Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Korean Artist Park Yu-ra Wins Germany’s Ars Viva Prize
    Korean Artist Park Yu-ra Wins Germany’s Ars Viva Prize Korean artist Park Yu-ra, 35, has won Germany’s young artist award, the ars viva Prize. The Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft, a cultural association backed by German business, said on the 8th that it selected Park, along with Herman Singh Luchiman, 31, and Luciano Pecovitz, 27, as winners of the 2027 ars viva Prize. Judges said Park shows “a keen sensitivity to how sound exists in the world and shapes environments,” adding that her work explores how acoustic structures affect the relationship between space and people. Park studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and the Academy of Media Arts Cologne. She now works between Düsseldorf and Seoul, presenting site-based pieces that combine audio with sculpture, video and installation. Established in 1953, the ars viva Prize is awarded to visual artists age 35 or younger who live in Germany. Past recipients include Rosemarie Trockel, Candida Höfer and Wolfgang Tillmans.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 21:30:15
  • P1Harmony Wraps Third World Tour With Seoul Encore, Debuts New Songs
    P1Harmony Wraps Third World Tour With Seoul Encore, Debuts New Songs P1Harmony returned to Seoul after a run through 25 cities across Asia, North America and Europe, closing its third world tour with an encore concert that highlighted both its established catalog and what comes next. The group performed its “P1ustage H : MOST WANTED” encore on March 8 at Live Arena in Seoul’s Songpa district, marking the end of a tour that began in Seoul in August and continued through Oceania, Asia, North America, Latin America and Europe. The “MOST WANTED” theme — moving toward what P1Harmony and its fandom, “P1ece,” want most — was set from the opening, which followed a VCR about searching for hope in a ruined world. The group launched into “Black Hole” and “The Boy Who Ate the Sun,” then kept the pace with “DUH!,” “Scared” and “Before The Dawn.” Backed by a live band, the members shifted smoothly between dance, hip-hop and band-driven arrangements while maintaining steady live vocals. They moved freely across the extended stage and responded to fan requests by singing lines on the spot, narrowing the distance between artist and audience. Solo stages added variety between songs spanning the group’s early releases and its current sound. Intak performed “After Party,” and Jongseob paired “STUPID LOVE” with “Praise the Lord.” Keeho delivered a jazz-styled arrangement of “Creep.” Theo appeared with an acoustic guitar, read a letter to fans and said, “Thank you for helping this moment stay somewhere in your hearts for the rest of your lives, so I can sing in your youth.” He then sang “Twenty-Five, Twenty-One.” Jiung chose CNBLUE’s “I’m sorry,” telling fans, “I tried hard to reflect your feedback. I hope this song becomes a day that gives you enough strength to spend all of 2026 happily.” Reuniting as a full group, P1Harmony returned to high-tempo performance tracks including “Work,” “Bop,” “Pretty Boy” and “Jump,” then continued with “BFF,” “Everybody Clap,” “Heartbeat Drum,” “Follow me” and “Flash.” The encore also served as a preview of upcoming releases. The group performed tracks in Korea for the first time from its first English album, “EX,” released during the tour. It also debuted the title track from its ninth mini album, “UNIQUE,” due out March 12, along with the B-side “L.O.Y.L.” Jongseob said the new title track is “a genre P1Harmony is trying for the first time,” and asked fans to listen. Keeho added, “We’re releasing a new album after breaking a 10-month gap. Because ‘DUH!’ got a good response and results, there was both anticipation and pressure for the new album, ‘UNIQUE.’ I hope you give it lots of love.” For the encore, the group ran through “Countdown To Love,” “Play Harmony” and “SAD SONG.” Theo said, “I think we’ll be able to send off this tour feeling really relieved. Thank you for letting us make happy memories.” Jongseob added, “It’s time for ‘MOST WANTED’ to end in Seoul after a tour that lasted half a year. Thank you for being with us on this long journey. I hope this concert is something you need — for who you are now and who you’ll be tomorrow. We’ll be P1Harmony that can repay you.” Intak said, “A lot of thoughts cross my mind because we prepared so hard. Thank you to the fans by our side. Thank you for coming to love us and cheer for us until the end.” Jiung said, “It’s hard for me alone to change the world, but if someone leaves happy after watching our stage, isn’t that changing that person’s world? Someday, if I’m older and there’s even one audience member left, I want to perform — and I will — so I hope you stay with P1Harmony until then.” Soul said the concert could deliver both surprise and emotion, adding, “I hope you feel all of that before you go.” Keeho compared the show’s pace to a movie, saying films can feel short at two or three hours, but concerts can feel different. He thanked fans who had waited from the tour announcement through ticketing and the show itself, and said, “Thank you for giving us good energy for three days. We’ll carry that into promotions for the new album.” The group now turns to its next release. “UNIQUE,” its first mini album in 10 months since “DUH!,” follows a storyline in which the hero P1Harmony returns after declaring a strike. After 25 cities, the group is back in Seoul — and back with fans — as it begins its next chapter. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 19:57:17
  • Kim Yun-ji Wins First Winter Paralympic Gold by a South Korean Woman
    Kim Yun-ji Wins First Winter Paralympic Gold by a South Korean Woman South Korean Paralympic prospect Kim Yun-ji, 19, made history by winning the first Winter Paralympic gold medal by a South Korean woman. Kim won the women’s sitting biathlon sprint 12.5-kilometer race at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Paralympics on Saturday (Korea time) at the Tesero Cross-Country Stadium in Italy. She finished in 38 minutes, 00.1 seconds, beating Germany’s Anja Wicker to the line. The gold was the first by a South Korean woman in an individual event in Winter Paralympic history. It was also South Korea’s first Winter Paralympic gold in eight years, since Shin Eui-hyun won in cross-country skiing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. The medal was South Korea’s first gold at an overseas Winter Paralympics.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 19:12:00
  • Korea’s ‘Yellow Envelope’ Labor Law Takes Effect, Industry Warns of Disruption
    Korea’s ‘Yellow Envelope’ Labor Law Takes Effect, Industry Warns of Disruption Business groups say the so-called Yellow Envelope Act — revisions to Articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act — will take full effect starting on the 10th, and they warn it could trigger major disruption across industry. Korea’s manufacturing base — including autos, defense, shipbuilding and construction — relies on dense networks of first-tier suppliers and multilayer subcontractors. An industry official said the subcontracting structure became entrenched during Korea’s rapid industrialization and warned that if the law is used to increase management pressure or as a tool in strikes, companies could face a worst-case scenario of being consumed by labor talks year-round. As of the 8th, industry officials said they expect more labor-management disputes if the law expands the definition of “employer,” and they fear a rise in cases in which subcontractors challenge corporate management rights. Under the revisions, a prime contractor can be treated as an employer even without a direct employment contract if it is in a practical position to control subcontracted workers’ hours, wages or work methods. Observers say the change could directly affect industries where multilevel subcontracting is common, including shipbuilding, autos, construction, steel, petrochemicals, semiconductors, IT, platform businesses and services. Hyundai Motor, for example, has about 5,000 subcontractors, including first-, second- and third-tier suppliers. In construction, where partners are often organized by project, three major builders — Samsung C&T, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS E&C — have about 1,900 first-tier partners and roughly 16,000 partners in total. Shipbuilding has fewer partner firms than autos or construction, but it relies far more heavily on outsourced labor. The combined subcontractor workforce at three major shipbuilders — HD Hyundai, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean — totals about 45,000, about 1.5 times their directly employed workforce of 31,000. An industry official said that with grievances among subcontracted workers already accumulated, negotiations could, in some cases, lead to a surge of demands. The official warned that normal business operations could become difficult and that manufacturing sites could be thrown into confusion and conflict. Business groups also voiced concern that the law is taking effect as the economy faces multiple pressures, including U.S.-driven tariff risks, a reshaping of global supply chains and what they described as “three highs” — a weak currency, high interest rates and high oil prices — linked to the war in the Middle East. A business official said that with companies facing unprecedented external uncertainty, the law’s ambiguity could make management decisions even harder, and urged labor and management to pursue coexistence for shared interests rather than deepen distrust.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 18:05:45
  • Dubai-to-Incheon Airfares Surge as Middle East War Cuts Flights, Stranding Travelers
    Dubai-to-Incheon Airfares Surge as Middle East War Cuts Flights, Stranding Travelers Airfares out of Dubai briefly jumped more than ninefold as the Middle East war sharply reduced flights, raising anxiety among South Koreans trying to return home. Even Korean Air, the only South Korean carrier with a direct Middle East route, extended its suspension, and switching to partner airlines in the same alliance has proved difficult as other carriers also cut service. Industry officials said March 8 that ticket prices for Dubai-to-Incheon flights have surged. Emirates flight EK0322, departing Dubai at 3:30 a.m. local time and arriving at Incheon at 4:50 p.m. Korea time, had a lowest fare of 5.63 million won as of March 6. That was about 910% higher than the average daily lowest fare over the past two weeks. Direct Dubai-to-Incheon tickets were generally in the 6 million won range. The spike followed the war in the region. On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, and Iran has been retaliating. With airspace closed over major Middle Eastern countries, demand surged when some airlines resumed operations, sending prices soaring. Fares later eased as more flights operated during a lull. As of March 8, the lowest fare for an Emirates flight departing Dubai early March 9 and arriving in Incheon in the afternoon was 1.21 million won, still about 59% above the two-week average. South Korea’s government-chartered flight also helped cool prices. The government secured an Etihad Airways flight departing Abu Dhabi at 5 p.m. Korea time on March 8 as its first charter since the war began. The flight carried 290 people, prioritizing seriously ill passengers. About 3,500 South Koreans are believed to be staying in 14 Middle Eastern countries after flight cancellations, according to reports. Uncertainty remains over whether air routes could close again. An Emirates flight departing Dubai was abruptly canceled on March 5. Korean Air has suspended its Dubai route through March 15. Passengers booked on Korean Air’s Dubai service must find other flights on their own. In many cancellations, travelers can be rebooked on another airline in the same alliance through an endorsement, but that has been difficult because SkyTeam’s Middle East carriers have also sharply reduced operations. The government is discussing additional charter flights with Korean Air, but officials said it will not be easy. Korean Air extended its suspension after receiving a notice from local airport authorities barring operations. A Foreign Ministry official said, “We are in contact with various countries, and even if it is not an existing route, charter flights can be requested as needed.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 18:04:35
  • South Korea Gasoline Prices Near 2,000 Won as Middle East Tensions Lift Oil
    South Korea Gasoline Prices Near 2,000 Won as Middle East Tensions Lift Oil The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran is showing signs of dragging on, sending international oil prices sharply higher. South Korea’s pump prices are also climbing, raising fears of a repeat of 2022, when gasoline rose above 2,000 won per liter amid fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war. According to the Korea National Oil Corp.’s Opinet price information system, the nationwide average gasoline price stood at 1,894.86 won per liter as of 1 p.m. on March 8, up 5.46 won from the previous day. Diesel averaged 1,917.34 won per liter, up 6.79 won. Consumers say the increase feels steeper on the ground. While the government has signaled a willingness to intervene strongly — including mentioning a review of setting a maximum price — price gains have only slowed somewhat, and some stations across the country are already posting gasoline and diesel prices in the 2,000-won range. Seoul recorded the highest averages nationwide, with gasoline at 1,945 won per liter and diesel at 1,968 won. Markets are also bracing for further increases in global crude prices. Goldman Sachs said international oil could top $100 a barrel if tensions in the Middle East do not ease. If disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz persist, it warned, supply concerns could intensify and add to upward pressure on prices. Goldman Sachs said that if a blockade of the strait continues, it cannot rule out Brent crude rising above $147 a barrel, as in past spikes in 2008 and 2022. Analysts say if oil moves above $100, South Korea’s gasoline prices would likely break through the 2,000-won threshold. As cost pressures mount, the industry says it is preparing a response. Three petroleum groups — the Korea Petroleum Association, the Korea Petroleum Distribution Association and the Korea Gas Station Association — said they would actively cooperate so that international oil price increases are not reflected too abruptly at domestic gas stations. Still, the government and consumers appear skeptical of the pledge. A delivery driver said, “If I make about 30 deliveries a day, I earn around 25,000 won, but after various costs I actually take home only about 10,000 won,” adding, “With fuel prices rising too, it feels like my insides burn every time I fill up.” Lee Eun-hee, a professor of consumer science at Inha University, said South Korea has sizable crude stockpiles, meaning there is no need to raise domestic fuel prices sharply right away even if global prices rise. “But recently the pace of increases has been excessively fast,” she said, adding that commercial drivers such as delivery workers face an unavoidable burden and that policy support such as energy vouchers should be considered.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 18:03:38
  • Koreas WBC hopes hang on Australia after Taipei loss
    Korea's WBC hopes hang on Australia after Taipei loss SEOUL, March 08 (AJP) -South Korea’s hopes of advancing at the 2026 World Baseball Classic were left hanging by a thread Sunday after a 5–4 extra-innings loss to Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Dome, requiring the team a convincing final-game victory to stay alive. The defeat dropped South Korea to 1–2 in Pool C, while Chinese Taipei finished its schedule at 2–2. South Korea will close the opening round against Australia at 7 p.m. Monday, but its path to the quarterfinals depends first on Japan defeating Australia in Sunday night’s game. If Japan wins, South Korea could still force a three-way tie at 2–2 by beating Australia. The final standings would then be determined by tournament tiebreaker rules, beginning with fewest runs allowed, followed by earned runs allowed, batting average and drawing lots. That scenario leaves South Korea with the steepest task among the tied teams. To realistically advance, Korea would likely need a decisive victory over Australia while keeping its runs allowed low, making Monday’s game effectively a must-win by a wide margin. Sunday’s loss came despite a standout performance from Kim Do-yeong, who nearly carried South Korea to victory with a two-run homer in the sixth inning and an eighth-inning RBI double that tied the game at 4–4. Chinese Taipei broke the tie in the 10th inning under the WBC’s tiebreak rule that begins with a runner on second base. Chiang Kun-Yu’s bunt drove in the go-ahead run, and South Korea failed to capitalize on its own scoring chance in the bottom half. The loss also extended a troubling trend for South Korea, which is still trying to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2009, when it finished runner-up. The defeat followed another narrow loss a day earlier against defending champion Japan. South Korea stunned the Tokyo Dome crowd by jumping to a 3–0 lead in the first inning and later clawed back from a 5–3 deficit, but ultimately fell short 8–6 on Saturday night. 2026-03-08 17:00:14
  • South Korea falls to Taiwan in 10 innings, WBC quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy
    South Korea falls to Taiwan in 10 innings, WBC quarterfinal hopes in jeopardy South Korea’s national baseball team suffered a costly loss to Taiwan, putting its bid for the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in serious doubt. South Korea, managed by Ryu Ji-hyeon, lost 5-4 to Taiwan in 10 innings on March 8 at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, falling in the tiebreaker format that begins with a runner on second base. After beating the Czech Republic 11-4 on March 5, South Korea then lost 8-6 to Japan on March 7 and dropped another game against Taiwan to fall to 1-2. It slipped to fourth in Pool C behind Japan and Australia (both 2-0) and Taiwan (2-2). To reach the quarterfinals in Miami, teams must finish in the top two of the pool. South Korea will be eliminated regardless of its remaining result if Australia beats Japan in their game scheduled for 7 p.m. on March 8. If Australia loses to Japan, South Korea must beat Australia at 7 p.m. on March 9 at the same venue. That outcome would create a three-way tie at 2-2 among South Korea, Australia and Taiwan. In that case, second place would be decided by a tiebreaker comparing the ratio of runs allowed to defensive outs recorded in head-to-head games among the tied teams. South Korea’s pitchers allowed three home runs. Starter Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles, making his first WBC appearance in 17 years, gave up one run on three hits, including a homer, over three innings. He threw 50 pitches and struck out three. Kwak Bin of the Doosan Bears allowed a solo homer and gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings on two hits. Dane Dunning of the Seattle Mariners, pitching for the first time in the tournament, surrendered a homer and was charged with two runs over 1 2/3 innings on two hits. The offense struggled, managing four hits through 10 innings. Kim Do-yeong had two hits and drove in three runs, but it was not enough. The game turned in the 10th. Taiwan opened the inning with a runner on second and attempted a sacrifice bunt, but South Korea first baseman Shay Whitcomb of the Houston Astros made an errant throw to third, putting runners on first and third with no outs. Taiwan then scored on a bunt toward first base to take a 5-4 lead. South Korea failed to score in the bottom of the 10th and lost the game. 2026-03-08 15:54:00
  • SK On to Unveil CTP Integrated Pack Solutions With SK Enmove Immersion Cooling at InterBattery 2026
    SK On to Unveil CTP Integrated Pack Solutions With SK Enmove Immersion Cooling at InterBattery 2026 SK On said Sunday it will showcase a range of “CTP integrated package solutions” at InterBattery 2026, which runs for three days starting March 11, combining its cell-to-pack (CTP) technology with immersion-cooling fluid technology from SK Enmove, an in-house independent company. The move reflects SK On’s plan to expand its product portfolio from supplying cells and modules to offering battery packs. Under the theme “Unlock the Next Energy,” SK On will operate an exhibition booth featuring future technologies across three zones: Leading Tech, Core Tech and Future Tech. In the Core Tech zone, which integrates the company’s key technologies, SK On will present three CTP package types — pouch CTP, a pouch-integrated prismatic pack, and large-area cooling CTP — along with one CMP (cell-module-pack) package solution. The “pouch CTP,” targeted for commercial production in 2027, removes modules and integrates cells directly into the pack. SK On said it increases energy density while lowering manufacturing costs compared with existing systems. It also applies heat-transfer blocking technology to help prevent a problem in one cell from spreading to adjacent cells, improving safety. The “pouch-integrated prismatic pack,” planned for commercial production in 2028, directly encloses mid-nickel pouch cells in a rigid aluminum prismatic case. By eliminating modules, it reduces parts and processes while improving protection against external impacts, the company said. The “large-area cooling CTP” directly bonds an aluminum cooling plate across the broad surfaces where pouch cells contact each other, reducing the need for insulation while maximizing thermal management efficiency. SK On said it boosts cooling performance by up to three times compared with existing designs. Product verification at the battery-module level was completed last year, and commercial production is being pursued for 2028. SK On is also introducing its CMP package solution, a cell-module-pack structure widely used in applications including electric vehicles and energy storage systems. In the Future Tech zone, SK On displayed a model of an immersion-cooled battery pack that incorporates immersion-cooling fluid technology being jointly developed with SK Enmove. Two versions were shown, based on pouch CTP and CMP. SK On applied the “immersion-cooled pack” to a vehicle underbody model and visually demonstrated a small immersion-cooling module submerged in cooling fluid to make the concept easier to understand. Immersion cooling circulates an insulating fluid directly inside the pack to keep battery temperatures stable. SK On said the approach can help maintain cell performance and lifespan even in extremely cold or hot external conditions. “Through this exhibition, we are unveiling SK On’s own CTP integrated package solutions for the first time,” an SK On official said. The official added that the company plans to continue expanding its battery product portfolio by building technology synergies with SK Enmove, including immersion cooling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 15:33:20
  • NCT’s Yuta Releases ‘Play Back’ as Theme Song for Japan’s ‘Kamen Rider Zets’
    NCT’s Yuta Releases ‘Play Back’ as Theme Song for Japan’s ‘Kamen Rider Zets’ NCT’s Yuta has joined the Japanese TV drama series ‘Kamen Rider Zets’ as the singer of its theme song, drawing attention from viewers. The track, titled ‘Play Back (PLAY BACK),’ was released at midnight March 8 on major global music platforms and has been met with a strong response. ‘Play Back’ is a rock song driven by aggressive guitar and a beat reminiscent of 2000s punk. The lyrics portray a mind wavering between reality and dreams, along with a firm resolve to defy fate and make one’s own choices. Yuta’s intense vocal delivery amplifies the song’s energy. ‘Kamen Rider Zets’ is a new season in Japan’s long-running ‘Kamen Rider’ franchise, which first aired in 1971 and marks its 55th year this year. Yuta, who watched the series as a child, said participating as the theme singer adds special meaning and underscores his influence in Japan. In January, Yuta headlined Japan’s Budokan arena to close out his first solo concert tour. He has also strengthened his local standing with his first full-length album, ‘PERSONA,’ released in October last year, which topped Oricon’s weekly rock album chart. Meanwhile, the film ‘Specials,’ starring Yuta, is set for release in South Korea on March 13. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-08 14:36:16