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Lee's approval rating falls below 40% for 1st time: poll

President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell below the 40 percent mark for the first time since he took office in June last year, a survey showed Monday, amid public dissatisfaction over housing policy. According to the survey conducted by Realmeter and commissioned by the EKN newspaper among 2,509 respondents aged 18 and older, 38.9 percent gave a positive assessment of Lee's performance, down 1.3 percentage points from the previous week, while 58.7 percent gave a negative assessment, up 1.8 percentage points. Realmeter attributed the decline to growing public dissatisfaction over housing prices and controversy over the presidential office's refusal to appoint a Supreme Court justice nominee, as well as public distrust of the police following a missing woman incident on the southern island of Jeju. Earlier this month, Lee's office decided not to nominate one of two Supreme Court justice candidates recommended by the chief justice after the recommendations were made without prior consultations with the office. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points at a 9

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Inside Seoul's rapidly growing urban running scene

Park Eun-kyung, a former running club leader, recently joined a group session around Gyeongbok Palace organized by On Your Mark, a specialized running brand. "The Gyeongbok Palace loop is 2.5 kilometers, making it perfect for a 5 km run with two laps, and the flat, beginner-friendly terrain is a huge plus. Being a popular landmark, it's especially beautiful at sunset. It's also great for discovering hidden gem-like neighborhood cafes myself," she shared. Fueled by social media workout check-ins, the "puppy run" has become a viral hit among younger runners. Using GPS tracking apps, runners map out the shape of a dog on a digital map. This creative "art run" sweeps through Seochon, Samcheong-dong and Gwanghwamun, with runners navigating the alleyways to outline detailed features like ears, a tail and legs. Park noted, "The running culture itself is evolving, with more diverse and frequent events. Programs like 'My Pace Morning,' where city streets are closed to traffic from 7 to 9 a.m. so people can freely walk, run or cycle, seem to be gaining traction." She added that non-competitive, l

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KTX expands Tuesday following SRT absorption

The integrated high-speed railway service combining KTX and SRT will officially launch Tuesday, marking the debut of the country’s first dedicated platform for high-speed trains. SRT trains, previously operated by SR, will join KTX services operated by KORAIL under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The integration of SR into KORAIL will increase seating capacity for passengers. The government said 15,000 additional seats will be available on weekdays and 17,000 on weekends. It also said the number of seats on routes departing from Suseo Station in southern Seoul will increase by 30 percent. Fares will be reduced by an average of 10 percent, to SRT levels. All trains will be available for booking through KORAIL+, the online platform launched by KORAIL in early August. Transport Minister Kim Yun-deok said the government will prioritize “safety above all else, inspect the field and ensure that the public can use high-speed rail more conveniently while enjoying better railway services.” KORAIL President Kim Tae-seung also said that the company will keep railway safety a

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US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks

WASHINGTON — U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in their first military action in a month on Sunday, breaking a lull in fighting during an intermittent war that has lasted more than six months. Iran swiftly vowed to retaliate for what it called a deadly attack. Forces with the Revolutionary Guard Corps were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait, according to Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military last week completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes. Semiofficial news outlets in Iran reported sounds of explosions near Larak island on the strait. The Guard in a statement carried by Iran's state broadcaster noted “the martyrdom and injury of several of our fighters and compatriots.” A return to open conflict would be dangerous for the region, where Iran has targeted U.S. military bases and infrastructure in Gulf countries since the war began on Feb. 28. The last time the U.S. military confirmed targeting Iran was on July 29, when it announced a “hea

3 MIN READ
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Land minister nominee vows close consultations with Seoul on housing supply

The nominee to head the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Monday he will closely consult with the Seoul city government to narrow differences over housing supply plans. Hong Jee-sun, currently vice land minister, made the remarks a day after he was tapped to replace Land Minister Kim Yun-duk, who had faced opposition from the Seoul city government over a proposal to use parts of Yongsan Park in central Seoul for housing development. "I will hold sufficient consultations with the Seoul city government in advance to ensure that housing policies are effectively implemented," Hong told reporters on his way to the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong. Hong stressed the importance of cooperation between the central and local governments, citing his experience in housing and urban development policy at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. "I will work to promptly supply quality housing in areas where people want to live, while paying particular attention to housing stability for young people and newlyweds," he said. The nominee is required to undergo a parliam

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Stray Kids' Lee Know donates $72,000 for Nepal flood relief

Lee Know of the K-pop boy band Stray Kids donated 100 million won (about $72,000) to support relief efforts for people displaced by severe flooding in Nepal, his management agency, JYP Entertainment, said Monday. Lee Know delivered the donation on Aug. 28 to World Vision, an international humanitarian and development NGO, requesting that it go toward saving the lives of children and families affected by the flooding and helping them sustain their livelihoods. The funds will support food and nutrition assistance, temporary housing and clean water and sanitation programs for flood-affected residents. "I hope my gesture can offer even a small bit of strength to those going through a difficult time," Lee Know said in a statement released through JYP Entertainment. "I sincerely hope that both those displaced and everyone working on relief efforts can return to peaceful daily life as soon as possible." Lee Know has donated regularly to causes at home and abroad. He began sponsoring children overseas through World Vision in 2014. In 2024, he gave 100 million won to the organization's global foo

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Oriental Brewery enters soju market with zero-sugar 'Charlang'

Oriental Brewery (OB), an AB InBev-owned brewer best known for its Cass beer brand, is entering Korea’s soju market for the first time with “Charlang,” a zero-sugar soju made with water from Jeju Island. The company said Monday that Charlang will hit the market in late September, marking a new chapter for OB as it expands beyond its core beer business. OB’s move into the soju business follows its acquisition of Jeju Soju from Shinsegae L&B, giving the company a foothold in the soju market and expanding its beverage portfolio beyond beer. Charlang is made with water sourced from eastern Jeju’s volcanic bedrock. OB said the water, naturally filtered through volcanic rock, gives the soju a milder taste, while sea salt adds a subtle savory note. The 15 percent alcohol-by-volume soju is designed to reduce the artificial aroma and sweetness found in some soju products, according to the company. The product’s name and branding draw inspiration from Jeju’s natural landscape. Charlang evokes the image of gentle waves and a tranquil setting for sincere conversations. The bottle featur

2 MIN READ
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Digital creators, gov't join forces to reclaim facts about Korea

For social media feeds, gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) often get dismissed as Japanese sushi, and kimchi’s signature bite is mistaken for a splash of vinegar. To Cookim, a YouTuber with 1.6 million subscribers, those lazy comparisons miss the point entirely. "Gimbap isn't 'Korean sushi.' It’s a completely distinct dish with its own history, flavor and identity," says Cookim (@Cookim97), whose channel banner reads like a personal mission statement: Korean food to the world. That drive is clear in one of his viral videos, which racked up over 120,000 views in seven months. In it, he sets the record straight on kimchi, patiently explaining that its famous sourness comes from slow, traditional fermentation — not a splash of vinegar. His work goes beyond solo videos. Partnering with FACTS: KOREA — a cultural accuracy initiative run by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism — Cookim released a series of long- and short-form videos tackling widespread culinary myths, pulling in thousands of views. He isn't acting alone. Cookim belongs to a growing wave of digital creators part

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Korean films set for back-to-back release after 'The Odyssey,' 'Spider-Man' hype

A cornucopia of Korean films are set to hit local theaters in September as films rush to bank in on the Chuseok holiday and exceed the big-screen success of Hollywood hits "The Odyssey" and "Spider-Man: Brand New Day." The slate is full and diverse, with six major Korean films set to open throughout September, ranging from the Korean remake of the Hollywood hit "The Intern" (2016) to modern auteur Lee Chang-dong's first feature in eight years. Kicking off the roll is director Lee Ji-won's poignant family drama "Portrait of a Family," set for release Wednesday. Starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Ha Ji-won and Kim Si-a, the film portrays the solidarity that reunites a fractured household following an unexpected incident. Ryu and Ha appear as a former baseball star and former top actress couple, whose seemingly happy marriage collapses after the sudden appearance of the former's extramarital daughter Dong-ju, played by Kim. On Sept. 16, the Korean remake of the "The Intern" that starred Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway will hit the theaters, with veteran actor Choi Min-sik and Han So-hee taking thei

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From fighting software piracy to protecting children with AI

A career spent tracking illegal activity online has taken on a new purpose in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). For nearly two decades, Choi Seung-hyun worked in software license compliance and anti-piracy, including stints with Adobe, Microsoft, the Business Software Alliance and PTC. Now, the DragonEyes CEO is using that experience to develop an AI agent designed to find harmful online content and help protect children. “My 20 years in software license compliance were a major inspiration for DragonEyes,” Choi told The Korea Times in an interview. “It started with a question I had as a compliance professional about how we could tackle harmful content online. That eventually led me to develop an AI agent.” The idea became personal in November 2025, when Choi read about a multinational game company in the United States facing investigations over its handling of harmful online content. Some cases had raised concerns about child abuse. Choi, whose two sons were then in high school and elementary school, began looking at the issue as both a parent and a compliance expert. “As

2 MIN READ
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Jeju tourism hit by safety concerns after mishandled missing person cases

Jeju's reputation as a safe travel destination is coming under strain after police prematurely closed a missing person case and several missing people were later found dead. With domestic visitor numbers falling, concerns are growing over safety on the island. According to the Jeju Tourism Association on Sunday, domestic visitor numbers fell year-on-year on all but one day between Aug. 19 and Aug. 29. Aug. 19 was also when the police’s premature closure of the missing person case began drawing widespread public attention. "I was planning to travel to Jeju with my family in early September, but we changed our destination to Gangwon Province because of the recent incidents," said Seo Ye-bin, a 26-year-old graduate student. "People are even sharing maps showing where missing-person cases have occurred. It just feels unsettling to visit Jeju right now." A guesthouse operator surnamed Park in Jeju City said the fallout appears to be concentrated among Korean travelers rather than foreign visitors. “We’ve had some cancellations, and almost all of them were from Korean guests, so I think th

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Experiential travel drives Korea's tourism growth

When travelers book an overnight stay in Korea today, the real decisive factor is no longer the quality of the hotel room, but what lies beyond its front door. According to a comprehensive study released Monday by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), overnight stays across the country grew by 5.1 percent over the past three years. This expansion was overwhelmingly driven by foreign visitors, whose overnight stays surged by 29 percent — a growth rate fifteen times that of domestic travelers (1.9 percent). While domestic tourists still account for 85.4 percent of total room nights, international travelers have emerged as the primary engine of industry growth. Using big data from telecommunications, credit card transactions, and lodging platforms via its Data Lab initiative, the state-run agency revealed a fundamental shift in traveler behavior. Bookings for properties linked to external leisure experiences surged dramatically over the three-year period: golf-themed lodging reservations jumped nearly 200 percent, hot springs properties rose 98.9 percent, and water park accommodations g

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LG CEO courts engineers at US tech conference

LG Electronics CEO Lyu Jae-cheol courted talented engineers during a recruiting event in San Francisco as part of the company's efforts to secure specialists in future growth businesses such as robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) data center cooling solutions and mobility. According to LG Electronics on Monday, Lyu, Chief Technology Officer Kim Byoung-hoon and other executives attended the North America Tech Conference in San Francisco on Saturday (local time), where they shared the company’s vision for its future businesses and highlighted its technological competitiveness. The event drew around 100 participants, including doctoral students and researchers from Stanford University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of California, Berkeley and other leading universities and research institutions across the U.S. Experienced research and development professionals working at local Big Tech companies and startups also joined the event. Sharing his career experience as an engineer-turned-CEO, Lyu said LG Electronics places great impor

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Hanyang University pioneers new internationalization model, providing end-to-end support for int'l students

Hanyang University is stepping up internationalization efforts under its “Boundless, Passionate and Uncharted” vision. The university’s Office of International Admissions said the university has established a new model of internationalization that is boundless, driven by passion and growth, venturing into uncharted territory. The office added that the university has also set a goal of fostering shared growth in the internationalization of Korean higher education by pioneering this new model among Korean universities. “The new internationalization model goes beyond simply recruiting international students,” a university official said. “We provide end-to-end support spanning admissions, employment, entrepreneurship and settlement in Korea.” He noted that the university regards breaking down the boundaries of nationality, culture, roles and goals as the foundational principle of internationalization. Hanyang University has also created an environment in which approximately 20,000 international students learn and grow together each year. Viewing international students not simply

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Korea's $20 bil. US investment unlikely to pressure won: BOK chief

Korea's planned annual investment of up to $20 billion in the United States is unlikely to put pressure on the won, as the local currency has become more resilient to external shocks, Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Shin Hyun-song said. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium in Wyoming on Friday (local time), Shin said the size of the investment was manageable, given Korea's foreign exchange reserves. "The memorandum of understanding says Korea will invest up to $20 billion annually in the U.S. While the investment could reach $20 billion, we could invest less, depending on the circumstances," Shin was quoted as saying in response to a question about whether the planned investment could put pressure on the won. Seoul's commitment to invest up to $20 billion annually is part of a larger $350 billion investment framework with Washington in exchange for lower tariffs. But concerns have emerged that the investment commitment could put additional pressure on the foreign exchange market by increasing demand for dollars, particularly if the won remains wea

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'The Odyssey' overtakes 'Spider-Man' as Korea's top overseas movie of 2026

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has become the highest-grossing foreign film released in Korea this year, surpassing "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" in a box office race that had been running neck and neck for weeks. As of Sunday, "The Odyssey" has drawn 8,471,082 admissions, according to the Korean Film Council, edging out "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which had previously held the title of top-earning foreign film of 2026 here. Nolan's film crossed the 8 million mark on Friday, just 24 days after its release, faster than "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which took 26 days to reach the same milestone, and set the record for the fastest run to 8 million box office sales among this year's releases. It has held the top spot in advance ticket sales for 28 consecutive days starting two days before its release, and has topped the daily box office every single day since its Aug. 5 debut, a 25-day streak that shows no signs of breaking. The film's success defies almost every recent trend in the Korean box office. Annual movie attendance remains far below pre-pandemic levels amid the rise of streaming

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Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] Why president, chief justice are clashing over Supreme Court seat

COVER STORY Why president, chief justice are clashing over Supreme Court seat

President Lee Jae Myung and Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, at odds for more than a year, are now locked in their most direct confrontation yet over the appointment of a Supreme Court justice. Cheong Wa Dae said Friday it would not submit a confirmation motion to the National Assembly for Sohn Bong-ki, a senior judge at the Daegu District Court, and asked the chief justice to recommend another candidate. Senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the powers to recommend and appoint justices are “assigned to different constitutional institutions,” arguing that Cho’s authority should respect the president’s substantive appointment power. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) says that would undermine the chief justice’s constitutional authority and threaten judicial independence. But the dispute did not begin with Sohn’s nomination. Its roots go back to a Supreme Court ruling just weeks before the 2025 presidential election that threw Lee’s campaign into uncertainty. Roots of conflict On March 26, 2025, the Seoul High Court acquitted Lee, then the Democratic Party of

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Life in Korea

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026: Everything you need to know

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2026: Everything you need to know

This year's Seoul International Fireworks Festival is set for Saturday, with teams from Korea, the United States and Britain set to showcase fireworks displays unique to their respective countries. The festival, hosted by Hanwha Corp., is expected to attract over a million visitors, many of whom gather at Yeouido Hangang Park to enjoy the lightshow in its full glory. The collective anticipation is palpable, as Starbucks Yeouido Hangang Park seat packages offering panoramic views of the fireworks — priced up to 300,000 won ($220) — sold out in 30 seconds. Here are all the details you need. When is the festival happening? The fireworks festival will take place on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., with shows running from 8 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Britain's Pyrotex Fireworx will kick off the show from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., followed by the U.S.' Ace Pyro from 8:20 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. For the finale, Korea's Hanwha Corp.'s fireworks display will take place from 8:40 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. A five-minute break will take place between each performance. A pre-festival event is scheduled for Friday, from 1 p.m.

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Lifestyle

Seoul turns outdoor screens into citywide art gallery for Kiaf

Seoul will turn eight downtown media screens into a sprawling outdoor gallery next month, bringing works by four artists to commuters and visitors as Kiaf Seoul expands beyond its traditional home at COEX. The “Media Art Seoul × Kiaf” special exhibition will run from Tuesday through Sept. 19, with the same two-minute program playing simultaneously every hour at eight locations in and around Gwanghwamun. The works will appear on five privately operated outdoor screens, including KT Square, K-Vision at Koreana Hotel, Lumi Media, LUUX and Ilmin Museum of Art, as well as three city media platforms. The screens will operate from 6 am to midnight, with the media facades at Atelier Nodeul and Atelier Gwanghwa running from 7 pm to 11 pm. The four artists selected by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Galleries Association of Korea are JE BAAK, Seok Chang-woo, Jeon Hye-ju and Han Seung-gu. Their works — “Universe,” “Breath of Ink,” “The Birth of a New Flower” and “Mirrormask: The Self Beyond the Boundary” — will run for 30 seconds each as part of the two-minute prog

2 MIN READ
Seoul turns outdoor screens into citywide art gallery for Kiaf

K-Culture

ENHYPEN claims 1st No. 1 on Billboard 200 with 'The Sin: Bliss'

The latest album from K-pop boy group ENHYPEN has debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard's main albums chart, earning the group its first chart-topper. Billboard said in a preview of this week's chart on Sunday (U.S. time) that the band's eighth EP, "The Sin: Bliss," took the top spot on the Billboard 200, ahead of Ella Langley's "Dandelion" and Olivia Rodrigo's "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love." This marks the first time the group has reached No. 1 since its debut in November 2020. Before ENHYPEN, BTS, SuperM, Stray Kids, Ateez and Tomorrow X Together had reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 among K-pop boy groups. Among girl groups, BLACKPINK, NewJeans, TWICE and Katseye have taken the honor, while the original soundtrack album for Netflix's global hit animation "KPop Demon Hunters" had also led the chart. "The Sin: Bliss" marks the band's seventh album in the top 10, all achieved since 2022. The act had previously gone as high as No. 2, twice, with "The Sin: Vanish" in January and "Romance: Untold" in 2024. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the Unite

2 MIN READ
ENHYPEN claims 1st No. 1 on Billboard 200 with 'The Sin: Bliss'

Celebrities

BOYNEXTDOOR's Sungho named new host of 'Show! Music Core'

BOYNEXTDOOR member Sungho has been named a new host of MBC's weekly K-pop music program "Show! Music Core." The position opened after ZEROBASEONE's Kim Gyuvin and TWS' Dohoon stepped down following the Aug. 22 broadcast, ending their approximately 17-month run as hosts. Sungho is set to host the show alongside another new host who has yet to be announced. Sungho debuted as a member of BOYNEXTDOOR in May 2023 and has since been active with the six-member boy group. The group has gained popularity with songs including "If I Say, I Love You" and "Hollywood Action," and released its first full-length album, "HOME," in June. BOYNEXTDOOR is also set to return Sept. 28 with a repackaged version of its first studio album. Sungho will become the latest BOYNEXTDOOR member to take on a hosting role for a major Korean music program. Fellow member Jaehyun previously hosted Mnet's "M Countdown," while Woonhak served as a host of SBS' "Inkigayo." Attention is now on whether Sungho can continue the group's run of music show hosting projects with his steady presenting skills and approachable personality. "

1 MIN READ
BOYNEXTDOOR's Sungho named new host of 'Show! Music Core'

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Digital creators, gov't join forces to reclaim facts about Korea

  2. Why foreign tourists are trading palaces for peaks in Korea

  3. Jeju tourism hit by safety concerns after mishandled missing person cases

  4. Inside Seoul's rapidly growing urban running scene

  5. Bessent expects new US secondary sanctions weekly, aiming to increase pressure on Iran

  6. Lee's approval rating falls below 40% for 1st time: poll

  7. Korean helicopter search canceled for 9 missing in Nepal floods

  8. US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks

  9. 81% of Koreans want to marry, compared to 58% of Japanese: survey

  10. Iran is attacking US forces in Jordan, Fox News reports, citing US source

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