How a Shinsegae heiress became K-pop’s most-watched rookie

When Allday Project debuted in June, it immediately captured the attention of K-pop fans not only because it was the first coed group introduced in nine years, but also because of the distinct and unconventional profiles of its members. One member who especially drew attention was Annie, the group’s rapper, whose transition from chaebol heiress to rookie idol quickly became one of the most discussed narratives in this year’s K-pop rookie scene. Born into the Shinsegae family, which controls one

Dec. 3, 2025

Stray Kids become first to top Billboard 200 for 8th consecutive time

Stray Kids landed their eighth consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with their latest EP “Do It,” becoming the first K-pop act to achieve this feat. As of Monday, the album dethroned global pop star Taylor Swift’s studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” which had been on the Billboard 200 for seven consecutive weeks. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums of the week in the US, measured by equivalent album units, which calculates overall music consumption, including physical album sal

Dec. 1, 2025

Samsung founding family in rare appearance as Lee's son joins Navy

Founding family members of the Samsung Group gathered on Friday to witness the commissioning of Lee Ji-ho, the eldest son of Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong, as a Navy officer following his completion of an 11-week officer candidate course. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Chair Lee, his mother, Hong Ra-hee; the honorary director of Samsung’s Leeum Museum of Art; and his sister Lee Seo-hyun, the president of Samsung C&T. Lee Ji-ho’s mother and Chair Lee’s ex-wife, Lim Se-ryung,

Nov. 28, 2025

Five-month probe into Marine’s death ends with 33 indictments

Korea’s special counsel wrapped up its 150-day probe into the death of a young Marine on Friday, indicting 33 people, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, for allegedly obstructing the investigation and abusing their authority to shield senior military officials. Announcing the conclusion of the investigation during a press briefing, the team stated that its work centered on “determining the extent of pressure from those in power” — such as the presidential office and military leadership —

Nov. 28, 2025

Youth job hunt nears 2 years, longer outside Seoul

Fresh university graduates outside the Greater Seoul region, which includes Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, take an average of three months longer to secure their first job compared to their counterparts in the capital region, according to a new study published Thursday. According to the Korea Employment Information Service, while the average job search period for youth living in metropolitan areas such as Seoul stood at 21.2 months, those in non-capital regions observed a longer period of 24.6 m

Nov. 27, 2025

Korea rolls out malpractice insurance support for high-risk surgeons

South Korea has launched a new malpractice insurance support program for doctors in essential but high-risk medical fields, the Health Ministry said Wednesday, aiming to build a stronger safety net for both physicians and patients in the event of medical accidents. The initiative is designed to reduce the financial burden on medical professionals in the event of malpractice lawsuits and to help patients receive timely compensation. It is also part of broader efforts to address shortages in essen

Nov. 26, 2025

Seoul Express Bus Terminal to get full redevelopment

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is pushing ahead with plans to transform the aging Seoul Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu into a 60-story multipurpose complex integrating transportation, business, residential and cultural functions. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Wednesday, the city government officially launched preliminary negotiations with Shinsegae Central Inc. and Seoul Express Bus Terminal Co., two private sector operators of the 146,260-square-meter site selected for

Nov. 26, 2025

Ex-PM to deliver closing arguments ahead of first ruling in martial law saga

The first major ruling in the December 2024 martial law scandal is nearing conclusion, with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo set to deliver closing arguments Wednesday in a case widely viewed as a litmus test for related trials, including that of the ousted president. The Seoul Central District Court is expected to issue its verdict in mid- to late January. Han is the earliest among more than 20 defendants linked to the failed martial law plan to reach the final hearing stage, meaning his case

Nov. 25, 2025

Ex-intel chief: I tried to stop Yoon’s martial law plan “on my knees”

Yeo In-hyung, former head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, testified Monday that he pushed back against then-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s suggestion of invoking martial law and emergency powers during a covert meeting in 2024, telling him the military could not be mobilized for such an action. Appearing as a witness in Yoon’s ongoing trial, where the ousted president faces charges related to his imposition of martial law in December 2024, Yeo said Yoon first floated the idea during a pri

Nov. 24, 2025

Winter festa gets Seoul into holiday spirit

Seoul is turning its plazas and palaces into a giant winter wonderland for the Seoul Winter Festa, a 24-day celebration of light shows, skating and K-culture that drew more than five million visitors last year. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday it will host a large-scale winter festival in December, along with city-wide cultural experiences and interactive performances. Also known as Seoul Winter Festa, the city government will showcase its winter festivities from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 a

Nov. 24, 2025