Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Joonha Yoo유준하

ReporterCOEX Sejong Center for the Performing Arts & Music, Culture, Entertainment, Automotive

Joonha Yoo is a bilingual journalist at AJU Press (AJP), covering music, culture, entertainment and Korea’s automotive industry.
Raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, he often writes from the scene, bringing firsthand detail to stories ranging
from BTS comeback concerts to unique cultural events that catch the world's eye. "I write from the scene, not from the sidelines."

Latest by Joonha Yoo

AI-themed expo brings business leaders together in southern Seoul SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - An artificial intelligence (AI)-themed business expo is underway in Seoul, according to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Organized by KITA, COEX and DMK Global, the AI Summit Seoul & Expo (AISE), which kicked off its three-day run at COEX in southern Seoul on Wednesday, runs through Friday, bringing together some 118 companies from seven countries. The expo, which combines an AI conference with a business exhibition, has expanded from last year, when 71 companies participated with 197 booths, to 300 booths this year, with KITA expecting more than 25,000 visitors. Pre-registration was also about five times higher than a year ago. The expo is divided into four key areas such as industry AI, enterprise AI, generative AI and content innovation, and AI experience programs. Adobe, Genspark and Oracle are among the companies presenting AI solutions and business applications. KITA is also running a program connecting about 80 technology firms with large and midsized companies and investors. More than 200 one-on-one meetings are expected under the program. The expo also includes startup pitching sessions, AI workshops and a humanoid robot demonstration zone featuring companies including AgiBot and PUDU Robotics. Among the speakers are representatives from Google, Microsoft, NASA and Seagate KITA said the expo is aimed at helping AI firms find customers and investors while giving companies a place to explore technologies for business use. "South Korea needs more than good technology to become a key player in the global AI supply chain. It needs a market where tech firms and industry actually meet and do business together," said Jeong Hee-cheol, KITA's overseas marketing director. AJP Takeaways • AI Summit Seoul & Expo opened at COEX on Wednesday and runs through Friday. • The event brings together 118 companies from seven countries. • This year;s expo has 300 booths, up from 197 last year. • KITA expects more than 25,000 visitors. 2026-08-19 14:26:45
KOSPI remains down 4 percent as KOSDAQ edges higher SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - South Korean stocks were split Wednesday morning, with the KOSPI down more than 4 percent while the KOSDAQ edged higher. The benchmark KOSPI stood at 6,575.02 as of 10:30 a.m., down 4.34 percent. It had fallen as low as 6,400.81 shortly after the open before recovering some ground, with a high of 6,614.39. A sell-side sidecar was triggered shortly after the opening bell as KOSPI 200 futures tumbled, following an overnight selloff in U.S. chip stocks and a surge in long-term global bond yields. Retail investors bought 2.184 trillion won worth of shares, while foreign investors cashed out 1.3102 trillion won as institutions followed with 975 billion won worth of sale. Samsung Electronics fell 5.77 percent to 253,000 won and SK hynix dropped 7.1 percent to 1.544 million won. Hyundai Motor was down 3.45 percent at 420,000 won. Hanwha Aerospace bucked the decline, jumping 7.59 percent to 1.233 million won after its U.S. defense unit was selected for a U.S. Army mobile artillery prototype program. Korea Electric Power Corp. fell 4.14 percent to 31,250 won. Meanwhile the KOSDAQ, rose 0.22 percent to 836.07 after swinging between 804.02 and 840.50. Foreign investors bought 91 billion won worth of shares, while retail investors sold 70.3 billion won as institutions shed 21.5 billion won. Robotis gained 5.56 percent to 294,500 won and Silicon2 rose 4.04 percent to 46,300 won, while HLB slipped 2.67 percent to 42,000 won. Ananti surged 14.22 percent to 5,140 won as inter-Korean cooperation stocks rallied on reports that U.S. President Donald Trump was seeking a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as early as this fall. Whereas in Japan, Nikkei 225 fell 2.01 percent to 66,107.68 and China's Shanghai Composite lost 0.96 percent to 3,952.12. Brent crude rose 0.96 percent to $91.925 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 1.06 percent to $85.830. The won strengthened 0.52 percent to 1,406.1 per dollar. AJP Takeaways · The KOSPI remained down 4.34 percent at 10:30 a.m. after an early plunge triggered a sell-side sidecar. · Foreign and institutional investors sold a combined 2.285 trillion won, while retail investors bought 2.184 trillion won. · Samsung Electronics and SK hynix remained the biggest drags, while the KOSDAQ edged higher. 2026-08-19 11:18:59
KOSPI plunges 7% as sell sidecar triggered SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - South Korean stocks plunged on Wednesday, triggering a sell-side trading curb as surging global bond yields battered chip shares. The Korea Exchange activated a sell-side sidecar at 9:06 a.m. after KOSPI 200 futures fell 6.02 percent from the previous session's reference price. The benchmark KOSPI was down 6.74 percent at 6,407.14 at the time. The sidecar temporarily halts program sell orders for five minutes when KOSPI 200 futures fall at least 5 percent and remain at that level for one minute. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix led the retreat. As of around 9:30 a.m., Samsung Electronics was down 7.45 percent at 248,500 won, while SK hynix sank 9.09 percent to 1.51 million won. The selloff spread to other large-cap stocks. Hyundai Motor dropped 6.09 percent to 408,500 won, while Samsung Electro-Mechanics fell 4.38 percent to 1.377 million won. The losses followed a sharp retreat in U.S. technology stocks overnight as rising oil prices and a global bond selloff pushed long-term borrowing costs higher. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index tumbled 5 percent, while Micron Technology fell 7 percent and Nvidia lost 2.3 percent. The Nasdaq Composite closed 1.33 percent lower. The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury touched 5.33 percent, its highest level since 2007, while the benchmark 10-year yield climbed to around 4.74 percent. Concerns over inflation, fiscal spending and heavy debt issuance have added pressure to global bond markets. Borrowing by major technology companies to finance artificial intelligence infrastructure has also added to bond supply. Investors have pointed to competition for capital from AI hyperscalers as one factor keeping long-term Treasury yields elevated. Bond-market pressure has also intensified in Japan. The benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond yield touched 2.945 percent Tuesday, its highest level since September 1996, amid inflation concerns and expectations for further Bank of Japan tightening. Japanese equities followed Wall Street and Seoul lower Wednesday, with the Nikkei 225 down about 2.9 percent at 65,566.52. The won traded around 1,410 per dollar, up 0.25 percent against the U.S. currency. AJP Takeaways · The KOSPI fell 6.74% shortly after Wednesday's open, triggering a sell-side sidecar at 9:06 a.m. · Samsung Electronics dropped 7.45% and SK hynix sank 9.09% as of 9:25 a.m. · The rout followed a 5% plunge in U.S. semiconductor shares as long-term Treasury yields surged. · Japan joined the regional selloff, with the Nikkei 225 down about 2.9% in early trading. 2026-08-19 10:20:36
BIGBANG to celebrate 20th anniversary with new single SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - K-pop boy group BIGBANG released a teaser video for their upcoming digital single on Tuesday, offering the first look at the song, their agency YG Entertainment said on Tuesday. The single, "BiiiG," will be released at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19, the day BIGBANG marks their 20th debut anniversary. It will be the group's first new song in about four years. The teaser shows G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung moving through a dark party scene, with sharp lighting and a vintage camcorder-style look. Teaser revealed part of the lyrics, including a line referencing "Bang Bong," the light stick associated with BIGBANG's fandom, V.I.P. YG described "BiiiG" as a high energy hip-hop track built on a heavy beat, layered sounds and a repeated hook. The teaser follows a series of other promotional materials released ahead of the single, marking the first time the song's sound, lyrics and performance have been revealed. With the release of the single, BIGBANG will also embark on their world tour with shows kicking off in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province from Aug. 21 to 23 before continuing across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia, with 33 shows planned in 19 cities, according to YG Entertainment. The label also plans fan events and media exhibitions around the Han River and Jamsil areas as part of projects celebrating their anniversary. AJP Takeaways · BIGBANG released a music video teaser for their upcoming digital single Tuesday. · "BiiiG" will be released on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m., the group's 20th debut anniversary. · The single marks BIGBANG's first new song in about four years. · YG Entertainment described the song as a high-energy hip-hop track built on a heavy beat and repeated hook. 2026-08-18 17:53:34
Lim Young-woong to release 10th anniversary album SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - South Korean singer Lim Young-woong will release a special digital album next month to mark the 10th anniversary of his debut, his agency Mulgogi Music said on Tuesday. The album, "IM HERO 10," will be released on Sept. 8. Lim also unveiled the album's release date through a video posted on his social media accounts. The agency said the album is intended as a gift for his fans, known as "Hero Generation." The track list and other details have not yet been disclosed. Meanwhile, Lim is scheduled to hold his second stadium concert, "IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2," at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province from Sept. 4 to 6. AJP Takeaways · Lim Young-woong will release a special digital album on Sept. 8. · The album, "IM HERO 10," marks the 10th anniversary of his debut. · Lim announced the album through his official social media accounts Tuesday. 2026-08-18 17:45:48
K-pop boy band NEXZ showcase new album in Los Angeles SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - K-pop boy group NEXZ showcased a track from their upcoming fourth mini album at KCON LA 2026, a week before the album's release, their agency JYP Entertainment said on Tuesday. The seven-member group performed the title track of "SAUCIN" at the K-pop convention in Los Angeles ahead of the album's release, slated for Aug. 24. JYP described the track as a fast-paced Eurodance track with a festival-like mood and an addictive melody. The lyrics compare NEXZ to a sauce that can make any dish stand out, while the choreography includes gestures that mimic pouring and tasting the sauce. The group's members said that the song showcases NEXZ's strong performance style while adding a lighter summer mood. NEXZ also opened a performance challenge for the song on their social media channels Monday. They were formed through "Nizi Project Season 2," a joint audition program by JYP and Sony Music Japan, and consists of Tomoya, Yu, Haru, So Geon, Seita, Hyui and Yuki. AJP Takeaways · NEXZ performed a track from their upcoming fourth mini album for the first time at KCON LA 2026. · The group performed the title track, "SAUCIN'," on Aug. 16 in Los Angeles. · The mini album will be released on Aug. 24. 2026-08-18 17:13:13
LIGHTSUM to make Japanese debut with new album next month SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - K-pop girl group LIGHTSUM will make their Japanese debut late next month with the release of their first full-group album in two years, their agency Cube Entertainment said on Tuesday. Set for release on Sept. 23, their Japanese mini album "Re:idol" includes five tracks such as "Doushite," "Fallin' World," "Stop and Go," "夜を歩く君へ" and "POSE! (Kawaii ver.)," a cuter version of the group's 2023 digital single "POSE!" Cube Entertainment is also promoting the release with a reality series, also titled "Re:idol," which has aired on the Japanese streaming platform ABEMA every Sunday at 10 p.m. since Aug. 9. The series offers a glimpse into the group's preparations for their Japan debut. Former 4Minute member Kwon So-hyun, a senior artist from Cube Entertainment, also appears in the series, offering advice and support to the group. AJP Takeaways · LIGHTSUM will make their official Japan debut on Sept. 23. · The debut Japanese mini album, "Re:idol," marks the group's first full-member release in about two years. · The album contains five tracks including four new songs and "POSE! (Kawaii ver.)." 2026-08-18 16:22:33
SHINee's Minho to release new album next month SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - K-pop boy group SHINee's Minho will return with his second mini album next month, marking his first Korean-language release in nine months, SM Entertainment said on Tuesday. The six track album, "Make It Hot," is slated for release on Sept. 7 and includes a title track of the same name. It will also be released on major music platforms that day. Pre-orders for the physical album opened Tuesday through online and offline retailers. It follows "TEMPO," released in December 2025, and a Japan-only digital single, "Sunkissed" and "Flawless," out in February 2026. SM described the album as combining Minho's energetic image with a more emotional side. Minho has continued individual activities alongside SHINee, appearing on television programs and in advertising campaigns. He has also been running his YouTube channel, "Choi Min-ho," where he shares fitness and daily-life content. AJP Takeaways: · SHINee's Minho will release his second mini album on Sept. 7. · The album, "Make it hot," contains six tracks including a title song of the same name. · It marks his first solo release in nine months since "TEMPO," released in December 2025. 2026-08-18 15:30:20
RIIZE's upcoming single chosen as official song for Japan's Winter Cup SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - The latest song by K-pop boy group RIIZE has been chosen as the official track for Japan's national high school basketball championship, expanding their activities in Japan beyond concerts and music releases, their agency SM Entertainment said on Tuesday. "Rise Over" will be used for the 79th All Japan High School Basketball Championship, better known as the Winter Cup, which runs Dec. 23 to 29 in Tokyo, the Japan Basketball Association said. The song will be released next week as part of RIIZE's third Japanese single, "Sunburst." SM described "Rise Over" as an up-tempo rock song built around the tournament's spirit of challenge, with lyrics about getting back up despite setbacks. Members addressed that they hope the song would bring strength to players and resonate beyond the arena. The collaboration adds a sports element to RIIZE's Japan promotions ahead of the release of "Sunburst." RIIZE will hold a showcase in Osaka on Aug. 26, the day of the album's release. AJP Takeaways: - RIIZE's new song "Rise Over" has been chosen as the official cheer song for Japan's Winter Cup 2026 high school basketball championship. - The tournament will run from Dec. 23 to 29 in Tokyo. - "Rise Over" will be released Aug. 26 as part of RIIZE's third Japanese single, "Sunburst." - SM Entertainment described the song as an up-tempo rock track about overcoming setbacks and moving forward. 2026-08-18 14:23:55
NCT 127 to build buzz for new album with teaser medley SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - A medley featuring all nine songs from K-pop boy group NCT 127's seventh full-length album is set to be released at midnight Tuesday, ahead of the album's release next week to build excitement to their fans. A music video for "BLINGY," set to be released on Aug. 24, is also expected to be uploaded on the group's YouTube channel, with clips of the title track and other songs, including "IKR" and "Getaway." "IKR," short for "I Know, Right?" is an upbeat hip-hop track built around arcade-style synth sounds and a message of rejecting familiar formulas. Moreover, "Getaway" moves in a lighter direction, using retro synths and a funk-influenced rhythm to carry a message of stepping away from a busy routine, even briefly. The two tracks show SM Entertainment's vision for the album, weighing between sharper hip-hop energy and a more relaxed indie-pop mood. "BLINGY" will be released on global music platforms at 6 p.m. next Monday with a physical release the same day. With the release of the album, NCT 127 will continue their overseas activities, appearing on NBC's "America's Got Talent" later this week before performing at KCON LA later this month. AJP Takeaways: - NCT 127 will release a highlight medley for their seventh full-length album "BLINGY" on Tuesday. - The album contains nine tracks, including title song "Blingy" and album tracks "IKR" and "Getaway." - "IKR" is an up-tempo hip-hop track built around arcade-style synth sounds and a defiant message. - "Getaway" is a retro-tinged indie-pop song with a funk-influenced rhythm and a more relaxed mood. 2026-08-18 14:15:34