K-literature takes center stage in Africa after Han Kang's Nobel win SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Korean literature has officially overtaken K-pop music and K-drama as the most documented aspect of South Korean culture in Africa, a report released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism showed Wednesday. The 2025 Global Hallyu Trend Analysis Report, released by the culture ministry and the Korea Culture Information Service Agency (KCISA), indicates that Korean literature now accounts for 32.8 percent of all media coverage related to Hallyu (th February 25, 2026

Why The King's Warden reigns over Korea's box office SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - The mix of tragedy and humor, family and community affection, and grass-roots patriotism has long been a reliable formula for box-office success in South Korea. Audiences have found that combination in unusually polished form in The King’s Warden. Korean box office is no longer built for monopolies. Streaming platforms fragment attention. Mid-budget films struggle for screens. Audience loyalty has grown increasingly fickle. And yet, for three we February 24, 2026

YG Plus to open BLACKPINK 'Deadline' pop-up in Seoul SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - YG Plus announced that it will operate pop-up stores themed around BLACKPINK’s upcoming release “Deadline” from Feb. 28 to March 8 at Musinsa Store Myeongdong and Musinsa Standard Seongsu. The pop-up will unveil a range of official merchandises commemorating the new album. Items include apparel and lifestyle products reflecting the album’s concept, as well as limited-edition exclusive goods will be available at the pop-up. February 24, 2026

Moviegoers review-bomb 15th-century royal tomb following blockbuster historical film hit SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - A digital revolt has targeted the royal tomb of King Sejo after the release of the film King's Warden, directed by Jang Hang-jun, sparked public anger over the 15th-century monarch's rise to power. Since the movie opened on February 4, the UNESCO World Heritage site, known as Gwangneung, has been review-bombed with one-star ratings on major South Korean map applications. King's Warden reached the 6 million mark on Monday, just 20 days after i February 24, 2026

'The King's Warden' takes box office by storm with 6 million viewers SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Director Jang Hang-jun's "The King's Warden" has attracted over 600 million viewers since its release earlier this month. The period film surpassed 6 million in cumulative ticket sales as of Monday, three weeks after its release on Feb. 4, the film's distributor Showbox said on Tuesday. It reached the milestone faster than the 2005 hit period film "The King and the Clown," which took 29 days, raising expectations that &qu February 24, 2026

BTS Comeback D-26: Racing the clock: scramble for Gwanghwamun tickets SEOUL, February 23 (AJP)-By the time the newsroom clock hit 7:59 p.m. on Feb. 23, conversation had faded to a whisper. Laptop screens were lined up like starting blocks. Smartphones lay face-up beside keyboards, refresh buttons ready. Some reporters counted under their breath. Others stared silently, afraid even to blink. At exactly 8 p.m., everyone clicked. For half a second, nothing happened. Then the screen flickered. 45,908 ahead of you.” “98,991 waiting.& February 23, 2026

BTS Comeback D-26: Jimin — from charts to cultural reference Editor’s Note — As BTS prepares to return as a full seven-member act with a new album set for March 20 and an open-stage performance at Gwanghwamun on March 21, following a near four-year hiatus for rotational military service, AJP revisits the group’s 13-year trajectory. This series reexamines BTS’s history, music, performance identity and enduring appeal. The sixth installment traces the roots and growth of Jimin. SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - BTS member Jim February 23, 2026

BTS Comeback D-26: After Gwanghwamun, book cinema seats for 'ARIRANG' concerts SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - Global K-pop powerhouse BTS is taking an unconventional, fan-first approach to its long-awaited comeback, blending free outdoor performances, livestreaming, and cinema screenings to reach audiences worldwide. Livestreaming to living rooms and screening concerts on silver screens — both free and paid — mark a departure from traditional commercial touring models, as the group reconnects with fans who have waited nearly four years for a full reu February 23, 2026

Jeno and Jaemin are the new duo unit from NCT with mini album "BOTH SIDES" SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - NCT members Jeno and Jaemin will debut as a new unit Monday evening in Korean time with the release of their first mini album “BOTH SIDES.” The unit, NCT JNJM, will release their first mini album at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) across major streaming platforms, alongside the music video for the title track "Both Sides" on the SMTOWN YouTube channel and other official platforms. “Both Sides” centers on the theme of duality, hi February 23, 2026

BLACKPINK receives Red Diamond for first artist YouTube subscription of 100 mln SEOUL, February 22 (AJP) -BLACKPINK has become the first musical artist in the world to surpass 100 million subscribers on YouTube, setting a new benchmark for global fandom in the digital era. The channel exceeded the 100 million mark at 7:31 p.m. Friday, YG Entertainment said in a press release Saturday, nine years and eight months after it was launched on June 28, 2016. YouTube on Friday presented the group with its Red Diamond Creator Award to commemorate the milesto February 22, 2026