Hyundai Opens Whitney Museum Exhibition 'Hyundai Terrace Commission: Kelly Akashi' Hyundai Motor said Wednesday it will present the third exhibition in its long-term partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, “Hyundai Terrace Commission: Kelly Akashi,” from March 8 (local time) through Aug. 23. The Hyundai Terrace Commission is a program launched in 2024 by Hyundai Motor and the Whitney to give artists and curators room for creative experimentation beyond conventional formats, the company said. Akashi, the third artist selected for the commission, was born in the United States in 1983 and is based in Los Angeles. She has worked with materials including glass, bronze and stone, exploring themes of life and the limits of existence. For the Whitney presentation, Akashi will introduce new works spanning installation, sculpture and animation, drawing on personal experience. The exhibition centers on “Monument (Altadena)” (2026), which reconstructs in glass bricks a chimney and the walkway leading to it — the only part left after a wildfire in northern Los Angeles in January last year destroyed the artist’s home and studio. Installed on the museum’s fifth-floor terrace, the work reframes the space as a site for reflection on survival, loss and the incompleteness of what remains. Also on view is “Inheritance (Distressed)” (2026), inspired by the lace doily of the artist’s grandmother that was lost in the same fire. The work raises questions about how inherited legacies should be treated and remembered. The exhibition’s broader material inquiry into traces, memory and aftereffects extends to an animated work, “Remnants (Constellations)” (2026), shown on a large outdoor media wall on the terrace. “Rebuilding is not simply restoration, but a practice that symbolizes devoted labor and a dialogue with history,” Akashi said. “The process of stacking bricks one by one projects memory itself, and memory regains meaning through constant attention and patience.” “Each brick contains a record of the labor and transformation it has undergone, and together they become a new presence that holds traces of the past,” she said. Whitney curator Marcela Guerrero said Akashi “skillfully handles a range of materials, including glass and steel, and has harmoniously realized the conceptual and technical completeness essential to large-scale outdoor sculpture.” A Hyundai Motor official said the company hopes the exhibition will prompt audiences to reconsider the relationship between individuals and communities and to explore the possibility of genuine solidarity, in line with the commission’s aim of bringing artistic inspiration to more people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 09:03:23

Six South Korean Music Rights Groups Form Joint Front on AI Copyright Lee Si-ha, president of the Korea Music Copyright Association, has launched what the group called a “declaration of war” for the AI era in his first official move since taking office. Citing rapid growth in generative AI and what he described as unprecedented upheaval in the global music business, Lee called an emergency meeting of music rights organizations. On Feb. 26, the heads of six groups formally launched the K-Music Rights Organizations Coexistence Committee, known as the Coexistence Committee. The committee brings together the Korea Music Copyright Association (President Lee Si-ha), the Korea Record Industry Association (President Choi Kyung-sik), the Korea Entertainment Producers Association (President Lim Baek-woon), the Together Music Copyright Association (Chairman Han Dong-heon), the Korea Music Performers Association (President Lee Jeong-hyeon) and the Korea Music Content Association (Chairman Woo Seung-hyeon). Lee was elected chair. The committee said the industry faces a “fourfold crisis”: the spread of generative AI, blockchain-driven decentralization, overseas outflows of Hallyu-related revenue, and a reshaping of the platform market. It said it aims to go beyond policy proposals and position South Korea as a rule-setter by taking the lead in “copyright management technology.” At the center of its plan is a blockchain-based integrated infrastructure to unify fragmented rights data. The committee said it will seek core technology to link four major codes into a single data structure: ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) for musical works such as composition and lyrics; ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for sound recordings; YouTube’s CID (Content ID) system used to identify rights holders by recognizing audio and content in uploaded videos; and UCI (Universal Content Identifier), a national content identification system. The goal, it said, is to complete a “K-copyright standard model” that can track, collect and distribute royalties in real time without missing a single use, and to strengthen leadership in the copyright market. To carry out the plan, the six groups agreed to form a joint AI response task force, create a single negotiation channel and establish a joint fund, aiming to speak with one voice rather than respond separately. At the launch ceremony, the leaders also signed a joint declaration titled, “In the AI era, we declare the noble sovereignty of human creation,” pledging to protect creators’ rights against big capital and algorithms. The declaration calls for banning AI training without creators’ consent, requiring transparency in AI generation processes, and institutionalizing clear distinctions between human-created works and AI-generated output. “The next two years are a golden time that will determine the survival of Korea’s music industry,” Lee said. “Individual responses cannot stop this massive wave, so six organizations have joined hands. We will establish the copyright management system we build as a global standard and make Korea lead the world’s copyright order.” The committee said it will begin regular meetings and move quickly to design an integrated platform and pursue related institutional improvements.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 09:00:47

Wolves Beat Liverpool 2-1 as Hwang Hee-chan Returns to Bench After Injury Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan, sidelined by injury, was back in the matchday squad, raising expectations he could return to action soon. Wolverhampton beat Liverpool 2-1 in a 2025-2026 English Premier League Round 29 home match at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, on Tuesday (Korean time). The win was the club’s second straight and cut the gap to last place, narrowing the deficit to Burnley (16 points), which has played one fewer match, to three points. Hwang was named among the substitutes. He started the club’s Round 25 home match against Chelsea on Feb. 8 but was substituted in the 43rd minute of the first half after complaining of calf muscle pain. He was then left out of the squad for four straight matches. With Hwang back on the bench, his on-field return appears close. The development could also be a boost for Hong Myung-bo’s national team ahead of the North American World Cup, as Hwang’s speed and physical play can add another attacking option.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 08:42:16

Arrest warrant issued for Ex-DP lawmaker over bribery allegations SEOUL, March 4 (AJP) - Kang Sun-woo, a former lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) was arrested on Tuesday over alleged bribery and breach of trust. The Seoul Central District Court issued arrest warrants for Kang, along with Kim Kyung, a former Seoul city official, citing concerns that they might destroy evidence. Their arrest comes about two months after the allegations surfaced late last year, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to launch an investigation. Kang has been accused of receiving 100 million Korean won (US$68,500) from Kim in return for the DP's candidate nominations for the 2022 local elections. In South Korea, lawmakers are immune from arrest during a parliamentary session unless the National Assembly votes to lift that protection, but it passed a motion earlier last week allowing Kang's arrest. For now, Kang and Kim are being held at a police station in Mapo, Seoul while the investigation continues. Police should hand suspects over to prosecutors within 10 days after an arrest, so the case is expected to be sent to prosecutors next week. 2026-03-04 08:33:07

Chevrolet Launches 2026 Trax Crossover RS Ignite Edition, Opens Preorders Chevrolet said Tuesday it has launched the 2026 Trax Crossover “RS Ignite Edition” and begun taking preorders. The RS Ignite Edition was planned with inspiration from a rear red LED black bowtie emblem designed to stand out at night. Based on the RS trim — short for Rally Sport — the special edition combines red accents with carbon-look details to set its exterior apart. Inside, it applies an RS black-and-red-point interior and adds a black headliner for a more unified look, Chevrolet said. Chevrolet has been expanding color choices for the 2026 Trax Crossover, introducing “Mochaccino Beige” on the RS and ACTIV trims and “Chili Pepper Red” on the RS trim. It also offers connected features including OnStar-based over-the-air vehicle software updates. The RS Ignite Edition is priced at 28.86 million won, based on an individual consumption tax rate of 3.5%. Preorders are being accepted starting March 4 through Chevrolet showrooms nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 08:27:15

Actress Ku Hye-sun Earns Engineering Master’s Degree at KAIST Actress Ku Hye-sun has received a master’s degree in engineering. Ku posted photos on her social media account on the 4th with the message, “Thank you.” The images showed her diploma and Ku wearing a graduation cap after earning a master’s degree in engineering through the Science Journalism program at KAIST’s Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy. Online commenters responded with messages including “Congratulations” and “So lovely.” In January, Ku said she had completed her KAIST master’s program early. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 08:09:16

Park Ji-hoon’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Nears 10 Million Admissions, Expands Overseas Actor Park Ji-hoon is set to meet global audiences as the film “The Man Who Lives With the King” continues its box-office run in South Korea. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the movie is set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo and follows village chief Eom Heung-do, who volunteers to live in exile to revive his town, and the young deposed king Lee Hong-wi as they end up living together. The film surpassed 9 million admissions on March 2, putting it within reach of 10 million. Amid strong word of mouth, the film is also scheduled for release overseas, including in 26 U.S. cities such as New Jersey, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle and Las Vegas, as well as in Canada, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand. The film opened in Australia on Feb. 19 and drew strong interest, the distributor said. With its cumulative admissions now above 9 million, attention is focused on whether it can become the first domestic film to reach 10 million admissions in two years, since “Exhuma” in 2024. Park stars as Danjong, and the cast’s performances have been cited as a key driver of the film’s popularity. Adding to the momentum, “The Man Who Lives With the King” has been officially invited to the main competition section of the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival, which opens April 24. The festival is Europe’s largest event dedicated to Asian cinema. Park has also been gaining visibility beyond the film’s success. The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute ranked him No. 1 in its February 2026 rising star brand reputation list. Park is also set to broaden his activities through the first-half release of the TVING original series “Becoming a Legend as a Cook Soldier,” and an entertainment program featuring the full reunion of Wanna One for the first time in about seven years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 08:06:17

BTS Reveals Track List for 5th Album 'ARIRANG'; Title Track Is 'SWIM' BTS is returning with “SWIM,” a song that centers on love for life. BTS on March 4 released the track list for its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on the group’s official social media accounts. The image pairs the album logo with a red tape-like graphic. The 14-track album includes the title song “SWIM,” along with “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “NORMAL,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please” and “Into the Sun.” BigHit Music said “ARIRANG” brings together BTS’ identity and the emotions built over the group’s journey. “SWIM” is an upbeat alternative-pop track about pressing forward through life’s waves, moving at one’s own pace rather than fighting the current. RM participated broadly in writing the lyrics, the agency said. “Body to Body,” the opening track, is framed as a call to enjoy the moment with concertgoers. “Hooligan” reflects time spent traveling the world and carving out a path, while “Aliens” and “FYA” convey ambition and the energy of the group’s return. “2.0” is described as showing the present of the seven members as they enter a new phase. “No. 29” and “Merry Go Round,” placed after the title track, depict enduring life’s repeating cycles. “NORMAL” addresses feelings on and off stage, and “Like Animals” expresses a resolve to live intensely. “they don’t know ’bout us” projects confidence with the message, “We’re just us,” while “One More Night” sings of wanting to stay longer in an ecstatic moment. “Please” conveys a candid desire to be together in any situation, and “Into the Sun” closes the album with a confession of running toward “you.” BTS worked on the album after holding songwriting sessions in Los Angeles last summer. Producers Diplo, Ryan Tedder and El Guincho, each with Grammy Awards histories, participated, the agency said. BTS will release “ARIRANG” at 1 p.m. March 20. The next day, the group will hold “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, with the performance livestreamed on Netflix. 2026-03-04 07:57:23

Park Ji-hoon Teases Next Role in TVING Series as Film Nears 10 Million Viewers Singer-actor Park Ji-hoon, whose film “The Man Who Lives With the King” is closing in on 10 million moviegoers, is drawing attention to whether his next project will also be a hit. Park posted a photo on social media on March 3 with the message, “You worked hard, Kang Seong-jae.” In the image, he wears a military uniform and looks off into the distance. The post was a tease for his upcoming role in the TVING original series “Becoming a Legendary Army Cook,” set to air this year. The series is based on a web novel of the same name. Park plays Kang Seong-jae, a private newly assigned to the Gangrim outpost who works as an army cook. After falling from top trainee to a soldier of concern, he follows an unfamiliar voice and accepts a quest to change jobs as a cook. The original author, J. Robin (real name Oh Jong-pil), wrote on social media on March 2 about Park’s casting: “I’ve used up all my luck for life. He stepped right off the novel cover. I’m really looking forward to his acting.” Meanwhile, “The Man Who Lives With the King,” starring Park, has surpassed 9 million admissions, moving closer to the 10 million mark. Park plays Danjong (Lee Hong-wi) in the film.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 07:27:16

The first full moon of the year is red GYEONGGI, March 03 (AJP)-On the fifteenth night of the first lunar month, Korea steps outside. The holiday is Jeongwol Daeboreum, the first full moon of the year — a night when neighborhoods, not just families, gather under the open sky. If Lunar New Year belongs to the dining table, Jeongwol Daeboreum belongs to the fields, the hills, the riverbanks. People tilt their heads upward and wait for the moon to rise, round and bright in the brittle winter air. The full moon has long stood for abundance and well-being. In agrarian times, it was more than a celestial body; it was a calendar, a compass, a quiet oracle. Its fullness promised ripening crops and steady fortunes. To greet the year’s first full moon was to ask — gently, collectively — for balance. This year, the sky offers a rare spectacle. A total lunar eclipse coincides with Jeongwol Daeboreum. As Earth’s shadow slowly swallows the moon, its silver glow dims, then deepens into a muted red. Science explains the color: sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, scattering blue and leaving crimson behind. Yet knowing the physics does not dispel the awe. Suspended in darkness, the red moon feels ancient, almost sentient — a reminder of how small and how connected we are. Below that darkened moon, another light ignites. The heart of the festival is daljip taeugi, the burning of the “moon house.” Villagers stack pine branches and straw into a towering cone, sometimes taller than a house. At dusk, the structure is set alight. Flames surge upward in an instant, sparks spiraling into the night. The fire roars, crackles, breathes. It is not spectacle for spectacle’s sake. The blaze carries away misfortune, illness and ill luck. The higher the flames climb, the more auspicious the year ahead is believed to be. Smoke becomes a messenger, rising toward the moon with whispered wishes for health and harvest. On a night of eclipse, the symmetry feels almost scripted: a red moon shadowed above, a pillar of fire blazing below. One is astronomical, governed by orbital precision. The other is ritual, shaped by human hands and memory. Yet both mark the same truth — that darkness and light are not opposites but partners. The moon may lose its brilliance for an hour, but it never vanishes. The moon house may collapse into ash, but from its embers begins another cycle. Even in a society wired to satellites and screens, people still pause for this moon. Children clutch roasted peanuts and crack them with laughter. Elders murmur old sayings about the year’s fortune. Cameras flash, but so do quiet prayers. On Jeongwol Daeboreum, people bite hard nuts to prevent boils and share five-grain rice to wish for abundance. These customs have continued despite changing times. Jeongwol Daeboreum endures because it binds sky to earth, science to story, past to present. Under the red-stained moon and beside the leaping flames, time seems to fold in on itself. The first full moon does what it has always done: gathers strangers into a shared circle of light. And as the shadow slips away and the fire dies down, what remains is simple — a sky restored, warm ashes underfoot, and the steady, human hope that the year ahead will burn bright. 2026-03-04 07:23:44