BTS Returns as Full Group With Free Gwanghwamun Square Concert for ‘Arirang’ Album “Thanks to BTS, I learned for the first time that ‘Arirang’ is a Korean folk song, and I was moved because the show captured Korea’s identity so well,” said Kiara, a fan from the Philippines, at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. A K-pop fan since 2008, she said she has been an ARMY — BTS’ fan community — since the group’s debut. She said she even held off listening to the tracks released the day before so she could hear them first at the venue, giving a thumbs-up after hearing the title track, ‘SWIM,’ and the B-side ‘Body to Body.’ The square turned into what many fans described as a massive purple concert hall, reflecting BTS’ signature color, as crowds gathered to see the group perform together again after 3 years and 9 months. Organizers estimated 104,000 people attended, while Seoul’s real-time city data put the figure at 42,000. The turnout was calmer than some had expected, which helped operations run more smoothly. Fans outside the fenced-off official seating area of 22,000 watched large screens and sang along. Some recorded the show on their phones, while others video-called friends overseas to share the scene live. With about 6,700 police deployed, concertgoers passed through four checkpoints. Despite the tight security, the crowd remained orderly. At 8 p.m., a sweeping drone shot over Mount Bugak and Gyeongbok Palace opened the broadcast on Netflix to more than 190 countries. As 50 dancers lined up on the stage platform, the seven members appeared in black outfits that reinterpreted traditional armor in a modern style. RM, seated due to an ankle injury, opened with the group greeting: “It’s been four years. Hello, we are BTS.” He added, “We’ll give everything today. It’s been a long journey, but we’ve finally made it here.” BTS launched into tracks from the new album, including ‘Body to Body,’ ‘Hooligan’ and ‘2.0,’ quickly taking control of the square. ‘Body to Body,’ created in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, wove the melody of ‘Arirang’ into a modern beat, reflecting HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s stated view that the starting point should be Korea’s most symbolic space. The group then performed global hits ‘Butter’ and ‘MIC Drop,’ drawing cheers and singalongs from fans, including many from overseas. Midway through the show, members spoke candidly about their time away. J-Hope said, “We worried we might be forgotten.” Suga said, “I thought intensely about what needed to change. I’m still anxious, but these feelings are ours, too.” RM added, “The answer wasn’t outside, it was inside. The goal of this album was to put ourselves into it.” Jimin said, “We’re not special people. We’re scared every time, but if we keep swimming, I believe we’ll find the answer someday.” V said he hoped their music could offer comfort, before the group performed ‘SWIM.’ For the encore, BTS performed ‘Mikrokosmos,’ with a production that placed the Big Dipper in the night sky above Gwanghwamun as fans’ light sticks shone like a field of stars. The next day, HYBE issued a statement thanking authorities for allowing the use of Gwanghwamun and residents for accepting the disruption. “Mature civic awareness made this concert shine even more,” the company said. It added it would develop specific plans to promote protection of national heritage and cultural assets and implement a long-term support system. BTS returned with a record 3.98 million copies sold on the album’s first day. The group is set to continue its global schedule with a world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex. 2026-03-22 13:54:21

BTS comeback draws 104,000 to Seoul, lifts retail sales as event concludes safely SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) -The BTS’s comeback concert in central Seoul on Saturday drew more than 100,000 people and ended without a single major incident, delivering both a powerful display of K-culture’s global reach and a sharp boost to retail sales around the event zone. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Sunday, an estimated 104,000 spectators gathered around Gwanghwamun Plaza on Saturday, as global fans — known as ARMY — joined Seoul residents in a rare citywide celebration. The event doubled as an economic catalyst, with convenience store sales in the area surging dramatically on the day of the concert. CU, operated by BGF Retail, said sales at 10 stores near Gwanghwamun jumped 270.9 percent from a week earlier, while three stores closest to the venue saw sales soar 547.8 percent. Sales of albums and newspapers, including BTS releases, surged 214.3 times, while demand for concert essentials spiked. Batteries rose 50.7 times, hot packs 12.8 times, portable chargers 11.9 times, cosmetics 11.4 times, and tissues 10.2 times, driven largely by fans preparing for long hours outdoors. Food and beverage sales also climbed sharply, with gimbap up 1,380.4 percent, sandwiches 1,146.7 percent, triangle kimbap 884.3 percent, bottled water 831.4 percent, and iced drinks 813.4 percent. GS25 reported similar trends, with sales at five nearby stores rising 233.1 percent, and the busiest location posting gains of up to 378.4 percent. Hot packs surged 5,698.8 percent, portable chargers 2,016.9 percent, and batteries 3,530.8 percent, while transportation card sales rose 647.5 percent amid heavy foot traffic and increased purchases by foreign visitors. Seven-Eleven said sales at 40 stores in the Gwanghwamun and Myeong-dong areas increased 117.0 percent from a month earlier, with some stores near the venue seeing sales jump as much as sevenfold. Emart24 also reported steady increases, including a 400 percent rise in battery sales and 260 percent in wet tissues compared with the previous week. Apart from law enforcement forces, city authorities mounted a large-scale safety operation to manage the crowds. A total of 3,400 personnel from city agencies were deployed, rising to about 8,200 when combined with staff from event organizer HYBE. A joint command post was activated at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts from 10 a.m., 10 hours before the concert, coordinating efforts among city officials, police, fire authorities and organizers to monitor crowd conditions in real time. The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters deployed 102 fire vehicles and 803 personnel, while police implemented a “stadium-style” crowd control system to disperse foot traffic and prevent congestion. Despite dense crowds, no safety incidents were reported. Preventive measures included the installation of safety barriers at 82 key locations, such as subway ventilation shafts and station entrances. Cleanup operations were completed swiftly, with 274 personnel and 53 vehicles deployed and about 40 tons of waste collected over two days. Major roads, including Sejong-daero, were reopened early Sunday morning after overnight restoration. Extensive multilingual support was also provided for international visitors. More than 600 interpreters and volunteers were deployed, and transport systems offered guidance in multiple languages across subway stations and bus stops. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said the event demonstrated the city’s global competitiveness. “This was more than a comeback stage — it was an opportunity to showcase Seoul’s cultural capacity and global standing,” he said. The city plans to extend the festive atmosphere through HYBE’s “The City Arirang Seoul” program, running through April 19 across key landmarks including the Han River and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. 2026-03-22 13:24:26

Daejeon factory fire kills 14; company chief apologizes amid probe into cause SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) - The head of a South Korean auto parts manufacturer publicly apologized on Sunday after a devastating factory fire in Daejeon left at least 14 workers dead and dozens injured, as authorities launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the blaze. Sohn Ju-hwan, CEO of Anjeon Industry, visited a joint memorial altar set up at Daejeon City Hall, where he bowed deeply and expressed remorse before the victims. Holding a white chrysanthemum, Sohn stood in silence before the memorial tablets of the 14 deceased workers. After a prolonged pause, he broke down in tears, repeatedly saying, “I am truly sorry.” About 30 company employees accompanied him, some visibly emotional as they echoed his apology toward the victims. In a statement posted a day earlier on the company’s website, Sohn pledged full cooperation with authorities and promised support for victims and their families. “We extend our deepest condolences and sincere apologies to all those who lost their lives or were injured, as well as to their families,” he said. “We will take full responsibility by providing necessary support and ensuring recovery efforts.” The fire broke out at around 1:17 p.m. on Friday at the Anjeon Industry plant in Daedeok District, Daejeon, where about 170 workers were on site. The blaze, which took more than 10 hours to fully extinguish, left 14 people dead and at least 60 others injured, including two firefighters. Rescue teams recovered the final three missing victims from the charred second floor late Saturday afternoon, bringing the death toll to 14. Authorities said the fire spread rapidly, fueled by oil residue and accumulated dust inside the facility, while some 200 kilograms of sodium stored on site raised the risk of explosions and complicated firefighting efforts. At the time of the incident, many workers were resting near upper floors during lunch break, when thick smoke quickly blocked evacuation routes. Some reportedly jumped from windows to escape. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though witnesses reported hearing an explosion shortly after the blaze began. Police have deployed a 131-member task force to determine the cause and assess potential negligence. A joint forensic inspection involving police, fire authorities and other agencies is expected once structural safety at the site is secured. Identification of the victims is ongoing, with DNA analysis being conducted by the National Forensic Service. As of Sunday, only one victim — a man in his 40s — had been formally identified. Authorities expect the identification process to be completed as early as Monday, after which families will be officially notified. President Lee Jae Myung visited the site on Saturday, calling for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent similar tragedies. “We will make every effort to determine the cause and ensure such incidents do not happen again,” said Kim Seung-ryong, commissioner general of the National Fire Agency. The Daejeon Metropolitan Government has established a joint memorial altar at City Hall, where citizens continue to pay their respects. 2026-03-22 13:06:00

Korea's 20-something employment slumps to 9- year low in Feb SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) -Employment of South Koreans in their late 20s has hit the lowest in nearly a decade as rapid engagement of artificial intelligence worsens job prospects for entry level amid economic slowdown. According to the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) and job data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, 2.346 million people ages 25-29 were employed in February, down 62,000 from a year earlier. It was the lowest February figure since 2017. The employment rate for the age group stood at 70.4 percent, down 0.5 percentage points on-year and the lowest for the month since 2022. The decline was broad-based across key industries. Losses were notable in manufacturing, as well as in information and communications and professional, scientific and technical services — sectors traditionally favored by younger workers seeking stable, high-quality jobs. Employment in information and communications for those in their late 20s fell by 52,000 from a year earlier, the steepest drop since 2014. The sector had recorded steady gains in recent years before turning negative in 2025 and declining for a second consecutive year. In professional, scientific and technical services, employment fell by 29,000, also the largest decrease since 2014, following a drop of 20,000 last year. The ministry said part of the decline may reflect a base effect after strong growth in those sectors in recent years. However, it also pointed to structural changes, including the spread of artificial intelligence, which may be reducing demand for entry-level roles in professions such as accounting and legal services. The sector includes research and development, architecture and engineering, as well as professional services such as lawyers, patent attorneys, accountants and tax specialists. Analysts say changes in corporate hiring are reinforcing the trend. Companies are increasingly favoring experienced workers who can contribute immediately, while entry-level recruitment has shrunk — delaying young people’s entry into the labor market. The impact is visible in rising unemployment. The number of unemployed people aged 25 to 29 rose to 179,000 in February, up 16,000 from a year earlier, pushing the unemployment rate up 0.8 percentage points to 7.1 percent. Broader youth indicators suggest even greater strain. The supplementary employment indicator No. 3, an expanded measure that includes underemployed and discouraged workers, rose to 17.4 percent for those aged 15 to 29, the highest February level since 2023. The indicator captures perceived joblessness beyond the official unemployment rate, including those seeking additional hours or marginally attached to the labor force. The government said it is closely monitoring youth employment conditions, with expectations that a forthcoming supplementary budget could include targeted job-support measures. By contrast, employment conditions for people in their 30s have remained relatively stable, supported by population growth and a rising employment rate. The divergence underscores a widening gap within the labor market, where entry-level opportunities are shrinking even as overall employment trends appear relatively steady. 2026-03-22 11:04:50

TaylorMade Names Park Se-ri as Brand Ambassador TaylorMade recently said it has selected Park Se-ri, a former South Korea national golf team coach, as a brand ambassador. Park is a leading figure in South Korean golf, highlighted by her 1998 U.S. Women’s Open title and 25 LPGA Tour victories, including five major championships. In 2007, she became the first South Korean player inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. After retiring, Park has worked as a coach and mentor, contributing to player development and the growth of golf culture. She served as the national team coach at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, sharing in Park In-bee’s gold medal win. TaylorMade said its relationship with Park began in 2002, when the sides signed a major equipment deal. Park said using clubs that fit a player is most important and that TaylorMade clubs have helped her over the years. TaylorMade said the partnership will support an integrated performance branding strategy spanning both clubs and apparel. The company also plans support activities aimed at expanding participation in golf and working with local communities. It said it will provide test balls and clubs for junior golfers and visitors at “SERI PAK with Yongin” in Yongin as part of efforts to broaden golf culture. Looking back on her playing career, Park said it mattered most whether a brand builds golf with clear standards and direction. She said she felt TaylorMade has consistently shown the essence of golf through ongoing innovation, and that led to the partnership. A TaylorMade official said Park is a symbolic figure in South Korean golf and that her spirit of challenge and philosophy on performance align with the company’s brand direction. The official said TaylorMade will pursue a range of activities to show synergy between clubs and apparel and further strengthen its premium brand position.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 10:54:00

Woo Sang-hyeok Takes Bronze in Men’s High Jump at World Indoor Championships Woo Sang-hyeok won a medal for the fourth straight time at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, taking a share of bronze in the men’s high jump. Woo cleared 2.26 meters to finish tied for third in the final held March 21 (Korea time) at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena in Torun, Poland. The defending champion fell short of a repeat title but extended his medal streak at the event. Woo opened by clearing 2.17 meters on his first attempt, then made 2.22 and 2.26 on his first tries as well. He could not get over 2.30. On his first attempt, his right thigh brushed the bar. He failed again on the second attempt when his lower body caught the bar, and missed on his third try to end with 2.26. Oleh Doroshchuk of Ukraine won gold after clearing 2.30 on his first attempt. Erick Portillo of Mexico took silver by clearing 2.30 on his third attempt. Paris Olympic champion Hamish Kerr of New Zealand and silver medalist Shelby McEwen of the United States did not compete.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 10:36:00

Retail inflows sustain KOSPI with bubble warning triggered SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) - South Korea’s stock market remains one of the world’s top performers over the past year, backed by heavy retail influx despite rapid foreign pullback due to the economy's heavy exposure to the crippled Strait of Hormuz, causing warnings of bubbly risks. The benchmark KOSPI hovers around 5,800 despite escalating oil prices and tensions in the Gulf after rising more than 150 percent in less than a year amid heavy swings since the war. It held tough versus other major markets in the war wake, with the S&P 500 down nearly 4 percent from end-February levels, while Europe’s Stoxx 600 and Germany’s DAX have fallen around 8 percent to 10 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225 has also retreated more than 9 percent. By comparison, the KOSPI remains up more than 37 percent from end-2025 levels. Bank of America (BofA) found the market’s behavior as a “textbook bubble,” pointing to extreme reversals — including a double-digit plunge followed by a near double-digit rebound — that resemble patterns seen during past crises such as 1997 and 2008. Its proprietary Bubble Risk Indicator, which combines returns, volatility, momentum and fragility, places Korea at near-extreme levels of bubble risk, underscoring the intensity of recent price action. Valuation metrics add to the caution. The Buffett Indicator has risen above 200 percent, a level widely viewed as significantly overvalued, while the VKOSPI volatility index remains elevated after briefly hitting record highs earlier this month. The primary force is retail capital returning at scale. According to Korea Exchange and Koscom data, individual investors have purchased more than 21.8 trillion won ($16 billion) worth of KOSPI shares so far this month, already approaching the record monthly inflows seen during the 2021 pandemic-era rally. Since January, cumulative net buying by retail investors has reached 34.7 trillion won, and rises to as much as 50 trillion won when exchange-traded funds are included. During the same period, foreign investors sold nearly 50 trillion won worth of Korean equities. The inflows reflect a broader “money move” across asset classes. Funds are rotating out of bank deposits, overseas equities and cryptocurrencies, as domestic investors reposition toward Korean equities amid a combination of strong returns and shifting global conditions. Deposits have declined despite rising interest rates, while trading volumes in the crypto market have dropped sharply, signaling waning momentum in alternative assets. The return of retail investors is not limited to small accounts. High-net-worth individuals are also rotating back into domestic large-cap stocks, while margin borrowing has surged — particularly among younger investors seeking to catch up with the rally. Data from major brokerages show that margin investors posted average losses of around 19 percent during recent declines, more than double the losses of unleveraged investors. The gap is even wider among younger and smaller investors, where concentrated positions have magnified losses. Still, many analysts argue the market’s fundamentals remain intact. On a forward basis, the KOSPI trades at around 9.5 times earnings, below its 10-year average, suggesting that valuations remain relatively attractive after recent corrections. The rally continues to be anchored by the semiconductor supercycle, with strong earnings momentum in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix supporting broader index gains. At the same time, external uncertainties — including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising energy prices — continue to inject volatility, with markets reacting sharply to headlines and policy signals. The result is a market increasingly defined by a tension between liquidity and risk. 2026-03-22 10:30:05

NH NongHyup Bank Conducts On-Site Internal Controls Checks to Prevent Mis-Selling NH NongHyup Bank said March 22 it conducted on-site internal controls inspections to prevent consumer harm from mis-selling and to promote sound sales practices. Park Jang-soon, the bank’s executive vice president for financial consumer protection, visited the South Chungcheong business office on March 20 to assess whether consumer-protection internal controls were being carried out and how they were operating. The inspection focused on compliance with the Financial Consumer Protection Act and on the bank’s management system designed to prevent the incomplete sale of financial products. Park also checked whether the office had protection measures and response procedures for vulnerable customers, including older adults, people with disabilities and pregnant women. “This inspection served as an opportunity to further strengthen internal controls at branches,” Park said. “We will continue to step up financial consumer protection to remain a financial institution that always earns customers’ trust.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 10:18:00

Woori Bank Caps New Personal Credit Loan Rates at 7% Annually Woori Bank said March 22 it will expand its interest-rate cap to cover new personal credit loans, limiting rates to no more than 7% a year starting March 23. The bank also announced a new product, the “Woori WON Dream Living Expense Loan,” aimed at easing financial burdens for mid- and low-credit borrowers. Woori said the measures are part of Woori Financial Group’s “Future Shared Growth Project” to broaden inclusive finance, as economic slowing and rising living costs have increased pressure on vulnerable households. Until now, Woori has applied the 7% cap to customers extending or renewing personal credit loans. The change expands the cap to new loans. Under the program, consumers who have maintained accounts with Woori for at least one year — including deposits and savings, credit cards and subscription savings — will have the rate on a new personal credit loan capped at 7% a year for up to one year, for up to one time. Woori expects more than 10,000 loans to receive the capped-rate benefit. The Woori WON Dream Living Expense Loan targets wage earners, nonwage workers and homemakers with annual income of 25 million won or less. The bank said it will use alternative credit scoring based on a range of data — including financial, telecom and small-payment information — to expand eligibility to credit bureau grade 8 and improve access to financing. The product is designed to allow applications from customers with limited documented income. Borrowers can take out up to 10 million won. Rates start in the high 4% range annually, with the maximum capped at 7% a year. Woori said it adopted an installment repayment structure of up to 10 years, including a three-year grace period, to reduce repayment burdens. Preferential rates will be offered to groups covered by inclusive finance programs, including young people, older adults, people with disabilities and recipients of basic living assistance. “This expansion of the interest-rate cap and the launch of the living-expense loan are inclusive finance policies to improve access to financial services for vulnerable groups and ease interest burdens,” said Lee Jeong-ho, deputy head of Woori Bank’s retail loan product team. “Through Woori Financial Group’s ‘Future Shared Growth Project,’ we will expand support so finance can serve as a social safety net,” he said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 10:15:52

Lotte Energy Materials, Doosan Electronics sign MOU on copper foil for high-performance PCBs Lotte Energy Materials and Doosan Electronics’ Electronic BG division have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on evaluating, developing and supplying copper foil needed to produce high-performance printed circuit boards for artificial intelligence data centers and network equipment. According to industry sources on the 22nd, the two companies agreed to work together on next-generation materials aimed at reducing signal loss and improving reliability, as demand grows for faster, higher-layer PCBs to handle large volumes of data in advanced industries such as AI semiconductors and 5G communications. The companies signed the MOU in February under the title “MOU on development evaluation and supply cooperation for copper foil used in high-performance PCBs.” They said they would cooperate on developing and applying ultra-very-low-profile (HVLP) copper foil for high-speed transmission environments such as AI accelerators, servers and switches. They also agreed to optimize low-loss copper-clad laminate (CCL) and copper foil, and to build a stable supply system based on quality and delivery schedules for mass-production use. Through the partnership, Doosan Electronics and Lotte Energy Materials said they aim to strengthen global competitiveness by quickly providing material solutions that meet customer requirements for performance, reliability, manufacturability and supply stability. They also said the collaboration between domestic materials makers would help reduce import dependence for certain items and support supply-chain stability and localization of materials technology. Kim Yeon-seop, CEO of Lotte Energy Materials, said HVLP copper foil and low-loss CCL are key materials in the AI networking era. “Through cooperation with Doosan Electronics, which leads the global network market, we will advance a stable supply system and further strengthen global competitiveness,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 10:15:23