Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • JYP rookie boy band KickFlip drops fourth mini album
    JYP rookie boy band KickFlip drops fourth mini album SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) -South Korean rookie boy group KickFlip, under JYP Entertainment, dropped its fourth mini album My First Kick on Monday, kicking off its second year since debut in January 2025. The group consists of seven members, but member Amaru did not participate in this comeback due to health reasons. The six members — Gyehoon, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju and Donghyeon — showcased the new tracks with high-energy performances. The title track, “Eye-Poppin’,” is a hyper-punk dance number that signals a bolder turn in the group’s sound, pairing punchy beats with a cheeky, no-holds-barred love confession. Since debuting with Flip it, Kick it!, KickFlip has steadily built momentum with releases including Kick Out, Flip Now! and My First Flip. The group notched its first terrestrial music show win, picked up multiple rookie awards and expanded its global reach with festival appearances such as Lollapalooza. "I want us to remain in people’s view, even if it means getting on their nerves," leader Kyehoon told reporters. "We don’t want to be tied to one style," member Donghwa said. "We want to keep trying new things and show different sides of ourselves." Centering on themes of love, uncertainty and new beginnings, the album captures the transition of the performers into their 20s. It extends a narrative established in earlier releases, which explored youth through family, school and personal freedom, now moving into romantic relationships. All members took part in writing the songs and producing the album, something that KickFlip has done since their debut early last year and which makes them distinctive among the newer acts. The album further develops the coming-of-age theme through songs such as "Twenty," which reflects the transition into adulthood, and "Scroll," which captures the uncertainty of one-sided love in a digital context. Musically, the group continues to build on a rock-based foundation while incorporating a broader mix of genres, reflecting an approach that balances continuity with experimentation. Earlier this year, KickFlip wrapped its first fan-con tour, 2026 KickFlip FAN-CON “From KickFlip, To WeFlip”, spanning 12 shows across five cities — a run that underscored its growing stage presence. My First Kick will be available on major streaming platforms at 6 p.m. Monday. The group will follow with a comeback show on Mnet M2 at 7 p.m. and a fan showcase at 8 p.m. 2026-04-06 15:51:05
  • Byeon Woo-seok Returns in MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ After Two-Year Gap
    Byeon Woo-seok Returns in MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ After Two-Year Gap Actor Byeon Woo-seok shared his thoughts on returning to viewers about two years after “Lovely Runner.” A production presentation for MBC’s drama “21st Century Grand Princess” (written by Yoo Ji-won; directed by Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hee-young) was held on the afternoon of April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon attended. Byeon said he was grateful for the attention and love he received for “Lovely Runner.” “Rather than feeling pressured, I hope people will love me even more,” he said. “As much as I’m given interest and support, I’ll keep improving and do my best.” He added, “I really like the attention. As someone who works as an actor, I think it’s the mindset you should have when you act.” On playing Prince Ian, a role that requires delicate emotional acting, Byeon said he built the character through extensive talks with the director. “I also did my best in this project to play Prince Ian,” he said. “I paid attention so viewers could empathize emotionally, and I tried to focus on his story.” “21st Century Grand Princess” is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a romance between a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner by status and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they try to shape their own fate and break through class barriers. It will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:48:40
  • Lee expresses regret over civilian drone incursions into North Korea
    Lee expresses regret over civilian drone incursions into North Korea SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Monday expressed "regret" over civilian drone incursions into North Korea, saying they fueled unnecessary military tensions between the two Koreas. His remarks came during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul, after prosecutors last week indicted three individuals including a graduate student in his 30s, a military officer and an intelligence agency employee, accused of flying drones into North Korea between last September and January this year. "It is deeply regrettable that some people's irresponsible actions caused unnecessary military tensions," Lee said, adding that, under the law, civilians are prohibited from engaging in acts that could provoke North Korea. It was the first time Lee officially expressed regret over these incidents, although he had previously criticized them on several occasions. Offering consolation to residents in border areas, whose concerns would have been especially high, Lee urged relevant ministries to take immediate measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again. North Korea has repeatedly complained that drones from South Korea violated its airspace. 2026-04-06 15:44:54
  • Koreas fiscal deficit tops 100 trln won for second year despite ratio easing
    Korea's fiscal deficit tops 100 trln won for second year despite ratio easing SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - South Korea's managed fiscal deficit ratio to gross domestic product eased slightly to below 4 percent last year on improved tax revenue, while the deficit still exceeded 100 trillion won ($66.3 billion) for a second consecutive year, according to a government settlement report for fiscal 2025. The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed the managed fiscal balance at a deficit of 104.2 trillion won last year, slightly narrowing from 104.8 trillion won in 2024. The figure marks the fourth-largest deficit on record, following 117 trillion won in 2022, 112 trillion won in 2020 and 104.8 trillion won in 2024. As a share of GDP, the deficit stood at 3.9 percent, down from the 4.2 percent projected at the time of the budget, but widening from 3.7 percent a year earlier. The ratio has remained above 3 percent for six consecutive years, underscoring a prolonged period of expansionary fiscal policy. South Korea's "managed fiscal balance" - a metric that excludes social security funds such as the National Pension, private school pensions and employment insurance - is designed to better reflect the government's discretionary fiscal position. The country is the only OECD member to present its fiscal balance in such adjusted terms. Total revenue stood at 637.4 trillion won against total expenditures of 684.1 trillion won, resulting in a consolidated fiscal deficit of 46.7 trillion won. Tax revenue rebounded, rising 62 trillion won on year to 597.5 trillion won, while total expenditure increased by 61.6 trillion won to 591 trillion won. However, compared with the original budget, revenue fell short by 2.1 trillion won while spending exceeded the plan by 13.7 trillion won, pointing to looser-than-expected fiscal execution. Corporate tax revenue surged 22.1 trillion won from a year earlier, supported by strong earnings at major firms such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Income tax rose 13 trillion won amid buoyant stock markets. Including 2.2 trillion won in special rural development taxes, total national tax revenue reached 373.9 trillion won, up 37.4 trillion won from the previous year. The fiscal "world surplus" - calculated by subtracting expenditures and 3.7 trillion won in carried-over budget from total revenue - stood at 3.2 trillion won, an increase of 1.1 trillion won from a year earlier. Concerns over fiscal sustainability persist. According to the Bank for International Settlements, South Korea's government debt rose 9.8 percent as of the third quarter of last year, nearly three times faster than corporate debt growth of 3.6 percent and household debt growth of 3 percent. The government defended its fiscal stance, citing overlapping domestic and external shocks. "Last year was a period when domestic and external shocks hit simultaneously, including weakened consumption following the Dec. 3 martial law incident and a rapidly changing trade environment triggered by the United States," said Hwang Soon-kwan, director general for treasury at the finance ministry. Officials said the government adopted an active fiscal approach, including two supplementary budgets, to support strategic industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors while stabilizing livelihoods and boosting domestic demand. Hwang also pushed back against claims that nominal GDP was overstated due to an 8 percent depreciation of the won in the second half of the year, saying underlying growth also contributed. On repeated calls from the International Monetary Fund to introduce fiscal rules, the government maintained a cautious stance. "We will actively review it once a consensus is reached in the National Assembly," Hwang said. 2026-04-06 15:42:07
  • IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier
    IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier Singer and actor IU is returning with a new role after the popularity of the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended. IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality. “Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said. She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.” ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:39:06
  • IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’
    IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who previously worked together in the drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” a decade ago, are reuniting in MBC’s new series “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” a romantic comedy set in a constitutional monarchy. A production presentation for the drama was held on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park Jun-hwa attended with cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress who has everything except noble status, and a king’s son who, despite his title, cannot have anything. The drama centers on their romance and efforts to break through class barriers. Park said the constitutional monarchy setting would offer “a unique kind of excitement” and keep viewers engaged. He said the production aimed to feel plausible through costumes and spaces so audiences could think it “could exist.” The series marks Park’s first drama for MBC. He said he felt pressure to deliver and emphasized the cast as the show’s biggest draw, adding that watching the visuals on set made monitoring footage enjoyable. Park also shared a casting anecdote, saying IU and Byeon were already attached when he joined the project and that their casting was one reason he decided to take it. He added, laughing, that his daughter is a big fan and urged him to do the drama. IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a character who is “annoyed” by lacking status despite her wealth. IU described Hee-joo as a layered figure full of irritation, anger and ambition, but also “cute,” and said the role was so appealing she decided quickly to join. She said Hee-joo is less a conventional chaebol figure than a celebrity who draws attention wherever she goes. Byeon plays Prince Ian, the king’s second son, a beloved royal who is not allowed to shine. Referring to the character’s nickname, “the 21st century Prince Suyang,” Byeon said Ian may look tough and twisted on the outside but carries inner wounds, and he focused his performance on that side. The reunion of IU and Byeon is a key point of interest. IU said she approached the new project determined to make up for “mistakes” from the past, noting that in their earlier drama Byeon played her boyfriend who had an affair with her close friend. She said it felt meaningful to work together again 10 years later and that Byeon brought an ease that felt like he had been preparing for a decade. Byeon said he felt their chemistry had continued since then and that filming was fun because IU made him comfortable on set. Noh plays Prime Minister Min Jung-woo, described as highly responsible, while Gong plays Queen Yoon Yi-rang, who appears cold but works to protect the royal family. Yoo plays Prince Ian’s aide, Choi Hyun, and Lee plays Hee-joo’s capable secretary, Do Hye-jung. Asked about comparisons to the earlier hit drama “Princess Hours,” Park called it “a great drama” and said the team would work to make this series remembered as well in 2026. He said Episodes 1 through 4 each offer different kinds of fun. With the drama set to reach global viewers via Disney+, the team also highlighted its Korean aesthetic. Noh said the blend of modern and traditional elements is reflected in architecture and costumes and would present Korea in a refined way. Park said the series includes many Korean elements, but its relationships are built around themes anyone can relate to. IU said the drama becomes more entertaining as it goes, adding that the director promised it would be a breakout project for the cast. She asked viewers to stay with the series to the end. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” premieres April 10 at 9:40 p.m. on MBC and Disney+. 2026-04-06 15:33:53
  • Hana Financial to Move Into Incheon Cheongna HQ, Pushing Digital and Global Strategy
    Hana Financial to Move Into Incheon Cheongna HQ, Pushing Digital and Global Strategy Hana Financial Group is expanding its footprint in Incheon’s Cheongna International City, betting on its data infrastructure to accelerate work on artificial intelligence and stablecoins and to broaden ties with global companies. According to the financial industry on the 6th, the group will begin moving into its Cheongna group headquarters in earnest in the second half of this year. The shift is being viewed as more than a change of address, repositioning the organization for digital transformation and a push overseas. As part of the move, about 2,800 employees from six to eight affiliates, including Hana Bank, will be based in Cheongna. Combined with 1,800 IT staff already located at the group’s data center, the group expects closer coordination across affiliates. Chairman Ham Young-joo plans to step up on-site management by traveling between Seoul and Cheongna after the headquarters relocation is completed. The group is emphasizing digital synergy among affiliates. Hana Financial said the Cheongna complex was designed from the outset around a “customer-centered, data-driven information company” concept, underscoring its focus on digital transformation. With the data center and strategy units in one place, the group expects to respond more flexibly to new technologies such as AI and digital assets. Hana Financial has been focusing on initiatives including stablecoins, an AI-based wealth management platform and central bank digital currency, all of which require advanced digital infrastructure. The Cheongna headquarters is also expected to serve as a hub linking domestic and overseas operations. Hana Financial has 204 networks across 26 regions worldwide and has been increasing engagement to expand its global business. The group recently met with Britain’s Standard Chartered Group and said it will pursue domestic payments marketing with Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. It is expected to pool capabilities across affiliates to pursue global investment opportunities and step up efforts to attract foreign capital. Hana Financial’s move to Cheongna also aligns with the government’s “5 hubs, 3 special zones” strategy. While rivals KB Financial and Shinhan Financial are moving to build infrastructure in the Jeonbuk region, Hana Financial is expected to focus on job creation tied to local universities and companies in Incheon, potentially presenting a model for balanced regional growth. If additional companies move in and industrial linkages deepen, the impact on the local economy is expected to grow. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:33:00
  • IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, KOTRA team up to help SMEs expand overseas
    IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, KOTRA team up to help SMEs expand overseas IBK Industrial Bank of Korea said it will work with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, known as KOTRA, to help small and midsize companies expand into overseas markets. The bank said Sunday it signed a business agreement with KOTRA to support SMEs in developing overseas markets. The agreement is aimed at helping exporters diversify markets as global trade conditions shift, including U.S.-China trade tensions and supply chain restructuring, the bank said. Under the deal, the two organizations will cooperate on tailored support for overseas expansion, easing export-related difficulties and identifying successful cases. IBK said it will use KOTRA’s network of overseas trade offices. KOTRA will run an “overseas market development program” that provides services such as finding local buyers, marketing support, and advice on logistics and customs clearance. IBK also said it plans to help cover the cost of enrolling in short-term export insurance from the Korea Trade Insurance Corp. to reduce the risk of unpaid export receivables. “Using KOTRA’s global network, we will actively support SMEs’ entry into overseas markets,” an IBK official said, adding the bank will continue to back stronger export competitiveness and sustained growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:12:00
  • Hana Financial to consolidate key units at new Cheongna headquarters in Incheon
    Hana Financial to consolidate key units at new Cheongna headquarters in Incheon Hana Financial Group is preparing to open what it calls a new “Cheongna era” in Incheon’s Cheongna International City, consolidating key affiliates at a new headquarters complex and aiming to build a finance cluster modeled on Spain’s Santander City. The plan traces back to 2007, when former Hana Financial Group Chairman Kim Seung-yu visited Santander City and Banco Santander and began shaping the idea. Banco Santander, once a regional bank in northern Spain, built a financial town on the western outskirts of Madrid and used it as a base to expand overseas, growing into a major global lender. According to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority on Sunday, the third-phase Hana Dream Town project, which includes the group’s headquarters building, was 92% complete and is scheduled to be finished in June. The building will have seven basement levels and 15 above-ground floors, with a total floor area of 128,474 square meters. Once completed, Hana Financial plans to begin moving major affiliates to Cheongna starting in September, including the holding company as well as its bank, securities, card and insurance units. The group said it aims to bring together offices now spread across areas including Jung-gu, Yeouido and Gangnam, narrowing physical distance between affiliates and speeding decision-making. The complex is planned as a multi-use campus designed to strengthen data- and digital-based collaboration, rather than a simple office relocation. The move is notable as the first case among major South Korean financial holding companies to relocate a headquarters outside Seoul. Other large groups keep headquarters in central Seoul, including KB Financial in Yeouido, Shinhan Financial near City Hall, Woori Financial in Myeong-dong and NH NongHyup Financial in Seodaemun. Incheon City expects the complex, once fully operating, to generate an estimated 877.3 billion won in production-inducing effects and create 7,666 jobs. Officials also anticipate broader spillover effects such as an inflow of younger residents, higher consumption, increased business activity and growth in local tax revenue. With large-scale financial infrastructure concentrated in Cheongna, the area is expected to accelerate its shift toward a self-sustaining city combining work, housing and commercial functions, analysts said. Hana Financial Chairman Ham Young-joo said in his New Year’s address that the Cheongna relocation is “not simply moving office locations,” but “a comprehensive change” and a starting point for a major transformation in how the group works and its culture. He said the group would lead digital finance and aim to take a bigger role in global financial markets.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:03:12
  • Chang Han-na to lead Seoul Arts Center in first for musician, woman
    Chang Han-na to lead Seoul Arts Center in first for musician, woman SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) -Child prodigy-turned cellist-conductor Chang Han-na has been named president of the Seoul Arts Center to become the first musician — and the first woman — to lead South Korea's premier performing arts venue since its founding, the culture ministry said Monday. Her appointment comes as part of a broader reshuffle of leadership across Korea’s flagship arts institutions, signaling a push to bring more practitioner-led vision to the country’s cultural infrastructure. Chang, 44, is expected to begin her three-year term around April 24, pending scheduling for her formal appointment. A globally recognized musician, she rose to prominence at age 11 after winning the top prize at the Rostropovich International Cello Competition in 1994, launching an international career that included performances with leading orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and London Symphony Orchestra. Since shifting her focus to conducting in 2007, Chang has led major orchestras across Europe and North America, building an extensive international network and repertoire. She previously served as music director of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and currently holds roles including principal guest conductor of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and visiting professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young said Chang’s global experience and leadership position her to steer the Seoul Arts Center at a time when Korean culture is expanding its international reach. “Chang Han-na brings deep understanding and insight into the performing arts, built on decades of experience and global networks,” the minister said, expressing expectations that she will present a new artistic vision and lead the institution’s next phase of growth. The appointment is also seen as a symbolic shift toward greater diversity in leadership at major cultural institutions. Alongside Chang’s appointment, the ministry named soprano Park Hye-jin as head and artistic director of the National Opera Company of Korea and pianist Yoo Mee-jung as chief executive of the National Symphony Orchestra, with both beginning three-year terms on Monday. Park, a seasoned soprano and former head of the Seoul Metropolitan Opera, has built her career performing leading roles in productions such as La Bohème, Carmen and Turandot, while also bridging performance and education through academic work. Yoo, a pianist and longtime professor at Dankook University, has maintained an active career in performance and music education, and is expected to strengthen the orchestra’s operational performance and international standing. The latest appointments collectively point to a policy direction that emphasizes artistic leadership grounded in field experience, as Korea seeks to elevate the global competitiveness of its performing arts sector. 2026-04-06 14:58:40