Seoul's two landmark statues get spring wash SEOUL, April 13 (AJP) - Seoul's two landmark statues in Gwanghwamun are being bathed this week as part of regular maintenance and preservation efforts. As spring arrives, dust and other stains that have accumulated on the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-shin over the long winter months will be washed off on Monday and Tuesday. Any damaged areas will also be touched up and recoated to prevent rust and preserve the statues' original condition. April 13, 2026

Hundreds of booths showcase latest tech convergence at expo in southern Seoul SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - An expo featuring the latest technologies and trends in electronics and automotive manufacturing is being held at COEX in southern Seoul, with about 250 domestic and foreign companies participating. The three-day expo with more than 400 booths which kicked off Wednesday are showcasing a wide range of equipment and solutions in the fields of automotive electronics and smart factory systems, allowing visitors to explore automated production lines and advanced m April 10, 2026

Flower-themed festival underway as spring in full bloom GANGNEUNG, April 10 (AJP) - A cherry-blossom-themed festival is underway along Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, welcoming visitors hoping to enjoy a spring outing at the peak of seasonal flowers. The weeklong festival, which kicked off last weekend and runs until Saturday, offers various programs including a singing contest, music performances, sporting events, and other activities in the surrounding areas. A roughly 4-kilometer-long trail lined with cherry blossom April 10, 2026

Statue honoring wartime sex slavery victims accessible without barricade on Wednesdays SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) - A barricade that prevented people from approaching a statue honoring the victims of sexual enslavement during World War II in central Seoul was removed last Wednesday. The statue of an unsmiling girl symbolizing former sex slaves forced to serve Japanese soldiers during the war stands in front of the Japanese Embassy, where victims and their supporters have held protests every Wednesday for decades. It was the first time in about six years that the barrica April 10, 2026

BTS franchise in incessant motion: on screen and stage, and off stage SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) -BTS franchise is in incessant motion since its March 21 comeback. As the world tour opens in Goyang on Thursday, the group has been releasing weekly viral music videos, amplifying global fan excitement. Off-stage activations have been just as intense, turning Seoul into a citywide extension of the BTS universe. The “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” project has kicked off across the capital, drawing strong response to its fan-participation programs. Th April 9, 2026

Stars of 'The Devil Wears Prada' arrive in Seoul to promote sequel SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway attended a red carpet event to meet South Korean fans in central Seoul on Wednesday, just weeks ahead of the release of their upcoming film. Their visit to Seoul comes as the sequel to their 2006 hit "The Devil Wears Prada" is scheduled for release on April 29. The sequel reunites the original cast in new roles, as they face new challenges and evolving careers in the fashion industry. It remains to be April 8, 2026

Motorists required to leave their cars once a week as part of energy-saving efforts SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - Starting from Wednesday, motorists are required to leave their cars at home once a week, depending on the last digit of their license plates, as they are unable to use public parking on certain days. The measure is part of energy-saving efforts amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, which has caused global energy supply disruptions as well as soaring fuel prices. Civil servants and staff at public institutions, who have been subject to a similar me April 8, 2026

NK holds photo exhibition to mark 114th Anniversary of Kim Il-sung's birth PYONGYANG, April 07 (AJP) - A central photo exhibition commemorating the 114th anniversary of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung's birth (April 15) opened up to the public at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang on April 6, the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Monday. April 7, 2026

Main cast of 'The Devil Wears Prada' sequel to visit Seoul ahead of release SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - Hollywood stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway are set to visit Seoul this week, just weeks ahead of the release of a sequel to their 2006 hit "The Devil Wears Prada." According to the film's distributor, the two stars are scheduled to meet fans here at a red carpet event in Yeongdeungpo on Wednesday and also take part in other promotional activities. They are also set to appear on cable channel tvN's show "You Quiz on the Block." April 6, 2026

Girls' Generation members shine in all-white suits SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - Yoon-a and Hyo-yeon, members of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation, showed off their glamorous looks at a promotional event for a cosmetics brand in central Seoul on Monday. The two girls flaunted their stunning beauty in all-white suits while promoting Sulwhasoo's premium skincare products, which combine traditional herbal ingredients. In particular, Yoon-a, who has branched out into acting with appearances in various films a April 6, 2026