Journalist
Han Jun-gu and Kim Dong-woo
jungu141298@ajupress.com
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Annual sports-themed show awes visitors with cutting-edge technologies SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The annual sports-themed trade show is taking place at COEX in southern Seoul this week. The Seoul International Sports & Leisure Industry Show (SPOEX), South Korea's largest and one of Asia's biggest exhibitions where sports, technology, and industry converge, kicked off on Thursday and runs until this weekend. This year's event brought together around 300 domestic and international companies, offering a comprehensive platform that goes beyond a simple exhibition. Visitors can explore cutting-edge technologies and industry trends while building networks for new business opportunities. A wide range of products including health and fitness equipment, sports goods, healthcare technologies, and water sports gear, are on display. Advanced services integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-based exercise programs and digital fitness measurement solutions are also showcased. At the main stage of the exhibition hall, visitors can enjoy a variety of fun programs including bodybuilding competitions, fitness demonstrations, yoga and Pilates classes, as well as K-pop and hip-hop dance performances. 2026-03-26 17:12:59 -
From "mind the gap" to driver's seat, hands-on experience SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) -From “mind the gap” practice to a glimpse inside the driver’s cabin, elementary students stepped into the world of urban rail operations during a hands-on safety program in Incheon. Students from Gyulhyeon Elementary School explored an electric train during a safety experience program at the Gyulhyeon Depot in Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, on March 25. Hosted by Incheon Transit Corporation, the program gave 23 students hands-on exposure to urban railway operations, including a tour of the driver’s cabin and train interiors. They also visited key depot facilities while learning essential rail safety rules and emergency response procedures. The on-site experience offered a close-up look at how the system runs, helping students better understand urban railways and the importance of safety. 2026-03-26 13:49:12 -
Suzy fronts Longines 2026 event in Seoul SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) -Singer and actress Suzy, global ambassador of Swiss watch brand Longines, takes part in a photo call at the brand’s 2026 new product presentation on Wednesday at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul. Dressed in a dark navy suit with a white shirt and black tie, she completed the look with long, softly waved hair and understated accessories. 2026-03-25 17:39:18 -
Spring is finally here, heralded by first blossoms SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Spring arrives a little earlier in one corner of Seoul. Each year, Eungbongsan Mountain turns into a wash of yellow as forsythia blooms blanket the entire hillside. Located in Seongdong-gu, Eungbongsan is a well-known sunrise and scenic spot in Seoul, attracting crowds each year as warmer weather brings the season’s first blossoms. Climbing to the observation deck, visitors paused to photograph the hillside bathed in yellow, where forsythia blooms stretched across the view. Few places better capture the flower’s symbolism of hope, expectation and new beginnings. Seoul also offers a spot where visitors can fully take in another hallmark of spring — plum blossoms. Cheonggyecheon Hadong Plum Street in Seongdong-gu, the same district as Eungbongsan, has become a favored destination for viewing the delicate blooms. Plum trees bursting with buds line the Cheonggyecheon Stream, creating a striking springtime scene. Visitors of all ages paused to take photos, exchanging remarks such as “It’s beautiful” and “It feels like spring has arrived.” The street was formed after Hadong County in South Gyeongsang Province donated the plum trees. Spring is unfolding across Korea as the flowering season begins, with blooms spreading northward from warmer southern regions such as Jeju and Busan. Magnolia, red plum blossoms, forsythia and rapeseed are now in full display. In Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province, a cornel cherry blossom festival is underway. Various spring flower festivals are approaching, including the azalea festival in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province in 3 days, the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival in Seoul in 9 days, and the rapeseed flower festival in Jindo County, South Jeolla Province in 15 days. 2026-03-25 17:37:28 -
Three workers killed in wind turbine fire in Yeongdeok SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Three workers in their 40s and 50s died in a fire at a wind turbine in the eastern coastal county of Yeongdeok on Monday while conducting repairs and inspections. A fire broke out during the staged demolition process. According to Yeongdeok County authorities, all 24 wind turbines installed at the Changpo Wind Farm and nearby areas were installed in 2005 and have exceeded their 20-year design life. The workers who died in the fire were inspecting the bending condition and cracks of the No. 19 wind turbine blade when the accident occurred. All wind turbines at the Changpo Wind Farm have stopped operating since the fire. Fire authorities said access was difficult because the fire occurred 80 meters high on the turbine with a broken blade hanging. Two of three blades fell to the ground. 2026-03-24 11:04:45 -
BTS flies to New York sporting "Keep Swimming" SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - BTS flew off to New York less than 12 hours after they successfully pulled off their comeback stage in open-air Gwanghwamun in downtown Seoul and livestreamed worldwide via Netflix, and their appearance at the Incheon International Airport created an instant buzz over their groupwear featuring "Keep Swimming", a clever marketing nod to their title song SWIM from their new album. RM, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, V and Jungkook stepped out in matching blue hooded windbreakers, each stitched with the same phrase: “KEEP SWIMMING.” A subtle but unmistakable referemce to SWIM, the title track of their new album — and a reminder that the comeback was not a moment. Still recovering from an ankle injury that limited his performance the night before, the leader arrived on crutches, moving carefully through the terminal. BTS is set to appear on NBC's popular talk show 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on March 25-26, where they will discuss their comeback in nearly four years and perform two songs from the new album. On Tuesday , BTS will collaborate with Spotify to hold 'Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE' in New York to meet fans directly. They plan to perform new songs and introduce tracks from 'ARIRANG' in a live concert format. 2026-03-23 16:27:34 -
BTS comeback and legacy SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) - On the night of March 21, Gwanghwamun Plaza became a festival ground for the world. 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' BTS members' first full-group stage in 3 years and 9 months since their military discharge, concluded with long preparation and a spectacular finale. That day, Gwanghwamun was not simply a concert venue. It was a place of harmony, a moment when the world became one. A plaza where the world gathered Those filling the plaza were not only Koreans. Fans flew in from Japan, America, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia, gathering in one place. English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Thai. Different languages mixed, but everyone communicated in one language. The language of music. Even foreigners became friends with each other. They took photos with light sticks together. Shared gifts. Their faces were full of smiles. Police and volunteers in yellow vests were armed with foreign languages. They guided in English, Japanese, and Chinese. But many foreigners had studied Korean. Instead of "Where go?" they asked "Where should I go?" Some had practiced "Thank you." Awkward Korean met awkward English, creating amusing scenes. Everyone smiled and communicated. A festival that began while waiting in line The festival began even while lining up to enter the venue. People yielded to each other. Those who came first held their places, those who came later stood behind. There was no cutting in line. Instead, there was laughter. Even waiting was enjoyable. A plaza that became one When the performance started, the plaza became completely unified. Tens of thousands of purple light sticks swayed together. When songs played, everyone sang along. Fans who didn't know Korean had memorized the lyrics. Pronunciation didn't matter. Singing together was enough. When someone fell, people around helped them up. In front of shorter people, others naturally lowered their posture. While enjoying the performance, they considered each other. Lingering echoes Even as people left after the performance, the festival continued. No pushing. No rushing. Moving slowly, in order, exchanging greetings like "Good job," "It was fun." Fans naturally picked up what had fallen on the ground. Those who enjoyed the festival took responsibility for its ending. The real stage was the entire plaza BTS sang on stage. But the real stage was the entire plaza. The harmony, consideration, and joy ARMYs showed. That was the real performance. The next day, March 22, Gwanghwamun Plaza returned to daily life. But those passing through know. The day before, something special happened here. People from around the world gathered in one place to enjoy music, respect each other, and laugh together. Different languages, different skin colors, different ages—all were one. What happened at Gwanghwamun Plaza wasn't simply a concert. It was a global festival. A moment of harmony. A miracle created by music. Where the purple wave passed, warmth remained. And in everyone's memory, this day will last long. A global festival unfolded at Gwanghwamun. That night, Seoul was the center of the world. 2026-03-22 20:48:54 -
BTS Live: Proud to be an ARMY SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - March 21, the day of the BTS comeback performance. Gwanghwamun Square was already filled with people. While several hours remained until the start of the performance, fans turned the wait into a festival. They took photos in front of the stage under construction and posed before the phrase "BTS IS BACK" engraved on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Some took photos of the members appearing on electronic billboards. Even among strangers, people smiled when their eyes met. Walking through the square, people were revealing they were ARMY in their own ways. Not everyone wore purple. There were tourists in black coats and others in jeans and white T-shirts. Some simply watched the stage from a distance. But those truly enjoying the moment were different. Some held light sticks. Though not yet lit, their presence was enough. Some wore purple jackets, while others wrapped purple fur mufflers around their necks. Purple shoes, purple hats, purple scarves. Even if they did not wear the color, some used purple as an accent through nail polish, hairpins, or phone cases. And above all, their expressions were different. The faces of those taking selfies were full of excitement. Those posing in front of the "BTS IS BACK" sign were smiling. The gaze of a fan taking a photo of Jungkook on a billboard was serious. One fan even showed a tattoo on their arm that read "ARMY" in Korean. Light sticks, purple clothing, and expressions. These three elements filled Gwanghwamun Square. "Borahae (Be Purple)"—a word BTS gave to their fans. Purple is the last color of the rainbow and carries the meaning of staying together for a long time. That promise became light sticks, clothing, and smiles in Gwanghwamun today, filling the streets. Among the people filling the square, it was not difficult to distinguish who was a fan and who was a spectator. Hands holding light sticks, bodies dressed in purple, and above all, brightly smiling faces were the answer. Hours remained until the start of the performance. But for them, the festival had already begun. 2026-03-21 18:01:58 -
BTS Live Update: AJP joins purple, BTS members share mix of nerve and excitement SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -AJP and its sister publication Aju Business Daily joined the wave of anticipation in Gwanghwamun, distributing special BTS editions in Korean, English and Chinese to fans gathering ahead of the evening concert. More than 20,000 copies were handed out, quickly drawing crowds as fans flocked to pick up the editions featuring the latest group photo on the front page. “I love the photo. It’s something I don’t have,” one fan said, asking to take multiple copies. Others followed, collecting extras to share with friends. “I love that it’s a different kind of purple,” another fan said. Members share a mix of excitement and anxiety BTS members shared a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of their first full-group return in nearly four years, while urging fans to prioritize safety amid the unprecedented scale of the event. “Finally, it’s today, ARMY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited,” Jimin wrote on Weverse on Friday, adding that he felt both excited and anxious as thousands prepared to attend. “If you feel unwell during the show, please let nearby staff know. Let’s move a little slower, look out for each other, and make sure no one gets hurt. Safety was front of mind for the group. RM urged fans to follow staff and security instructions to ensure an orderly and safe concert environment. ARMY fans complied, adjusting with good humor to multiple layers of security. To enter the plaza, attendees had to pass through 31 gated checkpoints installed along perimeter fences. Each gate was equipped with walk-through metal detectors to screen for hazardous items, while police conducted physical and bag inspections on site. Most of the officers deployed were women, reflecting the predominantly female composition of the ARMY fan base. The tight controls, however, created bottlenecks. Some fans who arrived at dawn were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside the venue. 2026-03-21 12:26:37 -
BTS Live D-2: Fans flock to Gwanghwamun ahead of BTS performance SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - With just two days remaining until BTS's March 21 comeback performance at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul, numerous visitors are already gathering at the venue on Thursday. While workers are busy installing the stage, seating, and lighting at the iconic Seoul square, visitors are already taking photos and observing the construction site. Gwanghwamun Plaza is currently filled with tourists, with temporary walkways installed for safety control, allowing movement only along designated paths. Some fans brought light sticks and took photos in front of the stage that is being set up, enjoying the atmosphere before the global fan-festival kicks off. 2026-03-19 17:42:18