Journalist
Lee Hugh
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KAIST researchers and Nobel winner David Baker develop AI protein sensors for cortisol SEOUL, April 09 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have successfully used artificial intelligence to design proteins that can detect specific chemicals, including stress hormones, through a collaboration project between the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and 2024 Nobel laureate David Baker from the University of Washington, the prominent South Korean science institute said Thursday. The study demonstrates a way to create functional biosensors from scratch, a process known as de novo design. Unlike previous methods that relied on modifying proteins already found in nature, this artificial intelligence-driven approach allows scientists to build custom proteins for specific tasks, such as medical testing or environmental monitoring. Specifically, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) team created a protein that selectively identifies cortisol, a hormone closely linked to stress levels. By turning this protein into a working sensor, the researchers addressed a long-standing technical hurdle: designing proteins that can recognize small, complex molecules with atomic-level accuracy. The technology could eventually lead to new tools for early disease diagnosis by spotting biomarkers in blood samples. It also has potential applications in the real-time monitoring of air and water quality or the development of more targeted medical treatments. To design the proteins, the team developed an AI model that accounts for how amino acids interact with different chemicals. They tested the model by designing six different types of proteins for various drugs and metabolites, verifying the results through laboratory experiments and crystal structure analysis. Lead researcher Lee Kyu-ri joined the KAIST Department of Biological Sciences in February 2025 after working as a staff scientist in the Baker laboratory in the United States. She now leads her own protein design lab, focusing on creating artificial enzymes, sensors, and RNA-recognition proteins. The research was highlighted during a visit by David Baker to the KAIST campus on Thursday. "This research experimentally proves that we can use AI to design proteins that precisely recognize specific compounds," Lee said. "We plan to expand this technology to various fields such as disease diagnosis and the development of new drugs." The project was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) through the InnoCORE program. This initiative is designed to help South Korean researchers collaborate with global experts on advanced AI technologies. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung noted that the collaboration with David Baker resulted in a significant achievement for AI-based protein design. The university currently manages several research units focused on aerospace, manufacturing, and drug discovery under the InnoCORE program. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Nature Communications Title: Small-molecule binding and sensing with a designed protein family Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4srcGAi 2026-04-09 09:42:50 -
North Korea tests tactical ballistic missile with cluster bomb warhead, state media says SEOUL, April 9 (AJP) - North Korea has conducted tests of a "tactical ballistic missile" equipped with a "cluster bomb warhead," state media reported on Thursday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, the tests were conducted over three days earlier this week to "verify the combat reliability of the mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system." It added that the surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile "tipped with a cluster bomb warhead, can reduce to ashes any target" within an area of 6.5 to 7 hectares with high-density strikes. The missile appears to be a KN-23-series, North Korea's main short-range ballistic missile, similar to Russia's Iskander-type missiles. "There was a firing for testing the maximum workload of engine using low-cost materials," KCNA said. Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff here said it detected an unidentified projectile fired from an area near Pyongyang toward the East Sea on Tuesday, followed by several short-range ballistic missiles fired from Wonsan, Kangwon Province the next morning, and then one more ballistic missile into the East Sea about six hours later. The projectile fired earlier in the week disappeared shortly after launch, leading the JCS to determine that it failed. KCNA also revealed a test of an "electromagnetic weapon and carbon fiber bomb," describing them as special strategic assets to be combined with "various military means," which may have been conducted on Monday, since the JCS detected the tests on Tuesday and Wednesday only. With no mention of the country's leader Kim Jong-un, he apparently did not observe these tests. 2026-04-09 09:34:03 -
Korea Heritage Service Finds Ramses II Name on Ramesseum Temple Pylon in Egypt The Korea Heritage Service and the Korea National University of Cultural Heritage said on 9 that they have made major academic findings during a restoration project at the pylon gate of the Ramesseum Temple in Luxor, Egypt, including the discovery of a cartouche bearing the name of Ramses II. The work is part of the Korea Heritage Service’s official development assistance project, titled “Capacity building for sustainable cultural heritage tourism resource development in Luxor, Egypt.” A cartouche is an oval enclosure used in ancient Egypt to set apart and emphasize a pharaoh’s name, which otherwise would be written in a line of hieroglyphs. The discovery was confirmed during an excavation survey on the north side of the pylon. Investigators also identified multiple layers spanning from the period when the pylon was built through modern times, securing materials that help reconstruct how the Ramesseum was built and altered over time. A French research team previously found a cartouche of Ramses II while excavating the temple’s innermost sanctuary, but this is the first time one has been discovered at the pylon, the agencies said. Hisham El Leithy, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the newly found cartouche differs in form from those previously identified and is expected to provide an important clue for determining the construction sequence of structures within the Ramesseum. He also said researchers confirmed a carved stone element bearing a new place name that supports the extent of Ramses II’s territorial expansion. The Korea Heritage Service and the university said they also identified soil layers that could help estimate how stone was transported and how the structure was built, providing baseline data for restoring the pylon to its original form. A temporary protective shelter is now being installed, and once completed, dismantling and full-scale restoration of the pylon are expected to accelerate. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 09:21:06 -
Isabelle Huppert, Lee Hye-young to read from Han Kang novel at Avignon Festival Nine South Korean performing arts works have been selected for the official “IN” program of the 80th Avignon Festival. The festival’s organizing committee said on April 8 (local time) that nine works by seven Korean companies will be presented in the official lineup at venues across Avignon, France, from July 4 to 25. It will be the first time Korean works have been officially invited since 1998’s “Désir d’Asie,” about 28 years ago. A staged reading based on Han Kang’s novel “I Do Not Bid Farewell” will be performed at the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais des Papes, one of the festival’s signature venues. The production is a joint project of the Avignon Festival and the Seoul Performing Arts Festival (SPAF) and features French actor Isabelle Huppert and South Korean actor Lee Hye-young. It is also scheduled to be presented at SPAF in October. Italian director Daria Deflorian’s new work, “The dolore terrible e l’amore,” also draws on “I Do Not Bid Farewell” and is set to premiere at the festival. Three works by playwright Gu Ja-ha, the first Asian recipient of the International Ibsen Award, will also be staged. They include “Cuckoo” and “A History of Korean Theater,” two parts of his Hamartia trilogy, and “Haribo Kimchi.” The works were previously shown at SPAF in 2023 and 2025, respectively. Other invited productions include the audience-participation piece “Material,” part of “Elephants Laugh” directed by Lee Jin-yeop; “Island Story” by Creative Vaki, directed by Lee Kyung-sung, set against the backdrop of the Jeju 4.3 incident; “1 Degree Celsius” by choreographer Heo Seong-im’s Heo Project on the climate crisis; “Gin: Yeonhui Deconstruction Project I” by Liquid Sound, directed by Lee In-bo, blending traditional performance with contemporary dance; and Lee Ja-ram’s “Snow, Snow, Snow,” a pansori adaptation of a Tolstoy short story. During the festival, Arts Management Support Center will host a tentative event titled “K-Stage Rendezvous” at the Cloître Saint-Louis, the festival’s main hub. More than 50 performing arts professionals, programmers and critics from around the world are expected to attend to explore collaboration, co-production and distribution opportunities with Korean artists. The center will also support participation in “Transmission Impossible,” a residency and training program for young artists, aimed at strengthening skills and expanding international exchange opportunities for the next generation, including university and graduate students in arts majors. Kim Jang-ho, head of the Arts Management Support Center, said the organization will “introduce the global potential of Korean arts through collaboration across genres, including literature and visual arts,” and will work to expand international distribution of Korean performing arts through platforms such as SPAF and the Seoul Art Market (PAMS). The festival also selected Korean as its guest language, the first time an Asian language has been chosen. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 09:00:00 -
'Salmokji' Tops Box Office on Opening Day With Best Horror Debut Since 2021 The horror film ‘Salmokji’ opened at No. 1 at the box office on its first day in theaters, according to industry data. The film follows a production crew that heads to a reservoir for a reshoot after an unidentified figure appears on a road-view image, only to encounter something lurking in the dark, deep water. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, ‘Salmokji’ drew 89,912 moviegoers on its opening day, April 8, bringing its cumulative audience to 116,825. The figure topped the same-day daily box office totals for ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ and ‘Project Hail Mary.’ Its opening-day turnout was the strongest for a horror release since ‘The Medium’ in 2021, and it also surpassed the 76,003 opening-day audience reported for ‘Project Hail Mary.’ Audience response has remained positive, with ‘Salmokji’ posting a 91% score on CGV’s Egg Index, a rating based on verified viewers. ‘Salmokji’ is now playing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 08:54:15 -
Actress Seonu Yongyeo Says Cheongdam-dong Land Bought for 8 Million Won Is Now Worth 10 Billion Won Actress Seonu Yongyeo revisited the site of a home lot she once bought in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong neighborhood. A video titled “Seonu Yongyeo’s Cheongdam building revealed for the first time, price up 1,000 times in 50 years” was posted Tuesday on the YouTube channel “Sunpung Seonu Yongyeo.” In the video, Seonu said she had lived in an apartment in Banpo before deciding she wanted to live on land and bought a house in Cheongdam-dong. She said the property was a 99-pyeong rectangular lot with a 27-pyeong house, but that her husband sold the entire parcel when the family moved to the United States. The land was purchased in the 1970s for 8 million won, but is now said to be worth about 10 billion won — about 1,250 times higher over roughly half a century. Seonu also recalled an episode from years ago when she tried to buy 2,200 pyeong of land near a court in Gangnam, and spoke about her connection with fellow actor Eom Aengran. “I’m fine. I’m rich,” she said. “My heart is rich, so there’s nothing to envy.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 08:39:43 -
Suwon Museum of Art Expands Accessible Viewing for Deaf and Blind Visitors Gyeonggi Province’s Suwon Museum of Art said Thursday it is running exhibition-viewing programs for deaf and visually impaired visitors as it pursues a “barrier-free museum that everyone can enjoy.” The museum has provided sign-language interpretation videos for exhibitions since 2020 and has produced braille leaflets for visually impaired visitors since 2023, it said. For its current collection exhibition, “Blanc Black Panorama,” the museum planned and produced sign-language interpretation videos. Starting this year, it will significantly increase the share of on-screen exhibition explanations in those videos, expanding them so not only deaf visitors but also the general public can follow artwork descriptions more comfortably and intuitively. The videos will be available from April 17 on the museum’s official YouTube channel and Naver TV. In June, the museum plans to offer an on-site sign-language tour for members of the Suwon branch of the Gyeonggi chapter of the Korean Association of the Deaf. For visitors with visual impairments, the museum has prepared audio guides and braille leaflets for use in the galleries. Director Nam Ki-min said the museum will further improve accessibility through a range of content development and facility upgrades aimed at a barrier-free museum for all residents.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 08:39:15 -
Chipflation accelerates, Samsung device makers bump up price tags SEOUL, April 8 (AJP)-Samsung Electronics and other South Korean device makers are raising prices across smartphones, laptops and tablets as a sharp surge in memory costs — driven by artificial intelligence demand — squeezes margins and reshapes the consumer electronics market. Samsung this week lifted prices for key products including laptops and tablets, with some models rising by as much as 900,000 won ($600). The company also raised official prices of several smartphones months after launch — an unusual move that underscores the severity of component cost pressures. The top-end Galaxy Book6 Ultra with RTX 5070 rose from 4.93 million won to 5.83 million won, while the RTX 5060 model climbed from 4.63 million won to 5.53 million won — both up by 900,000 won. The models had already launched in January at prices significantly higher than their Galaxy Book5 predecessors, but were raised again as memory costs accelerated. Samsung also increased prices for the base Galaxy Book6 just a week after its release, lifting launch prices — originally set between 1.6 million won and 2.51 million won depending on specifications — by between 170,000 won and 880,000 won. Tablet prices were also adjusted upward. The Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, along with mid-range and budget models in the FE and A series, saw increases ranging from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. The price bump-up came after the company which also produces memory along with devices estimated a record-breaking operating profit of 57 trillion won ($39 billion) for the first quarter due to the spike in chip value. The retail price hikes reflect a broader shift in the global memory market, where supply is increasingly being diverted away from consumer devices toward AI infrastructure. Samsung’s decision to raise prices on existing smartphone models highlights the scale of the pressure. Such post-launch price hikes are rare in the industry, where prices typically decline over time. The move suggests manufacturers are no longer able to absorb rising component costs. Other Korean electronics and appliance makers are also expected to follow, as memory inflation feeds into broader hardware pricing. Market tracker TrendForce expects conventional DRAM contract prices to rise 58 to 63 percent quarter on quarter in the second quarter, while NAND Flash prices are projected to jump 70 to 75 percent. “DRAM suppliers are reallocating capacity toward HBM and server applications, while overall supply remains tight,” TrendForce said. The price surge is being driven by an aggressive buildout of AI data centers, particularly in North America, where cloud providers are securing memory supply through long-term agreements. TrendForce noted that suppliers are prioritizing server-grade memory due to higher profitability, leaving less capacity for consumer-grade products. “Suppliers continue prioritizing server DRAM… while near-term supply remains tight,” it said, adding that meaningful capacity expansion is unlikely before late 2027. The shift is hitting Korean manufacturers directly. Memory accounts for roughly 20 percent of smartphone production costs, making devices highly sensitive to DRAM and NAND price swings. As supply tightens — particularly for lower-capacity chips used in consumer products — manufacturers are increasingly forced to pass costs on to consumers. TrendForce said major suppliers are gradually pulling back from the consumer DRAM segment, worsening shortages. Worse, the outlook points to continued upward pressure. In NAND, demand from AI servers and enterprise storage remains strong, while consumer demand is weakening under higher prices — a dynamic that reinforces supply tightness. TrendForce said enterprise SSD demand tied to generative AI is accelerating, with cloud providers willing to pay premiums to secure supply. The impact is expected to extend into upcoming product cycles. New flagship smartphones and foldables set for release later this year as result are likely to carry higher price tags. 2026-04-09 08:05:05 -
BTS Launches 'ARIRANG' World Tour in Goyang, Set for 85 Shows in 34 Cities BTS opens its new world tour, “ARIRANG,” on April 9 at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province. According to agency BIGHIT MUSIC, the group will perform in Goyang on April 9, 11 and 12, then head to Japan, the United States, Germany, France, Canada, Peru, Chile, Thailand and other stops, meeting fans across 34 cities in 85 shows. The tour is built around stadiums and large domes and will feature a 360-degree open stage designed to deepen audience immersion. Demand has remained strong. Forty-six shows, including dates in Goyang and Tokyo as well as North America and Europe, have already sold out. Global concert promoter Live Nation said about 2.4 million tickets have been sold for the 41 North American and European shows alone. BTS is expected to perform songs from its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” along with earlier hits. The album has continued its run after topping the Billboard 200 main albums chart for a second straight week. Member Jimin wrote on the fan platform Weverse, urging fans to dress warmly and adding, “We’ll prepare hard.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 08:00:15 -
BTS’ Jung Kook Apologizes for Profanity During Live Broadcast BTS member Jung Kook has apologized for his behavior during a recent live broadcast. In a message posted early April 8 on the fan platform Weverse, Jung Kook said, “I should apologize to ARMY about a recent live.” He added, “If I think about whether I did something seriously wrong, honestly I’m not sure. I’m not a public official, and these are things people in this industry all say.” He said he realized fans may have felt uncomfortable because he had not shown that side of himself before, adding, “I want to say I’m sorry to our ARMY who felt uncomfortable, and I’ll hold back.” Jung Kook also said he did not want to say much to “people who are busy criticizing everything,” adding, “Thank you for your interest.” In February, Jung Kook drew controversy after making an obscene hand gesture and using profanity toward an acquaintance during a live broadcast. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-09 07:57:15