Singer Kim Jang-hoon Says In-Flight Smoking Incident Was 'Not Normal,' Admits Fault Singer Kim Jang-hoon has spoken about a past incident in which he smoked on an airplane. Kim appeared on the YouTube channel "Song Seung-hwan's Wonderful Life" on Monday. He said he was scheduled to perform in Paris, but his instrument did not arrive because of a delivery problem. He said he "made a scene" and threatened to sue, but the instrument still had not arrived by the next morning. Kim said he then suffered a panic attack, stayed up all night and took medication before passing out, and that the performance ended while he was unconscious, costing him credibility. He said he kept taking medication for panic disorder on the flight but could not calm down, and in anger took 30 sleeping pills at once. "I wasn't in a normal state," he said, adding that he became curious whether a real alarm would sound. Kim said he then smoked on the plane and an alarm went off. He said police were waiting when he got off the aircraft, and that when he asked whether he would be handcuffed, they told him it was not necessary and questioned him immediately. "No matter the reason, I said it was my fault," Kim said. "I decided I wouldn't make excuses." 2026-04-08 09:36:15

POSCO to directly hire 7,000 subcontractor workers in major labor overhaul SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - POSCO has announced a sweeping plan to directly hire around 7,000 subcontractor workers at its steel mills, marking a significant move to address longstanding issues surrounding subcontracting structures in industrial workplaces. The steelmaker said Tuesday it has established a roadmap to directly employ subcontractor workers who support production operations at its Pohang and Gwangyang steel plants. The hiring will be carried out in phases. POSCO has traditionally operated under a subcontracting system as steel production requires 24-hour facility operation and involves significant variations in job functions. Under this structure, in-house employees and subcontractor workers have worked side by side on-site. However, the company has now decided to directly hire subcontractor workers engaged in support tasks closely related to production, representing a major shift in its labor structure. The move is also expected to resolve long-standing legal disputes over employment status that have persisted since 2011, as subcontracted workers filed lawsuits seeking recognition as POSCO employees. The company said the decision effectively brings an end to nearly 15 years of conflict. POSCO plans to conduct formal recruitment procedures for subcontractor workers who wish to join the company. The decision reflects the company’s intention to eliminate what is often referred to as the “outsourcing of risk” and fundamentally strengthen workplace safety management. A POSCO official said the direct hiring initiative would help innovate safety systems at industrial sites and strengthen future competitiveness in the steel industry based on a cooperative labor-management model. Industry sources said the decision was strongly driven by POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa, who indicated the company would clarify its direction to avoid prolonged legal disputes. Representatives of subcontractor workers welcomed the decision, saying it would help ease internal conflicts caused by long-running lawsuits. They added that they would contribute to building a safer workplace as part of POSCO. The large-scale integration between POSCO and its subcontractors is being viewed as a new model for labor-management cooperation in the industrial sector, as well as an attempt to overcome challenges facing the steel industry through mutual growth. 2026-04-08 09:22:46

Lee congratulates Thai PM on reelection SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung spoke by phone with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday to congratulate him on his reelection, Cheong Wa Dae said on Wednesday. The call, which was made the previous day, came after Anutin, who led the conservative Bhumjaithai Party to a landslide victory in Thailand's general election last February, was reelected as the country's prime minister on March 19. He became the first Thai prime minister to win a second term in 20 years, since former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Anutin first took the post in September 2025. During their conversation, Lee said he expects that the two countries will work closely while expanding cooperation as uncertainty persists in global energy supply chains. He also pledged South Korea would remain a reliable partner for Thailand to pursue shared prosperity. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Lee also said he hoped Thailand would remain stable and achieve its economic goals under Anutin's "outstanding leadership." Earlier in the day, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing that Lee and Anutin agreed to work together to reach an early agreement on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a broad free trade pact that seeks to address trade issues beyond conventional tariff cuts. 2026-04-08 09:20:27

Korea Disability Arts Foundation to Open Exhibitions, Concert for Disability Day ​ The Korea Disability Arts & Culture Center said Tuesday it will mark April 20, the Day of Persons with Disabilities, with a slate of exhibitions and a performance at three venues in Seoul: the I-eum Center in Daehangno, Modu Art Space and Modu Arts Theater.  The programs are designed to present a broad look at disability arts across history and contemporary practice.  At the I-eum Center, the special exhibition “History of Korean Disabled Artists — People Who Became a Path” will run from April 20 to May 10. The center said it is the country’s first archive-style exhibition to trace the lives and work of disabled artists from the Joseon Dynasty through the modern era and into the first generation. Built around 38 figures, it follows the historical development of disability arts using records and source materials.  At Modu Art Space, the planned exhibition “The Art of Relationship: Willingly, Relentlessly, Leaning On” will open April 16. It approaches disability arts through relationships and collaboration, exploring creative possibilities that expand through close solidarity. Six artists and teams, including Kim Jin-woo, Dungji and Raumcon, will present works in formats such as painting, installation, performance and participatory programs. On April 20 at 7:30 p.m., Modu Arts Theater will host the commemorative performance “Modu’s Concert: Together, Spring.” The concert is a crossover stage rooted in Korean traditional music, featuring disabled artists and other performers in a program blending traditional and contemporary elements. Performers include gayageum player Seon Yeong-suk, piano byeongchang performer Choi Jun, pansori singer Heo Jeong, the samulnori group Ttamdtti, the Dream On dance company, Gyeonggi folk singer Lee Ji-won and the fusion gugak band Akdan Gwangchil. Gugak musician Oh Jeong-hae will serve as host. Chairwoman Bang Gwi-hee said the Day of Persons with Disabilities should be more than a commemoration and should serve as a chance to view disability arts anew within today’s culture. She said she hopes the events will connect disability arts with more audiences and provide a place to share its value.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 09:18:18

BTS Places 10 Songs on Billboard Hot 100 for Second Straight Week With 'Arirang' BTS continued its global run with 10 songs on Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100. According to Billboard’s latest charts released April 7, the title track “SWIM” from the group’s fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” ranked No. 2 on the April 11 Hot 100. Other album tracks also charted: “Body to Body” at No. 42, “Hooligan” at No. 64, “NORMAL” at No. 73, “FYA” at No. 74, “2.0” at No. 75, “Aliens” at No. 84, “Like Animals” at No. 90, “they don’t know bout us” at No. 94 and “Merry Go Round” at No. 96. The group also held strong on Billboard’s global charts. “SWIM” stayed No. 1 for a second straight week on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. “Body to Body” ranked No. 2 on both charts, and all 13 vocal tracks from “ARIRANG” placed within the top 30 on Global Excl. U.S. and within the top 40 on the Global 200. BTS also led several major Billboard rankings this week, topping the Artist 100, Digital Song Sales, Top Album Sales and Billboard 200 charts. Its second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 was described as a first for a Korean artist. The group also ranked No. 1 on World Digital Song Sales, No. 2 on Streaming Songs, and No. 3 on Top Streaming Albums and Vinyl Albums. In Japan, “ARIRANG” remained popular on Oricon. In the latest Oricon chart released April 8, the album ranked No. 1 for a second straight week on the Weekly Streaming Ranking with about 8.55 million weekly plays. Oricon said it was the first time since November 2024’s “APT.” that an overseas artist had led the chart for two consecutive weeks. “ARIRANG” is BTS’ first new release in three years and nine months. The album is described as capturing universal emotions, while “SWIM” expresses a determination to keep moving forward through life’s hardships. RM took part broadly in writing the lyrics, reflecting what the group wants to say now.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 08:27:50

UPDATE: Korea's C/A at record high, foreign invest dip steepest in Feb *Updated with additional information SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) — South Korea's current account surplus reached a historic monthly high in February, crossing the $20 billion mark for the first time since records began and will stay largely insulated from the Middle East-driven oil and dollar spike at least through March, the central bank said Wednesday. Bank of Korea (BOK) data showed the February current account posted a record $23.19 billion surplus, surpassing the previous high of $18.7 billion in December and extending the surplus streak to 34 consecutive months — the second-longest on record. Chip-led goods account drove the outperformance, logging a $23.36 billion surplus, up more than $8 billion from a month earlier and marking another record. The streak in goods surplus extended to 35 months. Exports remained the core engine. February outbound shipments reached $70.37 billion on a balance-of-payments basis, up 29.9 percent on year — an all-time high for the month. Semiconductor exports surged 157.9 percent to $25.26 billion, accounting for 37 percent of total exports, while IT devices including mobile phones jumped 67.8 percent. Shipbuilding exports also rebounded, rising 45.5 percent and snapping a four-month contraction streak. By contrast, autos and machinery remained soft. Passenger car exports fell 22.9 percent and auto parts dropped 24.4 percent, while machinery and precision instruments declined for another month. The BOK downplayed the weakness, citing fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year, noting that daily average exports still rose at a double-digit pace. "The fact that the Lunar New Year holiday fell in February this year reduced the number of working days," said Yoo Seong-wook, head of the BOK's financial statistics department. "On a daily average basis, exports actually increased by 14.6% year-on-year and 15.2% month-on-month." The services account remained in deficit for a 45th straight month, though the gap narrowed to $1.86 billion. Imports rose 7.5 percent on year to $51.93 billion, with energy demand firm. Gas imports increased 15.6 percent, coal 20.5 percent, and mineral imports 26.7 percent, reflecting both higher volumes and steady industrial demand. Despite the trade strength, the financial account showed clear strain. Foreign investment liabilities – foreign investment in Korea - fell by $11.94 billion, the steepest drop on record, with equity outflows hitting $132.7 billion — exceeding even the COVID-era selloff. The “Sell Korea” trend reflects a mix of factors, including concerns over an AI-driven semiconductor bubble and mounting geopolitical risks tied to the Middle East conflict. While debt securities, including bonds, saw an increase of $1.33 billion, the pace of growth slowed significantly from the $4.47 billion recorded in the previous month. Meanwhile, Korean residents’ overseas investment (portfolio assets) continued to rise, increasing by $8.64 billion, though this was a sharp decline from January’s $13.46 billion. The central bank expects the current account to remain resilient through March, as oil price increases have yet to fully feed into import costs and refined product exports provide a partial offset. Still, risks are building. With roughly 70 percent of Korea’s crude imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, prolonged disruption could sharply raise energy import costs and weigh on the trade balance. The "Sell Korea" sentiment is expected to have worsened in March as the average exchange rate weakened from 1451 to 1,493 won per dollar - the fourth-weakest on record. Foreign investors sold 32 trillion won ($21.3 billion) on the benchmark KOSPI in March alone. The bond market also reflected this weakness, with 3-year and 10-year Treasury yields rising to 3.552 percent and 3.879 percent, respectively, - up 16.8 percentage points and 12.6 percentage points from the end of February. 2026-04-08 08:19:51

Actress Han Chae-a Shares Video Featuring Daughter and Recovering Dog Actress Han Chae-a has shown her daughter in a new YouTube video. A video titled 'Soonshim (our pet dog) we've been with for 14 years. We're still learning about her' was posted April 6 on Han's YouTube channel. In the video, Han said Soonsim has recently been unable to eat. She said a hospital visit found the dog's teeth were badly decayed and would need to be removed. "She used to get up at the slightest rustling sound, but now she can't even get up when I call her name right in front of her," Han added. Han said Soonsim gradually recovered after surgery and was shown looking energetic and enjoying a walk. The video also revealed Han's daughter, Cha Bom, who drew attention for her resemblance to her mother. Han married Cha Se-ssi, the youngest son of Cha Bum-kun, a former South Korea national soccer team head coach, in 2018. 2026-04-08 07:51:15

OPNION: BOK chief nominee Shin faces immediate test Shin Hyun-song’s nomination as the next governor of the Bank of Korea has been broadly welcomed by markets, reflecting confidence in both his credentials and temperament. In my own brief encounters with him, he left a strong impression of humility — a trait not always associated with figures of global stature. Few would dispute that his theoretical grounding and practical experience rank among the best. Notably absent so far is the kind of envy or backlash that often trails even the most capable nominees. His long career abroad may partly explain that. Whether that global pedigree proves to be an asset or a liability, however, will soon become clear. Because the timing leaves little room for abstraction. South Korea’s economy is entering what can only be described as an emergency phase. The shock from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran has already rippled through markets. Oil prices have surged, the won has weakened past 1,500 per dollar, and the familiar but dangerous combination of rising inflation risks and slowing growth has returned. Financial stability — not just growth — is again the immediate concern. In such moments, policy coordination becomes critical. The so-called “F4” — the finance minister, the BOK governor, the Financial Services Commission chair and the Financial Supervisory Service governor — forms the core command structure. By most assessments, the current lineup lacks cohesion and depth, particularly with the departure of Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, widely regarded as the strongest international voice in the group. Shin’s global standing likely tipped the balance in his favor. Yet that same background raises a practical question: how quickly can he translate international expertise into domestic crisis management? The presidential office has pointed to his prescience ahead of the 2008 global financial crisis and his role in designing key stabilization tools — including levies on foreign-exchange liabilities and forward position limits — as evidence of readiness. Still, whether those credentials translate into real-time responsiveness in today’s far more complex environment remains an open question. His policy challenge begins with a familiar dilemma, now intensified: balancing price stability against growth. Under Rhee, policy at times leaned toward supporting growth, including relatively aggressive rate cuts. Today, the constraint is different. The exchange rate has become the fault line. The won’s sharp decline — and the perception that it has underperformed peers under the current administration — has fueled calls for tightening. Yet the domestic economy, already weakened by external shocks, makes a rate hike difficult to justify. Shin is often described as hawkish, but his recent remarks suggest caution. His observation that dollar liquidity remains stable — and that exchange rate movements need not immediately signal financial instability — has been read as a signal that policy may stay on hold. Some have even interpreted it as tolerance for further won weakness, raising the possibility that easing could remain on the table. In the near term, the priority is unlikely to be rates alone. Stabilizing the foreign-exchange market and restoring confidence may require a broader toolkit. Just as important will be Shin’s ability to assert leadership within the F4 framework. His emphasis on the economy’s capacity to absorb shocks — rather than fixating on the exchange rate level itself — points to a strategy centered on managing volatility rather than defending a specific line. His first real test, in that sense, is simple but unforgiving: whether the market stabilizes. Beyond the immediate horizon lies a more complex landscape. The Middle East conflict, elevated oil prices and shifting U.S. monetary policy will continue to weigh on Korea’s outlook. Even in a best-case scenario, a quick return to stable global conditions appears unlikely. And even if external pressures ease, structural challenges remain: restoring potential growth, managing household debt, and recalibrating an economy that has grown increasingly vulnerable to external shocks. This is where Shin’s role may need to expand. The Bank of Korea cannot remain a rate-setting institution alone. It will be expected to function as a strategic anchor — helping to redesign economic balance in a period of overlapping crises. At the same time, central bank independence will come under scrutiny. With the Lee Jae Myung administration holding a parliamentary majority, tensions may not surface immediately. In crisis, alignment between fiscal and monetary authorities is natural, even necessary. But over time, the familiar friction between political priorities and monetary discipline is likely to re-emerge. That, too, will be part of Shin’s test. In just over 10 days, he is expected to take office. The pace of events suggests he will have little time to settle in. Markets will not grant a grace period. His National Assembly confirmation hearing may, in effect, be his only window to refine his approach. After that, the real test begins. About the author: ▷International economics, Seoul National University College of Social Sciences and graduate school ▷Ph.D. in economics, University of Missouri ▷CEO, MaeKyung TV and MaeKyung Publishing; Washington correspondent and editorial writer, Maeil Business Newspaper ▷Visiting professor, Seoul National University Department of Economics ▷CEO, Yeonwoo Consulting 2026-04-08 07:26:32

BTS’ ‘Arirang’ Tops Billboard 200 for Second Week, Netflix Live Draws 18.4 Million After a 3-year, 9-month wait, BTS returned with its fifth full-length album, “Arirang (ARIRANG),” and quickly posted major results across charts and streaming platforms. ◆Billboard 200: Two straight weeks at No. 1, a first for a Korean act BTS’ “Arirang” held the top spot for a second consecutive week on the Billboard 200, the main U.S. albums chart. A chart preview published on the 6th said the album remained No. 1 on the April 11-dated chart. It is the first time a Korean artist has led the Billboard 200 for two straight weeks. It is also BTS’ seventh No. 1 album on the chart. In its second week, “Arirang” recorded 187,000 album units. That included 114,000 in pure album sales, 65,000 streaming equivalent album (SEA) units and 8,000 track equivalent album (TEA) units. The album debuted with 641,000 units in its first week, the group’s best weekly total for an album, and maintained strong numbers in week two. ◆Spotify and Netflix: Strong results across platforms BTS also led Spotify’s latest weekly global charts, taking No. 1 on “Weekly Top Albums,” “Weekly Top Songs” and “Weekly Top Artists” for a second straight week. A key moment in the comeback came on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, where about 100,000 people gathered for a comeback stage. The event was livestreamed on Netflix to about 190 countries. Netflix data cited in the article said 18.4 million people connected simultaneously on the day of the live broadcast. Afterward, it ranked in the weekly top 10 in 80 countries and No. 1 weekly in 24 countries. ◆HYBE cites U.S. song camps and a Korea-forward concept HYBE and BigHit Music pointed to three factors behind the results: a production system built around large song camps in the United States, a concept that puts Korean sensibilities at the center, and a strategy aimed at expanding beyond the core fan base. The companies said Bang Si-hyuk, HYBE’s board chairman, leased a U.S. studio for an extended period in 2025 and brought in multiple producers. Through repeated song camps, 200 to 300 candidate songs were gathered, with final tracks selected from that pool. The album’s concept highlights Korean elements. The article said “Arirang” incorporates a traditional rhythm pattern and other cultural motifs into a global pop framework. It said the track “ALIENS” reflects aspects of everyday Korean life, and the title track “SWIM” uses visuals tied to Korean spatial aesthetics. The sixth track, “NO. 29,” uses the sound of the bell of King Seongdeok’s Divine Bell from the Silla era. ◆Beyond the fan base: New listeners up more than 690% Spotify data cited in the article said the number of new listeners who first encountered BTS music on the album’s release day jumped by more than 690%. International reviews also followed. The Guardian said, “If ‘BUTTER’ was an attempt to move toward the Western mainstream market, ‘Arirang’ is an album that invites the world in BTS’ own way.” Rolling Stone UK gave the album a perfect score, praising its scale and completeness. ◆‘ARIRANG’ world tour to open in Goyang BTS is set to open “BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG” on April 9 at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. With results already posted across album charts, streaming and online viewing, the group is now moving into touring as its next phase of activity. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 00:06:26

Turkish police neutralize three gunmen as Istanbul attack targets financial district SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - Turkish security forces killed three gunmen in a high-stakes shootout outside Yapi Kredi Plaza in Istanbul, on Tuesday, thwarting what authorities described as a treacherous assault on the heart of the metropolitan commercial district. The engagement, which left two officers with minor injuries, marks the most direct threat to the financial hub of Besiktas since the regional security environment fractured in late February. This disruption of the status quo on Buyukdere Street signals an aggressive shift in militant tactics as instability from the nearby conflict begins to penetrate the nation's primary economic corridor. The incident began when the assailants, who traveled from the neighboring province of Izmit in a rental vehicle, opened fire on police units stationed near the plaza blocks. The Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed that investigators have identified the suspects, noting that one maintained ties to a group that exploits religion, while another, a member of a pair of brothers involved in the cell, had a prior criminal record involving narcotics. Istanbul Governor Davut Gul characterized the daytime gunfight as a provocative act aimed at the stability of the city. This security breach arrives as the Eastern Mediterranean grapples with a series of shocks stemming from the war in Iran, which escalated following the initiation of major combat operations on February 28. Since the start of the hostilities, the region has seen a marked increase in militant activity and cross-border tensions that have rattled markets from Washington to South Korea. While Seoul has focused on the safety of energy corridors, Ankara has been forced to bolster its own urban defenses against the ripple effects of the Iranian conflict. The targeting of a major landmark in Istanbul is viewed by security analysts as a direct consequence of the heightened regional friction triggered by the ongoing combat operations to the east. "In the treacherous attack carried out against our police officers on duty in front of Yapı Kredi Plaza Blocks in İstanbul, three assailants were neutralised," said Burhanettin Duran, the presidency's head of communications. Duran emphasized that the "swift and decisive response" of security forces prevented a potentially larger catastrophe. "This heinous attack will never undermine our faith or determination in achieving our goal of a 'Terror-free Türkiye' and a 'terror-free region'," he added, asserting that the state would continue its fight against all threats and provocations with steadfast resolve. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek assigned a deputy chief prosecutor and two assisting prosecutors to oversee the multi-faceted investigation into the cell's origins and potential handlers. Forensic teams remained at the scene to collect ballistic evidence and process the rental vehicle used in the transit from Izmit. Coordination between the prosecutor's office and law enforcement units continues as they attempt to identify potential local support networks associated with the neutralized gunmen. 2026-04-07 22:06:48