Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • SK and Nvidia chiefs hold AI talks over chicken and beer in Santa Clara
    SK and Nvidia chiefs hold AI talks over chicken and beer in Santa Clara SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group missing from the famous chicken-beer meeting in Seoul among key Korean tycoons during Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's visit to South Korea last October, had a separate chimaek moment with Huang in Silicon Valley as SK hynix vies with Samsung Electronics for next-generation memory packages to Nvidia's AI accelerators. According to industry officials on Monday, Chey met Huang on Feb. 5 (local time) at a Korean-style fried chicken restaurant in Santa Clara, California. The venue is known as a favorite of Huang. Chey’s younger daughter, Choi Min-jung, CEO of Integral Health, and Huang’s daughter, Madison Huang, a senior director at Nvidia, accompanied them to underscore the depth of their personal relationship. The talks were reported to have focused on cooperation centered on supplies of next-generation high-bandwidth memory, or HBM. With Nvidia preparing to launch its next AI accelerator, “Vera Rubin,” in the second half of this year, a stable supply of SK hynix’s sixth-generation HBM, known as HBM4, is seen as a key issue. SK hynix currently is responsible for about 70 percent of Nvidia’s HBM3E volume for Blackwell and is said to be assigned with more than 60 percent of the initial HBM4 volume for Vera Rubin. The two companies also likely shared mid- to long-term cooperation plans across next-generation memory, including HBM4E, custom HBM (cHBM), LPCAMM, a low-power DRAM module for servers, and NAND flash. Industry officials said Solidigm’s AI business strategy was also likely on the agenda. SK Group recently changed the name of its U.S. NAND subsidiary and plans to invest about US$10 billion as it pushes to transform Solidigm into an AI solutions company. Some in the industry say cooperation with Nvidia, which has AI solutions spanning autonomous driving and robotics, could expand beyond semiconductors to areas such as building next-generation AI data centers. Chey has been staying in the United States since early this month to personally manage global AI-related networking, the report said. SK Supex Council Chairman Chey Chang-won attended an early-month meeting of the heads of 10 major conglomerates hosted by the president in his place, a move some interpreted as reflecting Chey Tae-won’s focus on major global issues in Silicon Valley, including strengthening ties with Nvidia. 2026-02-10 07:45:18
  • Ukraine War in 5th Year: Trumps long-delayed 24-Hour promise
    Ukraine War in 5th Year: Trump's long-delayed '24-Hour' promise *Editor’s Note: As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, AJP reviews how the war began, how it has evolved, and where it is heading — and asks the most urgent question of all: will it end? This second installment examines the delayed peace negotiations. SEOUL, Feb. — (AJP)-“I will end that war within 24 hours.” Since his campaign days, US President Donald Trump repeatedly portrayed himself as a “peacemaker,” confidently claiming he could bring the Russia-Ukraine war to a swift end. Emphasizing his personal ties with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump insisted that his unique relationships would allow him to broker peace where others had failed. While the international community remained skeptical of the “24-hour” timetable, some observers expressed cautious hope that a strongman-style leader like Trump might succeed in forcing a settlement. Shortly after taking office in January last year, Trump appointed a special envoy and began preliminary efforts toward a ceasefire, raising expectations of rapid progress. More than a year later, however, the war remains unresolved. Stalled Diplomacy Despite mobilizing sanctions, pressure tactics, and diplomatic persuasion — particularly toward Russia, which has shown limited enthusiasm for a ceasefire — Trump has struggled to produce results. Critics argue that he has been drawn into Putin’s delaying tactics and “false hopes,” rather than shaping the process himself. Meanwhile, the conflict, which Russia initially described as a “special military operation” that would end within weeks, is approaching its fourth anniversary — longer than the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. Limited Gains Trump’s mediation has not been entirely fruitless. Under U.S. auspices, Russia and Ukraine returned to the negotiating table, achieving temporary local ceasefires and limited prisoner exchanges. Zelensky also signaled flexibility on Ukraine’s long-held demand to join North Atlantic Treaty Organization, briefly raising hopes for momentum. Yet fundamental disagreements remain. Russia continues to demand permanent control over occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Luhansk, while insisting that Western forces be barred from the country. Ukraine, for its part, refuses to compromise on sovereignty. Kyiv also fears that without firm Western security guarantees, any pause in fighting would allow Moscow to regroup and attack again. A Military and Political Deadlock Russia has steadily expanded its control in occupied areas, signaling its intent to force Ukraine into submission through military pressure. At the same time, Western support — particularly from Europe and the United States — continues to sustain Ukraine’s defense. Russia itself has suffered heavy material and human losses. As a result, neither side appears capable of imposing a decisive outcome. “None of the conditions for ending the war have been met,” said Ruth Deyermond, a professor at King’s College London, in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. “Neither side is in a position to secure a decisive victory, and while both face pressure, neither looks close to collapse,” she said. Economic Pressure Builds Some analysts believe economic factors could eventually accelerate negotiations. Russia’s economy, heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, has been hit by sanctions and weak prices. According to a report by The Washington Post, Russian officials have warned Putin that financial stress could intensify by summer. Oleg Ignatov, a Russia expert at the International Crisis Group, said both sides may prefer to seek the best possible terms now rather than prolong the war for years. “Under growing internal and external pressure, Russia and Ukraine are likely to explore ways to end the war on favorable terms,” he said. Missed Deadlines Trump’s credibility as a mediator has been weakened by repeated deadline failures. During his 2023 campaign, he vowed to end the war “within 24 hours.” After taking office, he extended the timeframe to six months, then two weeks, then 50 days, and later just 10 to 12 days. Each deadline passed without a breakthrough. Zelensky recently revealed that Trump is now targeting a summer resolution, but many Ukrainians view the pledge with skepticism. Recent US-led peace talks ended without agreement, while Russian strikes on major Ukrainian cities have continued. Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the attacks showed that “Putin’s place is not at the table of peace, but at the dock of a tribunal.” Despite renewed diplomatic efforts and plans for further negotiations, analysts say a swift end remains unlikely without a major shift in military or political conditions. Trump’s central campaign narrative — that personal relationships and political will could quickly resolve the conflict — has collided with the realities of geopolitics. For now, slogans and timetables have proved no match for one of Europe’s most entrenched wars. 2026-02-10 07:33:08
  • Park Kyung Gu, Early Busker Busker Member and Eoljinity Musician, Dies at 38
    Park Kyung Gu, Early Busker Busker Member and Eoljinity Musician, Dies at 38 Park Kyung Gu of the band Eoljinity has died, his family said. He was 38. In a post on social media on Feb. 7, the family said, "It still doesn't feel real, but on behalf of our family we are sharing this obituary," adding, "We would appreciate it if you could be with us with warm hearts as he takes his final journey." The exact cause of death was not disclosed. Fans responded online with messages including, "Thank you for the good songs," "May he rest in peace" and "We will keep the music you left behind as memories." Park busked with Jang Beom June of Busker Busker and wrote and composed Jang's second solo album, "Between Hongdae and Konkuk University." On Feb. 9, Jang posted a tribute video titled "Park Kyung Gu Best Clip (Best Live Clip)" on his YouTube channel.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 07:00:00
  • Review: Ryoo Seung-wan’s ‘Humint’ hits a new peak of classic spy-action elegance
    Review: Ryoo Seung-wan’s ‘Humint’ hits a new peak of classic spy-action elegance “It’s romantic. The lighting, the temperature, the humidity …” a guest on a variety show once said. The point was that place, weather and how you feel combine to create an atmosphere. Movies work the same way: your mood and experience can become part of how you judge what you see. “ChoiCine Review” is a column that introduces films through the writer’s own perspective, in a more relaxed, everyday voice. Director Ryoo Seung-wan’s films arrive with a recognizable rhythm. If his earlier work moved like upbeat disco or punk, his new film, “Humint,” shifts into something closer to a full orchestra — heavier, colder and more controlled. The result is a polished new high point for Ryoo’s brand of action, refined even beyond “The Berlin File.” The story follows Jo, a National Intelligence Service black-ops agent known as Manager Jo (Zo In-sung), who is tracking an international crime case in Southeast Asia when he picks up a clue left by an informant killed during his earlier human-intelligence operation. He heads to Vladivostok, where he makes contact with Chae Seon-hwa (Shin Se-kyung), an employee at a North Korean restaurant, and selects her as a source for a new operation. Elsewhere, Park Geon (Park Jung-min), a State Security Department team leader sent to investigate disappearances near the border, senses that North Korea’s consul general, Hwang Chi-seong (Park Hae-joon), is involved. Using the pasts of Chae and Park as leverage, Hwang pressures them, and the players begin a dangerous balancing act. Rather than replaying power struggles head-on, Ryoo focuses on what is left unsaid — the gaps between records. The film keeps the poise of classic spy cinema while stripping away excess technique, making “Humint” one of the most tightly constructed espionage entries in his filmography. That control shows in the locations and staging. A Latvia shoot stands in for Vladivostok, bringing a chill texture to the screen. Buildings marked by Russia’s past create an unfamiliar mood, while heavy concrete surfaces help visualize the harsh reality surrounding the characters. The camera alternates between wide landscapes and tight close-ups at key moments, holding on faces to capture emotional shifts. The contrast between the weight of the setting and the instability in the characters’ expressions helps regulate tension scene by scene. The action is designed to match character and tempo, not just deliver thrills. Movements shaped through actual NIS training add professional detail, and the direction counts bullets in gunfights to give scenes a realistic weight. The texture of each fight reflects the characters’ circumstances and temperaments, pushing the story forward. Zo handles firearms with a composed, agentlike presence, using his physicality to give the action a measured style. Park Jung-min brings contained movement with bursts of energy, from his first appearance throwing darts to a car chase. Park Hae-joon tightens suspense with a coldness that turns everyday tools into weapons, while Shin anchors the film with a forceful performance built around decisive choices for survival. Together, the cast’s physical performances lock into an ensemble, building individual arcs within shared spaces and drawing a clear line between harsh reality and human conflict. “Humint” opens in theaters on the 11th. It runs 119 minutes and is rated for viewers 15 and older.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 06:03:00
  • 18-year-old snowboarder Yoo Seung-eun wins women’s big air bronze at 2026 Milan Games
    18-year-old snowboarder Yoo Seung-eun wins women’s big air bronze at 2026 Milan Games * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 04:51:00
  • South Korea’s Lee Na Hyun places ninth in Olympic women’s 1,000 meters, targets 500 medal
    South Korea’s Lee Na Hyun places ninth in Olympic women’s 1,000 meters, targets 500 medal Lee Na Hyun of Korea National Sport University became the first South Korean to finish in the top 10 of the Olympic women’s 1,000 meters and said she will now focus on chasing a medal in her main event, the 500. After the race on Monday (Korea time), Lee said, “It wasn’t a perfect race, but I think I set a meaningful time,” adding, “If I prepare well, I think I can try for a medal in the 500.” Lee finished ninth in 1 minute, 15.76 seconds. The result surpassed the previous best South Korean finish in the women’s 1,000, 11th by Yoo Sun Hee at the 1992 Albertville Games. “I thought I could maybe get as high as seventh if things went well,” Lee said. “I didn’t reach my target place, but it’s still a meaningful result, so I’m satisfied.” Lee said she will use what she learned in the 1,000 to prepare for the women’s 500. “Looking at the times from competitions held here, the differences between skaters were big,” she said. “I thought a lot about what the ice would be like and how I should skate.” She added, “First I’ll go back into the athletes village, calm down, and watch today’s video to set a strategy” for the 500. Lee said watching her rivals also motivated her. “I learned a lot watching Jutta Leerdam and Femke Kok,” she said. “It made me think I need to work harder, and my goal of standing on the podium became clearer.” In the race, Kok first took the lead with an Olympic record of 1:12.59, before Leerdam lowered it to 1:12.31 to win gold. Lee will compete in the women’s 500 on Feb. 16, aiming to contend for a medal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 04:24:00
  • South Korea’s Jeong Hye-seon sits 24th after two runs in Olympic women’s luge
    South Korea’s Jeong Hye-seon sits 24th after two runs in Olympic women’s luge South Korea’s Jeong Hye-seon (Gangwon Provincial Government) ranked 24th after the first two runs of the women’s singles luge at her first Olympics. Jeong posted a combined time of 1 minute, 49.587 seconds in runs 1 and 2 on Monday morning (Korea time) at the Cortina Sliding Center in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. She was 24th among 25 competitors. Jeong earned her Olympic berth on her third attempt after being selected to the national team in 2014. At 31, she is competing in her first Olympics and is the only South Korean athlete entered in luge at these Games. Starting 18th in the first run, Jeong built speed off the start but lost balance in an early corner and hit the wall. She finished in 55.118 seconds, placing 25th. In the second run, she cut her time to 54.469 seconds but moved up only one spot. Jeong will skate runs 3 and 4 on Feb. 11 to determine the final standings. 2026-02-10 03:57:00
  • Lee Na Hyun Places Ninth in Olympic Women’s 1,000 Meters, Best Ever for South Korea
    Lee Na Hyun Places Ninth in Olympic Women’s 1,000 Meters, Best Ever for South Korea South Korea’s women’s speed skating reached the Olympic top 10 in the 1,000 meters for the first time. Lee Na Hyun of Korea National Sport University finished ninth in the women’s 1,000 on Monday at the Milan speed skating stadium in Italy, posting 1 minute, 15.76 seconds. Skating in the outside lane in the 13th pair against Great Britain’s Ellia Smeding, Lee accelerated quickly off the start. She passed 200 meters in 17.90 seconds, then reached 600 meters in 45.49 and held on to secure a top-10 finish. No South Korean skater had previously placed in the top 10 in the Olympic women’s 1,000. The country’s best result in the event had been 11th by Yoo Sun Hee at the 1992 Albertville Games. Kim Min Seon of Uijeongbu City Hall placed 18th in 1:16.24. Starting in the outside lane, she went through 200 meters in 17.83 and 600 meters in 45.33 but could not cut her time in the closing stretch. Lee and Kim will try again for a medal in their main event, the women’s 500, on Feb. 16. The gold medal went to the Netherlands’ Jutta Leerdam, who set an Olympic record with 1:12.31. Fellow Dutch skater Femke Kok took silver in 1:12.59, and Japan’s Miho Takagi won bronze in 1:13.95. 2026-02-10 03:03:00
  • Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen wins men’s team combined for first double gold at Milan-Cortina Games
    Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen wins men’s team combined for first double gold at Milan-Cortina Games Swiss alpine skier Franjo von Allmen, the first gold medalist of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, won the men’s team combined on Sunday to become the first double champion of the Games. Von Allmen, 24, teamed with Tanguy Nef for “Switzerland 2” and won at the Stelvio Ski Center in Bormio, Italy, in a combined time of 2 minutes, 44.04 seconds. In the team combined, two skiers split the downhill and slalom, and their times are added to determine the standings. Von Allmen opened the medal events on Friday by winning the men’s downhill for the first gold of the Olympics. He followed with another gold in the team combined. He has also drawn attention for working as a carpenter at construction sites in the summer. Von Allmen skied the downhill leg in 1:52.22, fourth-fastest overall. Nef then posted the top slalom time of 51.82 seconds to put them in front on the combined clock. Two teams shared the silver medal at 2:45.03: Austria’s Vincent Kriechmayr and Manuel Feller, and Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt and Loic Meillard. Odermatt, the men’s overall leader in the International Ski and Snowboard Federation World Cup this season, earned his first podium of the Olympics after finishing fourth in the downhill. He skied the slalom leg in 1:52.08, one of the faster times in that run.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 00:57:00
  • Defective Medals Reported at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as Ribbons Break, Awards Crack
    Defective Medals Reported at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics as Ribbons Break, Awards Crack 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics medalists are reporting a rash of defective medals, with ribbons snapping and awards cracking after being dropped. On Feb. 8, U.S. alpine skier Breezy Johnson, the women’s downhill gold medalist, walked into a post-ceremony news conference wearing only the ribbon. Asked where the medal was, she pulled it from her pocket and said it was “broken,” adding, “I was so excited I was jumping up and down, and it suddenly just fell off.” According to USA TODAY and Germany’s Bild, Johnson’s case was not the first. German biathlete Justus Strelow said he noticed a crack after his mixed relay bronze medal separated from its ribbon and fell to the floor while he was celebrating at the team lodging. Sweden’s cross-country skier Ebba Andersson, a silver medalist, said, “The medal fell onto the snow and broke. I hope the organizing committee has a plan for broken medals.” Liu also highlighted the issue on social media after winning team event gold, posting a photo holding the medal and the ribbon separately and writing, “My medal doesn’t need a ribbon.” The medals were made by Italy’s state mint using recycled metal recovered from scrap, produced in a furnace powered by 100% renewable energy — described as the first such effort in Olympic history. With complaints growing, organizers said they are working on a response. Andrea Pracchi, the organizing committee’s chief operating officer, told a news conference on Feb. 9 that officials were aware of durability problems and had reviewed photos. “We are investigating the exact cause,” he said, adding that because it is “the most important issue for athletes,” organizers would “solve everything perfectly.” Similar concerns surfaced at the 2024 Paris Olympics, when hundreds of medals drew replacement requests. InsideTheGames reported in March last year that France’s mint, which oversaw production, received requests from 220 athletes to replace their medals — about 4% of the 5,084 medals awarded. The mint said replacement medals would receive a protective coating to improve durability. 2026-02-09 23:39:00