An increasing number of K-pop idols are finding it less appealing to renew their contracts with major agencies, citing restrictions on freedom of expression and limited control over their music. Industry insiders point to shifts in media and production that have empowered idols, giving them more control over their careers. With the rise of social media and independent publishers, idols no longer depend on major agencies for success. Local entertainment companies, however, are frustrated by idols

The Doosan Bears smacked three home runs, including a pair by No. 8 hitter Kang Seung-ho, as they defeated the NC Dinos 10-5 at home to step closer to a postseason berth in the Korea Baseball Organization on Tuesday. Kang slapped a go-ahead solo home run in the bottom of the second inning at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in the capital city, before delivering a two-run shot that extended the Bears' lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning. Jared Young added a two-run homer of his own in the three-run f

South Korea's science ministry said Tuesday it has opened a joint artificial intelligence research lab in collaboration with New York University as part of efforts to lead global-level AI research projects. The new Global AI Frontier Lab at NYU aims to become a global AI joint research hub for researchers from South Korea and the United States, as well as many other countries, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. The lab will be co-led by two distinguished computer scientists -- Ch

Hong Myung-bo, the beleaguered head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, said Tuesday he doesn't think he was given any preferential treatment when he was hired for the job this summer. Hong also defied calls for his resignation over the issue. Hong made these comments during the questioning session by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the National Assembly. The coach was among witnesses summoned by the committee, whose lawmakers grilled Hong, Korea Footba

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, vowed Tuesday to "continuously and limitlessly" bolster the North's nuclear war deterrent against what it called US threats, denouncing the arrival of a US nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea. The remark came a day after the 7,800-ton USS Vermont entered a major naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members. "The DPRK's nuclear