...to reunite as GFriend, we will do so then. As of now, we will work hard as Viviz." Rookies they may be as Viviz, the three members exuded charisma and confidence from their years of experience. "It's insane how time has flown by so fast. We're still spending every day like it's our best day. Every year has been special and all our activities have nourished us. I'm looking forward to the anniversaries to come," Umji said. About their anticipations for the new year, SinB sa...

Central bank warns of negative impact of US-China relations, geopolitical conflicts on Korea's key export industries Korea's export-oriented economy could face threats because of its heavy reliance on raw material imports amid rising geopolitical tensions, a senior researcher at the country's central bank said during a seminar Wednesday. The Bank of Korea stressed a fragmented global trade regi...

...ed on Jan. 26 between KT and the Mongolian government for the supply of various mineral resources, including rare earth elements. Following this new agreement, KT is now able to utilize Monnis Group’s licenses related to mineral resource development and mining with which it plans to speed up the steady collection of minerals. Monnis Group specializes in various fields such as automobiles, mining...

...he key strategies for 2023, Lee added that Korea is a leading EV market. Last year, the Korean unit’s EV sales jumped threefold compared to a year earlier, outpacing the growth rate of combustible-eng...of high-end models Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach GLS skyrocketed by 147 percent and S-Class saw a 13 percent increase in sales from a year earlier. Mercedes-Benz outpaced BMW’s 65,669...

The recent data follows a series of controversies surrounding McDonald's hygiene at franchise stores. On Jan. 25, an online post showing a picture of yarn in a McDonald's McMorning pancake combo stirred controversy. "I bought two McMorning sets with my son, gave him a hotcake, ate a muffin, and after almost finishing everything, took something out from my mouth to find that I was chewing on a t...

...f that causes lung damage, but the microplastics that remain after disposing of the mask," said Yoo Byung-ah, an official at the Korea Institute of Toxicology. "Microplastics cannot be inhaled in one's lungs just by wearing and breathing through a mask." Yoo was countering claims raised in response to the institute's own report about a study into the impact of microplastics from disposable masks on animals. The study did not measure real-world impacts of mask-wearing. Instead, researchers dropped microscopic pa...

...dates for Supreme Court judges, a prosecutor-general and the head of the national anticorruption agency, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, among other key roles in Korea's judicial system. Lee will end his term as the president on Feb. 27, to be succeeded by his aide Kim Young-hoon. When asked about his impression of the portrayal of courtroom scenes on Korean TV ser...

KB Financial Group Chairman Yoon Jong-kyoo delivers a speech during the investor conference KB Investor Insights 2023, held via the financial giant's metaverse platform on Tuesday. During the event, the chairman pledged to boost investor profitability by upgrading expertise and risk-management know-how.

...nd local sports body executive has been named by a global federation of canoe organizations to lead diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for women. Park Gi-young, vice president of South Korea’s Woman’s Sports Association, was tapped by International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko as the chairman of the Lausanne-based organization’s diversity and inclusion committee as well as the person in charge of the body’s women’s conference. Konietzko visited Seoul in October last year to attend the general assembly of the Association of ...

...mid rising fuel costs and inflation, according to the taxi drivers' association. The ordinary taxi's initial charge for the first 1.6 kilometers is now set at 4,800 won ($3.90), up 26.3 percent from ..., the municipal government is looking to implement a fare hike to pare financial losses of the city's public transportation infrastructure. A hearing will precede the final decision as the government ...

Starbucks Korea, the nation’s No.1 specialty coffee chain, said Wednesday that the cumulative users of its customer membership "Starbucks Rewards" has recently hit the 10 million mark. The figure is...bucks members who have shown us constant interest and support," said Baek Ji-woong, Starbucks Korea’s vice president of new business. “We will create a program that can deliver the best experience to ...

Kia on Wednesday unveiled the 2024 Niro, a revamped version of the carmaker's top-selling eco-friendly brand. The upgraded Niro comes in both hybrid and fully electric models, with prices starting at 27.1 million won ($22,000) and 48.5 million won, respectively.

...abin Fever,” on Feb. 15, according to agency RBW on Wednesday. "Cabin Fever" comes seven months after the release of Purple Kiss’ fourth mini album “Geekyland” in July last year. It is also the act’s first appearance as a six-member group following Jieun’s departure in November. She left the group for health reasons and anxiety problems upon a doctor's recommendation. Purple Kiss consists of members Yuki, Na Go-eun, Ireh, Chaein, Swan and Dosie. The...

...nt Wednesday by High Up Entertainment. This comeback comes seven months after the release of StayC’s third single album “We Need Love” in July. Along with the comeback announcement, the agency dropp...s likely to be a well-made, addictive song. “As this comeback comes after seven months since StayC’s third single album, they will show a more upgraded musical performance,” promoted High Up Entertai...

...the army, allowing him to serve as a social service agent instead. Bistus Entertainment, the actor’s agency, admitted that he had received an exemption in an “improper” way. “While (Song) was lookin... grade seven are unable to be graded due to disease or illness. The 29-year-old starred in Netflix’s military drama “D.P.,” which revolves around the reality each enlistee undergoes during their time...