KOSPI bull run, recent IPO wins may spark 4Q rush led by K Bank SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - K Bank is poised to file for its third initial public offering (IPO) prospectus early next month, potentially triggering a flurry of delayed listings in the fourth quarter as Korea's equity market is expected to sustain a bullish rally through year-end. The eight-year-old online-only bank — Korea's first of its kind — had pledged its investors of a 1.15 trillion won rights offering in 2021 to complete its KOSPI debut by July 2026. Failure to do so would allow new shareholders, including MBK Partners and Bain Capital, to sell their shares back to BC Card, the current majority owner with 34 percent. Earlier this year, the lender shelved its IPO attempt amid weak sentiment. But with markets surging and earnings strong, it is preparing to proceed, backed by NH Investment & Securities and Samsung Securities as joint bookrunners. The IPO market slumped in August under tighter investor lock-up rules. According to the Korea Development Institute, IPO fundraising plunged 52.9 percent from July to 296.8 billion won, with activity largely confined to smaller KOSDAQ listings at historic lows. That gloom has lifted in September. The benchmark KOSPI has gained 6.3 percent this month, climbing from 3,186 at end-August to above 3,386 — making it the world's top-performing main index. The rebound has revived IPO demand, with new offerings drawing strong institutional and retail interest. Myungin Pharmaceutical, the first to list under the revised regulations, drew frenzied orders with an institutional bid-to-cover ratio of 488.95 to 1, pricing at the top of its 58,000-won band. Despite tougher lock-ups, nearly 70 percent of institutional buyers agreed to hold shares. On the KOSDAQ, cybersecurity firm S2W soared 81.4 percent on its Sept. 19 debut, closing at 23,950 won versus an IPO price of 13,200 won. "Up to the third quarter, the number of IPOs remained subdued due to a wait-and-see stance under the revised regulations," said Park Jong-sun, a researcher of Eugene Investment & Securities. "However, with more companies expected to file for listings in the fourth quarter, the market is likely to gradually recover and shift back toward growth." Lee Hong-joo, professor of consumer economics at Sookmyung Women's University, forecast that expectations of rate cuts, ample global liquidity, and chip-sector recovery could provide the "rising tide" to lift new listings, while advising investors to remain selective. 2025-09-29 16:59:52

K-Tattoo: next in Korea's art pipeline after lifting of 33-year ban SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - A white butterfly flutters off a branch laden with plum, violet, and pink-white blossoms. It looks like a page from a traditional Korean painting, bold yet meticulous brushwork symbolizing resilience and renewal — except here, the canvas is not silk or paper, but skin. To 27-year-old tattooist Seolhee, skin is a "walking gallery." She left a career designing hanbok — traditional Korean dresses — to pursue tattooing, considered an illegal path in Korea until last week. Plum blossoms have become her signature motif, attracting clients from abroad through social media. "I love the meaning behind plum blossoms and the idea of painting life itself," she said. "When drawing branches, men tend to use bold, strong lines, while women express them more delicately — and I find that very special." "I design each piece to match the placement, size, and colors they want, so the tattoo feels harmonious with their body," she explained. "Above all, I hope people see it as a work of art." Seolhee is part of a rising generation of Korean tattooists who work freely, unbothered by the old stigma of illegality that haunted their predecessors. Earlier pioneers expressed fury, frustration, and rebellion in underground studios, their art linked with outcasts, rappers, and dissenters. By contrast, today's generation has gained international recognition for subtlety, delicacy, and playfulness. "Foreign artists are fascinated by how delicate our designs are – tiny dogs, plum blossoms, calligraphy-inspired lines," Seolhee noted. Her brightly lit studio in central Seoul's Yongsan district reflects how far the industry has come. And now, after decades in the shadows, tattooing has finally emerged into the full open. Last week, South Korea's parliament passed the Tattooist Act, formally legalizing the profession for the first time in 33 years. Since 1992, only licensed medical doctors had been allowed to perform tattooing. Thousands of artists were forced underground, even as tattoos and semi-permanent makeup surged in popularity. The Ministry of Health and Welfare estimated in 2021 that some 350,000 tattooists were active, mostly offering eyebrow, lip, and hairline enhancements. Surveys suggest that nearly a third of South Korean adults — about 13 million people — have tattoos or semi-permanent procedures. Yet the penalties were severe: up to five years in prison or fines of 50 million won ($35,000). Many artists went abroad or built reputations online, ironically raising the global profile of "K-tattoo" aesthetics — delicate brush-inspired lines, watercolor effects, and traditional motifs like blossoms, cranes, or calligraphy strokes. "Korean tattooists are eagerly sought out by international fans," said Seolhee, who blends East Asian painting traditions with pop-cultural references. "Tattoos last for life, so I want them to carry dreams and hope. I use the gumiho — the nine-tailed fox from our folktales — as a recurring motif. It’s a mischievous, mysterious creature, and I hope my work can help share its unique story with a wider audience,” she added. "Simply saying, 'I'm a Korean tattooist,' already carries weight abroad." For veterans of the scene, legalization comes after decades of frustration. "Many of us have struggled under decades of restrictions, facing penalties just for practicing our craft," said Song Kang-seob, president of the Korea Tattoo Association. "Now, we hope this change allows the industry to grow without the shadow of illegality." Korean tattooists have been winning international awards for years, he noted. With legal recognition at last, the industry stands ready to blossom alongside the global popularity of K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty. "The ban lift came too late — but better late than never," Song said. 2025-09-29 11:13:13

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

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 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 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 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

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 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 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