The Korea Now
1 active alert→
Today

7 storiesReviewed by the editor, Oct 23

Alert · official source

Rough Sea and Gale Warnings Issued for Southern Waters and Islands

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued high sea advisories for waters off the southern coast and strong wind warnings for southern islands including Wando Yeoseodo, Geomundo, and Chodo. The advisories come as Typhoon Champi moves north, bringing heavy rain of up to 250 millimeters to Jeju and sweeping precipitation across the southern mainland through Saturday.

So what

Check ferry and coastal tour schedules in advance if you are traveling around Jeju or the southern coast this weekend, as maritime routes face delays and cancellations.

Transport

Korean Air and Asiana Customer Booking Data Leaked via IT Vendor

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines disclosed that customer booking details were compromised following an unauthorized breach at Amadeus IT Group, a global reservations system partner. The data leak is estimated to have occurred between August 2023 and September this year, exposing booking reference numbers and select passenger details. Both carriers confirmed that an official investigation is currently underway to assess the scope of the impact.

So what

If you booked flights with Korean Air or Asiana Airlines during the affected window, monitor your reservation account and remain cautious of phishing emails or texts citing booking references.

Culture · Seoul

TWICE's Nayeon Announces Solo Comeback Single 'NA-sty' for November 20

TWICE member Nayeon is preparing for a solo return with her upcoming single 'NA-sty.' On October 23, an introductory teaser titled 'CAPTIVATED MODE: ON' was officially released online. The single is scheduled to drop worldwide on November 20 at 2 p.m. KST.

So what

Set your music streaming reminders for November 20 at 2 p.m. KST to hear the latest solo release from the TWICE star.

Culture

Stray Kids' Hyunjin Limits Tour Choreography Due to Shoulder Pain

JYP Entertainment announced on October 23 that Stray Kids member Hyunjin will restrict his performance movements during scheduled concert dates due to right shoulder pain. Medical professionals advised him to minimize straining motions while he undergoes treatment. The agency confirmed he will still appear on stage during this week's tour stops while adjusting intense choreography.

So what

Expect adjusted choreographies during Hyunjin's upcoming concert stages if you are attending Stray Kids World Tour performances this week.

Culture

ATEEZ Drops Energetic Pre-Release Single 'Drip' Ahead of Mini Album

K-pop boy group ATEEZ released 'Drip,' a trap-heavy pre-release track, along with its official music video on October 23 at 1 p.m. KST. The track serves as the opening preview for their upcoming 15th mini-album titled 'GOLDEN HOUR : Part.6.' The visual release features dynamic group choreography set against striking spiral structures.

So what

Stream the newly released track and music video across major platforms ahead of the full album rollout.

Events · Seoul

Justin Bieber Makes Surprise Seoul Visit for Seongsu Pop-Up Store

Pop star Justin Bieber arrived in South Korea alongside Hailey Bieber on October 23, marking his first trip to the country in roughly 13 years. The surprise visit coincides with the debut of a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, a trendy district in eastern Seoul, for his apparel and lifestyle label Skylrk. The singer was also spotted sampling ginseng chicken soup at a Michelin-listed samgyetang restaurant in central Seoul's Anguk neighborhood.

So what

Stop by eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong this weekend if you want to browse the Skylrk brand pop-up store while it is open.

Food · Seoul

Central Seoul Eases Rules to Expand Outdoor Alley Dining Experience

Jung-gu District Office in central Seoul is amending local dining ordinances to permit outdoor cooking and table reheating for outdoor street dining, known locally as 'yajang.' The move legalizes designated portable gas burners and simple warm-up cooking in popular dining alleyways such as Sindang-dong. The district aims to revitalize nighttime alleyway culture while implementing stricter fire and hygiene management standards.

So what

Look forward to livelier open-air evening dining and cooked-at-table street meals when visiting the Sindang and Euljiro alley food districts in central Seoul.