Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Nikkei tests new highs after sweeping Takaichi win, Seoul recoups last week's rout SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) — Asian markets joined the celebration of a landslide victory by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in a rare vote of confidence just three months after taking office, reinforcing expectations for a stimulus-focused economic agenda and a tougher stance toward China. Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, won 354 of the 465 seats in the lower house, giving the ruling bloc a more than two-thirds majority. The result allows the government to override the upper house and push through key legislation. The LDP alone secured 316 seats, its largest majority on record. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 5.18 percent to 57,065.25, setting a new record high following the decisive victory. Global tech shares also supported sentiment. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s response to concerns over excessive artificial intelligence infrastructure spending lifted the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index more than 5 percent overnight, feeding optimism across chip-heavy Asian markets. South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 4.5 percent to 5,316.22 by 11:10 a.m. in Seoul, recovering sharply from last week’s selloff. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ added 3.3 percent to 1,115.56. With gains of 21 percent for the KOSPI and 17 percent for the KOSDAQ as of last week, South Korea’s stock market now ranks among the world’s eight largest by valuation. Both local and foreign brokerages see room for further advances, with some projecting a 12-month target of 7,500 for the KOSPI. Individual investors were net sellers of 1.46 trillion won ($995 million), while foreign and institutional investors bought a net 330.9 billion won and 1.09 trillion won, respectively. The return of foreign inflows supported the won, with the dollar slipping 1.30 won to 1,464.20 won. All of the top 10 stocks by market capitalization on the KOSPI traded higher. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix advanced 5.36 percent and 5.60 percent to 167,100 won and 886,000 won, respectively, leading gains in the semiconductor sector. LG Energy Solution rose 1.82 percent to 392,000 won. Financial and biotech shares also strengthened. Samsung Life Insurance gained 5.64 percent to 194,700 won, while Samsung Biologics added 2.40 percent to 1,708,000 won. Automakers joined the advance, with Hyundai Motor rising 3.10 percent to 482,000 won and Kia up 1.38 percent at 154,000 won. Defense and aerospace shares extended gains, with Hanwha Aerospace up 3.90 percent to 1,227,000 won. Shipbuilders also benefited from the broader upswing. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries rose 2.97 percent to 555,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean gained 2.68 percent to 134,100 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 1.29 percent to 26,903.20, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.82 percent to 4,099.01 in morning trade. 2026-02-09 11:23:51 -
Three Korean Films Target Lunar New Year Moviegoers With Family Drama, Spy Action and Period Tale 설 연휴를 맞아 한국 영화 기대작 3편이 동시에 관객을 찾는다. 가족 드라마부터 첩보 액션, 정통 사극까지 장르가 다른 영화 ‘넘버원’과 ‘휴민트’, ‘왕과 사는 남자’가 극장가에 나란히 걸린다. 가족 관객을 겨냥한 ‘넘버원(Number One)’은 판타지 설정을 더한 휴먼 드라마다. 어느 날부터 엄마의 음식을 먹을 때마다 줄어드는 숫자가 보이기 시작한 아들 하-min(Choi Woo Shik)의 이야기를 그린다. 하민은 그 숫자가 '0'이 되면 엄마 은실(Jang Hye Jin)이 죽는다는 사실을 알게 되고, 이를 막기 위해 애쓴다. 영화는 가족애를 전면에 내세웠으며, 오는 11일(수) 개봉한다. ‘휴민트’는 블라디보스토크를 배경으로, 비밀과 진실이 뒤엉킨 얼음 바다에서 서로 다른 목적을 지닌 인물들이 맞서는 첩보 액션물이다. Jo In Sung과 Park Jung Min 등이 주연을 맡아 거친 액션과 인물 간 앙상블을 내세운다. 정통 사극을 찾는 관객에게는 ‘왕과 사는 남자’가 선택지로 제시된다. 1457년 청령포를 배경으로, 마을의 부흥을 위해 유배지를 자처한 촌장과 왕위에서 쫓겨난 어린 선왕 단종의 이야기를 담았다. 단종과 엄흥도의 실화를 바탕으로 재구성했다. 극장가는 설 연휴 기간 개성이 뚜렷한 한국 영화 3편이 동시에 관객을 만나면서 선택 폭이 넓어지고, 전체 박스오피스 규모도 커질 것으로 보고 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-09 11:09:00 -
Teaser posters for BLACKPINK's upcoming album unveiled SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - Teaser posters for K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's upcoming album were unveiled on Monday, ahead of its release scheduled for late this month. Their management agency YG Entertainment uploaded two posters for "Deadline" on social media, which will mark the quartet's first full-group return in about three years and five months. The posters' vivid contrast in tone and color hints at a wide musical range in the upcoming album, raising excitement among fans. The album, set for release on Feb. 27, contains five songs including the title track "Go." The agency described the album as filled with "the best moments that can't be undone, and BLACKPINK's present at its brightest." 2026-02-09 10:37:04 -
K-pop girl band IVE pre-releases single track 'Bang Bang' ahead of second studio album SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - K-pop girl band IVE released their new single "Bang Bang" across major streaming platforms at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) on February 9. The track serves as a pre-release single for the group's second studio album, "REVIVE+," which is scheduled for release on February 23. "Bang Bang" conveys a message of self-reliance and confidence, focusing on the theme of forging one's own path regardless of outside rumors or public scrutiny. According to the group's agency, Starship Entertainment, the song blends elements of electronic dance music (EDM) with Western swing, featuring a direct beat and high energy designed to showcase the group's expanding musical range. Leading up to the release, the six-member band shared teaser photos on their official social media channels to build anticipation. The images featured the six members—An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, and Leeseo—dressed in leather outfits, presenting a sharper and more intense aesthetic compared to their previous concepts. Following the full album release later this month, the group is set to meet fans in person. IVE will host a fan concert titled "DIVE into IVE" at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on March 21 and 22. 2026-02-09 10:34:05 -
Oh Hyeon-gyu scores overhead kick in Besiktas debut as Hwang Ui-jo shines in 2-2 draw South Korea forward Oh Hyeon-gyu delivered a standout debut in a Besiktas jersey. Oh started in Besiktas’ 2025-2026 Turkish Super Lig Round 21 home match against Alanyaspor at Tupras Stadium in Istanbul on Sunday (Korea time), helping his team earn a 2-2 draw. Playing as the central striker, Oh scored the equalizer in the ninth minute of the second half with an overhead kick from a loose ball in the box as Besiktas trailed 2-1. The goal stood after a VAR review. He also won a penalty kick in the 29th minute of the first half with Besiktas down 2-0, giving the hosts a chance to start their comeback. Alanyaspor’s Hwang Ui-jo also started, setting up a “Korean derby.” Hwang assisted Guven Yalcin’s opener in the ninth minute of the first half and later delivered a sharp pass in the 16th minute that sparked the move leading to Alanyaspor’s second goal. Oh joined Besiktas on Feb. 5 for a reported transfer fee of 14 million euros (about 24.1 billion won).* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-09 10:24:00 -
North Korean leader vows stronger military role over next five years ahead of key party congress SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised the "victorious journey" of the country's military, state media reported on Monday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim attended an event marking the 78th anniversary of the military's founding the previous day along with top Workers' Party officials and senior military brass. Kim said, "In looking back upon the victorious journey of our army over the past turbulent five years as it has always been since its founding, today's glory would never be conceivable separated from the enormous role our army has played." "Last year was a year especially filled with unheard-of dramatic events and distinguished feats that could be performed only by our army," he praised, apparently intended to highlight achievements before the key party congress, where he is expected to unveil the country's major military and economic policies and plans for the upcoming five years. He then touted the military's strength, saying the next five years will be "years when our army's outstanding role that no one else can perform will become further enhanced." The country's ninth key party gathering is expected to be held late this month. 2026-02-09 10:16:03 -
Audi Korea Opens New Audi Namcheon Showroom in Busan Audi Korea said Sunday that its official dealer, Iron Auto, has opened a new Audi Namcheon showroom in Namcheon-dong, Busan. The showroom has a total floor area of 498.6 square meters and can display up to seven vehicles. It includes customer consultation areas and a layout designed to let visitors experience the brand identity in a more comfortable, immersive setting. The Audi Namcheon showroom is located at 449 Suyeong-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, and operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. To mark the opening, it will hold various events for one month. "It is meaningful to newly introduce the Namcheon showroom, which will further expand our touchpoints with customers in Busan’s southeastern region," said Steve Clotty, president of Audi Korea. Kim Min Gyu, CEO of Iron Auto, said the showroom will serve as "an important hub" for closer communication with customers in Busan. He said the dealer will deliver Audi’s premium value through tailored services that reflect local customers’ lifestyles and needs.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-09 10:09:00 -
K-pop icon G-DRAGON draws 40,000 fans to first solo fan meeting in Seoul SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - G-DRAGON drew approximately 40,000 fans to the KSPO Dome in South Korea over a three-day run that wrapped up on February 8. The event, titled "2026 G-DRAGON 'FAM' MEETING ," marked the artist's first solo fan meeting since his debut and was designed to feel more like a dense 'family gathering' than a standard concert. The atmosphere inside the venue reflected G-DRAGON's effort to connect personally with a fanbase that now spans several generations. The crowd was a mix of teenagers, who have recently taken to calling him a 'president of elementary students,' and middle-aged fans who have followed him since BIGBANG's peak years. To facilitate this intimacy, the production utilized a 360-degree open stage and a seating layout designed to keep the artist in close proximity to the audience. The setlist and production leaned heavily into the artist's history while nodding to his current work. G-DRAGON opened the show by appearing in a massive crown structure to perform 'A Boy.' Later, he performed 'Who You?' while wearing a white shirt, jeans, and a red ball cap—a look that mirrored his styling from a 2013 television performance on 'Inkigayo.' He closed the nights with 'TAKE ME' and 'IBELONGIIU' from his latest album, 'Übermensch.' Beyond the music, the event was packed with detail intended to immerse fans in G-DRAGON's specific aesthetic. The area outside the dome was styled as a 'Daisy Garden,' and fans were served daisy-stamped walnut cookies before the show. During the performances, video transitions simulated an '88th-floor elevator' ride, and the finale saw confetti printed with his own handwriting scattered through the air alongside his signature fragrance. G-DRAGON spent much of the time talking directly to the 'FAM'—his term for the fandom. He answered impromptu questions, shared old photos, and performed several social media challenges, including 'Doma' and 'CHANEL.' A highlight for many was his take on the 'OVERDRIVE' challenge, which fans have nicknamed the 'whining challenge.' YouTuber Mimiminu, a self-described superfan, served as the MC for the three days. "I decided to hold this fan meeting to welcome new family members after my comeback," G-DRAGON told the crowd. "Out of regret for those who couldn't join the tour, I wanted to create a place that felt like a family gathering." He also touched on the future of his group, noting that BIGBANG is planning a 20th-anniversary comeback this year. "BIGBANG is making a comeback for our 20th anniversary this year. As both a member and a fan, I am looking forward to it, and I am sure all the members feel the same," he said. The artist is scheduled to take the fan meeting tour to Yokohama, Japan, from February 13 to 15, before heading to Bangkok, Thailand, for two dates starting February 21. 2026-02-09 10:01:10 -
South Korea Names 4 Hubs for 2026 Cultural Diversity City Program South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service said Monday they have selected four areas — South Jeolla Province, Busan, North Chungcheong Province and Ansan — as the final "2026 Cultural Diversity Hub Cities." The program aims to build urban communities where diverse cultural expression can coexist by linking each area's cultural heritage, contemporary arts and residents' everyday lives. It focuses on identifying local cultural contexts and creating an ecosystem to protect and promote them. The four hubs will begin full-scale activities from March through December, including research, creative workshops and citizen-participation programs. The Jeonnam Cultural Foundation, Busan Cultural Foundation, Chungbuk Cultural Foundation and Ansan Cultural Foundation will carry out the projects. The Korea Arts & Culture Education Service, the agency in charge of advancing cultural-diversity policy, will sign agreements with each foundation and support operations. Im Jin Taek, president of the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service, said the initiative is a process of finding and connecting specific cultural assets embedded in daily life. He said it will help residents rediscover local culture, feel pride in their communities and build a practical foundation for diverse cultures to coexist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-09 09:54:00 -
Naver/Kurly steps up delivery race to win over Coupang customers SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - South Korea’s dominant internet platform, has rolled out same-day grocery delivery in partnership with fresh-food unicorn Market Kurly, stepping up efforts to capitalize on mounting reputational troubles at e-commerce leader Coupang. Under the expanded service, Naver and Kurly’s joint grocery platform, Kurly N Mart, began offering same-day delivery on Monday. Orders placed between 11 p.m. the previous day and 3 p.m. on the same day are now delivered before midnight. The option applies to both Kurly N Mart and Kurly’s main platform. Previously, Kurly N Mart focused on early-morning delivery, with orders placed by 11 p.m. arriving by 8 a.m. the following day. While that service remains in place, the addition of same-day delivery is expected to ease pressure around order cutoffs and encourage more frequent purchases. The new delivery window will initially operate in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, with plans for nationwide expansion. Naver said Kurly N Mart, launched in September last year, has recorded average monthly transaction growth of more than 50 percent. January transaction volume surged more than sevenfold compared with September. Fresh produce transactions rose 82 percent over the same period, while meat sales climbed 74 percent. Ultra-fresh items such as eggs, milk and tofu posted particularly high repurchase rates. After five months of operation, top-selling products shifted from meal kits and ready-to-eat foods to a broader mix including produce, seafood and meat, reflecting growing demand for quality and freshness. Sales of fast-moving consumer goods such as toilet paper, detergent and toothbrushes also jumped more than fivefold, indicating that Kurly N Mart is increasingly used for routine grocery shopping. Repeat purchasing has strengthened as well. The repurchase rate reached 60 percent, roughly double the level recorded in October. Naver attributed the rise in customer loyalty to synergies with its membership program, including lower thresholds for free delivery and additional benefits. More than 90 percent of Kurly N Mart users are Naver Plus members, the company said. The number of “core regulars” who used the service at least 10 times over five months was about 70 times higher among members than non-members. Around 80 percent of transactions are generated through the Naver Plus Store app, underscoring the steady shift toward mobile-based grocery shopping. Naver’s expansion comes as rival platforms benefit from weakening confidence in Coupang following last year’s massive data breach. According to data from IGAWorks’ Mobile Index, new installations of Naver’s shopping app surged to 935,507 in January, up more than 147,000 from December and the highest level since June. Over the same period, Coupang’s app installs fell to 467,641, down nearly 60,000 month on month. Meanwhile, market tracker Wiseapp.Retail reported that Coupang’s monthly active users declined to 33 million in January, down about one million, or 3.2 percent, from December. The drop was nearly ten times larger than the previous month’s decrease. Industry analysts say the figures reflect eroding consumer trust following the November breach that affected almost all of Coupang’s more than 33 million users. 2026-02-09 09:50:42