[Architecture Talk] On our own, but together: Shared housing points to new possibilities

One might easily surmise that there are only a few types of housing in South Korea, and rightly so. The urban landscapes in the country are dominated by towering apartment blocks and low-rise multi-unit buildings called "villas." What is less well known is that new types of homes are being built that aim to break the isolation and monotony of apartments by creating shared spaces. These buildings, while still few in number and mostly hidden from sight in the densely packed city of Seoul

CultureNov. 21, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Blackpink’s Jennie, Lisa invited to Coachella as solo acts

Jennie and Lisa of Blackpink will hit the stage at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival next year as solo performers, according to the festival’s announcement Wednesday. The lineup for next year’s event listed Jennie performing on April 13 and 20 and Lisa on April 11 and 18. Blackpink was the first K-pop girl group to be invited to the festival in 2019 and the first Asian artist to headline it last year. Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone will headline next year's fest

K-popNov. 21, 2024

Smugglers caught disguising 230 tons of Chinese black beans as diesel exhaust fluid

Smugglers who attempted to disguise 230 tons of black soybeans, known as “seoritae,” from China as an additive for diesel engines, have been arrested, customs officials said Thursday. The Incheon Regional Customs said it has referred 11 suspects to prosecutors without detention for alleged violations of customs law. The authorities have also issued wanted notice for two accomplices who are believed to be in China. The suspects are accused of smuggling 230 tons of black soybeans, wort

Social AffairsNov. 21, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Korea helps startups expand globally

Mercedes-Benz Korea announced Thursday that it invited nine promising Korean startups to its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, earlier this month as part of its efforts to foster global growth opportunities for innovative companies. The five-day program, held in collaboration with the Korea University Research and Business Foundation, Sejong, ran from Nov. 11 to Nov. 15. The selected startups toured Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen plant and the Mercedes-Benz Museum to learn about the automa

CompaniesNov. 21, 2024

Blackpink's solo journeys: Complementary paths, not competition

After leaving YG Entertainment to pursue solo activities, the members of Blackpink —who had already embarked on individual careers while still part of the agency — have each reached new heights on their own terms. Typically, K-pop groups draw strength from teamwork, with solo projects often leading to fragmented fandoms and diminished influence. However, this narrative hasn’t applied in the case of Blackpink as Lisa, Jennie, and Rose redefine success through their individual ac

K-popNov. 21, 2024

Complaints on deepfake sex crimes surge in South Korea

Complaints related to deepfake sex crimes have surged in South Korea this year, government data showed Thursday. From January to October, an average of 50 complaints per month related to deepfake sex crimes were reported to public complaint platforms, such as the state-run e-People website and local government channels, according to data compiled by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission. This represents a 1.7-fold increase from the 30 monthly complaints reported on average in 2023. Dee

Social AffairsNov. 21, 2024

[More than APT] Home as personal manifesto in a sea of apartments

Winston Churchill's observations on architecture suggest that we shape our buildings, thereafter, they shape us. In today's Korean society, the buildings shaping many people's lives are cookie-cutter apartment complexes, practical havens that prioritize convenience, safety and investment value over individual expression. These standardized structures have become the go-to choice for many, reflecting the priorities of a fast-paced urban lifestyle. However, there are those challen

CultureNov. 21, 2024

Seoul shares end 3-day rise; won snaps 5-day rise

South Korean stocks fell slightly Thursday to end their three-day winning streak as major shares ended in mixed territory. The local currency fell against the US dollar for the first time in six sessions. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index lost 1.66 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 2,480.63. The main index had been rising since Monday. Trade volume was moderate at 440.4 million shares worth 8.1 trillion won ($5.8 billion), with decliners beating gainers 477 to 392. Foreigners du

MarketNov. 21, 2024

Disney+ unveils Asia-Pacific lineup for 2025, confirms season 2 of 'Moving'

SINGAPORE -- News that a second season of the Korean megahit series "Moving" is currently in development was among the slew of announcements made by The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific Thursday regarding the upcoming slate of Disney+ Asia Pacific content. "Moving" is an action-fantasy series, but at its core, it is a coming-of-age story about friendship, family and human relationships told in a brand new way," said Carol Choi, executive vice president of original conten

FilmNov. 21, 2024

N. Korea, Russia court softer image: From animal diplomacy to tourism

North Korea and Russia concluded a ministerial meeting in Pyongyang aimed at expanding cooperation in the trade, economic, scientific and technological sectors on Wednesday, at a critical moment when global attention is focused on what Pyongyang might gain in return for dispatching troops to support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. The Unification Ministry in Seoul on Thursday noted that neither Pyongyang nor Moscow revealed core agreements in the economic and trade sectors -- areas that co

Foreign AffairsNov. 21, 2024

Oman celebrates 54th National Day

MUSCAT, Oman -- The Sultanate of Oman will celebrate its 54th glorious National Day on Nov. 18, marking milestone accomplishments in different areas. The citizens of Oman and various state institutions have rendered an indispensable contribution to the continuous achievements in the path of the comprehensive development during the renewed renaissance of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, who has outlined a wise and sound vision that leads to progress and prosperity in all fields. His Majesty&

Foreign AffairsNov. 21, 2024

Seoul to host winter festival from Dec. 13

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday that it will host a large-scale, city-wide winter festival next month, accompanied by media art and radiant sculptures decorating the city. Also known as Seoul Winter Festa, the city government combined several winter-themed events into one large-scale festival for the first time in 2023. According to the city government, the event saw around 7.4 million visitors. This year’s event will kick off on Dec. 13 and run until Jan. 5 at six location

Social AffairsNov. 21, 2024

Now is no time to add pressure on businesses: top executives

The top executives of 16 major Korean conglomerates, including Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG, on Thursday issued a rare joint statement opposing the proposed revision to the Commercial Act, which aims to increase the duties of corporate board members. “The proposed revision will lead to excessive litigation and potential attacks from overseas speculative investors, thereby hindering the normal management activities of board members,” the business leaders said. “This will ob

IndustryNov. 21, 2024

[From the Scene] Gigantic Olive Young store lures young trend-setters in Seongsu

Stepping into Olive Young N Seongsu, just a minute’s walk from Seongsu Station’s Exit 4, visitors are immediately greeted by a vibrant and spacious interior filled with colorful cosmetics. The cheerful atmosphere is enhanced by classic and upbeat music playing softly in the background. “Welcome to our new chapter of the store, Olive Young N Seongsu,” said Kim Soo-ju, Olive Young's cross-functional team leader, during a guided press tour on Thursday. "The speci

IndustryNov. 21, 2024

Korean Air offers special flights for mileage users

Korean Air has introduced a special flight schedule for customers wishing to redeem mileage points for trips to Jeju Island. Mileage users will have preferential booking access for three days: Dec. 28, Dec. 30, and Jan. 1. Reservations open Thursday, and customers can join the event through the airline’s official website or mobile app. The promotion applies exclusively to flights between Gimpo and Jeju Island. The flight from Gimpo Airport will depart at 1:40 PM, arriving at Jeju Airport a

IndustryNov. 21, 2024

Explore last-minute fall getaways in Danyang

With South Korea experiencing sudden cold snap, the next few weeks will be your last chance for a fall getaway. If you missed this year’s fall foliage you might still catch a glimpse at Danyang, North Chungcheong Province, where the traces of autumn have yet to disappear. Hikers can explore Guinsa, the head temple of Cheontae Buddhism, or Sobaeksan, a popular mountain located in eastern Danyang. The trails in both places are steep in many areas and will have hikers out of breath as they ma

TravelNov. 21, 2024

Anti-foreign spying bill awaits final vote

Bipartisan momentum is building at the National Assembly for the passage of a set of bills that would expand existing espionage laws to punish spies working for foreign countries other than North Korea. The anti-foreign espionage bill, which failed to pass in a vote last year, is ripe for passage this time, lawmakers of the two main parties say. Under the existing laws, South Korea only recognizes spying by North Korea as a punishable crime. The broadened espionage bill passed the legislative co

PoliticsNov. 21, 2024