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Justice, gender equality ministries among 1st to relocate to Sejong in 2027

The government said the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Gender Equality will be among the first government bodies to relocate to Sejong under a phased relocation plan set to begin in the first half of 2027. It also said the institutions requiring separate headquarters such as the Prosecution Service and Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the National Police Agency will be relocated after new office buildings are constructed. The announcements were made during a government-wide briefing led by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook concerning the relocation of about 350 public institutions currently based in the capital region to areas outside the region. She was joined by Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Kim Yun-duk and Second Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Huh Jang. It is the second major round of relocations, following a series of moves in the 2000s. "We will begin phased relocations in the first half of 2027, starting with larger agencies and those expected to have a greater impact through relocation, including th

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ExclusiveChina to withdraw from Gwangju Biennale in protest of Taiwan Pavilion

Chinese participants of the Gwangju Biennale will announce their withdrawal from the art exhibition on Thursday morning, in protest of the organizer’s permission for Taiwanese participants to use the name “Taiwan Pavilion” instead of their institutional name, a source familiar with the issue said. The Chinese side, together with the Chinese Embassy in Korea, argues the change of name goes against the “One China” principle that Korea has committed to respect. According to the source, the Chinese participants decided to withdraw from the Gwangju Biennale and will make an official announcement at a press conference on Thursday morning — two days before the international art festival starts — unless the organizer reverses its decision. They already stopped preparations for the China Pavilion several days ago. Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City Mayor Min Hyung-bae to express protest and regret. The officials also expressed regret over the row but declined to intervene, noting

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Man behind BTS referred to prosecution over allegedly lying to shareholders

Seoul police referred Ban Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE, the entertainment giant behind boy band BTS, to prosecutors Thursday over allegations that he deceived early investors in the agency into selling their stakes before the company went public. Police did not request an arrest warrant for him. Bang is accused of unfair trading in violation of the Capital Markets Act. The police alleged that in 2019, when HYBE was still known as BigHit Music, he told existing shareholders that the company had no plans for an initial public offering, prompting them to sell their shares to a special purpose company set up by a private equity fund tied to him, even as BigHit was already moving through preliminary listing procedures. The fund sold the shares after the company listed in 2020, and police believe Bang collected roughly 30 percent of the proceeds under an undisclosed agreement. Financial authorities have put his improper gains at nearly 200 billion won ($145 million). The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's financial crime investigation unit opened the case in December 2024 and raided HYBE's Yongsa

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Korea steps up search for 9 missing nationals, expands humanitarian aid to Nepal

More than a week after devastating floods struck Nepal, Korea is intensifying efforts to locate nine nationals who remain unaccounted for, while expanding its humanitarian support for the disaster-hit country, the foreign ministry said Thursday. The 44-member Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) has arrived in Kathmandu and is working to launch search-and-rescue operations in earnest in areas devastated by the floods and landslides that struck on Aug. 26, according to the ministry. "The government's rapid response team dispatched last week was incorporated into the KDRT as of yesterday, and they now operate as one team," a ministry official said. "KDRT chief Lee Kyoo-ho is scheduled to meet with the military commander in the Batar region to coordinate operations." The KDRT set up a base camp in Batar in neighboring Nuwakot district on Wednesday, a major stop on the route to flood-hit Rasuwa, he added. The nine Koreans went missing following last week's massive floods and landslides while working at the Upper Trishuli-1 (UT-1) hydropower plant construction site in Rasuwa district. Six were e

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Cheong Wa Dae says no details finalized after Lutnick's remarks on 'targeted' chip tariff

No details have been finalized on any new U.S. tariffs on semiconductors, the presidential office here said Thursday, after the U.S. commerce secretary said a "targeted" chip tariff policy is under consideration. Appearing on a CNBC interview Wednesday (U.S. time), Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the U.S. administration is considering a "targeted" and "thoughtful" tariff policy for semiconductors. "As far as we know, details related to U.S. semiconductor tariffs have not been finalized," an official at Cheong Wa Dae said. "The government will closely monitor related developments while closely cooperating with the U.S. to prevent any unfavorable impact on our companies," the official said.

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Trump says Korea, Japan, others going to Alaska to 'load up' with oil, build pipelines

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that South Korea, Japan and other countries are going to Alaska to "load up with oil and build pipelines," as he highlighted his support for the state ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump made the remarks during a press availability at the White House, mentioning Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) who is up for reelection. "I definitely know nobody has helped Alaska like Donald Trump. We've invested billions and billions of dollars and created trillions of dollars in value," he said. "You have Japan. You have South Korea. You have all of these people now going to Alaska to load up with fuel, load up with oil, build pipelines, everything else. Dan Sullivan's done a great job," he added, noting his intention to visit Alaska to help Republican candidates. The Trump administration has sought to elicit cooperation from South Korea, Japan and other nations in an Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The project aims to build a 1,287-kilometer pipeline from the North Slope, which has massive proven natural gas reserves, to southern

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Solo queens crowd September's K-pop comeback race

The heat has finally started to break, but nobody told the K-pop release calendar. September opens with Chung Ha, Kwon Eun-bi, Lisa and Jisoo all putting out new music in just a four day span, the densest run of solo releases by women in K-pop this year. The month only gets busier, with a long-delayed first full-length album, a debut EP, a band's second wave and a rapid-turnaround return from HYBE's girl group LE SSERAFIM still to come. Solo queens open the month Chung Ha started the run on Tuesday, releasing the digital single "México" through MORE VISION. It is her first new music since "Save me," the birthday single she put out in February. Kwon Eun-bi then arrives Sept. 3 with the digital single "DEJAVU," her first release in a year and four months. It is also her first since signing with RBW in April, after ending a long run with Woollim Entertainment at the end of March. RBW has been teasing a wider tonal range with the single, compared to the sharply sexy register of her last release. BLACKPINK's Lisa also lands on Sept. 3 with "SaWaDiKa," the lead single from her six-track EP "PR

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Korean director Lee Chang-dong wins Mill Valley Auteur Award

Renowned Korean director Lee Chang-dong has won the Auteur Award at this year's Mill Valley Film Festival, Netflix said Thursday. Lee, whose latest feature "Possible Love" has also been invited to the Spotlights Program of the festival set to take place in San Francisco next month, is the first Korean to receive the award, according to the streaming platform. The award recognizes Lee's unique cinematic world and accomplishments, it added. The recognition is the latest among numerous accolades the veteran director has earned. Most recently, he became the first Korean to win the TIFF Ebert Director Award, a lifetime achievement honor presented at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). "Possible Love" has also been invited to compete at the main competition section of the prestigious Venice International Film Festival. The film will hit Korean theaters on Sept. 23 and will be available on Netflix from Nov. 6.

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Nongshim to promote Shin Ramyun at K-culture festivals in 4 Indian cities

Nongshim will introduce Shin Ramyun instant noodles to young Indian consumers at K-culture festivals in four cities this month, the company said, as it expands its outreach beyond product sales into hands-on brand experiences. The instant noodle maker will run a "Shin Ramyun Bunsik" booth — "bunsik" referring to Korean snack foods — at HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park events starting in mid-September in Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh and Kochi. The festival is organized by HYBE, the Korean entertainment agency behind BTS, as part of an audition project it is running in India, and combines K-pop fan activities, creative experiences and brand promotions in one venue. At each stop, Nongshim will offer free tastings of Shin Ramyun noodles alongside games and giveaways aimed at drawing in young festivalgoers who are already engaged with K-pop and Korean culture. The company said it hopes to convert that cultural interest into direct exposure to Korean food, reinforcing Shin Ramyun's position as a global brand associated with Korea's food culture. The push follows a first round of HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Pa

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OCI Holdings breaks ground on Texas solar project amid AI power boom

OCI Holdings' U.S. subsidiary OCI Energy broke ground Tuesday (local time) on the 260-megawatt SunRoper solar project in Wharton County, Texas, as rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers drives growth in renewable power, the Korean company said Thursday. The project, a 50-50 joint venture with Israeli renewable energy developer Arava Power, spans 1,714 acres and is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027. Once completed, it will generate enough electricity to power about 60,000 households. The companies secured project financing based on a long-term power purchase agreement signed in February with a Fortune 100 company. The buyer was not disclosed. OCI Holdings Chairman Lee Woo-hyun attended the groundbreaking ceremony along with OCI Energy President Sabah Bayatli and Arava Power CEO Ilan Zidkony. OCI Energy has developed utility-scale solar projects in Texas since 2012, developing and selling about 2 gigawatts of capacity in the U.S. market. Its business has accelerated over the past two years as AI data center construction has increased demand f

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2 Korean officials named World Customs Organization-certified experts

Two Korean officials were selected as World Customs Organization (WCO) Accredited Experts, the Korea Customs Service (KCS) said Wednesday. The two officials are Kim Kye-yeong, an IT official, and Kim Kwan-woo, a customs official at Gimhae Airport Customs. They were accredited as technical and operational advisors in the fields of single window and data analytics, respectively, on Aug. 25. The number of KCS officials currently serving as WCO Accredited Experts has risen to nine. WCO Accredited Experts are customs officials from member countries who have been officially certified by the WCO for their professional expertise and practical capabilities. They join the WCO's pool of experts supporting capacity building in customs administration and participate in a range of training, technical assistance and advisory activities. To become a WCO Accredited Expert, candidates must first pass a document screening before participating in a workshop, where their expertise is assessed through presentations, discussions and other activities. Candidates who receive strong evaluations then take part in a

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Cafe ban on teenage boys sparks discrimination debate in Korea

A cafe in Korea has sparked debate after banning male middle and high school students. Following the emergence of "no-kids zones" that bar children, a "no male student zone" has now surfaced. While some view the policy as an exercise of a business owner's right to run their business as they see fit, critics argue it illustrates a growing trend of exclusion and discrimination against specific demographic groups. Posts circulating on multiple online forums and social media platforms on Tuesday showed an image of the cafe's entrance sign, which read, "Groups of male middle and high school students are prohibited from using the store." The original poster sympathized with the business, saying, "Things must have been bad for the owner to go that far." The cafe cited excessive profanity and leaving a mess as the reasons for the ban, saying the students caused discomfort to other customers. The cafe asked for understanding, describing the restriction as an "unavoidable decision." The cafe's location remains undisclosed. Online reactions were divided, with some commenters defending the owner. Su

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Vietnamese student's death exposes gaps in Korea's support for bereaved families

For families overseas, the death of an international student in Korea can mark the beginning of another ordeal. The recent killing of a Vietnamese student in Busan exposed the difficulties bereaved families can face when dealing with multiple institutions across borders, raising questions over whether Korea has a clear and coordinated system to support them after serious incidents. The victim, 20-year-old Vo Thi Thuy Vi, was found dead in Busan's Jung District at around 1:15 a.m. Friday. According to police, a Vietnamese man allegedly broke into her home, threatened her with a weapon and bound her while attempting to steal cash. Police said he strangled Vi after she resisted and then fled the scene. Her family learned of Vi's death through a phone call from her friends later that day. Since then, they have sought assistance from the university and Vietnamese diplomatic authorities on a range of issues, including traveling to Korea, repatriating Vi's body, obtaining information about the investigation, recovering her personal belongings and securing legal assistance. In a formal request to

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Court holds arrest warrant hearing for man accused of murdering estranged wife

A court on Thursday held an arrest warrant hearing for a man accused of murdering his estranged wife in front of their young daughter. The suspect, a public servant in his 30s, was apprehended Tuesday after allegedly stabbing his wife, also in her 30s, outside her home in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. The two had been undergoing divorce proceedings and the man feared he would be at a disadvantage, investigators said. The Suwon District Court's Seongnam branch held the hearing at 11 a.m. and was expected to decide later Thursday whether to issue the warrant. According to the police, the wife had been living apart from her husband under a court-ordered protection order due to his history of domestic violence, but he tracked her down using her address listed on divorce papers. The warrant request listed charges of murder and child abuse.

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Korea seeks to toughen pension eligibility for foreign residents as loophole found

The government is tightening regulations on the national pension following concerns that a legal loophole could let foreign residents unfairly secure old-age pension benefits. It is considering limiting a retroactive payment system only to foreign nationals whose countries also provide reciprocal measures to Koreans in those nations. The controversy emerged recently as some foreign nationals were found to have applied for the retroactive payment system in the national pension scheme. The retroactive payment system allows both Korean and foreign subscribers to pay missed premiums in one lump sum, covering up to 119 months, to fill contribution gaps. This qualifies them for a lifelong monthly pension once their contribution period exceeds 120 months. Recently, a news outlet reported on a case in which a foreign national worked in Korea for just one month and still secured a lifelong old-age pension by taking advantage of the loophole. Foreign nationals aged 18 to 59 who work at a domestic company or run their own business can join the National Pension Service (NPS) schemes. As of last year,

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Defense minister nominee vows to seek OPCON transfer in way that strengthens Korea-US alliance

Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul said Thursday he will pursue the retaking of wartime operational command (OPCON) from Washington in a way that will strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance. Kang, ex-deputy commander of the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, made the remarks as Seoul has been seeking to regain wartime command of Korean troops before President Lee Jae Myung's five-year term ends in 2030. Under the three-phase OPCON transition plan, the allies are at the second stage of verifying the combined forces' "full operational capability (FOC)," with Seoul aiming to complete the FOC assessment process within this year. "We will pursue the transition of OPCON in a way that will strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance," Kang told reporters on his way to work to prepare for a parliamentary confirmation hearing. Korea has been hoping to set a target year for the OPCON handover at this year's annual Security Consultative Meeting between the allies' defense chiefs this fall. In regard to controversy over the government's push to integrate the three military academies of the Army, Navy and Ai

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Stand on one side or both? Korea mulls nationwide escalator etiquette

Participants during a debate hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety at Yonsei University on Saturday were sharply divided over escalator etiquette. While a majority called for standing on both sides for safety and formally adopting the practice as government policy, a vocal opposing camp argued that passengers should stand on one side during rush hour. Standing on one side takes root during 2002 World Cup Current government guidelines for escalator use advise passengers not to walk or run. But the practice of standing on one side became widespread between 1998 and 2008 through a campaign promoting considerate public behavior, with the 2002 World Cup playing a decisive role in its nationwide adoption. There was a prevailing belief that passengers should leave one side clear for people in a hurry. The practice, however, led to more accidents as increasing numbers of people walked or ran on escalators. According to the National Elevator Information Center, the number of escalator accidents nearly doubled from 44 in 2007 to 85 in 2008. Equipment maintenance also became a concern.

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Editor's Pick

[COVER STORY] 'Dress Like a Museum' contest triggers cosplay sensation

COVER STORY 'Dress Like a Museum' contest triggers cosplay sensation

For one day, Korea’s most revered artifacts are no longer kept behind museum glass. Instead, they stride down runways, pose for selfies and perform choreography in front of crowds at museums across the country, as golden Buddhist sculptures, smiling Silla-era roof tiles, Bronze Age bells and even a life-size map of the Korean Peninsula come to life for the National Museum of Korea’s cosplay contest. The relatively new tradition has become like a Korean version of Halloween, when for one day in September, participants become the cultural treasures they love most. This year's “Dress Like a Museum” has drawn 275 teams and 643 participants — more than triple last year’s 83 entries — turning what began as a museum participation program two years ago into a fast-growing heritage fandom event. Contestants are not only asked to imitate heritage but also to bring it to life through their own storytelling. Echoing the contest’s poster slogan — “It is time to awaken the artifact sleeping inside you” — the event invites participants to discover a personal connection with heri

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Life in Korea

Jeonju transforms historic market into all-night cultural playground

Jeonju transforms historic market into all-night cultural playground

In Jeonju, a historic city in southwestern Korea, one of the region’s oldest markets is making a radical bid for young night owls: swapping early curfews for open-air cinema, live music and football fandom that lasts until sunrise. From Saturday to Sunday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, alongside the Korea Tourism Organization, will launch a high-energy campaign at Jeonju Nambu Market. Dubbed the "All-Day Trip," the initiative pairs sports fandom with late-night urban exploration, reimagining the market's role in the city's modern tourism landscape. The festivities begin on Saturday evening, capitalizing on a marquee football match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers at the nearby stadium. Organizers are encouraging fans to flood the market before and after kickoff. Supporters arriving in team jerseys who post proof on social media will receive vouchers to spend at stalls, blending athletic spectacle with local culinary trade. As night falls, a 100-meter stretch of road near the market will shut down to vehicular traffic, creating a pedestrian-only zone. V

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Lifestyle

Seoul's art scene takes center stage as Frieze, Kiaf open

Seoul’s cultural pulse is beating around art this week as galleries, collectors and visitors converge on Coex for the twin openings of Frieze Seoul and Kiaf Seoul, which opened on Wednesday, while late-night gallery openings and major museum exhibitions spread the energy across the city. A combined 308 galleries are participating in the fairs. Frieze Seoul debuted five years ago, and this year marks the final time the two events will be held in the same COEX building. The arrangement will change next year as Frieze Seoul moves to Dongdaemun Design Plaza while Kiaf remains at Coex during the convention center’s renovation. The separation will not end their partnership, as the two — which initially agreed to collaborate for five years starting in 2022 — extended their agreement through 2031. Frieze Seoul brings together 133 galleries from 30 countries and regions, including Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Gladstone Gallery, Lehmann Maupin, Pace Gallery, Thaddaeus Ropac, White Cube and David Zwirner. Gagosian has devoted its booth to British artist Damien Hirst, presenting works from his

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Seoul's art scene takes center stage as Frieze, Kiaf open

K-Culture

Stray Kids' EP 'This & That' certified gold in France

K-pop boy band Stray Kids' latest album, "This & That," has been certified "gold" by a major French recording industry association, the group's agency said Thursday. The EP received the certification from France's National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing for achieving 50,000 sales units across physical copies, downloads and streams, according to JYP Entertainment. With the latest certification, Stray Kids now owns six gold-certified albums in France, including "5-Star" and "Rock-Star." In August, "This & That" debuted atop the U.S. Billboard 200, the main albums chart, becoming the group's ninth No. 1 album. Stray Kids now has the second-most Billboard 200 No. 1 albums in the chart's history among group acts, behind the Beatles, who has 19, and tied with the Rolling Stones.

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Stray Kids' EP 'This & That' certified gold in France

Celebrities

Actress Ji Ye-eun to marry dancer Vata in December

Actress Ji Ye-eun and dancer Vata will marry on Dec. 12 after about a year of dating, their agencies said Wednesday. Ji's agency, CP Entertainment, said the couple "have promised to share their lives based on deep trust." Vata's agency, Ara, also said the pair "will start a new journey as husband and wife," noting that they "have promised to become each other's most reliable companions based on deep trust and love." Born in 1994, the same-age couple first drew closer through their shared faith after meeting as entertainment industry colleagues, according to local media reports. They publicly confirmed their relationship in April and have been dating openly ever since. Ji debuted in 2017 with the web-based drama "How To" and later gained attention through appearances on TV variety shows, including "SNL Korea," "Running Man" and "Office Workers." Vata, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyun, is the leader of dance crew We Dem Boyz, which finished as runners-up on Mnet's "Street Man Fighter" in 2022. He has choreographed hit songs including Zico's "New Thing" and BLACKPINK member Jennie's "Like Jen

1 MIN READ
Actress Ji Ye-eun to marry dancer Vata in December

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Trump says Korea, Japan, others going to Alaska to 'load up' with oil, build pipelines

  2. Cafe ban on teenage boys sparks discrimination debate in Korea

  3. Korea seeks to toughen pension eligibility for foreign residents as loophole found

  4. ExclusiveChina to withdraw from Gwangju Biennale in protest of Taiwan Pavilion

  5. Stand on one side or both? Korea mulls nationwide escalator etiquette

  6. Vietnamese student's death exposes gaps in Korea's support for bereaved families

  7. Lutnick: Trump gov't considering 'targeted,' thoughtful' tariff policy for semiconductors

  8. Listening to tourists: Busan moves to polish its coastal appeal

  9. Trump floats renaming Strait of Hormuz as 'Trump Strait'

  10. Seoul's art scene takes center stage as Frieze, Kiaf open

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