Suzy fronts Longines 2026 event in Seoul SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) -Singer and actress Suzy, global ambassador of Swiss watch brand Longines, takes part in a photo call at the brand’s 2026 new product presentation on Wednesday at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul. Dressed in a dark navy suit with a white shirt and black tie, she completed the look with long, softly waved hair and understated accessories. March 25, 2026

Spring is finally here, heralded by first blossoms SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Spring arrives a little earlier in one corner of Seoul. Each year, Eungbongsan Mountain turns into a wash of yellow as forsythia blooms blanket the entire hillside. Located in Seongdong-gu, Eungbongsan is a well-known sunrise and scenic spot in Seoul, attracting crowds each year as warmer weather brings the season’s first blossoms. Climbing to the observation deck, visitors paused to photograph t March 25, 2026

APFF 2026 probes why Korean finance sector fails to move beyond home turf SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) -South Korea’s manufacturers and pop culture have gone global, but its financial industry still struggles to move beyond home turf — a gap that took center stage at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Financial Forum in Seoul on Wednesday. Hosted by Aju Business Daily and ABC, this year's forum held at The Plaza Hotel asked “In the AI era, why has Korean finance yet to cross borders?” The event sought to diagnose the structural limitations holdin March 25, 2026

South Koreans told to join energy-saving campaign SEOUL, March 24 (AJP)-Leaving cars behind once a week and tightening garbage supply are emerging as everyday inconveniences for South Koreans, as prolonged Gulf tensions begin to disrupt factories. The government on Tuesday rolled out nationwide energy-saving measures, urging both public and private sectors to cut consumption as supply uncertainties deepen. A voluntary five-day vehicle rotation system was introduced for private cars, alongside 12 practical gui March 24, 2026

High schoolers sit for nationwide test to gauge their academic levels SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Over a million high school students nationwide took a test to assess their levels of academic achievement. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, some 1.22 million students from 1,948 high schools across 17 metropolitan and provincial cities sat for the test on Tuesday. The nationwide test is conducted several times a year in a format similar to the annual university entrance exam later in the year, often considered a life-deciding te March 24, 2026

Three workers killed in wind turbine fire in Yeongdeok SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Three workers in their 40s and 50s died in a fire at a wind turbine in the eastern coastal county of Yeongdeok on Monday while conducting repairs and inspections. A fire broke out during the staged demolition process. According to Yeongdeok County authorities, all 24 wind turbines installed at the Changpo Wind Farm and nearby areas were installed in 2005 and have exceeded their 20-year design life. The workers who died in the fire were inspecting the bendin March 24, 2026

Korea joins Puppy Day with adoption push SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - From social media feeds filled with wagging tails to corporate campaigns backing animal welfare, South Korea joined the global celebration of National Puppy Day on Sunday, highlighting a growing culture of pet companionship — and responsibility. Established in 2006 by U.S. pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, the day has evolved into an international campaign promoting the protection of abandoned dogs and encouraging adoption. Pet owners arou March 23, 2026

BTS flies to New York sporting "Keep Swimming" SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - BTS flew off to New York less than 12 hours after they successfully pulled off their comeback stage in open-air Gwanghwamun in downtown Seoul and livestreamed worldwide via Netflix, and their appearance at the Incheon International Airport created an instant buzz over their groupwear featuring "Keep Swimming", a clever marketing nod to their title song SWIM from their new album. RM, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, V and Jungkook stepped out in matching March 23, 2026

BTS comeback and legacy SEOUL, March 22 (AJP) - On the night of March 21, Gwanghwamun Plaza became a festival ground for the world. 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG,' BTS members' first full-group stage in 3 years and 9 months since their military discharge, concluded with long preparation and a spectacular finale. That day, Gwanghwamun was not simply a concert venue. It was a place of harmony, a moment when the world became one. A plaza where the world gathered March 22, 2026

BTS Live: Special forces, police, firefighters in action SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Large numbers of police and fire personnel have been deployed across central Seoul ahead of a performance by BTS, with security and safety measures stepped up in the Gwanghwamun area. Police have positioned riot units and traffic officers around Gwanghwamun Square, implementing vehicle restrictions and managing pedestrian flow in parts of the area. Special police units have also been deployed on site to prepare for any emergencies. Fire authorities have sta March 21, 2026