Journalist
Lee Hugh
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OPINION: The end of tariffs is not the end of risk The possible judicial dismantling of Donald Trump’s so-called “reciprocal tariffs” has been greeted by parts of the global market with cautious relief. The assumption is straightforward: fewer tariffs mean less friction, smoother trade flows and a calmer world economy. But that assumption risks mistaking the removal of a symbol for the resolution of a problem. Tariffs were never the core issue. Uncertainty was. Trump’s tariff policy, controversial as it was, represented only one instrument in a broader political strategy. To frame its collapse as a definitive defeat misunderstands the nature of Trump-style governance. His approach has relied less on any single policy tool than on the creation of leverage through unpredictability. If one legal pathway closes, others may open. What matters most is not whether tariffs survive, but whether economic actors come to believe that U.S. policy itself has become fundamentally unstable. China’s response illustrates this point. Beijing is unlikely to interpret the weakening of U.S. tariffs as a clear victory. The center of gravity in U.S.–China tensions has already shifted away from trade balances toward technology, finance, supply chains and alliances. For China, the critical question is not whether exports receive a short-term boost, but whether the global policy environment becomes more predictable. In that sense, the end of tariffs may change the terrain, but it does not end the contest. For South Korea, the dilemma is particularly acute. Commitments to invest in the United States are no longer purely economic calculations; they are embedded in diplomatic and security relationships. Canceling such commitments is not a realistic option. What remains possible is a recalibration of timing and scale. Slowing execution is not a retreat but a rational response to heightened uncertainty. Yet prolonged hesitation carries risks of its own, potentially distorting long-term corporate strategies and investment planning. Domestic American politics adds another layer of complexity. Legal challenges against Trump may weaken him in the eyes of some voters, but they can also reinforce loyalty among his core supporters. Framed as an institutional conspiracy, judicial scrutiny can deepen polarization rather than resolve it. The result is a political environment in which policy reversals become more likely, not less. From a global economic perspective, the disappearance of tariffs does not automatically revive investment. Businesses fear volatility more than they fear taxes. When companies suspect that today’s policy relief could be followed by tomorrow’s restrictions, postponement becomes the rational choice. Investment slows, hiring hesitates and growth loses momentum—not because tariffs are high, but because the future is opaque. The collapse of reciprocal tariffs, then, should not be mistaken for the return of stability. It may instead mark the beginning of a more ambiguous era, one in which the instruments of pressure evolve even as underlying uncertainty intensifies. Markets do not require perfect policies; they require predictable ones. In a world where tariffs fade but volatility persists, the real test for the global economy still lies ahead. *The author is the President of Global Economic and Financial Research Institute (GEFRI) and AJP columnist. 2026-01-12 14:41:13 -
K-Pop Demon Hunters claims double "golden" at Golden Globes SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Harvesting last year’s syndrome K-Pop Demon Hunters has finally reached the moment awards seasons are meant to deliver: recognition catching up with momentum. At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held on Jan. 11 in Los Angeles, Netflix’s animated feature claimed two of the night’s most coveted prizes — Best Animated Motion Picture and Best Original Song – Motion Picture for its breakout hit “Golden.” It was a rare double victory, neatly completing a trajectory that began on streaming charts and playlists last year. Directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang alongside Chris Appelhans, K-Pop Demon Hunters became the first animated feature led by a Korean director to win a Golden Globe. Blending K-pop idol culture with supernatural fantasy, the film follows a fictional girl group juggling global stardom with the task of protecting the human world from dark forces — a premise that could have remained niche, but instead proved strikingly universal. The soundtrack functioned as the film’s real-world engine. “Golden,” performed by the fictional group HUNTRIX and sung by Korean American artist EJAE, topped major music charts last year, crossing from fandom-driven success into the mainstream. At the Golden Globes, the song prevailed over heavyweight contenders from films such as Avatar: Fire and Ash and Wicked: For Good, confirming that its popularity was not a fleeting algorithmic spike but a work with staying power. EJAE’s acceptance speech gave emotional clarity to the film’s arc. She spoke of spending nearly a decade chasing her dream of becoming a K-Pop idol, only to face repeated rejection. “I thought my voice wasn’t good enough,” she said. Music, she explained, became a way to endure closed doors — and now, unexpectedly, a way to help others do the same. The message resonated beyond the room: rejection as redirection, persistence as craft. The numbers behind the film explain why the awards felt overdue rather than surprising. Released globally on Netflix in June 2025, K-Pop Demon Hunters ranked No. 1 on the platform’s global weekly chart for nine consecutive weeks and remained in the Global Top 10 for more than six months, according to Netflix data. Few animated titles — or films of any genre — have sustained that level of visibility without theatrical saturation. With Golden Globe trophies in hand, K-Pop Demon Hunters now heads into the Grammy and Oscar races, extending its "golden" momentum across major global awards. 2026-01-12 14:27:23 -
South Korea seizes record 1,150 tons of illegally imported Chinese farm goods SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - South Korea has uncovered a large-scale scheme to illegally import Chinese agricultural products that bypassed quarantine procedures or included items banned from entry. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency said Monday it had identified 12 suspects — three brokers and nine importers — accused of bringing uninspected Chinese dried jujubes, raw peanuts and dried chili peppers, as well as prohibited items such as fresh fruit and apple seedlings, through Incheon port between December 2023 and January 2025. Nine of the suspects are expected to be referred to the Incheon District Prosecutors’ Office later this month, the agency said. Authorities said the seized and confirmed illegal imports totaled about 1,150 metric tons, the largest amount ever detected by the agency, with an estimated domestic wholesale value of 15.8 billion won. Investigators said they initially discovered 33 tons of Chinese dried farm products during a raid on a warehouse in Gimpo in January last year. A subsequent analysis of electronic data, including mobile phones belonging to the suspects, uncovered evidence of an additional 1,100 tons of illegally imported Chinese seedlings and farm products over roughly a year — equivalent to an average of about 10 container trucks a month. According to the agency, the suspects worked with Chinese exporters and used a concealment method known as “curtain covering,” disguising agricultural goods as pet supplies in shipping containers. Investigators said the group filed false customs declarations claiming the shipments contained only pet products, allowing them to evade quarantine inspections and customs checks. Chinese apple seedlings and fresh fruit are strictly banned from import because they can host fire blight, a highly contagious plant disease that has caused recent damage to South Korean apple and pear orchards, the agency said. Dried agricultural products such as chili peppers and jujubes are also subject to mandatory quarantine inspections to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and plant diseases. Under South Korea’s Plant Protection Act, illegally importing agricultural products without quarantine inspection carries penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won. “Unregulated imports of uninspected dried farm products, seedlings and banned fresh fruit pose a direct risk of introducing invasive pests and diseases and can seriously harm agriculture and forestry,” Choi Jeong-rok, head of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-12 14:10:56 -
HanmiGlobal, KEPCO team up with UK firm on overseas nuclear projects SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - South Korea's HanmiGlobal said Monday it has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Korea Electric Power Engineering & Construction and U.K.-based project management firm Turner & Townsend to jointly pursue nuclear power projects overseas. The agreement follows a nuclear cooperation MOU signed last year between HanmiGlobal and KEPCO E&C. The three companies will build an integrated advisory package covering nuclear plant design, engineering, project management, and cost and schedule control to target the global nuclear market, HanmiGlobal said in a press release. HanmiGlobal has carried out about 3,200 project management assignments in 66 countries. It recently entered the nuclear sector after winning a project management contract for the life-extension project for Unit 1 at Romania’s Cernavoda nuclear power plant. KEPCO E&C has designed multiple nuclear plants in South Korea and overseas, including the Hanbit nuclear power plant and the Barakah plant in the United Arab Emirates. Turner & Townsend, headquartered in the U.K., operates 247 offices in 62 countries and works in project management and quantity surveying. It is handling integrated project management for the U.K.’s new Hinkley Point C nuclear plant and the Sellafield nuclear site, and provides consulting for the U.K. government’s small modular reactor program. HanmiGlobal said it plans to identify joint opportunities in key markets including Europe, the Middle East and Asia, in partnership with KEPCO E&C and Turner & Townsend. They also plan to cooperate on data-driven upgrades to nuclear project management using digital twin, BIM and AI technologies, and to expand cooperation across the nuclear life cycle, including large-scale plants, SMRs, decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal facilities. “By combining the core capabilities of the three companies, we will further strengthen competitiveness in global nuclear projects,” a HanmiGlobal official said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-12 13:54:54 -
Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold wins top honors at CES 2026 SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said Monday its Galaxy Z TriFold device won top honors at CNET’s Best of CES 2026 Awards, taking the overall “Best Product” prize as well as the “Best Mobile Tech” award. CNET, a U.S.-based technology outlet and an official partner of the Consumer Technology Association, works with the CTA to select winners from products unveiled at the annual CES. More than 40 technology experts evaluated entries showcased at CES 2026, Samsung said. Judges selected 63 winners across 22 categories based on criteria including innovation, usefulness in solving consumer problems, and overall performance and quality. From that group, one product is named the show’s top overall offering. CNET said the Galaxy Z TriFold combined “an eye-catching design with real-world practicality,” describing it as “a true hybrid product” that merges the functions of a full-size tablet and a smartphone in a slim, foldable form. The outlet said Samsung’s efforts to refine foldable devices had “paid off,” helping advance mobile hardware design. Samsung also took top honors in the “Best TV or Home Theater” category with its premium OLED television, the S95H. CNET called the model “one of the standout TVs at CES 2026,” citing brightness levels up to 35 percent higher than the previous generation. The S95H was also recognized as Samsung’s first OLED television to incorporate burn-in prevention technology, a feature that enables extended viewing of static images, including access to more than 5,000 artworks available through the Samsung Art Store in ultra-high definition. In the “Best Home Audio” category, CNET selected Samsung’s Music Studio 5, which made its debut at CES 2026. The product drew attention for its design by French furniture designer Erwan Bouroullec, known for his collaboration with Samsung on the lifestyle television The Serif. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-12 13:45:09 -
Asian stocks start week buoyant, led by Seoul and Tokyo SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) — Asian equity markets opened the week on a strong note Monday, with Seoul and Tokyo leading gains as optimism over robotics and artificial intelligence continued to lift technology and industrial value chains across the region following last week’s CES showcase. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.6 percent to 51,939.9 in early trading, supported by gains in exporters and technology shares amid a weaker yen and renewed optimism over global demand. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI rose 1.3 percent to 4,646.7 as of 10:17 a.m., extending last week’s rally after the index broke above the 4,500 mark for the first time. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ added 0.8 percent to 955.3. Investor flows were mixed. Individual investors were net buyers of about 311.8 billion won ($231 million), while foreign investors sold roughly 439.4 billion won and institutions added around 74.0 billion won, according to exchange data. Among large caps, Samsung Electronics gained 0.9 percent to 140,900 won, while SK hynix climbed 1.9 percent to 758,000 won, extending gains on expectations of sustained demand for high-performance memory used in artificial-intelligence servers. Defense-related stocks also moved higher. Hanwha Aerospace rose 0.7 percent to 1,229,000 won amid expectations of increased global defense spending and persistent geopolitical tensions. Hanwha Ocean stood out among gainers, surging 9.2 percent to 146,800 won, as investors priced in stronger earnings prospects driven by rising LNG carrier prices and potential offshore plant orders. Doosan Enerbility advanced 5.1 percent to 88,700 won. “LNG carrier prices are expected to rise further this year, while several offshore projects are scheduled for order decisions in the first half,” said Kim Dae-sung, an analyst at DS Investment & Securities. “These factors could significantly improve profitability.” In currency markets, the Korean won weakened past 1,460 per U.S. dollar, giving back year-end gains amid authorities’ efforts to stabilize the market and renewed dollar strength entering the new year. Elsewhere in Asia, China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.9 percent to 4,120.4, as selective buying returned to industrial and state-owned enterprises. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was slightly lower in early trade, with financial shares under mild pressure. 2026-01-12 11:44:29 -
K-pop anime wins two awards at Golden Globe Awards SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Netflix's hit anime "KPop Demon Hunters" won two awards at the annual Golden Globes in the U.S. on Sunday. The 110-minute film by Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang won "Best Motion Picture – Animated" and "Best Original Song -Motion Picture" at the 83rd prestigious awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, recognizing both excellence in international film and television. After earning three nominations about a month earlier including "Cinematic and Box Office Achievement," the film's triumph was widely expected as it had already secured two awards at the annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica a week ago. "KPop Demon Hunters" tells the story of fictional K-pop superstars who possess secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats. The film's soundtrack has been hugely successful, spending several weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart, with its main theme song "Golden" reaching the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart. But director Park Chan-wook's much-anticipated film No Other Choice did not take home any honors, despite being nominated for multiple awards including the best non-English language film. 2026-01-12 11:20:29 -
DP's newly elected floor leader calls for unity ahead of local elections SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s newly elected floor leader Han Byung-do, has called for unity to build momentum for a resounding victory in the upcoming local elections slated for this summer. The three-term lawmaker Han Byung-do was elected on Sunday to replace Kim Byung-ki, who resigned late last year amid a spate of bribery allegations and other misconduct. In a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Han said, "There is no room for division and conflict," urging unity to win the local elections in June and ensure the success of the current Lee Jae Myung administration. Expressing that he felt a "heavy sense of responsibility," Han added, "To earn the public's trust, we must join forces on issues that improve people's lives, as the public is watching." He said the ruling party's role is to bring the party, government, and presidential office together to adjust differences through discussion. Han also suggested that he is willing to talk with the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on state affairs. "I'm ready to discuss and negotiate with opposition parties on all issues," he said, "unless they oppose solely for the sake of opposition." Han, widely considered among aides close to former President Moon Jae-in, will serve the remainder of Kim's term until May. 2026-01-12 10:27:08 -
Kia unveils EV2 compact SUV at Belgium motor show SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Kia Corp. on Monday unveiled the EV2, a new compact electric sport-utility vehicle, making its global debut at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show in Belgium. Inside, the vehicle features a wide digital display layout comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate control display and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Kia retained physical buttons for key controls and added ambient lighting and a column-mounted shift-by-wire system. The EV2 GT Line includes a contrasting-color interior package. In its long-range configuration, the EV2 is equipped with a 61.0-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering a driving range of up to about 448 kilometers on a single charge under the WLTP laboratory standard with 16-inch wheels. Fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes about 30 minutes for the long-range version and 29 minutes for the standard model. The vehicle supports plug-and-charge functionality, as well as 11-kilowatt and 22-kilowatt AC charging. Kia said it improved handling and ride comfort by revising the steering gear ratio and applying hydro bushings to the rear coupled torsion-beam axle. Connectivity and convenience features include a Harman Kardon sound system, Digital Key 2, and wireless over-the-air software updates. Kia said it plans to disclose detailed specifications and launch timelines in South Korea in the first half of the year for the EV3 GT, EV4 four-door GT and EV5 GT. At the Brussels show, the automaker is displaying 19 electrified models, including the EV2. “The EV2 is the most compact of Kia’s dedicated EVs, yet it delivers a lively in-cabin experience and an emotional design,” Chief Executive Song Ho-sung said in a press release. He added the model is intended to help broaden the adoption of electric vehicles with space and features that exceed its segment. 2026-01-12 09:52:39 -
Lingering cold brings snow and rain across country SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) - Snow or rain is expected nationwide, as cold wave warnings have been issued for most parts of the country including the capital region, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Monday. Up to 8 centimeters of snowfall is expected in the central region including Chungcheong provinces, while Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province may see less than 1 centimeter of snowflakes. Morning lows hovered between -10 and -5 degrees Celsius, with icy winds making it feel even colder, and daytime highs are expected to offer little relief. The cold is expected to gradually ease through midweek. 2026-01-12 09:38:05