GS Caltex Launches CCU~S Carbon-Reduction Education Campaign, Unveils Hands-On Kit GS Caltex said on the 19th it is launching the “CCU~S (Kkuus) Campaign,” a carbon-reduction education initiative for future generations, and unveiling an educational creative teaching tool called the “Kkuus Kit (CCUS KIT).” The kit, the centerpiece of the campaign, is designed to make CCUS — carbon dioxide capture, utilization and storage — easier for children to understand by reinterpreting the concept at their level. The GS Caltex kit uses a playful, child-friendly theme, comparing “farts” to carbon in the air. It turns the process of capturing gas and using it as nutrients to grow plants into a game-like activity. The company said the kit is intended to help children naturally grasp the idea of a circular economy, in which carbon is collected and either reused as a useful material or stored safely. GS Caltex said it plans to link online and offline communications to broaden public engagement with the campaign. It will distribute the kit by lottery to applicants through the campaign page on its official blog, Media Hub, so members of the public can try it firsthand. The company also released a video made in collaboration with science creator “Gwedo,” explaining the scientific principles behind CCUS with humor. A GS Caltex official said the company will continue expanding low-carbon new businesses while creating social value through new forms of creative communication. The official added that GS Caltex will aim to become “a respected 100-year company” based on sustainable growth. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 08:36:18

LIG Donates 70 Million Won to Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital LIG said it donated 70 million won to Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital on March 18 to support medically vulnerable people. The company has run the donation program since 2021, marking its sixth year, and has given a total of 330 million won. LIG said the latest donation will be used to help cover treatment costs for low-income patients who fall through gaps in support. Lee Seong-jin, head of Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, said, "We are grateful for the warm interest and support for medically vulnerable people," adding, "We will do our best to ensure the donation reaches those who truly need it so they can regain their health." Choi Yong-jun, LIG CEO, said he hopes the donation will offer "a small hope" to neighbors suffering from illness, and pledged continued efforts to support medically vulnerable groups. LIG said it also carries out other social contribution activities, including support programs for low-income national merit recipients, sponsorship of the Korea Disabled Football Association, and assistance for young adults preparing for independent living. It said affiliates including LIG Nex1, Innowireless, LIG System and Huseco develop programs reflecting their business characteristics as part of ESG management.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 08:30:18

South Korean Banks’ 2025 Net Profit Hits Record 24.1 Trillion Won; Interest Income Tops 60 Trillion South Korean banks posted a record annual net profit of more than 24 trillion won last year, with interest income topping 60 trillion won for the first time. According to the Financial Supervisory Service’s preliminary report on 2025 operating results released on the 19th, domestic banks’ net profit totaled 24.1 trillion won, up 1.8 trillion won, or 8.2%, from 22.2 trillion won a year earlier. Net profit at commercial banks came to 16.2 trillion won. City banks increased profit by 1.3 trillion won from a year earlier, and internet-only banks by 100 billion won, while regional banks fell by 30 billion won. Special-purpose banks posted 7.8 trillion won in net profit, up 400 billion won from 7.4 trillion won. Return on assets was 0.59%, little changed from 0.58% a year earlier. Return on equity rose 0.17 percentage points to 7.93%. Interest income rose 1.1 trillion won, or 1.8%, to 60.4 trillion won from 59.3 trillion won. The net interest margin narrowed by 0.06 percentage points, but interest-earning assets increased 4.6% to 3,442 trillion won. Non-interest income climbed 1.6 trillion won, or 26.9%, to 7.6 trillion won from 6.0 trillion won, as greater interest-rate and foreign-exchange volatility boosted gains tied to foreign-exchange and derivatives transactions used for hedging interest-rate and currency risks. Selling and administrative expenses rose 2.0 trillion won, or 7.2%, to 29.4 trillion won from 27.4 trillion won. Personnel costs increased 1.5 trillion won to 17.9 trillion won, and other expenses rose 500 billion won to 11.5 trillion won. Credit loss provisions fell 400 billion won, or 5.9%, to 6.5 trillion won from 7.0 trillion won. Financial authorities said the rise in net profit reflected a sharp increase in foreign-exchange and derivatives gains amid greater interest-rate and currency volatility, as well as higher interest income driven by growth in interest-earning assets despite a narrower net interest margin. They warned that uncertainty is increasing this year due to heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East, U.S. tariff policy, and greater interest-rate and foreign-exchange volatility, while concerns about expanding credit losses persist. Authorities said they plan to keep encouraging banks to strengthen loss-absorbing capacity so they can continue performing their core financial intermediation role even if domestic and external economic conditions worsen. 2026-03-19 08:21:22

Defense-strong Hanwha head Kim Seung-youn most well-paid business owner in Korea SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) -Reflecting the rise of Korean defense power, Kim Seung-youn, the owner of defense-heavy Hanwha Group, ranked as the most well-paid conglomerate head in 2025 with his compensation package topping 20 billion won. According to Hanwha Corp.’s annual report filed on Wednesday, Kim received 5.04 billion won from Hanwha Corp. last year. He also received 5.04 billion won each from Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, 5.041 billion won from Hanwha Solutions, and 4.68 billion won from Hanwha Vision. His total compensation from the five affiliates reached 24.841 billion won, up 77.7 percent from 13.98 billion won a year earlier. Hanwha Group said the compensation reflected Kim’s role in identifying future growth engines, advising on new businesses including mergers and acquisitions, and supporting operations through his global network. Kim’s eldest son, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, received 8.096 billion won, down 12 percent from a year earlier. His pay included 2.69 billion won each from Hanwha Corp. and Hanwha Aerospace, and 2.716 billion won from Hanwha Solutions. CJ Group Chairman Lee Jae-hyun ranked second with about 17.7 billion won from CJ Corp. and CJ CheilJedang. Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun was third with 17.461 billion won, including 9.001 billion won from Hyundai Motor, 5.4 billion won from Kia, and 3.06 billion won from Hyundai Mobis. Chung’s total rose 51.6 percent from a year earlier as he began receiving compensation from Kia for the first time. Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon earned 15.7 billion won, while Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin received 14.9 billion won. Cho’s pay rose 64.8 percent from 9.183 billion won in 2024, while Shin’s total could increase to around 18 billion won once additional disclosures from Hotel Lotte and Lotte Property & Development are released. Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae received 14.578 billion won from affiliates including Korean Air, Hanjin KAL, Asiana Airlines and Jin Air. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won earned 8.25 billion won. LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo received 7.127 billion won from LG Corp., including 4.793 billion won in salary and 2.334 billion won in bonuses. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong has continued to work without pay since 2017. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin received 5.85 billion won from E-Mart. When severance pay is included, Poongsan Group Chairman Ryu Jin ranked first with 46.645 billion won, including 38.8 billion won in severance following his resignation as CEO of Poongsan Holdings. 2026-03-19 07:45:18

BTS Comeback Show Nears as Fans Pack Seoul’s Gwanghwamun for Photos and Video “I took photos and videos to send to friends and family.” Fans crowded the Sejong-daero area near Seoul’s Gwanghwamun on March 17, gathering for souvenir photos ahead of BTS’ comeback performance. As ad videos promoting “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang (ARIRANG)” played on major building screens, fans kept stopping to film and pose. Across from the KT Gwanghwamun building’s display, small groups lined the boulevard recording the footage. Yang, a 32-year-old Chinese national, said street performances are banned in China, making a large-scale show in central Seoul “surprising and impressive.” He said friends in China were curious, so he was sending photos. He added he plans to return on the day of the performance with six friends and send proof photos to family in China. On social media, overseas fans have also been posting “Gwanghwamun proof shots,” sharing photos taken around Sejong-daero, including the Kyobo Life Insurance building’s exterior signboard and the outdoor steps of the Sejong Center. Hwang, a Vietnamese national, said he filmed the ad video and shared it with acquaintances, adding that friends and family in Vietnam are highly interested in the show. From Sejong-daero to Cheonggyecheon-ro, BTS visuals cover building walls Building facades around Gwanghwamun have been filled with videos promoting the comeback performance, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on March 21 (Korea time). Screens on major media buildings and at the Ilmin Museum of Art have been running the promotional clips on a loop. A building that houses the HiKR Ground Korea tourism promotion center has been showing purple-toned videos featuring ARMY fan messages, including: “Proud to be ARMY,” “We’ll always be behind you,” “Enjoy yourselves on stage,” “We’ll cheer for this comeback, too,” and “I’ve been waiting for this day. Fire!” The Kyobo Life Insurance building’s signboard has also become a popular stop for fans. Kyobo Life and Big Hit Music collaborated on a massive exterior wrap measuring 90 meters (295 feet) wide and 21 meters (69 feet) tall. It includes phrases such as “Until the story that began with me moves the whole world” and “Born in Korea, Play for the World.” Kyobo Life said the wrap is meant to convey hope that, like BTS writing its own story on the global stage, citizens will develop their potential through challenge and effort and move toward a bigger world. The design reflects the shapes of the four trigrams from the South Korean flag — geon, gon, gam and ri — and applies elements of BTS’ new album design to the typeface and colors. A Big Hit Music official said, “We hope the hopeful energy in this collaboration is also conveyed well to citizens.” Jongno-gu district officials have posted banners ahead of the performance to promote spectator safety. The banners include QR codes with traffic safety information and the message, “Welcome to Jongno, BTS and everyone.” Businesses in the area are also preparing for the influx. Some restaurants have hung welcome banners or planned group sing-along events featuring BTS songs. A Hollys store near Gwanghwamun said it will extend hours by two hours and stay open until 1 a.m., while Starbucks said it will flex staffing to keep operations running smoothly. Convenience stores said they are securing more than 100 times their usual stock of key items. Museums to close; officials urge “clean concert culture” On the day of the performance, museums around Gwanghwamun will close, and many buildings near the venue will be shut. The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, the National Folk Museum of Korea and the National Palace Museum of Korea will temporarily close that day. Gyeongbokgung Palace will also close for the event, with its parking lot shut and access fully restricted. The Korea Heritage Service said it will place all staff on an emergency work system to prevent crowd accidents and damage to cultural heritage sites. Authorities have designated 31 buildings near the venue for intensive management. For six buildings adjacent to Gwanghwamun Square, the main entrances will be closed on the day of the performance, with only rear entrances open. The Sejong Center has also adjusted its schedule. No performances will be held, including the musical “Anna Karenina,” the play “Wasp,” and the dance program “Double Bill Bliss and Jackie.” At Sungnyemun, where a BTS media facade event is scheduled for March 20, organizers said they will manage capacity, separate pedestrian and viewer routes, and add safety staff to prevent crowding. After the event, structures will be removed and the site restored so normal viewing can resume the next day. In a previous news release, Korea Heritage Service Administrator Heo Min urged visitors to follow designated viewing areas to protect Gyeongbokgung’s palace platform and walls and to follow on-site staff guidance to prevent accidents. He also asked for cooperation in a “clean concert culture,” including taking home personal items after the performance. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 06:13:09

Hyundai Veteran Han Ji-hyeong Built A2Z Into a Top-11 Autonomous Driving Firm Han Ji-hyeong, CEO of A2Z, is a hands-on engineer who spent more than a decade at Hyundai Motor Co. working on autonomous driving technology. He was an early member of Hyundai’s self-driving effort, beginning research before the technology was widely commercialized, and worked on the autonomous Nexo that President Moon Jae-in rode during the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. At the time, Hyundai developed autonomous driving through partnerships with outside companies. Han said he believed a fully driverless system with “zero defects” required more independent development. “As I thought about the direction and speed of development, I decided to start a company with colleagues who shared the same view,” he said. He added that A2Z focused on a B2B and B2G market for low-speed, special-purpose vehicles in cities to commercialize existing technology quickly. “Shuttles or special-purpose vehicles that run at about 50 to 60 kilometers per hour are less technically demanding than autonomous passenger cars and can be commercialized in a short time, and that expectation proved right,” he said. A2Z drew global attention in 2024 when it ranked 11th in a “comprehensive assessment of autonomous driving companies’ technology” by market research firm Guidehouse Insights, the only South Korean company on the list. The ranking included Waymo, Baidu, Mobileye of Israel and Nvidia, and A2Z was the only company valued at less than 1 trillion won, according to the article. The company says it has operated 82 autonomous vehicles, the most in South Korea, and logged about 940,000 kilometers of cumulative driving in urban autonomous operations, also a domestic high. Based on that field experience, it has developed services including urban autonomous shuttles, smart logistics solutions and mobility support for transportation-disadvantaged people. Its Level 4 autonomous vehicle, ROii, developed in 2024, is expected to enter full commercialization this year after performance certification tests and approvals. In Singapore, A2Z obtained local autonomous driving license M1, the first South Korean company to do so, and through its joint venture A2G (Autonomous to Global) is pursuing orders tied to the local smart city project “COSMO.” It is also exploring entry into markets including the United Arab Emirates and Japan. A2Z says it is preparing for an era of fully unmanned autonomous driving. Han said fully unmanned vehicles require a different approach from today’s practice of developing software and hardware separately. “Through an integrated platform in which the brain, the body and the infrastructure that moves them are perfectly aligned, we will realize 100% unmanned autonomous driving the fastest and most completely,” he said. 2026-03-19 05:05:37

A2Z CEO Han Ji-hyeong says fully driverless tech is inevitable, pushes exports to Japan and Middle East "To achieve 100% driverless autonomous driving, we have the full lineup of technologies needed — from software to vehicle hardware, control systems and external infrastructure. Based on that, we will expand exports to Japan, the Middle East and beyond and reach our goal of 30 billion won in annual revenue," Han Ji-hyeong, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, said in an interview on Tuesday at the company’s research center in Anyang. Han said autonomous driving can reshape urban transportation, raise productivity and help address social challenges such as mobility support for underserved groups and population aging. He said fully driverless technology is an "inevitable future" in the AI era and stressed the need for South Korea not to fall behind the United States and China as he seeks overseas markets. A2Z, founded in 2018 by Han and four engineers who previously worked at Hyundai Motor, is one of South Korea’s leading autonomous driving companies. Its name reflects its aim to hold all technologies needed for fully driverless operation. The company develops software for AI perception, sensors and vehicle control, along with vehicle platforms, control centers, controllers and remote-driving systems. Its products include the Level 4 driverless vehicle ROii and the autonomous logistics delivery platform COii. Han said A2Z’s edge is treating autonomous driving as an integrated system rather than a single technology. "Autonomous driving is a massive systems industry where vehicles, software, control centers, remote control and city infrastructure are all connected," he said, adding that a unified platform is essential for practical, fully driverless operation. He pointed to scenarios such as sudden road construction or blocked lanes. In today’s deployments, a safety driver can intervene. In a fully driverless setting, he said, vehicles may be forced to stop because they are configured not to cross a center line under traffic rules. He cited last year’s large-scale power outage in San Francisco, when Waymo robotaxis stopped and contributed to gridlock, as an example of what could become more common. "In those cases, an external intervention structure that can remotely control the vehicle is essential," Han said, adding that A2Z has built a system that allows a control center to manage vehicles in real time. Han said A2Z has also chosen a hybrid approach instead of the AI-driven end-to-end method drawing attention in the industry. In A2Z’s design, AI handles perception and decision-making, while a rules-based system performs final control of vehicle movement. Han said the structure addresses a weakness of end-to-end systems: while flexible in unexpected situations, even "0.01%" of extreme behavior can lead to an accident. He said end-to-end logic supports active judgment in complex road environments, while rules-based control governs actual vehicle actions in emergencies, providing layered safety. A2Z said more than 70% of its employees are developers, with an average age in the 30s and 40s. The company is expanding sales channels in Japan, Singapore and the Middle East. It recently began operating autonomous shuttle buses in Japan and Singapore. In the United Arab Emirates, it has set up a joint venture with AI company Space42 — A2D (Abu Dhabi Autonomous Driving) — and is preparing an autonomous vehicle operations business. Han said Japan is pushing to introduce 10,000 driverless shuttle buses in 100 cities by 2030 to address issues including aging and mobility support, and Dubai is pursuing a national policy to shift 25% of total traffic to driverless autonomous transport by 2030. He said A2Z expects to play a key role. He added that as U.S.-China tensions intensify, South Korean autonomous driving companies are emerging in the UAE and Dubai as alternatives to Chinese firms. A2Z is posting more than double growth each year, Han said. The company’s revenue last year was about 16 billion won, and it is targeting 25 billion to more than 30 billion won this year. It expects 10 billion won in revenue from the Middle East alone within the year. Han said 2028 is expected to mark a shift to 60% overseas revenue and 40% domestic. As Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Middle Eastern markets clarify their transition plans, he said A2Z expects to generate 110 billion won in revenue locally by around 2035. Han said the company is also pursuing an initial public offering, describing it as a step to validate its technology and business model as well as raise funds. He said A2Z is aiming to become a unicorn — a privately held startup valued at 1 trillion won or more — and warned that a low valuation could dampen investment, putting South Korea at a disadvantage in competition with the United States, China and Israel. He also called autonomous driving a core security technology that requires active national support. Fully driverless technology, he said, brings together AI, urban data, traffic laws and safety rules — reflecting a country’s legal system and culture. Because the industry is still in its early stages and gaps among countries are not yet large, he said now is a critical window to compete for leadership. Han said dependence on another country’s autonomous driving software could lead to dependence across hardware, city infrastructure and related systems. He urged the government to act as an early customer. He added that unlike pure IT startups, autonomous driving startups involve manufacturing, creating spillover effects to second- and third-tier vendors and potentially supporting regional economies and job creation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-19 05:04:02

South Korea women routed 4-1 by Japan in AFC Asian Cup semifinals South Korea’s first bid to reach the top of Asia ended against Japan. The South Korea women’s national team, coached by Shin Sang-woo, lost 4-1 to Japan on March 18 in the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup semifinal at Stadium Australia in Sydney, despite a goal by Kang Chae-rim of Montreal. South Korea’s best finish at the tournament remains runner-up at the 2022 edition in India. Japan, ranked No. 8 in the world by FIFA and the highest-ranked team in Asia, outclassed No. 21 South Korea. The loss left South Korea with a 4-12-20 record against Japan and extended its winless run to 10 matches (four draws, six losses) since a 2-1 victory at the 2015 East Asian Cup. Japan has scored 28 goals and conceded once in five matches at this tournament. Shin left Ji So-yun (Suwon FC) on the bench and set up in a defensive 5-4-1 formation. Jeon Yu-gyeong (Molde FK) led the line, with Park Su-jeong (AC Milan), Kim Shin-ji (Rangers WFC), Jeong Min-young (Ottawa) and Moon Eun-ju (Hwacheon KSPO) in midfield. The back five featured Noh Jin-young (Mungyeong Sangmu), Ko Yu-jin (Incheon Hyundai Steel) and Kim Hye-ri centrally, with Jang Seul-gi (Gyeongju KHNP) and Chu Hyo-joo (Ottawa) as wingbacks. Goalkeeper Kim Min-jeong (Hyundai Steel) started. Japan broke through in the 15th minute when Kim Shin-ji lost possession to Nagano Fuka and Riko Ueki finished the move. Maika Hamano made it 2-0 in the 25th after a run down the right and a tight-angle shot. South Korea replaced Jeon with Son Hwa-yeon in the 41st, and two minutes later Japan thought it had scored again through Aoba Fujino, but the goal was disallowed for a handball in the buildup. Moon was injured and Ji came on in stoppage time of the first half. Japan had 12 shots before the break to South Korea’s three, and South Korea did not register a shot on target. South Korea brought on Kang for Chu at the start of the second half, but Japan kept pressing. Ueki’s header hit the crossbar in the 63rd minute, and South Korea’s first corner kick came in the 67th without producing a goal. After South Korea substituted Park Hye-jeong and Choi Yu-ri for Kim Shin-ji and Jeong Min-young in the 72nd, Japan struck again: Saki Kumagai headed in from a corner in the 75th. South Korea pulled one back in the 78th when Kang took a pass from Park Su-jeong and scored with a right-footed turning shot. It was Japan’s first goal conceded of the tournament. Japan restored its three-goal lead in the 86th when Remina Chiba scored to seal the result. Japan will play host Australia, which beat defending champion China 2-1 the day before, in the final on March 21 at the same venue.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 20:24:00

From ashes to rebirth: Yoon Kyeong-sik wins World Architecture Awards SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - In March 2026, the announcement came from the United Kingdom: the World Architecture Community Awards, 53rd cycle. It was not simply a prize. It was recognition that something quiet, something deeply human, had spoken across borders. Among works from 53 countries and judged by 243 jurors, the Inwolsa Dharma Center was chosen — not for spectacle, but for the depth of its question. This was not architecture of reconstruction. It was architecture of renewal. “The fire burned the buildings, but it could not burn our practice. What we rebuilt was not a temple, but the mind.” With these words, Venerable Jaebeom condensed the entire narrative of Inwolsa. What stands today is not only designed — it is gathered. From quiet donations, from unseen solidarity, from a shared refusal to let meaning disappear. As the Buddhist teaching goes: All things arise from the mind. Inwolsa is that mind made visible. Faced with the ruins, architect Yoon Kyeong-sik did not choose restoration. He chose not to repeat the past. He chose to reinterpret it. “Inwol” — the moon reflected on water. One moon, infinitely mirrored. From this idea, he translated philosophy into space. The curve of the crescent moon, the arc of the Buddha’s brow. No rigid lines, but flowing continuity. No division, but relationship. Architecture here becomes thought. Inside, the central space opens — empty, yet full. This emptiness is not absence. It is potential. The meditation hall and prayer spaces unfold as separate functions within a single continuous flow. To be empty is to hold everything. The Indra Wall forms the heart of the building. A field of color, light, and deliberate voids.Each opening receives light, and reflects it onward. Yoon Kyeong-sik does not build religion. He builds questions. “Architecture is not where people stay. It is where people change.” At Inwolsa, this is not an idea. It is an experience. His work resists spectacle. It returns to essence. Inwolsa gathers all of this into one place. It is not merely a temple. It is a record of loss, a form shaped by community, a vessel of spirit. Fire destroys. But it cannot touch the mind. And the mind, in time, builds again. Yoon’s architecture stands as proof. About the author: Architect Yoon Kyeong-sik is widely regarded as one of the defining voices in contemporary spiritual architecture, known for his philosophy of harmonizing tradition and modernity through nature-responsive design and humanistic inquiry. Over a career spanning more than 35 years, Yoon has earned over 24 international architecture awards. His work extends beyond the physical realm, positioning architecture as an intellectual and philosophical practice—one that engages with the humanities, aesthetics and the inner life of space. Among his most celebrated works, the Haselina Ninebridge Clubhouse has drawn international attention. The project was featured by the BBC for its striking ceiling design, noted for its sculptural interplay of light and structure. It was also highlighted by The New York Times as a distinctive architectural destination, underscoring its global cultural resonance. Yoon’s portfolio has been recognized with major honors including the International Architecture Awards (IAA), the iF Design Award and the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP). Notably, he became the first non-European architect to receive top recognition at an Italian sustainable architecture award, marking a significant milestone in the field. 2026-03-18 20:01:19

BTS Live D-3: Fan must-have turns sour as light stick prices soar SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - The soaring price of K-pop light sticks — once a simple symbol of fandom — is fast becoming a flashpoint ahead of the BTS Gwanghwamun comeback concert, as shortages and steep markups leave fans questioning whether the experience is still worth the cost. With the concert just three days away, demand for official light sticks has surged, triggering shortages and driving up resale prices, particularly in tourist-heavy districts in central Seoul such as Myeongdong. At around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, K-MECCA, a K-pop goods store in Myeongdong, was crowded with about 30 foreign visitors browsing merchandise. Light sticks displayed at the entrance drew attention. “I think everyone wants to get the feeling, but these prices are too high,” said Katie Mueller, a visitor in her 30s from Germany. “A lot of fans are younger than me, so it should stay within a reasonable range. I’m not sure if I would want to spend this much.” “The light stick is too expensive,” said Nanako, 18, from Fukuoka. “I can’t afford it. But if I could, I would want to get a light stick and photo cards.” Myeongdong has emerged as a hub for K-pop merchandise sales, with stores targeting foreign tourists who may be less familiar with official pricing. Some stores did not display prices, requiring customers to check at the counter, where prices change with demand. According to data from secondhand platform Bungaejangter, search interest in BTS-related items including “BTS light stick,” “BTS concert” and “BTS tickets” has spiked this month, indicating a simultaneous increase in both concert participation and merchandise demand. As of March, searches for BTS light sticks rose 438 percent from the previous month and 1,764 percent from a year earlier. The trend extends beyond Korea. On Japan’s resale platform Mercari, transactions involving BTS light sticks have also increased, indicating strong overseas demand ahead of the event. Offline demand is also evident. At the K-pop specialty “K-WAVE Zone” inside Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong, BTS merchandise sales jumped about 190 percent over the March 13–15 weekend, with March 14 sales more than tripling year-on-year. A staff member said light sticks are currently difficult to secure and that inquiries about BTS goods have been increasing, particularly from Japan. “Today it’s a bit quieter because of the rain,” she said. “Light sticks are not coming in. They’re in short supply.” Analysts warn that excessive price hikes that could damage Korea’s tourism credibility. “This is not just a pricing issue. It’s a matter of trust,” said Lee Hoon, professor of Hanyang University. “When pricing exceeds a certain acceptable range, trust begins to break down.” “If such practices are repeated, it could create a perception that Korean businesses are not trustworthy. Trust is easy to lose but very difficult to rebuild,” he said. He emphasized both private- and public-sector roles in addressing the issue. “Local merchant associations should take the lead, while governments need to establish systems and safeguards to prevent such practices,” he said. Kim Nam-jo, a professor at Hanyang University, said price increases may be natural amid rising demand, but agreed that excessive markups are problematic. Prices should remain within a reasonable range, he said, noting that tourism depends on repeat visits rather than one-time consumption. “Tourism is not a one-off experience. If visitors leave with a negative impression, they may not return, and they won’t recommend it to others.” He warned that such practices could have broader implications beyond individual stores. “What appears to be a local issue can ultimately affect the country’s overall image,” he said. “Short-term pricing strategies do not last. Businesses built on image cannot survive if that image is damaged.” On a different note, Joo Dong-oh, a professor of Kyung Hee University, offered a more nuanced view, saying that if consumers are aware of regular prices yet still choose to pay more, K-pop merchandise can be seen as “an emotional symbol commemorating the BTS concert rather than a simple product.” He added that unless clear illegal practices such as counterfeit sales or price collusion occur, the impact on Korea’s tourism image is likely to be limited. Kim Hong-yu, also of Kyung Hee University, agreed that the surge in K-pop merchandise prices is problematic. “With K-pop’s core fan base is growing beyond Southeast Asia into Europe and North America, this is a particularly sensitive stage,” he said. 2026-03-18 18:08:31