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Gov't wary of chip boom liquidity spilling into housing market

Policymakers are growing increasingly concerned that a wave of liquidity generated by the ongoing semiconductor boom could spill over into Korea's already overheated housing market, fueled by record-high bonus payouts and low-interest employee loans at Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Industry estimates suggest that bonus payouts and employee housing loan programs at the two chipmakers could unleash as much as 53 trillion won ($34.6 billion) in liquidity by next year, raising worries about further pressure on the housing market. The figure includes about 23 trillion won in bonus-related cash and more than 30 trillion won in low-interest housing loans available to employees. The estimates come as both companies prepare to roll out large bonus packages driven by the global artificial intelligence-driven semiconductor boom. SK hynix, which allocates 10 percent of its annual operating profit to employee bonuses, is expected to set aside about 26 trillion won for incentive payments based on forecasts that it will post an operating profit of 260 trillion won this year. The company also offers

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Samsung, SK hynix-linked semiconductor majors more competitive than SNU admissions

University departments guaranteeing jobs at Samsung Electronics and SK hynix required more competitive admissions scores than Seoul National University's (SNU) natural sciences track this year — a notable milestone given that SNU, widely regarded as Korea's most prestigious university, has long set the benchmark for top admissions scores — reflecting surging student demand for chipmaker careers amid record bonus packages at the two companies. According to an analysis released Sunday by Jongno Academy, a private university admissions prep institution, five semiconductor departments partnered with the two semiconductor giants averaged 96.2 in admission scores based on Korea's College Scholastic Ability Test, also known as Suneung, outpacing SNU's natural science track by 0.4 points. The university-corporate partnership model, introduced in 2003, pairs companies with universities to shape curricula around industry needs. Companies support tuition costs, and most students are guaranteed jobs upon completing their degrees. SK hynix has contracts with Hanyang University, Korea University

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Vance meets top Iranian officials as US looks to get negotiations back on track

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland — U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Sunday is meeting with top Iranian officials as the White House looks to build out the interim deal to end the war in Iran reached by the two sides last week. Vance is holding talks with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, at a Swiss mountainside resort near Lake Lucerne. Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar were also in the room for the direct engagement. The U.S. side is looking to get Iran locked into negotiations over its nuclear program amid concerns it may be used for military purposes, which Iran denies. Vance also wants to push Tehran to commit to keeping open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway that about a fifth of the world oil passes. But the on-again, off-again conflict in Lebanon, between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, continues to threaten to derail the effort for the U.S. to win concessions from Tehran on its nuclear program and keep the Strait of Hormuz open. “The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together? Can we turn o

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LG’s top execs to visit Nvidia headquarters for ties in AI, robotics

Senior executives from LG Group’s key affiliates are set to visit Nvidia’s headquarters in California, Monday (local time), to hammer out practical business cooperation in physical artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The high-level visit comes just two weeks after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and at his corporate headquarters in Seoul for a landmark meeting. At that time, the two tech leaders agreed to solidify a comprehensive partnership across the AI ecosystem, including the co-development of reference robots, AI infrastructure and future mobility. The upcoming meeting in California underscores how rapidly the road map for cooperation between the two tech giants is taking shape. A large-scale working group of around 30 LG executives will fly to the U.S., including LG CNS CEO Hyun Shin-gyoon, LG Electronics Chief Technology Officer Kim Byoung-hoon and LG Sciencepark head Jeong Su-heon. Experts from LG AI Research will also join the delegation. The executives are also expected to pitch the so-called "One LG" strategy, pooling the core capabilit

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All 6 THAAD launchers return to Seongju from Osan

All six launchers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju have returned to base following their relocation in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, sources said Sunday. The truck-mounted launchers were reported to have moved from Seongju to Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers south of Seoul, in March, fueling speculation the U.S. military was planning to transfer THAAD missile interceptors to the Middle East to support the war. The launchers and other parts of the THAAD battery, however, were believed to have remained in South Korea, as some of the trucks were later seen returning to Seongju. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson told a Senate hearing in April that THAAD remained in South Korea. "Currently, we are sending munitions forward, and those are sitting right now waiting to move," he said at the time, without elaborating.

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Lee appoints new top aides as approval ratings fall

President Lee Jae Myung appointed five new senior aides, Sunday, in a move aimed at accelerating the implementation of his administration's policy agenda as it enters its second year, with appointments spanning communications, civil affairs, social policy and national security. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the appointments during a briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, emphasizing that the selections were designed to help realize Lee's vision for the second year of his administration. Seong Ghi-hong, former president and CEO of Yonhap News Agency, was named senior presidential secretary for public relations and communications. Han Chan-sik, a former senior prosecutor, was appointed senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, and is expected to play a key role in advancing the administration's prosecutorial reform agenda. Kim Kyoung-ja, former vice chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and a pharmacist by training, was named senior presidential secretary for social affairs. Former Army commander Kang Gun-jark was appointed first deputy national s

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Megabox crisis raises concerns over future of Korean cinema

The financial crisis facing Megabox JoongAng is raising concern across Korea's film industry, with filmmakers and distributors warning that the problems extend far beyond a single theater chain. As one of the country's three major multiplex operators and a leading film investor through Plus M Entertainment, Megabox has become deeply embedded in the Korean movie business. Industry officials said any disruption to its operations could impact filmmaking and distribution at a time when the sector is already struggling to recover from the pandemic and the rise of streaming platforms. On June 12, Megabox JoongAng was among five affiliates of JoongAng Group that filed for corporate rehabilitation with the Seoul Bankruptcy Court. The move came days after JTBC, the group’s flagship broadcaster, declared a default on 20.6 billion won ($13.5 million) in debt repayments. While Megabox theaters continue to operate normally, the filing has sent shockwaves to the industry. For more than two decades, Megabox has stood alongside CGV and Lotte Cinema as one of Korea's three major multiplex chains. Throug

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Changing face of lunch hour in Seoul’s office districts

The traditional lunch hour in Seoul’s bustling business hubs, like Gwanghwamun, Gangnam and Yeouido, is undergoing a major shift. Instead of crowding into restaurants, an increasing number of office workers are flocking to sleep cafes. For many, lunchtime has transformed from being a time to eat into a vital 20- to 30-minute window for physical and mental recovery. "I've used it for several months now," said Kwon, an economist in her mid-30s who works in Gwanghwamun, Jongno District, in an interview Friday. "I work at a global firm where the lunch culture is flexible, so I usually 'brown bag' my lunch and eat it at my desk. Afterwards, I'll head out to take a short nap at Nabijam." She explained that going out for lunch can often feel more tiring than staying in the office because fighting the crowds and waiting in long lines is exhausting. "It helps provide a 'real' break from the office and from people," she added. "Especially in Korea, where lunchtime can sometimes feel like an extension of work, enjoying 'me time' with a nap provides that necessary physical and mental separation fr

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Korea mounts final push for Canada's $39 bil. submarine project

The Korean government and defense players are making last-ditch efforts to win Canada’s next-generation submarine project worth up to 60 trillion won ($39.14 billion), as Ottawa is expected to select a preferred bidder by the end of this month. Under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging fleet of four Victoria-class submarines will be replaced with 12 new 3,000-ton diesel-electric vessels. The comprehensive contract includes long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) lifecycles. With a decision looming, Seoul has elevated its bid to top-tier head-of-state diplomacy, seeking to give Korea’s consortium, led by Hanwha Ocean, an edge over rival bidder TKMS of Germany — a traditional heavyweight in submarine technology — in the closely contested race. President Lee Jae Myung recently provided critical diplomatic backing during a bilateral summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. Lee said he emphasized Korea’s readiness to contribute to Canada’s defense capabil

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Korean battery makers accelerate push into US ESS market

Major battery makers are ramping up efforts to expand in the U.S. energy storage system (ESS) market, driven by surging demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and a shift away from Chinese supply chains, as they seek to offset slowing electric vehicle (EV) demand. The pivot comes as EV demand weakens due to reduced subsidies, high interest rates and intensifying competition, prompting LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On to repurpose some EV battery production capacity for stationary energy storage. According to BloombergNEF, the U.S. ESS market is projected to grow from 51 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2023 to 485 GWh by 2030 and 976 GWh by 2035. Especially with the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act tightening restrictions on Chinese battery components in projects seeking investment tax credits, developers have accelerated efforts to diversify supply chains, creating fresh opportunities for manufacturers with North American production capacity. LG Energy Solution is moving aggressively to capitalize on the shift. The company operates five ESS manufacturin

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Protests over ballot shortage continue for 17th day

Protests demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections marred by ballot paper shortages entered the 17th day Sunday at a ballot counting site in southern Seoul. Protesters continued to chant slogans and hold pickets claiming election fraud outside SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's southern district of Songpa, which was used as a ballot counting site for the elections. As many as 34,000 people were gathered at the venue as of 3:30 p.m., with those in their 20s and 30s accounting for more than half of the total, according to an estimate by the Seoul city government. The protests began June 5, two days after ballot shortages temporarily suspended voting at 26 polling stations. While the National Election Commission (NEC) has apologized for the ballot shortages, it says they do not warrant a rerun under the election law. A joint team of police investigators and prosecutors has been investigating the NEC over the shortages. The government has urged people taking part in the protests to refrain from illegal acts, saying that while peaceful rallies should be protected, illegal acts of v

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Fraud against foreigners quadruples over 2 years, with K-pop scams rising

As a record number of international visitors flock to Korea on the back of the popularity of Korean culture, crimes targeting foreigners have surged sharply, with K-pop merchandise scams emerging as a growing threat among a broader wave of fraud. According to latest data submitted by the National Police Agency to Rep. Kim Joon-hwan of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, the number of foreign nationals — whether visitors or residents — who fell victim to fraud in Korea nearly quadrupled over the past two years. The number of foreign fraud victims rose from 5,307 in 2023 to 8,671 in 2024, before skyrocketing to 19,907 last year. One of the notable fraud schemes targeting foreigners are scams related to hallyu, or the Korean wave, in which fraudsters approach overseas fans claiming they can purchase and ship merchandise related to K-pop stars or other Korean celebrities. Victims are asked to send money upfront, after which the scammers disappear without delivering the goods. Such complaints have become increasingly common on social media platforms, particularly X, formerly Twitter, wh

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Sports analytics firm gives Korea 90% chance of reaching World Cup knockouts

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — With one match remaining in the group stage at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, South Korea have more than a 90 percent chance of reaching the next knockout phase, a sports analytics firm said Saturday. According to Opta Analyst, South Korea have a 91.08 percent chance to advance to the round of 32. In Group A, South Korea sit in second place with three points, after a 2-1 win over Czechia and a 1-0 loss to Mexico. With six points, Mexico have already clinched the top spot in Group A and thus a place in the round of 32. Czechia and South Africa each have one point, with Czechia occupying third place thanks to their superior goal difference. South Korea will close out group play against South Africa at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Estadio Monterrey, or 10 a.m. Thursday (South Korean time). South Korea control their own destiny, as they will seal the runner-up spot with at least a draw against South Africa. With a record 48 nations in action, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the knockout phase. They will be joined by the eight best third

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Contribution2025 Economic Census to elevate Korea's industrial mapping

Data has emerged as a national strategic asset, surpassing the traditional importance of land or resources in an era of artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, where the global economic landscape is being reshaped at an unprecedented pace. As countries around the world race to build a scientific governance system, Korea launched the Ministry of Data and Statistics as the government's central coordinator for data policy, marking a proactive step toward digital innovation. Against this backdrop, the ministry commenced the Economic Census for Reference Year 2025, or the 2025 Economic Census, on June 1. This massive national undertaking aims to assess the overall economic condition of Korea and provide the foundation for identifying future growth engines. Conducted every five years and covering all establishments nationwide, the census serves as a high-resolution map of Korea’s current industrial structure. The census will continue through July 22. This year’s census carries particular significance as the first nationwide economic census conducted since the ministry’s organization

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Gyeonggi Province launches 1st survey of its 18,000 refugees

Gyeonggi Province, the populous economic engine surrounding Seoul, has launched the first comprehensive provincial investigation into the living conditions of its refugee population. The initiative marks a significant shift in how Korean local governments manage forced migration, moving beyond generalized immigrant support systems to address the distinct legal and socioeconomic vulnerabilities of displaced people. At an inaugural briefing held Thursday at the Gyeonggi Migration and Integration Support Center in Uijeungbu, officials outlined an ambitious monitoring framework designed to map the structural gaps plaguing the state's refugee safety nets. The investigation comes on the heels of the province’s pioneering Ordinance on the Protection of Human Rights and Guarantee of Basic Living for Refugees, enacted last year. As of late March, Gyeonggi Province was home to 18,169 refugees, representing roughly 2.5 percent of the region's long-term foreign residents. While Korea became the first East Asian country to pass a standalone refugee law in 2012, humanitarian groups have long critic

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Mixed-race daughter Korea tried to send away is now helping adoptees return home

“578 Ganeung 3-dong, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. 3-tong, 2-ban,” she said in Korean. Meeky Woo Flippen, now 60, still has that address etched into her memory after more than 50 years. “My mother taught me the address when I was 5. ‘I’m not going anywhere,’ she told me. ‘So if someone kidnaps you, make sure you come back here.’” As she recalled, there had indeed been attempts to take her away. Whenever she returned home from school, a “lady” from Holt International waited for her around the corner. “You can’t live here,” the woman told her. “In America, you can eat all the chocolate you want.” She then seized Meeky by the hand and tried to drag her away. Meeky wrenched herself free and ran as fast as her legs could carry her. When she reached her doorstep, her mother rushed outside and roared. “I told you I’m not sending my children away. Get lost!” Meeky smiled as she recalled those memories of her childhood and her mother. She said the hurt of being jeered at as a “dirty Yankee girl” at school would fade whenever she took shelter behind her mothe

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Court to deliver ruling on ex-first lady on jobs-for-gifts bribery charges

A Seoul court is set to deliver its verdict this week on former first lady Kim Keon Hee, who has been indicted over receiving luxury gifts in exchange for job appointments and business favors. The Seoul Central District Court will hold the sentencing hearing for Kim, the wife of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of violating a law on the acceptance of bribes for mediation, at 2 p.m. Friday, according to judicial sources Sunday. Kim was indicted in December on charges of receiving over 100 million won ($65,231) worth of jewelry, including a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, from the chairman of a construction company between March and May 2022, along with a request for a government position for the businessman's son-in-law. She also allegedly received a golden turtle ornament from Lee Bae-yong, former head of the National Education Commission, in April that year in exchange for her appointment to the position. In addition, Kim is suspected of receiving a Dior bag worth 5.4 million won from a pastor in 2022, as well as a Vacheron Constantin watch from an entrepreneur that year.

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Woori Financial steps up productive finance with $6.5 bil. boost

Woori Financial Group will expand its productive and inclusive finance programs by a combined 10 trillion won ($6.5 billion), stepping up support for strategic industries while broadening assistance for vulnerable borrowers, the company said Sunday. The decision was made during a Friday meeting of senior executives from Woori's affiliates led by Chairman Yim Jong-yong, where participants reviewed progress under the group's productive and inclusive finance initiative, dubbed the Future Shared Growth Project. The financial group said it will add 9.4 trillion won in productive financing and 600 billion won in inclusive finance, bringing the project's total size to 90 trillion won. Most of the increase will be directed toward productive financing. Woori said it plans to provide the additional 9.4 trillion won over the next two years, including 5.7 trillion won this year and 3.7 trillion won next year, to support strategic industries, exporters and other sectors viewed as key drivers of future growth. The group also plans to significantly expand its inclusive finance programs this year. It will

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Red Cross warns of rising global conflicts with 'Wars Have Limits' exhibition in Seoul

Marking the 60th anniversary of Korea’s accession to the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) opened a special exhibition, "Wars Have Limits," in the lobby of the Seoul Museum of History, on May 15. Displaying the history of the Geneva Conventions and the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross during the 1950-53 Korean War, the exhibition highlights the grave dangers posed by modern warfare technologies and examines the challenges they present to international humanitarian law, particularly with the emergence of drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons. While humanitarian needs are growing as wars continue to devastate lives around the world, the resources that can help affected populations are shrinking fast. As the world grapples with rising conflicts, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on a principle the entire world has agreed on — that even in war, there are limits. At a reception event on June 4, David Quesne, head of the ICRC mission in Seoul, said that there are currently over 130 conflicts worldwide, more than dou

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Seoul’s historic heart offers 11 ways to trace its history

In a metropolis dominated by soaring glass towers and subterranean transit arteries, one downtown district is making a refreshing case for slowing down and traveling on foot. This season, the Jung District office in central Seoul is launching an expanded lineup of 11 curated walking tours designed to transform the city's historic core into an open-air museum. Running through November, the initiative builds on a highly successful pilot program that drew more than 9,400 participants last year, boasting a near-perfect 96.9 percent satisfaction rate among urban explorers. The crown jewel of this year’s rollout is the newly minted "Yi Sun-sin Road: Birth of a Hero." The 1.3-kilometer thematic trail traces the early footsteps of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s legendary 16th-century naval commander. Starting at Euljiro 3-ga subway station, the 90-minute trek leads history buffs past the admiral's birthplace monument at Myeongbo crossroad, through the bustling aisles of the traditional Jungbu Market, and terminates at the historic Hadogam military camp site. For those seeking a blend of archit

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Why Koreans are pouring their hearts out to a blunt TV grandmother

Kim, a woman in her 20s, turned to a grandmother for dating advice. This was not the gentle kind of grandmother who tells people what they want to hear. Her advice was blunt enough to serve as a wake-up call for Kim. Kim could not forget her first love, an ex-boyfriend. When she heard rumors that he might break up with his current girlfriend, she wondered whether she should wait for him. After hearing her story, the grandmother said bluntly. “Get a grip. There are plenty of men in the world,” she said. “But there is only one of him,” Kim said, still unable to let go. The grandmother seemed to have been waiting for that answer. “Do you know something? There is also only one of you in the world,” she said. “You should meet someone who loves you. Why would you wait until they break up?” Kim’s eyes widened. She covered her mouth with one hand and fell silent as the words hit their mark. The audience let out a stunned “wow,” then broke into applause. The "grandmother" was Kim Young-hee, 43, the comedian behind “Malja Grandma,” a character on KBS2’s “Malja Show.”

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Why K-pop stars are getting backup careers — from dog groomers to insurance agents

Behind the glamour of South Korea's entertainment industry, an increasing number of celebrities are preparing for life beyond the spotlight. Facing the uncertainty of careers that can change overnight, several K-pop idols and TV personalities have recently drawn attention for earning professional certifications and building alternative careers — from pet grooming and beauty services to insurance consulting and fitness instruction. The trend has resonated with many young Koreans, who often discuss "backup plans" and career diversification on social media amid growing economic uncertainty. Former Secret member Jun Hyo-seong recently revealed that she obtained a pet care certification. Appearing on comedian Kim Sook's YouTube channel, June 15, Jun said she began considering what she might do if she ever left the entertainment industry. "I earned a pet care manager certification," she said. "I started thinking about what I would do if I were no longer an entertainer, and I realized I wanted to do something that helps animals." Red Velvet member Joy is pursuing a similar path. During a recent

3 MIN READ
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Editor's Pick

Korean trading cards rising assets for global collectors

Korean trading cards rising assets for global collectors

Collectable trading cards are becoming increasingly profitable for Korean sellers as demand surges in the global market, with some cards selling for tens of thousands of dollars. According to global e-commerce platform eBay, Korean sellers of trading cards recorded double-digit year-on-year sales growth in the first quarter. Their overall sales on the platform ranked 10th by country in 2024 and spiked to sixth the following year. As of the first quarter, the figure rose to third. Korean sellers’ trading cards are largely categorized into intellectual property (IP) characters and sports. Their values are determined by their rarity and grade by third-party valuation. At the center of the Korean sellers’ market presence is Pokemon, a wildly popular franchise spanning games, anime, movies and trading cards introduced in 1996. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the animation’s trading cards have recently seen explosive demand, topping an IP chart with the 10 highest sales among Korean sellers on eBay. Behind the Korean sellers’ popularity is a rising global demand for trading

3 MIN READ

Life in Korea

World Refugee Day festival brings communities together in Seoul

World Refugee Day festival brings communities together in Seoul

To mark World Refugee Day, people from different walks of life gathered on Saturday for the fifth "Shall We Walk?" Refugee Festival at Ttukseom Hangang Park beneath Cheongdam Bridge near Jayang Station on Seoul Metro Line 7. Despite the rainy weather, the festival featured refugee performances representing cultures from around the world, where refugees took center stage to share their lives, stories and unique talents. Attendees enjoyed traditional Burundian drumming, Ethiopian and Jumma cultural dance performances, Sudanese, Pakistani and Afghan music, Korean songs, African traditional singing and K-pop, highlighting the cultural diversity that refugees offer to Korean society and showcasing refugee communities living in Korea. Organized by Refugee pNan, a local nongovernmental organization, the festival was designed to foster natural encounters that overcome prejudice. Rather than relying on lectures or formal discussions, the open-space event encourages understanding through shared experiences, aiming to reduce the distance and misconceptions often associated with the term “refuge

3 MIN READ

Lifestyle

Should you eat melon seeds? Korea's food safety agency debunks a common myth

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. "Chamoe," or Korean melon, is enjoying growing popularity. In Japan, it is winning over consumers with its sweet flavor and convenient size. According to Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), Korean melon has been designated one of this year's strategic fruit exports to the Japanese market. Japan is the largest importer of Korean chamoe, with both export value and volume increasing significantly each year. Last year, exports to Japan reached approximately $1.055 million (about 1.6 billion won), with 271 tons shipped — up 31.4 percent in value and 39 percent in volume compared with the previous year. Compared with the larger and more expensive melons commonly sold in Japan, Korean melons are more affordable and perfectly sized for a single serving. As the number of one-person households continues to grow in Japan, this convenience has become one of the fruit's biggest selling points. The popularity of Korean culture, along with YouTube and Instagram posts recommendi

2 MIN READ
Should you eat melon seeds? Korea's food safety agency debunks a common myth

K-Culture

BTS' RM named first global ambassador of Nat'l Museum of Korea

RM, the leader of K-pop supergroup BTS, has been named the first global ambassador of the National Museum of Korea to help promote the country's cultural heritage around the world, the museum said Saturday. The singer, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, was named in recognition of his longstanding interest in Korean traditional culture and art, as well as his efforts to support the preservation of cultural heritage, according to the museum. RM donated 100 million won ($65,231) each in 2021 and 2022 to the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation to support the preservation and restoration of Korean cultural assets abroad. An avid art collector, RM is set to hold a special exhibition of works from his personal collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in October. The singer will participate in various promotional activities for the museum and help introduce Korean history and traditional culture to global audiences. "I will do my best to help more people appreciate the beauty and value of our cultural heritage," RM said. You Hong-june, director of the museum, expressed hope tha

1 MIN READ
BTS' RM named first global ambassador of Nat'l Museum of Korea

Celebrities

Kim Soo-hyun faces uphill battle despite comeback momentum

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is preparing to return to the spotlight about a year after suspending all activities following a personal controversy. Questions have recently emerged about the credibility of some materials that had been cited as evidence supporting the allegations, and the actor has now entered the stage of preparing for a return after a long period of silence. Kim is set to film an advertisement in July for Philippine fashion brand Bench. The shoot will mark his first official activity since the controversy erupted March last year, leading to the termination of his endorsement contracts and the indefinite postponement of future projects. Recent developments in the investigation have also shifted attention toward the possibility that many of the allegations surrounding Kim may not have been accurate. Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, which raised allegations about the actor's private life, was recently referred to prosecutors on charges including defamation and violations of Korea's anti-stalking law. Police are said to have concluded that the Youtube operator ma

3 MIN READ
Kim Soo-hyun faces uphill battle despite comeback momentum

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Korea mounts final push for Canada's $39 bil. submarine project

  2. Changing face of lunch hour in Seoul’s office districts

  3. Gov't wary of chip boom liquidity spilling into housing market

  4. Fraud against foreigners quadruples over 2 years, with K-pop scams rising

  5. Samsung, SK hynix-linked semiconductor majors more competitive than SNU admissions

  6. Gyeonggi Province launches 1st survey of its 18,000 refugees

  7. Lee appoints new top aides as approval ratings fall

  8. N. Korea skips reports on World Cup matches involving S. Korea, US, Japan

  9. Protests over ballot shortage continue for 17th day

  10. LG’s top execs to visit Nvidia headquarters for ties in AI, robotics

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