Korea JoongAng Daily - Daily News from Korea

This article is by Seo Ji-eun, Park Hyun-ju and read by an artificial voice.

The first memorial service for Korean wartime forced laborers at Japan's Sado Mines, promised during the site's Unesco World Heritage registration, took place Sunday without South Korean officials present.

The memorial, which was originally expected to address ongoing strain in Korea-Japan relations related to such historical grievances, was relegated to being a half-complete ceremony. While some 60 people participated, around 40 seats remained vacant.

The Korean boycott stemmed from Japan's controversial choice to send Akiko Ikuina, parliamentary vice minister of Japan's Foreign Ministry, who visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which many view as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past, as its government representative. The delegation plans to hold a separate memorial ceremony on Monday in response to the perceived diplomatic snub.

The ceremony, organized by a Japanese committee, took place at 1 p.m. at the Aikawa Development Center on the western side of Sado Island. Japanese officials, including Ikuina, Niigata Prefecture Governor Hideyo Hanazumi and Sado Mayor Ryugo Watanabe, were in attendance.

Ikuina, delivering the keynote address, mentioned the hardships faced by Korean laborers during the war, stating they'd worked "in dangerous and harsh conditions, far from their families." However, there was no acknowledgment of forced labor or an apology. Instead, the governor emphasized the mines' World Heritage value as a site shaped by the "dedication of workers in harsh environments."

Ikuina had previously visited the Yasukuni Shrine in 2022. The shrine honors class A war criminals, making her participation contentious for an event meant to honor victims of Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule over Korea.

Critics in Korea deemed Ikuina's involvement inappropriate.

"If Japan had shown just a little sincerity by sending a representative without controversial ties, this issue wouldn't have escalated," said Lee Won-deog, a professor of Japanese studies at Kookmin University. He added, "South Korea has often taken a magnanimous approach on historical issues, but Japan's repeated actions feel like a betrayal, which makes it regretful."

Tensions over the memorial had been brewing, with disputes between the two governments over its title, schedule and participants. The Korean foreign ministry announced its withdrawal just the day before, citing the fact that "the two countries have not come to a mutual agreement on matters surrounding the memorial service due to a lack of time" on Saturday.

The memorial was part of commitments Japan had made during a Unesco World Heritage Committee meeting in July, during which the Sado Mines were recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site. As part of the agreement, Japan agreed to hold annual memorial services and install exhibits about forced labor at a nearby museum. Sunday's event was the first to take place under the agreement, and the Korean government agreed to cover travel expenses for bereaved Korean families, but there was uncertainty about whether its speeches would meaningfully acknowledge Korean forced laborers.

"It's better that the Korean government to avoid setting a flawed precedent by not attending the event," said Jung Hye-kyung, a researcher at the Study Group of Japanese Forced Mobilization and Peace. She also urged Korea to push Unesco for stricter oversight and advocate for permanent memorial spaces.

In response, nine Korean bereaved family members, along with Korean Ambassador to Japan Park Cheol-hee, plan to hold their own memorial service at 9 a.m. on Monday. The ceremony will take place at the site of Dormitory No. 4, which once housed Korean laborers at the Sado Mines.

"The decision to hold our own independent memorial service Monday reflects our government's firm resolve not to compromise with Japan on historical issues," the Korean Foreign Ministry said Sunday evening.

"Based on this princip...

This article is by Shin Hye-yeon, Cho Jung-woo and read by an artificial voice.

Protesters for multiple causes gathered in downtown Seoul on Saturday afternoon, with liberals demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol's resignation and conservatives calling for the prompt arrest of Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung.

At Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, liberal civic groups, including People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Lawyers for a Democratic Society, also known as Minbyun, held a rally at 4:30 p.m. criticizing the Yoon Suk Yeol government and calling for the president's resignation. Around 15,000 people participated, according to the organizers.

Conservative civic groups held a separate rally at 3 p.m. about 750 meters (2,460 feet) away, near the square in front of the Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Jongno District. The action called for the arrest of Lee Jae-myung, as well as former President Moon Jae-in and Rebuilding Korea Party chief Cho Kuk.

There was no clash between the two groups of protesters.

On the same day, the DP held its fourth rally criticizing the incumbent government and demanding that a special counsel probe allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. Key DP figures, including party chief Lee and floor leader Park Chan-dae, attended the event.

Speaking at the rally, Park warned that the public would "fire" the president if he vetoed the bill on a special counsel probe into the first lady again. The DP railroaded a third attempt to appoint a special counsel for the investigation at the National Assembly on Nov. 14.

In a departure from previous rallies, the DP leader refrained from speaking at the event, which political observers interpreted as an effort to avoid provoking the judiciary ahead of his sentencing trial.

Prosecutors say Lee, who is scheduled to stand trial on Monday for violations of election law, coerced a former mayoral secretary into providing false testimony in his favor in 2018.

The DP's Saturday rally ended after about 30 minutes, after which Lee joined civic groups in a march toward Myeong-dong in downtown Seoul. The protesters dispersed around 8 p.m., vowing to gather again next Saturday at 6 p.m.

Both large-scale rallies caused significant traffic disruptions and noise over the weekend.

The conservative People Power Party (PPP) criticized the DP rally on Sunday, claiming it had failed to garner public attention amid Lee's mounting legal troubles.

"The DP pushed ahead with its fourth rally outside the National Assembly yesterday but once again failed to gain support from the general public," Han Ji-ah, a senior PPP spokesperson, wrote in a statement.

"The public's indifference serves as a signal that Lee's judicial risks are becoming a significant issue."

The PPP further urged the DP to "acknowledge the public's cold perception of its leader's legal risks" and focus instead on "addressing issues affecting people's livelihoods."

Lee's Monday trial will come just 10 days after the politician was handed a two-year suspended sentence for a separate election law violation case. If the sentence is upheld, Lee could lose his parliamentary seat and be barred from running for public office for five years, including in the 2027 presidential election.

This article is by Shin Min-hee and read by an artificial voice.

Nayoungim and Gregory Maass, who have been working together since 2004 as an artist duo, are also a married couple. Call it what you want, but they refuse to be referred to as a "collaboration."

"We do not collaborate. 'Collaborate' sounds like a word from the war," Maass said during a press conference at Atelier Hermès in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Thursday. The duo is holding the solo exhibition "Paranoia Paradise" at the venue.

Nayoungim, whose real name is Kim Na-young, defines their chemistry as symbiosis. Maass, on the other hand, was more of a romantic: "It's about love," he said. "I have a dark character, but Na-young is very positive. So, we are very different."

They consider themselves a good team because they complement each other through their differences, especially when it comes to their work process. Generally, they would begin a piece each doing what they are good at - for instance Maass welds and Kim embroiders - together to produce outlandish, enigmatic works that are based on a method they call "Frankensteining."

The concept derives from Mary Shelley's famed 1818 novel of the same name in which the titular mad scientist gathers stolen body parts from charnel houses or mortuaries and electrifies a monster to life. Likewise, both Maass and Kim collect random objects, like folding screens, coins, dentures and flyswatters, to combine them and give them a fresh breath of life as an artwork. They come in such different shapes and sizes, ranging from paintings, sculptures and large-scale public installations, that it's almost impossible to categorize what the duo's signature work is.

The "Paranoia Paradise" exhibition, filled with some 60 new works, emphasizes the duo's comprehensive attitude toward art rather than the meaning behind each single piece, according to Ahn So-yeon, artistic director at Atelier Hermès.

Collectively, the works tackle the "hybridity and grotesque," which were prominent concepts for the duo since they were students in the 1990s. They intentionally avoid "perfection" because it's too easy to achieve, Ahn said. The difficult part is actually rebelling against deep-rooted social norms, which is why they strive for eccentricity.

"Flower Nap 1~4" is a major example on view at the exhibition that expresses this attitude. The piece is composed of four traditional Asian hanging scrolls embroidered with flowers that are each paired with a flyswatter. The irony lies in the contrast between the beautiful silk stitching of nature's beauty that attracts insects and a tool that instead kills them.

"Pairing these two disparate objects shows that even in a paradise, in the case of these flowers taking a nap, there is bound to be an entity that causes disturbance, like the flies, hence a paranoia," Ahn said.

The duo's explanation behind each artwork exists like a separate, perplexing entity that cannot be grouped together into one coherent plot. During the press conference, Maass would mention that psychology is not a science, but a form of literature. He would also equate ugliness and beauty in terms of worth. And he spoke about how the duo aims to show as much as they can before pointing out, "But what we are really exhibiting is nothing, because there's nothing in between the objects, but it's a good nothing. It's not like 'nothing left to lose' or 'nothing to hope for.'"

Because much of the duo's artworks are identified by the arbitrary components, they are generally defined as readymades. But Maass and Kim approach their pieces as postproduction, in the sense that they alter and put the individual objects into new contexts.

"It's meaningless to try and invent something completely new in the present day," Ahn said. "For these two artists, it's about how you're going to reinterpret an already existing object and give it a new purpose."

The duo oftentimes does that with famous entities, like a chain of plastic pickles each ...

This article is by Cho Jung-woo and read by an artificial voice.

A self-driving public bus will begin operating between northern and western Seoul early in the morning starting Tuesday.

The early morning bus, No. A160, will depart at 3:30 a.m., traveling around 26 kilometers (16 miles) between the Dobongsan Station transfer center in Dobong District, northern Seoul, and Yeongdeungpo Station in western Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday.

The bus will operate only on weekdays and complete one round trip. Its route is slightly shorter than that of bus No. 160, stopping at 87 bus stops.

The self-driving bus can carry up to 22 passengers and prohibits standing for safety reasons. For now, the service will be free but still requires commuters to tap their transportation cards.

After a trial period lasting several months, the city plans to begin charging fares in the second half of next year. The fare is expected to be 1,200 won ($0.90), which is the current discounted fare for adults during morning hours.

The bus also accepts the Climate Card as it is to be part of the city's integrated transfer system, known as hwanseung.

Real-time information about available seats and arrival times will be accessible via online map services like Naver and Kakao, according to the city government.

The use of autonomous buses during early morning hours is expected to expand gradually due to a shortage of drivers. Next year, three additional routes are planned for early morning operation.

Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune.

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 (Oct. 24 on the lunar calendar)

Rat

Wealth: good

Health: strong

Love: united

Lucky direction: north

1936: Everything has its proper place.

1948: The more children, the better.

1960: Unite with family for strong bonds.

1972: Good things bring people together.

1984: Likely to be invited to a gathering.

1996: Enjoy mutual understanding in conversations.

Ox

Wealth: fair

Health: good

Love: dark

Lucky direction: north

1937: More gains than losses.

1949: Financial opportunities look favorable.

1961: Feeling generous and caring.

1973: A parent's love has no end.

1985: Show kindness to your partner.

1997: Missing someone, even when they're near.

Tiger

Wealth: fair

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: south

1938: A day filled with life's joys.

1950: A day of laughter and fun.

1962: Avoid putting things off.

1974: Try to get the best of both worlds.

1986: Find relaxation through leisure.

1998: Knock, and the door shall open.

Rabbit

Wealth: spending

Health: cautious

Love: conflict

Lucky direction: west

1939: Avoid overeating and try to eat healthily.

1951: You'll miss them if you don't see them, but feel frustrated when you do.

1963: Don't overextend yourself.

1975: Hold back from saying what's on your mind.

1987: Watch out for lost or broken items.

1999: Be cautious to avoid injury.

Dragon

Wealth: smooth

Health: good

Love: happy

Lucky direction: west

1940: A day that brings the joy of life.

1952: Stay positive and optimistic.

1964: Everything seems appealing.

1976: News or progress you've been waiting for may come.

1988: Likely to achieve your goals and feel satisfaction.

2000: Dreams can come true.

Snake

Wealth: spending

Health: fair

Love: clouded

Lucky direction: north

1941: Try a lower-body bath or sitz bath.

1953: Eat warm, nourishing foods.

1965: Be careful not to put too much trust in one place.

1977: Avoid starting any new projects.

1989: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

2001: Win the battle within yourself.

Horse

Wealth: spending

Health: cautious

Love: encountering

Lucky direction: east

1942: Avoid crowded places.

1954: You may need to spend money on something.

1966: Possible meetings without much gain.

1978: Differences in perspective may arise.

1990: Your greatest enemy is yourself.

2002: Be cautious with new acquaintances.

Sheep

Wealth: smooth

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: west

1943: Opportunities may open in all directions.

1955: Despite challenges, the outcome looks positive.

1967: Better to act than not.

1979: Mornings might be better than afternoons.

1991: A commitment or contract might be signed.

2003: Blue clothing will be favorable.

Monkey

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: generous

Lucky direction: south

1944: Don't meddle in what your children do.

1956: You might offer help or advice.

1968: Avoid rigid formalities and be practical.

1980: Watch out what you wear when going out.

1992: Warm and vibrant colors will suit you.

2004: Bright, warm colors are favorable.

Rooster

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: generous

Lucky direction: west

1945: Take time to reminisce about the past.

1957: Sometimes the obvious things go unnoticed.

1969: Look nearby for solutions rather than far away.

1981: Yielding on small matters can be beneficial.

1993: Could be a day of blurred lines between friendship and love.

2005: White or light colors are best.

Dog

Wealth: smooth

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: north

1946: Joy and a bit of nostalgia may mix today.

1958: Spending and earnings will both happen at the same time.

1970: Your body may be tired, but your spirit will be light.

1982: Today may feel like walking on a path with flowers.

1994: Giving love brings even more joy.

2006: ...

This article is by Shin Ha-nee and read by an artificial voice.

Foreign investors are pulling out of the Korean stock market, while domestic investors pour record amounts of money into securities overseas. The country's benchmark index continues to languish, with share prices hovering well below their book value.

Such a trend is summed up in a self-taunting quip that has been making rounds among Korean investors for the past few years: "The smarter you are, the faster you will cash out of the domestic market."

"Regardless of short-term fluctuations, blue chips in the United States have been proven to increase in value eventually," said a Seoul-based, 25-year-old retail investor, who wished to be identified by her surname Shin.

For the domestic stock market, on the other hand, Shin is not as confident in its long-term prospect compared to the U.S. indices - hence the reason that she has invested primarily in exchange-traded funds and stocks in the U.S. market, such as Invesco QQQ Trust and Apple since 2021.

Shin is one of many who opted to bag U.S. stocks while moving away from the domestic market.

The outstanding amount of Korea's investment abroad reached a record of $2.51 trillion in the third quarter, up $118.3 billion from the preceding three-month period, according to the Bank of Korea's preliminary international investment position issued on Thursday.

Of those, the outstanding amount of securities investments by Korean residents rose $64.6 billion to $996.9 billion, also a new high. An increasing amount of investments flowing into U.S. securities, as well as a recent U.S. stock market rally and the strong dollar, drove the growth.

In contrast, liabilities, meaning foreign investment in Korea, inched down $1.1 billion to $1.54 trillion, with securities investments down $26.7 billion to $957.5 billion.

This is the first time Korea's investments in foreign securities have surpassed foreign investments in Korean securities.

Foreign investors, which drove the stock prices earlier this year with a robust buying spree, have turned net sellers of Korean stocks since August. They net sold shares worth 2.87 trillion won ($2.05 billion) in August, 7.92 trillion won in September, 3.84 trillion won in October and 2.44 trillion won through the first 20 days of this month, according to the Korea Exchange.

The outflow of foreign capital has weighed heavily on the country's stock market. The Kospi's price-to-book (P/B) ratio - calculated by dividing total market capitalization by listed companies' book value of equities - fell below 1 in August, which indicates an undervaluation, and came at 0.87 as of Thursday.

The P/B ratio of Japan's Nikkei 225 stood at 1.41, China's CSI 300 at 1.31, and the S&P 500 at 5.23.

Korea was also one of the hardest hit by the post-election market volatility as the export-driven nature of its economy made the country more vulnerable to external uncertainties regarding the incoming Donald Trump administration's tariff policies.

While the Kospi has gradually recovered after a steep drop, investors' skepticism toward the long-term prospects of the domestic stock market persists, especially with Samsung Electronics struggling to quell concerns surrounding its waning market competence.

"Investor concerns that Trump's tariff proposals may hit Korea and China harder than others have been the primary reason [for a steeper market fall compared to others], and discussions of a looming crisis in Samsung Electronics, with the company failing to benefit from the boon in the global chip sector, also played a part," noted Park Sang-hyun, chief economist at iM Investment & Securities.

With the government's efforts to boost the sluggish stock prices yet to bear fruition and the potential growth rate facing a slowdown, Korea needs a more fundamental shift in its economic and industrial structure to secure a breakthrough, analysts argue.

In a report released on Nov. 18, Eugene Investment & Securities analyst Huh Jae-hwan ...

Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 (Oct. 23 on the lunar calendar)

Rat

Wealth: spending

Health: cautious

Love: conflicting

Lucky direction: west

1936: Avoid strenuous tasks.

1948: Avoid overeating.

1960: Silence is golden, words may cause trouble.

1972: Refrain from speaking your mind.

1984: Set off early to be on time.

1996: Be cautious of injuries.

Ox

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: understanding

Lucky direction: east

1937: Avoid stepping forward; trust in others.

1949: Blood is thicker than water.

1961: Try to understand younger generations.

1973: Be keenly aware of your surroundings.

1985: Put yourself in the other's shoes.

1997: Not everything is as it seems.

Tiger

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: jealous

Lucky direction: south

1938: A tree with many branches is bound to sway.

1950: Keep balanced in your stance.

1962: Nurture those with potential.

1974: There is no definitive answer in life.

1986: Being jealous is losing.

1998: Balance trends with individuality.

Rabbit

Wealth: good

Health: strong

Love: united

Lucky direction: east

1939: You're at an age where you're allowed to do as you wish.

1951: The household may be lively with visitors.

1963: Good things need a crowd to thrive.

1975: Expect improved relationships.

1987: Team up with others for success.

1999: You're likely to be on the same page with others.

Dragon

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: tolerating

Lucky direction: north

1940: Approach things with a broad and gentle mind.

1952: Don't let minor issues affect your mood.

1964: Be like water, go with the flow.

1976: Embrace the virtue of concession.

1988: Fashion is competitive; mind your appearance.

2000: Listen well to your parents.

Snake

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: south

1941: Family ties are stronger than any other.

1953: You may hear news about relatives.

1965: Life may be filled with laughter today.

1977: Take a bold step forward.

1989: Prioritize family responsibilities.

2001: Enjoy camaraderie and good conversation.

Horse

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: north

1942: Follow your heart.

1954: There may be ups and downs, but the result could be satisfying.

1966: You may gain more than you lose.

1978: Spending and gains could balance out.

1990: A day for giving and receiving warmth.

2002: You are likely to receive compliments.

Sheep

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: west

1943: In hindsight, every moment is a fond memory.

1955: Expect laughter and friendly conversations.

1967: Achieve goals and feel fulfilled.

1979: Spend time with family.

1991: You may receive an invitation or an opportunity to gather with others.

2003: Your efforts won't go unrewarded.

Monkey

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: passionate

Lucky direction: east

1944: Lead household matters confidently.

1956: You're in the prime of life; live with confidence.

1968: Don't delay; complete today's tasks.

1980: A busy day with possibly overlapping engagements.

1992: Face the day with confidence.

2004: Embrace challenges and adventure.

Rooster

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyous

Lucky direction: east

1945: Life itself is a worthwhile endeavor.

1957: You could receive an invitation or meet someone.

1969: Sensible spending brings fulfillment.

1981: Hard work may leave you tired, but the results will be rewarding.

1993: Exchange or receive gifts.

2005: You may receive some pocket money.

Dog

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: joyous

Lucky direction: south

1946: Every family member is equally precious.

1958: You may feel like giving something to others.

1970: Mutual warmth and affection will flourish.

1982: Respecting your partner's words keeps harmony.

1994: Maintain a balan...

This article is by Shin Min-hee and read by an artificial voice.

Seventy-six Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) paintings from the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands have arrived in Seoul for the largest Korean retrospective of the Dutch artist, who led a life full of tragedy, poverty and failure.

The Hangaram Art Museum inside the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, southern Seoul, will kick off "Van Gogh, The Great Passion" on Nov. 29.

Van Gogh has created some 2,100 artworks during his decade-long career, with oil paintings making up around 860 of them. The Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo owns the second largest Van Gogh collection, housing over 90 paintings and over 180 drawings, following the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

It's the first time in 12 years that Seoul Center Museum, the production company of this exhibition, has brought original Van Gogh paintings to the country. Two more retrospectives were each held at the Seoul Museum of Art in 2007 and the Seoul Arts Center in 2012, comprised of works from the aforementioned museums in the Netherlands.

The 76 works in this exhibition, featuring 39 oil paintings and the rest being drawings, are valued at 1 trillion won ($714,285), according to the organizers.

The show is arranged in chronological order, beginning when Van Gogh began painting at 27 years old until his death by gunshot at 37. The transformation of his body of work can be primarily divided by his location when the works were created - The Hague, Paris, Arles, Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise.

Much of Van Gogh's early drawings were created in the Netherlands in the 1880s. Seo Soun-jou, the director of the exhibition, said that the work during this time laid the foundation for Van Gogh's oil paintings in his later years. This was also when the painter encountered his first heartbreak, afflicted on him by his widowed cousin, which played a significant part in his lifelong misery.

Van Gogh struggled financially as an artist, only selling one oil painting, "The Red Vineyard" (1888), his entire life. He was also admitted to a mental hospital, suffering from multiple seizures and ultimately killing himself at a young age.

Though Van Gogh's resume made little impact when compared to other masters like Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo, who pioneered the Renaissance, or Picasso for the Cubism movement, it's his distinctive artistic spirit that no other artist possessed that established Van Gogh as one of the world's most widely celebrated artists.

"His paintings are an ode to his love for humanity. It's unfortunate, considering that he was never lucky in love," Seo said during a press conference at the exhibition on Friday. "He poured out his tortured soul into his beautiful paintings."

"Van Gogh, The Great Passion" continues until March 16 next year. Hangaram Art Museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. except Mondays. Regular admission is 24,000 won for adults.

This article is by Kim Ji-ye and read by an artificial voice.

SINGAPORE - Korea is a "key pillar" to The Walt Disney Company, providing nine of the company's best international original series last year, the entertainment conglomerate's Asia Pacific head said Thursday, promising continued investment - including a second season of hit Disney+ series "Moving" (2023).

"With the global success we've seen with Korean originals, we have doubled down on our Korean slate," Carol Choi, the executive vice president (EVP) of The Walt Disney Company's Asia Pacific (APAC) Integrated Marketing & Original Content Strategy, said Thursday during the 2024 Disney APAC Content Showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The two-day event started on Wednesday and introduced Disney's global and local lineups.

The company recognized Korea as key to its content strategy and the company's future after launching its streaming service in the APAC region in 2021. It has released over 130 APAC originals since then.

Korea's content showed significant data points globally, as among the top 15 best-performing international originals released last year, nine of them were from Korea, according to Choi.

Disney will endeavor to continue that very success with season two of its hit series "Moving," which garnered rave reactions from around the world.

"I am extremely pleased to officially announce today that we have begun the development of 'Moving' season two," Choi said.

The series was "one title that fans just can't stop talking about," according to Choi. More details are to come, as the second season's production is still in its early stages.

Action series "Moving," based on Kang Full's webtoon of the same name, was released on Aug. 9, 2023, featuring actors like Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung and Ryoo Seung-bum. It was directed by Park In-je and attracted major global attention, having been nominated last year at the Critics Choice Awards.

Choi also picked out Korean action series "A Shop for Killers" as being the most viewed content on the platform this year in the APAC region, as well as reality show "Are You Sure?!," featuring BTS members Jimin and Jungkook, as being the most viewed unscripted title on Disney+ in the APAC region.

"We will continue to invest in the region's creative economy and support its very vibrant local creative community," Choi said.

During the second day, 21 APAC titles were revealed to be slated on the streaming platform, including those made in Korea, Japan and Australia.

Later this year and next year, 10 Korean Disney+ originals are set to come out, including two projects - "The Murky Stream" and "The Manipulated."

"The Murky Stream," stars actors Shin Ye-eun and former SF9 member Rowoon and is directed by Choo Chang-min and written by Cheon Sung-il.

"The Manipulated," starring actor Ji Chang-wook and boy band EXO's D.O., also known as Doh Kyung-soo, is slated to be released next year. The series will mark Ji's third collaboration with Disney. It is written by Oh Sang-ho, who scripted SBS's franchise series "Taxi Driver" (2021-23).

The other eight upcoming shows are the mystery horror series "Light Shop," investigative drama "Unmasked," medical thriller "Hyper Knife," crime series "Knock-Off," thriller "Nine Puzzles," crime drama "Low Life," spy drama "Tempest" and action thriller "Made in Korea."

"Unmasked," directed by You Sun-dong and starring Kim Hye-soo, Jung Sung-il and Joo Jong-hyuk, dives into the lives of TV producers who run an investigative program and follows the team getting stuck as they try to figure out a 20-year-old cold case.

"The drama is a richly diverse piece that also delivers a heartwarming dose of humanity," director You said.

Actor Kim Soo-hyun also appeared at the showcase for his upcoming Disney+ series "Knock-Off," which is the actor's first collaboration with the platform.

Directed by Park Hyun-sok, the drama is set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, following Sung-jun who b...

Read what today holds in store for you under the 12 signs of the zodiac, each represented by an animal. Our astrologer Cho Ku-moon explores saju (the four pillars of destiny) and geomancy for your prospects on wealth, health and love while offering advice on the direction of your luck and fortune.

Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 (Oct. 22 on the lunar calendar)

Rat

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: generous

Lucky direction: west

1936: You might have expenses to cover.

1948: Life experiences are similar for everyone.

1960: People and wine both get better with age.

1972: Value traditions.

1984: Showing filial respect isn't easy.

1996: Trust and follow your superiors.

Ox

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: tolerating

Lucky direction: east

1937: Have light meals.

1949: Embrace a broad mind and tolerance.

1961: Overlook small mistakes.

1973: Morning will likely go smoother than afternoon.

1985: Choose vegetables and fruits over meat.

1997: Retro and urban fashion are lucky styles.

Tiger

Wealth: good

Health: strong

Love: united

Lucky direction: east

1938: Everything from A to Z might please you.

1950: Family harmony is the key to happiness.

1962: Everything has its proper place.

1974: Create opportunities for unity and teamwork.

1986: Success lies in standing together.

1998: You may find mutual understanding with others.

Rabbit

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: jealousy

Lucky direction: south

1939: Eat well and don't worry.

1951: Strive for balance in your approach.

1963: People face similar life situations.

1975: Too many opinions can lead to confusion.

1987: The grass may look greener elsewhere.

1999: Be yourself; value uniqueness over trends.

Dragon

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: understanding

Lucky direction: north

1940: Cultivate grace as you age.

1952: Seek to understand younger generations.

1964: Avoid saying, "Back in my day."

1976: Predict outcomes well.

1988: Avoid viewing seniors negatively.

2000: Reflect on and understand yourself.

Snake

Wealth: spending

Health: cautious

Love: conflicting

Lucky direction: north

1941: Visit a doctor if you feel unwell.

1953: Recall that a life without children has its perks.

1965: Offer kindness to those you dislike.

1977: Avoid overworking and overindulgence.

1989: You may feel unable to decide.

2001: Avoid getting swept up in emotions.

Horse

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyous

Lucky direction: west

1942: You might make a happy expenditure.

1954: There may be pleasant dilemmas ahead.

1966: Financial opportunities may arise.

1978: Hard work may lead to a fruitful outcome.

1990: Possible extra income or a side job.

2002: You might receive allowance money.

Sheep

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: tolerating

Lucky direction: south

1943: Good is good.

1955: Focus on others' strengths, not just faults.

1967: Praise can make even whales dance.

1979: Look at the forest, not just the trees.

1991: High-flying birds see farther.

2003: Echo other people's sentiments.

Monkey

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: meeting

Lucky direction: east

1944: Live young and adapt to modern times.

1956: Learn how to use the internet or mobile phone.

1968: Beneficial meetings or events may arise.

1980: Contracts or promises may be confirmed.

1992: Expect gatherings or outings.

2004: Likely to enjoy a pleasant meeting.

Rooster

Wealth: average

Health: good

Love: joyful

Lucky direction: east

1945: Today is better than yesterday.

1957: You may balance both principles and practicality.

1969: Don't delay today's tasks.

1981: May see more profit than loss.

1993: Split meal costs fairly when dining with others.

2005: Your financial luck may improve.

Dog

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: colorful

Lucky direction: south

1946: Worrying won't solve anything.

1958: Appearances and reality may differ.

1970: It's not over until it's truly over.

1982: There's no such thing as a free lunch.

1994: Value character and skill over looks.

2006: Skill is more important than appearance.

Pig

Wealth: fair

Health: fair

Love: good

Lucky directio...