Lifestyle - The Korea Times

Kookmin University professor’s research on AI models published in Nature

A research team led by assistant professor Jung Jun-young from the department of applied chemistry at Kookmin University has developed a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) model for chemical reaction prediction, together with professor Conner W. Coley’s group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Their collaborative model, named FlowER (Flow Matching for Electron Redistribution), was published in science journal Nature in an article titled “Electron flow matching for generative reaction mechanism prediction,” a Kookmin University official said in a press release. The Nature article noted the model’s potential applications in various industries, including drug discovery, sustainable materials and energy storage, thanks to its ability to accurately predict chemical reactions. Traditionally, researchers relied heavily on expertise and repeated experiments, but complex reactions can involve thousands of variables, making manual prediction impractical. AI models that can rapidly and precisely forecast reaction pathways are therefore considered transformative tool

Aug 26, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

Kookmin University professor’s research on AI models published in Nature

Smart Life Week 2025 to showcase AI-driven future

Smart Life Week (SLW) 2025, set to open at Coex in southern Seoul on Sept. 30 and run for three days, will spotlight how emerging technologies are reshaping daily life while also exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) and smart tools can better support disadvantaged communities. Now in its second year, the event is co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization and organized by the Seoul AI Foundation. Under this year’s slogan, “AI for Humanity, Smart Cities Leading Tomorrow,” the event will showcase practical applications of smart technologies, reflecting Seoul’s view that innovation should serve those most in need. The opening ceremony on the first day will be led by Lee Se-young, founder and CEO of AI company Wrtn Technologies. As the keynote speaker, Lee is expected to deliver a message to mayors and city leaders from abroad on technology, people and social coexistence. The exhibition will allow visitors to see how AI can shape daily life and transform the city, with nine scenario-based spaces illustrating the seamless i

Aug 26, 2025By Park Ung

Smart Life Week 2025 to showcase AI-driven future

Culture ministry dispatches future Korean teachers to culture centers across world

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will dispatch Korean teachers to King Sejong Institute Foundation culture centers across the world, the cultural promotional organization said Thursday. A total of 94 students majoring in Korean language and culture are set to be dispatched to 49 centers in 33 countries. They are expected to not only teach the language but also to introduce the culture to locals who are interested in Korea. The ministry and government-funded organization jointly selected the students based on college recommendations and screening test results. Those selected completed preliminary safety training for their missions in July. Their mission includes providing Korean language education as well as local culture events and various culture classes to introduce Korean dishes and handicrafts. “This will be a valuable platform not only for the group but also for locals,” said King Sejong Institute Foundation interim head Choi Hyun-seung. “The foundation will continuously do its best to provide opportunities for young talents to gain experience abroad.”

Aug 25, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

Culture ministry dispatches future Korean teachers to culture centers across world

BTS’ Jin flies to Korea to host longtime manager’s wedding amid US schedule

Jin of K-pop sensation BTS temporarily returned to Korea from the United States to serve as the host at his longtime manager’s wedding, demonstrating his loyalty and close bond with the staff member. According to online communities and social media posts, Jin attended the wedding of a BigHit Music manager and took on the role of master of ceremonies on Sunday. Jin, who has previously hosted weddings for school friends and his older brother, was praised for his composed and skillful handling of the ceremony. Reports say the singer, who had been in the U.S. working on music projects with fellow BTS members, flew back to Korea specifically to keep his promise to the manager, with whom he has been friends for over 10 years. Meanwhile, BTS is expected to release a new album as a full group next spring, following their hiatus due to mandatory military service. Since July, the group has been in the U.S. working on new music and preparing for upcoming performances. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

Aug 25, 2025By Xportsnews

BTS’ Jin flies to Korea to host longtime manager’s wedding amid US schedule

K-drama OST icons Lyn and ISU end 11-year marriage but promise to continue music together

Singers Lyn and ISU of M.C the MAX are in the process of ending their marriage after 11 years together, their agency confirmed Saturday. Their agency 325E&C told the Hankook Ilbo, “After sufficient discussion and mutual respect, Lyn and ISU have agreed to part ways and are finalizing divorce procedures.” The agency stressed, “This is not due to any fault on either side, and the decision was made amicably.” The agency also noted that despite the end of their marriage, the two remain on good terms professionally. “Over 11 years of marriage, they maintained a deep understanding and respect for each other’s music and artistic activities. Although their legal relationship has ended, they will continue to support each other as musical colleagues,” it said. Lyn and ISU are both signed under 325E&C and recently released a duet album, “Friendly,” in 2024. The two are also scheduled to perform at a year-end concert together, and their agency confirmed that their professional collaboration will continue despite the divorce. Lyn and ISU began dating publicly in 2013 and married the

Aug 23, 2025By Hankookilbo

K-drama OST icons Lyn and ISU end 11-year marriage but promise to continue music together

Bill Gates targeted by vaccine conspiracy theorists after Korean talk show appearance

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has found himself at the center of renewed vaccine conspiracy theories following news of his upcoming appearance on the popular Korean talk show “You Quiz on the Block." Gates arrived in Korea on Aug. 20, marking his first visit to the country in three years. Soon after, reports surfaced that he had participated in a recording of “You Quiz on the Block,” and the production team heightened anticipation by posting a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption, “Can’t believe this day has come … filming with this special guest!” However, after the post went public, a wave of malicious comments quickly followed. Many online users criticized Gates, leaving comments such as “Stop talking about vaccines” and attacking him over his role in global vaccination campaigns. Some also directed hostility toward Yoo, demanding he publicly prove his own vaccination status. Yoo faced a similar backlash in 2022, when former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared on the show, sparking political controversy and drawing criticism from far-right online communities

Aug 23, 2025By Xportsnews

Bill Gates targeted by vaccine conspiracy theorists after Korean talk show appearance

Ballerina Seo Hee marks 20 years at ABT, gives back to young dancers in Korea

Ballerina Seo Hee, 38, joined the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the United States, in 2005. She worked her way up the ranks and became a principal dancer in 2012. Now marking her 20th year with ABT, Seo says she has much to be grateful for. “Twenty years flew by. I approached every performance with a spirit of craftsmanship, and I am proud that I dedicated myself to dance for two decades,” Seo said in a statement. “When I was a student, I received financial support from people whose names I didn’t even know. I told myself then that I would help others as much as I had been helped.” True to her word, Seo has already been giving back. The Hee Seo Foundation, a nonprofit she founded 10 years ago, supports aspiring ballet dancers in Korea. Each year, she returns home to offer free ballet classes across the country, while her foundation also provides scholarships to students at art schools. What Seo is most proud of, however, is that her foundation hosts Youth Grand Prix Korea, the Korean qualifying round of the Youth America Grand Prix

Aug 22, 2025By Kim Se-jeong

Ballerina Seo Hee marks 20 years at ABT, gives back to young dancers in Korea

Bill Gates films ‘You Quiz’ episode, sparks buzz with rare Korean TV appearance

Bill Gates, one of the world’s most influential figures, has completed filming an episode of tvN’s variety show “You Quiz on the Block,” sparking excitement and surprise among viewers. On Wednesday, the program shared a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption, “We never thought this day would come … a day to be with this guest!” The image shows Gates smiling brightly while seated between hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho, suggesting a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere during filming. Fans expressed astonishment online, with comments like, “I thought it was photoshopped, but it’s real,” “What’s Gates doing there?” and “Yoo Jae-suk and Bill Gates together — unbelievable!” Others wondered, “Did they film right after he landed? I can’t believe this actually happened.” Gates, a Microsoft co-founder, is widely regarded as one of the key architects of the digital revolution. Through the Gates Foundation, he continues to focus on global challenges including public health, education, climate change and poverty alleviation. He has pledged to donate nearly 280 tri

Aug 21, 2025By Xportsnews

Bill Gates films ‘You Quiz’ episode, sparks buzz with rare Korean TV appearance

Full Text Address by Global Peace Foundation Chairman Hyun Jin Preston Moon at banquet marking Korea's 80th Liberation Day

Honorable guests, ladies and gentlemen: On this auspicious occasion, it is a great honor to address such a distinguished gathering of Korean patriots and supporters of our efforts for Korea’s peaceful reunification. In particular, I would like to recognize and thank the Hon. Chung Woon Chan, former Prime Minister of Korea and the Convener of Korean Dream Hangang Festa organizing committee, Hon. Chung Woo-taek, Co-Chair of the organizing committee, Hon. Kim Jin-pyo, the former speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Chung Dong-yeong, the Minister of Unification, and Hon. Song Seok-joon, member of the National Assembly. I would like to also thank our leaders from around the world who have joined us today. H.E. Vinicio Cerezo, Former President of Guatemala, H.E. Jamil Mahuad, Former President of Ecuador, H.E. R. Amarjargal, Former Prime Minister of Mongolia, H.E. Anthony Kenny, Former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, H.E. Luis Castiglioni, Former Vice President of Paraguay. I want to also welcome all the leaders gathered here from around the world representing government, diplomacy, business

Aug 20, 2025By Jhoo Dong-chan

[Full Text] Address by Global Peace Foundation Chairman Hyun Jin Preston Moon at banquet marking Korea's 80th Liberation Day

Global Peace Foundation head urges Korea to revive unification dream for Gen Z

The song “Our Wish” was regarded as a sort of “national anthem” by some members of the public for decades. Sung by Cho Young-nam, an influential pop artist, it was used in the ending credits of KBS’ reality show “Searching for Separated Families” in 1983. With its lyrics, “Our wish is unification, our dream is also our wish for unity,” the song symbolized the desire of Koreans to see the unification of the two countries. That sentiment has drastically shifted, especially among younger generations, since the economic gap between North and South Korea started widening, particularly in the 1990s. According to a 2024 survey collected by the Korea Institute for National Unification, only 52.9 percent of respondents stated that unification is necessary. It was the lowest figure in 10 years, demonstrating an overall decline in public support for unification. The government-funded think tank also reported in the survey that people born after 1991 are the least supportive of unification. Global Peace Foundation Founder and Chairman Hyun Jin Preston Moon expressed his concern over