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Korean students, parents face uncertainty over tightened US visa rules

Korean students preparing to study in the United States are now grappling with growing uncertainty after the Trump administration announced a new visa rule capping the duration of international students' stay to four years. On Thursday (local time), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a rule tightening the permitted length of stay for foreign students, journalists and participants in exchange programs. The DHS said the measure "restores integrity to the nation's immigration system, combats rampant visa abuse and strengthens national security through regular vetting." Under the new rule, nonimmigrant students on F visas and exchange visitors on J visas will be admitted for the duration of their specific academic program, up to a maximum of four years. The rule could take effect as early as September. "My child is preparing for college applications, and I'm getting more worried by the day," one user wrote on an online forum for parents navigating U.S. college admissions. "If the four-year limit on F-1 visas is strictly enforced, it could cause a lot of problems." "Studyi

3 MIN READ
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Heavy rain expected for greater Seoul, Gangwon this weekend

Up to 300 millimeters of rain will fall this weekend across the greater Seoul area and in central and southern Gangwon Province, with downpours forecast across the country into next week. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, extreme rainfall is forecast early Saturday morning due to atmospheric instability. Expected rainfall for Saturday through Sunday is 100 to 200 millimeters in the greater Seoul area and Gangwon Province, with more than 300 millimeters possible in inland and mountainous parts of central and southern Gangwon and the greater Seoul area. The Chungcheong provinces will see 80 to 150 millimeters, topping 250 millimeters in parts of Sejong, northern South Chungcheong Province and central and northern North Chungcheong Province. Central and northern North Gyeongsang Province will get 50 to 100 millimeters, with more than 150 millimeters possible in the north. Islands in the West Sea, North Jeolla Province, Daegu, southern North Gyeongsang Province, and Ulleung and Dokdo islands will see 30 to 80 millimeters, topping 100 millimeters in areas that see the most

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'AI for everyone' gov't initiative faces feasibility questions

The government plans to roll out a general artificial intelligence (AI) service allowing unlimited use for all Koreans without any fees, but the initiative is facing questions about its feasibility, particularly over how it would cover token costs and ensure the operator's financial sustainability. During a policy briefing with President Lee Jae Myung Thursday, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that it will introduce “a ChatGPT-like chatbot service” by using Korea’s proprietary AI model by the end of this year. The government also plans to integrate public services into the platform, allowing users to search and apply for government services through the AI model. Once the service gets on track, the government plans to upgrade it next year into an AI agent that will offer greater accessibility than a chatbot, with the goal of providing every Korean with a personal AI agent. "In addition to a general-purpose AI chatbot service, we will continue to expand public AI agent services," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon said. "Starting in 2027, we

4 MIN READ
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Korean parents welcome gov't move to curb minors' social media use but questions remain

A new plan by Korea's media watchdog to curb social media use by minors drew mixed reactions from parents, with some cautiously optimistic and others raising concerns. On Thursday, the Korea Communications Commission said it was considering restricting children under 14 from creating social media accounts and limiting addictive platform features for users under 19. Hong Eun-hee, a parent of a middle school student in Seoul, welcomed the proposal, saying she hopes it will help her child and other teenagers spend less time on social media. "They watch [YouTube] Shorts and [Instagram] Reels whenever they have a spare moment. They say they will watch for 10 minutes, but it becomes 20 minutes or an hour," Hong said. "They have difficulty controlling it themselves." She said her child often checks her phone while doing homework and resists putting it away before bed. "When parents try to control it on their own, it ends in a fight," Hong added. Parents also cite sleep deprivation, declining concentration, cyberbullying and exposure to gambling, sexual content and other harmful material as major

3 MIN READ
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'AI race shifts from building models to rebuilding companies'

JEJU ISLAND — Companies hoping to gain an edge in the artificial intelligence (AI) era should spend less time chasing the latest models and more time redesigning their organizations, as autonomous AI agents move closer to mainstream enterprise adoption, speakers at the 2026 CEO Summer Forum hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said Friday. As generative AI evolves rapidly from a conversational assistant into a technology capable of executing increasingly sophisticated tasks, businesses now face the challenge of transforming decades-old workflows and adapting to the new AI era. Park Min-jun, CEO of Wrtn AX, an enterprise-level AI agent solutions provider, said the focus of AI competition was shifting away from the technology itself toward organizational transformation. “For the past several years, businesses have largely competed by adopting increasingly capable large language models, but with leading models now approaching similar levels of performance in many business applications, competitive advantage will increasingly depend on how effectively companies reorganize

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Price to be key as Samsung takes on Meta in smart glasses

Samsung Electronics is expected to reveal its smart glasses series at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 in London next week, with the company seeking to challenge Meta's dominance in the market. Market observers say smart glasses will become the next battleground for global device makers in the wake of physical artificial intelligence (AI), and pricing is expected to play a key role in determining market leadership. Samsung Electronics in May unveiled two designs of its smart glasses, developed in partnership with eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Scheduled to debut in the global market this autumn, Samsung said the smart glasses will allow users to access Google's Gemini AI for navigation, location recommendations, real-time voice translation and text message summaries. The Samsung glasses will reportedly feature a built-in camera, speakers and microphones — primarily serving as the eyes for an AI in paired smartphones. They are not expected to include a display function, but are expected to weigh around 50 grams, offering improved comfort compared to existing smart

2 MIN READ
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Lee reiterates plan to designate Dec. 3 as day for people's sovereignty

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday reiterated his plan to designate Dec. 3 as a day of people's sovereignty that would mark the anniversary of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law. In a Facebook post marking the 78th Constitution Day, Lee pledged to designate Dec. 3 as a legal public holiday so that the meaning and spirit of the day — when ordinary citizens voluntarily sought to block the unexpected martial law — could be fully passed down to future generations. Lee made a similar proposal last year to mark the first anniversary of the political crisis triggered by Yoon's declaration of martial law. "On Dec. 3, 2024, the martial law declared in the middle of the night reminded all of us that the threat to democracy is by no means a thing of the past, but a reality that could happen again at any time in today's Republic of Korea," Lee said in the post, referring to the country by its official name. He further said South Korea had demonstrated to the world through a "revolution of light" that the spirit of popular sovereignty enshrined in the Constitution is

2 MIN READ
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Hopes for US-Iran diplomacy still alive as fighting intensifies over Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON — Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has intensified over control of the Strait of Hormuz, but hopes for a possible diplomatic solution have shown stubborn signs of life. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected suggestions that Islamabad had abandoned efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiating table after brokering an initial ceasefire agreement last month that has now collapsed. “Let me dispel the impression that Pakistan has done hands up, and this is not the case,” ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at a news conference, adding that the parties eventually "will have to come to the negotiating table to settle all outstanding issues.” Even the top negotiators for Iran and the U.S. signaled they have not walked away from talks. In a podcast interview with Joe Rogan that aired Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration is “not going to bomb and bomb and bomb” and noted that “you’ve got to actually be willing to talk and to try to figure out the problem.” “We’re going try to use our military force a

4 MIN READ
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InterviewMODERNhan promotes Korean alcohol, hanbok worldwide

The global rise of K-culture, driven by foods, beauty products, music and traditional heritage, has introduced the country to consumers around the world. However, a more sophisticated and strategic approach is needed to help them experience deeper culture and further sustain trade, according to the head of a Seoul-based event planner dedicated to promoting the country’s heritage. Cho In-sun, CEO of MODERNhan, plans and executes events involving Korean traditional culture including hanbok, or Korean traditional attire, and traditional alcoholic beverages. Through these events, she aims to promote Korea's cultural heritage to international visitors and other overseas consumers in a more engaging and immersive way. Her latest project debuted on Sunday when she opened a gallery-slash-store in central Seoul's cultural Insa-dong neighborhood dedicated to Korean alcoholic ranging from traditional brews to modern spirits. Over 160 kinds of alcohols and a design glass to go with each of them are showcased inside the cozy space in the Seoul hotspot concentrated with businesses inspired by Korea

4 MIN READ
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InterviewMeet Korea's 1st official MA in K-culture and entertainment

For Abigail Jazmine Llamo, who will turn 29 this year, K-pop was never just entertainment. “K-pop may seem light and entertaining on the surface, but for me, it provided joy, comfort and hope,” she said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. “It became a kind of escape, but also a source of energy that helped me dream of a different future. Because of that, I wanted to be part of the kind of work that could inspire or comfort others.” That personal connection ultimately brought Llamo, a Filipino national, to Korea, where she recently completed a master’s degree in K-Culture and Entertainment at Sungshin Women’s University — becoming the first graduate of the program. Her journey reflects the deeply personal ways in which the Korean cultural wave continues to resonate across borders, including in the Philippines, where Korean media content has long enjoyed widespread popularity. Llamo’s exposure to Korean culture began early, through a family visit to Korea in 2004 and television broadcasts of dramas such as “Jewel in the Palace.” Her interest deepened in the foll

3 MIN READ
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IVE invited to MLB game, Jang Won-young to throw 1st pitch

K-pop girl group IVE has been invited to attend a Major League Baseball game on July 26 at New York’s Citi Field, where member Jang Won-young will throw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of the matchup between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to the group’s agency, Starship Entertainment, the group accepted an official invitation from the Mets. While all six members are expected to attend the event, Jang will represent the group on the mount before the game. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to throw the first pitch at a game watched by baseball fans around the world,” Jang said. “I’ll do my best to share positive energy with both the players and everyone in the stands.” The girl group will also film special content with former Korean major leaguer Kim Byung-hyun and former professional pitcher Dustin Nippert during its MLB visit. The appearance comes as IVE prepares to kick off the North American leg of its second world, “SHOW WHAT I AM." The group is scheduled to perform in Toronto, Oakland and several other cities between Tuesday and Aug. 9. T

1 MIN READ
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Korea's exports of K-pop albums hit record high of $257.48 mil. in first half of year

Korea's exports of K-pop albums hit a record high in the first half of the year, government data showed Friday, driven in part by BTS' fifth studio album, "ARIRANG." K-pop album exports reached $257.48 million in the January-June period, up 125 percent from a year earlier, according to import and export trade statistics from the Korea Customs Service. The United States was the largest importer of K-pop albums during the period, with imports totaling $74.12 million, followed by China and Japan at $61.18 million and $45.61 million, respectively. Rounding out the top 10 were Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Britain, France and Poland. BTS, one of the world's top boy bands, released its first new album in three years and nine months in March. Both the album and its lead single topped Billboard's main charts. Earlier in February, BLACKPINK released its third mini album, "Deadline," which had sold nearly 2 million copies as of June.

1 MIN READ
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Can CORTIS break the K-pop mold with first world tour 'Put Your Phone Down?'

"Put your phone down." That is the title of boy group CORTIS' (Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho) first world tour, which kicks off with two concerts at Inspire Arena in Incheon this weekend. At first glance, the phrase appears to discourage fans from recording cherished moments on their smartphones during the show. But the tour poster, which features the members headbanging so intensely that their faces are barely visible, conveys a different message: Stop filming and join the fun. Approaching the first anniversary of its Aug. 18 debut last year, CORTIS has consistently resisted being confined to the traditional image of a K-pop idol group. Both of the group's EPs — "Color Outside the Lines" and "GREENGREEN" — are rooted in rage hip-hop while incorporating elements of alternative R&B and other contemporary global music trends. Rather than pursuing safe mainstream appeal, the group has embraced experimentation. Its lyrics, including playful lines such as "Protect your knees / Cover your butt" from "REDRED," also stand apart from conventional K-pop songwriting with their qu

3 MIN READ
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How RESCENE's real story broke through K-pop's manufactured world

A girl from Geoje, a southern port city in South Gyeongsang Province, where no K-pop training center, or anything remotely resembling one, exists, and another girl from Japan, who crossed the sea to become an idol but had yet to realize her dream, somehow ended up debuting together. Their small agency was just as new to the industry as they were, and predictably, the group remained largely unknown even two years after its debut. Then one day, a YouTube video they had filmed outdoors, under sunlight rather than studio lights and with mindless improvisation rather than a prepared script, suddenly exploded online. Before they could make sense of what was happening, a song they had released two years earlier was already climbing the charts. The tale of RESCENE is about as close to a fairy tale as a K-pop story can get. Fans and newcomers seem to feel the same way, because under nearly every piece of content the group releases are comments conveying roughly the same message, if in slightly different words: “This group has every piece of the story people want to root for.” A look through

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How Orcar redefines car rental industry

The rental car lot at Jeju International Airport is one of those places where the gap between Korea's tourist ambitions and its infrastructure becomes painfully visible. Foreign visitors arrive clutching international driving permits, only to encounter a process that is largely manual, often only in Korean or— if their documents don't match the expectations of the attendant on duty — simply unavailable to them. For a small team of software developers, this friction was not just a travel annoyance. Instead, it exposed a problem the industry had learned to live with. Founded in 2021 by CEO Jung Jae-ho together with COO Park Jeong-ki and CTO Lee Jong-wan, Orcar is trying to digitize one of the most frustrating parts of international travel: renting a car in a foreign country. Rather than focusing on the vehicles themselves, the company is using artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify the paperwork and identity checks that often prevent foreign visitors from getting behind the wheel. Jeju origins Orcar's origins are rooted in the back end of the industry. Jung, Park and Lee are all comp

3 MIN READ
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Outgoing Irish ambassador reflects on 4 years in Korea

Michelle Winthrop has been Ireland's top envoy to Seoul since 2022. In her four years as ambassador, she has focused on strengthening the growing relationship between Ireland and Korea in several areas, including trade and investment, education, culture, innovation and shared democratic values. She will be remembered as a prominent advocate for mental health and well-being, encouraging more open conversations about emotional resilience, inclusive workplaces and healthy communities. She has spoken frequently about the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside economic and social development. Winthrop has only been with the Irish Foreign Service about 10 years, but she has a long background of working in development cooperation. She previously worked in Africa, particularly Ethiopia, East Africa, Indonesia and Latin America. While her time here coming to a close, she met with The Korea Times on June 18 to reflect on her time here. Q. What were your first impressions when you arrived in Korea? In Ireland, we have one-tenth the population of Korea but it's the same landmass size. My

7 MIN READ
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From paralysis to national team: Former soldier rows toward Paralympic glory

For Chu Yeon-hee, 40, one day in April 2008 changed everything. At the time, Chu was in his third year as a noncommissioned officer (NCO) working as an aircraft mechanic with an Army aviation unit. While moving equipment, Chu fell from the fourth floor of a building. Rushed to a civilian hospital, Chu underwent an eight-hour operation in which surgeons inserted eight metal screws into his first through fourth lumbar vertebrae. The damaged spinal nerves never recovered. No matter how hard Chu concentrated, not even a single toe would move. Doctors diagnosed him with incomplete paralysis of the lower body caused by damage to the cauda equina — the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord resembling a horse's tail. A military career was no longer possible. Chu had fulfilled a family tradition by becoming the third consecutive generation to serve as an NCO in 2006. Proud of that legacy, he had begun training to become an Army helicopter pilot and warrant officer when the accident abruptly ended the first chapter of life. Although despair overwhelmed the 22-year-old, Chu eventually f

7 MIN READ
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Messi's baby photo comes full circle as Yamal sets up World Cup final showdown

Did a 20-year-old Lionel Messi ever imagine that the baby he cradled in his arms would one day stand across from him in a FIFA World Cup final? What began as a chance encounter captured in a photograph 19 years ago has evolved into one of football's most remarkable storylines. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature Messi's Argentina against Spain, led by 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Argentina booked its place in the final with a 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals Friday (Korea time) at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, powered by two decisive assists from Messi. The defending champions will face Spain, which defeated France, for the title on July 20. Beyond the clash between two footballing powers, the final has drawn attention because of the extraordinary connection between Messi and Yamal, whose paths first crossed in 2007. That year, Catalan newspaper Diario Sport and UNICEF organized a charity calendar featuring Barcelona players posing with local families and their babies. Yamal's family, who lived in the Rocafonda neighborhood of Mataró, was selected in a lottery to p

2 MIN READ
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Editor's Pick

Inside Korea's fiercest football derbies: Local rivalries fuel K League's passion

Inside Korea's fiercest football derbies: Local rivalries fuel K League's passion

Everywhere this summer, the World Cup is turning football into a global obsession — and Korea is no exception. But inside the country, interest in the sport doesn't begin or end with the national team; it lives week in, week out in the K League, where, much like in Europe's traditional football heartlands, club rivalries, called "derbies," shape how fans see the game and themselves. Rival cities trade songs, banners and barbs, and even those who can’t explain the offside rule quickly understand what is at stake: pride, belonging and the right to say, “our side won.” For local fans who love their club, football is not just a game but a ritual where the city’s identity is tested and defended for ninety breathless minutes. With that in mind, The Korea Times mapped out four key K League derbies that, based on interviews with 12 devoted, lifelong fans who would do anything to see their club win, offer a vivid window into Korean football’s culture and dynamics. East coast derby: Ulsan vs. Pohang In the K League 1 with 12 teams, the east coast derby is a quintessential regional riva

8 MIN READ

Life in Korea

Seoul adds map of 422 water play spots to help families beat summer heat

Seoul adds map of 422 water play spots to help families beat summer heat

With the heavy heat of summer settling over the capital, finding a quick, budget-friendly escape for children has often meant navigating a frustrating patchwork of local district websites, social media channels and community blogs. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it is streamlining this search with a centralized, interactive digital directory designed to help families stay cool without leaving the city. Starting Monday, the municipal Smart Seoul Map began offering a unified guide to 422 water facilities scattered across Seoul’s 25 districts, giving residents real-time access to operational hours, exact locations and nearby amenities on their smartphones. The database, which city officials say will be updated continuously by local district workers through August, maps out a diverse network of public urban oases. The list includes 103 traditional swimming pools, 97 playground water parks, 147 splash pads, and 66 decorative water features. Among the new highlights featured on the map is the newly opened water playground at Gwangnaru Hangang Park. "In the dead of summer, we wanted

2 MIN READ

Lifestyle

What happens if you copy Erling Haaland's 6,000-calorie diet?

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. After scoring seven goals in just four matches to lead Norway to its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, striker Erling Haaland has once again drawn global attention — this time not only for his performance on the field, but also for his extraordinary diet. The 25-year-old forward is said to consume around 6,000 calories a day spread across six meals, following what many describe as a "Viking diet" — a version of the paleo diet that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods while avoiding processed products altogether. 6,000-calorie menu centered on whole foods Haaland reportedly starts his day with sourdough bread and eggs. He drinks coffee mixed with milk and maple syrup. Lunch typically consists of fish, egg fried rice and vegetables such as asparagus. Organ meats, including beef liver and heart, also appear regularly on his menu. For dinner, he reportedly eats more than 1 kilogram of fatty red meat, such as ribeye or tomahawk steak, accompanied by potatoes, salad and milk. One of the most distinctive features o

3 MIN READ
What happens if you copy Erling Haaland's 6,000-calorie diet?

K-Culture

ZEROBASEONE teases nostalgic Japan comeback with new concept photos

K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE is building anticipation for its upcoming Japanese comeback by unveiling a second set of concept photos that embraces nostalgic summer vibes and youthful memories. The group — Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae and Park Gun-wook — released individual concept images for its second Japanese EP, "Kaiki LOVE (回帰LOVE)," through its official social media accounts on Wednesday and Thursday. The new photos feature the members at a quiet countryside train station and aboard a vintage train, with each member portraying a different facet of youth. Dressed in classic outfits such as shirts, ties and denim, the members showcase relaxed, natural charms while warm film-inspired tones and scenic summer backdrops create a nostalgic atmosphere. The train station and railway imagery have also fueled fan speculation about the album's storyline, offering a distinctly different mood from the first concept photos released earlier and highlighting the group's versatility. "Kaiki LOVE" marks ZEROBASEONE's first Japanese release in about 10 months since the s

1 MIN READ
ZEROBASEONE teases nostalgic Japan comeback with new concept photos

Celebrities

Kim Soo-hyun's comeback puts Disney+ under spotlight over 'Knock-Off'

Kim Soo-hyun has hit the gas on his return to the entertainment industry, making his first public engagement in 16 months. Attention is now turning to Disney+ and the fate of “Knock-Off,” a drama starring Kim, after its release was suspended due to controversy surrounding the actor. On Tuesday, Kim filmed an advertisement for fashion brand Bench in the Philippines. It marked his first public engagement in 16 months, following the controversy over his private life that broke out in March last year. “Reunited with your Bench family,” the fashion brand’s CEO wrote on his personal social media account, sharing a photo he had taken with Kim. In the image, Kim holds a bouquet and flashes a V sign with his fingers. The following day, Kim uploaded a new post to his own social media account, which had been dormant since February last year, resuming communication with fans. If the events of the past two days are any indication, the actor is poised to make a formal return to the industry. Attention is now focused not on whether he will return, but when and through which project. According

2 MIN READ
Kim Soo-hyun's comeback puts Disney+ under spotlight over 'Knock-Off'

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Opinion

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Top 10 Stories

  1. Korean students, parents face uncertainty over tightened US visa rules

  2. Tougher US student visa rule to affect over 13,000 Koreans in America

  3. InterviewMeet Korea's 1st official MA in K-culture and entertainment

  4. InterviewMODERNhan promotes Korean alcohol, hanbok worldwide

  5. Heavy rain expected for greater Seoul, Gangwon this weekend

  6. Price to be key as Samsung takes on Meta in smart glasses

  7. Lee reiterates plan to designate Dec. 3 as day for people's sovereignty

  8. 'AI for everyone' gov't initiative faces feasibility questions

  9. SK chief says SK hynix shares likely to trend upward on strong memory chip demand

  10. Korean parents welcome gov't move to curb minors' social media use but questions remain

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