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COVER STORY Marathons at city centers inconvenience residents

Approximately 40,000 runners participated in the Seoul DongA Marathon on March 15. The race began on a Sunday morning at 5 a.m., starting from Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul and stretching to Jamsil Sports Complex in the city's southeastern Songpa District. The annual marathon was hosted by a major newspaper company together with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency approved the race and its path. Police took charge of traffic control during the race, deploying forces from Jongno District, Hyehwa-dong, Namdaemun Market, Jung District, Dongdaemun Market, Seongdong District, Gwangjin District, Songpa District and Suseo-dong. Traffic controls were imposed and lifted at different times to allow for the passage of runners through each area. Controls around the Jamsil section were lifted at 2:30 p.m., nearly 10 hours after the first were imposed at the start of the race. While the participants were running across the city to cheers from onlookers, others were complaining. The event caused massive traffic issues across the city as vehicles were forc

4 MIN READ
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Korea seeks to expand US naval cooperation from MRO to shipbuilding

Korea is seeking to expand its naval cooperation with the United States beyond maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) to the construction of U.S. support and combat vessels, as Washington looks to its allies to help ease constraints in its shipbuilding capacity. Korean shipbuilders have won 12 U.S. Navy MRO contracts since 2024, including five this year, according to Kim Il-dong, vice minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). But Kim said the significance of those contracts goes beyond the number of vessels serviced. “MRO is not an end in itself, but a gateway to broader cooperation,” Kim said during a policy seminar on Korea-U.S. defense industrial cooperation at the National Assembly, Wednesday. “The two countries should work to build on the experience gained through MRO and extend it to combat vessel maintenance and, eventually, shipbuilding." The seminar was co-hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and the office of Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party. Kim said Korean shipyards have been learning U.S. Navy procedures as we

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President moves to quell reelection talk, but stops short of explicit denial

President Lee Jae Myung has stressed that his term in office is constitutionally limited, in what was seen as an attempt to defuse controversy amid speculation that he wants to extend his presidency through constitutional reform. His remark, however, appears to have fallen short of ending the criticism, with the main opposition party criticizing him for not explicitly denying that he intends to seek another term. “In any event, my term is clearly limited under the Constitution,” the president said during a meeting with the Korean community in Paris on the final day of his state visit to France, Wednesday (local time). He arrived back in Korea on Thursday. Lee’s comment came as he explained why he had arranged multiple overseas trips during his second year in office under Korea’s current single five-year presidency. “Even if I build strong relations with other countries later in my term, there will inevitably be limited opportunities to capitalize on them ... I need to begin summit diplomacy early to ensure that its benefits can be enjoyed for as long as possible,” he said. Alt

2 MIN READ
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Gender minister nominee reiterates intention to maintain Assembly seat

Gender Minister nominee Yong Hye-in on Thursday reiterated her intention to retain her National Assembly seat, stressing that lawmakers are allowed to concurrently serve as Cabinet members by law. The remarks came amid growing calls for Yong to give up her parliamentary seat after she earlier said she would keep her seat even after joining the Cabinet. "The law allows lawmakers to concurrently serve as Cabinet members," she said during a press conference at the National Assembly. Under current law, lawmakers can double as members of the Cabinet, though proportional representatives have customarily given up their parliamentary seats to join the Cabinet, passing on the post to the next candidate in line on the proportional representation list. Yong, who is currently the sole lawmaker of the minor Basic Income Party, earlier said she would keep her Assembly seat even if she becomes the minister, noting that her party would become a non-parliamentary party should she resign as lawmaker. "It is difficult to simply apply past convention to my case, as I am the first sitting opposition lawmaker

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KOSPI falls as oil prices jump, but retains 7,000

The KOSPI edged lower Thursday amid a surge in international oil prices triggered by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, but managed to close above the 7,000 mark. The benchmark index closed at 7,033.92, down 0.25 percent from the previous session. The index opened 0.18 percent lower and rose as high as 7,072.79 before falling to 6,898.45. It then fluctuated around the 7,000 level as institutional selling pressure eased. Foreign investors sold a net 2.48 trillion won ($1.85 billion) worth of shares, while retail and institutional investors bought a net 380 billion won and 433.5 billion won, respectively. SK hynix fell 0.16 percent to close at 1.853 million won, while Samsung Electronics lost 0.19 percent to finish at 269,000 won. The secondary Kosdaq, meanwhile, rose 0.79 percent to close at 836.92. Despite strength in U.S. semiconductor shares after Meta unveiled its agentic AI, Muse, external risks continued to weigh on the stock market. With little prospect of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. resuming in the near term, international oil prices continued to rise. West Texas I

2 MIN READ
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Korean team for Strait of Hormuz assessment returns from UAE

A Korean government team tasked with assessing the security situation near the Strait of Hormuz returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, sources said, as Seoul cautiously weighs a potential military deployment amid U.S. pressure. The team, consisting of defense and foreign ministry officials, had left for the UAE on the weekend to conduct an on-site assessment of the overall security and operational situations near the strait, including checking key military bases and ports, as well as logistical and other conditions. They arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on Thursday, according to the sources, without specifying other details. The mission to Abu Dhabi was carried out very discreetly as Seoul is carefully deliberating its potential role in helping secure a free and safe passage through the crucial shipping lane amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The team's dispatch has widely been interpreted as Seoul leaning toward a military deployment to join U.S.-led operations in the region, triggering immediate backlash from Tehran. The deployment issue has

2 MIN READ
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Seoul launches $65 bil. plan targeting global top 3 city status by 2030

Seoul will invest 86.1 trillion won ($65 billion) through June 2030 in 100 projects aimed at placing the Korean capital among the world’s top three cities, with a focus on enhancing the quality of residents’ daily lives. Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the G3 Seoul Plan at Seoul City Hall on Thursday, presenting it as his administration’s overarching agenda for responding to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), demographic shifts and intensifying competition for global talent. Of the total, 53.7 trillion won will come from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, while the central government will cover 9.2 trillion won, while private companies and other sources will contribute 23.2 trillion won. Under the vision of “Global Top Seoul, a city of exceptional quality of life,” officials said they will measure global competitiveness not only through economic and industrial indicators, but also through changes residents can experience in their everyday lives, including housing, health care, safety, education and transportation. One of the key elements of the initiative is the city’s push

2 MIN READ
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Korea to send 2nd disaster relief team to Nepal as flood response shifts to recovery

Korea will send its second overseas emergency relief team to Nepal this week to support the country's shift of its focus from search and rescue to recovery following devastating floods, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday. The eight-member Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) will depart aboard a KC-330 military transport aircraft and arrive in Nepal on Friday, consisting of officials from the ministry, firefighters, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) personnel and medical staff, according to the ministry. The team, which also includes a small number of rescue personnel, will focus mainly on reconstruction and recovery operations during its seven-day mission, it added. Nine Koreans — six employees of Doosan Enerbility and three of Korea South-East Power — went missing Aug. 26 after massive floods and landslides hit Rasuwa District near the Nepal-Tibet border while they were working at a hydropower plant construction site. "Nepal has decided to shift its operations from search and rescue to reconstruction and recovery and has asked us to support recovery efforts in the aff

2 MIN READ
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Korea mulls acquiring Westinghouse stake in US investment package

Korea and the United States are reportedly discussing a possible Korean investment in Westinghouse Electric, as plans to include the construction of eight large nuclear reactors in the U.S. in a broader investment package have gained a momentum. The prospect of Korea's acquiring a stake in Westinghouse has drawn attention because it could give the country greater leverage in addressing intellectual property (IP) issues that have long constrained its nuclear export ambitions. But experts caution that a financial investment alone may do little unless it is accompanied by meaningful voting rights, governance safeguards and clear commercial returns. According to government sources, the two sides have put the Westinghouse issue on the negotiating table after the U.S. proposed the idea. The potential investment is being discussed alongside a project to build eight large-scale reactors in the U.S. For Korea, the most immediate strategic benefit would be a stronger position in negotiations over IP. Korea’s state-run nuclear plant operator, the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and the country’s

3 MIN READ
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Further rate hikes hinge on chip boom's impact on inflation: BOK

The Bank of Korea (BOK) on Thursday said the impact of the semiconductor export boom on inflation will be one of the key factors in deciding whether to raise interest rates further, keeping the door open to additional monetary tightening. In its September Monetary Policy Report, the central bank said it will need to closely monitor changes in domestic and external conditions before determining the timing and pace of additional rate hikes, given that solid growth and above-target inflation are expected to persist for some time. "From the perspective of the real economy, the key considerations are whether renewed tensions in the Middle East will push up cost pressures again, and how much and how quickly the strength of semiconductor exports will spill over into domestic demand and demand-side inflation," the report said. The report stressed the need to closely assess the lagged effects of its past rate increases, warning that weaker sectors could face heightened financial strain and calling for a tailored mix of macroeconomic policies to buffer the impact. On financial stability, the centr

3 MIN READ
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S. Korea, US to hold foreign ministerial talks this month: FM Cho

The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States plan to hold bilateral talks later this month, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Thursday, stressing the robust alliance of the two countries. Cho made the remarks during a parliamentary interpellation session, adding that even close allies can still have disagreements on some issues. "The South Korea-U.S. alliance remains fundamentally robust," Cho said in response to a question by Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. "Even countries with a strong alliance can have disagreements on some issues," he said. "Our government has closely worked with the U.S. on such issues through close consultations." Cho also dismissed concerns "circulating" about the South Korea-U.S. alliance as "groundless," saying such differences can be resolved through close consultations between the two countries. Officials at Seoul's foreign ministry earlier said the allies were coordinating a possible visit by Cho to Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss North Korea and other key bilateral issues. The potentia

1 MIN READ
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Gov't expands care safety net for people with developmental disabilities

Families in Korea caring for individuals with developmental disabilities — a category covering lifelong cognitive and neurological conditions like autism and intellectual disabilities — have long operated in a state of quiet crisis, bearing an immense physical, emotional and financial toll behind closed doors. In response, the government has signaled a major structural shift, unveiling a comprehensive plan Thursday to officially transition this care from an isolating household burden into a fully state-backed responsibility. The landmark policy, announced jointly by interagency ministries led by Minister of Health and Welfare Jung Eun-kyeong, directly addresses the institutional gaps that have repeatedly pushed caregiver families to their limits. With roughly 288,000 individuals with developmental disabilities nationwide — representing 11 percent of Korea’s total registered disabled population — the national initiative establishes a lifecycle-based safety net designed to move care out of private homes and directly into structured community frameworks. The announcement carries p

2 MIN READ
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'Yacha rules' in Korea: Students film, sell videos of forced fights amid record school violence

In Korea, the share of elementary school students reporting school violence reached a record 5.7 percent. The overall rate of reported school violence across elementary, middle and high schools hit 2.9 percent, the highest level since the survey began. Educators are increasingly concerned as serious forms of school violence, such as the so-called "yacha rules" and forced fights, become more frequent. The Ministry of Education and 16 regional education offices announced Wednesday the results of the 2026 first-round survey on school violence, which covered approximately 3.9 million students in the fourth through 12th grades. The ministry conducted the online survey covering all eligible students over four weeks starting in April, with approximately 3.19 million, or 81.9 percent, participating. The overall share of students reporting school violence stood at 2.9 percent, up 0.4 percentage points from the first-round survey last year. This marks the highest level since the education ministry began surveying all eligible students in 2013. After dropping to 0.9 percent in 2020 due to the susp

3 MIN READ
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Korean Air faces probe over deleted documents in route case

Korean Air faces possible prosecution after three employees allegedly deleted files and emails during a Fair Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into the airline’s request to ease seat-supply obligations imposed as part of its merger with Asiana Airlines. The FTC said Thursday that it submitted a review report recommending that Korean Air and the three employees each be referred for prosecution over alleged obstruction of the regulator’s investigation. The recommendation is not a final decision. The case will be reviewed by the FTC’s full commission, which will make its final determination after giving Korean Air and the employees opportunities to submit their opinions and review evidence. The watchdog conducted an on-site inspection of Korean Air’s headquarters in Seoul from Feb. 2-6, as part of its review of the airline’s request to ease seat-supply requirements on the Cheongju-Jeju and Jeju-Cheongju routes. According to the FTC, three Korean Air employees deleted work-related electronic files and emails connected to the case between Feb. 2 and 4. Investigators determined th

2 MIN READ
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InterviewActor Park Hae-il champions free press, integrity in 'The Assassin(s)'

Returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus, veteran actor Park Hae-il delivers another quiet yet powerful performance in director Hur Jin-ho’s new historical thriller, "The Assassin(s)." The 49-year-old actor enjoyed one of the defining years of his career in 2022 with Park Chan-wook's critical and commercial hit "Decision to Leave" and the period action blockbuster "Hansan: Rising Dragon." For his return, Park joined Hur again. They previously worked together on the 2016 hit movie "The Last Princess." Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1974, "The Assassin(s)" tackles the real-life assassination of first lady Yuk Young-soo. Instead of focusing on the political conspiracy, the movie examines the cruel atmosphere of the era through the eyes of those seeking the truth. Park plays Jae-hwan, a principled desk editor at a daily newspaper who refuses to back down when faced with state censorship and government pressure. Alongside Yoo Hae-jin, who plays detective Cheol-gu, Park leads a compelling ensemble cast, making the film a strong contender to top the local box office during

3 MIN READ
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Cho Hyun-joon positions Hyosung Heavy Industries for US power boom

Hyosung Heavy Industries is strengthening its foothold in the U.S. power infrastructure market as soaring electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and efforts to replace aging power grids drive a rapid expansion of the country's power infrastructure. The company said Tuesday that its localization strategy, spearheaded by Hyosung Group Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, is beginning to bear fruit as demand rises for ultra-high-voltage power equipment in the United States. Cho anticipated the growing importance of power infrastructure amid the rapid development of AI and has called on Hyosung Heavy Industries to become a "game changer" in the power infrastructure market driving the transformation of global industries. The United States is expanding its 765-kilovolt (kV) ultra-high-voltage transmission network to accommodate rising electricity demand, including from AI data centers. Such networks enable the long-distance transmission of large amounts of electricity with lower losses. Hyosung Heavy Industries currently accounts for nearly half of the U.S. market for 765kV ultra

3 MIN READ
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RoundtableAI-driven anti-aging fuels Korea's next medical tourism wave

Korea's medical tourism industry is on the cusp of its next leap, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and anti-aging care converging to reshape treatment across specialties. Panelists at the Medicon Black Roundtable on Tuesday said Korea already has skilled medical staff and technology and AI now makes possible what wasn't before. Hosted by The Korea Times and the Korea Medical Tourism Promotion Association (KMTPA), the roundtable brought together specialists from Korea's five key medical tourism fields: ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dermatology, dentistry and health checkups. Panelists examined how AI and anti-aging could fuel Korea's medical tourism leap, from diagnosis to treatment. "Combine Korea's clinical strengths with AI, K-beauty, wellness and its national brand, and medical tourism can go beyond simply attracting foreign patients," said Kim Jae-kyoung, managing director of Content and Business Planning at The Korea Times. With anti-aging drawing growing interest, hospitals no longer need to offer a single specialty, panelists said, adding that bundling ophthalmology, denti

3 MIN READ
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Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] Lee caught in Hormuz deployment dilemma

COVER STORY Lee caught in Hormuz deployment dilemma

President Lee Jae Myung is confronting a major dilemma over whether to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz, with the prolonged crisis in the Middle East leaving him caught between conflicting national interests with little room for compromise. The United States, Korea's most important security ally, is intensifying pressure on Seoul to make a military contribution to U.S.-led operations as its war with Iran drags on. Making a military contribution may satisfy Washington and could lead to progress on other bilateral security and economic issues, but Tehran has warned that any Korean military involvement, including noncombat support, will have “serious consequences.” In addition, deployment could also trigger a strong domestic backlash, especially from liberal voters who form the backbone of support for Lee and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). On the other hand, refusing to join the war could invite retaliatory measures from Washington and complicate pending issues such as tariff negotiations, which could also affect domestic politics. “The dilemma goes to the heart of w

3 MIN READ

Life in Korea

Seoul brings free music, film, crafts to local park this weekend

Seoul brings free music, film, crafts to local park this weekend

Seoul is transforming a neighborhood green space into an autumn stage this weekend, hosting two days of free concerts, family activities and an outdoor movie screening. The 2026 Cheonho Park Fall Festival runs from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in Gangdong District, eastern Seoul. The event reflects a broader effort by municipal planners to decentralize culture, turning neighborhood parks into accessible hubs for leisure rather than relying solely on major venues along the Han River or in central Seoul. Cheonho Park, built on the site of a former factory in a densely populated residential zone, serves as a crucial green lung and gathering spot for the local community. The lineup blends live music across multiple genres with interactive workshops for families. Saturday’s schedule features youth hip-hop dance teams, classical guitar sets and a local residents’ singing contest, capped off by performances from singers So Yu-mi and Jung Min-chan. Around the park, visitors can plant potted flowers, design custom photo key rings and get face paintings. Snack stands will distribute compli

2 MIN READ

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

Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room

Mark Lee — the artist and rapper best known as a core member of the global supergroup NCT — released his new single “My Friend” Thursday, marking a pivotal departure from the glossy mechanics of mainstream pop and laying the cornerstone for a new independent chapter. The track serves as his inaugural release under Upper Room, a creative company founded by Lee. Rather than leaning on maximalist production, “My Friend” leans comfortably into restraint. Built over a nostalgic, lingering guitar loop, the mid-tempo pop track wrestles with a timeless late-summer question: What does the highest form of love actually look like? Mark took the reins across every stage of the track's creation, contributing to the songwriting, composition and arrangement. The result is less of a commercial product and more of a personal diary entry — a gentle reflection on closing one chapter of life to step quietly into the next. That ethos carries directly into the song's accompanying music video. Steering entirely clear of computer graphics or artificial staging, director Gus Black — known for his

2 MIN READ
Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room

Celebrities

Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room

Mark Lee — the artist and rapper best known as a core member of the global supergroup NCT — released his new single “My Friend” Thursday, marking a pivotal departure from the glossy mechanics of mainstream pop and laying the cornerstone for a new independent chapter. The track serves as his inaugural release under Upper Room, a creative company founded by Lee. Rather than leaning on maximalist production, “My Friend” leans comfortably into restraint. Built over a nostalgic, lingering guitar loop, the mid-tempo pop track wrestles with a timeless late-summer question: What does the highest form of love actually look like? Mark took the reins across every stage of the track's creation, contributing to the songwriting, composition and arrangement. The result is less of a commercial product and more of a personal diary entry — a gentle reflection on closing one chapter of life to step quietly into the next. That ethos carries directly into the song's accompanying music video. Steering entirely clear of computer graphics or artificial staging, director Gus Black — known for his

2 MIN READ
Former NCT member Mark Lee starts solo era with independent label Upper Room

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Korea's employment dilemma: Can older, younger workers really share job market?

  2. International students in Korea top 500,000 for 1st time on Korean cultural boom

  3. COVER STORY Marathons at city centers inconvenience residents

  4. 12 Koreans arrested in Thailand over alleged voice phishing operation

  5. InterviewKorean arms firms need European joint ventures to expand NATO ties: Czech defense chief

  6. Can AI be a public utility? World watches Korea's bold experiment

  7. Inside Spotify House Seoul — 3 floors built around the listener

  8. Korean team for Strait of Hormuz assessment returns from UAE

  9. Apple debuts its first foldable phone called Duo

  10. President moves to quell reelection talk, but stops short of explicit denial

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