The Niigata Prefectural Board of Education is investigating extracurricular club activities that involve traveling to away games and competitions. The move comes in response to the recent bus accident that occurred involving the Nagaoka High School basketball team. According to the board, 15 cases of inappropriate travel arrangements have been found so far. The board has been conducting a survey of all high schools in the prefecture since the accident on June 18. It found that some schools allowed students to travel without a chaperone or on a bus that was not approved for use. The board plans to reprimand the schools found to have acted improperly. In the June 18 accident, a bus carrying members of the Nagaoka High School basketball team crashed, killing one female student and injuring another. The bus was operated by a company that did not have a contract with the school. The driver, who was not a certified bus driver, was also found to have been working over the legal limit for driving hours.

Korean pop star An Chi-hwan has unveiled his 15th studio album, "시즈 더 데이," and will be meeting fans for a solo concert. Scheduled for release in the second week of September, "시즈 더 데이" is a work that expresses appreciation for the preciousness of daily life and the present moment. It follows his 14th album, "인간계," released last October after a 11-month hiatus.

The album title, "시즈 더 데이," is derived from the Latin phrase "Carpe diem," which translates to "seize the day." It encourages living in the present moment, not fixating on the past or future.

An Chi-hwan explained that the album is dedicated to those who quietly carry out their responsibilities and appreciate life as it is. He stated that he aims to sing softly while walking slowly and appreciating the world in front of him. In a previous interview with the Chosun Ilbo, he mentioned that he will release warm and beautiful love songs in the coming year.

The solo concert, titled "2026 가을 안치환 콘서트—가을을 노래하다," will take place on September 18th at 7 PM and September 19th at 4 PM in Seoul's Mupo-eup Yeonam Space. The performance will feature key tracks from his 15th album, as well as popular songs like "사람이 꽃보다 아름다워," "내가 만일," and "희망을 만드는 사람." An Chi-hwan plans to perform these familiar hits in intimate venues, creating a close connection with the audience.

A 30-year veteran of the music industry, An Chi-hwan has consistently tackled social issues, hardships, and everyday life through his songs since making his debut in 1989. From addressing societal disparities to exploring themes of love and life, he has remained a respected singer-songwriter throughout his career. Concert tickets are available through the NOL·옛 인터파크 system.