Journalist

Ryu Yuna
  • BTS LIVE D-5: BTS effect in force as fans swarm into Seoul
    BTS LIVE D-5: 'BTS effect' in force as fans swarm into Seoul SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - Lotus Buzon bought herself a map of downtown Seoul and, on a trek around the city’s Gwanghwamun area, marked all the public restrooms on it. This, she admits, is not normal for a tourist. But then Buzon, a 42-year-old Filipina, is a BTS fan and she is in South Korea for the group’s comeback concert this Saturday. She is not taking any chances with massive crowds expected. Organizers estimate that as many as 300,000 fans could pack into Gwanghwamun Square, an area of roughly 18,900 square meters — about the size of three soccer fields. “Honestly, my biggest worry is whether I will be able to find a restroom,” she says. Before leaving Manila, Buzon found hotel prices already surging and had to settle for accommodation in Seoul’s Gwanak District, which is a 40-minute drive from the concert venue. “Hotel prices were five times higher than usual, but I booked early so I was able to get a reasonable rate,” she said. “Going to restaurants or cafes that day is out of the question,” she said. “My plan is to go straight from my hotel to the concert and try to leave as early as possible before the crowds.” But she is not complaining. A diehard BTS fan, Buzon pulled out plush toys and keyrings from the BT21 merchandise she had just bought at the LINE Store. “I just bought all of these, so I’m really happy right now,” she said. The Korean retail is enjoying an unexpected BTS-driven tourist boon as fans like Buzon turn their enthusiasm into shopping for Korean goods upon arriving early for the concert. The event is expected to generate significant economic impact. The Korea Culture & Tourism Institute (KCTI) estimates that a BTS concert in South Korea could create up to 1.2 trillion won ($900 million) per event, including indirect effects such as intellectual property (IP) revenue and the global promotion of K-pop. Demand is particularly strong for BT21 merchandise, a character brand created with direct participation from BTS members. Developed by LINE FRIENDS, the character brand was created with direct input from all seven members of the group. LINE FRIENDS has expanded the BT21 brand globally, launching various products and content in markets including South Korea, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Ahead of the concert, fans have been visiting LINE FRIENDS Square across Seoul to buy BT21 plush dolls, keyrings, and figurines. “BT21 is a globally popular character IP with new products released regularly each season,” an official at IPX, the digital IP platform company behind LINE FRIENDS and BT21 said. “Recently we launched the BT21 World Voyage collection, featuring travel-themed items such as luggage belts, short-sleeve T-shirts, luggage tags and passport cases.” “Visitor numbers at the LINE Friends Square stores in Myeongdong and Insadong rose more than 30 percent last weekend compared with the previous week, and we expect further increases from Thursday through Sunday,” she said. “We are preparing about 20 percent more stock than usual,” she added. “This includes new items like the BT21 World Voyage collection as well as popular staples such as the Seoul Edition and K Edition, which are especially popular among international tourists.” The central Myeongdong retail district is also expanding related products and promotions to capture the “BTS effect.” Shinsegae Duty Free is operating a “K-Wave Zone” at its Myeongdong branch, offering BTS magazines, puzzles, plush toys and BT21 merchandise. The company said sales of BTS-related goods tend to rise whenever major BTS-related news emerges. Shinsegae Department Store is also joining the push. In collaboration with BTS agency HYBE, it will open a pop-up store at its flagship “The Heritage” building in Myeongdong to mark the release of the group’s new studio album. The space will sell the new album and related merchandise from Friday to April 12. Lotte Department Store will launch a “Welcome Lights” project, illuminating Lotte Town Myeongdong in BTS’s signature color, purple. From Thursday to Sunday, the exterior walls of its main store and the adjacent Avenuel building will be lit in purple from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening. Lotte Department Store will also hold a “K-Wave Shopping Week” for foreign tourists from Thursday to March 29 at its Myeongdong flagship store, Jamsil branch, and Lotte Outlet Seoul Station branch. Convenience store chains are also preparing for the expected surge in visitors. 7-Eleven Korea plans to increase inventories of ready-to-eat meals, instant noodles, mobile accessories, and batteries by up to tenfold at stores near Gwanghwamun and Jongno, while assigning staff capable of assisting customers in foreign languages. GS25 will display IGIN, a liquor product for which BTS member Jin serves as global ambassador. The chain also plans to stock large quantities of items for fans waiting outdoors, including picnic mats, disposable smartphone chargers, and hand warmers. 2026-03-16 17:23:28
  • Asian markets open the third Gulf war week lower 
    Asian markets open the third Gulf war week lower  SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) — Asian stock markets traded lower Monday as investor sentiment remained fragile with the Iran war entering a third week and the Strait of Hormuz still effectively cut off, keeping energy and security risks at the center of regional trading. Reports that President Donald Trump is pressing U.S. allies and major Asian importers to help reopen the waterway added to the sense of unease. South Korea’s KOSPI swung from early gains into negative territory as bargain hunting in semiconductor heavyweights gave way to profit-taking, underscoring how quickly risk appetite can fade in a market dominated by a handful of large-cap names. At the open, Samsung Electronics rose 0.93 percent and SK hynix gained 2.31 percent, helping lift the benchmark. Defense contractor Hanwha Aerospace and nuclear-related Doosan Enerbility also traded higher in early dealings, reflecting continued investor interest in sectors seen as beneficiaries of geopolitical tension and energy security concerns. The Middle East remained the main external driver. In an interview reported Monday, Trump said countries that depend heavily on oil and gas shipments through Hormuz — including South Korea, Japan, China, Britain and France — should contribute to efforts to secure the strait, while also warning that further action against Iran’s Kharg Island export hub remained possible. Reuters and AP both reported that Washington is pushing partners to take a greater role in reopening the passage. China, meanwhile, has called for a ceasefire and renewed diplomacy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng began talks in Paris over the weekend, with the broader geopolitical backdrop likely to weigh on those discussions. Japan is also coming under pressure ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s planned Washington trip this week, though Tokyo has said it is not currently planning an escort mission and that no formal U.S. request has yet been made. Takaichi said Japan is still reviewing its options within its legal framework. The uncertainty weighed on regional equities. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 traded at 53,777.47, down 0.08 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.10 percent to 25,439.22, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.21 percent to 4,086.86, and Taiwan’s TAIEX lost 0.22 percent to 33,327.10. As of 10:49 a.m., the KOSPI was down 0.03 percent at 5,485.74, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ dropped 1.71 percent to 1,133.24. Earlier in the session, the KOSPI had climbed as much as 1.11 percent to 5,548.04, lifted by gains in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Their growing dominance has become increasingly evident. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix accounted for 38.3 percent of the KOSPI’s total market capitalization as of March 13, according to Korea Exchange data cited in local reporting, nearing the 40 percent threshold. That compares with 23.7 percent a year earlier, highlighting the benchmark’s growing concentration in semiconductor leaders. The combined weight of the top 10 listed companies also rose to 51.7 percent from 41.1 percent over the same period. Analysts say the trend reflects expectations for a prolonged AI-driven semiconductor upcycle, as well as a defensive preference for large-cap exporters during periods of geopolitical stress. FnGuide data show the three-month consensus target price for Samsung Electronics at around 251,720 won, implying significant upside from recent trading levels. FnGuide’s company guide also shows broker targets clustered well above current market prices. In early trading, SK hynix rose 3.19 percent to 939,000 won and Samsung Electronics advanced 1.53 percent to 186,300 won. The semiconductor sector’s prominence is also being reflected in the labor market. A Saramin survey of 2,304 adults released Monday showed SK hynix ranked as the most desirable large company to work for, overtaking Samsung Electronics for the first time since the survey began. Local reports said respondents cited the AI-led chip boom and strong compensation as key draws. Defense and energy-linked names outperformed, with Hanwha Aerospace up 0.34 percent at 1,493,000 won and Doosan Enerbility rising 2.35 percent to 109,000 won. Financial stocks were mixed. KB Financial added 1.81 percent to 151,600 won and Mirae Asset Securities gained 3.32 percent to 71,500 won, while Shinhan Financial edged down 0.11 percent to 90,700 won. Among automakers, Kia was flat, Hyundai Motor fell 1.35 percent to 510,000 won, and Hyundai Mobis was little changed. Biotech and platform shares were weaker, with Samsung Biologics down 1.19 percent to 1,573,000 won, Celltrion off 1.70 percent at 202,000 won, and NAVER losing 1.35 percent to 220,000 won. Shipbuilding and heavy industry shares were mostly lower, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries down 3.02 percent at 578,000 won, HD Hyundai Electric falling 1.51 percent to 915,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean retreating 2.19 percent to 133,900 won as core gas for shipbuilding cut off from Strait Hormuz suspension is expected to disrupt production activities. Currency markets also reflected the nervous tone. The won opened at 1,501.0 per dollar, marking the first breach of the 1,500 level in daytime trading since March 12, 2009, during the global financial crisis. It later pared some of those losses and was trading at 1,496.30 per dollar, compared with the previous session’s close of 1,493.40. 2026-03-16 11:57:43
  • BTS Comeback D-8: Concert economy visible across Gwanghwamun accommodations
    BTS Comeback D-8: Concert economy visible across Gwanghwamun accommodations SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) — Hotel rooms with views overlooking Gwanghwamun Square were the first to sell out and are still sought at steep premiums as foreign fans treat BTS’s upcoming comeback concert as a once-in-a-lifetime event. “Some foreign guests ask if they can rent the hotel’s rooftop pool area to watch the concert. Some even say they’re willing to pay a rental fee as a group,” said Kim Kyllian, a manager at Somerset Palace Seoul near Gwanghwamun. Many guests, he added, are specifically asking whether rooms facing Gwanghwamun Square are still available on the day of the performance. The phenomenon reflects what the global music industry increasingly calls the “concert economy.” Large-scale tours by superstar artists can generate significant spillover spending in host cities — boosting demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation and tourism services. U.S. pop star Taylor Swift’s recent global tour produced such economic effects that analysts coined the term “Swiftonomics.” Swift is estimated to have built a fortune of around $1 billion through touring, music royalties and real estate, with her concerts widely credited for lifting tourism spending in host cities. While on a smaller scale, BTS is generating similar ripples in Seoul. Ahead of the group’s comeback concert scheduled for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, accommodation prices around the venue have surged while reservations fill rapidly. According to AJP’s reporting, the average weekend room rate at Lotte Hotel Seoul is typically around 540,000 won, but rises to roughly 960,000 won on the concert date. Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun has climbed from about 270,000 won to 620,000 won, while Koreana Hotel jumped from roughly 320,000 won to about 1.35 million won. At Monthliv Jongno Jonggak Station Hotel Stay, rates increased from around 250,000 won to about 450,000 won. Somerset Palace Seoul was fully booked for March 20 and 21 — the night before and the day of the concert — more than one to two months in advance. “We’ve been receiving booking requests from a wide range of countries, including Japan, North America and South America,” Kylian said. At The Westin Josun Seoul, PR manager Soojin Bae said the hotel is also fully booked, with reservations made well ahead. “Room rates have increased by about 10 to 20 percent,” she said, adding that more than 80 percent of current guests are foreigners, though she noted the surge was not necessarily tied solely to the concert. Demand has spread to nearby districts as well. Hotels in Myeongdong, about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive from Gwanghwamun Square, are seeing similar spikes. Room rates at Hotel Thomas jumped from around 310,000 won to roughly 1.09 million won — an increase of more than 250 percent. Even smaller accommodations are feeling the surge. Hana Days Jongno-Gwanghwamun, a two-star hostel near the square known for its modest prices, had only one triple room left two days before the concert, with nightly rates reaching about 530,000 won. A manager at Soo Song Guest House near the venue said some visitors specifically requested rooms facing the square, with Japanese tourists making up a large share of bookings. “We didn’t even realize there was going to be a concert at first,” the manager said. “One day we suddenly became overbooked, and only later we realized that a BTS performance had been announced.” The guesthouse was already fully booked even before the concert date was officially confirmed, the manager added. Although online reservations closed once rooms sold out, inquiries have continued, with roughly five additional groups contacting the guesthouse seeking availability. Hotels in nearby Itaewon, a district popular with international visitors about a 20-minute drive from the venue, are also seeing an influx of foreign guests. A manager at Hamilton Hotel said the number of international customers during the concert period has increased about 40 percent compared with typical levels. At A-One Hotel nearby, standard room rates have risen from about 170,000 won a month ago to around 300,000 won for the concert date. Not all hotels, however, attribute the surge entirely to the BTS event. Officials at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul said most of its rooms had already been booked due to the spring high season, noting that the concert was only one of several factors affecting occupancy. Still, the pattern reflects how large K-pop concerts increasingly ripple beyond the stage. As fans travel across borders to attend performances, demand for accommodation, transportation and local tourism rises around host cities — offering a glimpse of how a single show can generate its own kind of “BTSnomics.” 2026-03-13 17:03:22
  • Asian stocks fall as oil tops $100 on Hormuz tensions
    Asian stocks fall as oil tops $100 on Hormuz tensions SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) — Asian stock markets opened lower Friday after oil prices surged above $100 a barrel amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies. Investor anxiety intensified after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to maintain pressure on shipping through the strategic waterway and warned Tehran could open another front in the conflict, stoking fears that the war could drag on and threaten one of the world’s most critical energy routes. The comments sent oil prices sharply higher. U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude jumped 9.72 percent to $95.73 a barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude settled at $101.26, its highest close since July 2022. U.S. equities fell sharply overnight as energy-driven inflation fears rattled markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.56 percent to its lowest level of the year, while the S&P 500 fell 1.52 percent and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.68 percent. Technology shares led the selloff. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunged 3.43 percent as investors priced in potential supply-chain risks linked to Gulf tensions. Major chipmakers also retreated, with Nvidia down 1.53 percent, while Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. fell more than 5 percent and Micron Technology slid over 3 percent. The weakness spilled into Asian trading, including Seoul, where semiconductor heavyweights led early losses. Samsung Electronics fell 2.55 percent to 183,100 won and SK hynix declined 2.58 percent to 906,000 won. Most South Korean shares opened lower as the oil shock rattled investor sentiment. The benchmark KOSPI initially dropped about 3 percent before trimming losses. As of 10:56 a.m., the index was down 1.24 percent at 5,513.87, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ recovered from early losses to rise 0.62 percent to 1,155.51. Foreign and institutional investors were net sellers, offloading 644.4 billion won ($483 million) and 331.3 billion won worth of shares respectively, while retail investors bought a net 971.1 billion won. Among major stocks, LG Energy Solution slid 4.17 percent to 368,000 won, Hyundai Motor declined 1.73 percent to 512,000 won and Kia lost 2.93 percent to 162,100 won. Samsung Biologics fell 1.85 percent to 1,595,000 won, SK Square dropped 3.79 percent to 533,000 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries slipped 1.99 percent to 592,000 won. Naver edged up 0.45 percent to 223,000 won. Doosan Enerbility was the lone major gainer, rising 2.13 percent to 105,700 won. The Korean won weakened toward crisis-era levels, trading at 1,489.40 per dollar. The Bank of Korea warned that prolonged tensions in the Middle East could push up inflation and said it would maintain a cautious, neutral policy stance for now. While some investors speculate the central bank may eventually tighten policy to contain inflationary pressure, others say heightened geopolitical uncertainty makes a near-term rate hike unlikely. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.81 percent to 54,010.97. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.48 percent to 25,592.49, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index declined 0.33 percent to 4,115.48. Taiwan’s TAIEX also dropped 0.58 percent to 33,386.04. 2026-03-13 11:15:05
  • Korean Inc. in a rush to retire shares but risks losing key management tool
    Korean Inc. in a rush to retire shares but risks losing key management tool SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) — South Korea’s largest companies have rushed to retire 36.3 trillion won ($25 billion) worth of treasury shares in the first quarter of 2026 under a new Commercial Act amendment, but analysts warn the mandatory move may do little to improve corporate value while stripping management of a key strategic tool. A string of blue-chip firms including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and Samsung C&T have unveiled large-scale treasury share cancellations since the revised law took effect, putting share buybacks and retirements at the center of Korea’s market reform drive. Supporters say broader cancellations could help narrow the longstanding “Korea discount” by lifting per-share metrics and strengthening shareholder returns. Critics, however, say the law forces companies to give up assets long used to support management control, fund acquisitions and compensate employees. The third amendment to the Commercial Act, passed by the National Assembly on Feb. 25 and effective from March 6, requires listed companies in principle to cancel treasury shares within a year of acquiring them. Exceptions, including stock-based compensation and employee stock ownership plans, are allowed only with shareholder approval at a general meeting. According to regulatory filings, Samsung Electronics plans to cancel about 87 million treasury shares worth roughly 16 trillion won. SK hynix will retire 15.3 million shares valued at about 12.24 trillion won. Other major firms are following suit. Samsung C&T plans to cancel 7.81 million shares worth about 2.33 trillion won, while SK Inc. will retire 14.69 million shares worth around 4.83 trillion won. POSCO Holdings and LS Corp. have also canceled treasury shares worth about 635.1 billion won and 129.3 billion won, respectively. Canceling treasury shares reduces the number of shares outstanding, which typically boosts earnings per share and book value per share. For that reason, it has long been regarded as a straightforward way to return value to shareholders. But analysts say the effect on corporate value is not automatic. “The idea that fewer shares automatically raise corporate value is too simplistic. Markets have already priced in such factors,” said Shin Hyun-han, a professor at Yonsei University. Kim Dae-jong, a professor at Sejong University, said treasury share retirements can be a more equitable form of shareholder return than dividends because they benefit all shareholders proportionately. Even so, he cautioned that making cancellations mandatory could come at a high cost for companies. “The biggest loss from mandatory cancellations is reduced capital flexibility,” Kim said. “Companies can sell treasury shares to raise cash or use them in M&A deals. Mandatory cancellations remove that option.” Treasury shares have long served as strategic assets for Korean companies, despite being treated as a deduction from equity in accounting terms. In practice, they have functioned as a reserve of capital that can be mobilized for financing, strategic partnerships or management defense. That matters especially in Korea, where treasury shares have at times played a role in reinforcing control structures during corporate restructuring or spin-offs. With forced retirements becoming the norm, those options could narrow, making it harder for controlling shareholders to defend management rights. Shin argued that the broader risk is a decline in management stability. “If management control can be easily challenged, companies may struggle to make long-term plans,” he said. He also warned the rule could backfire by discouraging future buybacks altogether. “If buybacks must ultimately be canceled, companies may avoid them and choose dividends instead,” Shin said, calling the policy “penny wise, pound foolish.” For policymakers, the measure is meant to push listed firms toward stronger shareholder returns and more transparent governance. But for corporate Korea, the new mandate is fast turning treasury shares from a flexible strategic resource into a disappearing one. 2026-03-12 17:50:20
  • Asian stocks edge lower on oil supply fears, Hormuz disruption concerns
    Asian stocks edge lower on oil supply fears, Hormuz disruption concerns SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) — Asian stock markets traded mostly lower Thursday as investors weighed volatile oil prices and the risk of prolonged shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz despite a coordinated release of strategic crude reserves by major consuming nations. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said Wednesday that its 32 member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves, the largest coordinated drawdown in the agency’s history, to stabilize global energy markets rattled by the war between the United States and Iran. The planned release is more than double the 182.7 million barrels released in two rounds after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. South Korea and Japan are also expected to contribute shares from their emergency stockpiles. Still, investor sentiment remained fragile as Iranian attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and continued threats to shipping routes raised fears of supply disruptions along one of the world’s most critical oil corridors. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 fell 1.06 percent to 54,444.13 in morning trading. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.39 percent to 25,798.95, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.17 percent to 4,126.61. Taiwan’s TAIEX declined 0.47 percent to 33,952.85. Overnight on Wall Street, semiconductor shares rose after strong earnings from Oracle lifted technology sentiment. Nvidia gained 0.66 percent and Micron Technology advanced 3.86 percent, pushing the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up 0.63 percent. South Korean chip stocks, however, traded lower as investors remained cautious. Samsung Electronics fell 1.05 percent to 188,000 won, while SK hynix slipped 0.73 percent to 948,000 won. South Korea’s main bourses were volatile ahead of the quarterly “quadruple witching” day, when futures and options contracts on stocks and indexes expire simultaneously, often triggering sharp swings. “Concerns over foreign investor flows during derivatives expiry and continued news surrounding the Strait of Hormuz could limit the market’s upside,” said Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, noting that sector-specific divergence is likely in the near term. As of 10:51 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI was down 0.40 percent at 5,587.45, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ rose 0.68 percent to 1,144.56. Shares were mixed across sectors. Battery maker LG Energy Solution edged up 0.14 percent to 370,000 won, while biotech stocks weakened. Samsung Biologics fell 2.35 percent to 1,618,000 won, and Celltrion declined 1.44 percent to 206,000 won. Defense-related shares gained amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Hanwha Aerospace rose 2.55 percent to 1,446,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean jumped 3.14 percent to 137,800 won. Industrial stocks also advanced, with Doosan Enerbility climbing 2.57 percent to 103,600 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rising 2.03 percent to 602,000 won. Automakers traded mixed. Hyundai Motor slipped 1.32 percent to 523,000 won, while Kia gained 1.30 percent to 164,100 won and Hyundai Mobis fell 2.01 percent to 414,500 won. Financial shares also showed mixed performance. KB Financial dropped 1.32 percent to 149,300 won, while Shinhan Financial rose 0.55 percent to 91,600 won. Among technology stocks, Naver gained 0.45 percent to 223,000 won, while SK Square declined 1.06 percent to 559,000 won. The Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar, with the greenback rising to 1,477.30 won from the previous session’s 1,466.2 won. 2026-03-12 11:13:10
  • Hit song from K-pop anime to be performed live at Oscar night this weekend
    Hit song from K-pop anime to be performed live at Oscar night this weekend SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - "Golden," a song from the soundtrack of Netflix's hit animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters," will be featured at this year's Academy Awards scheduled to be held in California this weekend. According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami, the voices behind the film's fictional girl group "Huntrix" will perform their song at the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday. They are expected to captivate audiences with a performance blending traditional Korean dance and live instruments, presenting one of the most striking and memorable moments of Oscar night. The trio also performed live earlier at Britain's annual EE BAFTA Film Awards in London late last month. The 95-minute film, which tells the story of fictional K-pop superstars who possess secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats, is competing for the Best Animated Feature Film award, along with five other nominees, "Arco," "Elio," "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain," and "Zootopia 2." "Golden" is also up for Best Original Song. "K-Pop Demon Hunters" won Best Animated Feature at the Golden Globe Awards in January, while its theme song "Golden" won Best Song Written for Visual Media at last month's Grammy Awards, further boosting its Oscar prospects. Adding to this anticipation, the AMPAS posted a message on social media, "HUNTR/X fans, it's time to get your light sticks out!" 2026-03-11 16:27:51
  • Asian stocks advance as foreign investors return to Korean chipmakers
    Asian stocks advance as foreign investors return to Korean chipmakers SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) — Asian stocks opened higher on Wednesday despite mixed signals from Wall Street, as markets remained jittery over conflicting messages from Washington and shifting remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump on the trajectory and duration of the Middle East war. As of 10:55 a.m., South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI rose 3.43 percent to 5,722.17, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ gained 2.48 percent to 1,165.94. In Tokyo, the benchmark Nikkei 225 climbed 1.92 percent to 55,289.74 in early trading, with semiconductor-related shares attracting buying after strong gains by U.S. chipmakers overnight, led by Intel, AMD and Micron. Shares of NAND flash maker Kioxia Holdings surged 7.23 percent to 21,000 yen. Taiwanese shares also moved higher, with the TAIEX rising 2.03 percent to 33,438.19. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index advanced 0.35 percent to 26,049.87. Foreigners returned to Seoul, buoyed by overnight reward programs from Korea's most influential corporate names. Overseas investors turned net buyers on Tuesday, purchasing 1.034 trillion won ($770 million) worth of shares on the KOSPI market. Most of the inflows were concentrated in semiconductor blue chips. Foreign investors bought 778.9 billion won worth of Samsung Electronics shares and 709.2 billion won of SK hynix, bringing total purchases in the two stocks to more than 1.4 trillion won. The move marked a notable shift after foreigners had dumped more than 20 trillion won worth of Samsung Electronics shares since mid-February, returning to major semiconductor stocks after roughly a month of heavy selling. The buying likely reflects portfolio adjustments ahead of potential U.S. tariff hikes, as well as bargain hunting in semiconductor blue chips that had fallen sharply in recent weeks. Samsung Electronics rose 1.81 percent to 191,300 won, while SK hynix gained 1.49 percent to 952,000 won in Wednesday morning trading. Samsung Electronics said it plans to cancel about 87 million treasury shares — roughly 82.5 percent of its 105.43 million holdings as of end-2025 — in the first half of this year, worth about 15.6 trillion won based on the March 10 closing price. The move is part of its 10 trillion won share buyback program announced in November 2024 to address its valuation discount. Separately, SK Inc., the holding company of SK Group with memory giant SK hynix under its umbrella, decided to cancel about 14.69 million treasury shares, or 80 percent of its holdings, by January next year. The cancellation is valued at roughly 5.1 trillion won based on the latest closing price. Still, it remains too early to conclude that the rebound will be sustained. U.S. stocks ended mixed Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz resurfaced despite falling oil prices. Remarks by Trump about a possible early ceasefire and discussions among G7 nations about releasing strategic petroleum reserves pushed oil prices lower, but geopolitical risks from the ongoing war remain an overhang for markets. Automakers also advanced, with Hyundai Motor up 2.57 percent to 538,500 won and Kia rising 3.98 percent to 167,400 won. Hyundai Mobis added 2.13 percent to 432,000 won. In the battery sector, LG Energy Solution gained 2.18 percent to 375,000 won. Defense and shipbuilding stocks maintained strength, with Hanwha Aerospace up 1.51 percent to 1,477,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rising 3.26 percent to 602,000 won, and HD Hyundai Electric advancing 3.19 percent to 971,000 won. Financial shares rallied as well. KB Financial Group jumped 5.83 percent to 156,000 won, Samsung Life Insurance rose 5.44 percent to 223,000 won, and Shinhan Financial Group gained 3.92 percent to 92,700 won. Among other large caps, Samsung Biologics rose 3.33 percent to 1,645,000 won, SK Square climbed 3.79 percent to 575,000 won, Samsung C&T gained 5.49 percent to 288,000 won, Naver advanced 2.95 percent to 227,000 won, and Korea Zinc rose 4.92 percent to 1,705,000 won. Shares of retail giant Emart rose 4.5 percent to 95,600 won after the company said its board approved a share swap with Shinsegae Food to acquire the remaining 26.91 percent stake and make the food affiliate a wholly owned subsidiary. Shinsegae Food will be delisted following the deal. The Korean won was trading at 1,469.2 per dollar, little changed from the previous close of 1,469.3. 2026-03-11 11:19:01
  • Dancing the morning away in Seoul — alcohol-free
    Dancing the morning away in Seoul — alcohol-free SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) — On a quiet Saturday morning in Seoul’s Bukchon hanok village, house music pulses through the narrow alleys long before most cafés open their doors. Instead of the thump of late-night clubbing, the crowd gathers just after sunrise. Some arrive fresh from a weekend run. Others come with coffee in hand. Within minutes, strangers begin dancing together in the crisp morning air. Welcome to Seoul’s newest social ritual: the morning rave. The alcohol-free gatherings reflect how South Korea’s younger generation is reshaping the country’s famously nightlife-heavy social culture. Rather than late-night drinking sessions, a growing number of young people are starting their day with music, coffee and community. “I was wondering how people could wake up so early,” said Antonio Garcia, a 30-year-old resident of Sinchon who discovered the event through social media. “This is my first time joining something like this,” she said. “I’d also like to try other activities, like coffee meetup groups.” The rise of morning raves mirrors a broader shift across Seoul, where interest-based communities — from running crews and book clubs to casual coffee gatherings — are expanding as new ways for strangers to connect through shared hobbies. It also comes as drinking culture begins to soften. According to Samsung Securities, South Korea’s liquor market contracted by more than 5 percent last year, reflecting a growing “healthy pleasure” trend and rising interest in alcohol-free lifestyles. Major beverage companies are already feeling the impact. Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s liquor division posted 28.2 billion won ($21 million) in operating profit last year, down 18.8 percent from a year earlier, while HiteJinro has also reported weaker profitability amid sluggish beer sales. The morning rave has also begun attracting curious visitors from overseas. Geo Martiniano, a San Francisco resident in his 30s, attended the Bukchon event during a brief stopover in Seoul. “I’m actually here for only about 12 hours before flying back to the United States tonight,” he said. “A lot of my friends don’t stay out late for parties anymore. So having a concert like this in the morning is really new.” Despite describing himself as relatively introverted, Martiniano said the format made it easier to meet people. “I usually don’t talk to strangers much,” he said. “But here it feels natural.” Similar social concepts are emerging abroad. In the United States, gatherings known as “Admin Nights” — where people meet in cafés or homes to complete small personal tasks together — have spread widely on social media, often described as a “study hall for adults.” Back in Bukchon, the morning rave taps into a comparable desire for shared experiences without nightlife pressures. “Many running crews stop by to shake off the stress from the workweek,” said Kim Euna, director at Mot Company, which collaborated on organizing the event. “By around 9:30 a.m., you’ll be surprised how hard people are dancing.” The event, held every other week, is jointly organized by K-beauty brand KAHI and global beauty platform YLESS. Each session attracts around 200 participants, with cumulative attendance surpassing 1,000 as of March 7. Inside the venue, the program blends music with lifestyle experiences. Alongside the DJ set and dance floor, visitors can try personal color consultations, quick makeup styling and Korean food tastings. The space is divided into a speaker zone, where music fills the room, and a silent disco area where participants listen through wireless headsets. Kim said the headset format also helps people who arrive alone feel more comfortable. “It makes it easier for people to enjoy themselves even if they come by themselves,” she said. At one point during the event, organizers circulate trays of rice balls topped with beluga caviar and desserts — a nod to KAHI’s premium skincare line Cavi Blue, which features caviar extract. “Like champagne being served in a nightclub, we share caviar around 10 a.m.,” Kim said. “People can dance, taste the caviar and experience the products at the same time.” While traditional raves focus on burning energy late into the night, Kim said the morning version emphasizes starting the day with fresh energy — reflecting a growing focus on wellness among younger consumers. “Alcohol is one of the biggest enemies of healthy skin,” she said. “Replacing alcohol with music and wellness programs fits the lifestyle many young people want now.” The free-entry format also serves as a marketing strategy. The Bukchon venue doubles as a retail space where visitors can explore K-beauty products while enjoying the event. “It allows people to experience the products while they’re already feeling energized,” Kim said. “That kind of experience can create lasting impressions.” The venue has experimented with various cultural programs, including K-pop demonstrations featuring the Saja Boys from the animated series K-pop Demon Hunters and even a kimchi festival. “But the morning rave has received the strongest response so far,” Kim said. “So we’re continuing it more regularly.” Food stalls on the first floor offer simple K-food favorites such as tteokbokki and fish cakes, allowing visitors to experience both K-beauty and Korean street food within Bukchon’s traditional setting. The event draws a notably international crowd. Foreign visitors accounted for 30 to 40 percent of participants at one session two weeks ago, Kim said, although more Korean attendees appeared this time. “We see nearby Bukchon residents coming by,” she said. “Some even show up casually in slippers.” Families visiting Korea have also joined the morning dance floor before sampling Korean snacks together. Another popular attraction is the free personal color analysis and on-site makeup styling, services that remain relatively uncommon outside Korea. Personal color consultations — which analyze skin tone, hair and eye color to identify the most flattering palette — typically cost 100,000 to 300,000 won ($75–$220) in Seoul, with comprehensive sessions sometimes exceeding 500,000 won. The service has become part of the country’s growing beauty tourism industry. According to the Seoul Tourism Organization, overseas visitors spent about 36.4 billion won on beauty services last year, a 231 percent increase from 2019. Anna Fisher, a 24-year-old living in Pyeongtaek, was among those waiting in line. “I woke up at 5 a.m.,” she said with a laugh. “Seoul has things like this that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. I love that you can start the day dancing.” She added that Korea’s global beauty reputation also draws visitors. “K-beauty is so big,” she said. “A lot of foreigners come because of that too. It’s pretty neat.” 2026-03-10 11:48:44
  • KOSPI recovers to 5,500 as Asian stocks rebound on easing oil fears
    KOSPI recovers to 5,500 as Asian stocks rebound on easing oil fears SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Asian stock markets rebounded on Tuesday as oil prices retreated after U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict in the Middle East is "going to be ended soon," while G7 ministers hinted at a possible release of strategic oil reserves to ease surging prices. South Korea's benchmark KOSPI rebounded to the 5,500 level just a day after a sharp selloff, as investor sentiment improved following Trump's remarks as well as a drop in global oil prices from over US$100 per barrel to around $80. Even a buy-side sidecar kicked in during the early trading session, as the KOSPI rose 6.13 percent to 5,573.55 and the tech-heavy KOSDAQ gained 4.11 percent to 1,147.63 just a few hours after the day's trading began. Foreign and institutional investors led the buying, with net purchases of 1.07 trillion won and 510 billion won, respectively, while individual investors sold a net 1.47 trillion won. Japanese shares also rebounded after a steep selloff the previous day, when the Nikkei 225 recorded its third-largest intraday drop on record. Tokyo's index rose 2.95 percent to 54,287.95 by 10:00 a.m., recovering some of the prior session's losses as falling oil prices and optimism over a possible settlement in the Middle East boosted investor sentiment. Chip-related stocks drove the gains, with Tokyo Electron rising 3.49 percent to 40,280 yen ($268) and Advantest climbing 5.51 percent to 24,135 yen. Taiwanese shares also moved higher, with the TAIEX rising 3.14 percent to 33,118.03 shortly after trading began in Taipei. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index advanced 1.31 percent to 25,740.29. Meanwhile, overnight gains in memory chip stocks on Wall Street lifted Korean semiconductor shares. SanDisk surged 11.64 percent, while Lam Research and Micron Technology rose 5.93 percent and 5.14 percent, respectively. In Seoul, Samsung Electronics gained 9.68 percent to 190,300 won, and SK hynix jumped 11.36 percent to 931,000 won. However, defense and refinery stocks, which had jumped amid geopolitical tensions, retreated after Trump's comments. S-Oil fell 7.51 percent to 118,900 won, and Hanwha Systems dropped 3.63 percent to 156,800 won. Other defense-related stocks also declined, with LIG Nex1 falling 2.51 percent to 776,000 won and Hyundai Rotem slipping 1.16 percent to 213,000 won. Hanwha Aerospace rebounded 2.86 percent to 1,476,000 won after early losses, reflecting a growing divergence among defense stocks as investors increasingly differentiate based on company fundamentals and order momentum. Shares of automakers climbed, as Hyundai Motor added 5.72 percent to 536,000 won and Kia rose 4.76 percent to 160,700 won. Among other heavyweights, Samsung Biologics rose 2.09 percent to 1,612,000 won, LG Energy Solution added 2.78 percent to 369,500 won, and Samsung C&T climbed 3.51 percent to 280,000 won. The won strengthened sharply amid easing oil prices and expectations of an early end to the Middle East conflict, trading around 1,472.70 against the greenback, compared with about 1,494.7 won the previous day. 2026-03-10 11:12:54