Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Jeon Woo-yong Named Head of King Sejong Institute Foundation; Kim Seung-su to Lead Korea Publishing Agency
    Jeon Woo-yong Named Head of King Sejong Institute Foundation; Kim Seung-su to Lead Korea Publishing Agency The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Thursday it appointed Jeon Woo-yong as chair of the King Sejong Institute Foundation and Kim Seung-su as president of the Korea Publishing Industry Promotion Agency. Both terms are three years. Jeon is a historian who earned a doctorate in Korean history from Seoul National University. He has served as a research fellow at the University of Seoul’s Institute of Seoul Studies, a research professor at Hanyang University’s Institute of East Asian Cultures, and a visiting professor at the Academy of Korean Studies. The ministry said he has also communicated with the public through social media, columns and broadcasts. Kim has worked to strengthen local publishing ecosystems and expand book culture, serving as mayor of Jeonju and as the first chair of the National Association of Book-Reading Cities. During his tenure as mayor, he declared Jeonju a “city of books” and promoted reading and local bookstores by introducing the Jeonju Book Love Point program, “Bookkung 20,” and building library infrastructure, among other policies. In recognition of those efforts, he received a special prize in 2021 from the Korean Publishers Association’s “Publisher of the Year” awards. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 15:48:15
  • Kia to invest 49 trillion won by 2030 with nearly half for future mobility
    Kia to invest 49 trillion won by 2030 with nearly half for future mobility SEOUL, April 9 (AJP) - Kia will invest a record 49 trillion won (about U$32.67 billion) through 2030, allocating 21 trillion won or more than 40 percent to future-focused businesses such as electrification, autonomous driving and robotics, the automaker said on Thursday. The investment plan, unveiled at an investment blitz at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, is part of Kia's mid- to long-term strategy to transform into a sustainable mobility solutions company. It marks Kia's biggest investment to date, up 7 trillion won from the 42 trillion won in its previous five-year plan for 2025–2029. Kia plans to launch its first software-defined vehicle with "Level 2+" highway self-driving by the end of next year, followed by "Level 2++" technology in early 2029, allowing autonomous driving on highways and in cities. Kia also said it will integrate its purpose-built vehicles, the PV7 and PV9, with Boston Dynamics' four-legged robot Spot and logistics robot Stretch to tap into what it describes as a new last-mile delivery market, valued at an estimated US$288 billion (426 trillion won) annually. The American engineering and robotics company's humanoid robot Atlas will be deployed in the second half of 2029 at Kia's plant in Georgia with a gradual expansion to its factories worldwide. Kia said it has set its sales target of 3.35 million vehicles for this year, with a goal of achieving a 3.8 percent share of the global market, and aims to sell 4.13 million vehicles by 2030, raising its market share to 4.5 percent. It will also launch nine new internal-combustion models and maintain 13 hybrid models by 2030, building a diversified powertrain lineup, with plans to expand hybrid production capacity by 400,000 units to meet growing demand. "Building on the innovations we have achieved across all areas over the past five years, we will grow at the fastest pace in EVs, hybrids, autonomous driving, and robotics," said CEO Song Ho-sung. Kia set midterm targets of 150 trillion won in revenue with a 9-percent operating profit margin for 2028. By 2030, it aims for 170 trillion won in revenue and a 10-percent operating margin. Kia said it aims to give shareholders at least a 35-percent return over the three years through 2028 and will continue increasing returns in the form of dividends and stock repurchases. 2026-04-09 15:47:38
  • BTS to Launch ARIRANG World Tour With 360-Degree Stage, Promises New Show
    BTS to Launch 'ARIRANG' World Tour With 360-Degree Stage, Promises New Show BTS will open its "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" with shows on the 9th and 11-12 at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province. Starting in Goyang, the tour will span 85 concerts in 34 cities, including Tokyo, North America, Europe, South America and other parts of Asia. It will set a record for the most shows on a single tour by a Korean artist. The concerts will feature songs from the new album "ARIRANG" along with long-running hits. The group has also teased staging built around a 360-degree setup. The members shared their thoughts and what to watch for through their agency, BigHit Music. RM said it still "doesn’t feel real," adding that preparations for a 360-degree show were not easy but that "once it starts, it’ll be really fun." He said he is excited to pick up a microphone again and meet ARMY fans around the world. Jin said he believes concerts are the most important thing for a singer and that he wants to meet audiences worldwide as soon as possible, adding that he hopes to experience local cultures and the atmosphere in each region. Suga said he has felt since he was young that concerts matter most for singers and that the members are all looking forward to the tour. J-Hope said world tours are always joyful and that he is preparing with a happy mindset for what he called a festival with fans worldwide. Jimin said that while the group has performed many times, it plans to show a stage "completely different" from before, calling it a big challenge and asking fans to look forward to it. V said he worried about being out of practice after a long break and prepared "several times harder," adding that he wants to show everything they have prepared. Jung Kook said he wants to get on stage soon and feels excited about meeting audiences in person again. The group pointed to the 360-degree stage and tailored production as key highlights. RM said he most looks forward to the moment they can all jump around freely on stage and hopes the entire venue feels like one huge club. Jin said the 360-degree stage will be used as if every direction is the front, adding that with the stage rotating and the members moving, audiences can expect a different kind of fun. Suga said he most anticipates the first moment of facing the crowd, adding that the concert includes plenty of show-style production for viewers to enjoy. J-Hope said the 360-degree setup will make each song feel different and that the production will feel like watching a show, with visual aesthetics that express Korea. Jimin said the moment he most looks forward to is meeting ARMY, adding that the group put more effort into production so audiences can enjoy it visually as well. V said the songs, set list, production and overall structure are strong, adding that it is a performance the group can present with confidence. Jung Kook said he has concerns because it is a 360-degree show, but that performing with audiences on all sides will make it more special, adding that there will be plenty to see. A total of 46 shows, including the three Goyang concerts as well as dates at Tokyo Dome and in North America and Europe, have already sold out. In North America, BTS will hold solo concerts — a first for a Korean artist — at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Stanford Stadium, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore and AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The group will also set new marks in South America, becoming the first Korean artist to perform at Estadio El Campín in Bogotá, Colombia, and Estadio Único de La Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It will also hold a solo concert — another first for a Korean artist — at Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile. Separately, starting on the 9th, the Korean Intellectual Property Office’s special judicial police for trademarks plans to conduct a public campaign near the concert venue to crack down on counterfeit K-pop goods and promote respect for intellectual property. The effort aims to block distribution of counterfeit products that unlawfully use artists’ trademark rights and to highlight the importance of buying authentic merchandise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 15:39:16
  • ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo Apologizes, Pays Tax Bill After 20 Billion Won Assessment
    ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo Apologizes, Pays Tax Bill After 20 Billion Won Assessment Online reactions spread after ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo, who has faced allegations of tax evasion, paid 20 billion won in taxes in full. On the 9th, posts about the payment appeared across online communities. One user claimed Cha paid in a hurry because “Netflix penalties are scarier than 20 billion won,” adding that a project he appears in is set to be released about a month later. Other commenters wrote, “He paid because he needed to, not because he reflected at all,” and suggested he may have weighed potential Netflix penalties and future earnings. Another comment questioned whether he believed the impact would be limited because overseas viewers would still watch. A different user argued that even if he wanted to pay earlier, it may not have been possible, saying the tax notice was issued only recently. The user said there is a voluntary payment system, but payment can be difficult when it is unclear whether the income is personal or corporate, making it hard for authorities to accept payment. Attention also turned to Cha’s upcoming Netflix series, “The Wonder Fools.” Netflix has previously maintained that there would be no change to the planned release schedule despite the controversy. “The Wonder Fools” is described as a superpower comedy action-adventure set in 1999, when doomsday theories were widespread, in which a group of ordinary neighborhood misfits gain powers through an unexpected incident and fight a villain threatening peace in Haeseong City. Cha is reported to play a rule-bound civil servant. A day earlier, Cha posted an apology on Instagram, saying, “I sincerely apologize for disappointing and confusing many people, including fans, due to the recent tax-payment controversy involving me.” He said he respected the National Tax Service’s procedures and results and paid all related taxes, adding that he would faithfully follow the remaining steps. “As someone who has worked with so much love and support, I am taking this matter more seriously and deeply,” he said. He added that if there were areas he failed to examine closely, the responsibility was his, and said he would not evade accountability by claiming ignorance or blaming someone else. He said he would review his activities with more careful and stricter standards to prevent a repeat. Cha was notified by the National Tax Service on Jan. 22 that he would be assessed more than 20 billion won in additional taxes, including income tax. The amount he actually paid was estimated at about 13 billion won. 2026-04-09 15:36:18
  • North Korea tests cluster warhead on short-range ballistic missile, KCNA reports
    North Korea tests cluster warhead on short-range ballistic missile, KCNA reports SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) -North Korea has tested a cluster warhead mounted on a short-range ballistic missile, a weapon that has drawn renewed attention after Iran reportedly used similar munitions that challenged Israel’s air defense systems during the Middle East conflict. The move suggests Pyongyang may be seeking to enhance its strike capabilities by incorporating cluster payloads into its existing missile systems. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea conducted a series of weapons tests from Monday to Wednesday, including the launch of a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) equipped with a cluster-type warhead. The warhead was mounted on the Hwasong-11Ga, also known as KN-23, a tactical ballistic missile often compared to Russia’s Iskander system. KCNA said the test confirmed the missile’s ability to “completely devastate” a target area of about 6.5 to 7 hectares by dispersing high-density submunitions. The area is roughly equivalent to 10 soccer fields. The term “scatter warhead” used by North Korea refers to cluster munitions, which release multiple smaller explosives over a wide area. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea launched multiple SRBMs from the Wonsan area on Wednesday. One missile, fired at around 8:50 a.m., flew about 240 kilometers before landing in waters near Al Island. Another, launched at approximately 2:20 p.m., traveled more than 700 kilometers and landed in international waters between Russia and Japan. South Korean analysts said one of the recent tests may be linked to an unidentified projectile launched on Tuesday that appeared to fail shortly after takeoff. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was not reported to have attended the tests, and no related images were released. The tests were also not featured in domestic propaganda outlets such as Rodong Sinmun or Korean Central Broadcasting. North Korea has previously tested cluster-type warheads. In November 2022, it said it had conducted a similar test in response to the U.S.-South Korea joint air exercise “Vigilant Storm.” Cluster munitions are widely criticized for their indiscriminate impact and long-term risks to civilians. Submunitions can fail to detonate on impact, leaving behind unexploded ordnance. In 2008, more than 100 countries adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which bans their use, production and transfer. However, several major military powers — including the United States, China, Russia and Israel — have not joined the treaty. Neither South Korea nor North Korea are signatories. The humanitarian impact of cluster munitions has been documented in past conflicts. During the 2006 Lebanon War, Israel reportedly used millions of submunitions, with a significant number failing to explode and causing civilian casualties in the years that followed. Cluster munitions, sometimes referred to as “steel rain,” remain in the arsenals of several countries despite ongoing international criticism. 2026-04-09 15:34:55
  • Korea’s Longest-Running Art Fair Draws Young Collectors to COEX
    Korea’s Longest-Running Art Fair Draws Young Collectors to COEX South Korea’s longest-running art fair is also one of its youngest in feel. While wealthy collectors in their 50s and early 60s often wait for the fall’s Kiaf-Frieze Seoul, newer collectors led by the MZ generation have been turning out for the spring Hwarang Art Fair. Major galleries lowered the entry barrier with more works by midcareer and emerging artists, while bringing in pieces rarely seen by the public. According to the Korea Galleries Association on April 9, about 4,500 people visited on opening day the previous day, down from about 6,000 a year earlier. Even so, the turnout was viewed as better than expected given external uncertainty such as war in the Middle East and a spike in oil prices. “Galleries had major concerns because global conditions are unstable due to war and other factors,” a Korea Galleries Association official said. “But we saw better-than-expected results, with long lines from the entrance on opening day.” Hosted by the Korea Galleries Association, the Hwarang Art Fair is in its 44th edition and is the country’s oldest art fair. This year’s event, running through April 12 at COEX in Seoul, is the largest yet, with 169 galleries participating. Galleries said they aimed to differentiate the fair from Art Basel, held recently, and from Kiaf-Frieze scheduled for September by emphasizing fresh works from established midcareer and emerging artists, encouraging first-time buyers to purchase without feeling priced out. On opening day, interest was spread across blue-chip, midcareer and emerging names. An official at Kukje Gallery said visitors showed strong interest in works by emerging and midcareer artists such as Lotus Kang and Jang Pa, and focused on pieces that are hard to see in Korea or being shown publicly for the first time, including Julian Opie’s tile work and a 1955 work by Ahn Kyuchul. The official added that inquiries continued for scarce works even if they were not blue-chip, and that couples and young married visitors were touring booths regardless of whether they planned to buy. The association also pointed to a shift in public attitudes toward collecting. A Korea Galleries Association official said perceptions of owning art became more positive after special exhibitions of the Lee Kun-hee Collection in 2021-2022, helping spread the idea that art can be purchased and held, not only viewed, and accelerating younger people’s entry into the market. Some in the market are also looking for a trickle-down effect. At a recent Seoul Auction sale, a work by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara sold for 15 billion won, setting a record for South Korea’s art auction market, fueling expectations that more beginners will enter and look to midcareer and emerging artists. Jung Tae-hee, head of Seoul Auction’s auction business team, said the market has been confirming “stable fundamentals” as the sell-through rate recovered to the 70% range since the second half of last year. He said news of the record price has prompted novice collectors to seek works they can afford, increasing interest in midcareer and emerging artists, and he expects the positive trend to broaden after the first half of this year. Risks tied to Middle East tensions and other factors have increased caution, but many in the market do not see them as enough to reverse the overall direction. Jung said high inflation was largely anticipated, and that a weaker won has instead drawn overseas collectors’ attention to Korea’s auction market, with the share of foreign bidding rising. He added that while shipping costs are a burden, relatively lower prices are expanding interest in both overseas and Korean artists from Europe, the Chinese-speaking world, mainland China and the United States.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 15:30:18
  • Hyundai Motor, Kia to report double-digit fall in Q1 income despite robust sales
    Hyundai Motor, Kia to report double-digit fall in Q1 income despite robust sales SEOUL, April 10 (AJP) – South Korea's top automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia are expected to deliver double-digit falls in their respective first-quarter operating profit on multiple whammies - U.S. tariffs, currency-driven cost pressures and recall-related expenses – despite robust sales. Hyundai Motor is projected to report operating profit of 2.94 trillion won ($2.0 billion) for the January–March period, down 19 percent from a year earlier, and its sister marque Kia 2.45 trillion won, down 18.7 percent, according to market consensus compiled by FnGuide. Top-line momentum, however, remains intact. Hyundai Motor’s sales are expected to rise 4 percent on year to 46.17 trillion won, while Kia is forecast to post a record 29.67 trillion won, up 5.9 percent. Hyundai Motor is scheduled to release earnings on April 23, and Kia the following day. The earnings compression reflects a convergence of external shocks. A 15 percent tariff imposed by the United States on imported vehicles since last year is estimated to have added roughly 1 trillion won in costs for Hyundai Motor and between 600 billion won and 800 billion won for Kia in the first quarter alone. Currency moves compounded the pressure. The Korean won weakened about 6 percent against the dollar from December through March, inflating warranty-related provisions by an estimated 300 billion won. One-off factors also weighed. A recall tied to an electrified seat defect in the Palisade SUV last month led to a temporary halt in sales, adding to cost burdens. Despite margin pressure, both automakers continued to benefit from a richer product mix. Demand for higher-margin SUVs, hybrids and electric vehicles remained firm, supporting revenue growth and cushioning the earnings decline. Combined global sales reached 1.75 million units in the first quarter, with Hyundai Motor selling 975,213 vehicles and Kia 779,169 — broadly sustaining last year’s record pace. In the United States, combined sales rose 2.6 percent to a quarterly high of 430,720 units. Electrification trends also remained a bright spot. Hyundai Motor sold 60,214 eco-friendly vehicles during the quarter, including a record 39,597 hybrids, while Kia posted its strongest first-quarter EV sales at 34,303 units. Looking ahead, both companies are set to accelerate new model rollouts to defend margins. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce hybrid versions of the Avante and Tucson, while Kia will launch EV4 and EV5 models. Premium brand Genesis is also preparing hybrid variants of the GV80 and the flagship GV90. While near-term earnings are under pressure, the combination of resilient volumes, improved mix and electrification momentum is prompting a gradual valuation reset, as investors shift focus from cyclical margins to longer-term competitiveness in the evolving mobility landscape. 2026-04-09 15:29:35
  • Samsung Elec turns up warmth in design as gadget prices turn cold
    Samsung Elec turns up 'warmth' in design as gadget prices turn cold SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is painstakingly dialing up “warmth” in product design for its latest Galaxy lineup, seeking to soften consumer resistance as rising component costs push device prices higher and colder Unveiling the Galaxy S26 and Buds4 series on Thursday, the company’s design leadership emphasized a shift toward more intuitive, tactile and emotionally resonant products — a deliberate counterpoint to what executives acknowledged as increasingly “cold” price tags. “Our goal was to make advanced technology feel warm and approachable,” said Hubert H. Lee, executive vice president and head of MX Design. “We wanted to create products that feel closer to users, not more distant.” The shift is most evident in the flagship Galaxy S26 Ultra, which abandons its signature sharp corners for a rounded “7R” curvature. The 7-millimeter radius was mathematically calibrated to balance a modern silhouette with a more comfortable grip. Samsung also introduced an “Ambient Island” camera design, using integrated materials and light-refracting contours to visually soften the bulk of high-performance lenses and create a more seamless flow across the device’s back. Lee Ji-young, vice president of MX Design, said the team aimed to ensure that “while the technology is powerful, the impression it leaves is soft,” describing the result as a culmination of the company’s evolving design philosophy. For the Galaxy Buds4, Samsung pivoted to a stemmed “Blade” form factor, grounded in ergonomic data as much as aesthetics. The company said it analyzed more than 100 million ear shape data points — in collaboration with the University of Michigan — and conducted 10,000 wear simulations to refine fit and usability. The redesigned stem improves grip and enables more precise touch controls, including pinch-and-slide gestures. A transparent charging case reflects a broader push toward intuitive hardware, allowing users to instantly confirm whether the earbuds are properly docked. Samsung is also tapping into customization trends among younger consumers. The company highlighted the rise of “Bud-gu,” a decorating culture around earbuds, with the Buds4 designed to accommodate stickers and accessories on its metal finish. The design pivot comes as prices for consumer electronics climb, driven in part by rising memory chip costs. The expansion of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production has tightened supply for general-purpose DRAM, pushing up overall component prices and feeding into retail pricing. By emphasizing warmth, Samsung appears to be reframing the premium experience — not only as a function of performance, but as one of emotional connection and everyday usability. “Our focus on warmth represents the peak of our design evolution,” said Song Jun-yong, head of the MX Buds Design Group. “We wanted to create products that gain value the more they are used.” 2026-04-09 14:39:04
  • South Korea emerges as top travel destination for spring
    South Korea emerges as top travel destination for spring SEOUL, April 9 (AJP) - With the growing popularity of the Korean Wave, more travelers are choosing South Korea as their spring destination to enjoy cherry blossoms and other attractions, shifting from the long-standing tradition of visiting Japan. According to figures released by online travel agency Trip.com on Thursday, Seoul ranked first among global cities in flight bookings for the spring travel period from March 20 to May 3. Bookings for flights to Seoul jumped 83 percent, compared to the same period of last year, outpacing growth in Japan's major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Asian markets led bookings, with Japan ranking first, followed by Thailand and China, while German travelers to South Korea increased by about 142 percent over the past year, reflecting growing interest from Europe. Foreign visitors are also increasingly traveling beyond Seoul to provincial areas. Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province saw the fastest growth in inbound arrivals, rising 962 percent from a year earlier, followed by the southern porty city of Busan (131 percent) and the southern resort island of Jeju (129 percent). Bookings by domestic travelers to southern provincial cities such as Gunsan and Jinju also increased during the same period, which is peak season for spring flowers. "South Korea has become an ideal global destination for enjoying spring," said Hong Jong-min, head of Trip.com's office in Seoul. "Rising demand for inbound flights through regional airports, along with growing arrivals from Western countries, are encouraging indicators for the travel industry," he added. 2026-04-09 14:37:27
  • Korea Sports Council Earns Top Ratings in Two 2025 Digital Governance Reviews
    Korea Sports Council Earns Top Ratings in Two 2025 Digital Governance Reviews The Korea Sports Council said Thursday it received “excellent” ratings in two recently released government reviews of its digital and data operations: the 2025 Public Data Provision and Operations Assessment and the 2025 Cultural Informatization Level Assessment. In the public data review led by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, which covered 684 organizations including central government agencies, local governments and public institutions, the council said its score rose sharply from the previous year, earning an “excellent” grade. The council said its score was well above the average for other public institutions, 57.4 points, which was rated “insufficient.” It posted year-on-year improvements across three areas: opening and use of public data, public data quality, and management systems. The council also earned an “excellent” grade for a third straight year in the 2025 Cultural Informatization Level Assessment, which evaluated 49 affiliated and public organizations under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. That assessment broadly reviews how institutions run their information and digital operations. The council said it was recognized for efforts including its commitment to pursuing digital innovation. Chairman Yoo Seung-min said the results reflected the council’s push for digital innovation in sports administration. “We will continue to innovate digital administration and strengthen the opening of public data to help lead the digital transformation of sports,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 14:36:00