The Korea Times

The Korea Times
My TimesLatest

Korea weighs role in postwar Hormuz security initiatives

With a tentative U.S.-Iran peace deal expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Korean government's attention is likely to shift to its potential role in postwar initiatives to restore freedom of navigation in the waterway, a key global trade route. While it has remained cautious about joining separate maritime security initiatives, one led by the U.S. and the other led by the U.K. and France, Korea may now accelerate discussions over its participation as tensions in the region are expected to be eased. President Lee Jae Myung, who will attend the G7 summit in France from Tuesday to Wednesday, is expected to discuss the issue with the leaders of participating countries. The Ministry of National Defense said Monday that it is reviewing ways to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait. “The government will determine specific options after comprehensively assessing local threats, deployment requirements and operational capabilities,” ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said during a briefing. She added that nothing has been decided regarding whether t

2 MIN READ
Korea weighs role in postwar Hormuz security initiatives thumbnail

Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to visit S. Korea for World Youth Day 2027

VATICAN — President Lee Jae Myung on Monday invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea next year on the occasion of the country's hosting of World Youth Day 2027, a presidential official said. Lee offered the invitation during his meeting with the pope at the Vatican, held during the president's visit to the Holy See as part of his broader trip to Europe. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to ensure a successful hosting of World Youth Day 2027, and Lee "officially invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea on that occasion," national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said in a press briefing. Lee also gave a briefing to the pope on South Korea's initiative to build peace on the Korean Peninsula, and the Vatican reaffirmed its unwavering support for facilitating peace on the peninsula, Wi noted. Another senior South Korean official said separately that the meeting between Lee and the pope also covered inter-Korean issues, with both sides sharing the view that cross-border dialogue and cooperation should be pursued despite difficulties in political situations. Lee and Pope Leo XIV also

1 MIN READ
thumbnail

N. Korea's Kim congratulates Xi's 73rd birthday with message, flowers

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a congratulatory message and flower basket to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 73rd birthday, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday. Kim wished Xi "good health and greater success in leading the cause of socialist construction in China" in the message delivered the previous day through North Korea's ambassador to China, the Korean Central News Agency reported. A ribbon on the flower basket read, "I warmly congratulate Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping on your birthday," according to the report. The gesture follows Xi's two-day state visit to Pyongyang last week, his first trip to North Korea in nearly seven years. During the visit, the two agreed to deepen cooperation across politics, economy and culture, pledging to strengthen high-level communication and open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

1 MIN READ
N. Korea's Kim congratulates Xi's 73rd birthday with message, flowers thumbnail

InterviewKIS makes its move into digital asset industry

Korea Investors Service (KIS) continues to monitor the digital asset landscape in Korea and is exploring the feasibility of market participation, subject to the establishment of a regulatory framework, according to CEO Patrick Yoon. KIS, one of Korea's leading credit rating agencies and an affiliate of Moody's, has established a dedicated digital assets team and is developing methodologies that could be used to assess Korean won-backed stablecoins once legislation is in place. "Once won-backed stablecoins are created, an ecosystem needs to be built to ensure they can be used effectively. They need to function well not only in Korea but also overseas for a proper stablecoin system to take shape. We believe there is a role that KIS can play in that process," Yoon said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. "If we can establish a stablecoin assessment system tailored to Korea, the digital asset market can be evaluated more transparently and various risks can be managed more effectively," he added. The preparations come as lawmakers and financial regulators continue discussions on a leg

3 MIN READ
KIS makes its move into digital asset industry thumbnail

US officials say Iran pact signed, Hormuz traffic will rise significantly

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end a near four-month war, senior U.S. officials said on Monday, adding that a formal signing ceremony would take place on Friday and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz would significantly but gradually ramp up. The memorandum of understanding has been signed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, one U.S. official said. After weeks of negotiations, the news that Washington and Tehran had agreed to end the war brought relief to markets, although risks remain given the pact defers potentially complicated talks on containing Tehran's nuclear program. While still a framework, the deal marked the biggest breakthrough toward resolving the conflict that has killed thousands and upended energy markets since it began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in February. The MOU will provide a structure for how the U.S.-Iran relationship will operate in the future, said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity in a briefing

2 MIN READ
US officials say Iran pact signed, Hormuz traffic will rise significantly thumbnail

Seoul 'melting pot' for global music talent, says producer behind BTS hits

A Swedish music producer who has worked with the biggest names in K-pop — BTS, SuperM, Tomorrow X Together, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM and ATEEZ — said Seoul has become a "global melting pot" for music talent, surpassing creative hubs like Stockholm and Los Angeles, as top songwriters worldwide increasingly look to Korea for the best opportunities. "I saw an opportunity that seemed more impactful by coming to Seoul rather than going to the States, and not by a small margin," Alex Karlsson said at a music industry conference hosted by the French Embassy in Seoul, June 8. Karlsson was speaking at "From K-pop to Global Pop: Rethinking Music Without Borders," the opening panel of "Fête de la Musique+ 2026," a Korea-France cultural exchange event held in Seoul. For Karlsson, Korea's appeal as a creative base comes down to access and structure. He said the country draws top-tier global talent at a scale unmatched by European music hubs, while its systemized approach to music production offers a creative framework he finds valuable rather than limiting. "Koreans love their systems, and I think t

3 MIN READ
Seoul 'melting pot' for global music talent, says producer behind BTS hits thumbnail

10th Korean Refugee Film Festival returns with focus on refugee-led storytelling

After a year's absence, the anticipated 10th edition of the Korea Refugee Film Festival (KOREFF) is back with four major films made in Korea and Europe. The festival, founded in 2015 to bring refugee stories to the Korean public through cinema, is also part of the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year. This year's festival will feature two film premieres: “Allies in Exile” by Syrian refugee filmmaker Hasan Kattan, and “A Lighter Between Invisible Bars” by Liam Han, a refugee from Myanmar living in Korea. The program is rounded out by two European productions, “Green Border” (2023) by Agnieszka Holland, and “Souleymane's Story” (2024) by Boris Lojkine. Over the past decade, the festival has provided a platform for filmmakers, activists, refugees and members of the public to explore the realities of forced displacement through culture and storytelling. Stefan Maier, deputy representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Korea, said the festival’s central theme this year is “Festival of Refugees,” or the idea that refuge

4 MIN READ
10th Korean Refugee Film Festival returns with focus on refugee-led storytelling thumbnail

EXPLAINER Institutions jockey for position in Korea's crypto market

Korea's crypto market was long defined by retail-led speculation. Now, the center of gravity is shifting to banks, brokerages and tech platforms as they race to secure an early foothold in the institutionalized market before the regulatory framework is finalized. According to Tiger Research, which tracked 196 partnerships across 150 institutions, the Korean market is seeing competition intensify on three key fronts: stablecoins, security token offerings (STOs) and custody. "The current race for partnerships is less about gaining a first mover advantage and more about shaping the regulatory landscape," said Kim Jeong-ho, a research analyst at Tiger Research. "Companies are trying to position themselves before the framework is finalized, so that the structures they establish now can influence future regulatory standards." Stablecoins: high on agenda, but stalled in National Assembly Stablecoins dominated last year's legislative agenda, but none of the related bills passed the National Assembly. Key issues remain unresolved, including issuer eligibility and a proposed 20 percent cap on majo

3 MIN READ
[EXPLAINER] Institutions jockey for position in Korea's crypto market thumbnail

A reporter's quest for rare 'Sonny cup' in Mexico

Son Heung-min’s popularity has surpassed that of David Beckham, at least in the World Cup host city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The proof was not found in a poll or a marketing report, but on McDonald’s shelves. Among the collectible cups featuring some of football’s biggest names, the Korean national team captain’s edition was the one that kept selling out. At 11 a.m. Saturday, I headed to a McDonald’s near where I was staying with one goal in mind. I wanted to secure a "Sonny cup." My motives were not exactly noble. I had heard that the Son edition had not been released in Korea, which made it seem worth collecting and reselling before I had even seen one. I quickly did the math. If I could buy one in Mexico and resell it on secondhand marketplace app Karrot Market, it might help with household finances. As a father of two young children, I allowed myself to call it household budgeting. The cup's absence in Korea appeared to stem from local advertising arrangements. Son is the commercial face of Domino’s Pizza in Korea, which likely made it difficult for McDonald’s, a rival

4 MIN READ
A reporter's quest for rare 'Sonny cup' in Mexico thumbnail

From wild grasses to traditional crafts, Korean gardens trace deep roots of K-culture

The letter “K” seems to be used everywhere these days for nearly anything Korean. Yet long before the Latin alphabet reached the Korean Peninsula, there were mountains and flowers and people who lived alongside them. That is why gardening, bringing together traditional culture and Korea’s natural landscape, is emerging as a new language of Koreanness. The theme for this year's competitions, held as part of the Seoul International Garden Show, was “The Wave of Seoul.” The show, which opened May 1 and runs through Oct. 17, challenged participants to capture Seoul’s identity and cultural appeal through the language of gardens. Winners were selected in three categories: international, student and citizen. Although they each presented interpretations of their own, all the participants agreed that their inspiration came from Korea’s landscapes and traditional culture. Putting overlooked wild grasses center stage Gardening is increasingly becoming less confined to landscape specialists and more accessible as a hobby for ordinary citizens. The winners of the citizen category, Cho Ki

3 MIN READ
From wild grasses to traditional crafts, Korean gardens trace deep roots of K-culture thumbnail

'Teach You a Lesson' inspires real-life proposal to protect Korean teachers

A think tank of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea proposed a dedicated agency to protect teachers from complaints and legal proceedings that currently burden them individually, modeled on a fictional body featured in the Netflix series “Teach You a Lesson.” A policy suggestion from the Institute for Democracy proposed bringing to life the Korean Educational Rights Protection Bureau, a fictional squad in the drama deployed to salvage classrooms from unruly students and toxic parents, sometimes through vigilante violence. The proposal envisions it as an education activity protection bureau within the Ministry of Education, handling protective procedures, conflict mediation and shared accountability. “The buzz around the Netflix drama 'Teach You a Lesson' reflects how popular culture is capturing the anxiety felt on school grounds ... The fictional agency in the drama is a fantasy, but teachers having to personally bear complaints, reports, investigations and lawsuits is a very real problem,” said Lee Gyeong-a, a research fellow at the institute. “The core is to prevent indivi

2 MIN READ
'Teach You a Lesson' inspires real-life proposal to protect Korean teachers thumbnail

Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!'

Actor Seo In-guk is ready to set hearts fluttering once again in the upcoming romantic comedy series, "See You at Work Tomorrow!" Adapted from a hit Kakao Webtoon title that amassed over 200 million views, the drama centers on everyday office workers who faithfully clock in each morning despite emotional burnout and personal storms. By blending witty corporate satire with irresistible romantic tension, the series seeks to deliver the ultimate modern workplace romance. Seo steps into the role of Kang Si-woo, a meticulous team leader at Saeum Electronics who prioritizes logic, principles and efficiency above all else. In the office, Si-woo is notoriously dubbed the "three-no man" — signifying his total lack of smiles, people skills and apologies. "The role immediately triggered my desire to take on a new challenge," Seo said. "While expressing extreme emotions in high-stakes thrillers is difficult, pulling off the natural conversations and understated reactions of everyday life is equally challenging. Si-woo is a highly restrained character who keeps everything under strict self-control

3 MIN READ
Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!' thumbnail

Shinsegae chairman to receive history lesson over 'Tank Day' fiasco

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin will sit for a “history lesson” after the conglomerate’s Starbucks Korea rattled the country last month with its controversial “Tank Day” tumbler marketing campaign, which caused an outcry among the public and victims of the bloody crackdowns on key pro-democracy uprisings against a military junta in the 1980s. Shinsegae said on Monday that Chung will sit for a lecture on June 24, together with presidents of the group's nearly 50 subsidiaries. The lesson will be in two parts, covering historical consciousness and social sensitivity, delivered by professors from Sungkyunkwan University’s departments of history and sociology. Executives of Emart, which runs Starbucks Korea operator SCK Company, will hear the same lectures on Wednesday. Shop managers and store employees of more than 2,110 Starbucks cafes in Korea will hear it on June 22. To accommodate the class simultaneously for the cafe employees nationwide who number roughly 23,000 in overall, the company will close all Starbucks locations at 3 p.m. and play a recorded video of the le

3 MIN READ
Shinsegae chairman to receive history lesson over 'Tank Day' fiasco thumbnail

Trump's captionless Kim Jong-un photo sparks talk of renewed North Korea diplomacy

Hours after declaring an end to the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a captionless photo of himself with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un — a move experts say signals openness to renewed summit talks with Pyongyang, even if North Korea is unlikely to become an immediate priority for the administration. Trump uploaded the image to Truth Social on Sunday (local time), showing him walking with Kim through a garden in Singapore on June 12, 2018, during the summit at which the two leaders agreed to pursue denuclearization and improved bilateral ties. The post came roughly an hour after Trump announced the U.S. would sign a deal with Iran Monday, an agreement he said would bar Iran from possessing nuclear weapons and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “Barack Hussein Obama’s Deal with Iran, the JCPOA, was an easy, beautiful, smooth road to a Nuclear Weapon, which Iran would have had six years ago, and would have used long before now. My Agreement with Iran is the exact opposite, A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON! In fact, they no longer want a Nuclear Weapon, nor

3 MIN READ
Trump's captionless Kim Jong-un photo sparks talk of renewed North Korea diplomacy thumbnail

Netflix schedules live world tour for 'KPop Demon Hunters' to leverage global fandom

Netflix announced a live world tour for its blockbuster animated musical film "KPop Demon Hunters," a move expected to expand the entertainment giant's global monetization structure. Rather than concluding with the streaming success of a single title, the strategy establishes a multilayered business model extending to live musical performances, commercial merchandise, interactive fan events and brand collaborations. Netflix confirmed in May the global tour for the 2025 animated feature. The streaming company said the live performance "will bring elements of the two-time Oscar-winning film to life in spectacular ways," adding that host cities, dates and ticket information will be released in the second half of 2026. Released in 2025, the film broke streaming records and achieved global prominence, winning Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, the 83rd Golden Globes and the 31st Critics Choice Awards. Netflix partnered with AEG Presents, a global live entertainment promoter whose portfolio includes the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and int

2 MIN READ
Netflix schedules live world tour for 'KPop Demon Hunters' to leverage global fandom thumbnail

Netflix comedy 'Husbands in Action' promises big laughs, chemistry

The Netflix movie "Husbands in Action" is an action-comedy that follows the hijinks of a rescue operation put together by the ex-husband and current husband of a woman kidnapped by a criminal organization, according to director Park Gyu-tae as he introduced the film, Monday. "I've focused on situational comedy from clashing groups in my past works, but the biggest difference in this film is the action," Park said during a press conference in Seoul. The director, known for the 2022 comedy "6/45," added that the action sequences unfolding across various locations will be a key point for the audience to watch. The movie follows a desperate rescue mission by the elite narcotics detective and ex-husband Choong-shik (Jin Sun-kyu) who teams up with his former wife's handsome young veterinarian husband Min-seok (Gong Myung). Together they chase down a criminal group that has kidnapped Shi-nae (Kang Han-na), Min-seok's current and Choong-shik's former spouse. Throughout the movie, the two leads try to overcome their awkward relationship to navigate a series of dangerous situations while fighting

2 MIN READ
Netflix comedy 'Husbands in Action' promises big laughs, chemistry thumbnail

Nvidia CEO’s webtoon moment highlights global ascent of K-comics

A recent casual encounter between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin has cast a fresh spotlight on the explosive growth and global influence of Korean webtoons, showing how digital comics have become a mainstream cultural medium. During his visit to Korea from June 5 to 9, the leader of the global artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant visited Naver’s 1784 headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on June 8 to discuss massive AI infrastructure partnerships. At a welcoming event prepared by Naver Webtoon, the tech billionaire participated in a unique cultural event by filling out empty speech bubbles in a customized comic strip from the hit webtoon "The Greatest Estate Developer." Standing next to the Naver founder, the Nvidia CEO used the comic format to deliver a witty business message. "The more GPUs (graphics processing units) you have, the more you can work and the more happy you are," Huang said during his visit to the Naver office. He added that "GPU equals happy.” This created a viral moment that highlighted how a webtoon work is now naturally used as a c

2 MIN READ
Nvidia CEO’s webtoon moment highlights global ascent of K-comics thumbnail

Gwanghwamun turns into stadium as Jongno hosts epic World Cup gatherings

In the heart of Seoul, one of Korea’s most iconic civic spaces is being recast as an open-air stadium, where thousands of fans are expected to gather to watch World Cup qualifiers together on a screen that normally carries advertising and cultural content. Jongno District said Monday that it will host three large-scale street cheering events at Gwanghwamun Square on June 19 and June 25, using the KT WEST digital display in Gwanghwamun Square’s advertising zone to broadcast matches featuring Korea’s national team live. The district said the kickoff event, held on Friday, marked the first time sports content was transmitted through the Gwanghwamun Square advertising zone, a system typically reserved for commercial and cultural media. Officials said the square and adjacent public areas, including Yukjo Madang and Nori Madang, will function as a unified viewing zone where fans can join to watch the games. The broadcasts will be accompanied by K-pop performances, artificial intelligence-driven stage effects and promotional giveaways, as the district seeks to turn matches into broader cu

2 MIN READ
Gwanghwamun turns into stadium as Jongno hosts epic World Cup gatherings thumbnail

RIIZE doubles down on performance for highly anticipated return

K-pop group RIIZE returned Monday with its second mini album, "II," presenting a sharper, more self-assured sound that the members say reflects months of rehearsal and rising confidence on stage. In a distributed interview ahead of the release, the SM Entertainment group described the title track, "Do Your Dance," as a statement meant to be felt rather than interpreted. Below is an edited Q&A with the six-member group. Q. How does it feel to make a comeback? Wonbin: The album is filled with strong songs, and we feel confident returning to the stage. We want to show our music through performance rather than words. Sohee: It has been seven months since our last comeback, and we’re really thankful to fans for waiting. We’re confident in this album and hope many people enjoy it. Q. How would you describe “II”? Sohee: It’s a fun album from start to finish. I hope that feeling of enjoyment reaches fans as well. Anton: It represents a shift into a more active phase for RIIZE, moving from thinking to doing. Eunseok: It feels like a box of many colors, with each track showing a different sty

2 MIN READ
RIIZE doubles down on performance for highly anticipated return thumbnail

As virtual idol groups multiply, can any match PLAVE's success?

The virtual idol market is expanding fast, and the field is getting crowded. A string of new groups have debuted in recent months, staking a claim in a space that one act has come to define — and none of them are close to catching it yet. OWIS, a five-member girl group under All My Anecdotes, the label founded by Kiss of Life creative director Lee Hae-in, debuted on March 23 with EP "Museum." While the real identities behind the virtual avatar members — Serene, Haru, Soi, Summer and Yuni — have not been officially confirmed, it is widely reported to include former NMIXX member Jini, former Lovelyz member Ryu Su-jeong, BigHit Music producer Adora, "Produce 101" contestant Lee Ruri and Lee Hae-in herself. B:DAWN under Duri Entertainment followed on May 6 with debut single "Beom." The group's five members — Dojin, Ion, Kangho, Woorim and Hansol — are built around the concept of former competitive athletes. The latest entry is MiiWAN, a five-member boy group under Abyss Company, whose debut album "Middle.i" drops Tuesday. A pre-release track, "Pluma," is already out. Emulating PLAVE

3 MIN READ
As virtual idol groups multiply, can any match PLAVE's success? thumbnail

Should chip tax bonanza be shared with workers, society?

Korea’s debate over how to share the spoils of a historic semiconductor boom is intensifying, with the government claiming the need for a new mechanism to share unexpected gains from chipmakers — including tax revenues and excess profits — even as business and labor clash over how far the state should reach into corporate earnings. Several top policymakers, including President Lee Jae Myung himself, have recently suggested a national-level — or even international — debate on how to use excess corporate gains, as part of efforts to narrow the pay gap between large and small firms. At the International Labour Organization conference in Geneva last Wednesday, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said that gains from the chip boom driven by artificial intelligence (AI) demand should serve as many as possible. “The benefits of AI should not be concentrated only in a few countries and companies, but should also translate into new opportunities for all nations and workers,” he said. Those gains are the result of a semiconductor boom that has sent profits soaring at Samsung Electronics an

4 MIN READ
Should chip tax bonanza be shared with workers, society? thumbnail

Editor's Pick

‘It’s about democracy, suffrage, sovereignty of people’

‘It’s about democracy, suffrage, sovereignty of people’

University students across the country denounced the ballot shortages in last week's local elections as a fundamental violation of the right to vote and the Constitution, demanding sweeping reforms at the National Election Commission (NEC). They warned the political parties, both liberal and conservative, that they should not use the issue for their own political gains, saying the students are calling for a thorough investigation to establish the reason behind the ballot shortages and measures to prevent a repeat of the incident. Student bodies at 18 universities issued a joint declaration Wednesday, a week after at least 91 polling stations nationwide faced ballot shortages, leaving many voters unable to cast their ballots or forced to wait past the 6 p.m. closing time. Former NEC Chairman Roh Tae-ak resigned days later to take responsibility, and a joint police-prosecution investigation was launched this week. “We gathered here not merely to speak about the flaws in the electoral system, but to speak about the one vote that was taken from us,” Hwang In-seo, emergency council head

3 MIN READ

Life in Korea

Indie music festival answers Busan's calling

Indie music festival answers Busan's calling

Five music venues across Busan will unite to host over 30 live music acts for the first-ever Busan Calling Music Festival on Friday and Saturday. Although seemingly only in its first year, the festival is actually a rebrand of last year's Debaser Fest, run by Jamie Finn, editor of Debaser Magazine. "I was never super keen on the name Debaser Fest. It was a decision made with deadlines approaching. So, to keep things simple, I named it after the mag," Finn admitted. "We've called it Busan Calling to reflect the aims of the fest, which is to build a bridge between the really underrated Busan music community and other musical places." Finn has been heavily active for years supporting the local music scene across Korea, publishing his own magazine, running a massive English-language Kakao group chat and organizing music festivals. As well as Busan Calling and Debaser Fest, he's also been running Block Party, a similar multivenue event in Seoul, for the last four years. Finn added that planning has already begun for Block Party's return to central Seoul's Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan in Septemb

4 MIN READ

Lifestyle

Luxury hanok reshapes high-end tourism deep in mountains of Gangwon Province

For global jet setters, Korea’s cultural footprint is typically defined by Seoul’s neon-lit corridors and K-pop spectacle. But a quiet enclave tucked deep into the rugged mountains of Gangwon Province is making a bid to redefine the country’s luxury travel market, offering a slower, deeply traditional alternative to the urban rush. The Hanok Heritage, a sprawling 337,000-square-meter cultural complex in Yeongwol, about 100 miles east of Seoul, recently served as a primary host for "Explore Seoul with Connections 2026." The high-concept tourism initiative, organized jointly by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the international luxury travel network Connections, aimed to introduce a side of Korea rarely featured in slick promotional campaigns. Over a three-day familiarization tour, travel advisors and agency executives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Lithuania and Hong Kong bypassed standard five-star hotels to stay in hanok — traditional Korean homes. The itinerary focused heavily on regional culture, preservation, gastronomy, architecture and wellness. Gu

2 MIN READ
Luxury hanok reshapes high-end tourism deep in mountains of Gangwon Province

K-Culture

Seventeen's Hoshi to drop new digital single during military service

Hoshi of K-pop boy group Seventeen, currently serving his mandatory military duty, will release a new digital single titled "Snapback" on Monday, his agency Pledis Entertainment said. The track, unveiled to coincide with the singer's birthday, blends old-school guitar sounds with a polished rhythm to create an upbeat mood. It playfully captures an irresistible attraction toward his love interest. Hoshi participated in both the lyrics and composition of the song set for release at 6 p.m., the agency added. The K-pop star enlisted in September last year and is serving as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Army.

1 MIN READ
Seventeen's Hoshi to drop new digital single during military service

Celebrities

Actor-singer Lee Jun-young to begin military service, leaving behind packed roster of projects

Korean actor and singer Lee Jun-young will enlist in the military on July 21, temporarily sidelining a surging television career that has made him one of the country's most popular young stars. Lee, 29, shared the news Sunday in a handwritten letter posted to his social media accounts, writing that he wanted his fans to hear about the enlistment directly from him. Conscription is mandatory for nearly all able-bodied Korean men, who must serve roughly 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of the armed forces. The announcement comes at a creative high point for Lee. He is currently starring in the hit JTBC weekend drama, "The New Employee, Chairman Kang," which began with a modest 3.7 percent viewership rating but has steadily broken its own audience records each week. In the series, Lee plays a young man navigating a body-swapping mishap, a performance that local critics have praised for its grounded nuance despite the outlandish premise. While military service typically stalls a rising actor's momentum — a phenomenon known locally as the "military hiatus" — Lee has meticulously st

1 MIN READ
Actor-singer Lee Jun-young to begin military service, leaving behind packed roster of projects

Get key insights on Korea from the members-only personalized news service My Times.

Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. 'Teach You a Lesson' inspires real-life proposal to protect Korean teachers

  2. Korea weighs role in postwar Hormuz security initiatives

  3. A reporter's quest for rare 'Sonny cup' in Mexico

  4. Shinsegae chairman to receive history lesson over 'Tank Day' fiasco

  5. Trump's captionless Kim Jong-un photo sparks talk of renewed North Korea diplomacy

  6. From wild grasses to traditional crafts, Korean gardens trace deep roots of K-culture

  7. US officials say Iran pact signed, Hormuz traffic will rise significantly

  8. Gwanghwamun turns into stadium as Jongno hosts epic World Cup gatherings

  9. Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to visit S. Korea for World Youth Day 2027

  10. EXPLAINER Institutions jockey for position in Korea's crypto market

Video

Interesting contents

Taboola 후원링크