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N. Korea's Kim arrives in China's Dandong via newly opened bridge: gov't source

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in China's border city of Dandong via a newly opened bridge linking the two nations, a government source said Saturday. The government source told Yonhap News Agency that Kim arrived in Dandong through the bridge across the Amnok River, also known as the Yalu River in China. Kim "arrived in Dandong, in China's Liaoning Province, via the New Amnok River Bridge," the source said. The bridge, which links North Korea's border city of Sinuiju with China's Dandong, was opened this month after 12 years of completion, highlighting its potential to strengthen economic ties between Pyongyang and Beijing. The four-lane bridge, stretching 3,026 meters, was completed in 2014 with an investment of about $310 million from China. Its opening had been delayed for 12 years due to North Korea's failure, if not refusal, to complete building connecting roads and customs facilities on its side.

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Pharmacies emerge as new K-beauty stops for foreign tourists

In Seoul's bustling Namdaemun Market, a group of American tourists stepped out of a pharmacy and opened their shopping bags to show their haul: a box of Bacchus energy drinks and three packages of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) skin care products. Inside, other foreign shoppers queued at the counters with acne treatments, scar gels and cosmetics in hand. Pharmacists in white coats scanned their purchases at the registers. Scenes like this are becoming increasingly common as Korean pharmacies emerge as a new stop on the K-beauty tourism route. Foreign visitors are seeking both over-the-counter (OTC) dermatological drugs available only at pharmacies and pharmacy-sold cosmetics promoted through social media. “Foreign tourists now account for 40 to 50 percent of our sales,” Park Jun-sun, who runs one of the pharmacies in Namdaemun Market, told The Korea Times. “There weren’t that many when I opened two years ago, but the number suddenly started rising about a year ago.” Even at larger pharmacies that cater mainly to Korean customers, foreign shoppers have become more visible. Staff

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AnalysisNorth Korea's diversifying missile arsenal complicates South's defense

North Korea is displaying an increasingly diverse missile arsenal this year, firing from different platforms — on land, aboard warships and, according to Pyongyang, underwater from a submarine — while testing weapons designed to carry heavier warheads, maneuver to evade interception and inflict damage over wider areas. The frequency of missile tests has also increased, with 16 ballistic missile launches recorded through Oct. 12, which exceeds the six recorded in all of 2025 and 12 in 2024. But what's more threatening than the frequency of ballistic missiles is diversification, with cruise missile tests added on seven occasions through Oct. 14, involving land-based launchers, destroyers and, purportedly, a submarine. The expanding arsenal gives North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s military more options to approach targets from different directions and coordinate strikes, placing greater demands on South Korean and U.S. defenses even as questions remain over Pyongyang's technological claims. Widening range of weapons This year's ballistic launches began near Pyongyang on Jan. 4 with susp

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Export push seeks to breathe new life into Korea's hollowed-out mining towns

Deep in the rugged, forested mountains of Gangwon Province, the hollowed-out shafts of abandoned anthracite mines stand as quiet monuments to Korea’s industrial birth. During their mid-20th-century heyday, these bustling towns fueled the nation’s postwar economic miracle, powering domestic hearths and heavy manufacturing alike. But as Korea’s energy needs shifted toward oil and gas in the 1980s, the region entered a long, steep decline. While a handful of major mines remained operational into the 2020s, the last state-run mine officially closed its shafts in mid-2025 — leaving behind steep valleys marked by demographic collapse and crumbling local economies. Now, trade officials and local leaders are trying a new approach to revive these quiet valleys: connecting their remaining small businesses directly to overseas markets. Rather than relying solely on local tourism or government aid, a national trade showcase last week in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, brought small-town entrepreneurs face-to-face with international buyers. At the center of the event was a targeted exhibition flo

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When Koreans were the foreigners: 'Ode to My Father' revisited

Europe is once again arguing about immigration: who should be allowed in, what newcomers owe the countries that receive them and what those countries owe the people whose labor they need. But there is an uncomfortable historical irony here. The wealthy societies now debating how many foreigners they can accommodate were often built, in part, by people who left poorer countries to do the jobs others would not. Korea knows something about this. Before the world queued up for its music, films and skin care, Koreans were traveling to the mines of West Germany, the hospitals of Europe, the construction sites of Saudi Arabia and the battlefields of Vietnam. They were the foreigners, the workers, the people whose labor was welcome even when they were not. One way to understand what it means to leave your country in search of a better life is to watch someone else do it. That’s why after giving my students lectures on Confucianism and Buddhism, on the fall of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty and arrival of Japanese colonization, on the division of the peninsula, the internecine Korean War and th

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Investor deposits at brokerages plunge on stock market volatility

South Korean stock investors' deposits at securities firms have plunged, according to industry data Saturday, amid prolonged volatility in the stock market. The amount of investor deposits came to 88.6 trillion won ($66.8 billion) as of Thursday, marking the lowest amount since Jan. 13, when they stood at 88.04 trillion won, according to the data from the Korea Financial Investment Association. Compared with June 4, when they stood at 139.6 trillion won, investor deposits dipped by 51 trillion won, the data showed. The nation's benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) hit the 9,000-point milestone in June but has seen sharp swings and high volatility since July. The KOSPI gained 0.3 percent to end at 5,550.30 on Friday.

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Inside JYP's trainee system: NMIXX studied everything from table manners to IT

Learning to sing and dance was apparently only part of the job for trainees at JYP Entertainment. NMIXX members Jiwoo and Kyujin have offered a glimpse inside the K-pop powerhouse's extensive trainee education system, revealing that their Saturday lessons covered everything from dining etiquette and history to IT — on top of demanding monthly evaluations that could include as many as 11 categories. The two singers discussed their trainee years in a video uploaded Tuesday to chef Park Eun-young's YouTube channel "Bobeunyoung," where they chatted over packed lunches. Kyujin said trainees attended a range of classes every Saturday, including lessons on dining etiquette, history and IT. Park, surprised by the breadth of the curriculum, asked what exactly JYP trainees were taught about eating etiquette. Jiwoo and Kyujin said the lessons went into the differences among Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Western dining settings. "The utensils are different for Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Western food, so we learned the order in which they should be placed and how to use them," they said. They also

2 MIN READ
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Lee showed how he uses AI. Trump isn't telling

SEATTLE — President Lee Jae Myung has come under fire for publicly sharing how he used Google's Gemini to support his position in a political dispute. Across the Pacific, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a different approach: He acknowledges using artificial intelligence (AI) but won't say exactly how. Trump is hardly shy about AI-generated content. His social media accounts have featured a string of fabricated images and videos, including portrayals of himself as a pope and a king, as well as AI-generated content mocking political opponents. But when reporters asked Trump about his personal use of AI aboard Air Force One last month, he offered little insight. "I use AI. Yes, I do," Trump said. Pressed on how he uses the technology, Trump replied, "Well, I don't want to tell you that." The exchange illustrates a contrast with Lee, who publicly shared a Gemini-generated response to support his position on whether the heads of investigative agencies should attend Cabinet meetings. Lee's disclosure sparked criticism from opposition politicians, who questioned his reliance on a chatbot

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US could strike Iran this weekend, envoy says

JERUSALEM — The United States could strike Iran as soon as this weekend, a U.S. envoy said Friday, after mounting threats by both Washington and Israel. "Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely," Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and point man on Syria who does not have a direct role on Iran, told podcast host Mario Nawfal. President Donald Trump "is very clear. He's open and available and accessible to a deal and we've been at the table for months and months and months," Barrack said in an interview as he visited the Gulf. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces elections Tuesday, has in recent days repeatedly vowed to topple the clerical state in Iran, following two major bombing campaigns against it since last year. Trump has also signalled an openness to resuming strikes after a long deadlock in diplomacy, although he earlier said it would not happen before U.S. congressional elections on November 3. Barrack, in remarks that contradict Netanyahu, said the U.S. was not looking to topple the Islamic republic, a sworn enemy of the United States and Israel

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Explore one of Seoul's trendiest spots through architect-led tour of Seongsu

On the paved narrow streets of Seongsu-dong, red-brick shoe factories built during Korea’s mid-century manufacturing boom now stand beside sweeping, glass-fronted flagships and repurposed industrial storehouses. Once a gritty hub for leather workers and cobblers, the neighborhood has earned a reputation as the "Brooklyn of Seoul" — a playground for architectural experimentation where old-world industrial heritage meets ultra-modern design. Now, local authorities are opening the doors to this urban metamorphosis, inviting residents to walk through the neighborhood's living architectural archive alongside professional designers. Seongdong District said it will host its 10th annual "Gagahoho" Architecture Academy from Oct. 26-31 in partnership with the Seongdong Architects Association. The weeklong initiative culminates on Oct. 31 with an architect-led walking tour through Seongsu-dong’s most famous structures, offering 20 local residents an insider’s look at the precinct's spatial evolution. Led by four professional architects, the tour will set off from the local Footwear Theme Pa

2 MIN READ
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Birdwatching takes off among young Koreans

As you stroll among the trees, you hear a rustle and stop to listen. You raise your binoculars and quietly scan the spot where the sound came from. After waiting patiently, you may finally catch a glimpse of something rarely encountered in everyday life: a small, precious bird. Birdwatching, or birding, is emerging as a new hobby among Korea’s millennials and Gen Z. Until recently, it was largely seen as a pastime for middle-aged and older people, requiring expensive equipment and specialized knowledge. But smartphones have made the activity accessible to almost anyone. With celebrities, including actress Kim Tae-ri, author Chung Se-rang and model Lee So-ra, sharing their interest in birdwatching, it has even gained a reputation as a trendy hobby. Taking off during COVID-19, with smartphones lowering the barrier to entry Content about birdwatching has recently proliferated on social media. On Instagram, posts tagged “birdwatching" number approximately 144,000, while those tagged “birdwatching records" and “birdwatching life” number around 17,000 and 14,000, respectively. A gro

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Spring comes earlier, autumn foliage later as climate change alters forests

If you are planning a fall foliage trip this year, you may need to set off a little later than expected. The peak autumn foliage season is forecast to arrive later than usual. According to the Korea Forest Service, fall colors will spread gradually from the central to southern regions, starting with Mount Seorak on Oct. 20. Foliage is expected to reach its peak nationwide only in late October, with peak dates forecast for Oct. 28 at Mount Songni, Nov. 4 at Mount Naejang and Nov. 6 at Mount Halla. The average peak date for maples and oaks nationwide is expected to be Oct. 31, about 0.8 days later than the average peak date over the past five years. The delayed foliage season is not an isolated development this year. As temperatures rise, spring is arriving increasingly early while autumn is shifting later, a pattern that researchers have consistently observed in Korea's forests. The seasonal clock that we have long taken for granted is changing. A 2021 study by researchers at the Korea National Arboretum and Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Environmental Studies tracked 25

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5 creepy Korean creatures, both famed and obscure

Halloween is just around the corner, and even though Korea does not traditionally celebrate with jack-o’-lanterns and trick-or-treating, the familiar prickle on the back of the neck at night and the whispering autumn breeze seem to be anticipating the time when the veil between our world and the world of spirits is thin. For readers who would like to celebrate the spooky season, second-guess the shapes in the shadows of their room or want a novel idea for a costume to wear to a party, here are five Korean ghosts that might keep you up at night. Gumiho The "gumiho," or the nine-tailed fox, is one of the better-known Korean spirits, especially following its inclusion in the hit video game League of Legends. One of the game's most celebrated characters is Ahri, a bewitching and seductive fox lady who drains the souls of others. The gumiho also appears frequently in Korean dramas and webtoons, often taking the form of a beautiful woman and a romantic interest. In the original folklore, however, gumiho are characterized as malevolent and ancient fox spirits, defined by an animalistic hunger

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France's luxury stores board up windows ahead of fresh protests

PARIS — Luxury boutiques in France boarded up their normally glitzy windows and added guards ahead of fresh protests on Saturday, with some planning to stay closed after rioters looted shops across the country last weekend. France, the most visited country in the world, draws large numbers of overseas shoppers seeking Chanel handbags and Hermes scarves, an important source of revenue for brands facing slowing demand. But some decided staying open was too risky after last week's events, when rioters smashed and looted hundreds of shops in Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux. A Rolex retailer and a De Beers store near the capital's famous Place Vendome will remain closed on Saturday, staff said, while managers at stores including Richemont-owned IWC said they would decide whether to close early depending on the intensity of the protests. Groups including France's main student union UNEF and the Yellow Vest group, which emerged as a potent anti-establishment movement in 2018, plan to march through central Paris later on Saturday to protest against high living costs and cuts to public services. N

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COVER STORY Acquittal revives Seoul mayor's presidential prospects

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s acquittal Friday gives him an opportunity to turn his legal victory into greater influence within the conservative opposition, easing a threat to his tenure that had overshadowed his fifth term and constrained his presidential prospects. The Seoul High Court reversed a July ruling that fined Oh 10 million won ($7,500) and ordered him to forfeit 21 million won — a sentence that would have cost him his mayoral post had it become final. The appeals court ruling does not end the case. Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team said it would appeal to the Supreme Court. But the reversal of a verdict that could have removed Oh from office gives him more room to advance his agenda in the capital and strengthen his standing within the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). The lower court’s conviction had raised questions about whether Oh could complete his four-year term, creating uncertainty around long-term projects. The acquittal reduces that burden and gives his administration greater political stability to pursue its priorities. Oh entered his fifth term with a

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US Treasury proposes expanding tech investment restrictions to N. Korea

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Treasury Department has proposed expanding restrictions on American investments in sensitive technologies to include North Korea and several other countries, as Washington seeks to prevent adversaries from using U.S. capital to develop advanced military capabilities. The proposed regulations, detailed in a notice scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, would expand the existing Outbound Investment Security Program, which currently covers China, including Hong Kong and Macau, to include North Korea, Russia, Iran and Cuba, according to the Treasury Department. The proposal seeks to implement the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act, enacted in December last year as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Under the proposal, certain investments by U.S. persons involving covered foreign entities engaged in specified sensitive technologies would be prohibited, while other transactions would be subject to notification requirements. The regulations would cover specified activities in key technology sectors, in

1 MIN READ
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Korean builders face risk of losing $755 mil. in unpaid Iraq refinery project

Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C) and three other local builders are at risk of losing more than 1 trillion won ($755 million) tied up in a major Iraqi refinery project, according to documents obtained by a ruling party lawmaker Friday. Hyundai E&C, GS Engineering & Construction, SK ecoplant and Hyundai Engineering have yet to collect 625.4 billion won in outstanding payments and are facing the possible forfeiture of another 420.2 billion won in performance guarantees. The builders have been seeking payment for work on the $6.8 billion Karbala Refinery Project, commissioned by Iraq's state-owned State Company for Oil Projects (SCOP). Company materials provided to Rep. Lee Jae-gang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea showed the construction of a refinery capable of processing 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day was delayed by factors including Iraq’s internal conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. The companies handed over the refinery's facilities to the Iraqi side in December 2023. However, SCOP has withheld payments, citing outstanding defects and missing tax-related docume

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Busan emerging as Asia's next coastal destination: CNN

Busan is emerging as a next-generation coastal destination in Asia as international interest in the Korean city grows, according to a recent foreign media report. The development of the Busan Lotte Tower and the Busan Opera House near the city's North Port is expected to further boost its appeal as a tourist destination. CNN highlighted the city's transformation in a travel article published Thursday titled "How the world's largest port city is becoming Asia's next coastal destination." "Busan, Korea's second-largest city, has been making big changes to establish itself as a destination in its own right, rather than simply a place to visit alongside other travel destinations," CNN said. The report stressed that Busan is not simply a "miniature version" of Seoul. "If Seoul is New York, Busan is Los Angeles," CNN said, describing the city as "younger, cooler and less stressful." CNN also pointed to Busan's transformation from a "world's largest port city" into a "design-driven city." A prime example is the Busan Lotte Tower, which is being built on the site of the former Busan City Hall, abo

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Middle schooler bitten by pet cobra, spotlighting illegal exotic pet ownership

A middle school student bitten by a cobra while trying to trade it illegally has been caught by police, raising concerns about illegal ownership of wild animals. According to the police, a 14-year-old boy in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, was bitten on the back of his hand by a cobra Tuesday, prompting an emergency call to 119. He showed signs of paralysis and was airlifted to the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where he received anti-venom treatment. The bite reportedly occurred when he took the cobra out of its cage to sell it to another person. The snake was a forest cobra, which he had obtained through an online community. The species is a designated wild animal under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, and trading or keeping it is prohibited in principle. Police plan to investigate how the cobra was traded before deciding whether to formally book him. This is the latest case of someone in Korea being caught illegally keeping dangerous wild animals. In July, a crocodile caught in a stream in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, was identified as a Si

1 MIN READ
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Eric Nam says classmates spat in his face — then a Backstreet Boys performance changed everything

Singer Eric Nam has opened up about the racism and bullying he endured while growing up in the United States, revealing how an unlikely high school performance featuring Backstreet Boys and NSYNC songs became a turning point in his life. Nam appeared on the YouTube channel "YouTube Ha Ji-young" on Wednesday and recalled his years at a private school in the U.S., where he said he struggled to fit in with classmates from vastly different backgrounds. "My parents sent me to a private school, but when I got there, all the kids were from wealthy families," Nam said. "My family wasn't poor, but we weren't that rich either." He said the differences went beyond money. "We couldn't relate to each other, and we lived in completely different worlds," he said. "I was bullied a lot. They spat in my face and pulled their eyes back." Despite the abuse, Nam said he decided to focus on what he could control. "I thought I should just do well at what I could do well," he said. He continued to rank among the school's top students, but it was an unexpected moment during his final year of high school that would

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InterviewThriller master Jeong You-jeong trades terror for tenderness in 'Bonobo'

Korean novelist Jeong You-jeong has carried the nickname "Stephen King of Korea" for more than a decade, thanks to her psychological thrillers that probe the darkest corners of human nature. But when the novelist, who was wearing a bright yellow cardigan and an even brighter smile, arrived for an interview in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong on Thursday, she looked nothing like the writer behind some of the country's most unsettling bestsellers. The cheerfulness, Jeong explained with a laugh, comes from long stretches of solitude. Once she begins a novel, she rarely leaves home, so the rare occasions that bring her out into the world tend to leave her in high spirits and full of things to say. "Once I start writing a book, I'm the type who holes up at home and never goes out," she said. "I'm alone all day for a year or two, so whenever I do come out, I can't stop talking." This time, the occasion was "Bonobo," the English translation of her 2019 novel, published in Britain by Honford Star this month. Translated by Brother Anthony, also known by his Korean name An Seon-jae, it is the first of

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Thriller master Jeong You-jeong trades terror for tenderness in 'Bonobo' thumbnail

Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] Kids on stage: How young is too young to debut in K-pop?

COVER STORY Kids on stage: How young is too young to debut in K-pop?

A2O LITE, a K-pop act that debuted last week, gained attention not only because its debut single "Neon" topped Melon's Top 100 chart about 29 hours after its release, but also due to the fact that three of the nine members — Ayune, Oa and Aijing — are 13 years old. The group, launched by former SM Entertainment chief producer Lee Soo-man through A2O Entertainment, held its debut showcase on Oct. 12 and released its first single the following day. All nine members are minors. The lineup, which notably consisted of members born in 2013, has revived a question K-pop has long left unresolved — whether Korea's protections for child performers, built largely around weekly hour caps and contract clauses, are adequate for children who reach the stage before finishing middle school. Early debuts are nothing new, least of all for Lee. Solo singer BoA debuted under him at the age of 13 in 2000, while SHINee's Taemin and f(x)'s Krystal were 14 when they debuted in 2008 and 2009, respectively. NCT DREAM debuted in 2016 with its youngest members at 14. Culture critic Jung Duk-hyun said Lee's app

4 MIN READ

Life in Korea

African architect's career break leads to unexpected modeling fame in Korea

African architect's career break leads to unexpected modeling fame in Korea

For Tanoé Akouba Leïla Olivia, modeling was the last thing on her mind when she came to Korea, because she was certain about her aspirations of working as an architect. Her professional training in interior design and 3D visualization in the U.K., Italy and Spain cemented her commitment to the field, until a career break in Korea made her rethink her path and eventually become a full-time model. Born in Cote d’Ivoire to an Ivorian father and Malian mother, Leïla spent her early childhood traveling between countries due to the nature of her parents’ work. Her childhood was filled with memories of the bright streets of Manchester, the antique avenues of Spain and the bustling roads of Italy. From time to time, she would find herself enjoying the flavorful food in Nigeria and exploring the historical and colorful streets of Togo and Senegal. This lifestyle led her to consider herself “un enfant du monde” — a French expression meaning “child of the world.” After completing her internship in Marbella and Valencia, she took a big leap and moved to China to work as a 3D visua

6 MIN READ
Yongsan District launches stamp tour linking YouTube videos, local landmarks

Yongsan District launches stamp tour linking YouTube videos, local landmarks

2 MIN READ
Apgujeong Rodeo Street to host world food, music festival Sunday

Apgujeong Rodeo Street to host world food, music festival Sunday

2 MIN READ

Lifestyle

Rarely opened gate links 2 Seoul palaces for exclusive night tours

Visitors will be able to walk between Changdeok Palace and Changgyeong Palace in central Seoul at night next month through a gate that is normally closed to the public, as part of a ticketed night tour, the Korea Heritage Service said Wednesday. The tour, called “Donggwol Dongnak,” runs from Nov. 10-15. It is organized by the agency’s Royal Palaces and Tombs Center and the Korea Heritage Agency. The two palaces were together known as Donggwol, or the “Eastern Palaces,” during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) because they stood east of Gyeongbok Palace, the main royal palace. The 110-minute program combines a guided tour of both palaces with free time to explore their rear gardens. Guides playing court painters from Dohwaseo, the Joseon-era royal bureau of painting, will lead participants through major halls of Changgyeong Palace and the rear garden of Changdeok Palace. Short plays about historical figures linked to each site will be staged at four stops along the route. During the free-viewing time, participants can pass through Yeongchunmun, a gate between the palaces’ rear g

2 MIN READ
Rarely opened gate links 2 Seoul palaces for exclusive night tours
In Seoul's Seongbuk-dong, art finds a home in historic spaces

In Seoul's Seongbuk-dong, art finds a home in historic spaces

3 MIN READ
Korea to certify 1,000 Korean restaurants abroad with expanded rating system

Korea to certify 1,000 Korean restaurants abroad with expanded rating system

2 MIN READ
Seoul Hiking Week to offer unique autumn trail experiences

Seoul Hiking Week to offer unique autumn trail experiences

3 MIN READ
Korean sci-fi writers bring imaginative worlds to major French festival

Korean sci-fi writers bring imaginative worlds to major French festival

2 MIN READ

K-Culture

IVE turns Seoul's futuristic DDP into K-pop comeback stage

Seoul is transforming one of its most iconic architectural landmarks into a high-octane venue for K-pop, partnering with girl group IVE to launch its latest comeback campaign at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in an effort to turn global fandom into tourism revenues and longer hotel stays. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Design Foundation are supporting the campaign, titled “DIVE IN TO LIGHT,” which began Monday at DDP and runs through Nov. 30. The building’s exterior displays special videos featuring IVE, with a more elaborate presentation planned to coincide with the release of the group’s new album on Monday, when synchronized laser effects and lighting will accompany its new music. A promotional booth is operating at DDP from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. through Nov. 1, featuring album-themed photo zones and displays of hero masks worn by IVE members. Visitors who post photos of the installations and DDP’s outdoor media displays on social media can receive commemorative postcards created through the collaboration, while Honey Presso, a cafe inside DDP Market, is offering

2 MIN READ
IVE turns Seoul's futuristic DDP into K-pop comeback stage
After 20 years in acting, Jung Il-woo ventures into film investment, distribution

After 20 years in acting, Jung Il-woo ventures into film investment, distribution

5 MIN READ
Illit's 'Magnetic' becomes fastest debut song by K-pop group to reach 900 mil. streams

Illit's 'Magnetic' becomes fastest debut song by K-pop group to reach 900 mil. streams

1 MIN READ
ITZY's Chaeryeong to make solo debut with mini album 'Lovesick' on Nov. 9

ITZY's Chaeryeong to make solo debut with mini album 'Lovesick' on Nov. 9

2 MIN READ
IVE to release new song 'Looks Can Kill'

IVE to release new song 'Looks Can Kill'

1 MIN READ

Celebrities

TWICE's Jihyo leaves JYP after 21 years to launch own agency

Jihyo, a member of K-pop girl group TWICE, said Wednesday she has left JYP Entertainment to establish her own agency. In a handwritten letter posted on social media, Jihyo said she had ended her contract with JYP, where she had been for 21 years since childhood. "I have established Emithaus," she wrote. "Through this new home, I hope to freely explore even the possibilities within myself that I have yet to discover." The 29-year-old singer added, "I will approach every future choice and activity with greater care and a stronger sense of responsibility, as I step out of a familiar environment and continue my work in a new way." Jihyo plans to pursue her solo music career under the new agency while continuing activities with TWICE. JYP Entertainment, one of Korea's major K-pop agencies, had managed Jihyo since she joined the company as a trainee before TWICE's 2015 debut.

1 MIN READ
TWICE's Jihyo leaves JYP after 21 years to launch own agency
Son Ye-jin's Japan vacation look sparks unexpected fashion debate

Son Ye-jin's Japan vacation look sparks unexpected fashion debate

2 MIN READ
Inside EJAE's Seoul wedding: 'KPop Demon Hunters' singer unveils bridal photos

Inside EJAE's Seoul wedding: 'KPop Demon Hunters' singer unveils bridal photos

2 MIN READ
Ha Ji-won has special way of eating kimchi to reduce sodium intake

Ha Ji-won has special way of eating kimchi to reduce sodium intake

2 MIN READ
Actress Oh Yoon-ah shares details of newlywed life

Actress Oh Yoon-ah shares details of newlywed life

1 MIN READ

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Export push seeks to breathe new life into Korea's hollowed-out mining towns

  2. Pharmacies emerge as new K-beauty stops for foreign tourists

  3. Explore one of Seoul's trendiest spots through architect-led tour of Seongsu

  4. AnalysisNorth Korea's diversifying missile arsenal complicates South's defense

  5. Lee showed how he uses AI. Trump isn't telling

  6. Why Gemini is at the center of Korean politics

  7. 5 creepy Korean creatures, both famed and obscure

  8. When Koreans were the foreigners: 'Ode to My Father' revisited

  9. COVER STORY Acquittal revives Seoul mayor's presidential prospects

  10. Spring comes earlier, autumn foliage later as climate change alters forests

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