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Incheon airport strengthens security for APEC events

Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) has tightened its security alert level and intensified airport operations in an effort to ensure the safe and smooth hosting of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the airport operator said Tuesday. The measure reflects Korea’s heightened readiness ahead, during and after this year’s most significant international event, scheduled for this week in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. The airport operator said its aviation security level has been raised to the third tier out of a five-level security system, up one tier from its previous status. Under the upgraded level, effective through Nov. 1, security screening will be more rigorous. Passenger boarding times will take longer due to expanded pat-downs and random bag inspections. New X-ray screening requirements will lead to women having to remove shoes with heels higher than 3.5 centimeters, due to potential safety threats. To minimize inconvenience from the heightened alert, IIAC said more security personnel have been deployed, with operating hours extended. Comprehensiv

Oct 27, 2025By Lee Kyung-min
Incheon airport strengthens security for APEC events

Recovery of gov't services surpasses 60% after data center fire

More than 60 percent of the government's online administrative services affected by a fire at a state data center last month have been restored, authorities said Wednesday. As of 6 p.m., 450 out of 709 services disrupted by the fire at the National Information Resources Service (NIRS) in the central city of Daejeon had been brought back online, marking a restoration rate of 63.5 percent, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Currently, 32 out of 40 "Grade 1" services ― those considered essential based on their impact and number of users ― have been restored, the headquarters said. The fire at the NIRS broke out on Sept. 26 when a lithium-ion battery exploded in a server room and was completely extinguished the following day.

Oct 22, 2025By Yonhap
Recovery of gov't services surpasses 60% after data center fire

‘Breast cancer awareness or celebrity gala?’ W Korea charity event faces backlash

A breast cancer awareness charity event hosted by fashion magazine W Korea has sparked online criticism for focusing more on celebrity appearances than on its stated cause. The event, held on Wednesday at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul, marked the 20th anniversary of W Korea’s annual “Love Your W” campaign, launched to promote early detection and awareness of breast cancer. However, this year’s star-studded guest list — which included BTS’ V, aespa’s Karina and IVE’s Jang Wonyoung — has drawn accusations that the event has turned into a publicity-driven fashion party rather than a meaningful charity initiative. On Thursday, various posts on online communities and social media platforms criticized the magazine for holding what many described as a “celebrity friendship party disguised as a breast cancer campaign.” One user wrote, “What does drinking and posing for photos have to do with breast cancer awareness?” Another commented, “It’s nothing more than an idol networking event using a breast cancer campaign as a marketing label.” W Korea, the Kor

Oct 17, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Breast cancer awareness or celebrity gala?’ W Korea charity event faces backlash

Yeosu set to showcase World Island Exhibition next year

Preparations are underway in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, as the southwestern port city readies to host the world’s first government-backed international island exhibition next year. The 2026 Yeosu World Island Exhibition, set to run next year from Sept. 5 to Nov. 4, will be the first of its kind to focus on the diverse cultures and economic, environmental and historical significance of islands under the theme “Islands, Connecting the Sea and the Future.” Known for its beautiful coastal scenery, Yeosu has one of Korea’s most famous island clusters featuring 365 islands. Eight major exhibition halls, including the landmark theme hall and island marine ecology hall, are under construction at the main venue on Dol Island's Jinmo area, with additional facilities for island-themed outdoor performances and eco-friendly city gardens also underway. Visitors will be able to experience the region’s natural wonders and participate in hands-on island living at event venues on Geumo Island and Gae Island, complete with camping, trekking and local food and culture experiences. A highlight of

Oct 1, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
Yeosu set to showcase World Island Exhibition next year

BTS star Suga’s gift transforms autism therapy with music

A new therapy center for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) funded by BTS member Suga opened Tuesday at Severance Hospital in Seoul, marking a milestone in combining music and behavioral therapy in clinical care. The Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center, which references Suga's legal name, was established with 5 billion won ($3.6 million) donated by the star to Severance Children’s Hospital in June. The facility includes therapy rooms for language and behavioral support, as well as a specialized group space equipped with acoustic and soundproofing systems for music-based social therapy. The center also features a cozy waiting area for parents with works by autistic artist Lee Gyu-jae on display. Suga’s volunteer work inspires innovative ‘MIND’ program Suga’s involvement goes beyond financial support. From late last year to early this year, he volunteered alongside child psychiatrist Cheon Keun-ah, playing guitar and interacting with children with autism. This experience led them to codevelop MIND, a pioneering music-based social therapy program and the world’s first art-in

Sep 30, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS star Suga’s gift transforms autism therapy with music

ExclusiveUS eyes partnership with Korea for maritime radar in waters claimed by China

JEJU ISLAND — A U.S. Special Operations Command official identified a Korean research group as a potential partner for a grant to install a powerful maritime radar in the waters southwest of Jeju Island around Ieodo, a submerged reef where Korea has maintained a science station to monitor the seas. The suggestion came after China was found setting up structures in the West Sea, where Ieodo is located and where the two countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) overlap. The Ieodo Research Society, a civilian think tank with close ties to Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, received inquiries about the possibility of a $150,000 grant to install the radar, according to people familiar with the discussions. “I have a $150,000 U.S. government grant to provide partners with enhanced maritime domain awareness radar. We would be able to set up and run a server and push all of the data to whomever you chose. I would like to discuss further,” the official said in an email to the think tank, obtained by The Korea Times. The official added that improved monitoring of the undelimited

Sep 28, 2025By Lee Hae-rin
US eyes partnership with Korea for maritime radar in waters claimed by China

Nuclear watchdog chief inspects safety at Wolsong power plant ahead of APEC summit

The chief of South Korea's nuclear safety watchdog on Friday visited the Wolsong nuclear power plant in the southeastern city of Gyeongju to check its safety readiness ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Choi Won-ho, chair of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, visited the plant in Gyeongju, 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as the historic city is set to host the APEC summit from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. During the visit, Choi was briefed on the plant's readiness against illegal drones and unidentified vessels. "As terrorist attacks against nuclear plants can lead to serious radiation accidents, it is important to maintain a strong defense posture," Choi said during the visit, urging related organizations, including Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., to maintain a robust security system. The APEC summit is expected to bring together nearly 20,000 participants from across the region, including the heads of state and some 3,500 other government delegates from the 21 APEC member economies.

Sep 26, 2025By Yonhap
Nuclear watchdog chief inspects safety at Wolsong power plant ahead of APEC summit

Tears and relief as Korean worker detained in US recounts days in custody

A Korean worker who was among those detained by U.S. immigration authorities at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant in Georgia said his only thought during the ordeal was to leave the detention facility as soon as possible. Lee, 58, an employee of an LG Energy Solution subcontractor, returned to Korea on Friday after eight days in detention. He had traveled to Georgia in February on a short-term B-1 business visa to oversee equipment installation at the construction site. “I just wanted to end this situation quickly and get out of that building (the detention facility),” he said, recalling the moment his return was suddenly delayed earlier this week. Wearing a black T-shirt, jeans and a mask, Lee boarded a bus at the long-term parking lot immediately after arriving at Incheon International Airport to meet his family. His wife, Park, 56, anxiously waited on the fourth floor, muttering, “When is he coming? I can’t see him.” At 4:17 p.m., Lee appeared with open arms, and Park broke into tears. “You must have suffered so much,” Lee said as he patted her s

Sep 13, 2025By Hankookilbo
Tears and relief as Korean worker detained in US recounts days in custody

'I kept thinking of my child’s face': Korean workers reunite with families after US detention

Korean workers detained at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution construction site in Georgia have returned home after eight days in U.S. immigration custody, reuniting with their families in emotional scenes at Incheon International Airport. A Korean Air charter flight carrying 330 people — 316 Koreans and 14 foreign nationals (10 Chinese, three Japanese and one Indonesian) — landed at 3:24 p.m. Friday. The workers had been arrested Sept. 4 (local time) at the site of the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant near Savannah, Georgia, and detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Folkston. Among those arriving at Terminal 2 was Kim Il-kook, 53, an employee of a subcontractor. “I just spoke with my family,” he said. “I’m just grateful to have been released in good health.” Ryu Ju-young, 68, another subcontractor, said, “It was frightening because it was a detention facility. But more than myself, my family must have suffered more from the worry.” He added, “I heard government officials came every day even though visits weren’t allow

Sep 13, 2025By Hankookilbo
'I kept thinking of my child’s face': Korean workers reunite with families after US detention

S. Korea seeks to resume joint survey of ancient palace site with N. Korea

South Korea said Monday it will push to restart a joint archaeological survey with North Korea at a historic palace site in the North, reviving a project that has been on hold since 2018. The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) said the plan is part of its new policy agenda under the Lee Jae Myung administration. It also includes efforts to restore a major temple on Mount Kumgang, a scenic North Korean mountain recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. "We will explore promoting inter-Korean exchanges in the cultural heritage sector," the agency said in a release, citing the joint survey of the Manwoldae palace site as a key priority. Other cross-border initiatives include a joint survey of Cheorwon Fortress from the Later Goguryeo, or Taebong, Kingdom and restoration work at Yujeom Temple on Mount Kumgang. Manwoldae served as the main palace of the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) for about 400 years and is located in present-day Kaesong. From 2007 to 2018, the two Koreas conducted eight rounds of joint excavation there, unearthing about 17,900 artifacts, including a piece of metal type.

Sep 8, 2025By Yonhap
S. Korea seeks to resume joint survey of ancient palace site with N. Korea
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