Journalist
Han Jun-gu and Kim dong-woo
jungu141298@ajupress.com
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Drone spectacle lights up Busan's Gwangalli Beach SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - A spectacular drone show lit up the sky above Gwangalli Beach in the southern port city of Busan last Saturday. The 12-minute show featured mythical creatures and legendary guardians including dragons, white tigers, xuanwu (black tortoise), and vermillion birds, painting the night sky with a thousand lights, creating a stunning spectacle. The year-round show, which first began in 2022, takes place every Saturday evening twice per night — at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the winter season (October to February) and at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. during the summer months (March to September). 2026-03-30 16:57:56 -
Busan's Yeongdo Island offers delight for palate with taste of sea BUSAN, March 30 (AJP) - Yeongdo, a small coastal island in the southern port city of Busan, South Korea, has long been known for its bountiful seafood. As dusk falls and fishing boats return, street-food tents light up one by one, a daily ritual unchanged for generations that reflects the island's life deeply rooted in the sea. Getting off at Nampo Station leads visitors to the island by crossing the city's iconic Yeongdo Bridge, which glows golden at night and connects Busan's mainland to the small town. Near the waterfront, fishing boats sit moored in the harbor as street-food tents and stalls begin to open for the evening. Once dusk settled, colorful plastic chairs lined the waterfront and grills fired up. Jogaetang, a clam soup, is often served first, a steaming pot filled with scallops, clams, and leeks in a milky, briny broth, the shells opening slowly as it bubbles away. Next up is grilled hagfish, coated in a sweet and savory sauce and topped with sesame seeds. Its chewy but tender texture goes perfectly with beer. For the adventurous, raw octopus is a must-try. Sliced and served with cucumber, green chili, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, the still-lively pieces cling to the chopsticks. Its texture is firm and slippery, with a clean, briny flavor that tastes of the sea. Tables are set with a variety of side dishes, often refilled without even being asked. These tents have long been a hangout where locals gather after work, as well as a spot for visitors who want to soak in the town's atmosphere. 2026-03-30 16:39:57 -
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