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N. Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward East Sea: JCS

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Saturday, South Korea's military said, just a day after South Korea, the United States and Japan wrapped up their trilateral military exercise. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected multiple ballistic missiles launched from the Wonsan area at around 5:20 a.m., adding that it is analyzing the exact specifications with the U.S. side. The missiles flew about 250 kilometers before coming down in the sea, the JCS said. South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities have monitored and shared the North's movements from the early stages, and shared relevant information with Japan, the JCS said. "Our military is closely monitoring North Korea's various movements under a firm South Korea-U.S. defense posture, and maintains the capabilities and readiness to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations," it added. The North appears to have fired its Hwasong-11 series of ballistic missiles and rounds from 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers in successive order across several occasions, sources said. The lates

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REPORTER’S NOTEBOOKTaiwan-China row at Gwangju Biennale could have been avoided

JEONNAM-GWANGJU SPECIAL METROPOLITAN CITY — The "Taiwan Pavilion" dispute that overshadowed the opening of the 16th Gwangju Biennale last weekend wasn't a mere display of diplomatic tension between China and Taiwan that erupted randomly at an art event. It laid bare a deep-running problem with one of Asia’s best-known contemporary art event organizers and raised a question: Is the organizer's management system working? The biennale, launched in 1995 in the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980, has grown into Korea’s largest and Asia’s oldest and best contemporary art biennale. It has more than 10 billion won ($7.44 million) in public funding and related spending committed to each edition. Its 2026 operating budget was set at about 14.3 billion won, excluding a separate 1 billion won for replenishing its basic assets. It seems that the problem boils down to its precarious staffing model. A team manager-level Gwangju Biennale Foundation employee on a short-term contract told The Korea Times that the biennale’s core working staff numbers only around 30, with t

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Beyond choreography: K-pop performance directors step into spotlight

As K-pop acts take on increasingly ambitious performances at home and abroad, the people turning their music into a live spectacle are now stepping out from behind the scenes. Performance directors oversee nearly every visual element of a performance, from choreography and dancer formations to costumes, lighting and stage sets. Once largely seen as an extension of choreography in K-pop, the job is increasingly being recognized as a creative role of its own. That distinction has become visible enough to form an entire television competition. Mnet’s “Street World Fighter: Directors’ War,” which premiered Aug. 18, puts 10 established choreographers in competition not simply over who can create the best dance, but over who can best direct a complete performance. Instead of competing with their own dance crews, contestants vie to have their names credited as performance directors. The format reflects a distinction that has long been blurry in K-pop. Choreographers create the movements that make up a routine, while performance directors are tasked with deciding how those movements and

3 MIN READ
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Iran-backed Houthis seize key island, opening new front in Iran war

CAIRO — Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels captured a strategic island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, two officials said Friday, opening a new front in the Iran war and further threatening Saudi oil exports through one of the world’s key shipping lanes. The Houthis’ biggest territorial gains in years, along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait , could boost Iran’s strategy of driving up world oil and gas prices to pressure the United States. Saudi Arabia struck the airport in the nearby port city of Mokha that the Houthis seized Thursday, a Houthi broadcaster said. There were no reports of damage or deaths. The capture of Mayun , a tiny, barren volcanic island inside the strait also known as Perim, was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen’s internationally recognized government and by a Houthi official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to journalists. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has increasingly relied on the Red Sea to get its crude to market as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran h

4 MIN READ
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US stocks jump as oil eases, inflation comes in near expectations

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks are rebounding Friday and clawing back much of their losses for the week after oil prices eased off their recent spurt. An update on inflation across the United States that came in close to economists’ expectations, even if prices are still rising too quickly for everyone's liking, also helped calm the market. The S&P 500 climbed 1 percent and was on track to break a four-day losing streak, its longest since June. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 479 points, or 0.9 percent, as of 10:30 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 1.2 percent higher. They got help from a pullback in oil prices, which had jumped to their highest levels since May because of the ongoing war with Iran. The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, fell 2.5 percent to $104.93 after getting near $110 overnight. That took a bit of pressure off inflation, which remains stubbornly high. A report on Friday showed that U.S. consumers had to pay prices for gasoline, food and other costs of living that were 3.4 percent higher last month than a year earlier. Whi

3 MIN READ
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Stars of Korea's beloved 'Infinite Challenge' reveal panic, sleepless nights behind the laughs

MBC's "Infinite Challenge" was one of South Korea's most beloved variety shows, making viewers laugh week after week during its long run. But years after the show ended, several of its best-known cast members are revealing the intense psychological pressure they endured behind the scenes. Haha recently said the stress of filming the hit program became so severe that, looking back, he believes he was experiencing panic disorder. His account follows similar revelations from former castmates Jung Hyung-don and Jung Joon-ha, who have spoken about anxiety, sleepless nights and the emotional toll of trying to deliver laughs every week. Appearing on KBS 2TV's "Boss in the Mirror" on Sept. 6, Haha was asked by comedian Park Young-jin how he had managed to survive for so long in weekend variety television. "Popularity isn't something I can decide. Viewers' reactions are what matter," Haha said. He then recalled the anxiety he felt ahead of the weekly "Infinite Challenge" shoots. "We filmed every Thursday, but because of the pressure, my heart would start pounding from Tuesday evening," he said. "Lo

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Korea's hottest new cultural exports take center stage at The Hyundai Seoul

Forget cheap plastic keychains and generic refrigerator magnets. Korea is elevating the humble travel souvenir into a high-design art form, debuting its premier lineup of culturally rooted artisanal goods in the heart of Yeouido. Starting Friday, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) unveiled "Korea Select 25," an exclusive 10-day showcase at The Hyundai Seoul running through Sept. 20. Staged on the department store’s lively fifth floor, the pop-up introduces the 25 winning entries of the 2026 Korea Tourism Souvenir Contest to the public for the first time. The crown jewel of this year’s competition — securing the prestigious Presidential Award — is a handcrafted brass tableware set titled "The Brilliant Stage of Baudeogi, Unfolded on the Dining Table." Drawing inspiration from the traditional folding fans used by Baudeogi, Korea’s legendary 19th-century female folk performer from Anseong, the "bangjja yugi" (forged bronze) collection seamlessly blends historic performing arts with modern lifestyle aesthetics. The choice of venue reflects a broader shift in how international vis

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Korea demands years of Google records over sex-crime victim data exposure

The Korean government said Friday it is reviewing Google’s potential legal liability over the exposure of sensitive personal information submitted in digital sex-crime content removal requests, while demanding that the tech firm disclose whether similar cases occurred dating back to 2018. Gender Equality and Family Minister Won Min-kyung said the ministry, along with the Korea Media and Communications Commission, is closely examining whether Google violated laws governing the punishment of sexual crimes, telecommunications services and information-and-communications networks. Separately on the same day, the Personal Information Protection Commission launched an investigation into the incident, requesting materials from Google to establish the facts about how the information was leaked and ended up on an external website. This comes after the ministry found on Aug. 25 that some information submitted to Google by victims of digital sex crimes and human rights organizations seeking the removal of illegal sexual content had been posted on a third-party website, whose name was not disclose

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FM Cho tells Iran no decision made on possible Hormuz deployment during ministerial talks

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told his Iranian counterpart Friday that Seoul has made no decision on a possible deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, officials said, amid speculation over Seoul's possible military role in securing the strategic waterway. Cho made the remarks during phone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi as Seoul is weighing options for contributing to efforts to secure the strait amid U.S. pressure. Iran has strongly opposed any foreign military involvement. During the talks, Cho expressed deep concern over the recent situation in the Middle East and voiced hope that sustainable peace and stability would be restored in the region, according to the ministry. On the Strait of Hormuz, Cho underscored Seoul's consistent position that the free and safe passage of all vessels must be guaranteed and reiterated South Korea's continued participation in international efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. "Cho conveyed our position that no decision has been made regarding a possible deployment and stressed the

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Why K-pop vocal coaches behind EXO, aespa are betting on virtual idols in Japan

It’s hard to say exactly how many K-pop artists have trained under Jang Jin-young and Kim Seong-pil, two of the industry’s most prominent vocal directors, or received their guidance in the recording studio. Jang has trained numerous SM Entertainment acts, including EXO, Red Velvet, SHINee, NCT, aespa, RIIZE and Hearts2Hearts. Kim currently works primarily with artists at The Black Label, while also coaching Japan-based acts including Avex-affiliated XG and artists under LDH. Together, they have spent years shaping the voices of countless stars. The two vocal directors are now stepping into new roles as producers and their first act is an unexpected choice — a five-member virtual idol group aimed at the Japanese market. The pair founded A-TOP Company in 2013 and have since worked with entertainment agencies in Korea and overseas, drawing on more than two decades of vocal training experience. They later established A-TOP Universe to develop and produce their own artists. Their first project is a “2.5D” virtual act combining Japanese subculture with the K-pop production system. Th

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More young workers start in nonregular jobs, widening regular employment gap: study

The gap between Korea's regular and nonregular workers is widening, with more young people starting their careers in nonregular jobs than in previous generations. According to a report by the National Assembly Futures Institute on Thursday, one in three people born between 1989 and 1998 started their careers in nonregular jobs, nearly twice the rate for those born between 1969 and 1978, who entered the labor market around the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The report analyzed the first jobs of 14,241 people born between 1962 and 1998. The share of those who started as nonregular workers rose steadily across generations. The rate stood at 12.7 percent for those born between 1962 and 1968, who experienced Korea's period of high economic growth. That share then climbed to 17.4 percent for the generation that lived through the financial crisis, born between 1969 and 1978, and 28.7 percent for the pre- and post- financial crisis generation, born between 1979 and 1988. It reached 33.5 percent for those born between 1989 and 1998, who came of age as Korea's economic growth slowed. Job stability a

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PM stresses profitability of $350 bil. US investment pledge, rejects discrimination claims against Coupang

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Friday that Korea’s $350 billion investment commitment to the United States must be commercially viable and deliver tangible benefits to both countries. During a meeting hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) in Seoul, she also said the Korean government does not discriminate against companies based on nationality. “Rather than benefiting only one side, it must bring substantive benefits to both countries while maintaining commercial viability,” Han said during the meeting at The Shilla Seoul hotel. “As this is an investment, discussions are also taking place on how to ensure profitability.” The prime minister added that negotiations were progressing smoothly and that establishing a successful model through the first project could pave the way for broader bilateral cooperation. Her remarks came in response to a question from AMCHAM Chairman James Kim, who said stakeholders he met during a recent visit to Washington repeatedly expressed concern that Korea’s investment pledge had yet to produce concrete results. Han’s co

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ReviewSeoul dance troupe's contemporary take on shamanic rituals

Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre’s new work, “Gut: Whispering Steps,” turned little-known shamanic rituals in Korea into a contemporary meditation on suffering, pain and the difficult work of saving oneself. Known as "gut," shamanic ritual was a communication tool between the living and the deceased. A shaman served as a helper in the communication. Usually, descendants sought health, luck and suffering-free life from their ancestors. Gut from Seoul and neighboring regions, in particular, offers a unique session called "mugamseogi," during which a client gets dressed like a shaman and performs a spontaneous dance. The premise was simple but forceful: Blessings were not merely granted to those who wait for them. They must be pursued through one’s body and will. That became the source of inspiration for the dance production. The new work, created by Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre's artistic director Yun Hea-joung, unfolds the pain, memories, healing and liberation of human life through five variations of tears, each tied to “obangsaek,” the five cardinal colors in Korean trad

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Korean Air, Asiana to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi services

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are set to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service, becoming the first East Asian full-service carriers to adopt the system. Korean Air said Friday it will roll out the service starting Tuesday on four retrofitted aircraft — three Airbus A350-900s and one Boeing 777-300ER. These planes will be deployed first on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia, with some also assigned to short-haul routes. Korean Air will offer the service free of charge across all seating classes and plans to expand it to most of its operating fleet by the end of 2027. Asiana Airlines, which is set to merge with Korean Air, will also offer free Starlink-based in-flight Wi-Fi on select flights. The service will first apply to nine A350-900s and one A330-300 that completed installation of the communication equipment this month, with the remaining aircraft to follow gradually. To use the service, passengers must switch their devices to airplane mode and connect to the in-flight network. They then enter the passenger name and s

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Chicken dishes give wings to Chuncheon tourism, fuel local economy

CHUNCHEON, Gangwon Province — Famous for its stir-fried and grilled chicken dish, known in Korean as dakgalbi, Chuncheon has long drawn visitors from across the country to its local eateries. The city is now putting that culinary appeal at the center of the government’s fledgling initiative to revitalize domestic tourism by linking local food with popular tourist attractions. In June, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced "K-Chicken Belt," a vetted list of 552 restaurants and venues in 30 cities known for chicken dishes. As the city representing dakgalbi in the program, Chuncheon and KORAIL Tourism Development have jointly launched a tourism package featuring the city’s famed foods, traditional liquors, sightseeing destinations and local experience spots. The Korea Food Promotion Institute under the ministry is organizing the program. The package, available for a limited period in October through KORAIL's tourism package online sale platform, includes meals of dakgalbi, grilled barbecue chicken, makguksu (buckwheat noodles), fine-dining restaurants and a p

3 MIN READ
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Korean retail investors in US stocks suffer as won strengthens

Hong, a woman in her 30s living in Seoul, is having second thoughts about her U.S. stock investments. "I increased the share of U.S. stocks in my portfolio about two months ago because the Korean market was doing poorly. But the stronger won has left my returns below expectations. I'm not sure whether to sell or just hold the stocks for the long term," she said. Hong is not alone. The won's recent strengthening against the dollar has cut returns for many Korean retail investors holding U.S. stocks, as currency losses offset stock gains. The won-dollar exchange rate closed at 1,339.2 won per dollar on Thursday, down sharply from the 1,550-won range seen two months ago after several weeks of declines. The won's strengthening can significantly reduce returns even when U.S. stocks rise. For example, a 20 percent gain on a U.S. stock would translate into a return of only about 4 percent for a Korean investor if the won-dollar exchange rate falls by around 14 percent. The recent currency move has led some investors to consider selling their U.S. stocks as the won continues to strengthen. However

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Why expecting parents are flying to Japan for baby products

The trend among expectant parents taking so-called “babymoon” trips before childbirth is changing. While destinations such as Guam and Southeast Asia were once popular choices, Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are increasingly emerging as preferred destinations. Japan has long been favored for babymoons because of its relatively short travel time from Korea and food that tends to suit Korean tastes. But the recent trend is notably different from the past, when Okinawa, a resort destination, was the Japanese destination most sought after by expectant parents. According to a review by Hankook Ilbo on Wednesday, posts and videos featuring successful purchases of baby products in Japan are increasingly easy to find on Korean online portals and social media. Akachan Honpo, Japan’s best-known specialty retailer for baby and childcare products, has long been considered a “must-visit” destination among Korean expectant parents. Some shoppers even share tips on how to transport their purchases safely. These include buying cushioning materials at stores in Japan to protect the pr

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Editor's Pick

[WEEKENDER] Foreign victims shut out of Korea's 'jeonse' fraud relief efforts

WEEKENDER Foreign victims shut out of Korea's 'jeonse' fraud relief efforts

At the start of 2022, Nan Ming-ji, a 40-year-old with Chinese citizenship, moved with his parents into a home in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. The family put down a 140 million won ($104,000) deposit — money his parents had saved since arriving in Korea two decades ago. It was no small sum. But under the country’s distinct “jeonse” system, such large upfront deposits have long been the norm. Instead of paying monthly rent, tenants put down a lump sum that is returned in full when the lease ends. For landlords, the deposits provide access to a large pool of capital they can invest or earn interest on. In October 2023, Nan’s father found a notice saying their home was being put up for auction. Just weeks later, the family learned that their landlord owned several other buildings in his wife’s and brother-in-law’s names. Those properties, too, had been flagged for auction. The family had fallen victim to a form of jeonse fraud that has spread rapidly across Korea over the past decade. Some landlords used deposits from multiple tenants to acquire properties with little of their ow

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Life in Korea

Half Local magazine brings fresh perspective on Seoul through 1st print issue

Half Local magazine brings fresh perspective on Seoul through 1st print issue

It can often feel overwhelming to look up social media recommendations for things to do in Seoul. There are aesthetic cafes tucked away in Seongsu-dong, where visitors might wait 40 minutes for a seat, or the latest “must-visit” Korean beauty store that has taken over Instagram. But for those who live in Seoul, those sites aren't necessarily part of the city they know and love. Enter Half Local, a media project exploring Seoul’s communities, neighborhoods and creative stories, offering a glimpse of the city beyond the trends that dominate social media. After initially sharing its stories online, Half Local is now entering the world of print with the release of its first physical magazine. Created by longtime British foreign resident Ella Kaill alongside Korean photographer Harry Heo, the first issue brings together a collection of stories built around a simple idea: being close enough to understand Korea, but far enough away to still see it with fresh eyes. After studying Korean in university, Kaill moved to the country in 2019 and gradually became immersed in its culture and ever

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Lifestyle

From vitamin C to fiber: Nutritional benefits of fresh jujubes

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Fresh jujubes are now in season, offering a brief taste of early fall. Unlike dried jujubes, fresh ones contain plenty of water and have a crisp, apple-like texture, making them an easy snack to enjoy. They are also rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, making them a good choice for an early-autumn snack that combines flavor and nutrition. Fresh jujubes are known for containing considerably more vitamin C than apples. Vitamin C is an antioxidant nutrient that helps maintain normal immune function and protect cells from oxidative damage. It is also essential for collagen production, which helps maintain healthy skin, gums and blood vessels. The skin contains antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids, while the dietary fiber in the flesh can support bowel movements and regularity. Jujubes also provide potassium, which can help the body excrete excess sodium and support healthy blood pressure. Because fresh jujubes are typically eaten with their skin on, they can provide a wider range of nutrients. The easiest way to enjoy fresh jujubes is t

2 MIN READ
From vitamin C to fiber: Nutritional benefits of fresh jujubes

K-Culture

BTS' Jung Kook can't get enough of RESCENE, shares 'Love Attack' performance

BTS member Jung Kook has once again shown his interest in rising girl group RESCENE, this time sharing a video of the group performing live. On Friday, Jung Kook posted the video on his Instagram account. The clip shows RESCENE performing "Love Attack" the previous day at Spotify House Seoul, held at Anderson C in Seongdong District, Seoul. It was not the first time Jung Kook had drawn attention to the group. In July, he shared a video of RESCENE member Minami covering his solo song "Still With You." He added "yaho," a phrase often associated with Minami, to the post. Minami has previously said that she was a fan of BTS even before making her debut, making Jung Kook's repeated attention to RESCENE particularly noteworthy among fans. After sharing Minami's cover in July, Jung Kook has now personally captured and posted the group's live performance, drawing renewed attention from fans. Jung Kook also shared a video of boy group RIIZE performing "Get A Guitar" at the event. RIIZE member Sohee has previously said that he is a fan of Jung Kook, adding another fan-to-idol connection to the BTS s

1 MIN READ
BTS' Jung Kook can't get enough of RESCENE, shares 'Love Attack' performance

Celebrities

Yim Si-wan turns heads with bulked-up physique

Actor Yim Si-wan is drawing attention for a noticeably more muscular physique that contrasts with the slim, youthful image he has long been known for. Yim attended an event celebrating the launch of a fragrance brand at a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, on Thursday. For the event, he wore a white shirt over a matching top with beige wide-leg pants, completing the clean look with several necklaces and rings. What stood out most, however, was his noticeably broader and more muscular build. Yim, who is known to have recently bulked up, showed off broader shoulders and a more defined upper body that were apparent even beneath his shirt. The transformation gave the actor, long known for his slender frame and boyish image, a markedly different presence. His short hairstyle further accentuated the change, adding a stronger and more mature edge to his appearance. Yet close-up photos showed that Yim's signature youthful looks remain largely unchanged. His clear complexion, defined features and gentle smile created a striking contrast with his newly muscular physique. The combination of

1 MIN READ
Yim Si-wan turns heads with bulked-up physique

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. 'That's why we fight': Trump links 9/11 to Iran conflict

  2. Korea demands years of Google records over sex-crime victim data exposure

  3. N. Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward East Sea: JCS

  4. More young workers start in nonregular jobs, widening regular employment gap: study

  5. Iran-backed Houthis seize key island, opening new front in Iran war

  6. TEST DRIVE Lexus NX 450h+ reveals sporty side

  7. US stocks jump as oil eases, inflation comes in near expectations

  8. REPORTER’S NOTEBOOKTaiwan-China row at Gwangju Biennale could have been avoided

  9. Korean Air, Asiana to offer free in-flight Wi-Fi services

  10. Son Ye-jin to give rare glimpse of married life with Hyun Bin

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