GULF CRISIS: Trump signals "winding-down" , Seoul joins statement on Iran SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential shift toward winding down military operations against Iran while he continuing to press key Asian allies, including South Korea, to take a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery. South Korea belatedly joined a statement by Japan and other non-Gulf countries condemning Iran for weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump said Washington was “considering a gradual wind down” of its large-scale military campaign in the Middle East, adding that U.S. forces were “very close” to achieving their objectives. He outlined five core goals of the operation: neutralizing Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its defense industry, incapacitating its naval and air forces including air defense systems, permanently blocking its nuclear capabilities, and ensuring maximum protection for U.S. allies in the region. The remarks suggested that Washington may be exploring an exit strategy after nearly three weeks of escalating conflict. However, Trump’s messaging remained contradictory. Hours earlier, he dismissed the idea of a cease-fire, saying, “You don’t do a cease-fire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.” The ambiguity has left markets and allies uncertain whether the U.S. is genuinely preparing to de-escalate or simply attempting to stabilize oil prices and financial volatility without a concrete disengagement plan. But developments on the battleground pointed to continued escalation rather than de-escalation. The Pentagon is deploying additional Marines and three more warships to the region, marking the second reinforcement in a week and fueling speculation over a potential ground operation. Iran remains defiant. Its newly installed supreme leader warned that “safety must be taken away” from its enemies, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rejected claims that its missile capabilities had been crippled. Israel said it had eliminated key leadership figures within the Basij militia, including its intelligence chief, in targeted strikes. The conflict has already begun spilling across the region. Gulf states reported intercepting drones and missiles, while NATO withdrew all personnel from Iraq to Europe, underscoring rising security risks. Oil markets remain on edge. Brent crude settled at $112.19 per barrel — the highest close since 2022 — after briefly spiking to $119 intraday, reflecting fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supply. Even as he hinted at a drawdown, Trump renewed calls for U.S. allies to shoulder more responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively choked off. “We don’t use the strait. We don’t need it,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Europe needs it. Korea, Japan, China — a lot of other people — so they’ll have to get involved.” He added that countries dependent on the route should “guard and police” it themselves, with the U.S. offering support only if requested. The remarks reflect Washington’s growing push to shift the burden of maritime security to energy-importing economies, particularly in Asia, even as it continues military operations against Iran. Seoul has responded cautiously, seeking to balance alliance coordination with domestic and regional constraints. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry late Friday said it would join a joint statement issued by seven countries — including the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan — condemning Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and calling for the protection of freedom of navigation. “The decision reflects our fundamental position on ensuring safe maritime routes and the direct impact of disruptions on our energy security and economy,” the ministry said. The move signals diplomatic alignment with the U.S. and European partners while stopping short of committing to direct military participation such as dispatching naval forces. The joint statement itself was widely interpreted as a symbolic show of support rather than a binding operational commitment. Public sentiment in South Korea remains a key constraint. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday showed that 55 percent of respondents oppose sending naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, compared with 30 percent in favor. Opposition was particularly strong among centrists and progressives, while conservative voters were more evenly split. The data highlights the political risk for Seoul in responding to Washington’s request for military involvement, particularly amid heightened uncertainty over the trajectory of the conflict. Still, some ruling party lawmakers have suggested leveraging potential participation as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the U.S., including securing greater autonomy over nuclear-powered submarine development. 2026-03-21 07:57:25

BTS Set for Full-Group Gwanghwamun Square Return After Military Hiatus After 3 years and 9 months away, BTS is set to reunite on stage as the seven members, who had been separated by mandatory military service, come back together at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. The planned comeback is being framed as more than a pop event, with the group’s walk from Gyeongbok Palace’s Geunjeongmun Gate along the raised stone path known as the “King’s Road” to the stage presented as a symbol of how far K-culture has traveled. Ahead of the full-group return, this report looks at the seven members and their individual paths. ◆ RM, the group’s message architect and compass RM is described as the group’s philosophical anchor, shaping BTS’ worldview by weaving questions of identity and solitude into the conventions of idol pop. In 2025, he spoke about the soft power of K-culture at the APEC CEO Summit, a moment the article cites as reflecting his evolution beyond an artist. Known as an art enthusiast, RM has also helped extend fan culture into galleries, popularizing what fans call an “RM tour.” ◆ Jin, praised for a “silver voice” Jin, the oldest member, is portrayed as a steady emotional center for the team. Popera tenor Lim Hyung-joo has praised his tone as a “silver voice,” and the article says it deepened further on Jin’s 2025 mini-album “Echo.” His music is described as favoring sincerity over vocal showmanship, with restrained emotion in songs about love and separation. ◆ Suga, a meticulous builder bridging tradition and modern sound Suga, also known as Agust D, is credited with sharp lyrics and detailed production that help define the group’s musical finish. The article highlights his work combining Korean traditional sounds — including daechwita and the haegeum — with hip-hop as a distinctive modern reinterpretation. It also notes that in 2025 he donated 5 billion won to Yonsei Severance to establish the “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center.” ◆ J-Hope, the energy that drives the stage J-Hope is described as the group’s pulse, having started as a street dancer and long served as a performance anchor. The article says his solo work broadened his musical range, spanning lo-fi hip-hop and R&B. It points to his 2025 releases “Mona Lisa” and “Sweet Dreams” as examples, and says his stage energy is expected to be a major force in the full-group performance. ◆ Jimin, a performer shaped by modern dance Jimin’s stage presence is described as narrative-driven, rooted in his background in dance, including entering Busan Arts High School’s dance department as the top student. The article notes his Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Like Crazy,” and cites his more recent “Who,” saying his music closely translates an inward search for inspiration. His blend of movement and vocal presence is described as an irreplaceable color within the group. ◆ V, an icon across music and visual culture V is portrayed as influential beyond music, with impact in fashion, exhibitions and photography. The article points to his solo album “Layover” as showing a restrained sensibility and a clear artistic stance. Rather than following trends, it says, his image has become a cultural marker shaping how pop culture is consumed in 2026. ◆ Jung Kook, a benchmark for global pop Jung Kook, the youngest member, is described as having set measurable highs for K-pop. With “Seven” and “GOLDEN,” the article says, he broke records as the first Asian solo artist to do so, moving beyond the label of “the group’s youngest” to a global pop-star position. It cites his steady live vocals, performance and songwriting as key drivers of BTS’ continued strength in the global market. The seven members, the article concludes, have each shone on their own paths before converging again. It says 260,000 people are expected to gather at Gwanghwamun Square, where the group will walk the “King’s Road” and perform “Arirang.” The performance is framed not simply as a return, but as a statement of pride built over 13 years of K-culture — and the opening of a new chapter for BTS.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-21 06:05:28

BTS to Reunite at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square as Police Expect 260,000 After being separated by mandatory military service, seven young men are set to reunite on the stage at Gwanghwamun Square, ending a 3-year, 9-month pause. BTS will return as a full group at 8 p.m. Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, their first complete lineup performance in 3 years and 9 months since the June 2022 anthology album “Proof.” The comeback stage will also open the group’s fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” Police estimate as many as 260,000 people will gather at the site. The show will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries, with real-time screenings also planned on large outdoor screens in major cities across Asia, the Americas and Europe, according to the report. ◆ From Gyeongbokgung to the main stage, a ceremonial walk Organizers plan an opening that begins not on the stage but on a route through Gyeongbokgung Palace. The members are to start at Geunjeongmun Gate, pass Heungnyemun Gate and the Gwanghwamun gatehouse, then cross the recently restored “Woldae” platform before heading to the main stage — a recreation of the “king’s road” once reserved for Joseon-era monarchs. The report said the members are expected to wear stage outfits that reinterpret traditional clothing in a modern style. The Woldae, which the report said was buried under tram tracks during Japan’s colonial period and restored to its original form after more than 100 years, is described as a key part of the staging. The Korea Heritage Service supported the production by making the unusual decision to close the palace on Saturday, the report said. ◆ A 1-kilometer viewing zone; free admission The stage has been set at the north end of Gwanghwamun Square, and admission is free. Viewing areas stretch about 1 kilometer past the statues of King Sejong and Adm. Yi Sun-sin to near City Hall Station. The report described it as the largest single event since the square opened. For safety, designated seating was expanded from 15,000 to 22,000 seats, but police still expect crowds could approach 260,000. Seoul plans to place large screens and additional high-performance speakers around the square so people outside the main zones can follow the show, the report said. ◆ Subway pass-throughs and heavy security; 14,700 personnel deployed Fans were urged to check transit restrictions. Trains on Seoul Subway Line 5 will pass through Gwanghwamun Station without stopping from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. City Hall Station on Lines 1 and 2 will be pass-through only from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 will also not stop from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the report said. Jonggak and Anguk stations may face additional controls depending on congestion. A total of 14,700 personnel will be deployed, including 6,500 police officers, along with staff from the Seoul city government and Hybe, the report said. Authorities plan to manage crowd density by zone and position emergency medical and rescue teams throughout the area. Access to rooftops and upper floors of 31 nearby buildings will be tightly restricted as part of heightened security measures, the report said. With chilly late-March conditions expected and long waits outdoors likely, the report advised attendees to bring light outerwear and warm items such as scarves and gloves, and to keep belongings to a minimum. ◆ Tour outlook: 34 cities, 79 shows; estimates cite 100 trillion won impact Saturday’s performance is described as a lead-in to the “ARIRANG” world tour, scheduled for 79 shows in 34 cities. The securities industry and the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute estimated direct sales from the tour at 2.9 trillion won and the overall economic ripple effect at 100 trillion won, the report said. The concert will be livestreamed on Netflix to more than 190 countries. The report also noted that, with the show airing during a weekend prime-time slot, delivery demand is expected to surge and viewers at home may want to order at least two hours in advance. Related events under “BTS THE CITY SEOUL” will run across Seoul from Saturday through April 12, the report said. 2026-03-21 06:03:28

Seoul Debuts BTS Comeback Video Displays From Gwanghwamun to DDP BTS comeback videos and welcome messages appeared around Gwanghwamun Square at 7 p.m. on the 20th, one day before the group’s concert. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it premiered BTS-related videos and Korean- and English-language welcome messages on 10 large outdoor screens on buildings near Gwanghwamun Square. The videos will run until midnight on the 21st, when the concert is scheduled. The newly released “BTS The City Arirang Seoul” is a two-minute video showing the members walking through major Seoul landmarks while holding lanterns. The video follows a day-to-night progression, starting at Sungnyemun and moving across the city. The video is broadcast on media facades at 10 sites: the Haechi Madang media wall, Atelier Gwanghwa, the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History, KT Square, Segwang Building, Dajeong Building, Ilmin Museum of Art, Koreana Hotel, The Dong-A Ilbo and Seoul Shinmun. It airs at 5, 25 and 45 minutes past each hour. The three public platforms — the Haechi Madang media wall, Atelier Gwanghwa and the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History — show silhouette-based graphics, while the other seven screens play live-action footage. Alongside the video, the message “서울 광화문광장에서 BTS 컴백을 환영합니다” and its English version, “Welcome back BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul,” is also displayed. Separately, Dongdaemun Design Plaza will host “DDP Music Light” from the 20th through April 12. Centered on the new album “Arirang,” the event links music and light with a media show of about three minutes, held daily from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 30-minute intervals. Choi In-gyu, director general for design policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said the city aims to develop Seoul’s nights into new cultural content that combines K-culture and urban culture, offering global fans “new experiences, emotion and enjoyment.” He said the BTS comeback show would be used as an opportunity to highlight Seoul to the world again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-20 19:36:19

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun’s 2025 Pay Rises 5.3% to 2.39 Billion Won Chung Ki-sun, chairman of HD Hyundai, received about 2.39 billion won in compensation for 2025, the company’s business report disclosed on Thursday. According to the filing, Chung was paid 1.3 billion won by HD Hyundai and 1.09 billion won by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. That was up 5.3% from the 2.27 billion won he received in 2024 — 960 million won from HD Hyundai and 1.31 billion won from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering. The report noted that the actual increase could differ if compensation not subject to disclosure is included. Chung is the eldest son of Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, and a third-generation member of the Hyundai founding family. He was promoted in October from executive vice chairman to chairman. Kwon Oh-gap, honorary chairman of HD Hyundai, received a total of 15.2509 billion won, including 11.6756 billion won in severance pay.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-20 19:09:16

South Korea’s Four Biggest Banks Sue to Overturn LTV Collusion Fines South Korea’s four major commercial banks are taking legal action to challenge the Fair Trade Commission’s sanctions over alleged collusion involving loan-to-value ratios, or LTVs. The financial industry said Thursday that KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana and Woori banks planned to file an administrative lawsuit seeking to overturn the FTC’s penalty decision. The FTC previously concluded the banks restricted competition in the real estate secured-loan market by exchanging LTV-related information and imposed total fines of 272 billion won. The commission said the banks kept LTVs below certain levels to limit loan supply and, as a result, increase interest income. The FTC also said the conduct reduced access to loans for borrowers such as small and midsize enterprises and small business owners. The banking industry has countered that the exchanges amounted to information sharing and do not constitute collusion. It argues LTV is not a competitive factor like price or interest rates, but an internal risk-management standard operated within financial regulators’ rules. Banks also say the FTC’s view is hard to sustain because higher LTVs typically allow larger loans and greater earnings, making it difficult to argue they intentionally lowered ratios to boost profits.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-20 18:15:00

BTS Live D-1: The world turns out in Seoul on eve of comeback concert SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) — The world has already arrived in Seoul. Under a clear spring sky, with budding mountains framing the city and the Taegeukgi fluttering alongside flashes of purple hanbok, Gwanghwamun on Friday felt both familiar and entirely transformed — a day before BTS returns to the heart of downtown Seoul. Crowds surged through the plaza, funneled into narrow corridors by police barricades. Safety personnel stood at regular intervals, scanning the movement. Officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government moved briskly through the area. “Please keep moving. Don’t stop,” they called out. Few listened. Gwanghwamun was already bustling with crowds and anticipation. Along the boulevard, digital billboards on buildings including KT Tower flashed images of BTS — the city’s returning icons, now reunited as a full seven-member group for the first time in nearly four years. Almost instantly, pedestrians froze mid-stride. Phones rose into the air. A spontaneous audience formed. Teenagers clutching light sticks, middle-aged couples, elderly visitors leaning on canes — all stood together, gazing upward. On the steps of the nearby Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, dozens sat shoulder to shoulder, watching as if it were an open-air cinema. For some, the moment had already tipped into something more. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” said Asana Ndandani, 38, who had just arrived from South Africa. She plans to stay a full month and attend another concert in nearby Goyang. “It feels like a dream,” she said. Her connection to BTS runs deeper than music. “They represent youth. They go through the same struggles that we go through,” she said, describing her favorite song, “Black Swan,” as a source of comfort. Language, she added, was never a barrier. “It’s not about understanding every word. It’s about the feeling. The message,” she said. “Being here, seeing all the members together — it’s a dream come true.” The journey itself was emotional. “The days leading up to ticketing — you can’t sleep,” she said. “When we got the Goyang tickets, we cried. We were video-calling from work and we literally cried.” Vuyo Matiwane, 36, also from South Africa, recalled attending a BTS concert years earlier. “It didn’t feel real,” she said. “Sometimes I watch the video and think, ‘I was actually there.’” She expects the same tomorrow. Cost, she added, was irrelevant. “If tickets were five times more expensive, we would still come,” she said. “I can sleep outside. As long as I’m here, that’s all that matters.” Holding up a bag of donuts, she laughed. “We’re eating now so we can survive until tomorrow.” Then, more softly: “We really hope BTS comes to South Africa.” Beyond Gwanghwamun, the ripple spread through the city. Bukchon Hanok Village, a short walk from the venue, was already overflowing. Visitors pressed shoulder to shoulder beneath curved tiled roofs, their voices blending into a polyglot hum of Japanese, Mandarin, French, Russian and English. The narrow alleys — once home to aristocrats centuries ago — now serve as an unlikely prelude to a global 21st-century music event. Local businesses are feeling the surge. “Business has doubled this week,” said the owner of a souvenir shop near Bukchon, pointing to shelves of BTS-themed goods picked over by eager hands. “We always have Japanese and Taiwanese customers, but now there are even more.” The data reflects the scene. Accommodation bookings for the third week of March jumped 103 percent from the previous week and 63.3 percent from a year earlier, according to Allmytour. Overall reservations for the month rose 33.5 percent on-year. Downtown accounted for 41.8 percent of bookings, concentrated around Myeongdong, City Hall, Jongno and Dongdaemun. Mid-range hotels — three- to four-star — were the most in demand. By nationality, visitors from Greater China made up 41 percent, followed by the Americas and Europe at 29.2 percent and Southeast Asia at 26.2 percent. A single BTS concert in Korea generates an estimated 1.2 trillion won ($800 million) in economic impact, according to the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute. For many, this is a first encounter with the country. “I like Seoul’s mix of traditional culture and modern architecture,” said Angela, a 62-year-old from Barcelona visiting with friends. The concert anchored her itinerary. “BTS music feels new to us,” she said. “That’s why I became a fan.” Matthew Dysart from Los Angeles arrived with his son, describing the event as both personal and professional. “I helped HYBE with the Netflix deal,” he said. “This is not just entertainment — it’s a cultural milestone.” Streaming platforms are watching closely. “Everyone in the U.S. is excited,” he said. “Netflix is especially excited about streaming the concert and the upcoming documentary.” Looking out over the crowd in Bukchon, he paused. “I think people have been waiting for years,” he said. By early evening, the city itself seemed to hum. The concert had not yet begun. But the world was already here. 2026-03-20 18:01:15

Shinhan Bank Nominates Two New Outside Director Candidates to Bolster Legal, ICT Expertise Shinhan Bank’s executive candidate recommendation committee said it recommended five candidates for outside director positions at a meeting held on the 20th. Attorney Yoon Jun and Chae Eun-mi, an associate professor in the Department of Physics at Korea University, were selected as new outside director candidates for two-year terms. The committee said Yoon is a legal expert who previously served as chief judge of the Seoul High Court and has experience in consumer protection-related work. It said Chae is expected to strengthen the board’s expertise in areas such as digital and information and communications technology strategy and analysis of new businesses. Incumbent outside directors Ham Jun-ho, Yamamoto Shinji and Kim Seong-nam were recommended for reappointment for one-year terms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-20 17:57:00

Dongkook Pharmaceutical Promotes Founder’s Grandson Kwon Byung-hoon to Executive Role Dongkook Pharmaceutical is expected to accelerate its shift toward a third-generation management structure under the company’s founding family. The company said on the 20th that it carried out executive appointments for eight people, including promoting Kwon Byung-hoon, head of a unit and the eldest son of Chairman Kwon Ki-beom, to director (treatment) effective April 1. Born in 1995, Kwon double-majored in policy analysis & management and economics at Cornell University in the United States. He previously worked at Boston Consulting Group, Mirae Asset Venture Investment and Magna Investment, and joined Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s financial planning office in April 2024. Dongkook Pharmaceutical posted record consolidated revenue of 926.9 billion won last year. Operating profit rose 20.1% to 96.6 billion won over the same period, and the market views the company as likely to reach 1 trillion won in annual sales this year. The following is the list of executive promotions. ◇ Executive promotions (effective April 1) △ Yeom Seon-ho, vice president, Health Functional Foods Business Division △ Lee Jae-wook, vice president, Production Headquarters △ Heo Jeong-moo, vice president, Communications Headquarters △ Kang Seong-oh, executive director, ETC Business Headquarters △ Kwon Byung-hoon, director (treatment), Financial Planning Office △ Myeong Chang-hoon, director (treatment), ETC Business Headquarters △ Yoo Ho-myeong, director (treatment), Production Headquarters △ Choi Moon-seok, director (treatment), Sales Management Department* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-20 17:45:00

BTS returns with 'ARIRANG,' draws mixed early response despite global hype SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) — BTS’ long-awaited fifth studio album ARIRANG landed Friday to a more muted-than-expected reception, as early listeners welcomed the group’s full-member return but questioned the album’s restrained tone and artistic direction. Released at 1 p.m., the music video for the title track “Swim” surpassed 5 million views within 50 minutes, while the song quickly topped domestic charts including Melon and Bugs, followed by “Body to Body.” Global chart performance has yet to fully materialize and BTS not visible in top rankings across major Asian and global charts. Despite months of anticipation — fueled in part by the group’s high-profile comeback performance at Gwanghwamun scheduled for Saturday — initial reactions suggest a gap between hype and immediate impact. “I heard all 14 tracks. Nothing stuck,” one user wrote on the Bugs Music platform, reflecting a broader sentiment among some domestic listeners. Others pointed to a perceived mismatch between the album’s title and its content, expressing disappointment over the absence of Korean-language tracks or overt references to traditional themes implied by ARIRANG. International fans, by contrast, struck a more enthusiastic tone. “Bighit really dropped a 10/10 masterpiece and told me to #KEEPSWIMMING but I’m actually drowning in my own tears,” one fan wrote on X. According to BigHit Music, the album reflects the emotions and messages the members seek to convey at this stage of their careers, blending Korean and English lyrics to expand global accessibility while drawing from their cultural roots. Critics suggest the subdued reception may be partly intentional. Pop culture critic Ha Jae-geun described “Swim” as “relatively restrained and subdued,” noting that its departure from BTS’ traditionally performance-driven, high-energy sound may feel unfamiliar to longtime listeners. “That sense of flatness could be deliberate,” he said, pointing to the group’s evolving artistic direction and maturity. The shift marks a notable turn in BTS’ 13-year trajectory. Since debuting in 2013 with hip-hop-driven tracks grounded in youth and social commentary, the group expanded its narrative through The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series and WINGS, before cementing global dominance with the Love Yourself era. It later broke into mainstream Western pop with English-language hits such as “Dynamite” and “Butter.” ARIRANG, however, signals less an extension of that outward expansion than a recalibration — a pivot inward toward identity and introspection. The album follows nearly four years of staggered military service, during which each member developed a distinct artistic identity. Jin reinforced the group’s emotional core through vocal-driven releases, Suga broadened his reach as a producer, and J-Hope sharpened his role as a performance leader. RM deepened the group’s narrative direction through introspective work, while Jimin, V and Jungkook each carved out distinct sonic and stylistic lanes. Those individual trajectories now converge in ARIRANG, forming a more layered group identity. Music critic Kim Do-heon urged caution in early assessments, noting that “it has only been a few hours since release, making a full album-level evaluation difficult.” Still, he characterized the album’s tone as notably different. “Rather than simply soft, it conveys fatigue, exhaustion and a desire to escape,” he said. “If you look at ‘Swim,’ it’s less about moving forward and more about wanting to sink.” Kim added that the album presents “a different way of showing Korea,” reflecting a more contemporary emotional landscape shaped by pressure rather than the group’s earlier themes of unity and identity. The comeback will continue with a large-scale performance at Gwanghwamun on Saturday, to be streamed globally via Netflix to more than 190 countries — an event Ha described as “a global-scale spectacle rather than a conventional concert.” 2026-03-20 17:41:27