Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Byeon Woo-seok shows natural charm in daily update

Actor Byeon Woo-seok shared a refreshing glimpse of his daily life, revealing his natural charm through new photos. On Sept. 21, Byeon posted several images on his social media account. Taken against the backdrop of clear skies and the Han River, his casual “boyfriend” pictures caught fans’ attention. He also uploaded sky-blue heart and cloud emojis, expressing his delight with the bright weather. To capture both the scenery and his fresh appearance, Byeon took selfies that reflected the breezy mood of the day. In other photos, he was seen strolling through a park with a small digital camera in his hand, snapping shots as he enjoyed the pleasant weather. Dressed in a comfortable shirt, Byeon showcased his laid-back side while maintaining his signature good looks. Fans reacted enthusiastically, leaving comments such as “Natural Byeon Woo-seok is the best,” and “How can someone look this handsome even while taking a walk?” Byeon, a model-turned-actor, rose to fame after playing the lead role of Ryu Sun-jae in the tvN drama “Lovely Runner.” He recently confirmed his appeara

Sep 22, 2025By Xportsnews

Byeon Woo-seok shows natural charm in daily update

Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung says Korea is 'still conservative' on sexual minorities

“Everyone is equal, whether gay or straight. Korea is still conservative, so I hope things move forward. We should open our hearts to all people,” actress Youn Yuh-jung said as she criticized the conservative view of sexual minorities in Korea. Youn, who appeared in the American independent film “The Wedding Banquet” that explores homosexuality, made the remarks during a press conference Sept. 19 at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District for the film’s screening in the World Cinema section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. “Our country is not yet like the United States in terms of being more accepting (of sexual minorities),” she said, adding, “We are all human and we are all equal.” She also revealed during the film’s U.S. release that her eldest son had publicly come out as gay in 2000. At the time, she said, that after New York legalized same-sex marriage, her son held his wedding there. She noted that her personal life was closely tied to the film, adding that she shared in it the experiences she went through with her son. However, she did not

Sep 20, 2025By Hankookilbo

Oscar-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung says Korea is 'still conservative' on sexual minorities

Rev. Billy Kim wins Korea-US Alliance Grand Award

Rev. Billy Kim, 91, also known as Kim Jang-hwan, chairperson of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea, received the 2025 Alliance Grand Award on Wednesday in recognition of his contributions to strengthening ties between Korea and the United States. “Pastor Kim Jang-hwan has dedicated his life to the advancement of the ROK-U.S. alliance. He was particularly instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the Wall of Remembrance, which was added to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation said in a statement issued after the award ceremony, held on the sideline of the ROK-U.S. Alliance Veterans Conference in Seoul. Completed in 2023, the Wall of Remembrance stands as a symbol of the alliance between the two countries. Kim expressed gratitude for the honor. “I don’t deserve this award, but I accept it on behalf of all Koreans who support the Korea-U.S. alliance,” he said. Lim Ho-young, chairperson of the foundation, said Kim’s lifelong efforts to strengthen the alliance serve as an inspiration to younger generations

Sep 17, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

Rev. Billy Kim wins Korea-US Alliance Grand Award

Yoido Full Gospel Church co-hosts global church growth conference in Jakarta

The Church Growth International (CGI) Conference, co-hosted by Yoido Full Gospel Church and CGI, concluded a three-day event from Sept. 9 to 11 in Indonesia, serving as a pivotal opportunity to expand partnerships and foster a spirit of revival across Asia. Yoido Full Gospel Church said Sunday that the conference, focused on the theme of “Power of the Holy Spirit,” drew an estimated 20,000 attendees, including pastors and believers from 22 countries. Held at GBI Mawar Saron Church in Jakarta, Indonesia, this year’s conference served as a pivotal moment for expanding revival partnerships across Indonesia and the Asian region. The opening day featured a conference attended by more than 3,500 people. Rev. Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church and chairman of CGI, delivered a lecture on power of prayer, highlighting the tradition of early morning prayer in the Korean church. “Prayer is spiritual breathing, the word is spiritual food, and churches’ growth is entirely in God’s hands,” the chairman said during his lecture. The evening session featured a revival

Sep 14, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul

Yoido Full Gospel Church co-hosts global church growth conference in Jakarta

Still by her side: DJ Koo’s devotion to Barbie Hsu moves fans

DJ Koo, formerly of the dance duo Clon, marked his first birthday since the passing of his wife, Taiwanese actress and singer Barbie Hsu. Koo turned 56 on Sept. 11. A day later, his longtime friend and fellow Clon member Kang Won-rae celebrated the milestone by posting a photo from their early career together and a heartfelt message on his channel, writing, “I sincerely congratulate Jun-yup on his birthday, Sept. 11, 1969. Let’s meet again with bright smiles.” This year’s birthday carried added weight, as it was the first since Hsu’s sudden death in February during a trip to Japan, following a case of acute pneumonia. Koo has reportedly spent the past seven months regularly visiting her resting place in Jinbaoshan Cemetery in New Taipei City, Taiwan. In July, witnesses spotted him sitting before her gravestone with a folding chair, reading books and touching a tablet placed in front of the memorial. Media reports also noted that he has lost 12 kilograms since her passing. Hsu, best known for starring in the Taiwanese version of “Boys Over Flowers,” rose to fame as both a si

Sep 14, 2025By Xportsnews

Still by her side: DJ Koo’s devotion to Barbie Hsu moves fans

InterviewWorld Taekwondo leader charts digital, humanitarian future for sport

World Taekwondo President Choue Chung-won, architect of the Korean martial art’s transformation over the past two decades, is poised to make history as he vies for a final term in an upcoming October election. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, Choue reflected on guiding taekwondo through multiple reforms and introducing technological upgrades and humanitarian initiatives since taking office in 2004 — efforts he says have secured the Korean martial art’s place not only on the world stage but also as a symbol of global harmony. “Since launching the Reform Committee in 2004, we’ve driven innovations like video replay, the Protector and Scoring System, differentiated scoring, enhanced referee training and uniform upgrades,” Choue said, explaining that securing taekwondo’s place in eight consecutive Olympic Games through 2028 is a testament to these efforts. Among the milestones Choue treasures most are taekwondo’s Paralympics debut at Tokyo 2020, the historic launch in 2016 of the Taekwondo Cares program and Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF). “WT’s vision

Sep 11, 2025By Lee Hae-rin

World Taekwondo leader charts digital, humanitarian future for sport

Incheon to mark 75th anniversary of pivotal Korean War battle with weeklong events

Incheon is preparing an event to mark one of the most pivotal victories of the 1950-53 Korean War, honoring the courage of veterans and emphasizing the lessons of peace for future generations. The port city west of Seoul said it will co-host a weeklong series of events from Sept. 12 to 18 with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the Navy and the Marine Corps to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. Launched on Sept. 15, 1950, the Incheon Landing marked a turning point in the Korean War. Led by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the bold amphibious assault took North Korean forces by surprise. At the time, United Nations forces — including troops from South Korea, the United States and other allied nations — had been driven to a last-ditch defensive line around the southeastern port city of Busan. The landing allowed them to recapture Seoul and mount a sweeping counteroffensive that shifted the momentum of the war. This year’s event features a range of programs to honor veterans’ sacrifices, promote peace through cultural activities and educate yo

Sep 10, 2025By Park Ung

Incheon to mark 75th anniversary of pivotal Korean War battle with weeklong events

Korean prodigy with IQ of 204 aims for Oxford after leaving science high school

Baek Kang-hyun, a Korean prodigy with an IQ of 204, has revealed that he is preparing to apply to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Baek recently uploaded a video titled “Applying to Oxford University” on his YouTube channel, sharing his latest updates. “I wanted to update those who have been worried and curious about me,” he said. “Over the past year and a half, I’ve been preparing to study in the U.K. while working toward the International A-Level exams.” Baek revealed that he recently received his results and achieved the highest grade in all four of his subjects: further mathematics, mathematics, physics and chemistry. “I’m hoping to be accepted into the Computer Science program at Oxford, and I understand that my scores place me within the top 1 percent,” Baek said. In the U.K.’s A-Level grading system, results are categorized into seven levels: A* (the highest), A, B, C, D, E, and U (ungraded). Elite universities such as Oxford and Cambridge typically require applicants to earn multiple A* grades for admission. Baek is also preparing for the Mathem

Sep 9, 2025By Xportsnews

Korean prodigy with IQ of 204 aims for Oxford after leaving science high school

Korea Times conference to explore strategies for global competitiveness in higher education

The Korea Times will host a conference titled “Beyond Borders: Strengthening Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities” on Wednesday. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Grand Hall of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Seoul. The conference will delve into the challenges facing Korean universities, as they grapple with shrinking domestic student populations due to declining birthrates, making the influx of international students increasingly important. Universities are no longer focused solely on boosting enrollment but are turning their attention to cultivating international students who understand Korea and may one day build a life here. Participants will discuss measures to tackle these pressing challenges and explore strategies to boost the global competitiveness of higher education in Korea. With internationalization and foreign student recruitment now seen as vital to the sector’s sustainability, The Korea Times will bring together leaders and policymakers to chart a path forward. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok will give a congratulat

Sep 9, 2025By Jung Da-hyun

Korea Times conference to explore strategies for global competitiveness in higher education

Lee Min-jung clarifies ‘sacred space’ photo controversy at Venice film festival

Actor Lee Min-jung has responded to criticism after a photo of her holding a bag in front of a Jesus statue went viral, sparking accusations of disrespect toward a sacred space. On Sept. 5, Lee addressed the controversy on her social media account, explaining the context of the photo. “This place is not a church but an event hall and restaurant within a hotel that preserved the walls of a centuries-old church,” she wrote. Lee added, “I am a Christian but not a Catholic. If taking a photo near what used to be an altar caused discomfort, I sincerely apologize.” She also promised to “be more careful and considerate in the future.” The controversy began when Lee shared several photos from her stay in Venice, Italy, where she accompanied her husband, actor Lee Byung-hun, to the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. Lee Byung-hun’s latest film, “No Other Choice,” was invited to the festival’s main competition section. One of the photos showed Lee standing with a bag in front of a Jesus statue, prompting some online users to criticize her for taking a “fashion shoot”

Sep 6, 2025By Hankookilbo

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