Journalist

Yoo Na-hyun · Han Jun-gu
  • Gwanghwamun redresses to play the host for BTS show
    Gwanghwamun redresses to play the host for BTS show SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) -An electronic billboard near Gwanghwamun Square flashes the announcement: BTS is coming back. The towering digital screen lights up the intersection in central Seoul with promotions for “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” the group’s highly anticipated concert scheduled for March 21 — just eight days away. Around the historic square, the city is already wearing the band’s colors. Towering buildings along the Gwanghwamun boulevard are draped in BTS banners while giant screens cycle through images of the group, turning the capital’s ceremonial avenue into a preview of the global spectacle to come. Streets that usually carry office workers and tourists now play host to growing crowds of fans stopping to photograph the banners and billboards. The transformation is part of the buildup to BTS’s return as a full group after about three years and nine months. The concert, titled “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” will take place at 8 p.m. on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, bringing one of the world’s biggest pop acts back to the heart of Seoul. The concert, titled “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” will take place at 8 p.m. on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, bringing one of the world’s biggest pop acts back to the heart of Seoul. A day before the performance, the group will release its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” worldwide at 1 p.m. on March 20. The album features 14 tracks, including the title song “SWIM,” with leader RM participating in writing the lyrics. Authorities expect the comeback concert to draw one of the largest crowds ever assembled in the historic district. Police estimate that around 230,000 people could gather near Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, while as many as 260,000 spectators may line the boulevard toward Sungnyemun Gate, turning the entire area into a vast open-air concert venue. For fans unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed globally on Netflix in more than 190 countries, extending the spectacle far beyond Seoul. 2026-03-13 15:55:21
  • BTS Comeback D-8: Gwanghwamuns oldest residents - a Joseon king and admiral
    BTS Comeback D-8: Gwanghwamun's oldest residents - a Joseon king and admiral SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - At the heart of Seoul stands Gwanghwamun Square, often called the symbolic center of South Korea. The broad boulevard stretching from the ancient gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace has witnessed centuries of history — from the royal administration of the Joseon Dynasty to modern civic gatherings. Next Saturday, the historic square will host another moment in that long timeline: a comeback performance by global K-pop group BTS. In this space where history and modern culture intersect, two towering figures already stand watch — Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the naval commander who defended Joseon during the 16th century, and King Sejong, the monarch who created the Korean alphabet. Their statues face south along the grand avenue, anchoring a square where the legends of the past and icons of the present converge. Standing at the center of Gwanghwamun Square is the imposing statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, one of Korea’s most revered military heroes. The 17-meter monument was erected in 1968 and remains one of Seoul’s most recognizable landmarks. The bronze statue itself rises 6.5 meters above a 10.5-meter pedestal, depicting the admiral in armor overlooking the capital he once helped defend. Around the statue are symbolic reminders of his naval victories — a model of the famed turtle ship, one of the world’s earliest iron-clad warships, and two large drums representing signals used during naval battles. Rather than focusing on a precise likeness, the monument emphasizes Yi’s role as a national symbol — the steadfast commander who protected the nation during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s. About 250 meters north of Yi’s monument sits another defining symbol of Korean history: the statue of King Sejong the Great, the fourth ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. The seated statue measures 6.2 meters in height and 4.3 meters in width. Unlike the commanding posture of the admiral, Sejong appears calm and contemplative. One hand holds a book while the other gestures gently forward, reflecting his reputation as a ruler devoted to the welfare of his people. Models of King Sejong’s inventions — the honcheonsi, cheugugi and angbuilgu — are displayed at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. AJP Han Jun-gu Displayed before the statue are scientific instruments from the 15th century that flourished under Sejong’s reign — the honcheonsui armillary sphere, the cheugugi rain gauge, and the angbuilgu sundial. Along the flowing water channel surrounding the plaza, a timeline carved in stone traces the history of the Joseon Dynasty. The stories of the two figures continue beneath the plaza. Underground exhibition halls known as “Story of Sejong” and “Story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin” allow visitors to explore the lives and achievements of the two historical icons. The Sejong exhibition introduces the king’s philosophy of governance, his scientific innovations and his most enduring legacy — the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Displays include replicas of astronomical charts, traditional musical instruments used in the royal court and interactive exhibits explaining Sejong’s technological achievements. The Yi Sun-sin gallery focuses on the admiral’s leadership during the Imjin War. Artifacts and multimedia displays recreate the naval battles of the seven-year conflict, including models of Joseon warships and immersive visual installations illustrating the admiral’s strategies. Above ground, Gwanghwamun Square remains a living civic space where history continues to unfold. The statues of Yi Sun-sin and King Sejong overlook the plaza while their stories live on below — a reminder of the country’s past layered into the fabric of modern Seoul. Soon another chapter will be added.On March 21, the square will transform into a stage for BTS, the global music phenomenon whose influence now carries Korean culture across the world. In one place stand the legendary king who gave Korea its alphabet, the admiral who defended the nation’s shores, and a modern group whose music has carried Korean culture to global audiences. At Gwanghwamun, centuries of Korean history — and the future of its culture — meet on the same stage. 2026-03-13 14:33:20
  • Director Jang Hang-jun treats fans to coffee to celebrate his box-office success
    Director Jang Hang-jun treats fans to coffee to celebrate his box-office success SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Director Jang Hang-jun shared the joy of his latest film’s huge box-office success with an up-close, personal event for Seoulites in central Seoul on Thursday. Jang served around 200 cups of coffee in front of the Korea Press Center, expressing his gratitude to his fans. The event was arranged as a gesture of appreciation after period film "The King's Warden" attracted over 10 million moviegoers, about a month after its release on Feb. 4. A large crowd gathered at the venue even before the event began, and all the prepared coffee ran out quickly. Citizens took photos with Jang and cheered in celebration of the film's success. The 117-minute film tells the story of Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty, who was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon Province. 2026-03-12 16:17:05
  • Biathlete Kim Yun-ji adds another medal at Winter Paralympics in Italy
    Biathlete Kim Yun-ji adds another medal at Winter Paralympics in Italy SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - Biathlete Kim Yun-ji on Tuesday added another medal at the Winter Paralympics, which kicked off last week in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Kim finished second in the women's sitting cross-country sprint final with a time of 33:10.1, just behind the U.S.' Oksana Masters, who claimed gold with a time of 33:07.01. It was her second medal at this year's quadrennial sporting event, after she won gold in the women's sitting sprint 12.5-kilometer biathlon last Sunday, which made her the first South Korean woman to win a gold medal at the Winter Paralympics. With Kim's strong performance, South Korea has already achieved its best-ever result, earning one gold, one silver, and one bronze, surpassing its previous record of one gold and two bronze medals at the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympics. 2026-03-11 17:06:29
  • No booze, just brews: Morning rave in Seoul
    No booze, just brews: Morning rave in Seoul SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) -Music filled a beauty brand store in Bukchon, central Seoul, early in the morning as people gathered with coffee cups in hand, swaying to a DJ set to begin the day. The gathering followed the format of a “morning rave,” a lifestyle event gaining popularity overseas. Instead of alcohol and late-night partying, participants came for music, coffee and conversation. Around 200 people attended, moving between dance space, makeup experiences and personal color consultations. Inside the venue, the mood was relaxed and curious. Some danced freely near the DJ booth while others chatted, took photos or watched the scene unfold. Despite the early hour, the room stayed lively as the music continued through the morning. Despite the early hour, the room stayed lively as the music continued through the morning. The event reflects a growing “sober curious” trend among younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Coffee, music and community are beginning to replace the traditional nightlife centered on drinking, offering a different rhythm to start the day. 2026-03-10 17:57:00
  • Oil surge causes brutal Black Monday in Seoul
    Oil surge causes brutal Black Monday in Seoul SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - The global energy market plunged into turmoil Monday as fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict sent crude prices soaring. Brent crude had surged 25 percent from the previous session to $116 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped 27 percent to $115. Dubai crude — the benchmark most relevant for Asian importers — also breached the $100 mark after the March 6 close, marking its sharpest rise in more than two and a half years since the early months of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. The shockwave quickly reached Seoul, where financial markets and daily life began absorbing the impact. The main bourse was repeatedly interrupted as the sell-off gathered pace. South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI closed at 5,251.9, down 6 percent, after plunging more than 8 percent during the session and briefly touching 5,096.2. The plunge triggered a Level-1 circuit breaker, halting trading for 20 minutes. Foreign selling of over 3 trillion won ($2 billion) on the main bourse fanned the won's weakening, pushing the Korean currency value against the U.S. dollar to its lowest since the global financial crisis wake in March 2009, hovering close to 1,500 won, a level largely deemed as a government defense line. Drivers grappled with sudden spike in gasoline prices over the weekend. As of Sunday, the average gasoline price reached 1,945.73 won ($1.35) per liter, while diesel climbed to 1,967.19 won. Since Feb. 28, gasoline prices have risen about 11 percent and diesel roughly 18 percent. The surge in marine fuel costs and demand for maritime logistics pushed diesel prices above gasoline — the first such reversal since February 2023, when sanctions on Russian refined oil disrupted global fuel markets. Authorities moved quickly to stabilize markets. The Bank of Korea convened an emergency Middle East Situation Task Force chaired by Senior Deputy Governor Ryoo Sang-dai. Verbal intervention from the central bank helped trim some of the currency’s losses, pulling the won back toward the 1,495 level. Still, the measures struggled to anchor sentiment as market anxiety continued to dominate trading. 2026-03-09 17:29:33
  • Winter Paralympics: Intense Strategy in Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles
    Winter Paralympics: Intense Strategy in Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles SEOUL, March 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s wheelchair curling mixed doubles team of Lee Yong-seok and Baek Hye-jin defeated Britain and Japan in succession to improve to 2–1 in the preliminary round at the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Paralympics. After narrowly losing to host Italy in their opening match, Lee and Baek bounced back with a 14–3 victory over Britain in the morning session before overpowering Japan later in the day. Eight teams are competing in the wheelchair curling mixed doubles event. The preliminary round is played in a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals. The 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Paralympics opened on Thursday at the Arena di Verona in Italy and will run through March 15. 2026-03-06 15:00:58
  • Fuel prices spike due to war in Middle East
    Fuel prices spike due to war in Middle East SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Gasoline and diesel prices at gas stations across South Korea on Thursday have increased sharply following airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel late last month. The nationwide average gasoline price has surpassed 1,800 won ($1.2) per liter for the first time in three years and seven months. It is the first time the national average has exceeded the 1,800-won mark since Aug. 12, 2022, when it reached 1,805.9 won. Diesel prices have also crossed the 1,800-won threshold. The nationwide average diesel price rose to 1,811.03 won per liter, up 82.26 won from the previous day. It marks the first time in about three years and three months that diesel prices have exceeded 1,800 won, since Dec. 12, 2022, when they stood at 1,807.38 won. 2026-03-05 17:10:50
  • Elementary school greets new students through spring entrance ceremony
    Elementary school greets new students through spring entrance ceremony SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - First-grade students wearing paper crowns attend their entrance ceremony for the 2026 academic year at Wonchon Elementary School in Seocho District, Seoul, on Monday. The new students took commemorative photos with their families at a designated photo zone before touring their classrooms and school grounds where they will spend the coming years. Instead of delivering a traditional welcome speech, the school principal read aloud the children’s book “We Are the Most Popular First Graders,” drawing the students’ focused attention as they listened with bright, curious expressions. A total of 186 students enrolled at Wonchon Elementary School this year. Following the ceremony, students gathered in their respective classrooms for their first greetings with homeroom teachers and classmates. As the new semester begins, elementary schools across the city marked another fresh start amid the early signs of spring. 2026-03-03 17:46:03
  • S. Koreas benchmark KOSPI drops due to war in Middle East
    S. Korea's benchmark KOSPI drops due to war in Middle East SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - The benchmark KOSPI plunged on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions escalated following the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran. The KOSPI closed at 5,791.91, down 452.22 points, or 7.24 percent, from the previous session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also fell 55.08 points, or 4.62 percent, to finish at 1,137.70. An electronic board at the dealing room of Hana Bank in central Seoul displayed the sharp decline in the benchmark index. 2026-03-03 17:08:45