Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

'Billy Elliot: The Musical' resonates with Korean audiences in era of AI revolution, social isolation

More than two decades after its release, “Billy Elliot” (2000) is finding renewed resonance in a world once again grappling with labor disruption and social fragmentation through a new musical production that opened last week in Korea.

2026-04-14

Korea’s Times Square or glaring eyesore? Debate rages over Gwanghwamun’s digital billboards.

Seoul's Gwanghwamun area is undergoing transformation with digital billboards amid historic sites, aiming to enhance tourism. However, concerns over city aesthetics and light pollution have surfaced as the project develops.

2026-04-13

A run through Bukchon: Where Korea's running craze meets reality

The article explores Seoul's jogging culture, highlighting the New Balance Bukchon store, gear rental experience, challenges of running among tourists, and the overall appeal of urban running routes.

2026-03-26

Convenience store, retailer sales boom during BTS comeback performance

"BTSnomics" wasn't just hype, it would seem. Convenience stores and retailers saw a sharp spike in sales during BTS’s comeback performance on Saturday, as thousands of fans gathered around Gwanghwamun Square.

2026-03-22

ARMY organizes postshow cleanup initiative for BTS's comeback performance

Concert chaos? Not on ARMY’s watch. BTS fans are already organizing a postshow cleanup after the boy band’s Gwanghwamun Square performance on Saturday.

2026-03-20

Seoul gov't finds 18 lodging businesses violating law ahead of BTS comeback performance

The Seoul Metropolitan Government found that 18 lodging businesses failed to display a list of room prices or their business registration certificate during inspections, which were carried out ahead of BTS's comeback performance on March 21.

2026-03-08

Police, Seoul City discuss measures to handle BTS fans camping out night before comeback concert

Police are preparing for the possibility that fans may camp out overnight ahead of BTS’s comeback concert at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul on March 21, a scene commonly seen at K-pop concerts when large crowds gather for events.

2026-03-02

Netflix taps Super Bowl, Oscars director for BTS's March 21 Gwanghwamun show and livestream

Hamish Hamilton, the British director known for leading major global broadcasts such as the Super Bowl halftime show, will direct BTS’s upcoming performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 21, Netflix announced on Wednesday.

2026-02-04

No entry, no problem: Places to view BTS's Gwanghwamun performance without battling crowds in the square

If you aren't one of the 18,000 lucky people to get tickets to BTS's free concert in central Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, there may still be a chance for you to see the world-famous K-pop act with your own eyes.

2026-01-30

Seoul hotels already price gouging visitors for downtown BTS show in March

As the return stage of megaband BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in mid-March has all but been confirmed, accommodation prices in nearby areas are already surging, prompting complaints of price gouging and overbooking.

2026-01-26