SPECIAL OPINION: Song crosses century as BTS stands at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Songs rarely defy the gravity of time. Even those that define an era typically fade as the industry of music demands rapid production and immediate consumption. Most melodies remain trapped within their own chronology, yet Arirang stands as the definitive exception. It is not the work of a single composer or a finished product born at a specific moment; it is a collective creation, an accumulation of voices across a century of records and even longer oral traditions. Its essence lies not in its origin but in its layered history, functioning less like a song and more like a vessel for a society’s shared memory of parting, migration, and eventual recovery. To hear Arirang is to experience the passage of accumulated time rather than the consumption of a melody. Today, this anthem stands at Gwanghwamun in the heart of Seoul, performed by BTS. This encounter between a group at the center of global pop and the oldest emotional bedrock of the Korean people is more than a simple fusion of the traditional and the modern. It marks a fundamental transition. Seoul currently stands at the threshold of evolving from the industrial success of K-pop into the permanent realm of K-heritage. While K-pop is a triumph of modern systems—planning, production, and fandom—it remains within the boundaries of a market. Arirang, conversely, belongs to the dimension of time, having survived through history rather than commerce. Their intersection at Gwanghwamun signals a shift from a competition based on individual content to one rooted in the depth of a cultural structure. The success of Seoul on the global stage has largely relied on isolated hits in music, drama, and film. These achievements, while significant, often lacked a reinforced structure that could sustain influence beyond a single release. The focus must now shift toward transforming content success into a durable cultural ecosystem. Arirang is critical to this mission because of its inherent scalability; it exists without a fixed genre, allowing it to be reimagined as performance, film, or digital narrative. Historically, it has adapted to different regions and eras, proving that its flexibility is its greatest asset in a globalized age. Unlike fixed content that is consumed and discarded, an open structure like Arirang can expand indefinitely. In the past, Arirang was often utilized as a one-time centerpiece for international events, appearing as a fleeting scene before disappearing. This approach must change from mere utilization to structuralization. True structuralization requires creating a state where culture is continuously reproduced and interconnected. This demands a broader range of interpretation, ensuring the song is not treated as a static relic but as a narrative of hope and recovery that can be translated across different genres and cultures. When music, tourism, and education flow together as a single stream, tradition ceases to be a ghost of the past and becomes a medium for the future. The most vital shift required is one of perception. Tradition must be viewed as an active force rather than a subject for preservation alone. Arirang has always been a functioning culture, sung in the streets and altered by the circumstances of the people. This inherent fluidity is precisely what makes it relevant today. In this context, the role of BTS becomes clear: they are not mere consumers of tradition but translators who interpret Korean sentiment into a language the world understands. Their presence at Gwanghwamun is a cultural signal that the depth of a nation's narrative is becoming as important as the content itself. One performance cannot create lasting change, but it can establish a direction. As the world begins to look past the hit single to the context and history behind it, the path for Seoul is to move beyond the cycle of temporary success and toward the status of a nation with a deep, accumulated cultural structure. 2026-03-21 17:11:35

BTS Live: How purple are you? Inside every ARMY's story SEOUL, March 21 (AJP)-Many had crossed the Pacific and the Atlantic. On the day of the concert, they arrived dressed for the scene — in purple. Scarves, dresses, glow sticks and dyed hair turned central Seoul into a moving spectrum of the group’s signature color, as fans circled the barricaded perimeter of Gwanghwamun Square ahead of BTS’s comeback concert. From the open-air stage, rehearsal tracks from the new album carried across the plaza — loud, metallic and unmistakable. Each burst of sound sent phones upward and briefly stilled the crowd. For many, that was enough. They had already come too far not to feel it. Distance and money, at that point, had ceased to matter. Jessie, 35, who works in the film industry in Mexico, had been in South Korea for a week before the show. She traveled to Busan, visited Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsan Tower, and spent days shopping in Myeong-dong. “I’ve already done a lot,” she said. “Now I’m just enjoying cafés, food, taking it slow.” The concert was the anchor of the trip, but not its entirety. For others, the scale of the experience was still settling in. For the Vibe - and Simply to be There Agnieszka, 26, and Paula, 23, flew in from Poland, adding stops in Jeju and Seoul in the days leading up to the event. “Myeong-dong was very overwhelming,” Agnieszka said. They had watched the drone show the night before and planned to stay several more days, venturing beyond the capital to Nami Island and Sokcho. A visit to Gyeongbokgung in hanbok was also on their list. “Korea is all about giving instructions,” she said, pointing to the dense signage across streets and stations. “There’s always something telling you what to do.” She paused, then added with a laugh: “And the roads are dangerous.” Anh Nguyen, 22 and a fan since 2015, flew in from Germany, spending about 5,000 euros ($5,400) on the trip to see their comeback. “Why go this far?” she repeated, before answering her own question. “The older songs — that’s what made me stay. They were my first K-pop boy band. New, interesting… and very humble.” She paused, searching for the right phrase. “There’s always a meaning. A story behind each album. That ‘wow effect.’” In Germany, she said, BTS has long moved beyond niche fandom. “Everyone knows BTS and Blackpink. Even my boyfriend — he doesn’t like K-pop — but he knows them,” she said. “ ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’ are the most famous.” For ARMY, the chance to connect and share the vibe of this milestone comeback is priceless. Australian fans Kim Suda, 42, and Emily Monro, 27, were brought together far from Down Under by a shared fandom. “We literally just met,” one of them said. “There’s a BTS fan page for Australians, and now we’re just hanging out.” Neither had secured tickets for the day, but that hardly seemed to matter. They had already come prepared — light sticks packed before departure — and were now roaming the area, searching for the best vantage point ahead of the 8 p.m. show. Every fan seemed to carry a history with BTS — one that explained how they had come this far, and why simply being close to the moment was enough. “I tried my best to get a ticket, but I failed,” said Christina, 30, who flew 14 hours from Germany. “Still, it’s about being at the scene — vibing with ARMY.” For others, the connection ran deeper, shaped over years. “It reminds me of my teenage years,” said Iman Lee, 23, who traveled 17 hours from Morocco. “I used to watch them with my friends — those are really special memories.” “They gave me strength during a difficult time,” said Alise Tarbuna, who has followed BTS since returning to K-pop in 2016. And for many, the draw extended beyond music into something broader. “Through BTS, I learned about Korea — the people, the culture,” said Dilara Dogan, 25, from Germany. “I’m really thankful.” . Pilgrims from home For Kim Eun-ji, 39, from Cheongju, South Korea, getting inside had been uncertain until the last moment. “I couldn’t get a ticket at first,” she said. “Then I managed to buy a canceled one. When it worked, I couldn’t even scream.” Even on the day of the show, the reality had not fully registered. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she said. “I buy every album,” she added, showing off her 130,000 ($86) won worth purchase on Friday alone. The concert had yet to begin. But for many, the journey — measured in miles, money and time — had already reached its point. 2026-03-21 16:41:19

BTS to Return as Full Group at Gwanghwamun Square for 'Comeback Live: ARIRANG' BTS members, speaking through their agency BigHit Music, shared their thoughts and what to watch for ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” set for 8 p.m. on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. It will be the group’s first performance as all seven members since a Busan concert in 2022, about three years and five months ago. The members expressed anticipation and urged attention to safety. How do you feel ahead of “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG”? RM “While practicing for a great stage, I picked up a minor injury. I’ll adjust the performance to match my condition, but I’ll do my best within what’s possible. More than anything, I want to repay those who have waited with a good performance.” Jin “I’m very nervous. I never imagined I’d perform at Gwanghwamun Square, and it’s really sinking in. This is all possible because so many people prepared it together. I want to say thank you to everyone.” Suga “Preparing for a world tour while also working on the Gwanghwamun comeback show has been a blur. That makes it even more meaningful because the whole team focused in one direction. I’m really looking forward to it.” j-hope “It’s a big event the world is watching, which is a burden, but it also makes me want to do even better. Since it’s been a while since we’ve been on stage together, I’ll keep the energy and focus to the end.” Jimin “As much as I’m excited, I’m honestly anxious, too. Still, it’s a chance to meet fans again after a long time, so I’m even more thrilled. I’ll stay focused so that feeling comes through on stage.” V “I’m happy. We prepared very solidly and practiced with everything we had every day. I hope we finish the show looking good — and above all, safely.” Jungkook “I’m excited and nervous. I’m thrilled, but I also have worries, so I ended up preparing even more. I’ll make it a stage I won’t regret and create a time we can enjoy together.” What are the key points to watch in the Gwanghwamun Square show? RM “To make the most of the symbolic space of Gwanghwamun, we built the set in an ‘open cube’ structure with a clear view. The point is that Gwanghwamun and the stage don’t block each other, so they can be captured in a single frame.” Jin “The cube structure is the core device of the stage. We all thought hard about the stage setup, and the cube became the solution. It will be used in many ways in the production, so I hope you look forward to it.” Suga “We prepared the stage with the mindset that we always have to show something new. This time, in particular, working with an overseas production team helped us bring the highlights to life in a different way.” j-hope “When you see the stage setup, it will feel like Gwanghwamun is inside a picture frame. The scene of BTS performances filling that frame itself will feel symbolic.” Jimin “Since the album title is ‘Arirang,’ it would be amazing if we could create a moment where we sing ‘Arirang’ together at Gwanghwamun. Please look forward to the moment when the space and the music come together.” V “The cube that clearly captures Gwanghwamun as the backdrop is the biggest point to watch. Being able to perform in that space feels like an honor and something special.” Jungkook “The stage is divided into three zones, and we prepared many parts of the song lineup in a new way. If you follow the overall flow, I think the show will feel even more fun.” BTS said it has built a new set list to match fans’ long wait. The production team also includes veterans of global stages. Executive director Hamish Hamilton has directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and the Super Bowl halftime show, and has staged concerts for pop stars including Madonna and Beyonce. Producer Guy Carrington has worked on the direction and production of the Emmy Awards. The album “Arirang” reflects the group’s identity and emotions the members say are widely shared. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk served as executive producer. Titled after Korea’s best-known folk song, the release expresses BTS’ roots and the feelings the seven members have in 2026 through music. BTS has also been strong on album and streaming charts. Its fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” sold 3.98 million copies on its first day, going straight to No. 1 on the Hanteo daily chart. The figure surpassed the group’s previous best first-week sales record of 3.37 million in a single day. The title track “Swim” topped Melon’s “Top 100” and the real-time chart on Bugs immediately after release. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 16:15:22

BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sells 3.98 Million Copies on Day 1 Ahead of Gwanghwamun Comeback Show BTS is back, and the group’s first-day numbers underscored the scale of the return after a 3-year, 9-month wait. According to Hanteo Chart on Friday, BTS’ fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” released at 1 p.m. Thursday, sold 3.98 million copies on its first day to top the daily chart. The figure surpassed the previous record first-week opening tally set by the group’s 2020 album “MAP OF THE SOUL : 7,” which sold 3.37 million copies, in just one day. The new album reached million-seller status within 10 minutes of release and went to No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Albums chart in 88 countries and regions. The title track, “SWIM,” also led iTunes’ Top Songs chart in 90 countries and regions, including the United States and Japan, as of 9 a.m. Friday. In South Korea, it topped Melon’s Top 100, while B-side “Body to Body” ranked No. 2. Kim Hyeon-jeong, a vice president at BigHit Music, said the album was built from the members’ roots and was produced to help global fans follow the message. “We used Korean and English in alternation so fans around the world can understand the message and enjoy it across generations,” she said, calling it the result of intense deliberation over what the members and Bang Si-hyuk, the company’s chairman, wanted to convey. The choice of Gwanghwamun as the concert venue was also tied to the group’s identity, said Yoo Dong-ju, HYBE’s APAC representative. He said Bang’s view was that if BTS, which began in South Korea and became global superstars, returned, “the starting point must be South Korea’s most symbolic space.” He said the aim is to share a rare cultural experience in an iconic Korean setting where people of all nationalities and generations raise a toast together. The buildup is set to peak Friday night with “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG,” scheduled for 8 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square. The roughly hourlong show is expected to feature large-scale staging using a route from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Gwanghwamun, often referred to as the “King’s Road.” With large crowds anticipated, the members urged fans to prioritize safety. Leader RM asked attendees to “please follow the guidance of on-site staff and safety personnel” and said he hoped for orderly conduct. Jin said it was an honor to greet fans again in a meaningful place and repeatedly emphasized safety. Police expect as many as 260,000 people to gather from the stage area to Sungnyemun. That would be the largest crowd since the 2002 World Cup street cheering, when about 250,000 people assembled. The Seoul city government said that as of 3 p.m., about 23,000 people had already gathered near Gwanghwamun and Deoksugung Palace, up about 23.8% from three hours earlier. Officials said the atmosphere remained festive under organized safety management. The event will be livestreamed via Netflix to more than 190 countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 15:51:19

BTS Live Update: AJP joins purple, BTS members share mix of nerve and excitement SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -AJP and its sister publication Aju Business Daily joined the wave of anticipation in Gwanghwamun, distributing special BTS editions in Korean, English and Chinese to fans gathering ahead of the evening concert. More than 20,000 copies were handed out, quickly drawing crowds as fans flocked to pick up the editions featuring the latest group photo on the front page. “I love the photo. It’s something I don’t have,” one fan said, asking to take multiple copies. Others followed, collecting extras to share with friends. “I love that it’s a different kind of purple,” another fan said. Members share a mix of excitement and anxiety BTS members shared a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of their first full-group return in nearly four years, while urging fans to prioritize safety amid the unprecedented scale of the event. “Finally, it’s today, ARMY. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited,” Jimin wrote on Weverse on Friday, adding that he felt both excited and anxious as thousands prepared to attend. “If you feel unwell during the show, please let nearby staff know. Let’s move a little slower, look out for each other, and make sure no one gets hurt. Safety was front of mind for the group. RM urged fans to follow staff and security instructions to ensure an orderly and safe concert environment. ARMY fans complied, adjusting with good humor to multiple layers of security. To enter the plaza, attendees had to pass through 31 gated checkpoints installed along perimeter fences. Each gate was equipped with walk-through metal detectors to screen for hazardous items, while police conducted physical and bag inspections on site. Most of the officers deployed were women, reflecting the predominantly female composition of the ARMY fan base. The tight controls, however, created bottlenecks. Some fans who arrived at dawn were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside the venue. 2026-03-21 12:26:37

BTS Live: Global fans brave biting winds to witness K-pop legend's Seoul comeback SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -Thousands of spectators are currently gathering in central Seoul under a clear spring sky, enduring a sharp 6 kilometers per hour southwest wind that has kept temperatures at a persistent 12 degrees Celsius. The conditions, while visually brilliant, present a physical trial for international fans who have occupied the open stone expanses of Gwanghwamun Square since the early morning hours. The massive assembly serves as the live launch for "Arirang," the group’s fifth studio album released only yesterday. Fans have traveled from dozens of countries to witness "The Comeback Live | Arirang," a free, 60-minute spectacle that marks the first time all seven members will perform together since 2022. The choice of venue—the historical gateway to Korea's royal past—was designed to underscore the national significance of their return to civilian life. The arrival of the septet ends a hiatus defined by mandatory military service and a shifting global music landscape. Today's showcase is not merely a concert but a calculated reassertion of dominance by the most significant cultural export of Seoul. As the sun maintains a 14-degree Celsius peak, the real test of endurance will arrive after sunset when the temperature is forecast to plunge to a low of 5 degrees Celsius for the 8 p.m. start. The atmosphere at the square is defined by 39 percent humidity, creating a crisp, high-visibility environment ideal for the Netflix global broadcast but demanding for those standing in the long shadows of the surrounding government buildings. Security personnel and medical units have been deployed across the plaza to monitor the crowd as the wind chill remains a persistent factor for those waiting in the open air. Voices from the cold For those embedded in the crowd, the plummeting temperature is secondary to the emotional weight of the reunion. Aung Pyae-hein, a 30-year-old fan from Myanmar, arrived heavily prepared for the shift in weather. "It's not too cold today, but I am wearing long johns to brace the weather, just in case," he said. Aunge added that he even created handmade merchandise to attach to his traditional Hanbok for the occasion. Others are relying on the sheer density of the 200,000-strong crowd to provide physical warmth. Olivia Lim, 31, who traveled from Singapore, expressed confidence that the collective energy would help her bear the chilly weather. "I think the crowd and the heat of the moment will protect us," Lim said. "It is chilly, but I will be fine. I think the crowd will protect us and we will be too busy focusing on the stage." Her sentiment was shared by Charlotte Tang, 28, also from Singapore, who was dressed in a red Korean traditional dress, Hanbok, to match the new album cover. "I will make it through with the heat of the crowd," Tang said. The performance has even attracted those in Seoul for other purposes. Emma, 43, from England, found herself at the square despite being in the city on a business trip. "It is a bit chilly, but I can handle the cold, being with the fans vibing through the concert. I will make it out alive," she said, noting she is content to watch the performance on the massive digital screens installed across the venue. High-pressure return under clear skies Despite the 12 degrees Celsius chill, the energy at the site remains absolute. The clear conditions have allowed for the deployment of sophisticated crane cameras and drones, which are capturing the scale of the 200,000-strong crowd against the backdrop of the Gyeongbokgung Palace gates. This visual symmetry between Korea's dynastic past and its modern pop royalty is expected to be a central theme of the evening broadcast. As the afternoon progresses, the southwest winds are expected to continue, with the temperature beginning its steady descent toward the 5-degree Celsius evening low. For the fans who have traveled from across the globe, the cold is a secondary concern to the impending performance, yet it remains the primary environmental obstacle for a city currently under a total cultural lockdown. 2026-03-21 12:18:33

BTS Live: Seoul fights to ensure "bangtan" - bulletproof and safe show SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -BTS, the English acronym for Bangtan Sonyeondan — “bulletproof” — will return to the stage in a city determined to live up to the name. Seoul authorities are moving to ensure that the group’s largest-ever crowd show at Gwanghwamun ends, quite literally, bulletproof. Security has been dialed up to an extraordinary level, shaped by the lingering trauma of the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush and rising geopolitical risks, from Middle East tensions to the persistent threat posed by North Korea, with which South Korea remains technically at war. Authorities will deploy about 15,000 personnel across Gwanghwamun and surrounding districts on March 21, turning the historic heart of Seoul into what officials describe as a “virtual stadium” under one of the most comprehensive security operations in recent years. Police estimate up to 260,000 people could gather between Gwanghwamun and Sungnyemun — exceeding the scale of the 2002 World Cup street rallies and the 2014 visit by Pope Francis — with a significant influx of foreign fans adding to both the energy and complexity of the event. More than 6,700 police officers, including 72 mobile units and 35 investigative teams, are being deployed, supported by 8,200 personnel from city authorities, fire services and organizers. A 1.2-kilometer stretch from across Gwanghwamun Woldae to City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2 — about 200 meters wide — was encircled by fencing, effectively sealing off the plaza. To pass through, visitors had to enter via 31 designated gates lined along the perimeter, each equipped with walk-through metal detectors. Police on-site conducted physical and belongings checks, with a large number of female officers deployed in consideration of the predominantly female BTS fan base, known as ARMY. Under the tight controls, some fans who had arrived from early morning were seen circling the area, unable to secure a spot inside. The security architecture is deliberately layered. Five major roads and 15 side streets will be sealed off with triple barricades using police buses and barriers to prevent vehicle-ramming attacks. Around the main stage, access will be tightly controlled with multiple rings of fencing creating a near-sterile zone. Authorities have divided the area into 15 sectors, each led by a senior police commander, establishing a clear chain of control. Entry will be funneled through 31 designated gates equipped with metal detectors from early morning. Armed officers will be stationed inside, while additional checks using some 300 portable scanners will be conducted outside. Those without identification may be subject to fingerprint verification. Technology forms a critical layer of defense. High-elevation observation vehicles capable of rising more than 8 meters will scan dense crowd zones, with cameras offering up to 30x zoom. Police will also deploy counter-drone systems, including jamming guns to disable unauthorized aerial devices. Only approved drones — such as those used for official monitoring — will be allowed to operate. Access to 31 nearby buildings will be restricted to prevent unauthorized rooftop viewing or entry. Even partial exceptions, including a scheduled wedding at the Korea Press Center, will face additional screening. Subway lockers at 17 major stations — including Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Seoul Station — will be temporarily closed through early March 22 to eliminate potential concealment risks. The operation is equally focused on preventing crowd accidents. Authorities are modeling the area as a controlled stadium, with defined entry gates and movement corridors. Seven mobile patrol units, including foreign affairs teams, will assist international visitors and manage risks. Emergency response capacity has been expanded. On-site medical clinics will operate near key landmarks, while 102 fire vehicles and multiple medical booths will remain on standby. For Seoul, the event is more than a concert. It is a stress test of its ability to host a massive, open urban gathering in a period of elevated global risk — balancing celebration with control, openness with vigilance. This time, the goal is clear: to make the spectacle unforgettable, and the system invisible. 2026-03-21 11:08:27

BTS Live: Seoul rehearses for comeback show with own digital and drone spectacle SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -The city did not wait for the real show. On the eve of BTS’s comeback show Friday, Seoul became the stage itself — a vast, breathing amphitheater where sky, stone and river moved in sync to a rhythm already familiar to millions. Above Gwanghwamun, the night opened like a screen. Drones gathered in disciplined silence before bursting into motion, sketching constellations that resolved into faces, logos, fragments of memory. Nearly 2,000 points of light hovered and turned, then dissolved again, as if the sky were thinking out loud. Fountains rose in timed arcs, catching light and music — “SWIM” first, then “Body to Body” — the title tracks from the album released just hours earlier. Water became choreography. Light became pulse. The square, long a place of history and assembly, shifted into something fluid, almost weightless. Tourists stopped mid-step. Citizens who had crossed the plaza a thousand times found themselves looking up, phones forgotten in their hands. Then the first screams came — not of panic, but of recognition. Along the Han River, the reaction rippled outward. At Ttukseom Hangang Park, the crowd had already begun its own concert. Light sticks — thousands of them — flickered in synchronized waves, turning the riverbank into a field of moving stars. When the music reached them, people did not hesitate. They danced where they stood: teenagers, office workers, visitors who had arrived curious and found themselves converted. Back at the city’s historic core, Seoul staged a quieter, more improbable conversation. Media facades washed over the old gates — Gwanghwamun, Sungnyemun — their surfaces carrying images that belonged unmistakably to the present. Digital color clung to wood and stone shaped by centuries. The effect was not collision, but layering: heritage holding the projection steady, technology giving it motion. For a moment, the past did not recede. It absorbed. This was the rehearsal before the spectacle — a city testing its voice before the main performance. Not confined to a single venue, but distributed across landmarks, riverbanks and sky, the pre-event unfolded as a networked celebration, where tradition, technology and fandom met without hierarchy. By midnight, Seoul had already crossed the threshold. The concert had yet to begin. But the city — lit, singing, and unmistakably alive — had already started. 2026-03-21 10:30:22

Animuscure receives FDA orphan drug designation for ALS treatment candidate SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Animuscure, a biotech startup founded by Sookmyung Women’s University (SWU) Pharmacy Professor Bae Kyu-un, announced that its drug candidate AMC6156 has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is currently being developed to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual damage and loss of motor neurons. This leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis. The disease typically affects middle-aged and older adults, with a survival period generally estimated between two and five years after the onset of symptoms. Current medical options to fundamentally stop the progression of ALS remain extremely limited, representing a significant unmet medical need. AniMusCure Inc. (Animuscure) is developing AMC6156 as an oral medication featuring a new mechanism of action aimed at improving muscle function. As an oral formulation, the drug is expected to improve patient convenience, and the company plans to explore combination therapies and commercialization strategies based on future clinical results. The FDA grants ODD to drugs intended for the treatment of rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. This designation provides several incentives for developers, including tax credits for clinical trials, eligibility for federal grants, a waiver of prescription drug user fees, and seven years of market exclusivity upon regulatory approval. This marks the second FDA ODD for the company. In September 2025, Animuscure received the same designation for AMC8012, a treatment candidate for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare congenital muscle disorder. By securing consecutive designations for muscle and neurological conditions, the company is strengthening its position in the global drug development market. "With this orphan drug designation as a stepping stone, we will accelerate global clinical development," said CEO Bae Kyu-un. "Our goal is to provide new options for ALS patients who currently have very limited treatment choices." 2026-03-21 10:15:52

BMW 520i M Sport Review: Smooth Turbo-Hybrid Power, Stable Ride and More Space BMW’s 520i, a core model in the 5 Series lineup, aims to balance two traditional sedan priorities: driving enjoyment and comfort. A recent test drive showed how closely it can hold that line. On March 14, the BMW 520i M Sport was driven about 200 kilometers (124 miles) round trip from Seoul to Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi province and Cheorwon in Gangwon province. The exterior matched expectations for a premium sedan, and on the road it delivered performance that went beyond first impressions. At highway speeds, the car’s character became clear. Pressing the accelerator brought a smoother-than-expected surge forward, with power building steadily rather than abruptly. The 520i M Sport pairs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Output is rated at 190 horsepower and 31.6 kg·m of torque, with 0-100 kph acceleration in 8.1 seconds. Stability stood out on highway ramps and during quick lane changes, with little sense of body roll or shake. Ride comfort remained steady enough for passengers to notice. On regular roads, the auto start-stop system operated smoothly during stop-and-go driving, helping preserve the quiet feel expected of a sedan. Fuel economy also held up: the official combined rating is 12.1 km per liter, while the test drive recorded 13.7 km per liter. Design cues stayed true to BMW’s identity, including twin headlights and the kidney grille up front. A rising character line along the side emphasized a sportier profile, and the Hofmeister kink at the C-pillar incorporated a stylized “5.” The body is larger than before without feeling sluggish. Compared with the previous seventh-generation facelift model, overall length is up 95 millimeters, width 30 millimeters and height 35 millimeters, while the wheelbase grows by 20 millimeters. The added size translates into a roomier cabin, especially in the second row, with ample legroom and headroom. Trunk capacity is 530 liters, enough for golf bags or travel luggage. Long-distance driving fatigue was limited, helped by Driving Assistant Professional, which managed following distance and lane assistance and reduced workload in congestion. Over the drive, the 520i M Sport made a clear case for its popularity, combining the fundamentals of a German sedan with a satisfying feel behind the wheel. It is positioned for buyers seeking a balance between sedan comfort and sport-oriented driving.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 09:03:12