Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • HYBE revs up global idol pipeline as BTS comeback nears
    HYBE revs up global idol pipeline as BTS comeback nears SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) -HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse behind global superstar BTS, is accelerating its international expansion with region-specific idol franchises as it sets the stage for BTS’s long-awaited group comeback next year. Latin America is the next market to host a HYBE-incubated idol group, following rollouts in Japan, the U.S., and China. The company also announced it will open a new outpost in Mumbai, India, this year — its fifth overseas base — to tap the world’s largest population and second-largest music streaming market. “India is the fifth unit outside of Korea. Along with BTS’s full-group comeback, we see this pivotal to strengthen both our market reach and long-term growth potential,” a senior HYBE official told AJP. India, with a population of 1.46 billion and 185 million music streaming users, presents a major opportunity. Mumbai, often dubbed the country’s cultural and entertainment hub, is home to Bollywood and a thriving arts scene, making it a strategic launchpad. HYBE India plans regional auditions, localized training systems, and support for existing artists under the label. Beyond music, HYBE is also broadening its cultural footprint through film. HYBE America and Paramount Pictures began filming their first co-produced K-pop feature in Seoul this week. The film, slated for release in February 2027, follows a Korean American girl chasing her dream of joining a next-generation K-pop group via a televised audition. Korean American actress Yoo Ji-young, known for KPop Demon Hunters, and singer-actor Eric Nam will voice the leads, with Benson Lee directing and Eileen Shim writing the screenplay. Despite a turbulent year marked by scandals involving founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk and a high-profile fallout with chart-topping girl group NewJeans, HYBE shares have risen 40 percent on robust earnings. Analysts expect momentum to accelerate with BTS’s return. “I remain optimistic about HYBE’s stock outlook for next year,” said Kim Min-young, a media analyst at Meritz Securities. “If the standout success of HYBE’s U.S.-based girl group Katseye can be replicated in new localized franchises, the results could be significant.” Katseye will kick off its world tour later this year, while BTS’s comeback in 2026 is expected to drive strong financial results for the agency. 2025-09-26 14:46:23
  • Koreas birth growth streak hits 13 mos, gains skewed to capital and better-off
    Korea's birth growth streak hits 13 mos, gains skewed to capital and better-off SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Korea's birth tally has grown for 13 consecutive months, offering a rare silver lining in the country's demographic crisis as more young people show willingness to marry and have children. But experts warn the rebound is heavily concentrated in Seoul and the capital region — and largely confined to better-off couples. According to Statistics Korea, 21,803 babies were born in July, up 1,223 or 5.9 percent from a year earlier and the largest July tally since 2021. From January to July, births totaled 147,804 — a 7.2 percent increase year-on-year, marking the sharpest rise since records began in 1981. Marriages also jumped, with 20,394 couples tying the knot in July, up 8.4 percent from a year earlier and the highest for the month since 2016. The rebound is partly attributed to the so-called "Echo Generation," born between 1991 and 1995, who are now entering their early 30s, traditionally viewed as the prime family-forming years. It also reflects a modest shift in women's attitudes toward childbirth. A government survey of 2,800 people nationwide aged 25–49, conducted August 20–27, showed that 37.2 percent of childless women aged 25–29 said they intend to have children — up from 26.4 percent a year earlier. Among women already with children, 40 percent said they were willing to have another child, nearly 20 percentage points higher than last year. Yet the gains remain uneven. In July alone, 10,477 babies were born in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province — nearly half of the nationwide total. From January to July, the capital region accounted for 70,771 births out of 147,804, again just under 50 percent. With more than half of Koreans in their 20s and 30s now living in the capital area, Seoul continues to hold a demographic edge while widening the gap with provincial regions. Experts caution that structural obstacles — including high housing prices, soaring private education costs, and difficulties women face balancing careers after childbirth — remain firmly in place. "Before concluding that women's attitudes toward marriage and childbirth are really shifting, we need to check whether survey questions were consistent across years," said Kim Cheong-seok, sociology professor at Dongguk University. "If the wording changed, results could be distorted. Broad values like 'marriage is essential' differ greatly from specific intentions such as 'I plan to have children.'" Lee Joo-hee, sociology professor at Ewha Womans University, echoed skepticism. "I don't view the slight rise in birth intentions as a sign of a fundamental shift. The core barriers — costs of private education, and the challenge for women to sustain careers after childbirth — remain intact." She added that income-based disparities in childbirth are still severe. "The improvements are mostly among higher-income groups, while lower-income households are effectively giving up on having children," Lee said. 2025-09-25 16:02:15
  • Medical schools lose appeal as semiconductor careers promise six-figure salaries
    Medical schools lose appeal as semiconductor careers promise six-figure salaries SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - University applicants are increasingly opting for majors that guarantee employment at major companies after graduation, rather than medical schools, which have long been the preferred choice among many top-scoring students. This shift is particularly evident at Hanyang University, Korea University, and Sogang University, which offer semiconductor-related courses and similar programs in partnership with businesses, often leading to guaranteed positions at SK Hynix and other tech companies. According to the country's one of the largest crammer Jongro Academy, these three universities have seen a surge in the number of applicants to begin their academic year next year, with Hanyang receiving 1,171 applications for 32 openings, followed by Sogang with 970 applications for 20 openings, and Korea University with 337 applications for 28 openings. The surge in applications has made admission at these schools more competitive than a year ago, although Korea University's rate slightly declined after it increased its intake of new students. The surge appears to reflect expectations of six-figure salaries at SK hynix, buoyed by the semiconductor giant's soaring profits thanks to its global dominance in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market. According to financial research firm FnGuide, the company's operating profit this year is projected at 38.23 trillion won ($28 billion), a 62 percent jump from last year. Moreover, the company, which has around 33,600 employees as of the first half of this year, recently agreed with its labor union to allocate 10 percent of operating profits to bonuses, meaning each employee is expected to receive an average bonus of roughly 100 million won ($74,000), making it a magnet for many job seekers. By contrast, other university programs linked to companies like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and LG Display saw a decline in the number of applicants. The number of applicants to medical schools and related majors such as pharmaceuticals, oriental medicine, and veterinary medicine also shrank to 51,194 this year, a sharp drop from 72,351 last year. In South Korea, admission to medical schools has long been regarded as the pinnacle of academic accomplishment, making them highly competitive and traditionally attracting the country's highest-scoring students, as they provide both job security and high income in a society that often measures success with professional achievement. But those days are gone, maybe. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), demand for advanced memory chips such as HBM has surged worldwide, with SK hynix at the forefront as a leading global supplier and a key partner of Nvidia, attracting many students and aspiring professionals eager to join one of the world's most promising industries. Experts predict this trend will continue. "Students and many young professionals these days prefer secure jobs, so business-linked university programs are becoming their biggest draw and are expected to remain popular," said Lim Sung-ho, the crammer's CEO. 2025-09-24 17:58:42
  • Barnburner KPop Demon Hunters sparks Seoul pilgrimage boom
    Barnburner 'KPop Demon Hunters' sparks Seoul pilgrimage boom SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - The climactic final battle of "KPop Demon Hunters," where HUNTR/X delivers the crushing blow to the demon, unfolds at Seoul's iconic Namsan Tower. The landmark scene has turned the tower into the pinnacle stop on the growing "pilgrimage" trail for fans tracing the film's shooting locations. Namsan Tower's appeal goes beyond fandom. With its cable car ride, panoramic skyline views, and the famed "love-lock" tradition, the spot is already a magnet for foreign visitors — now even more crowded thanks to the barnburner hit. Yet the pilgrimage is more than fandom tourism. It immerses travelers in the essence of Korea itself: a living blend of millennia-old history and vibrant modern culture. Hanbok in Bukchon Polish couple Sebastian and Aleksandra joined the stream of foreign fans dressed in colorful hanbok, strolling through the narrow alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. "We first became interested in Korea after watching Squid Game," Aleksandra said. Bukchon, nestled near Gyeongbokgung Palace, is also where characters Rumi and Jinu share a quietly romantic walk in the film. In reality, the preserved 600-year-old neighborhood offers visitors a tranquil time-slip, complemented by hip cafés and artisan craft shops. Crossing Paths at Namsan For K-pop pilgrims, paths inevitably cross. Back at Namsan, the Polish couple met Johanna and Emma, two friends from France on their own Seoul journey. "I grew up watching K-dramas, and that made me want to study Korean and eventually live here," Johanna said. Emma, tagging along, admitted she was unexpectedly awed. "I want to discover it firsthand," she said. Fortress Walls at Sunset The day's route ended at Naksan Park Fortress, another cinematic landmark. The fortress's stone walls, lit at night and famed as a romantic backdrop in countless Korean dramas, offered the perfect finale. Visitors lingered as the sun dipped behind Seoul's rooftops, humming "Free," the theme song of Rumi and Jinu. Seoul's Tourism Boom The film's success has ignited real-world momentum. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 1.36 million foreign tourists visited the capital in July — up 23.1 percent from a year earlier and the highest monthly figure ever. From January to July, 8.28 million foreign visitors came to Seoul, a 15.9 percent increase, also setting a new record. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) reported that of Korea's 1.73 million foreign visitors in July, 78.6 percent — 1.36 million — headed straight for Seoul. The accolades keep stacking up. Seoul was named the "most popular city among Gen Z travelers" for the fourth year in a row by Trazy Travel, and TripAdvisor ranked it No. 1 on its "Best Cities for Solo Travelers" list. "Seoul's steady rise in foreign visitors shows that the city offers a uniquely attractive experience where flavor, style, and excitement come together," said Koo Jong-won, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Tourism and Sports Division. "We will continue to build differentiated tourism content and solidify Seoul's place as a leading global destination." 2025-09-24 11:16:08
  • Korean young conservatives pay subdued tribute to US evangelist Kirk
    Korean young conservatives pay subdued tribute to US evangelist Kirk SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Young Korean conservatives and Christians mourned U.S. evangelist Charlie Kirk in a subdued manner, even as his memorial service in the U.S. drew elaborate tributes and the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday. The muted reaction in the country comes as political scandals involving conservative leaders and religious figures continue to weigh heavily on the community following the impeachment of a conservative president. Kirk had visited Korea just days before he was shot dead on Sept. 10, speaking to young Koreans at the far-right "Build Up Korea 2025" forum. Park Jun-young, a Yonsei University student and vice president of Freedom University, a conservative youth group, said he was devastated by the loss, recalling how impressed he had been by Kirk’s address in Seoul. "He gave great hope to Korea's freedom-loving youth," Park said. "We will never forget his sacrifice." His remarks prompted an outpouring of online sympathy. One commenter wrote, "The left worldwide fears young conservatives' awakening and resorts to extreme measures like assassination. But we will not be intimidated." Still, the mourning for the young activist — hailed by President Trump as a "warrior for freedom, a friend, and a man who loved America with all his heart" — remained politically low-key in Korea amid the backdrop of scandals surrounding conservative and religious figures. Seoul National University set up a memorial site where Christians and students could pay their respects to the evangelist. At a memorial gathering in Seoul, Birhane, a 40-year-old member of the New Creation International Church from Ethiopia, said he came to share hope through the Gospel. "There are many people who feel hopeless, even driven to suicide," he said. For others, Kirk's death was a reminder of the dangers of extremism itself. Lee Sung-jun, a 22-year-old student at Seoul National University, said he had not been familiar with Kirk but looked into his background after the assassination. "I felt he was politically extreme, but violence cannot be justified," Lee said. "Killing someone is another form of extremism. Rather than responding to extremes with extremes, we should learn from this and avoid such confrontations in Korea." He added that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for healthier political dialogue at home. "We need discussions that find common ground, not blind allegiance to parties or politicians," he said. 2025-09-22 18:30:51
  • Koreas eating culture continues to fascinate
    Korea's eating culture continues to fascinate SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Whether it’s instant ramyeon or a royal feast, one thing is clear: Koreans take eating seriously. The country’s rich history of mukbang – videos showcasing the enjoyment of food – has now evolved into elaborate global productions. The latest example is "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," which recently climbed to No. 1 on Netflix's non-English TV chart, underscoring worldwide fascination with Korean cuisine and the rituals surrounding how food is consumed. One of the show's most talked-about scenes features a French chef who time-slips into the Joseon Dynasty and prepares beef bourguignon for the king. The camera lingers on the monarch's mouth as he slowly chews, the palace silent except for the rhythmic sound of eating. His expression shifts from suspicion to delight – a cinematic focus that elevates dining into drama. This visual emphasis on food has deep roots in Korea’s media. The mukbang phenomenon first appeared on AfreecaTV in the late 2000s, when streamers like BJ Chulgu and Banzz gained fame for consuming massive amounts of food while interacting with live audiences. By the early 2010s, it had become a nationwide craze, offering not just visual indulgence but also companionship and community. The format later spread to YouTube, inspiring global imitators and influencing food content worldwide. "In K-food dramas, the way actors eat is crucial. Their expressions, gestures, and dialogue about flavors and ingredients become part of the storytelling," said Kim Chi-ho, professor of Culture Contents at Hanyang University ERICA. "Even the use of chopsticks distinguishes Korean eating culture from the forks and knives familiar to Western viewers. In 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' the exaggerated sound effects and close-ups may seem playful, but they resonate with both global audiences and younger viewers in Korea." The devil's in the details. In the Netflix animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters," a scene shows Mira, a fictional idol group member, resting her spoon and chopsticks neatly on a folded napkin while waiting for her gukbap (rice-and-soup dish) – a subtle habit familiar to every Korean diner. While "KPop Demon Hunters" introduced everyday foods like ramyeon, gimbap, and hot dogs to international audiences, "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" has showcased traditional Korean dishes – echoing the cultural impact of "Jewel in the Palace," which popularized royal cuisine two decades ago. As global interest in K-pop and K-dramas continues to surge, food has become one of the most tangible entry points for audiences engaging with Korean culture. On-screen exposure often sparks curiosity about dishes, translating into rising overseas sales of products such as ramyeon, kimchi, and Bibigo dumplings – fueling the worldwide K-food boom. "We are continuing to invest in Korean content, and we believe that good stories will always find the spotlight everywhere," a Netflix official said. 2025-09-19 17:59:53
  • The skys the limit for K-ramyeon riding on Demon Hunters craze
    The sky's the limit for K-ramyeon riding on Demon Hunters craze SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - The challenge of slurping fiery-hot ramyeon is nothing new. But when a chart-topping K-pop trio does it in a Netflix hit that becomes the platform's most-watched animated film, the sales surge – and stock rally – for Korean snack makers can be staggering. Instant noodle giant Nongshim, featured as a motif in "KPop Demon Hunters," closed Thursday at 481,500 won ($347), up 24.6 percent from a year ago. Nearly 30 percent of that jump came in just the past month. The windfall stems from the film's breakout success, where the girl group devours steaming bowls of Shin Ramyun and munches on shrimp snacks before rushing to battle demons and stage a stadium concert. Nongshim sold 6,000 limited-edition Shin Ramyun packs featuring film characters in just 100 seconds on its online store last month, while themed packaging for Shin Ramyun and Shrimp Crackers is now rolling out across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The halo effect has extended to Samyang Foods, maker of the viral "Hot Chicken" noodles. Its shares soared to 1,585,000 won this month, tripling from 517,000 won a year earlier, with a 15.1 percent gain in the last month alone as the "Spicy Noodle Challenge" found new life in the Demon Hunters craze. "Samyang has already been strong, but Nongshim was relatively weaker in marketing despite its overseas plants and distribution networks. The film did the magic," said Kim Jin-woo, analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities. "The real boost will come when the exact products shown in the film hit the shelves, not just character-branded packaging." The craze underscores how Korean instant noodles – once overshadowed by Japanese ramen – have become a cultural export in their own right. Korea's ramyeon exports hit $1.25 billion in 2024, surpassing the previous year's $952 million in just 10 months, according to the agriculture ministry. The U.S. is now the top buyer, with imports up 70 percent last year to $215.6 million, helping push total Korean agri-food exports to the U.S. to a record $1.59 billion, ahead of China and Japan. "The anime is packed with Korean cultural elements, which feed global interest and cravings for Korean products. This can only spark more demand for snacks," Kim added. 2025-09-18 17:45:10
  • Korean traditional medicine to broaden footprint in Middle East
    Korean traditional medicine to broaden footprint in Middle East SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Korean traditional medicine has gained a new foothold in the global healthcare market, with the United Arab Emirates becoming the first country in the Middle East to formally recognize it as a distinct medicine. In April, the UAE introduced licensing requirements for Korean medicine practitioners as a part of efforts to realign its healthcare system with emphasis on expanding the role of traditional medicine, or the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Unlike most countries, Abu Dhabi specifies CAM by country rather than grouping it under broad labels such as Asian or Eastern medicine. In June, its Department of Health incorporated the name, definition, and scope of Korean medicine into official regulations, making it the third country after China and India. According to global research firm Grand View Research, the UAE's CAM market was valued at $2.78 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.4 percent through 2030. Traditional practices such as Hijama (cupping), herbal remedies, and Ayurveda have long been part of the Muslim cultural heritage. The government has been eager to incorporate traditional therapies in the modern healthcare system. "The UAE is trying to expand its traditional medicine industry and the recognition of Korean medicine is part of the effort. The people there are already familiar with cupping therapy similar to Koreans," observed a researcher of the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM). Rising modern-day stress has also spurred demand for traditional calming therapies. According to a report in March by U.K.-based BioMed Central (BMC), the UAE records about 24,000 mental health cases annually, with depression and anxiety the most common. Growing "medication fatigue" among patients dependent on long-term pharmaceuticals has driven many toward holistic approaches. Yoga, herbal nutrition, meditation, and mindfulness are popular among millennials and Gen Z, who are more receptive to non-invasive, wellness-oriented solutions. Moreover, the people of the UAE have long been accustomed to Korean traditional medicine and culture through immensely popular epic dramas such as "Jewel in the Palace." The UAE's recognition validates the credibility in Korean medicine, said Jeong Young-hoon, director of Korean Medicine Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare. "This institutionalization marks a critical turning point for the Korean medicine industry and professionals seeking to expand into the Middle East. We will continue to actively support the global spread of traditional medicine through cooperation with the UAE and beyond," he noted. 2025-09-17 17:16:01
  • K-pop shares going Up, Up, Up in their Golden moment
    K-pop shares going "Up, Up, Up" in their "Golden" moment SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - K-pop stocks are on a roll, humming along to the chart-topping "up, up, up" tune of "Golden" from Netflix's animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters." The four household K-pop agencies have been riding on the Sony film's surprise success and its soundtrack. Shares of YG Entertainment have more than tripled from 32,300 won ($23.38) a year ago to 97,600 won this month. Those of SM Entertainment soared from 58,100 won to 141,600 won (+144 percent), HYBE advanced from 164,000 won to 286,500 won (+75 percent), and JYP Entertainment increased from 45,200 won to 76,100 won (+68 percent). The unexpected blowout of "KPop Demon Hunters" acted as a game changer. Against June 16, just before the film was released on June 20, shares of YG gained 12 percent from 87,200 won to 97,600 won (+11.9 percent). The label is associated with Teddy, the longtime YG producer and CEO of the Black Label, who joined the creation of "KPop Demon Hunters" OST. Shares of SM added a modest 4.5 percent while those of JYP remained unchanged. Shares of HYBE lost 4.5 percent during the same period. "'KPop Demon Hunters' is more than a box-office hit," said Meritz Securities media analyst Kim Min-young. "The film and OST are acting as an amplifier in the spread of Korean content." Underscoring the fad over K-pop, assets under management for the ACE Kpop Focus ETF topped 200 billion won ($150 million), nearly seven times greater than 30.2 billion at the end of December, according to the fund’s seller, Korea Investment Management. Launched in January 2024, the fund allocates 90 percent of its weighting to the four K-pop agencies. Its performance has outshone broader bullish markets. ACE Kpop Focus ETF has returned 57.4 percent so far this year, outperforming the KOSPI (34.4 percent) and Nasdaq 100 (13.5 percent). "The global K-pop fandom continues to expand steadily, stretching beyond Asia to the Americas, Europe, and emerging markets," noted Nam Yong-soo, head of ETF management at Korea Investment Management. He expected further room to grow, pointing to major events such as BLACKPINK's upcoming full-group album and world tour this year and BTS's scheduled return to group activities next year. Analysts agree K-pop stocks will bask in the "golden moment" that will lift them "up, up, up." 2025-09-16 17:32:06
  • Park Chan-wooks latest film wins award at Toronto film fest
    Park Chan-wook's latest film wins award at Toronto film fest SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Director Park Chan-wook's latest film "No Other Choice" received an award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which wrapped up on Sunday. The thriller, an adaptation of American writer Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Ax," won the inaugural International People's Choice Award, a prize given to the most popular international film at the festival as voted by audiences. The feat came after the film's lead actor Lee Byung-hun was honored with the Tribute Award last week, which is presented to recognize individuals with "distinguished achievements in filmmaking." The top prize, the People's Choice Award, at this year's TIFF, which does not have a jury-led competition section and is also decided by audiences' votes, went to "Hamnet" by Chinese-born director Chloé Zhao. Park's 12th feature, which revolves around a man who believes he has achieved everything in life until he is suddenly laid off and must find a new job to support his family, is set for release here next week. It will also serve as the curtain-raiser for this year's Busan International Film Festival in the southern port city, which opens later this week and runs until Sept. 26. 2025-09-15 17:35:56