Journalist

Ryu Yuna
  • KOSPI jumps as Iran strike fears ease, oil prices tumble
    KOSPI jumps as Iran strike fears ease, oil prices tumble SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) — South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI opened sharply higher on Tuesday upon expectation of a potential truce. Seoul’s main index rose 4.39 percent to 5,643.00 at the open, while the KOSDAQ gained 3.47 percent to 1,135.00. Gains later pared to around 2 percent as conflicting remarks from Washington and Tehran over a possible truce tempered early optimism. U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a potential strike on Iran by five days and signaled openness to negotiations, raising hopes for early de-escalation. The rally was further supported by a sharp drop in oil prices and easing bond yields. West Texas Intermediate crude plunged 10.3 percent to the high-$80 range per barrel, while the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield slipped to around 4.34 percent. The decline in oil prices reflected expectations of diplomatic progress and a normalization of supply, though volatility driven by geopolitical headlines is likely to persist. Major KOSPI heavyweights moved broadly higher. Samsung Electronics rose 3.92 percent to 193,600 won, while SK hynix jumped 5.47 percent to 984,000 won. Hyundai Motor advanced 3.30 percent to 501,000 won, and LG Energy Solution gained 4.92 percent to 373,500 won. Among other large caps, Samsung Biologics added 2.10 percent to 1,555,000 won. Hanwha Aerospace edged up 1.41 percent to 1,296,000 won, and Doosan Enerbility climbed 3.18 percent to 103,900 won. Financials and industrials also traded higher. KB Financial Group gained 2.41 percent to 148,800 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 2.99 percent to 517,000 won, and Samsung C&T climbed 3.10 percent to 283,000 won. Celltrion advanced 2.97 percent to 193,900 won, while Samsung Life Insurance added 2.76 percent to 223,500 won. Shinhan Financial Group rose 1.22 percent to 91,000 won, Hanwha Ocean gained 3.11 percent to 122,600 won, and Mirae Asset Securities advanced 3.07 percent to 63,800 won. Hyundai Mobis increased 2.10 percent to 389,000 won, while HD Hyundai Electric jumped 3.83 percent to 948,000 won. Kia was the only major decliner, falling 2.04 percent to 158,400 won. 2026-03-24 10:44:01
  • Vietnam emerges as new frontier for Korean movies
    Vietnam emerges as new frontier for Korean movies SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - With The King’s Warden the latest South Korean movie set for release in Vietnam, the Southeast Asian country is emerging as a strategic growth market for Korean cinema. The film, which drew over 14 million viewers at home, is set in Yeongwol county in Korea’s Gangwon province, and depicts the relationship between a young dethroned king and a village chief. It is set to open on April 10 across more than 200 screens, including CGV, Lotte Cinema, and major local chains, according to CJ HK Entertainment, the Vietnamese unit of CJ ENM, Vietnam’s film market has been expanding rapidly in recent years, since returning in 2022 to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency. Korean companies, particularly CJ ENM’s Vietnamese unit, have played a major role in this growth. Since entering the market in 2014, CJ HK has participated in the production, investment and distribution of more than 20 movies. It led the production of Mai (2024) and Nha Ba Nu (2023), which ranked first and second in Vietnam’s all-time box office, and in 2025 placed The Ancestral Home among the country’s top 10 hits, ranking seventh overall. Industry observers say the relationship is evolving beyond content exports to co-production, with Korean firms shifting from external suppliers to local partners. Released in Vietnam on Aug. 1 last year, Leaving Mom was a co-invested project between Korean and Vietnamese production companies. Directed and written by a Korean filmmaker, the film was shot in both countries with a joint cast and crew. It surpassed its break-even point within three days with 840,000 admissions and went on to top the box office for 15 consecutive days, exceeding 2 million viewers. According to distributor Showbox, Exhuma drew more than 2.23 million viewers in Vietnam within 17 days of its release in March 2024, surpassing previous records. It also posted the highest opening-day and opening-weekend revenues for a Korean film in the market. Vietnam has emerged as a key partner for Korean film collaboration, offering a more open production environment compared with China and Japan. CJ CGV and Lotte Entertainment together hold about 54 percent of the multiplex market, providing strong distribution infrastructure for Korean content. At the same time, Vietnam’s domestic film industry share of box office revenue rose from 29 percent in 2019 to about 70 percent in 2025. Total box office revenue reached a record 5.59 trillion dong ($312 million) in 2025, up 24 percent from 2024 and more than 35 percent from 2019, with annual ticket sales exceeding 70 million. This contrasts with South Korea’s film market, which remains in a prolonged slowdown. Theater admissions fell 32.5% year-on-year to about 42.5 million in the first half of 2025, while revenue dropped 33.2%. Film production has also declined significantly, and the expansion of streaming platforms continues to weigh on both theatrical and secondary markets. 2026-03-23 17:52:55
  • Korean pet food firms push into Vietnams booming market
    Korean pet food firms push into Vietnam's booming market SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) — South Korean pet food companies are increasingly targeting Vietnam as a key growth market, capitalizing on the Southeast Asian country’s rapidly expanding pet economy and rising demand for premium pet care. Vietnam has quickly emerged as a strategic destination for Korean exporters. Korean-made pet food already accounts for an estimated 30-40 percent of purchases in some segments, underscoring strong brand recognition and consumer trust. South Korea’s animal feed exports to Vietnam have reached $27.2 million, highlighting the country’s growing importance as an overseas market for Korean firms seeking new revenue streams beyond a maturing domestic industry. The push into Vietnam comes as the country’s pet economy undergoes rapid expansion. Pet population in Vietnam estimated at 31.4 million in 2024 is expected to exceed 33 million this year, according to Euromonitor International. The market itself is projected to grow from around $500 million in 2023 to more than $700 million by 2027, representing an annual growth rate of about 11 percent. This growth is being driven not only by rising pet ownership but also by a shift toward higher-value spending. In cities such as Hanoi, demand for pet services is surging. Dog training centers charge roughly 3 million VND (about $170) per month and report dozens of monthly inquiries, with steady enrollment. Pet hotels and daycare centers are frequently fully booked during peak travel seasons, reflecting a broader willingness among owners to spend on convenience and quality care. Spending is also diversifying beyond basic pet food into services such as grooming, veterinary care and training, areas where Korean companies see opportunities to introduce higher-end products and specialized offerings. For Korean firms, Vietnam’s growth contrasts with more mature conditions at home. Data from the KB Financial Group Research Institute shows that 5.91 million households in Korea — 26.7 percent of the total — owned pets as of 2024, with the overall pet population estimated at 15.5 million. The domestic pet food market is likewise sizable, reaching around 2.2 trillion won ($1.7 billion) in 2025, but growth is gradually stabilizing. While consumer spending continues to rise — with KB Kookmin Card data showing a roughly 30 percent increase in pet-related spending between 2021 and 2024 — companies are increasingly looking abroad to sustain momentum. Major food companies have been expanding their pet food portfolios as part of this outward push. Pulmuone recorded a 35 percent year-on-year increase in pet food sales, with some products posting explosive growth. HY reported a 34.6 percent rise, while Dongwon F&B achieved double-digit growth and expanded exports to more than 10 countries, including Vietnam. Daesang PetLife also posted a 25 percent increase in revenue. 2026-03-23 16:54:33
  • Asia markets slide as foreign flows unwind amid U.S. ultimatum on Iran
    Asia markets slide as foreign flows unwind amid U.S. ultimatum on Iran SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) — A sharp pullback in foreign positioning rippled across Asian markets Monday after Washington issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting investors to cut exposure to risk-sensitive assets. Chip-heavy markets led regional losses. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped below the 51,000 mark for the first time since Jan. 5, according to Kyodo News, dragged down by semiconductor stocks. Advantest plunged 6.76 percent, while Tokyo Electron fell 4.35 percent. Oil-sensitive chemical and manufacturing shares, along with retail heavyweight Fast Retailing, also declined. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2.40 percent to 24,670.29, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.88 percent to 3,882.67, and Taiwan’s Taiex Index declined 2.04 percent to 32,860.10. The KOSPI slid sharply at the open, triggering a sell-side sidecar at 9:18 a.m. after KOSPI200 futures dropped more than 5 percent for over one minute — the 10th such activation this year. Foreign investors accelerated outflows, dumping more than 1.16 trillion won worth of shares shortly after the opening bell. The Korean won also came under pressure. The dollar-won exchange rate opened at 1,504.9 won and rose to as high as 1,511.8 won in early trade — its highest level since March 2009 during the global financial crisis. The market reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face further military action, intensifying fears of a prolonged disruption to a critical global energy route. As of 11:01 a.m., the KOSPI had fallen 4.88 percent, or 281.93 points, to 5,499.27, while the KOSDAQ dropped 3.65 percent to 1,119.08. Losses were broad-based across sectors. In semiconductors, Samsung Electronics declined 4.96 percent and SK hynix dropped 6.26 percent. Automakers also weakened, with Hyundai Motor down 4.84 percent, Kia falling 4.57 percent and Hyundai Mobis losing 5.37 percent. Energy, industrial and shipbuilding stocks were also under pressure. LG Energy Solution fell 3.60 percent, SK Square plunged 8.22 percent and Doosan Enerbility declined 5.75 percent. Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Electric all posted losses of around 4 to 7 percent. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics fell 3.81 percent and Celltrion declined 5.79 percent. Financials tracked the broader downturn, with KB Financial Group falling 4.83 percent, Shinhan Financial Group down 5.62 percent, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 6.50 percent and Samsung Life Insurance losing 4.32 percent. Among other large caps, Samsung C&T declined 5.38 percent and NAVER slipped 4.51 percent. On the KOSDAQ, Samchundang Pharm stood out among the few gainers, rising 3.97 percent on continued optimism over its oral insulin pipeline. Analysts said market direction this week will hinge on geopolitical developments and U.S. rate expectations, while warning of potential peak-out concerns in the memory cycle following Micron’s earnings. Investors were advised to monitor semiconductor earnings revisions and foreign fund flows closely. 2026-03-23 11:40:35
  • KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low
    KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI tumbled at the open on Monday, triggering a sell-side sidecar as investor sentiment soured sharply on energy crisis after an U.S. ultimatum on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. As of 9:54 a.m., Seoul's main index sank 6 percent 5,430.24, and the KOSDAQ nearly 5 percent to 1,105.33. Losers overwhelmed gainers by 859 to 57. The dollar hit 1,510.40, the first time above 1,510 since March of 2009 amid the global financial crisis. Fears of a broader conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran — coupled with surging oil prices and a global market sell-off — drove a broad risk-off sentiment, sending equities sharply lower. The escalation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face destruction on its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. Index-heavy Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plunged more than 6 percent. Automobile and mobility stocks also moved down, Hyundai Motor fell 4.06 percent to 496,000 won, Kia declined 3.62 percent to 162,400 won, and Hyundai Mobis dropped 5.12 percent to 380,000 won. In energy, chemicals and industrials, LG Energy Solution slipped 3.60 percent to 362,000 won, SK Square plunged 8.72 percent to 555,000 won, Doosan Enerbility fell 5.29 percent to 103,800 won, Hanwha Aerospace declined 4.24 percent to 1,264,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped 6.80 percent to 521,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean fell 5.58 percent to 121,900 won. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics edged down 3.31 percent to 1,548,000 won, while Celltrion declined 4.80 percent to 192,300 won. Financial shares followed the downward trend, with KB Financial Group falling 3.80 percent to 149,300 won, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 5.91 percent to 63,700 won, Samsung Life Insurance declining 4.32 percent to 221,500 won, and Shinhan Financial Group falling 4.29 percent to 93,700 won. 2026-03-23 10:05:09
  • BTS Live D-1: The world turns out in Seoul on eve of comeback concert
    BTS Live D-1: The world turns out in Seoul on eve of comeback concert SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) — The world has already arrived in Seoul. Under a clear spring sky, with budding mountains framing the city and the Taegeukgi fluttering alongside flashes of purple hanbok, Gwanghwamun on Friday felt both familiar and entirely transformed — a day before BTS returns to the heart of downtown Seoul. Crowds surged through the plaza, funneled into narrow corridors by police barricades. Safety personnel stood at regular intervals, scanning the movement. Officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government moved briskly through the area. “Please keep moving. Don’t stop,” they called out. Few listened. Gwanghwamun was already bustling with crowds and anticipation. Along the boulevard, digital billboards on buildings including KT Tower flashed images of BTS — the city’s returning icons, now reunited as a full seven-member group for the first time in nearly four years. Almost instantly, pedestrians froze mid-stride. Phones rose into the air. A spontaneous audience formed. Teenagers clutching light sticks, middle-aged couples, elderly visitors leaning on canes — all stood together, gazing upward. On the steps of the nearby Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, dozens sat shoulder to shoulder, watching as if it were an open-air cinema. For some, the moment had already tipped into something more. “I couldn’t sleep last night,” said Asana Ndandani, 38, who had just arrived from South Africa. She plans to stay a full month and attend another concert in nearby Goyang. “It feels like a dream,” she said. Her connection to BTS runs deeper than music. “They represent youth. They go through the same struggles that we go through,” she said, describing her favorite song, “Black Swan,” as a source of comfort. Language, she added, was never a barrier. “It’s not about understanding every word. It’s about the feeling. The message,” she said. “Being here, seeing all the members together — it’s a dream come true.” The journey itself was emotional. “The days leading up to ticketing — you can’t sleep,” she said. “When we got the Goyang tickets, we cried. We were video-calling from work and we literally cried.” Vuyo Matiwane, 36, also from South Africa, recalled attending a BTS concert years earlier. “It didn’t feel real,” she said. “Sometimes I watch the video and think, ‘I was actually there.’” She expects the same tomorrow. Cost, she added, was irrelevant. “If tickets were five times more expensive, we would still come,” she said. “I can sleep outside. As long as I’m here, that’s all that matters.” Holding up a bag of donuts, she laughed. “We’re eating now so we can survive until tomorrow.” Then, more softly: “We really hope BTS comes to South Africa.” Beyond Gwanghwamun, the ripple spread through the city. Bukchon Hanok Village, a short walk from the venue, was already overflowing. Visitors pressed shoulder to shoulder beneath curved tiled roofs, their voices blending into a polyglot hum of Japanese, Mandarin, French, Russian and English. The narrow alleys — once home to aristocrats centuries ago — now serve as an unlikely prelude to a global 21st-century music event. Local businesses are feeling the surge. “Business has doubled this week,” said the owner of a souvenir shop near Bukchon, pointing to shelves of BTS-themed goods picked over by eager hands. “We always have Japanese and Taiwanese customers, but now there are even more.” The data reflects the scene. Accommodation bookings for the third week of March jumped 103 percent from the previous week and 63.3 percent from a year earlier, according to Allmytour. Overall reservations for the month rose 33.5 percent on-year. Downtown accounted for 41.8 percent of bookings, concentrated around Myeongdong, City Hall, Jongno and Dongdaemun. Mid-range hotels — three- to four-star — were the most in demand. By nationality, visitors from Greater China made up 41 percent, followed by the Americas and Europe at 29.2 percent and Southeast Asia at 26.2 percent. A single BTS concert in Korea generates an estimated 1.2 trillion won ($800 million) in economic impact, according to the Korea Culture & Tourism Institute. For many, this is a first encounter with the country. “I like Seoul’s mix of traditional culture and modern architecture,” said Angela, a 62-year-old from Barcelona visiting with friends. The concert anchored her itinerary. “BTS music feels new to us,” she said. “That’s why I became a fan.” Matthew Dysart from Los Angeles arrived with his son, describing the event as both personal and professional. “I helped HYBE with the Netflix deal,” he said. “This is not just entertainment — it’s a cultural milestone.” Streaming platforms are watching closely. “Everyone in the U.S. is excited,” he said. “Netflix is especially excited about streaming the concert and the upcoming documentary.” Looking out over the crowd in Bukchon, he paused. “I think people have been waiting for years,” he said. By early evening, the city itself seemed to hum. The concert had not yet begun. But the world was already here. 2026-03-20 18:01:15
  • KOSPI defies broader trend as Asian markets decline amid oil-driven inflation fears
    KOSPI defies broader trend as Asian markets decline amid oil-driven inflation fears SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - Asian markets mostly fell on Friday, with South Korea's benchmark KOSPI the only major index to edge higher, as investors weighed rising oil prices against signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. Wall Street's three major indexes closed lower overnight but pared earlier losses, with the Dow Jones falling 0.44 percent and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declining 0.27 percent and 0.28 percent, respectively. Markets initially came under pressure from a surge in oil prices triggered by retaliatory attacks on energy facilities in the Middle East, compounded by expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer. Losses narrowed toward the day's trading close as U.S. officials signaled restraint on further escalation and made remarks aimed at stabilizing oil markets, prompting bargain hunting. The Fed's chair Jerome Powell reinforced a hawkish stance, indicating that rate cuts are unlikely unless inflation shows a clear and sustained decline, and saying that further rate hikes were discussed at the latest meeting. Oil prices remained a key overhang, with Brent crude surging more than 10 percent intraday and briefly nearing $120 per barrel after Iran's attack on an energy complex in Qatar heightened supply concerns. The spike fueled inflation fears and pushed U.S. Treasury yields higher, with the 2-year yield touching 3.96 percent before closing at 3.79 percent, up 5 basis points. But sentiment improved later in the session after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had lost the capability to enrich uranium or produce missiles, signaling that military objectives may have largely been achieved. His remarks, along with indications that further strikes on energy infrastructure would be avoided, helped limit losses. Sector-wise, mega-cap tech stocks broadly declined, with Tesla dropping 3.18 percent. In contrast, artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor-related shares showed resilience, lifting the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index by 0.87 percent. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell 4.11 percent to 24.06, reflecting reduced immediate market stress despite ongoing uncertainty. In Asia, investor focus is shifting toward corporate earnings, particularly in semiconductors. Cautious guidance from Micron despite strong earnings has raised concerns over a potential peak in the memory cycle, which may weigh on regional chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix in the near term. As of Friday morning, Samsung Electronics was unchanged at 200,500 won, while SK hynix rose 0.49 percent to 1,018,000 won. Investors are likely to remain sensitive to oil prices, as prolonged energy inflation could complicate the Fed's policy path to rate cuts and sustain volatility across global markets. Foreign investors have been net sellers on the KOSPI this year, offloading over 36 trillion won worth of shares. Some analysts, however, believe the sell-off may be nearing its end, pointing to improving earnings momentum, particularly in semiconductor sectors. Geopolitical risks from the Middle East and a sharply weaker won have been cited as key drivers of foreign outflows. Surging oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar pushed the won past the 1,500 level against the greenback, further accelerating selling and market volatility. Pressure eased slightly as the won strengthened to 1,492.30 per dollar from a previous close of 1,501.3. As of 11:04 a.m., the KOSPI rose 0.48 percent to 5,790.78 points, and the junior KOSDAQ gained 1.60 percent to 1,161.80. But stocks traded mixed, with biopharmaceuticals, financials and energy shares leading gains while automakers and defense-related stocks lagged. In the energy and battery sector, LG Energy Solution gained 0.94 percent to 374,500 won and Doosan Enerbility advanced 2.45 percent to 108,900 won. Biopharmaceutical stocks showed strength, with Samsung Biologics climbing 2.27 percent to 1,621,000 won and Celltrion adding 0.50 percent to 203,000 won. Hyundai Motor was unchanged at 522,000 won, Kia edged down 0.12 percent to 170,300 won, and Hyundai Mobis fell 1.57 percent to 406,500 won. Defense and shipbuilding stocks were mixed, with Hanwha Aerospace dropping 3.78 percent to 1,323,000 won and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries slipping 0.53 percent to 564,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean rose 0.46 percent to 130,600 won. In the financial sector, KB Financial Group gained 0.64 percent to 156,700 won, Shinhan Financial Group rose 1.35 percent to 97,800 won, and Mirae Asset Securities jumped 3.90 percent to 69,300 won, though Samsung Life Insurance fell 2.60 percent to 224,500 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 3.38 percent to 53,372.53 amid geopolitical uncertainty, as U.S. President Donald Trump urged Japan to take a more active military role including support in the Strait of Hormuz during a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington, D.C. But she said that there are actions Japan can and cannot take "within the limits of Japanese law." Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.59 percent to 25,349.29, China's Shanghai Composite slipped 0.17 percent to 3,999.54 and Taiwan's Taiex Index edged down 0.10 percent to 33,655.23. 2026-03-20 11:52:40
  • BTS Live D-2: Why ARMY are willing to come - at any cost
    BTS Live D-2: Why ARMY are willing to come - at any cost SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - Visitors flocking to Seoul from around the world for the BTS comeback concert Saturday are readily paying ever higher prices for flights, accommodation and merchandise, as a measure of the devotion that typifies the BTS fan. Travel costs are surging up to six times their usual levels, fans say. The willingness to absorb the burden reflects more than concert demand, underscoring a deeper dynamic of the BTS-driven “fandom economy,” where spending functions as an expression of loyalty and identity. “They don’t just sell music or tickets. They shape narratives that move people and, increasingly, markets,” said Lambert Zixin Li, professor of Management and Organization at the National University of Singapore. On the ground in Gwanghwamun, the downtown concert venue, overseas fans said rising costs did little to deter them. “I love their songs. The lyrics are so meaningful,” said Christina Coppola from Italy, who traveled with her sister. “They are strong and cool.” For many, the BTS impact runs deep. “They are my motivation for life,” said Desty Konita, a 30-year-old visitor from Indonesia who traveled to Seoul with her four-month-old child. “They work so hard, have no scandals, and remain humble despite their popularity. I really respect that,” she said, adding that she had learned Korean because of BTS. Tan Joo Seng, a professor of strategy and international business at Nanyang Business School, said such attachment reflects the need for meaning in uncertain times. “Being a fan provides individuals with a sense of belonging, identity and shared purpose,” he said. Others pointed to specific songs and long-term fandom as their reason for coming. “I really like V’s solo song ‘Winter Bear,’” said Tanaka Arisa, a 19-year-old from Japan who has followed BTS since high school. Fans in Gwanghwamun said they “had to come” despite higher expenses, viewing the event as a chance to be physically present within a global fandom community. “The scale of BTS’s upcoming concert, with the expected audience of around 260,000, shows how fandom has evolved into a significant economic force,” Tan said. “Superstar fandoms today operate as highly engaged ecosystems that generate value far beyond ticket sales.” According to a 2024 study by Luminate, an entertainment analytics platform, U.S.-based K-pop fans spent 2.4 times more on merchandise in 2023 than general pop fans. Forbes magazine noted that “creators are the new brands,” adding that the relationship between creators and fans is evolving beyond brand loyalty into a meaningful economic community. This shift is often described as the “fandustry,” where fan activity directly drives the success and market value of content. Tan explained that at the core of this system is emotional engagement, noting that modern fandoms are no longer passive audiences but active participants who amplify content, organize communities and sustain demand across digital platforms. This creates what Nanyang Business School professor Tan described as a “multiplier effect,” where each fan interaction generates further economic and cultural impact. The Indonesian fan Desty Konita said that BTS is “number one” in Indonesia and that she promotes the group with her friends. “Even if flight prices are five times higher, it’s still worth it,” Konita said. “It’s even a free concert, and opportunities like this don’t come often.” Some BTS supporters, known as the ARMY, spend up to 50–60 percent of their income on albums, merchandise and related experiences. The economic impact already evident in the data. BTS is estimated to generate around 5.5 trillion won annually, according to the Hyundai Research Institute, accounting for roughly 0.3 percent of South Korea’s GDP. In cities where concerts are held, the events drive spending across airlines, hotels, dining and tourism. The BTS fan app Weverse saw its revenue rise from 31.7 billion won (about $28.3 million) in 2019 to 112.7 billion won in the first half of 2020, accounting for around 38.3 percent of the BTS management company HYBE’s total sales. “Superstars are becoming ‘central banks of attention,’” said Lambert Zixin Li of the National University of Singapore. “When they act or speak, they inject liquidity into specific narratives, rapidly driving demand across products, experiences and even financial assets.” 2026-03-19 17:20:35
  • Asian stocks turn lower on Fed inflation warning, oil surge
    Asian stocks turn lower on Fed inflation warning, oil surge SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) — Asian stock markets opened lower on Thursday as a renewed surge in oil prices driven by escalating Middle East tensions and a more hawkish Federal Reserve outlook weighed on investor sentiment. Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field on Wednesday, marking its first attack on the country’s energy infrastructure in retaliation for the killing of senior intelligence and military officials. The escalation sent Brent crude up 6.1 percent to $109.75 per barrel, with Citi warning prices could climb further toward $120. Investor sentiment was also pressured by hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. The Fed held its benchmark interest rate at 3.50–3.75 percent and refrained from offering forward guidance amid uncertainty stemming from the Middle East conflict. However, markets interpreted its upgraded inflation outlook as a hawkish signal. All three major U.S. stock indexes fell more than 1 percent overnight. The Korean won weakened sharply, with the one-month non-deliverable forward (NDF) rising to 1,508.25 per dollar. In onshore trading, the won fell to 1,500.20 per dollar from a previous close of 1,483.1. Technology heavyweights declined, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix down around 3 percent and 4 percent, respectively, partially erasing their previous gains of 7.53 percent and 8.87 percent. The declines tracked overnight weakness in global chip stocks, with Nvidia down 0.84 percent and ASML falling 2.45 percent, pushing the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down 0.53 percent. Losses were broad-based across sectors. Automakers declined, with Hyundai Motor down 3.85 percent to 524,000 won and Kia falling 2.11 percent to 171,400 won. Battery and industrial shares also weakened. LG Energy Solution slipped 2.35 percent to 374,500 won, Samsung C&T fell 2.68 percent to 291,000 won, and SK Square dropped 3.65 percent to 60,700 won. Shipbuilders and defense-related stocks moved lower, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries down 3.73 percent to 568,000 won and Hanwha Aerospace falling 1.80 percent to 1,365,000 won. Financials traded lower, with KB Financial down 1.36 percent to 152,600 won and Shinhan Financial falling 1.89 percent to 93,200 won. Biopharmaceutical shares also slipped, with Celltrion down 3.34 percent to 202,500 won and Samsung Biologics falling 1.66 percent to 1,599,000 won. Brokerages said near-term volatility may increase, though a recovery remains possible. Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said energy-driven inflation uncertainty has reinforced the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance. She added that a stabilization in geopolitical conditions could shift markets into a more supportive phase, noting that markets have often rebounded after initial declines during past conflicts. As of 10:07 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI fell 2.72 percent to 5,764.10, while the KOSDAQ declined 1.88 percent to 1,142.52. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.59 percent to 53,806.16 in morning trading, as rising energy costs threatened corporate earnings in import-dependent Japan while Fed-driven rate concerns further dampened sentiment. 2026-03-19 10:46:35
  • BTS Live D-3: Fan must-have turns sour as light stick prices soar
    BTS Live D-3: Fan must-have turns sour as light stick prices soar SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - The soaring price of K-pop light sticks — once a simple symbol of fandom — is fast becoming a flashpoint ahead of the BTS Gwanghwamun comeback concert, as shortages and steep markups leave fans questioning whether the experience is still worth the cost. With the concert just three days away, demand for official light sticks has surged, triggering shortages and driving up resale prices, particularly in tourist-heavy districts in central Seoul such as Myeongdong. At around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, K-MECCA, a K-pop goods store in Myeongdong, was crowded with about 30 foreign visitors browsing merchandise. Light sticks displayed at the entrance drew attention. “I think everyone wants to get the feeling, but these prices are too high,” said Katie Mueller, a visitor in her 30s from Germany. “A lot of fans are younger than me, so it should stay within a reasonable range. I’m not sure if I would want to spend this much.” “The light stick is too expensive,” said Nanako, 18, from Fukuoka. “I can’t afford it. But if I could, I would want to get a light stick and photo cards.” Myeongdong has emerged as a hub for K-pop merchandise sales, with stores targeting foreign tourists who may be less familiar with official pricing. Some stores did not display prices, requiring customers to check at the counter, where prices change with demand. According to data from secondhand platform Bungaejangter, search interest in BTS-related items including “BTS light stick,” “BTS concert” and “BTS tickets” has spiked this month, indicating a simultaneous increase in both concert participation and merchandise demand. As of March, searches for BTS light sticks rose 438 percent from the previous month and 1,764 percent from a year earlier. The trend extends beyond Korea. On Japan’s resale platform Mercari, transactions involving BTS light sticks have also increased, indicating strong overseas demand ahead of the event. Offline demand is also evident. At the K-pop specialty “K-WAVE Zone” inside Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong, BTS merchandise sales jumped about 190 percent over the March 13–15 weekend, with March 14 sales more than tripling year-on-year. A staff member said light sticks are currently difficult to secure and that inquiries about BTS goods have been increasing, particularly from Japan. “Today it’s a bit quieter because of the rain,” she said. “Light sticks are not coming in. They’re in short supply.” Analysts warn that excessive price hikes that could damage Korea’s tourism credibility. “This is not just a pricing issue. It’s a matter of trust,” said Lee Hoon, professor of Hanyang University. “When pricing exceeds a certain acceptable range, trust begins to break down.” “If such practices are repeated, it could create a perception that Korean businesses are not trustworthy. Trust is easy to lose but very difficult to rebuild,” he said. He emphasized both private- and public-sector roles in addressing the issue. “Local merchant associations should take the lead, while governments need to establish systems and safeguards to prevent such practices,” he said. Kim Nam-jo, a professor at Hanyang University, said price increases may be natural amid rising demand, but agreed that excessive markups are problematic. Prices should remain within a reasonable range, he said, noting that tourism depends on repeat visits rather than one-time consumption. “Tourism is not a one-off experience. If visitors leave with a negative impression, they may not return, and they won’t recommend it to others.” He warned that such practices could have broader implications beyond individual stores. “What appears to be a local issue can ultimately affect the country’s overall image,” he said. “Short-term pricing strategies do not last. Businesses built on image cannot survive if that image is damaged.” On a different note, Joo Dong-oh, a professor of Kyung Hee University, offered a more nuanced view, saying that if consumers are aware of regular prices yet still choose to pay more, K-pop merchandise can be seen as “an emotional symbol commemorating the BTS concert rather than a simple product.” He added that unless clear illegal practices such as counterfeit sales or price collusion occur, the impact on Korea’s tourism image is likely to be limited. Kim Hong-yu, also of Kyung Hee University, agreed that the surge in K-pop merchandise prices is problematic. “With K-pop’s core fan base is growing beyond Southeast Asia into Europe and North America, this is a particularly sensitive stage,” he said. 2026-03-18 18:08:31