Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Korea Times-AMCHAM forum to discuss strategic Korea-US partnership

The Korea Times and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) will jointly host a forum titled “Strategic Proposals for the Korea-U.S. Partnership” on Tuesday. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul. The recent inauguration of Korea’s new government presents an opportunity to redefine the country’s economic vision and strategy for the next decade, with a focus on innovation, sustainability and global cooperation. The forum will address the complex challenges facing the new administration of Lee Jae Myung, including adapting to global supply chain restructuring, navigating U.S. industrial subsidy policies, responding to rising protectionism, managing geopolitical risks and accelerating the energy transition. Featuring key figures from the new government alongside leading experts, the forum will generate policy recommendations and encourage dialogue to advance the strategic partnership between Korea and the U.S. The opening speeches will be delivered by the hosts, Korea Times Chairman Seung Myung-ho and AMCHA

Jun 19, 2025By Lee Gyu-lee

Korea Times-AMCHAM forum to discuss strategic Korea-US partnership

PHOTO Promoting respect through football

Lee Jae-sung, back row second from left, a Korean footballer who play for the German club Mainz 05, stands with children holding footballs during an event launching a fundraising campaign to promote unity and the value of respect for others at the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in Seoul, Monday. Lee is a member of UNESCO Friends. The raised funds will be used for educational football programs that will teach the importance of respect and unity to youth. Courtesy of Korean National Commission for UNESCO

Jun 19, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

[PHOTO] Promoting respect through football

Japanese hip-hop dancer enjoys immense popularity in Korea after starring in Mnet's survival program

Japanese hip-hop dancer Kyoka Yamamoto has become a sensation among Koreans — a rare achievement for a Japanese woman — thanks to her outstanding performances and charisma in the latest series of Mnet’s popular survival reality show, “Street Woman Fighter.” The ongoing third season of the show, titled “World of Street Woman Fighter” (WSWF), expands the show’s original format into an international contest, featuring six crews from Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Born and raised in Osaka, Kyoka is a core member of OSAKA Ojo Gang, a seven-member project crew that represents Japan. Out of the 24 dancers competing against each other as national representatives, the 29-year-old has received significant attention from Korean viewers, not only for her charismatic stage presence, but also for her authentic confidence and iconic character. Kyoka was born in 1996 and began dancing at the age of 8, quickly garnering recognition as a world-class dancer. She became the first Japanese dancer to win the global hip-hop competition Juste Debout in France at the

Jun 19, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

Japanese hip-hop dancer enjoys immense popularity in Korea after starring in Mnet's survival program

Afghan refuge seeker in Korea fights for future

Following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban swiftly retook control of the country. As Kabul unraveled into mayhem, crowds rushed to the airport, clinging to the hope of catching the last departing flights. Amid the turmoil, the Korean government launched its own evacuation mission: an operation to airlift 390 Afghans and their families — individuals deemed “special contributors” for their work with the Korean embassy, the Korea International Cooperation Agency and other organizations. But Ramis — a name he uses in place of his real one, which cannot be disclosed for security reasons — and his brother were left behind. Though their father had served at the Korean embassy in Kabul for nearly two decades, the two had to watch their parents and younger sister board the plane to safety without them. The reason? They had aged out of eligibility. At over 20 years old, they were no longer considered dependents and therefore could not be included under their father’s protection. “Saying goodbye to my family in that moment was the hardest thin

Jun 19, 2025By Park Han-sol

Afghan refuge seeker in Korea fights for future

Ways to enjoy International Day of Yoga in Korea

Yoga enthusiasts in Korea will once again mark the International Day of Yoga on Saturday with celebrations in a couple of places around the country, featuring group practices, cultural performances and community gatherings. Since 2014, the International Day of Yoga has been commemorated globally on June 21, promoting yoga’s benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Each year, thousands gather in cities worldwide to participate. The main event in Korea will take place at 5 p.m. at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Participants will gather in the open air to practice Surya Namaskar — a flow sequence of 12 yoga positions — as well as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, two popular styles. Organized by the Embassy of India in Korea and the Korean Yoga Association, the event will also feature a Kathak dance performance, a traditional art form from India, and demonstrations of Gyrokinesis, a movement practice that stimulates the nervous system by coordinating breath, focus and motion. Acro yoga, which incorporates acrobatic elements, will also be showcased. Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit

Jun 19, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

Ways to enjoy International Day of Yoga in Korea

BTS agency founder surprises fans with dramatic weight loss in photo with HYBE’s new idol group

HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk is making headlines for his dramatic weight loss. On Sunday, Bang shared a post on his personal social media with the caption, “Congrats on your new voyage!” along with a photo taken with aoen, HYBE’s new J-pop group. In the photo, Bang is seen striking the group’s signature pose alongside the aoen members. Wearing a blue jacket that matches the group’s color theme, he smiles brightly while posing with the idols. What drew the most attention, however, was Bang’s noticeably slimmer appearance. Even among the youthful aoen members, his weight loss stood out, with fans noting how naturally he fit in with the group. Bang had already sparked conversation on June 9 when he posted a photo with boy band &TEAM, showing off his slimmer figure in a short-sleeved T-shirt. His transformation was quickly noticed. He has since consistently shared photos with various HYBE artists, including Seventeen, TXT and LE SSERAFIM, showcasing a leaner figure that contrasts starkly with his earlier appearance. Fans are reacting to his transformation with comments such as “I

Jun 17, 2025By Xportsnews

BTS agency founder surprises fans with dramatic weight loss in photo with HYBE’s new idol group

Egyptian artist bridges cultures in Seoul exhibition

Cairo-born artist Dina Fahmy El Rouby presented her works in an exhibition at the Egyptian Embassy in Korea over the weekend, celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt. Titled "From Nile to Han," the now-concluded exhibition featured 45 works, including calligraphy and oil paintings. Some pieces incorporate augmented reality, allowing viewers to enjoy immersive experiences. “When selecting the artworks (for this exhibition), I wanted to create a connection between the two nations. So I thought a lot about colors,” El Rouby told The Korea Times in an interview in Seoul, Monday. “I tried to integrate, for instance, the Korean flag’s blue, red and white with Egyptian or Pharaonic symbols like the key of life, the Eye of Horus or the lotus flower.” She explained the lotus flower symbolizes eternity, while the Eye of Horus means protection, health and restoration. The exhibition is part of a series of events the embassy is hosting this year to promote Egyptian culture in Korea. A separate exhibition, "Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramesses I

Jun 17, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

Egyptian artist bridges cultures in Seoul exhibition

How a former fashion worker built a hit bagel cafe in her late 40s

It’s been nearly four years since London Bagel Museum opened its doors in Anguk-dong, Seoul, but the lines outside the store show no signs of letting up. What began in 2021 as a bagel cafe has grown into a cultural landmark — a place where taste and ambiance meet in rare harmony. Behind this phenomenon is Ryo (real name Lee Hyo-jung), a 51-year-old creative director who also founded popular cafes Artist Bakery, High West and Layered. This month, she released a personal essay collection titled “Philosophy Ryo,” which gathers over a decade of her reflections shared on social media, accompanied by her own photos and illustrations. But this is no how-to guide for running a successful cafe. Rather, Ryo describes her book as a private journal on the “courage to live as one’s true self.” At a press event held on Monday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul, she explained her philosophy behind creating beloved spaces: “I never set out to make trends or carefully brand anything. I just kept asking myself what I genuinely liked, and what I wanted to do. It turns out my tastes resonate

Jun 17, 2025By Hankookilbo

How a former fashion worker built a hit bagel cafe in her late 40s

Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival to be held on Liberation Day

The Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival is set to take place along the Han River on Aug. 15, the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese occupation. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the two Koreas’ division. According to the festival’s organizing committee, Friday, it will host the event at Ttukseom Hangang Park on National Liberation Day under the theme “Beyond the Miracle on the Han River, to National Harmony and a Unified Korea.” “The Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival will be more than an event for the country’s 80th anniversary of independence. This will be a gateway to national harmony. People will discuss the country’s future and vision here,” former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan said during a press conference for the festival at the Press Center in central Seoul, Friday. Chung serves as president of the Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival’s organizing committee. “This year is also the 80th anniversary of the two Koreas’ division. The festival will be a turning point for the two Koreas’ unification.” Along with Chung, former deputy speak

Jun 14, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

Korean Dream Hangang Grand Festival to be held on Liberation Day

From heiress of retail mogul to idol: K-pop rookie Annie opens up about family’s opposition

Annie, a member of the soon-to-debut k-pop group ALLDAY PROJECT under The Black Label, has opened up about the strong opposition she faced from her family before pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. In a video titled “ALLDAY PROJECT – ‘DAY 1,’” released on the group’s official YouTube channel on June 13, Annie and her fellow members — Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo — shared their thoughts and emotions ahead of their upcoming debut. Annie, whose real name is Moon Seo-yoon, recalled first falling in love with K-pop at the age of seven after watching BigBang and 2NE1’s music video for “Lollipop.” “It was a total shock — it felt like a new world had opened up to me,” she said. “I instantly knew that I wanted to do what they were doing.” However, her early excitement was met with skepticism at home. “One day, I casually asked my mom, ‘What would you think if I became a singer?’ and she just laughed and said, ‘No way,’” Annie recalled. “That’s when I realized it wasn’t going to be easy.” When she later brought up the topic more s

Jun 14, 2025By Xportsnews

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