Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Regional winner becomes this weeks biggest loser due to foreign selloff
    Regional winner becomes this week's biggest loser due to foreign selloff SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Markets across Asia flashed red Friday following a broad Wall Street pullback, with hitherto regional winner Korean stocks hardest hit by a global institutional selling spree. Losses in AI and big-tech shares on Nasdaq loomed over the KOSPI amid a decisive position shift by domestic and foreign institutions this week, setting off the second sell-side sidecar this week. Traders said the correction was inevitable after an almost nonstop rally this year until this week, while retailers jumped on the opportunity to join the stock-boom bandwagon, helping to defend the hard-won 5,000 mark for the KOSPI and 1,000 for the KOSDAQ. The selloff reflected profit-taking after recent sharp gains, compounded by overnight weakness in U.S. markets. Investor sentiment deteriorated further as concerns resurfaced over the profitability outlook for AI-related big-tech companies. As of 10:54 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI was 2.65 percent lower at 5,024.75 and the secondary KOSDAQ retreated 2.61 percent to 1,079.45. Individual and institutional investors bought a net 1.519 trillion won ($1.03 billion) and 17.1 billion won, respectively, while foreign investors sold a net 1.5763 trillion won. The won came under pressure as the U.S. dollar strengthened amid global risk aversion. The dollar shot up above 1,470 in early trading on heavy foreign equity selling, but eased to 1,480.40, up 0.60 won from the previous session. Foreign selloff mostly targeted the biggest winners. Samsung Electronics fell 2.57 percent to 155,200 won and SK hynix dropped 2.97 percent to 817,000 won earlier in the session. Battery maker LG Energy Solution also edged down 3.54 percent to 381,000 won. Financial and biotech shares also remained under pressure. Samsung Life Insurance slipped 4.02 percent to 184,000 won, and Samsung Biologics fell 2.76 percent to 1,653,000 won. Automakers extended the slide, with Hyundai Motor down 4.61 percent at 466,000 won and Kia dropped 2.56 percent at 152,200 won. Defense and aerospace shares weakened further, with Hanwha Aerospace retreating 6.19 percent to 1,151,000 won. Shipbuilders joined the broad downturn. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 4.36 percent to 526,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean slid 4.72 percent to 129,200 won. The Hang Seng Index retreated 1.57 percent to 26,463.87 soon after opening, while China’s Shanghai Composite fell 0.87 percent to 4,040.30, reflecting U.S. and regional losses. The impact was milder for Japan’s Nikkei 225, which lost 0.3 percent to 53,677.22. 2026-02-06 11:19:32
  • KAIST researchers uncover secret of anticancer compound production in native Korean shrub
    KAIST researchers uncover secret of anticancer compound production in native Korean shrub SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified the core process by which the native Korean plant Flueggea suffruticosa, commonly known as leaf flower or gwangdaessari, produces securinine, a compound known for its anticancer properties. The discovery, made after 70 years of scientific uncertainty, provides a foundation for the stable production of anticancer substances using synthetic biology. KAIST announced on January 30 that a joint research team led by Professor Kim Sang-kyu from the Department of Biological Sciences and Professor Han Sun-kyu from the Department of Chemistry has mapped the biosynthetic pathway of securinine-type alkaloids. These substances were first discovered in the leaf flower in 1956, and while more than 130 related compounds have since been reported, the mechanism of their formation within the plant remained unknown. The leaf flower is a shrub commonly found in the mountains and fields of the Korean Peninsula. Its leaves and roots have long been used as traditional medicine in Northeast Asia. Among the alkaloids it produces, securinine has demonstrated efficacy in killing tumor cells and assisting in nerve regeneration by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Alkaloids like securinine, morphine, and caffeine are highly complex molecules, making the identification of their biosynthetic pathways—the step-by-step process involving various enzymes—extremely difficult. To solve this, the KAIST team combined chemical synthesis expertise with single-cell transcriptomics. The researchers analyzed the genome of plants collected from the KAIST Ecological Forest in Seongnam. By using single-cell analysis on leaf tissues where securinine production is most active, they tracked which genes were expressed in specific cells. Simultaneously, the chemistry team synthesized virosine B, a predicted precursor, to observe how it transforms within the leaf flower. The study revealed that a specific group of enzymes called sulfotransferases plays a critical role in reshaping the molecular skeleton of the precursor into securinine. Previously, sulfotransferases were primarily thought to assist in making substances more soluble or easier to break down. This research marks the first documented case where these enzymes actively remodel an alkaloid scaffold. The researchers also found that the genes responsible for this process are concentrated in the vascular bundle cells of the leaf flower. This specialized cellular environment coordinates the production of amino acids and necessary co-factors to facilitate the synthesis of these high-value compounds. "This research identifies the molecular formation of high-value natural products found in native Korean plants," Professors Kim Sang-kyu and Han Sun-kyu said. "It establishes a basis for the stable production of anticancer substances using microbes or cells, which can lead to various medical applications." The study, featuring co-first authors Dr. Jeong Seong-jun, Dr. Kang Kyu-min, and doctoral student Kim Tae-in, was published in the journal Nature Communications on January 23. (Paper information) Journal: Nature Communications (IF 15.7) Title: Chemically guided single-cell transcriptomics reveals sulfotransferase-mediated scaffold remodeling in securinine biosynthesis DOI: https://bit.ly/4azf4iz 2026-02-06 11:17:01
  • SK Biopharmaceuticals posts record operating profit on strong U.S. cenobamate sales
    SK Biopharmaceuticals posts record operating profit on strong U.S. cenobamate sales SK Biopharmaceuticals said Thursday that its consolidated operating profit jumped about 112% last year to 203.9 billion won, the highest on record. Revenue rose 29.1% from a year earlier to 706.7 billion won. Net profit increased 11.6% to 253.3 billion won. Its main product, cenobamate (sold in the U.S. as Xcopri), posted annual U.S. sales of 630.3 billion won, up about 44% year over year. The company said the surge drove operating profit and generated about 27.0 billion won in annual royalty income. Monthly U.S. prescriptions for cenobamate reached 47,000 in December. Total fourth-quarter prescriptions rose 6.8% from the third quarter and 29.2% from a year earlier. SK Biopharmaceuticals’ fourth-quarter revenue increased 19.2% from a year earlier to 194.4 billion won, while operating profit fell 34% to 46.3 billion won. The company said prescriptions held up, but year-end seasonality and in-transit inventory kept results around the prior quarter’s level. SK Biopharmaceuticals said it is focusing on expanding prescriptions through its direct sales and marketing in the U.S. market. It also said it plans to use cash flow from cenobamate to broaden its research and development portfolio in central nervous system treatments, radiopharmaceutical therapeutics and targeted protein degradation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 11:09:00
  • 30-man roster unveiled for next months World Baseball Classic
    30-man roster unveiled for next month's World Baseball Classic SEOUL, February 6 (AJP) - A 30-man roster for the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament, was unveiled by the Korea Baseball Organization on Friday. The tournament will be held from March 5 to 17, with games played in Houston, Miami, Puerto Rico and Tokyo. The roster includes two Major League Baseball players such as outfielder Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants and shortstop Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angles Dodgers. Also included are four MLB players of Korean descent - Jahmai Jones of the Detroit Tigers, Shay Whitcomb of the Houston Astros, Dane Dunning of the Atlanta Braves, and Riley O'Brien of the St. Louis Cardinals. South Korea, grouped with Australia, Chinese Taipei, the Czech Republic, and Japan, will have its opening game against the Czech Republic in Tokyo on March 5. The national team led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun must finish in the top two in the group-stage games to advance to the quarterfinals. 2026-02-06 10:50:35
  • HD Hyundai Marine Solution wins power plant maintenance deal in Ecuador
    HD Hyundai Marine Solution wins power plant maintenance deal in Ecuador SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - South Korea's HD Hyundai Marine Solution has signed a $56 million maintenance contract with Ecuador’s state power utility to support operations at thermal power plants amid the country’s ongoing energy shortages. Under the agreement, the company will supply engine and auxiliary equipment maintenance packages through early 2027 for eight thermal power plants operated by the utility, with combined generation capacity of about 400 megawatts. The contract is intended to help alleviate Ecuador’s power crisis. The country, heavily dependent on hydropower, has suffered prolonged drought conditions that have reduced generation capacity and led to electricity outages lasting up to 20 hours in some areas, the company said. HD Hyundai Marine Solution said it plans to provide technical support to help stabilize operations at thermal plants, which are being used to compensate for reduced hydropower output. A company official said the deal would serve as a starting point to strengthen strategic cooperation with Ecuador. "We plan to expand higher-margin aftermarket services, including for land-based power plants, to improve profitability," the official said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-06 10:49:53
  • Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign pact to develop aircraft engines, drones
    Hanwha Aerospace, KAI sign pact to develop aircraft engines, drones SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have agreed to cooperate on key future defense and aerospace projects, including development of aircraft engines and unmanned aircraft systems, the companies said on Friday. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Feb. 5 at Hanwha Building in central Seoul aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of South Korea’s defense industry. The signing ceremony was attended by Hanwha Aerospace Chief Executive Son Jae-il and KAI Chief Executive Cha Jae-byung. Under the agreement, the companies will pursue joint development and export opportunities in unmanned aircraft, collaborate on development and marketing of aircraft equipped with homegrown engines, and work together to expand into the global commercial space market. Hanwha Aerospace and KAI, both long-time participants in South Korea’s state-led aerospace programs, said their combined experience in airframe and engine development is expected to generate synergies, particularly in next-generation defense platforms. The companies plan to conduct joint research and development and technical cooperation, including work toward an advanced engine for a future aircraft expected to succeed South Korea’s domestically developed KF-21 fighter jet. They will also establish a regular “Future Aerospace Strategy Committee” involving senior executives to coordinate mid- to long-term cooperation plans. Cha said the partnership would help expand exports of Korean defense products while supporting government efforts to promote balanced regional development. Son said the agreement aims to create “a new model for exports and shared growth” across the defense and aerospace ecosystem, adding that Hanwha Aerospace plans to gradually expand cooperation with KAI in future projects. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-06 10:26:28
  • BDH Foundation chair praises BDH Paras after strong showing at national para winter games
    BDH Foundation chair praises BDH Paras after strong showing at national para winter games On Feb. 2, Bae Dong Hyun, chair of the BDH Foundation, encouraged athletes from BDH Paras, a global para sports team, after their strong performance at the 23rd National Para Winter Games, held for four days starting Jan. 27 across Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Hosted by the Korea Paralympic Committee, the event featured seven sports — cross-country skiing, biathlon, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, curling and short track — and drew 1,127 participants, including 486 athletes. BDH Paras competed in cross-country skiing and biathlon, winning 14 medals — seven gold, three silver and four bronze. The team, which achieved a grand slam at the previous Summer National Sports Festival, also showcased its strength at the winter event. Kim Yun Ji, who recently won gold medals at the FIS World Cup in Finsterau, Germany, and the IBU World Cup in Jakuszyce, Poland, dominated again. She won four titles — biathlon 4-kilometer sitting sprint and 6-kilometer sitting individual, plus cross-country 3-kilometer sitting and 4-kilometer sitting — and was named the meet’s MVP. Shin Eui Hyun, a 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics gold medalist, won three gold medals in the biathlon 6-kilometer sitting individual and the cross-country 3-kilometer sitting and 4-kilometer sitting events. Won Yu Min, an IPC athletes’ committee member, added two silver and two bronze medals, while Jung Jae Seok won one silver and two bronze. Bae said, “I pay my respects to all the athletes who competed and gave their best until the end, and I sincerely congratulate those who placed.” He added, “I hope the valuable experience gained at this competition becomes meaningful groundwork in the preparation process for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, and we will continue to provide support so the athletes can prepare for the next stage without wavering.” The BDH Paras team will begin a 25-day training camp in Livigno, Italy, starting Feb. 4, as preparation for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which open March 6. The camp will focus on building fitness and improving performance in a high-altitude environment while maintaining race readiness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 10:18:00
  • Korea Auto Journalists Association Names Renault Korea Filante February Car of the Month
    Korea Auto Journalists Association Names Renault Korea Filante February Car of the Month The Korea Automobile Journalists Association said Thursday it has selected Renault Korea’s Filante as its car of the month for February 2026. The association’s Car of the Year selection committee reviews newly launched and facelifted models each month and announces a car of the month. Finalists included Kia’s The All-New Seltos, Renault Korea’s Filante, Genesis’ GV60 Magma, GMC’s Acadia, KG Mobility’s Musso and Peugeot’s All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid. The Filante won with 36 points out of a possible 50. The Filante scored 7.7 out of 10 for interior and exterior design, perceived quality, safety and convenience features. It received 7.3 points for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, and 6.7 for power performance, overall product competitiveness and purchase intent. Jung Chi Yeon, chair of the committee, said the Filante offers “a new interpretation that goes beyond existing vehicle-class boundaries,” citing an exterior developed through collaboration between Renault design centers in South Korea and France and an interior based on a “premium tech lounge” concept.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 10:00:00
  • South Korea Announces 30-Man WBC Roster Featuring Lee Jung Hoo, Kim Hye Seong and Four Korean-American MLB Players
    South Korea Announces 30-Man WBC Roster Featuring Lee Jung Hoo, Kim Hye Seong and Four Korean-American MLB Players The 30-player roster for South Korea’s national team for the World Baseball Classic, which opens in March, was announced Friday. The list includes several Korean-American major leaguers.  The Korea Baseball Organization unveiled the 2026 WBC roster at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul, with national team manager Ryu Ji Hyun and KBO Strengthening Committee chairman Cho Kye Hyun in attendance.  The roster features Lee Jung Hoo of the San Francisco Giants and Kim Hye Seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with other top South Korean players. Four Korean-American big leaguers were also selected: position players Jermaine Jones of the Detroit Tigers and Shay Whitcomb of the Houston Astros, and pitchers Dane Dunning of the Atlanta Braves and Riley O’Brien of the St. Louis Cardinals.  South Korea will begin Group C play in Tokyo on March 5. The team must finish in the top two against Japan, Taiwan, Australia and the Czech Republic to advance to the quarterfinals.  The following is South Korea’s 2026 WBC roster. ▲ Pitchers: Dane Dunning (Atlanta), Kwak Bin (Doosan Bears), Cho Byung Hyun, Noh Kyung Eun (both SSG Landers), Park Young Hyun, Ko Young Pyo, So Hyeong Jun (all kt wiz), Won Tae In (Samsung Lions), Ryu Hyun Jin, Jung Woo Joo (both Hanwha Eagles), Song Seung Gi, Son Joo Young (both LG Twins), Ko Woo Suk (Detroit minor leagues), Riley O’Brien (St. Louis), Kim Young Gyu (NC Dinos) ▲ Position players: Kim Hye Seong (Dodgers), Kim Do Young (KIA Tigers), Kim Joo Won (NC), Moon Bo Kyung, Shin Min Jae, Park Hae Min, Park Dong Won (all LG), Noh Si Hwan, Moon Hyun Bin (both Hanwha), Shay Whitcomb (Houston), Ahn Hyun Min (kt), Jermaine Jones (Detroit), Koo Ja Wook (Samsung), Lee Jung Hoo (San Francisco), Choi Jae Hoon (SSG) 2026-02-06 09:54:20
  • Global Ship Orders Rise 27% in January; China Widens Lead Over South Korea
    Global Ship Orders Rise 27% in January; China Widens Lead Over South Korea Global ship orders in January rose 27% from a year earlier, driven by demand to replace vessels to meet environmental rules and by a worldwide increase in orders for liquefied natural gas carriers. Clarksons Research, a British shipbuilding and shipping market tracker, said Jan. global orders totaled 5.61 million CGT, or 158 ships, up from 4.43 million CGT a year earlier. By country, South Korea won 1.25 million CGT for 26 ships, or 22% of the total, while China secured 3.74 million CGT for 106 ships, or 67%. Global order backlogs at the end of last month rose 5.07 million CGT from the previous month to 180.35 million CGT. South Korea accounted for 36.31 million CGT, or 20%, and China held 111.91 million CGT, or 62%. Compared with the same period a month earlier, South Korea’s backlog was up 1.0 million CGT and China’s was up 3.8 million CGT. From a year earlier, South Korea was down 390,000 CGT, while China was up 12.83 million CGT. Clarksons’ newbuilding price index at the end of last month was 184.29, down 0.36 points from December 2025 (184.65), holding broadly steady. By ship type, prices were US$248 million for an LNG carrier, $128.5 million for a very large crude carrier, and $261 million for a 22,000- to 24,000-TEU container ship. 2026-02-06 09:54:00