September 23 (Wed) Today's Korea HOT TOPIC!
★Joshua × Jeonghan Unit Debuts October 19
SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan and Joshua have formed a new unit and will release their mini-album 'DREAMSCAPE' on October 19.
This album explores the theme of 'dreams,' encompassing the unconscious fantasies that emerge in sleep and the ideals pursued in reality, expressing a world where fantasy and reality intersect through music.
The released symbol motion features the two 'J's, the initials of Jeonghan and Joshua's English names, overlapping and merging in a fantastical depiction, heightening anticipation for the new worldview they will create.
Their agency explained that the album will expand into a new sensory world, crossing the boundaries of fantasy and reality. Attention is focused on SEVENTEEN's new unit activities.
★Karina, Winter, RIIZE Appointed Honorary Ambassadors for Seoul Tourism
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization have appointed aespa's Karina and Winter, and RIIZE as honorary ambassadors for Seoul tourism for 2026, launching the global tourism campaign 'Absolutely in Seoul' starting on the 23rd.
This campaign will promote Seoul's daily life and culture with K-POP artists. Under the theme 'Seoul Syndrome,' it will showcase the diverse charms that can be experienced in Seoul, such as gourmet food, beauty, night tourism, and K-culture, through videos.
The campaign videos will be sequentially released on the 'Visit Seoul' YouTube channel and social media. Promotions are also planned for outdoor advertisements in major overseas cities and through CNN starting in October.
Furthermore, starting in mid-October, events will be held at Seoul's tourism information centers where limited edition posters and photo cards can be obtained.
★Incheon Airport Expected to See Record High Passenger Numbers from 9/24 to 10/11
Special congestion measures will be implemented at Incheon International Airport ahead of the Chuseok, Gaecheonjeol, and Hangeul Day holidays. From September 23 to October 11, some departure areas will open 30 minutes earlier than usual, and immigration personnel will be increased.
Specifically, on September 27, Incheon Airport is expected to handle a peak of 247,018 passengers, the highest during the period. Additional temporary parking will be provided around Terminal 2.
Japanese travelers are also advised to expect airport congestion and should arrive with ample time to spare for check-in and security checks. It is recommended to check Incheon Airport's congestion forecasts and airline information before departure.
★Former Olympic Athlete Kim Gun-woo Death Report: "False Report," Possibility of Hacking
A commotion arose on social media with the spread of rumors about the death of Kim Gun-woo (28), a former short track speed skating national team member. On September 23, an obituary was posted on his personal social media account with a request to pray for the deceased. However, an acquaintance stated, "Gun-woo is safe, and the related article is a false report." Subsequently, the obituary and related posts were deleted.
Korean media outlet 'Sports Seoul' confirmed through their investigation that the rumors of Kim Gun-woo's death are not true. Given the circumstances of the false obituary being posted on his account, the possibility of hacking is also being pointed out. Further investigation is needed to confirm how the initial post was made.
Kim Gun-woo won a gold medal in the mixed 2000m relay at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games and had announced his retirement from active competition in June 2026.