BTS to tour 34 cities across world with over 70 gigs SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BTS will embark on a world tour in April, marking their first large-scale tour in about four years since their last one in Las Vegas in 2022. The group teased the tour on Wednesday at midnight with a poster on the global fan platform Weverse. The tour will begin in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, before heading to stops across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. With some 79 shows planned across 34 major cities across the world, the tour is expected to set a record for the most dates performed on a single tour by a K-pop act. Additional stops in Japan and the Middle East are also planned, likely extending the tour further. The tour is scheduled to kick off with three-day concerts on April 9, 11, and 12 on the outskirts of Seoul. BTS will then move to the southern port city of Busan to perform on June 12 and 13, with the June 13 show expected to coincide with their debut anniversary, allowing them to celebrate with fans. Starting with concerts on April 25 and 26 in Tampa, Florida, the septet's North American leg will include 28 shows across 12 cities. They will perform at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, becoming the first K-pop act to hold concerts of this scale in those cities. BTS will also take the stage at Stanford Stadium in California, following British band Coldplay as just the second artist to headline the venue. Additional U.S. dates include AT&T Stadium in Arlington and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, marking the first-ever performances by a South Korean artist at those venues. BTS will then tour Europe in June and July with 10 shows in five cities including London, Paris, Madrid, and Brussels. They will also visit five South American cities including São Paulo and Buenos Aires, and plan to hold concerts in the Middle East. According to their management agency, they will perform on 360-degree stages during the tour. Just ahead of the tour, BTS will release their fifth full-length album on March 20, featuring 14 tracks. The album marks their full-group reunion, nearly three years and nine months after they completed their respective mandatory military service. BTS said the album conveys their honest feelings and reflections on past moments, with the goal of presenting themselves "as they are now." 2026-01-14 09:58:33

Taekwang Industries to acquire Dongsung Pharmaceutical in K-beauty push SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - Taekwang Industries said Wednesday it will acquire mid-sized drugmaker Dongsung Pharmaceutical through a consortium with United Asset Management Co., known as UAMCO, marking its latest move to diversify beyond its core chemicals and textiles businesses. Taekwang's board approved the acquisition at a meeting held Jan. 7. Dongsung produces a range of consumer health and personal-care products. Taekwang said the deal is intended to accelerate its expansion into beauty and health care. The group has recently outlined plans to enter cosmetics and household goods and established a cosmetics-focused unit, SIL. The acquisition of Dongsung would allow Taekwang to build what it described as a “beauty and health care platform” spanning both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The company plans to build on Dongsung’s stable revenue base centered on over-the-counter drugs and hair-care products, while applying its own brand management, product planning and distribution capabilities to improve competitiveness. Working with UAMCO, Taekwang plans to improve Dongsung’s financial structure by reviewing a shift toward outsourced manufacturing, including ODM and OEM models, and by optimizing production lines through UAMCO-backed companies such as Picostec. The group also aims to raise profitability by streamlining selling and administrative expenses. A Taekwang official said the acquisition is a strategic bid to strengthen competitiveness in the K-beauty market by combining Taekwang’s cosmetics strategy with Dongsung’s research capabilities and expertise in hair-care products. The official added that the company aims to gradually complete an integrated value chain, from product planning and manufacturing to distribution, to establish a foundation for mid- to long-term growth. 2026-01-14 09:41:01

Seoul bus workers to resume wage talks as strike enters second day SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - Unionized bus workers in Seoul are set to resume wage negotiations with management on Wednesday, after going into an indefinite strike the previous day that suspended all services. With a second day of major traffic disruptions, the two sides are scheduled to sit down for talks again at 3 p.m., following a series of previous negotiations that collapsed as they failed to narrow their differences. The main point of dispute is whether bonuses should be included in their wages. Bus drivers have been demanding that bonuses be calculated as part of their wages, arguing that it is not subject to collective bargaining but is a legally-binding requirement stemming from a Supreme Court ruling in December 2024. As around 7,000 buses stopped operating, the Seoul Metropolitan Government increased subway services, adding more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, as well as nearly 700 free shuttle buses to and from subway stations. 2026-01-14 09:04:39

South Korea's stock market cap jumps 76 percent in 2025 SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s stock market capitalization surged nearly 80 percent over the past year, propelled by sharp gains in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Total market capitalization rose by 1,718 trillion won ($1.3 trillion) to 3,972 trillion won at the start of this year, from 2,254 trillion won a year earlier, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Korea CXO Institute. The rally also broadened the ranks of large-cap stocks. The number of listed companies with market capitalizations exceeding 1 trillion won climbed by 88 over the year to 318, up from 236 in the first quarter of last year. Samsung Electronics recorded the largest increase in market value, adding more than 440 trillion won to reach about 760 trillion won at the start of this year, compared with 318 trillion won a year earlier. SK hynix followed closely, with its market capitalization rising by more than 360 trillion won to 492 trillion won from 124 trillion won. Together, the two semiconductor giants accounted for a substantial share of the broader market’s gains. Several other companies also posted sizable increases. SK Square added about 41 trillion won in market value, while Doosan Enerbility rose by roughly 37 trillion won. Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean each recorded gains exceeding 20 trillion won over the period. Oh Il-seon, head of the Korea CXO Institute, said the market’s resilience in the face of lingering global uncertainties reflected investors’ early pricing of expectations for artificial intelligence-driven growth and a cyclical rebound in semiconductors. 2026-01-14 08:43:46

Lee–Takaichi Nara summit strikes light tone with K-pop drums, sidesteps thorny issues SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit Wednesday in Japan’s ancient city of Nara, reaffirming their commitment to what they described as a new 60 years of bilateral relations while striking an unusually light-hearted tone that emphasized cultural rapport over sensitive disputes. After their talks and joint press statements, the Japanese side arranged an unannounced cultural event during a closed-door follow-up meeting. Wearing matching blue uniforms bearing their names and national flags, the two leaders sat side by side at a Pearl drum kit and performed an impromptu duet, playing “Golden” from the Netflix series K-Pop Demon Hunters and BTS’ global hit “Dynamite.” Lee called the moment a personal milestone. “Today I fulfilled a lifelong dream,” he said, according to his office. “Since I was young, I wished to play the drums.” Takaichi, who is known to have played heavy-metal drums in college, guided Lee through the performance and led the session. The two leaders later exchanged drumsticks signed by each of them. Presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-joon said the event was specially prepared by Japan to symbolize trust and rapport between the leaders, turning the informal meeting into a cultural exchange rather than an extension of negotiations. Japan’s reception of Lee also drew attention for its warmth and protocol. Takaichi made an unscheduled appearance to greet Lee in person outside his lodging upon arrival, and Japanese authorities provided top-level security arrangements throughout the visit. The Nara meeting marked the first time in 15 years that a South Korean president has visited a Japanese city outside Tokyo for a bilateral summit. Nara is Takaichi’s hometown and political constituency. During formal talks, which lasted about 90 minutes, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of bilateral ties and agreed to expand future-oriented cooperation through continued “shuttle diplomacy,” including reciprocal leader-level visits. Lee also emphasized the need for trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan and China, as well as continued coordination among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo on regional security and North Korea. Sensitive historical and territorial issues were discussed but not highlighted publicly. Lee described agreements on working-level cooperation — including efforts to identify remains of Korean forced laborers at a wartime coal mine site in Japan — as “small but meaningful progress.” Lee said the two countries, which normalized diplomatic ties in 1965, should build on past reconciliation to shape the next six decades of relations. Takaichi echoed the sentiment, expressing hope that Lee’s visit would further elevate Seoul-Tokyo ties amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was edited by AJP. 2026-01-13 22:39:39

Korean pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon arrested over alleged role in court rampage SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) -South Korean ultra-right pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church was arrested at court on suspicion of orchestrating a violent rampage at the Seoul Western District Court following the arrest of former President Yoon Suk Yeol last year on Wednesday, the same day prosecutors asked for a death penalty for Yoon for his ill-served marital-law attempt. The Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Jeon after a pre-arrest hearing, citing concerns that he could destroy evidence or flee. Senior Judge Kim Hyung-seok, who presided over the warrant review, said the risk factors justified taking Jeon into custody. Jeon is accused of instigating aggravated trespass of a public building by encouraging supporters to storm the court in the early hours of Jan. 19, 2025, shortly after Yoon’s arrest. Prosecutors allege that demonstrators smashed court fixtures and assaulted police officers during the incident. Investigators say Jeon exerted psychological control over followers under the guise of religious devotion and provided financial support to close aides and conservative YouTubers to incite violence. Police believe such actions played a central role in mobilizing the crowd. A total of 141 people have been sent to trial in connection with the rampage, including two individuals described as Sarang Jeil Church “special mission evangelists.” During the warrant hearing, police argued that Jeon posed a flight risk, citing his regional network known as “Freedom Village” and the possibility he could leave the country. Authorities also raised concerns about evidence destruction, noting that a church office computer was replaced in July last year shortly before a search and seizure. Before attending the hearing at around 9:50 a.m., Jeon held a news conference and denied the allegations, saying, “Now that it’s a left-wing president, they’re having a fit trying to arrest me.” He has consistently rejected claims that he instigated the violence, maintaining that he urged supporters not to clash with police. The arrest follows a procedural delay. Prosecutors initially rejected a police request in December to seek warrants for Jeon and Shin Hye-sik, head of the YouTube channel Shinui Hansu. After supplementary investigations, prosecutors requested a warrant for Jeon alone on Jan. 7. Police said they plan to soon refer Jeon’s case to prosecutors along with other suspects, including Shin. Jeon’s arrest marks the fourth time he has been taken into custody. In 2018, he was sentenced in a first trial to 10 months in prison for violating the Public Official Election Act during the 19th presidential election. An appeals court later reduced the sentence to six months, suspended for two years. He was arrested again in February 2020 ahead of the 21st general election on another election-law violation and released on medical bail. In September that year, he was re-imprisoned for violating bail conditions but later released after being acquitted. Jeon also faced a possible arrest in January 2020 during the Moon Jae-in administration over allegations that he led a violent protest near the presidential office, though a warrant was denied at the time. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was edited by AJP. 2026-01-13 22:27:14

Special counsel seeks death penalty for ex-President Yoon over failed martial law bid SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) -Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk on Wednesday sought the death penalty for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, accusing him of leading an insurrection through his short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024. Cho’s team asked the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, presided over by Judge Ji Gui-yeon, to impose the maximum sentence during the final sentencing hearing, describing Yoon as the “ringleader” of an anti-constitutional attempt to seize control of the state. The prosecution’s sentencing request had originally been expected on Jan. 9 but was postponed after the review of documentary evidence and final arguments by Yoon and other defendants ran past midnight. The court scheduled an additional hearing, which concluded on Wednesday. Special counsel Park Eok-su said the martial law episode “betrayed the constitutional duty to safeguard citizens’ freedoms” and “essentially infringed upon national security and the survival of the people,” adding that its purpose, methods and execution bore “the character of anti-state activity.” Park said it had become clear whom Yoon had labeled “anti-state forces” to justify the declaration, criticizing what he called an unprecedented “serious destruction of the Constitution.” He cited the storming of the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, as well as attempts to cut off electricity and water supplies to media outlets. According to the prosecution, Yoon declared martial law to seize control of the judiciary and legislature and to remain in power for an extended period, mobilizing state resources meant to serve the national community. Park added that Yoon had shown no reflection on the harm caused to constitutional order and democracy, arguing that “the biggest victims were the people who protected democracy through sacrifice against dictatorship and authoritarianism.” Yoon is accused of conspiring with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and others to declare unconstitutional and illegal martial law despite the absence of war, armed conflict or a comparable national emergency. Prosecutors allege he incited a riot aimed at undermining the constitutional order. He is also accused of deploying martial law troops and police to block access to the National Assembly in an effort to prevent lawmakers from voting to lift the decree, and of attempting to arrest and detain key political figures. Those allegedly targeted include National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, President Lee Jae Myung, who was then leader of the Democratic Party, former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, and senior officials at the National Election Commission. The trial involves eight defendants regarded as ringleaders of the martial law attempt, including Yoon and Kim. Yoon triggered a major political crisis when he announced the suspension of civilian rule in December 2024 and dispatched troops to parliament. The attempt collapsed within hours after lawmakers scaled fences and broke through a security cordon to convene and vote down the decree. He was detained in January 2025, becoming the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody. If convicted, Yoon would become the third South Korean president found guilty of insurrection, following former military leaders Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, who were convicted for their roles in a 1979 coup. In 1997, the Supreme Court upheld life imprisonment for Chun and a 17½-year sentence for Roh, though both were later pardoned. Even if Yoon is sentenced to death, an execution is considered highly unlikely. South Korea has observed an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment since December 1997, following President Kim Dae-jung’s inauguration in 1998. The court is expected to deliver its verdict in February, bringing to a close more than a year of political upheaval following Yoon’s failed martial law declaration. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was edited by AJP. 2026-01-13 22:16:29

Japan and Korean stocks keep up rally SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - Asian equities were mostly higher on Tuesday, led by sharp gains in Japan and Korea. In Seoul, the KOSPI rose 1.5 percent to close at a fresh high of 4,692.6, helped by gains in autos, energy and industrial shares. In contrast, the tech-heavy KOSDAQ edged down 0.1 percent to finish at 948.9. Among blue-chip stocks, Samsung Electronics edged down 0.7 percent to 137,900 won ($93.5), while SK hynix slid down 1.4 percent to 738,000 won, weighing on the broader market. Automakers led the market higher, with Hyundai Motor surging 10.6 percent to close at 406,000 won, marking one of the strongest performances among large-cap stocks and providing a key lift to the benchmark index. The rally came after Hyundai Motor showcased its latest advances in humanoid robotics and autonomous driving at CES 2026, while investor sentiment was further supported by the appointment of a global autonomous-driving expert to lead its software-defined vehicle and self-driving strategy. Energy, defense and industrial shares also posted strong gains. Hanwha Systems jumped 13.8 percent to 88,400 won, while POSCO Holdings advanced 14.1 percent to 353,000 won. Samsung SDI climbed 7.6 percent to 299,000 won, extending gains in battery-related shares. Shipbuilding and utility stocks moved higher as well, with Hanwha Ocean rising 2.6 percent to 149,400 won and Korea Electric Power Corp. gaining 8.6 percent to close at 55,400 won. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar, trading at 1,474.1 after losing 6.1 versus the dollar on continued foreign selling and global-wide greenback strengthening. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 3.1 percent to close at 53,549.2, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.7 percent to 26,783. In contrast, China’s Shanghai Composite edged down 0.6 percent to finish at 4,138.8, as investors took profits following the recent rally. 2026-01-13 18:03:04

Rigorous Korean hair formula behind perfect K-drama hair fuels global sales SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) — Long, glossy black hair catching the light as it moves in the breeze has become a familiar image of Korean heroines in romantic dramas. The look has captivated global audiences — and it is translating into booming overseas sales of Korean hair-care products. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), cosmetics exports reached a record $11.4 billion in 2025, up 12.3 percent from a year earlier. The United States and Japan ranked as the two largest destinations, accounting for $2.2 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. That momentum is increasingly visible in hair care. Trade data based on HS Code 33.05 show that Korean hair-care exports totaled about $471 million in the 12 months through November 2025. The United States remained the largest market at roughly $103 million, and also the fastest-growing, with shipments rising by about $35 million between 2023 and 2024. Search data point to the same trend. Google Trends shows steady growth in global searches for “Korean hair care” throughout 2025, with notable spikes mid-year and particularly strong interest in countries such as Qatar, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, underscoring rising international curiosity. That curiosity is no accident. Industry research from Grand View Research indicates that global hair-care demand is shifting toward function-driven products, especially those focused on scalp health and damage repair — segments where premium formulations are growing fastest. Korean hair care closely follows the science-backed logic of K-beauty itself: prevent, treat and heal, with specialized products for each step rather than a single all-purpose solution. The shift is already showing up in company earnings. The Skin Factory Co., which operates the hair-care brand Kundal, posted estimated revenue of 124.1 billion won ($84.6 million) last year, up 6 percent from a year earlier. Overseas sales accounted for about 52 percent of total revenue, surpassing domestic sales for the first time. Wyatt Corp., owner of shampoo brand Dr.FORHAIR and hair-treatment label UNOVE, also reported record sales, crossing 100 billion won in annual revenue for the first time since its founding. “As K-beauty gained popularity in markets like the U.S. and Japan, hair products naturally followed,” said Kwon Kyu-seok, chief executive officer of Wyatt. “Rising overseas demand played a decisive role in pushing our sales beyond 100 billion won.” Once a supporting category, hair care is now emerging as a core export engine of K-beauty — powered as much by laboratory formulas as by the effortless shine seen on screen. 2026-01-13 17:58:31

PHOTOS:Tracking horse history in the Year of Horse SEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - An exhibition titled “Year of the Horse, 2026: Galloping into Eternity,” planned by the Cultural Heritage Administration, opened on Jan. 9 at The Heritage of Shinsegae Department Store’s main branch in central Seoul, marking the Year of the Horse in 2026. The exhibition explores the cultural and historical significance of horses from ancient times to the present, examining how they have coexisted with humans and shaped life and society. The exhibition is co-hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage. It brings together a wide range of artifacts and works, including ancient clay figurines, horse armor, decorative crafts, photographs, sculptures and artificial intelligence (AI) videos, illustrating how horses have symbolized mobility, survival, authority, belief and hope throughout history. The exhibition runs from Jan. 9 to Jan. 25. The exhibition consists of a prologue, four thematic sections and an epilogue. The prologue presents an AI-generated video of galloping horses, visually conveying the enduring presence of horses across time and space. Section 1, “The Horse, Holding Hope,” explores the symbolic meanings of horses through Silla-era clay figurines and pottery. The clay figurines, crafted with expressive faces and dynamic postures, reflect the lives and aspirations of people of the time. Also on display is a long-necked jar engraved with a procession of mounted figures, illustrating how horses were perceived as symbols of movement, protection and authority. Section 2, “The Horse, Forged in Strength,” focuses on the role of horses on the battlefield, centered on a reproduction of Gaya-era horse armor. The armor was constructed by linking iron plates into a flexible structure, divided into sections protecting the horse’s forelegs, saddle area, hind legs and head. The design highlights how mobility and protection were balanced, underscoring the strategic importance of horses in warfare. Section 3, “The Horse, Attired with Dignity,” presents decorative crafts including an ornate horse ornament excavated from Tomb No. 44 in the Cheonmachong cluster in Gyeongju. Horse ornaments were used to adorn horses and symbolized both the animal’s stature and the status of its owner. Intricate decorations and luxurious materials, such as jewel beetle wings, reveal the elevated status and aesthetic value of horses in ancient society. Section 4, “The Horse, Companion for the Future,” features works by contemporary sculptor Jake Lee, depicting the evolving relationship between humans and horses in modern and future contexts. Sculptures of a mare and her foal convey themes of care, connection and coexistence, symbolizing the continuity of the human-horse bond. The epilogue showcases photographs of Jeju horses taken by National Geographic photographers, portraying the enduring coexistence of horses, humans and nature. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of the historical and cultural significance of horses from the past to the present, framed within the symbolism of the Year of the Horse. 2026-01-13 17:58:13