More South Koreans borrow to invest in stocks amid KOSPI's historic rally SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - South Koreans are increasingly borrowing money again to invest in stocks amid a frenzy fueled by a recent record-breaking rally in the Korean stock market. According to financial data released on Sunday, outstanding balances on interest-bearing overdrafts at the country's five major banks - KB Kookmin, Hana, NH NongHyup, Shinhan and Woori - stood at 40.50 trillion Korean won (US$29 billion) as of last week. The amount surged by 715.2 billion won in les May 10, 2026

Standoff with Iran drags on as Trump seeks breakthrough before China trip SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's optimistic comments about imminent progress with Iran over the weekend, Washington and Tehran have yet to reach a breakthrough in talks to end the months-long Middle East conflict. Sporadic attacks along with exchanges of fire across the Persian Gulf continue to fuel tensions in the region, even as diplomatic efforts appear to remain active behind the scenes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the country&# May 10, 2026

LVMH chief Bernard Arnault to visit Seoul for first time in three years SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) - Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of French luxury giant LVMH, is set to arrive in Seoul on Monday for his first visit to South Korea in three years, according to industry sources on Saturday. The visit comes as South Korea continues to solidify its position as a "key strategic market" for global luxury houses. While luxury sales in Europe and Japan have softened amid a global cooling of high-end demand—and Middle Eastern markets have seen a d May 9, 2026

Musinsa's foreign sales hit record high during Northeast Asian 'Golden Holiday' SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) - South Korean fashion platform Musinsa saw its offline sales from foreign tourists reach a record high during the recent "Northeast Asian Golden Holiday," as Japanese and Chinese vacation periods coincided to drive a surge in inbound shopping. According to data released by the company on Friday, sales from foreign customers at 12 of its global-focused stores—including Musinsa Standard and Musinsa Store—rose more than 30 percent between Ap May 9, 2026

S. Korea, U.S. coordinate investment pipeline ahead of new trade law launch SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) - South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday to finalize the details of major investment projects slated for rollout under a landmark bilateral investment framework. The meeting, held in Washington, follows the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding on the "MASGA" shipbuilding initiative. However, the talks between the two chiefs focused more broadly on the implementation of South Kor May 9, 2026

'The King's Warden' dominates 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards with grand prize win SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) - The historical blockbuster "The King's Warden" swept the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards on Friday, with lead actor Yoo Hae-jin securing the Grand Prize (Daesang) in the film category. The film, which recently became the second highest-grossing South Korean production of all time with 16.8 million admissions, took home four awards at the ceremony held at COEX in Seoul. Beyond the night’s top honor, the production earned the Gucci Impact Award, w May 9, 2026

BTS draws 65,000 fans in triumphant Mexico City return after decade-long hiatus SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) - K-pop giant BTS made a long-awaited return to Mexico City on Friday, performing before a sold-out crowd of 65,000 at the Estadio GNP Seguros. The concert marked the group's first appearance in the Mexican capital since 2017, ending a nearly decade-long wait for local fans. The performance opened with "Hooligan," a track from their latest album Arirang, instantly energizing a stadium situated 2,240 meters above sea level. The setlist showcased a May 9, 2026

Korea and US move toward materializing MASGA with MoU on shipbuilding SEOUL, May 09 (AJP) -South Korea and the United States took the first concrete step Friday toward activating the $150 billion “MASGA” shipbuilding package embedded in Seoul’s broader $350 billion U.S. investment pledge, a move that could help ease lingering trade and tariff uncertainties hanging over Korean industries as Washington’s tariff regime faces mounting legal challenges. The U.S. Department of Commerce and South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Indus May 9, 2026

JIHYO joins Genevieve on new R&B single 'Hvnly' SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - JIHYO of K-pop girl band TWICE joined forces with rising U.S. R&B singer Genevieve on the newly released track "Hvnly (feat. JIHYO of TWICE)," expanding the singer’s global collaborative portfolio as TWICE continues its record-setting world tour. The song was officially released Friday as part of Genevieve’s deluxe album "CRYSALIS (CODA)." The track is a remix version of Genevieve’s earlier song "Hvn High," May 8, 2026

K-pop girl band BABYMONSTER adds seats for Seoul concert after tickets sell out SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - K-pop girl band BABYMONSTER will open additional seats for its upcoming Seoul concert series after tickets for the original three-day run sold out immediately upon release. The move aims to accommodate a surge in demand from fans following the group's recent musical comeback. YG Entertainment reported that the 2026-27 BABYMONSTER World Tour Choom in Seoul saw an explosive response during both pre-sale and general ticketing windows. The agency noted that t May 8, 2026