Journalist
Lee Hugh
=
-
Kolon Industries wins CDP Korea Awards carbon management sector honors Kolon Industries said March 10 it won the Carbon Management Sector Honors award at the 2025 CDP Korea Awards, hosted by CDP, a global sustainability assessment organization. CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, is a global nonprofit that collects and evaluates disclosures from major companies and cities on climate strategies, greenhouse gas reduction efforts, and water and forest-related information. Its assessments are widely used by ESG investors, financial institutions and global supply-chain companies in decision-making. Kolon Industries previously received an A, the top grade, in the “2025 CDP Climate Change” assessment announced in February. The company has submitted climate-change performance data since 2017, and in the latest assessment it moved up two levels to A from B. The company cited factors behind the upgrade including approval of its SBTi net-zero target, adoption of an internal carbon price, climate scenario analysis based on physical and transition risks, and expanded third-party verification of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. It also submitted its first response to the water module last year and received an A- grade, and said it plans to strengthen its water management system in stages in line with its climate strategy. “This award recognizes that our carbon management strategy has taken root as a performance-driven execution system,” a Kolon Industries official said. The official said the company will boost emissions-reduction execution by expanding renewable energy adoption based on its net-zero roadmap, while strengthening sustainability management across its supply chain to build stakeholder trust.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 14:09:17 -
Yellow Envelope Law Takes Effect as Hyundai, Shipbuilding Subcontractor Unions Renew Bargaining Demands With the so-called Yellow Envelope Law — revisions to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act — taking effect, labor-management tensions are rising. Industry officials said the Hyundai Motor subcontractor union, the Hyundai Motor Non-Regular Workers Branch, plans to send a third request for talks to the parent company on Tuesday through its umbrella group, the Korean Metal Workers’ Union. The union has already delivered two formal requests but said the company did not respond. It is seeking discussions with the parent company on converting workers to regular status and steps to ease job insecurity. The in-house subcontractor union at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also affiliated with the Korean Metal Workers’ Union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, said it will deliver a bargaining request to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on Tuesday. The union said it sent two letters in January but received no meaningful response, and is renewing its demand to coincide with the law’s start. The union is seeking a 30% wage increase this year, the same performance bonuses as the parent company, recognition of an eight-hour day as one work unit, and at least five days of paid holidays. It is also considering asking that its demands be included in the parent company union’s bargaining agenda if management refuses to negotiate directly. The Ulsan Plant Construction Union said it will begin sending bargaining requests Tuesday, through its umbrella organization, to three petrochemical companies — SK, S-Oil and Korea Zinc — and to four general contractors including Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering. These subcontractor unions argue the parent companies should be bargaining counterparts because they effectively receive safety instructions and day-to-day work supervision from them. As subcontractor unions across industries press for direct talks, parent companies are holding back from immediate public responses while weighing how to proceed. Some companies are consulting law firms and preparing for possible scenarios. Overall, many are waiting to see how labor authorities rule on whether parent companies qualify as employers for bargaining purposes. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 14:06:17 -
Samsung Heavy Wins $400 Million Order for Three Crude Oil Tankers Samsung Heavy Industries said in a regulatory filing on the 10th that it has won an order worth 400.1 billion won for three crude oil tankers from a Bermuda-based shipowner. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by February 2029. With the deal, the company’s year-to-date orders total 11 ships worth $2.1 billion, reaching 15% of its annual target of $13.9 billion. By vessel type, the orders include three liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, two ethane carriers, two container ships and four crude oil tankers. A Samsung Heavy official said the company’s order backlog stands at 137 ships worth $29.5 billion, adding that it will continue to focus on profitability in winning new business. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 14:03:04 -
Seoul establishes committee to honor resistance against martial law decree SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - The government finalized plans on Tuesday to establish a presidential committee dedicated to honoring the citizens who defended the constitutional order during the emergency martial law of December 3, 2024. During a cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026, the administration approved the Regulations on the Establishment and Operation of the Light Committee. This new body will oversee the issuance of Light Certificates to individuals recognized for their contributions to preserving democracy during the six-hour crisis. The ministry will also evaluate the potential designation of a national commemorative day to mark the civilian-led movement. Applications for the certificates will be accepted through online portals, registered mail, and in-person submissions. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung stated that the initiative aims to provide formal state recognition to those who resisted the unconstitutional decree. "With the establishment of the Light Committee, we can now officially honor and treat with respect the citizens who resisted the December 3 martial law," the department director said. He further noted that through the committee, the government will achieve national unity and expand the values of K-democracy. The historical context for the committee's formation dates back to a late-night television broadcast on December 3, 2024, when the former president declared martial law. He alleged that anti-state forces were paralyzing the government and cited a need to protect the nation from communist influence. Martial Law Command Proclamation No. 1 immediately followed, banning political gatherings and imposing military censorship over all press outlets. This move triggered a rapid mobilization of special forces to the National Assembly in an attempt to block legislative functions. Thousands of ordinary citizens responded by converging on the legislative grounds in Yeouido to form a human blockade against military transport vehicles. Protesters outside the gates faced off against armed troops, using non-violent resistance and physical presence to prevent the military from seizing control of the chamber. Inside the hall, 190 lawmakers bypassed security cordons to cast a unanimous vote demanding the immediate lifting of the emergency decree. By 4:30 a.m. on December 4, the former leader was forced to rescind the order, effectively ending the shortest period of martial law in the history of Seoul. The failure of the decree led to a series of legal and political collapses for the previous administration. An impeachment vote followed on December 14, 2024, which was later upheld by the Constitutional Court. This vacancy led to the June 2025 snap election won by Lee Jae Myung. On February 19, 2026, the judiciary sentenced the former head of state to life in prison for his role in the insurrection. The newly formed committee now seeks to institutionalize the memory of the civilian resistance as a cornerstone of the current democratic framework. 2026-03-10 13:57:13 -
Seoul to Recruit Teens for 2026 Youth Orchestra Tour and Performances in Three European Countries Seoul is recruiting participants for the “Seoul Youth Orchestra Performance Tour of Three European Countries,” a 7-night, 9-day program running from July 27 to Aug. 4, 2026, with conductor Baek Yun-hak. The city said the program is designed to help Seoul teenagers gain performance experience on an international stage and broaden their musical skills. Participants will join a youth orchestra festival in the Aix-en-Provence area of France, where they will perform and exchange with young musicians from other countries through music. Seoul said the tour is intended to offer practical arts experience through performances and cultural exchange, not just overseas travel. With Baek taking part, participants are expected to build ensemble and stage experience through orchestra rehearsals and concerts. “This performance tour will be an opportunity for Seoul youth to gain experience on the international stage and assess their own capabilities,” said Joo Ho-don, head of the Youth Policy Division at Seoul’s Lifelong Education Bureau. The program will be held in three European countries and aims to expand cultural and arts opportunities for teenagers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 13:48:00 -
A film, a fallen monarch, and a nation looking back SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) -Thirty-one days after its release, The King’s Warden crossed the ten-million admissions mark, becoming the 34th South Korean film to reach that milestone — and still counting as the crowds kept on growing. The numbers came quickly. One million in five days. Two million by day twelve. Three million on Lunar New Year. Four million the next day. By March 10, cumulative admissions reached approximately 11.7 million. But the film's impact has not been restricted to theaters. Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province—where King Danjong, the sixth monarch of Joseon, was exiled—has seen a steady stream of visitors. Over one weekend, thousands arrived. On March 8 alone, Cheongnyeongpo and Jangneung received 4,622 visitors by 2:10 p.m. The day before, 7,047 people came. In just two days, more than 10,000 visitors walked through the site. By March 8 afternoon, the year's cumulative visitor count reached approximately 109,112. Last year, it took until June to surpass 100,000. This year, that number was reached in just two months. The film's influence also spread to bookstores. According to YES24, sales of books with the keyword "Danjong" surged 2,565.4% in the month following the film's February 4 release compared to the same period the previous year. From the classic novel The Tragedy of Danjong to children's history books and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, diverse genres saw rising sales together. Annals of the Joseon Dynasty 3: Sejong, Munjong, Danjong recorded an approximately 800% (9-fold) increase, while Danjong's Sorrow, Sejong's Tears rose about 2,700% (28-fold) during the same period. A single film led people beyond the theater. To an exile site. To books. Into history. A story that began on screen is coming alive again in real places and historical records. The film ends in two hours, but the questions it leaves continue. Who was Danjong? What was his era like? And why do we now seek to remember him? The King’s Warden became a ten-million-viewer blockbuster. Yet perhaps its deeper significance lies elsewhere — in how a single film led a nation to look back, and rediscover a chapter of its own history. 2026-03-10 13:47:16 -
Seoul mulling supplementary budget, fuel price cap and tax cut amid oil concerns SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday ordered a string of emergency actions — including a cap on gasoline prices, fuel tax cuts and direct consumer support — through a supplementary budget if deemed necessary to relieve household burdens from import inflation triggered by widening Middle East conflicts. “National capabilities must concentrate on minimizing the impact of external shocks on household and corporate economies,” Lee said during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “The most urgent matter is price stability.” Chairing the meeting at the presidential office, Lee instructed ministries to prepare measures including the enforcement of a gasoline price cap, adjustments to energy taxes and direct consumer assistance, while keeping additional fiscal and financial support ready if market conditions worsen. Lee warned that the steep rise in fuel prices is already straining sectors closely tied to daily livelihoods such as freight transport, parcel delivery and greenhouse farming. “As fuel costs rise sharply, the burden is increasing for industries directly connected to people’s everyday lives,” he said, calling for policies that can quickly and tangibly ease pressure on households and small businesses. Describing the situation as extraordinary, Lee urged officials to move beyond existing policy manuals and respond with greater speed to stabilize market sentiment. “In an emergency situation like this, we must go beyond existing manuals and act with the speed required to calm market anxiety,” he said, stressing that the government must act preemptively so that “people’s lives are not shaken under any circumstances.” Lee also addressed the safety of South Korean nationals remaining in the Middle East, instructing authorities to consider additional chartered evacuation flights and even the use of military aircraft if necessary. He also called for faster arrangements to move citizens by land to safer neighboring countries. Lee signaled that a supplementary budget may become unavoidable, if additional support is required for small businesses and financially vulnerable companies affected by rising energy costs. “If we are to provide fiscal support for small merchants, small businesses and struggling firms to overcome the crisis stemming from the Middle East situation, additional financial resources will be needed,” he said. “It appears we may have to proceed with an early supplementary budget.” Lee also noted that government tax revenues could exceed earlier forecasts this year thanks to record earnings from chipmaking and robust stock income, suggesting fiscal conditions may allow room for emergency spending. Separately, Lee welcomed the National Assembly’s bipartisan approval of a bill designed to manage strategic investment ties between South Korea and the United States, thanking opposition lawmakers for their cooperation. “Even if political issues require competition and debate, cooperation on national matters sets a good example,” he said. The emergency measures come as South Korea’s economy has been among the most sensitive to the Middle East conflict that erupted on Feb. 28, when U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran sent global energy markets into turmoil. International oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel on Monday, raising inflation concerns for South Korea, which imports nearly all of its energy and relies heavily on crude shipments from the Gulf. The benchmark KOSPI has swung violently, around 16 percent from late February when the war began, while the Korean won has lost 3.9 percent, revisiting the lows of the wake of global financial crisis 17 years ago. Foreign investors have pulled funds from equities while bond markets also showed volatility, reflecting broader concern that a prolonged disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz — a route carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments — could hit Asia’s energy-dependent economies hardest. 2026-03-10 13:32:08 -
Dancing the morning away in Seoul — alcohol-free SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) — On a quiet Saturday morning in Seoul’s Bukchon hanok village, house music pulses through the narrow alleys long before most cafés open their doors. Instead of the thump of late-night clubbing, the crowd gathers just after sunrise. Some arrive fresh from a weekend run. Others come with coffee in hand. Within minutes, strangers begin dancing together in the crisp morning air. Welcome to Seoul’s newest social ritual: the morning rave. The alcohol-free gatherings reflect how South Korea’s younger generation is reshaping the country’s famously nightlife-heavy social culture. Rather than late-night drinking sessions, a growing number of young people are starting their day with music, coffee and community. “I was wondering how people could wake up so early,” said Antonio Garcia, a 30-year-old resident of Sinchon who discovered the event through social media. “This is my first time joining something like this,” she said. “I’d also like to try other activities, like coffee meetup groups.” The rise of morning raves mirrors a broader shift across Seoul, where interest-based communities — from running crews and book clubs to casual coffee gatherings — are expanding as new ways for strangers to connect through shared hobbies. It also comes as drinking culture begins to soften. According to Samsung Securities, South Korea’s liquor market contracted by more than 5 percent last year, reflecting a growing “healthy pleasure” trend and rising interest in alcohol-free lifestyles. Major beverage companies are already feeling the impact. Lotte Chilsung Beverage’s liquor division posted 28.2 billion won ($21 million) in operating profit last year, down 18.8 percent from a year earlier, while HiteJinro has also reported weaker profitability amid sluggish beer sales. The morning rave has also begun attracting curious visitors from overseas. Geo Martiniano, a San Francisco resident in his 30s, attended the Bukchon event during a brief stopover in Seoul. “I’m actually here for only about 12 hours before flying back to the United States tonight,” he said. “A lot of my friends don’t stay out late for parties anymore. So having a concert like this in the morning is really new.” Despite describing himself as relatively introverted, Martiniano said the format made it easier to meet people. “I usually don’t talk to strangers much,” he said. “But here it feels natural.” Similar social concepts are emerging abroad. In the United States, gatherings known as “Admin Nights” — where people meet in cafés or homes to complete small personal tasks together — have spread widely on social media, often described as a “study hall for adults.” Back in Bukchon, the morning rave taps into a comparable desire for shared experiences without nightlife pressures. “Many running crews stop by to shake off the stress from the workweek,” said Kim Euna, director at Mot Company, which collaborated on organizing the event. “By around 9:30 a.m., you’ll be surprised how hard people are dancing.” The event, held every other week, is jointly organized by K-beauty brand KAHI and global beauty platform YLESS. Each session attracts around 200 participants, with cumulative attendance surpassing 1,000 as of March 7. Inside the venue, the program blends music with lifestyle experiences. Alongside the DJ set and dance floor, visitors can try personal color consultations, quick makeup styling and Korean food tastings. The space is divided into a speaker zone, where music fills the room, and a silent disco area where participants listen through wireless headsets. Kim said the headset format also helps people who arrive alone feel more comfortable. “It makes it easier for people to enjoy themselves even if they come by themselves,” she said. At one point during the event, organizers circulate trays of rice balls topped with beluga caviar and desserts — a nod to KAHI’s premium skincare line Cavi Blue, which features caviar extract. “Like champagne being served in a nightclub, we share caviar around 10 a.m.,” Kim said. “People can dance, taste the caviar and experience the products at the same time.” While traditional raves focus on burning energy late into the night, Kim said the morning version emphasizes starting the day with fresh energy — reflecting a growing focus on wellness among younger consumers. “Alcohol is one of the biggest enemies of healthy skin,” she said. “Replacing alcohol with music and wellness programs fits the lifestyle many young people want now.” The free-entry format also serves as a marketing strategy. The Bukchon venue doubles as a retail space where visitors can explore K-beauty products while enjoying the event. “It allows people to experience the products while they’re already feeling energized,” Kim said. “That kind of experience can create lasting impressions.” The venue has experimented with various cultural programs, including K-pop demonstrations featuring the Saja Boys from the animated series K-pop Demon Hunters and even a kimchi festival. “But the morning rave has received the strongest response so far,” Kim said. “So we’re continuing it more regularly.” Food stalls on the first floor offer simple K-food favorites such as tteokbokki and fish cakes, allowing visitors to experience both K-beauty and Korean street food within Bukchon’s traditional setting. The event draws a notably international crowd. Foreign visitors accounted for 30 to 40 percent of participants at one session two weeks ago, Kim said, although more Korean attendees appeared this time. “We see nearby Bukchon residents coming by,” she said. “Some even show up casually in slippers.” Families visiting Korea have also joined the morning dance floor before sampling Korean snacks together. Another popular attraction is the free personal color analysis and on-site makeup styling, services that remain relatively uncommon outside Korea. Personal color consultations — which analyze skin tone, hair and eye color to identify the most flattering palette — typically cost 100,000 to 300,000 won ($75–$220) in Seoul, with comprehensive sessions sometimes exceeding 500,000 won. The service has become part of the country’s growing beauty tourism industry. According to the Seoul Tourism Organization, overseas visitors spent about 36.4 billion won on beauty services last year, a 231 percent increase from 2019. Anna Fisher, a 24-year-old living in Pyeongtaek, was among those waiting in line. “I woke up at 5 a.m.,” she said with a laugh. “Seoul has things like this that I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world. I love that you can start the day dancing.” She added that Korea’s global beauty reputation also draws visitors. “K-beauty is so big,” she said. “A lot of foreigners come because of that too. It’s pretty neat.” 2026-03-10 11:48:44 -
Korean Drugmakers Face Key Votes, Board Picks and New Business Plans at Annual Meetings South Korea’s pharmaceutical industry is heading into annual shareholders meeting season later this month, with votes expected to go beyond routine reporting of last year’s results and focus on management stability and business direction. Industry officials said major drugmakers will begin meetings on March 20, including Yuhan Corp. and Dongkook Pharmaceutical, with sessions continuing through the end of the month. March 26 is set to be a “super meeting day” for several companies, including GC Green Cross, Daewoong Pharmaceutical and Dong-A Socio Holdings. Boryung is scheduled to hold its meeting on March 31. Hanmi Pharmaceutical is drawing particular attention, with the key issue being whether CEO Park Jae-hyun will be reappointed. With a conflict structure continuing among Chairwoman Song Young-sook, the wife of late founder Lim Seong-gi, CEO Park and major shareholder Shin Dong-kook, chairman of Hanyang Precision, a proxy fight at the meeting is seen as likely. The outcome is expected to help determine effective control of management, while votes from minority shareholders and third parties such as the National Pension Service are also viewed as variables. The industry is also watching Dongwha Pharmaceutical, where an agenda item has been submitted to appoint Woo Byung-woo as an audit committee member. Market views are mixed because he lacks experience in pharmaceutical management and research and development, though some analysts describe the move as a strategic choice to strengthen legal risk management and internal controls in a heavily regulated industry. Daewoong Pharmaceutical nominated Choi In-hyuk, head of tech business at Naver, as an outside director candidate. He is an IT specialist who has worked at Samsung SDS and Naver Financial, and the nomination is seen as aligned with Daewoong’s push to expand digital health care. Companies are also lining up to amend their articles of incorporation to broaden business purposes. Daewoong Pharmaceutical plans to add “solar power generation,” Dong-A ST will add “car wash operations,” and JW Pharmaceutical will add “investment and management advisory and consulting.” The moves are being read as efforts to secure steadier revenue sources beyond new drug development. “With pressure to cut drug prices and rising R&D costs, these shareholders meetings will be a place to gauge each company’s mid- to long-term strategy,” an industry official said. “There is a clear push to pursue management stability, strengthen core competitiveness and expand new businesses at the same time.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-10 11:24:00 -
SM executives make Billboard's 2026 Global Power Players list SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Three executives from SM Entertainment have been named to "Billboard’s 2026 Global Power Players list," which recognizes influential leaders in the global music industry outside the United States, the company said Tuesday. Included on the list were SM Co-CEOs Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, along with Choi Jung-min, the company’s chief global officer. Billboard’s Global Power Players list highlights executives who have driven the international music industry outside the United States. Tak has appeared on the list for five consecutive years since 2022, while Jang was selected for the third straight year since 2024, according to the company. Choi was included for the first time, reflecting her role overseeing the company’s global branding and business operations. The recognition comes as SM continues to expand its global presence. In 2025, the company marked its 30th anniversary with projects including concerts, album releases, orchestral performances and pop-up events across Asia, the Americas and Europe. Over the past few years, SM’s operating profit has more than doubled, rising from 74.1 billion won ($50.3 million) in 2021 to 183 billion won in 2025, up 147 percent. In January of 2026, SM also announced its "SM NEXT 3.0" strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth through the development of new intellectual property and expanded global business initiatives. Executives from other major K-pop industries were also included on this year’s list, including HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk and JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, along with other senior executives from the companies. 2026-03-10 11:19:47