Latest by
-
Seoul braces for strike as bus drivers in last-ditch talks over wages SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Bus drivers in Seoul are in last-ditch wage talks on Tuesday to avert a planned strike that could halt all bus services in the capital starting with the first buses on Wednesday. Their union, affiliated with the Korean Automobile Workers' Federation, met with the city's bus operators for another round of talks at 2 p.m. and again threatened to strike if no agreement is reached by 9 p.m. If the two sides fail to reach a breakthrough in their talks, it would be Seoul's second major bus strike this year, following a two-day walkout in January. The most contentious issue in their dispute is what criteria should be used to determine the monthly hours for calculating wages. The union is demanding that 176 hours be used as the monthly basis, citing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in a case involving Dong-A Transportation. But the operators disagree, proposing 209 hours instead, with any differences to be settled later because part of disputes in the case including whether bonuses should be included in ordinary wages were referred to a lower court the following year and remain pending. They proposed a 10.32-percent wage increase including bonuses, while sticking to the 209-hour basis, arguing that similar agreements have been reached with drivers in Busan, Daegu, Incheon and Ulsan. But the union is seeking about 295.3 billion won (US$217 million) in unpaid wages including interest, which it claims stemmed from the disputed monthly-hour calculation, as well as a separate 7.85 percent increase in hourly wages. Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon urged both sides to reach a deal, warning that a strike would hit elderly residents, people with limited mobility and those living in areas with fewer public transportation options especially hard. To minimize possible disruptions, the Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to provide up to 1,500 free shuttle buses and run additional subway trains until 2 a.m. Public bicycles will also be available to help ease inconvenience. During the strike in January, the two sides agreed to a 2.9 percent wage hike but left the issue of how to calculate wages based on monthly working hours unresolved. AJP Takeaways - Seoul bus drivers are in last-ditch wage talks Tuesday to avert a strike that could halt all bus services from the first buses Wednesday. - The main dispute is over the monthly hours used to calculate wages, with the union seeking a 176-hour basis and operators proposing 209 hours. - Seoul is preparing emergency transportation measures, including up to 1,500 free shuttle buses and additional subway service until 2 a.m., if a strike goes ahead. 2026-09-15 16:32:48 -
National Railroad Corporation Enhances Construction Equipment Safety Measures The National Railroad Corporation is taking steps to improve accident prevention and management of construction equipment used at railroad construction sites. On September 15, the National Railroad Corporation announced that it conducted a two-day training session on 'Construction Equipment Safety Inspection Practical Training for Railroad Field Technicians' at its headquarters in Daejeon, starting on September 14. This training targeted practical workers, including construction managers and representatives from partner companies, aiming to enhance understanding of equipment characteristics and key risk factors, as well as to strengthen practical knowledge and on-site response capabilities. Key topics included: major issues in construction equipment safety inspections, actual accident cases and preventive measures, inspection and management tips for each type of equipment, and a related Q&A session. In addition to this training, the National Railroad Corporation is reinforcing a prevention-focused system. In collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, it is conducting special joint inspections and comprehensive surveys, while also performing detailed checks on critical areas directly related to accidents. Safety inspections of vulnerable areas, such as construction adjacent to operational lines, are being carried out regularly. Jung Jin-hyuk, the Commissioner of the National Railroad Corporation, stated, 'It is crucial to accurately understand and thoroughly manage the characteristics and risk factors of various equipment used in railroad construction. Through continuous practical training, we will enhance the capabilities of field technicians and create a safe railroad construction environment.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:32:20 -
Experts Warn Delayed Third New Towns Will Have Limited Housing Supply Impact The South Korean government is accelerating the supply of public housing in the metropolitan area, including the Third New Towns. However, experts argue that merely shortening the project timeline will not sufficiently stabilize the housing market in the region. Delays in the supply schedule for many projects, along with the need to align housing occupancy with the development of transportation networks and living infrastructure, are cited as reasons for the limited impact.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Third New Towns initiative was launched in 2018 to increase housing supply in Seoul and the surrounding areas to stabilize housing prices. The plan includes approximately 170,000 housing units across six districts, including Wangsuk and Wangsuk 2 in Namyangju, Gyosan in Hanam, Gyeonggi's Goyang Changneung, Incheon Gyeong, and Bucheon Daejang.However, since the announcement of candidate sites, repeated delays in compensation, demolition of existing structures, land development, and cultural heritage investigations have pushed back the actual construction and occupancy dates for many complexes. For instance, the construction period for the S-3 and S-4 blocks in Goyang Changneung has been extended by 15 months, while the A10 block in Incheon Gyeong has seen a 12-month delay, and the S-18 block in Namyangju Wangsuk has been delayed by 19 months.Experts highlight that the most significant issue is the delayed timing of the supply impact. Even if the government shortens the construction period for new public housing, it will still take considerable time before residents can move into the ongoing Third New Towns, limiting the ability to address the housing supply-demand imbalance in the short term.Park Hap-soo, an adjunct professor at Konkuk University’s Graduate School of Real Estate, stated, “The primary reason for the delays in the Third New Towns is the slow land compensation process. For a project with 500 units, the actual construction period requires about 36 months, making it physically challenging to reduce the original 60-month timeline to just 30 months.”Aligning the timing of housing supply with the development of transportation networks is also a challenge. The core objective of the Third New Towns is to disperse housing demand from Seoul to the metropolitan area. If residents begin moving in but the transportation infrastructure, such as railways and roads, is not in place, it may limit the appeal for potential buyers.Yang Ji-young, a specialist at Shinhan Bank’s Premier Pathfinder, emphasized, “While rapid housing supply in the Third New Towns is important, the development of transportation networks is equally crucial. In the case of Paju Unjeong New Town, residents faced significant transportation inconveniences due to delays in the transportation network’s construction.”She added, “For the Third New Towns to succeed, it is essential to develop not only transportation networks but also jobs, education, and living conveniences in alignment with the occupancy timeline, so that potential residents can confidently choose these areas as their homes.”As the government moves to shorten project timelines, concerns have been raised that discussions regarding the reorganization of the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) should not become a variable affecting the supply schedule. If the decision-making process or project execution slows down during the reorganization of LH, which oversees public land development, housing construction, and compensation, it could lead to further delays in the supply schedule.Seo Jin-hyung, a professor of real estate law at Kwangwoon University, stated, “It is crucial to establish transportation networks in a timely manner before increasing housing supply. Given that discussions regarding the separation of LH are ongoing, it is essential to closely manage project execution to prevent any disruptions related to supply expansion.” 2026-09-15 16:32:20
-
Lee So-young, Ministerial Candidate, Plans Debate on Startup Regulations Lee So-young, the nominee for Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups, stated on September 15 that she wants to engage in public discussions with the Financial Services Commission chairman regarding policies affecting the KOSDAQ, which is primarily composed of small and medium enterprises. She also expressed a desire to debate startup regulations with fellow ministers during cabinet meetings.During her confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, when asked about three key tasks she would like to tackle if appointed, Lee said, "I want to work in a new way."Lee, who is in her 40s, emphasized that the public should expect a dynamic approach from her, rather than a traditional, rigid management style. She remarked, "I may not always fit the conventional mold, but I aim to work energetically and confront challenges head-on."Additionally, she proposed a systematic approach to reducing the cost burden on small businesses by quantifying their expenses. "Small businesses are suffering under an unsustainable cost structure, and I want to explore solutions that the Ministry of SMEs has not previously considered," she asserted.Lee noted, "I believe it is possible to develop scientific policies that can predict how much small businesses are spending compared to five years ago and what their costs will look like next year."She also expressed concerns about the reduction in the budget for the Onnuri gift certificate program, which impacts small businesses in local markets. "The 2027 government budget shows a decrease in the Onnuri gift certificate budget while the budget for local currency has increased," she explained. "Local currencies can only be used within their respective regions, so they do not facilitate the flow of funds from metropolitan areas to rural areas."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:32:10
-
Life Insurance Association Partners with Criminal Law and Policy Research Institute 생명보험협회와 한국형사·법무정책연구원이 생명보험 산업의 법·제도 발전을 위한 공동연구에 나선다.생명보험협회는 한국형사·법무정책연구원과 연구원에서 생명보험 분야 공동연구 및 정책 개발을 위한 업무협약을 체결했다고 15일 밝혔다.이번 협약은 생명보험 산업을 둘러싼 법·정책 환경 변화에 대응하고 관련 학술연구와 정책 개발을 활성화하기 위해 마련됐다.양 기관은 각자의 전문성과 연구 역량을 바탕으로 학술 교류를 확대하고 생명보험 관련 현안에 대한 협력을 강화할 계획이다.정기적인 정책실무협의회도 운영한다. 협의회를 통해 공동 현안을 발굴하고 해외 입법례를 조사하는 한편 실효성 있는 정책 제안을 마련하기 위한 논의를 이어갈 예정이다.김철주 생명보험협회장은 “생명보험 산업의 여러 현안을 함께 고민하고 양 기관의 연구 성과가 실제 정책 반영과 제도 발전으로 이어질 수 있도록 지속적이고 긴밀한 동반자 관계를 이어가길 기대한다”고 말했다. 2026-09-15 16:32:10
-
Delays in New Town Projects in the Seoul Metropolitan Area Lead to Increased Costs The South Korean government is accelerating public land development projects, including the third new towns, to expand housing supply in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, as project timelines extend, costs are ballooning by billions of won, raising concerns about the impact on public housing prices and the financial burden on the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and LH, the construction period for the A3 block in the Wangsu 2 district of Namyangju has been extended from May 2027 to July 2029, a delay of 26 months. During the same period, the total project cost increased from 333.3 billion won to 486.7 billion won, a rise of 153.4 billion won, or approximately 46%.The A1 block in the same Wangsu 2 district also saw its timeline pushed back by 21 months, with costs rising from 373.6 billion won to 427.1 billion won, an increase of 53.5 billion won. The combined cost increase for these two blocks exceeds 200 billion won.Similar trends are evident in the main Wangsu district of Namyangju, where the total project cost for the A1 block rose from 242.9 billion won to 321.0 billion won, an increase of 78.1 billion won. The project timeline was also extended from the end of 2026 to March 2028, a delay of 15 months.In Incheon’s Gyeyang district, project delays and cost increases are also occurring. The A10 block's timeline has been pushed back from June 2028 to June 2029 due to the need for ground reinforcement, with costs rising by over 10 billion won. The A17, A18, and A19 blocks have also seen cost increases.In projects where pre-sales have already occurred, rising costs have translated into higher sale prices. For instance, the total project cost for the A2 block in Incheon Gyeyang increased from 267.6 billion won to 336.4 billion won, a rise of about 26%. The A3 block saw costs rise from 175.4 billion won to 235.5 billion won, an increase of over 30%. The rising construction and project costs have led to greater financial burdens for prospective buyers compared to initial estimates.Similar phenomena are occurring outside the third new towns. The A22 block in Yangju Okjeong saw its total project cost rise from 398.5 billion won to 560.9 billion won, an increase of 162.4 billion won, with the completion date pushed back by a year. Other blocks in Uiwang and Paju have also experienced cost increases ranging from hundreds of millions to around 1 billion won.The reasons for the cost increases are not solely due to project delays. A combination of rising raw material and labor costs, ground reinforcement needs, design changes, stricter safety standards, and increased compensation costs have all contributed. However, as project timelines extend, the potential for additional costs due to inflation and rising construction expenses increases, highlighting the importance of effective schedule management.In fact, in the third new towns, delays due to the removal of obstacles, land compensation, and cultural heritage investigations have become common. The S-18 block in Namyangju Wangsu was delayed by 19 months due to obstacle removal, while the S-3 and S-4 blocks in Goyang were each delayed by 15 months. The A10 block in Incheon Gyeyang was extended by 12 months due to ground reinforcement.The government has identified reducing project timelines as a key objective in its housing supply policy. Last month, it announced a 'Rapid Housing Supply Plan' aimed at streamlining the approval, compensation, and site preparation processes for new public land projects to reduce the time required for construction to begin. LH plans to deploy over 300 personnel to expedite compensation processes for metropolitan supply projects, aiming to shorten the compensation period by more than 20 months.An official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, “The reasons for delays in individual projects have led to unavoidable extensions in timelines, and the increase in construction costs has resulted in higher project costs. To supply homes for sale, we need to start construction, and we will work to resolve the issues of delayed approvals to expedite the construction timeline.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:28:00
-
70-Year-Old Woman Accused of Fraudulently Receiving $35,000 in Welfare Benefits A 70-year-old woman has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly fraudulently receiving social security benefits while driving a luxury foreign car registered in her daughter's name and illegally subletting a public housing apartment.The Jeonbuk Wansan Police Station announced on September 15 that the woman, identified as A, was sent to prosecutors without detention on charges of violating the National Basic Living Security Act and the Public Housing Special Act.According to police, A is accused of failing to report her use of a foreign car with an engine capacity of over 2,000cc while receiving approximately 35 million won (about $35,000) in social security benefits from January 2023 to March 2024.Beneficiaries of social security must report to the relevant authorities if they own or regularly use a vehicle with an engine capacity exceeding 2,000cc.During the investigation, it was revealed that A not only misused welfare benefits but also improperly utilized a public housing apartment. She is suspected of illegally subletting the apartment she was allocated while living at her child's home, reportedly earning around 5.7 million won (approximately $5,700) in rent.A police official stated that a special crackdown on illegal real estate activities is currently underway and emphasized that efforts to maintain order in the housing supply will continue.Meanwhile, A has been sent to prosecutors while remaining free, and the specifics of her criminal liability and potential penalties will be determined through ongoing investigations and court proceedings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:28:00
-
Taeseok Optical seeks KOSDAQ listing SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korean eyewear and fashion company Taeseok Optical has applied for preliminary approval to list on the KOSDAQ, starting the review process for a potential market debut, the company said Tuesday. The company said it submitted the preliminary listing application to the Korea Exchange (KRX), a required step before proceeding with an initial public offering (IPO). Founded in 2015, Taeseok Optical has built its business around eyewear manufacturing, sourcing and distribution. Its strategy centers on developing and securing products quickly to respond to changing fashion trends and consumer demand. Its portfolio includes Viewmap and SUPPORT LIGHT, two eyewear brands created by the company, as well as Brera and Harry Mason, which it later acquired. It has also broadened its lineup through distribution licenses for global fashion brands including Vera Wang, TUMI, Anna Sui, Maje and AllSaints. The licenses allow it to expand its eyewear business under established global labels in the country. More recently, Taeseok Optical has expanded beyond eyewear into other fashion products, using its sourcing and distribution network built through its core business. That expansion has supported rapid growth. The company said revenue increased at a compound annual growth rate of 115 percent over the past three years. Its sales network has also widened from home-shopping channels to department stores, duty-free shops, online malls and its directly operated flagship store in Seoul’s Seongsu district. Taeseok Optical said it plans to adapt sales strategies to the customer base of each channel as it works to strengthen its brands and increase revenue. AJP Takeaways - Taeseok Optical has entered the preliminary review process for a KOSDAQ listing. - Taeseok Optical sells its own eyewear brands and products under global labels including VERA WANG, TUMI, ANNA SUI, MAJE and ALLSAINTS. - Taeseok Optical said revenue grew at a compound annual rate of 115 percent over the past three years as its sales channels expanded. 2026-09-15 16:25:43 -
Foreign selling hands KOSPI 4th straight loss before Fed SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Foreign investors sold Korean shares for a fifth straight session on Tuesday, handing the KOSPI a fourth consecutive loss as worries over a possible U.S. rate hike this week weighed on the main board. Buyers turned instead to battery makers and the KOSDAQ. The main index in Seoul shed 57.11 points, or 0.9 percent, to 6,627.26. Foreigners sold a net 1.57 trillion won ($1.15 billion) of KOSPI shares and institutions 904.9 billion won ($665 million), overwhelming 833.1 billion won ($612 million) of individual buying. The same two groups were net buyers on the KOSDAQ. Over the five sessions, foreign net selling on the main board has topped 10 trillion won ($7.3 billion), and the KOSPI has lost 6.0 percent since closing above 7,000 last Wednesday. Hotter than expected U.S. core inflation for August, a 10-year Treasury yield that topped 5 percent and crude above $100 a barrel have revived fears the Federal Reserve could raise rates. Its two-day meeting began Tuesday. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix barely moved. Samsung slipped 0.2 percent to 248,500 won ($182.64). SK hynix fell 0.4 percent to 1,690,000 won ($1,242.10). Financials took heavier hits. Samsung Life Insurance sank 4.2 percent to 285,500 won ($209.83), and KB Financial Group lost 3.2 percent to 175,800 won ($129.21). Decliners outnumbered gainers 623 to 254. LG Energy Solution bucked the tide, jumping 4.0 percent to 365,500 won ($268.63). Local media tied the move to expectations for energy storage orders from artificial intelligence data centers. The KOSDAQ rose 0.7 percent to 812.4, led by battery materials, robotics and some chip names. Institutions bought a net 110.7 billion won ($81.4 million) on the secondary market and foreigners 24.1 billion won ($17.7 million). The won weakened to 1,360.6 per dollar. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 finished virtually unchanged at 63,484.1. SoftBank Group rebounded 7.5 percent to 6,279 yen. The group had slid a day earlier on reports that OpenAI, in which it is a major investor, will not go public this year. Memory maker Kioxia Holdings added 2.3 percent to 51,750 yen, while chip testing equipment maker Advantest fell 3.0 percent to 30,160 yen. The composite index in Shanghai slipped. Memory chip designer GigaDevice Semiconductor and PetroChina gained, while fiber optic maker Jiangsu Hengtong Optic-Electric declined. Lee Kyung-min, an analyst at Daishin Securities, said no fresh negative hit the market on Tuesday. Instead, he said, further gains in rates and oil sapped bargain hunting in a market now more sensitive to bad news than good. AJP Takeaways -Foreign investors sold Korean shares for a fifth straight session. Their net selling on the main board topped 10 trillion won ($7.3 billion) over that stretch. -Hotter than expected U.S. core inflation for August, a 10-year Treasury yield that topped 5 percent and crude above $100 a barrel revived fears the Federal Reserve could raise rates. -Samsung Electronics and SK hynix barely moved while financials fell harder. LG Energy Solution and the KOSDAQ gained, the Nikkei 225 finished virtually unchanged and Shanghai slipped. Entity tags: KOSPI, KOSDAQ, Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, LG Energy Solution, Samsung Life Insurance, KB Financial Group, Daishin Securities, Lee Kyung-min, Federal Reserve, U.S. Treasury yield, won/dollar exchange rate, Nikkei 225, SoftBank Group, OpenAI, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest, Shanghai Composite Index, GigaDevice Semiconductor, PetroChina, Jiangsu Hengtong Optic-Electric 2026-09-15 16:25:09 -
Behind the Scenes of 'Big Light': Costume Choices and Ha Ji-won's Transformation Every production has numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ. 'Choi Song-hee's B-Cut' focuses on the vivid behind-the-scenes moments that go beyond the 'A-Cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the more intense 'B-Cut' moments through interviews with the director and actors. (Editor’s note)The film 'Big Light' follows the story of a top star couple, Jung-gu (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) and Nam-mi (played by Ha Ji-won), who face a crisis after the sudden appearance of Jung-gu's daughter, Dong-joo (played by Kim Si-ah). Eight years later, they find themselves embroiled in a shocking incident involving Dong-joo, leading them to risk everything to uncover the truth. Once a glamorous couple, Jung-gu and Nam-mi drift apart after Dong-joo's arrival, only to confront the same event years later.The passage of eight years is evident in their appearances and clothing. Nam-mi, in particular, experiences a stark contrast between her glamorous past and her current state. Ha Ji-won altered her speech and demeanor to reflect the two different periods."The director set up the character really well. The gap in Nam-mi's character is part of her charm. When she was a top star, her speech was a bit rough and bold, and her visuals were like a glamorous gold dress. In contrast, after her fall, her hair was bleached and appeared damaged, and she looked like she hadn’t taken care of her skin. While the early Nam-mi had a healthy vibe, eight years later, she needed to convey a sense of lived experience. So, I discussed a lot with the director about external changes, speech, tone, and breath," said Ha Ji-won.Director Lee Ji-won added, "We aimed for significant weight loss in her appearance. I advised her to avoid skin care for a while, skip Pilates, and even suggested she try smoking to lower her bright and cheerful voice. Ha Ji-won really committed to this transformation. Before starting the project, I like to meet and talk with the actors. Many of the characters I write come from backgrounds that the actors may not have experienced, so without that preparation, they might struggle on set. I worked closely with Ha Ji-won, even sharing drinks to observe how her character would evolve."Jung-gu's clothing also reflects the passage of time. Director Lee Ji-won requested Ryu Seung-ryong to wear outfits he had never donned before, incorporating unique prints and even a 'Big Light' tattoo to create Jung-gu's distinct personality."The flashy clothes weren't just for show; they represented Jung-gu's taste and a sense of his past that he couldn't let go. Nam-mi's outfits also maintained consistency. I believe those choices explained the characters well," Ryu Seung-ryong remarked."Honestly, I didn’t realize the costumes were that special. Later, while editing, I wondered if the luxury logos were too prominent. However, since Jung-gu's character transitions from the past to the present, I thought the outfits needed to be distinctive to signal that it was the same day. He had to wear the same special outfit during the ritual, which was meant to be the most expensive and from his prime. Jung-gu is an extraordinary character with a fiery personality, so I envisioned him choosing such outfits," Director Lee Ji-won explained.The family, each dressed in their respective outfits, comes together. Jung-gu's mother, Gi-sik (played by Kim Hae-sook), sister Ji-sook (played by Kim Sun-young), and brother-in-law Seong-myeong (played by Kim Young-min) bicker over trivial matters but unite in crucial moments to protect Dong-joo."It was truly an honor to work with Sun-young. The sense of realism that emerged during rehearsals was wonderful, and I learned so much from her performance. I would love to act with her again. It was also a privilege to work with Kim Hae-sook. All the seniors I filmed with in this movie were fantastic. Their performances conveyed a sense of real life. It was so enjoyable, and I felt it was too short a time with the family," Ha Ji-won shared.Ryu Seung-ryong added, "While watching the film, I kept asking the director whether certain lines were scripted or improvised. In the ritual scene, Kim Sun-young's character was mumbling to herself, and then suddenly, everyone started talking at once, which felt like a common occurrence in a typical household. We never explicitly discussed how to do it, but the director coordinated everything from behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see how it all came together."The relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi is complex. Once a married couple, they separated due to Dong-joo's arrival and now lead entirely different lives eight years later. Ha Ji-won noted that instead of rehearsing, she followed the atmosphere on set."My brother was cast as Jung-gu before me. I really wanted to work with him, and it was such an honor. He is usually a very funny person with a lot of dad jokes, but he didn’t do that during filming. Our roles are familiar yet strange, and the relationship is complicated. So rather than rehearsing, my brother created the mood on set. I’m grateful for how well he supported me, and I wish we had more scenes together," Ha Ji-won said.Ryu Seung-ryong praised Ha Ji-won, saying, "I think she has the best reactions among actors in our country. Her serious reactions and laughter are both excellent. She even laughs at trivial jokes, which I appreciate. On set, we had to navigate the complex and subtle relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi, and Ha Ji-won really helped with that."As the film reaches its conclusion, the relationship between Jung-gu and Nam-mi remains unresolved. Both express love and support for each other, but Ryu Seung-ryong and Director Lee Ji-won interpret that they likely did not reunite."I don’t think they would have reconciled. If their relationship could be repaired, they would have addressed the issues when the paternity discrepancy arose. Rather than a relationship that could be mended, I see it as one with many complications," Ryu Seung-ryong stated.Director Lee Ji-won added, "If I think about how they loved each other, Jung-gu likely had a sense of compassion similar to Gi-sik. Nam-mi probably found comfort in Jung-gu's words, which could also be seen as love. However, I believe that after the last encounter, Jung-gu and Nam-mi would go their separate ways. They seem like characters who shouldn’t see each other again. Nam-mi will likely continue to experience ups and downs in her acting career, while Jung-gu will live somewhat happily with Dong-joo, who will also face her own turbulent times. Dong-joo and Nam-mi might see each other occasionally, but since Nam-mi encouraged her to 'live well,' they might not meet again. They could have a strong bond that resembles a familial relationship, even if they don’t see each other often."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-15 16:24:00