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Defense minister highlights S. Korea's push for 'self-reliant' defense alongside stronger US alliance

SINGAPORE — South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back highlighted Seoul's drive to strengthen its own defense capabilities Saturday, while deepening its alliance with the United States, amid evolving North Korean threats and uncertainties from Middle East tensions. Speaking at a defense forum in Singapore, Ahn said the North's closer alignment with Russia and its growing combat experience from the war in Ukraine pose a new threat to security not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Indo-Pacific. "The North's military buildup and its advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities are adding to instability across the entire Indo-Pacific region ... The developments on the Korean Peninsula clearly act as a key variable in global security," Ahn said in a speech to the Asian Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. "The Republic of Korea will continue its efforts to strengthen self-reliant defense capabilities in tandem with enhancing the alliance (with the United States)," Ahn said, calling South Korea by its official name. While maintaining a strong j

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Early voting for June 3 local elections ends with record 23.51% turnout

Two-day early voting for next week's local elections, which will decide the next mayors and governors of major local governments, ended with a turnout of 23.51 percent Saturday, the election watchdog said, marking the highest figure for such polls. More than 10.4 million people out of 44.6 million registered voters cast their ballots during the early voting period, which ended at 6 p.m. Saturday after beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, according to the National Election Commission (NEC). The turnout for the first day of early voting came to 11.6 percent, followed by 11.91 percent on the second day. The combined turnout was higher than the 20.62 percent recorded in early voting for the 2022 local elections. The main vote will take place Wednesday. Among all elections, the highest early voting turnout was recorded in the 2022 presidential election at 36.93 percent. By region, South Jeolla Province posted the highest turnout with 38.95 percent, followed by North Jeolla Province with 35.05 percent. The southwestern city of Gwangju posted 27.83 percent, with the central city of Sejong recording 27.67

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Main opposition files complaint against Lee over alleged election law violation

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) filed a complaint with police against President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday, alleging that he violated the election law by exposing his ballot paper during early voting for the upcoming local elections. PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok filed the complaint with police against Lee and officials at the National Election Commission (NEC) on grounds that they violated the Public Official Election Act. On Friday, Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung visited a neighborhood community center near Cheong Wa Dae to cast their ballots in early voting for the June 3 local elections. After entering a voting booth, Lee briefly stepped out and asked an election official nearby whether his ballot would still be valid, as the stamp appeared only partially on the ballot paper. The PPP claimed that Lee's action violated the principle of ballot secrecy. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) criticized the PPP for making a far-fetched allegation. "The election committee said there were no legal violations," Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the DP told reporters during a campa

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Rail services disrupted by Seoul overpass collapse to fully resume on Sunday

Nationwide rail operations disrupted by the collapse of an overpass in Seoul this week will fully resume Sunday, the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) said Saturday. KORAIL said it completed recovery work using all available resources and will restore normal operations on all train lines beginning Sunday. On Tuesday, a section of the Seosomun Overpass in central Seoul undergoing demolition collapsed during an on-site safety inspection, killing three people and injuring three others. KORAIL officials carried out overnight repairs after the Seoul city government completed demolition work at the accident site Friday. The operator also conducted safety inspections, including test runs of maintenance vehicles and trains, before deciding to return all serviced trains to operation.

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Baseball waste surges faster than attendance despite KBO's green pledge

Behind the Korean baseball league's record-breaking popularity, another statistic has been climbing even faster: waste. While the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League drew more than 12 million spectators last season, the amount of trash generated at stadiums has increased at an even steeper rate, raising concerns that the league has failed to follow through on its environmental commitments. Ahead of Environment Day, June 5, The Hankook Ilbo analyzed data on annual general waste generation submitted by the KBO to the office of Rep. Lee Hack-young of the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee. The analysis found that waste production at baseball stadiums has been growing significantly faster than attendance, prompting criticism that the country's most successful professional sports league has made little progress on environmental issues. Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, home to the LG Twins and Doosan Bears, recorded the most striking increase. General waste generated at the stadium rose 132.2 percent, from 214.44 tons in 2023 to 497.94 tons last year. During the same peri

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Excel-lookalike stock site sparks debate over workplace investing

A website disguised as Microsoft Excel that allows users to check stock prices during work hours has gone viral in Korea, drawing both praise for its creativity and criticism over the country's growing obsession with investing. The site, called Excel Kospi, closely resembles a spreadsheet program, featuring Excel's signature green borders and grid layout. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary worksheet, but it is actually a platform that provides real-time stock market information. The site's introduction describes it as "a stock quote site designed to look like an Excel screen that people secretly view at work." As of 10 a.m. Friday, the platform had recorded 19,334 cumulative visits for the day. The service offers a range of features, including real-time information on Korean and U.S. stock markets, cryptocurrency prices and related news. Users can add stocks to a watchlist and enter their average purchase prices and holdings to track gains and losses without opening a brokerage mobile trading service. This allows office workers to monitor stock prices in real time and make inv

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Korean workplace burnout: Why public cheers for 'Chungju Man' chasing corporate wealth

"Most top-down directives lack entertainment value," said Kim Seon-tae, an entry-level civil servant who resigned at a mid-level post and built a YouTube following of 1.67 million subscribers as of May 27. Known online as "Chungju Man," his signature move involves filming videos while leaning far back in his chair with his feet resting on his desk. In his 2024 book "God of Publicity," Kim detailed his early video production failures at Chungju City Hall. Pressured by North Chungcheong Province to promote a local martial arts festival, he reluctantly produced a video following standard bureaucratic protocols, and the views plummeted. Operating in a civil service organization known for strict top-down compliance, Kim refused to be a "yes-man". He filmed with government ministers and celebrities, but he refused to upload the footage. 'It lacked a YouTube-ready hook' Kim's reason was simple. He withheld the content because he deemed it unfunny. It is highly unusual even for news organizations to scrap interviews with central government ministers. Scrapping such footage demonstrated Kim's core

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BTS shows in N. America draw 840,000 concertgoers: agency

K-pop group BTS has drawn 840,000 fans across 15 performances in five cities on the North American leg of its world tour, the group's agency said Saturday. The seven-member act performed sold-out shows recently in Tampa, El Paso, Stanford and Las Vegas in the United States, as well as Mexico City in Mexico, as part of its "Arirang" world tour, according to BigHit Music. Due to overwhelming demand, the group put on extra shows in Tampa, Stanford and Las Vegas, which all sold out. BTS began the world tour last month to mark its comeback after a near four-year hiatus as members fulfilled South Korea's mandatory military service for men. U.S.-based Billboard reported that BTS grossed $76.2 million and sold 417,000 tickets in its eight shows in Goyang, South Korea, Tokyo and Tampa in April, making it the highest-grossing tour last month. BTS's next world tour performance will take place June 12-13 in South Korea's southeastern port city of Busan.

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Candidates turn to booming defense industry for campaign pledges

Korea’s gubernatorial candidates in South Gyeongsang Province are positioning the booming aerospace and defense industries at the center of their economic campaign pledges, vowing to transform the region into a global hub for advanced defense, shipbuilding and aerospace technologies. Both ruling and opposition candidates have unveiled their plans to strengthen the province’s industrial ecosystem with the focus on research, so the region can create value-added jobs tied to artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation defense systems and future mobility industries. Kim Kyung-soo, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) candidate for South Gyeongsang governor, said he would support President Lee Jae Myung’s vision of combining defense, shipbuilding, nuclear energy and AI technologies to develop nuclear-powered submarines. Kim said the initiative presents a major opportunity for South Gyeongsang Province, which already serves as the nation’s primary production base for defense manufacturing and shipbuilding. “The province accounts for more than half of the country’s defense industry

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Nat'l football head coach 'surprised' by KFA chief's resignation offer

HERRIMAN, United States — The head coach of the South Korean men's football team said Friday he was "surprised" by the national football chief's decision to resign after the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu announced Friday afternoon (South Korean time) that he will step down after the end of the World Cup in July. It was 10:30 p.m. Thursday here in the state of Utah, where Hong and his players have been training for the big tournament for the past two weeks. Hong Myung-bo, the team's head coach, was informed of Chung's decision about two hours ahead of time through a video conference with the outgoing boss. Chung, who first took the KFA's helm in 2013, then told a few senior players about his future. "It came out of nowhere, and I was surprised," Hong told reporters before a training session at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, located near Salt Lake City. "I think we will keep doing our job the way we always have. We held our own meeting to talk about what we have to do going forward." When asked about the vibe among the players

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Trump will make only 'good' Iran deal that satisfies his 'redlines': White House official

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump will only make a "good" deal with Iran that satisfies his "redlines," a White House official said Friday, shortly after he concluded a Situation Room meeting without announcing any decision. The official made the remarks in a readout sent to Yonhap News Agency, reiterating that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. "The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours," the official said. "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon." On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted Trump's three "redline" demands that Iran commit not to pursue a nuclear weapon, turn over its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Before the Situation Room meeting, Trump signaled his intention to make a "final determination" during the meeting, reiterating his calls for Iran to forgo any pursuit of a nuclear weapon and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid reports that Washington and Tehran are inching toward an ag

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KOSPI closes near 8,500 as AI rally drives fresh high

KOSPI hit another record on Friday, topping 8,400 and moving closer to the 8,500 milestone as easing geopolitical concerns and renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI)-related stocks lifted investor sentiment following overnight gains on Wall Street. The country's benchmark index opened 199.02 points, or 2.43 percent, higher than the previous session at 8,384.31, and maintained its upward momentum to close at 8,476.15, up 290.86 points, or 3.55 percent. Market sentiment strengthened after media reports said the United States had finalized working-level discussions on a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict with Iran and had begun circulating a draft among allies, including Israel. Hopes that ceasefire negotiations were nearing a final settlement also helped ease concerns over oil prices, which had recently weighed on global financial markets. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures retreated to the $80-per-barrel range. On Wall Street, AI-focused cloud computing company Snowflake surged 36 percent after raising its annual sales forecast and securing a lon

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4 in 10 Koreans use generative AI: survey

Nearly four in 10 Koreans have used generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT and Gemini, a survey showed Thursday, but a persistent digital divide sidelines the majority due to a lack of digital literacy. A survey by the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) showed that 38.9 percent of respondents have used generative AI. The figure is up 14.9 percentage points from 24 percent in 2024, according to the commission's 2025 User Panel Survey in Intelligent Information Society. The survey polled 4,324 internet users nationwide aged 18 to 72 who use smartphones at least once a day. Users spent an average of 49.6 minutes per day on the platforms. The most common use for generative AI is information search, with 86 percent citing its efficiency. Meanwhile, 72.6 percent of users said using the technology saves time, followed by educational purposes at 68.2 percent, and solving complex problems and supporting daily tasks, both at 64.8 percent. However, concerns over the risks of generative AI intensified, rising 6 to 10 percentage points from a year earlier. Fraud and cr

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Professor disciplined after saying '8 in 10 women' engaged in prostitution

A professor at a private university in Daejeon has been disciplined and removed from all teaching duties after allegedly making sexually inappropriate remarks to students during class. According to the university on Friday, the school's foundation recently finalized disciplinary measures against the professor, identified only by the surname B. The university said B has been barred from teaching classes, providing academic counseling and performing other student guidance duties. The professor was also ordered to complete anti-recurrence training through the university's human rights center to help prevent further incidents. The controversy began in November last year when a post criticizing the professor's classroom comments appeared on the university's online community forum. Students later conducted their own survey and submitted a formal complaint to the school in December. According to students, the professor made comments including, "8 in 10 women in Korea have probably earned spending money through prostitution." The professor was also accused of making remarks that could infringe on

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Foreign home buying in Seoul drops sharply after land permit rules

Home purchases by foreign nationals in Seoul and surrounding areas have dropped sharply after the government designated the regions as land transaction permit zones for non-Korean buyers last August, government data showed Friday. This suggests that tighter regulations may have curbed speculative demand amid controversy over claims that overseas buyers, particularly Chinese nationals, are fueling demand for luxury housing in upscale neighborhoods. According to data released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, housing transactions involving foreign buyers in Seoul and surrounding areas between September 2025 and April 2026 declined by 28 percent to 3,304 from 4,617 a year earlier. The decline was most evident in Seoul, where home purchases by foreign nationals fell 44 percent to 545 from 968. Transactions also decreased in Gyeonggi Province, down 23 percent to 2,205 from 2,857, and in Incheon, down 30 percent to 554 from 792. In the capital, the drop was particularly pronounced in affluent districts such as Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa and Yongsan districts, where purchases

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K-food boom going strong: Instant noodles, frozen meals drive export leap

Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Driven by the global popularity of K-content, overseas demand for Korean food such as ramen, frozen gimbap and seasoned seaweed has risen sharply. According to the 2025 domestic food industry production results released Thursday by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korea’s food exports reached $7.86 billion last year, up 8.3 percent from the previous year. Ramen exports in particular surged 26.5 percent year-on-year to $1.5 billion, making instant noodles the top K-food export item. Frozen gimbap followed with $776 million, while seasoned seaweed exports were recorded at $562 million. Frozen gimbap recorded export growth of 180.9 percent compared with the previous year. Exports of seasoned seaweed also climbed 12.8 percent, maintaining its status as one of Korea’s leading processed seafood exports worldwide. Global demand for Korean health functional foods has also risen alongside Korean food and beauty trends. Data showed that exports of health supplements totaled $318 million, up 14.2 percent from $279 million a year earlier. By categor

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Veterans minister criticizes Starbucks over 'Tank Day' controversy

Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul on Friday criticized Starbucks Korea over its recent "Tank Day" promotion, saying the use of a painful chapter in the nation's history as part of a marketing campaign deserves criticism. Speaking at a policy briefing with reporters, Kwon said the incident should be viewed as a corporate marketing decision rather than the action of an individual employee. He added that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs would take a cautious approach toward ongoing cooperation projects with Starbucks until broader public consensus emerges over the issue. The minister made the remarks while outlining the Lee Jae Myung administration's first-year veterans policy achievements, including expanded support for descendants of independence fighters and surviving spouses of war veterans. Kwon said the government is seeking to strengthen support for groups that have long remained outside Korea's veterans welfare system. Speaking at a luncheon meeting with reporters, Kwon cited a recent revision of the Independence Patriots Act as one of the ministry's most significant accompl

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Cambodian court sentences 6 Chinese nationals to life for murder of Korean student

A Cambodian court has sentenced six Chinese nationals to life in prison for the kidnapping, torture and murder of a 22-year-old Korean university student. The student was lured to Cambodia last year by a voice phishing scam network and later trafficked between multiple criminal organizations. According to local media reports Thursday, the Kampot Provincial Court in southern Cambodia handed down life sentences to all six defendants convicted in the killing of Park, the student. Since Cambodia does not have the death penalty, life imprisonment is the country's harshest punishment. The trial began on May 6, and the court ruled that the six defendants were guilty of murder, unlawful detention, torture and organized fraud. In a statement, the court said the victim died after being subjected to severe torture, adding that investigators found numerous bruises and injuries across his body. The court added that the evidence and legal review provided sufficient grounds to convict all six defendants. Assets seized during the investigation were also ordered confiscated. Park, a university student fro

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Kim Soo-hyun case signals dangerous new era of AI cybercrime

After an arrest warrant was sought for the notorious YouTuber who allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to spread malicious rumors about actor Kim Soo-hyun, the resulting damages lawsuit is expected to expand from 12 billion won to a staggering 30 billion won ($20 million). Kim Se-ui, operator of the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab (Garo Sero Institute), was taken into custody Wednesday. The case gained nationwide attention last year when the channel released an audio recording of deceased actor Kim Sae-ron allegedly discussing her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, sparking intense public backlash and forcing the actor to halt his activities for over a year. However, police have now concluded that the audio was generated using AI voice technology. The actor's legal representative, Ko Sang-rok, characterized the incident as unprecedented. "They not only manipulated public perception by spreading unverified allegations and distorting narratives, but even fabricated core evidence such as KakaoTalk messages and voices," Ko said. The case caused immense financial and professional da

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Taihan Cable employees referred to prosecutors over alleged LS Cable leak

Police have referred employees of Taihan Cable & Solution to prosecutors over allegations of leaking submarine cable technology from LS Cable & System, after a nearly three-year investigation. The decision is widely seen as significant given that industrial technology leak cases typically require extensive digital forensics, technical analysis, witness questioning and legal review. Industry officials said such cases — handled by the National Office of Investigation — are generally referred only after investigators comprehensively examine seized materials, testimony and technological links. The latest referral itself is being interpreted as a major judgment by investigative authorities, rather than a preliminary stage, such as a search and seizure operation. Particular attention has been drawn to the scope of those referred. Earlier reports largely centered on officials from architectural design firms involved in the construction of submarine cable plants. However, sources said the latest referral list also includes personnel from companies that participated directly in manufacturing c

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Living memory: How Busan connected with world during Korean War

BUSAN — "This is the only United Nations memorial cemetery in the world," said Hwang Sun-bi, an official from the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Busan's Nam District, Tuesday. "Tomorrow, a sacred ritual will unfold here. In accordance with their final wishes, two French veterans of the Korean War will return to be laid to rest alongside the very comrades they fought beside decades ago, reunited at last in a solemn burial ceremony." Today, the vast memorial grounds are alive with color, blanketed in fully bloomed azaleas and seasonal flowers that soften the weight of the history kept here. This is the eternal home of more than 2,300 U.N. soldiers hailing from 14 different countries across the globe. Their stories span generations and continents — embodied poignantly by Australia’s Pvt. James Daunt, the youngest laid to rest here at the tender age of 17. Operating under international stewardship, this site is an island of memory, permanently etching the spirit of international solidarity into the earth. "Our goal is to make sure the flowers never fade, no matter the season," the official

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Korea rolls out digital navigation guides for foreign visitors to ease travel anxiety

For international travelers landing at Incheon International Airport, navigating Korea’s highly efficient but densely layered public transit system can be an intimidating task. To address this, the Korean government unveiled Friday multilingual digital transit guides designed to eliminate the logistical friction of traveling beyond the capital. The initiative, spearheaded jointly by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, introduces a suite of visual, data-driven infographics. Produced in English, Japanese, and both simplified and traditional Chinese, the resources are being deployed across state tourism platforms, social networks and physical information hubs nationwide. Instead of heavy administrative text, the campaign leans into intuitive, user-centric design. The rollout focuses on three distinct components: a visual flow chart mapping transit options based on traveler profiles, a comprehensive payment guide detailing where and how to use foreign credit cards, as well as a highly detailed, step-by-step instructions for the country’s domina

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2026 local elections

Early voting for June 3 local elections begins across Korea

Early voting for June 3 local elections begins across Korea

Early voting for the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections takes place nationwide from Friday through Saturday. The National Election Commission said Thursday that 3,571 early voting stations across the country will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the two-day period. Voters can check polling station locations on the commission’s website or major online portal sites. Eligible voters may cast their ballots at any early voting station nationwide regardless of where they are registered to vote, as long as they bring a valid form of identification such as a resident registration card, driver’s license or passport. Saved images or screenshots will not be accepted for mobile identification. Voters will receive a total of seven ballots in most areas. In regions where parliamentary by-elections are also being held, voters will receive an additional ballot, bringing the total to eight. In Sejong and Jeju Province, which do not have lower-level local governments and therefore hold no elections for their heads or council members, voters will receive four. Voters casting ballot

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Editor's Pick

[LEE'S 1ST YEAR IN OFFICE] President bets big on regional tourism

LEE'S 1ST YEAR IN OFFICE President bets big on regional tourism

No president in Korean history has taken tourism more seriously than President Lee Jae Myung. Previous presidents did not feel the need to focus heavily on tourism because the Korean economy largely relied on exports such as electronics, refined petroleum products, automobiles and semiconductors. However, the situation looked quite different when Lee took office last year. The global popularity of Korean dramas, films and K-pop artists has drawn international tourists to Korea to visit locations featured in their favorite shows, eat dishes enjoyed by celebrities and shop for beauty products used by K-pop stars. Lee also had his own reason to push for tourism, as he seeks to alleviate Korea's slowing economic growth, demographic decline and weak regional economies. The president has described tourism as a “core national strategic industry,” stressing that the country must move beyond Seoul-centered tourism growth to achieve sustainable expansion. “Tourism is a key national strategic industry for Korea,” Lee said during a meeting to discuss national tourism strategy in February.

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Life in Korea

Seoul, Airbnb team up to turn stay-at-home moms into hospitality entrepreneurs

Seoul, Airbnb team up to turn stay-at-home moms into hospitality entrepreneurs

As Korea rides a historic wave of international tourism — projected to draw an unprecedented 19 million foreign visitors this year — municipal officials are turning to the digital economy to solve a persistent domestic challenge: bringing women back into the workforce. The Seoul Foundation of Women and Family announced a joint public-private initiative with the city’s Women’s Resources Development Center and Airbnb to launch the third year of its specialized Shared Accommodation Host Training Program. The project specifically targets "career-interrupted" women — stay-at-home mothers and professionals who left the workforce to care for family — leveraging home-sharing platforms as a flexible runway back to financial independence. In a local culture where rigid, arduous corporate environments often force women out of the job market after childbirth, digital hospitality offers an appealing alternative, as running a boutique guesthouse allows women to manage an enterprise on their own schedules. The program has seen explosive demand since its inception. A modest pilot project in

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Lifestyle

From hotel to cafe: Creative interior ideas transform apartment balconies

A balcony sits between an apartment's interior and the outdoors. Enclosing balconies to expand living rooms became a mainstream interior trend in Korea long ago as residents seek to maximize space. However, an unenclosed balcony offers something special as the area closest to the outdoors. Because doors separate it from the main rooms, residents can easily decorate it as a distinct space. By discarding the misconception that balconies are only for storing belongings and hanging laundry, residents can make the most of the area's potential. Here are the ways three households utilized their balconies. Checking into balcony lounge Yoon Ji-in, 44, who asked to use a pseudonym, vividly remembers her childhood habit of asking her parents to visit restaurants with yellow lighting simply for the atmosphere. Yoon's family of four moved into their Daegu apartment five years ago. The home featured a long, continuous balcony attached to the main bedroom, the living room and a small room. She decided against enclosing it. Removing the balcony required replacing window frames, which drastically increase

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From hotel to cafe: Creative interior ideas transform apartment balconies

K-Culture

Hit occult film ‘Exhuma’ to get Naver Webtoon adaptation

The sprawling occult universe of “Exhuma,” the supernatural thriller that captivated more than 10 million moviegoers to become one of Korea’s biggest box office sensations, is expanding into the digital comic realm. Naver Webtoon said Friday that it will launch “Maengjong,” a prequel spinoff of the blockbuster film, on its platform Saturday evening. The debut arrives just as local appetite for horror and supernatural thrillers begins its seasonal spike ahead of the humid summer months. The new series delves into the formative teenage years of Hwa-rim and Bong-gil, a charismatic duo of shamans whose slick, youth-driven subversion of ancient rituals anchored the emotional core of the film. “Maengjong” explores the eerie undercurrents of their lives before the timeline of the movie, tracing the genesis of their partnership. The narrative follows Hwa-rim, a high school student living a quiet, cloistered life after a childhood entanglement with a snake deity named Jin. Her fragile status quo is upended when she meets Bong-gil at school, initiating a chain of supernatural events

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Hit occult film ‘Exhuma’ to get Naver Webtoon adaptation

Celebrities

'I am living happily': Former idol finds new life as flight attendant after group disbands

It is a question that has crossed the minds of every K-pop fan at least once: What do idols do after their group disbands? For former MYTEEN member Choi Eun-su, the answer has taken him from the stage to the skies. Choi, who debuted in 2015 as a member of NPI before re-debuting with MYTEEN in 2017, recently shared an update on his life after idol activities, revealing that he is now working as a flight attendant. On May 27, Choi opened up about whether he still feels regret over leaving behind his career as a singer. “People often ask me if I have any lingering feelings or regrets,” he wrote. “It would be a lie to say I don’t, but I am fully satisfied with my life now and living happily.” In a video, Choi said that after MYTEEN’s sudden disbandment in 2019, he completed his military service and went through a number of jobs, including waiting tables, working in kitchens, selling clothes and doing office assistant work. Then, in 2024, he was hired as a cabin crew member by Jeju Air. Choi has been combining his past and present lives on social media, posting videos under the them

2 MIN READ
'I am living happily': Former idol finds new life as flight attendant after group disbands

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Opinion

Top 10 Stories

  1. Early voting for June 3 local elections ends with record 23.51% turnout

  2. Defense minister highlights S. Korea's push for 'self-reliant' defense alongside stronger US alliance

  3. Korean workplace burnout: Why public cheers for 'Chungju Man' chasing corporate wealth

  4. Hegseth calls for 'balanced' OPCON transfer where US military roles are 'honored'

  5. Rail services disrupted by Seoul overpass collapse to fully resume on Sunday

  6. Trump will make only 'good' Iran deal that satisfies his 'redlines': White House official

  7. Excel-lookalike stock site sparks debate over workplace investing

  8. Baseball waste surges faster than attendance despite KBO's green pledge

  9. Nat'l football head coach 'surprised' by KFA chief's resignation offer

  10. Because Trump dropped bombs, the Korean government bought me my bananas

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