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Korea issues 1st-ever heat wave emergency warning for southeast

A heat wave emergency warning — the highest alert level — was issued for Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province at 10 a.m. Sunday, marking the first activation of the alert since it was introduced under the revised advisory system last month. The warning is issued when a region that has already had a perceived temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or higher for at least two consecutive days is expected to have a perceived temperature of 38 degrees or higher, or an actual temperature of 39 degrees or higher, for at least one more day. Heat at that level carries a high risk of heat-related illness, so residents in the affected areas are advised to avoid outdoor activities, particularly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. when temperatures peak, and to rest in a shaded area or shelter. Water or sports drinks are recommended over caffeinated beverages or alcohol. Sunday marked the warning's first activation since it was introduced last month to alert the public of extreme heat, which the previous heat wave warning could not adequately convey. Under the earlier two-tier system, a heat wave a

3 MIN READ
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Gwangju schoolgirl murder exposes risks of unchecked police power

The murder of a high school student in Gwangju and an alleged cover-up attempt by police have abruptly disrupted a policy push to strip prosecutors of all remaining investigative powers. The killing by Jang Yoon-gi, son of a police officer, has raised the question of whether Korea should press ahead with institutionalizing unchecked police power at the very moment its dangers have been laid bare. A special investigation team under the National Police Agency probing the alleged misconduct in the investigation of the murder case visited the office of the Gwangju Metropolitan Police’s commissioner and other top command posts to collect evidence, expanding its inquiry to the police leadership. This came after investigators named the chief of Gwangsan Police Station in the city, the leader of the violent crimes team and his members as criminal suspects. The team leader was arrested last week on charges including leaking official secrets and destroying evidence. Investigators are also probing Jang's father — himself suspected of destroying key evidence — on suspicion of colluding with

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US State Department expresses 'significant concerns' over Korea's 'fake news' law

The U.S. Department of State expressed “significant concerns” over Korea's recently revised Information and Communications Network Act, commonly known as the “fake news” law, amid worries that the law could restrict free speech and negatively affect American platforms operating here. “The United States has significant concerns with the ROK government’s approval of an amendment to the Network Act that risks negatively impacting the business of U.S.-based online platforms and undermining free speech,” the department's press office said in response to an inquiry from The Korea Times, referring to Korea by an abbreviation of its official name, the Republic of Korea. “We expect the ROK to deliver on its commitment to ensuring that U.S. companies are not discriminated against and do not face unnecessary barriers in terms of laws and policies concerning digital services,” it added. The response came as the “fake news” law came into force on Tuesday to regulate illegal and fabricated information on designated large online platforms — four domestic platforms, Naver, Kakao

2 MIN READ
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InterviewARMY's greatest strength is resilience: scholar on BTS

When online communities grow large enough, conflict is almost inevitable. Anonymous interactions, differing expectations and cultural divides can fracture even the most devoted fandoms. Yet one global community continues to defy that pattern, according to Lee Ji-heng, assistant professor in the Department of K-Entertainment at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) and a scholar of fandom studies. "ARMY's greatest strength is not its organization or ability to mobilize," Lee, referring to the BTS fandom, told The Korea Times in a written interview. "It is its resilience." It is a striking claim, given that organization is precisely what ARMY is best known for. Formed in 2013, shortly after BTS' debut under what was then a little-known agency, the fandom has grown from a modest local fan club into arguably the most influential fan community in popular music. Over the years, it has powered record-breaking streaming, voting campaigns and even coordinated charity drives. Yet like any other online-based community, ARMY experiences its share of conflict. For all its reputation of maturity, Lee ackn

5 MIN READ
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Court upholds license revocation for group that falsely claimed UN ties

A Seoul appeals court has upheld a decision by the National Assembly’s secretary general to revoke the legal status of a local organization that masqueraded as a United Nations-affiliated body to solicit billions of won in donations. The Seoul High Court recently dismissed an appeal filed by the UN-Habitat Korea Committee against the secretary general, affirming a lower court ruling that rejected the organization’s attempt to overturn the cancellation of its nonprofit corporate status. From the outset in 2019, the group promoted itself as “the U.N.’s first national committee,” using the U.N. name and emblem in its materials. In July 2023, however, allegations surfaced that it had never received formal authorization from the U.N. to use its name or logo, yet had raised about 4.4 billion won ($2.92 million) in donations. In November that year, the Assembly revoked the group’s establishment permit. A court ruled in favor of the Assembly last September. The appeals court likewise found that the committee’s use of the U.N. name and logo to solicit donations constituted grounds f

2 MIN READ
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Samsung Electronics to bring forward opening of 1st Yongin chip plant to 2029

Samsung Electronics Co. is moving to begin operations at the first semiconductor fabrication plant in its Yongin chip cluster in 2029, one to two years earlier than planned, industry sources said Sunday. The accelerated timeline comes as the government speeds up development of the Yongin National Industrial Complex, a national strategic project set to serve as the company's next-generation semiconductor manufacturing hub. Samsung is currently planning to begin operations in 2029 at the first of six semiconductor plants to be built at the Yongin industrial complex, just south of Seoul, according to the sources. "An earlier start of operations at the first plant will enable Samsung to respond more quickly to rapidly growing global demand for artificial intelligence chips," an industry official said. Separately, the chipmaker said last month that, under its mega project investment plan, it plans to invest 2,030 trillion won ($1.35 trillion) in its Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters, along with 400 trillion won to build two new chip plants in Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul.

1 MIN READ
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EV boom brings higher insurance costs for drivers

When the owner of a Volkswagen ID.5 checked his insurance renewal quote, he had to do a double take. Despite another year of accident-free driving, his annual premium jumped from 430,000 won ($286) to 700,000 won. “Has anyone else's insurance gone up this much?” wrote the driver, who is in his late 40s, in an online forum for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Another forum user, who is waiting on a delivery of a newly ordered EV, said the insurance quote alone gave him second thoughts. “I was told it would cost 300,000 to 400,000 won more than my gasoline car,” he wrote. “I guess I’ll have to make up for it through savings on charging and vehicle taxes.” For many EV owners in Korea, those experiences are becoming increasingly familiar. As EVs gain market share in the country — helped by lower running costs, government subsidies and a growing range of models — many drivers say unexpectedly high insurance premiums are eroding much of the financial advantage of switching from gasoline-powered cars. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, 220,177 new EVs

2 MIN READ
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Julian Alvarez's strike sends defending champion Argentina back to World Cup semifinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Julian Alvarez sent defending champion Argentina back to the World Cup semifinals with a long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while another goal by Lautaro Martinez with seconds left in extra time only served to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister also scored off a corner kick from Lionel Messi, helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta. The Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. Messi's nine-game World Cup scoring streak ended, but his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues. With Argentina and England joining France and Spain in the semifinals, it's the first time the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all advanced that far. The game swung in the second half on a call sure to rile up critics who believe Argentina has been favored by officials in this tournament. The Swiss had just tied the game on Dan Ndoye's goal in the 67th minute when Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for a tackle on

3 MIN READ
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US commander praises Korea's RIMPAC leadership

HONOLULU — The top U.S. commander overseeing this year’s Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise praised the Republic of Korea Navy’s leadership in its first command of a major multinational maritime force, as Korea continues to take on larger leadership roles in the world’s largest naval exercise. Vice Adm. Jeffrey Jablon, commander of the Combined Task Force for RIMPAC 2026, said he was “extremely pleased” with the performance of Rear Adm. Kim In-ho, commander of the ROK Fleet, who is serving as Combined Maritime Component commander — the first time the role has been assigned to an Asian nation. “We are very happy to partner with the Republic of Korea and Rear Adm. In-ho Kim and his team,” Jablon said in a written interview with the Korean press corps. “I am extremely pleased with their performance.” He said training together in “complex, realistic scenarios” strengthens warfighting skills and interoperability, adding that such cooperation depends on partners continuing “to invest in their people and capabilities to increase their role in multinational maritime

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Bass Yoo Seung-ho wins 2nd prize at Sumi Jo In'tl Singing Competition in France

As the Sumi Jo International Singing Competition wrapped up its second edition in France, Saturday, Korean bass singer Yoo Seung-ho, 25, won second prize in the final round of the contest at La Ferte-Imbault Castle in the Loire region. The top honor went to American baritone Trevor Haumschilt-Rocha, 27, while Romanian soprano Paulo Iancic, 32, finished third. Yoo, a senior in vocal music at Seoul National Univeristy and top graduate of Gyeongbuk Arts High School, was competing abroad for the first time. “I didn’t expect much because all the other participants were so good, and it was my first international competition,” Yoo told reporters after the awards ceremony. “I’m happy to get such a good result. It doesn’t feel real. I want to tell my parents first, and when I return to Korea, I’ll keep studying hard and do my best,” he said. The competition, launched in 2024 as the first international vocal contest named after a Korean soprano, is held every two years for singers aged 18 to 32. Jo serves as part of the jury. This year’s edition drew more than 500 applicants from 5

1 MIN READ
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Nationalist buying wave rescues stocks facing delisting

For decades, Monami's familiar ballpoint pens have filled Korean classrooms, offices and pencil cases. Now, a wave of nostalgia-driven buying is giving the 65-year-old stationery maker an unexpected lifeline in the stock market. "Now that I'm an adult who can buy Monami shares, I've placed an order, hoping there is still room for a little nostalgia in this world. Please keep going," an investor wrote on a local brokerage's online community. "Who in Korea hasn't heard of Monami pens? A company like this deserves to thrive as a long-standing Korean brand," another wrote. Such expressions of affection have quickly translated into buying interest, as retail investors rallied around the company. According to the Korea Exchange, Monami shares jumped 25.66 percent on Friday to close at 2,145 won ($1.43), marking a sharp rebound from their all-time low of 1,065 won on June 26. The company had faced the risk of delisting after the Korea Exchange moved to tighten the market capitalization requirements for maintaining a stock market listing. As public interest surged, Monami's shares soared, pushin

2 MIN READ
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Relocation of Gwangju military airport speeds up for chip cluster

The relocation of the military airport in the southwestern city of Gwangju is accelerating after the site was chosen for a major semiconductor production cluster, officials said Sunday. The Gwangju military airport site was selected for the cluster as part of the government's "three mega projects," which focus on large-scale regional investments in semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence and AI data centers. A committee comprising central and regional government officials is scheduled to meet later this month to designate a candidate site for the relocated airport. Muan County was named a preliminary candidate in April. The regional government overseeing Gwangju expects the relocation site to be finalized by the end of this year. It plans to pursue the airport relocation and cluster development in parallel, with the goal of beginning semiconductor production in 2030.

1 MIN READ
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SK hynix dollar inflow expected to bolster Korea's FX market

SK hynix Inc. is expected to inject a large amount of U.S. dollars into Korea's foreign exchange market after raising about 40 trillion won ($26.5 billion) through an American depositary receipt (ADR) offering on Nasdaq, industry sources said Sunday. The proceeds from the U.S. listing are scheduled to be paid to the company Monday. Given that SK hynix plans to use most of the funds for domestic investments, including the Yongin semiconductor cluster, much of the dollar-denominated proceeds is expected to be converted into the won, increasing the supply of dollars in the local foreign exchange market. The inflow is expected to ease pressure on the Korean won, which has remained weak against the dollar amid broad dollar strength and rising overseas investment by Korean companies, according to the sources. "The size and timing of the foreign exchange transactions have yet to be determined," an SK hynix official said. Market experts said the expected inflow is comparable in scale to the dollar liquidity supplied under the $60 billion currency swap deal between the Bank of Korea and the U.S. F

1 MIN READ
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D4D Hackathon lays foundation for defense AI ecosystem in APAC

Deploy for Defense (D4D) Hackathon APAC successfully completed its inaugural event in Seoul, laying the foundation for a defense artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in the region. According to D4D, Sunday, it hosted the hackathon event from July 3-5, with more than 200 builders and officials from academia and defense AI companies including Palantir Technologies, Stealth Mole and BONE AI. The event awarded eight teams across five tracks. A team from BONE AI won the autonomous and unmanned systems track. Teams DoS and ANGAE won in the defense intelligence category, while DELPHI, SEASIDE and Nyx were recognized in battlefield networks, maritime domain awareness and combat readiness, respectively. Supporty and Kestrel also received special awards linked to an Oregon-based UAS accelerator program in the United States. Organizations from Oregon are scheduled to visit Korea on July 14 to sign a memorandum of understanding, marking the first case in Korea in which a domestic hackathon resulted in a direct U.S. market entry. “Korea's defense industry has long been defined by the export succe

2 MIN READ
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Ex-vice culture minister wins AI jazz music award

Former Vice Culture Minister Yong Ho-seong won an artificial intelligence (AI) jazz music contest held in Montreux, Switzerland, on Friday (local time), according to the organizer. Yong's composition, "Frozen Edge," took the top prize at the AI.LOVE.JAZZ, which was held alongside the Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the world's largest jazz festivals. This year marked the inaugural edition of the AI.LOVE. JAZZ competition. Yong joined the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 1993 and served as first vice minister from 2024 to 2025 before retiring. Beyond his public service career, he is also known as a drummer and music critic. After retiring, the former vice minister enrolled at SM Universe, an educational affiliate of SM Entertainment, to study AI-assisted music composition. Since then, he has devoted himself to creating music inspired by Shakespeare's 154 sonnets. "Frozen Edge," inspired by Sonnet 97, explores the emptiness following a breakup, comparing the emotion to the biting cold of winter. He submitted three works to the competition and plans to release a series of albums. Sp

1 MIN READ
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Navy searches for sailor missing during East Sea patrol

A Navy sailor went missing Sunday while aboard a naval vessel on a patrol mission in the East Sea near the de facto inter-Korean maritime border, prompting a search operation, the military said. The sailor, whose identity was withheld, was reported missing Sunday morning, while the vessel was on patrol about 50 kilometers off Geojin in Gangwon Province, near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), according to the military. The Navy launched a search operation in cooperation with the Coast Guard, deploying around 10 ships and aircraft. The sailor, who held the rank of seaman apprentice, was last seen by a crew member on the overnight watch aboard a Navy frigate between midnight and 2 a.m. He was reported missing after failing to report for duty for the morning watch. The military also notified North Korea of the disappearance through international merchant ship communication channels. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back instructed officials to do their utmost to rescue the missing sailor promptly and safely. The unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs also issued a press statement, requesti

1 MIN READ
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POSCO, KB Kookmin Bank make banking easier for partner firms

Steelmaker POSCO has forged a partnership with KB Kookmin Bank to introduce a supply chain finance service for its partner firms, helping improve cash flow for suppliers amid a prolonged downturn in the steel industry. POSCO President Lee Hee-keun and KB CEO Lee Hwan-ju signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday at the steelmaker's office in Seoul. The new service is a financial system that connects financial institutions with companies participating in a supply chain from production to distribution to increase liquidity throughout the supply chain. It is designed as a win-win model that helps the cash flow of client companies that face difficulties in preparing funds due to delays in payments or a lack of collateral. Under the MOU, POSCO, its client companies and KB will be linked in a structure where the bank takes full charge of collecting sales payments and provides clients with both financial and nonfinancial services, including corporate loan support and environmental, social and governance consulting. The two companies will begin developing a system that integrates KB

2 MIN READ
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KB Financial chief vows to turn 'money move' into opportunities

KB Financial Group Chairman Yang Jong-hee said the current money move could provide an opportunity to strengthen the group's competitiveness in wealth and asset management, the group said Sunday. He also called on executives to reassess their work processes and redesign the ways tasks are carried out using artificial intelligence. His remarks came during the group's executive workshop for the second half of 2026, held from Friday to Saturday in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province. The workshop was organized to refine KB's medium- to long-term growth strategy for 2027 through 2029 amid rapid changes in financial markets and intensifying competition. It also aimed to strengthen the group's future competitiveness through closer collaboration among its affiliates. A total of 270 executives attended. KB Financial Group outlined five priorities: revamping its wealth management business models; strengthening services for small and medium-sized companies; improving group-wide collaboration in corporate and investment banking and capital markets; upgrading its insurance and investment capabilities;

1 MIN READ
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Editor's Pick

Gwangju Airport semiconductor hub plan risks new Korea-US friction

Gwangju Airport semiconductor hub plan risks new Korea-US friction

The Korean government's plan to transform Gwangju Airport, also known as Gwangju Air Base, into a flagship semiconductor cluster for the country's southwestern region faces an alliance hurdle, as the facility serves as a Korea-U.S. Air Force Collocated Operating Base (COB), meaning any redevelopment will require close consultations with Washington. Established in 1964, Gwangju Airport is a Ministry of National Defense-owned dual-use facility shared by the Air Force and domestic civilian aviation. The civilian side has already been earmarked for transfer to Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, subject to the completion of a KTX extension slated for December 2027. The military relocation involves a far more complex set of considerations. As one of five COBs in Korea, Gwangju Airport is designated as a location where U.S. air assets can rapidly deploy in a contingency, even though no American operational units are permanently stationed there during peacetime. Portions of the installation are understood to have been provided to the U.S. side under the Status of

3 MIN READ

Life in Korea

Seoul opens 212 free water play areas to combat summer heat

Seoul opens 212 free water play areas to combat summer heat

The Seoul Metropolitan Government opened 212 free aquatic cooling facilities in parks and green spaces across the capital Friday to help residents beat increasingly prolonged summer heat waves. The seasonal rollout features 142 splash pads and 70 dedicated water playgrounds that will remain operational through August. To guide families looking for urban retreats, the city’s Parks and Landscape Bureau highlighted 10 premier destinations categorized by their distinct setups. For standard splash pads, the city recommended Seoul Forest, which is currently hosting the 2026 Seoul International Garden Exposition. Other top spots include Seoul Plaza directly in front of City Hall, World Cup Park in Mapo District, featuring a nearby adventure playground and the sandy "Nanji Beach," and Buramsan Healing Park in Nowon District, which is popular for its large live butterfly conservatory. For more extensive water playgrounds equipped with interactive structures, officials highlighted the Seoul Botanic Park, where a colorful water park operates with a maximum depth of 25 centimeters and requires wat

2 MIN READ

Lifestyle

The Korean hair tie behind Norway's Viking hero

Amid Norway's unexpected breakout success in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, all eyes are on Erling Haaland, who has become the viral poster child of his national team. While Haaland was already famous for his status as one of the best strikers in the world, the World Cup has brought widespread focus on the footballer’s striking features and imposing 1.95-meter frame that make him instantly recognizable on and off the field, even to first-time football fans. Of particular note is Haaland’s long blond hair, which he ties into a slicked-back bun during his games. This iconic hairstyle is helped along by KKNEKKI, a brand that has its roots in Korea. KKNEKKI, meaning yarn in Gyeongsang dialect, was created in Korea in 1987, incorporating Korea’s traditional artisan spirit into its production. It was later bought by the family-owned Norwegian group Bon Dep. The hair ties are made from woven polyester fabric and tied off with a plastic bead. The soft weave provides a comfortable and snag-free tie, especially for fragile and easily-damaged hair. There are over 700 colors to choose from, in

2 MIN READ
The Korean hair tie behind Norway's Viking hero

K-Culture

From 'Blood, Sweat & Tears' to chill, CORTIS captures K-pop's new mood

Something about CORTIS just hits differently from other K-pop groups. There is no sophisticated fictional universe or elaborate lore surrounding the members. No mystique designed to keep fans on edge. No metallic beats dominating their music. Much of the formula that has come to define K-pop is conspicuously absent from CORTIS. The decision to take a different path came from a bold acceptance of the fact that conventional methods, such as building elaborate lore around a group, could take CORTIS only so far in expanding its fan base. And it paid off. People in their 40s and 50s, a generation that has largely remained outside the core K-pop fandom, suddenly began to notice the group and, more importantly, like it. To some, CORTIS represents change itself. The most high-profile figure to make that connection was newly appointed Prime Minister Han Sung-sook, who quoted the group’s lyrics while pledging the change she intended to bring to the country. The obvious question, then, is what exactly about CORTIS has won over so many middle-aged listeners and led them to embrace the group as a sy

6 MIN READ
From 'Blood, Sweat & Tears' to chill, CORTIS captures K-pop's new mood

Celebrities

Han Go-eun's beauty secret? It's in her husband's homemade lunchbox

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Actress Han Go-eun, 51, has revealed the homemade lunchbox she eats while filming television dramas. The actress previously surprised fans by saying she has maintained a weight of 52 kilograms for the past 33 years despite standing 172 centimeters tall. In a recent video uploaded to her YouTube channel, "Goeun Unnie Han Go-eun," titled "For the first time in 11 years, my husband and I left Cheongdam and visited Seosulla-gil," Han enjoyed a date with her husband, Shin Young-soo, in Seoul's Jongno district. Having been busy filming a drama, Han said, "I've been doing nothing but filming lately, so it feels refreshing to finally come out on a date." She also shared that her husband prepares her lunch every day. "My husband always packs my lunch," she said. Shin explained his routine: "Before she leaves in the morning, I make sure she has protein and fruit. Since she rarely eats carbohydrates, I usually include a potato." Han added that the lunchbox has become a hit with the drama staff. "When I arrive in the morning, everyone asks, 'What did your hus

2 MIN READ
Han Go-eun's beauty secret? It's in her husband's homemade lunchbox

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Opinion

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Top 10 Stories

  1. Korea issues 1st-ever heat wave emergency warning for southeast

  2. Gwangju schoolgirl murder exposes risks of unchecked police power

  3. EV boom brings higher insurance costs for drivers

  4. Seoul opens 212 free water play areas to combat summer heat

  5. US State Department expresses 'significant concerns' over Korea's 'fake news' law

  6. Court upholds license revocation for group that falsely claimed UN ties

  7. Nationalist buying wave rescues stocks facing delisting

  8. The Confucianism of the 'ajumma'

  9. Samsung Electronics to bring forward opening of 1st Yongin chip plant to 2029

  10. US launches airstrikes on Iran; Tehran lashes out at Gulf states

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