest film to reach this milestone among 2025 releases. With robust advance ticket sales continuing into its third week, the film signals strong prospects for a long theatrical run. 2025-12-30 15:23:46
  • Job security demands shadow S. Korean presidents return to Blue House
    Job security demands shadow S. Korean president's return to Blue House SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - As South Korean President Lee Jae Myung officially commenced duties at Cheong Wa Dae, the celebratory atmosphere was met with immediate domestic pressure as non-regular presidential staff launched a labor protest through the heart of the capital. On Monday morning, members of the Seoul Regional Public Services Branch — a chapter under the powerful Korean Confederation of Trade Unions — convened at Gwanghwamun Square to demand permanent job security guarantees from the incoming administration. Following a press conference, union members began a traditional form of protest involving full-body bows every few steps — traveling from Gwanghwamun Square toward the presidential office. The demonstration highlights a growing rift between the administration’s symbolic return to the historic "Blue House" and the precarious status of the personnel who maintain it. The protesters represent a segment of "non-regular" workers — contractors and temporary staff — who handle essential services within the presidential complex. The march serves as an early litmus test for the Lee Jae Myung administration’s labor policy. During the presidential campaign, Lee emphasized social equity, yet the union claims the current lack of an official employment roadmap contradicts those promises. 2025-12-29 15:31:07