Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Jeonju International Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Names Opening and Closing Films
    Jeonju International Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Names Opening and Closing Films The Jeonju International Film Festival, a major showcase for independent and art-house cinema, has launched its 27th edition with a theme of pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Organizers named Kent Jones’ “My Private Artist” as the opening film, signaling what they described as a distinctly Jeonju-style program. A news conference announcing the lineup was held Monday afternoon at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included acting organizing committee chair Yoon Dong-wook; co-festival directors Min Sung-wook and Jung Joon-ho; programmers Moon Seok, Moon Sung-kyung and Kim Hyo-jung; and director Byun Young-joo, selected as this year’s “programmer of the year.” This year’s slogan is “We Always Cross the Line” (Beyond the Frame). Organizers said it reflects Jeonju’s efforts to expand its programs and venues beyond conventional film formats, while refocusing on human sensibility and the essentials of cinema amid rapidly advancing technology. “Jeonju International Film Festival has established itself as a valuable platform where creative filmmakers from around the world communicate with audiences, and as a leading film festival in Asia,” Yoon said. Jung, who secured another term as co-festival director, said, “The past three years went by so fast I don’t know where they went,” adding, “Now that I’ve been reappointed after addressing what was lacking, I will prepare for a better three years.” He added, “After spending three years in Jeonju, I realized there are many fun and thrilling works, like hidden local restaurants. I will take responsibility so the festival can shine even more.” Min said he would help create a richer festival through “Jeonju-like” films and programs. The opening film, Jones’ “My Private Artist,” was first unveiled at the Venice International Film Festival. It portrays an artist’s life in allegorical form, depicting a warm world that coexists with everyday pain, organizers said. The closing film is director Kim Hyun-ji’s documentary “Namtaeryeong,” which centers on an incident in Namtaeryeong in December 2024 and examines changes among women and farmers and the broader social impact. Special screenings will include “New York Underground — The Mavericks,” introduced by newly appointed programmer Kim Hyo-jung, focusing on New York underground artists of the 1960s and 1970s and tracing currents in experimental film. The festival will also present “Meeting Ahn Sung-ki, Slightly Anew,” honoring the late actor Ahn Sung-ki and revisiting lesser-seen aspects of his work in independent and art films. “Ahn Sung-ki is another name for Korean cinema,” programmer Moon Seok said. Byun, selected for “J Special: Programmer of the Year,” attended in person and said it was “a great joy and honor” to return as a programmer 27 years after attending the first Jeonju festival. “I will watch films diligently in Jeonju,” she said, introducing titles she curated. Organizers said the “Possible Cinema” program, which drew positive response last year, has been expanded into an official section. Audience-participation events, including alley screenings and urban camping-style screenings, will also be strengthened. The 27th Jeonju International Film Festival will run for 10 days from April 29 to May 8 at five theaters with 21 screens, including Moak Hall at the Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do and venues around Jeonju’s Film Street.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 18:36:20
  • Review: Project Hail Mary Weighs Sacrifice vs. Survival Without Judgment
    Review: 'Project Hail Mary' Weighs Sacrifice vs. Survival Without Judgment * This article contains major spoilers for the film. The film ‘Project Hail Mary’ includes a scene in which three crew members — a pilot, an engineer and a scientist — talk before boarding a spacecraft meant to save Earth as the sun dies. Grace, the scientist, suddenly realizes he is the only scientist assigned and protests: “I get motion sickness even in an elevator.” Yao, the pilot, replies, “That’s good. There are no elevators on the ship.” Grace answers, “No. This is a suicide mission.” Ilyukhina, the engineer, adds, “We’re perfect friends to die together.” The pilot and engineer have already agreed to go. Grace has not — and never intended to. The mission is one-way: once they leave Earth, they are expected to carry out their task at the destination and then die, unable to return. Grace is a middle school science teacher ostracized in academia for challenging the theory that all life requires water. That work leads to a request that he analyze a sun-dwelling microbe called ‘Astrophage,’ pulling him into the Hail Mary project. He expects to handle research and analysis, not fly into space. But an accident kills the scientist originally slated to go, leaving Grace as the only option. Stratt, the project’s hard-driving leader, tells Grace he will be given time to decide whether to die for the mission: three hours. After agonizing, Grace answers through tears, “I can’t go.” Earth may be in trouble, he notes, but there is said to be about 30 years left. Stratt refuses to accept his decision. She stops the fleeing Grace, renders him unconscious and puts him on the ship anyway — a blunt choice of sacrificing one for the many. The film asks whether that decision gives Earth a chance to recover. Set against Grace are Yao and Ilyukhina. Unlike Grace, who has no family or pets, they have loved ones and wide circles of friends. The two appear to have accepted death long ago, even discussing what kind of death would be most tolerable. The review recalls a line from the film ‘Deep Impact,’ when astronauts face a final self-sacrifice: “A high school will be named after us.” In ‘Project Hail Mary,’ Yao and Ilyukhina’s willingness to die is portrayed with a light touch, but the stakes remain stark. Even if the number of people they might save amounts to a quarter of humanity, the film suggests, that does not make any single life insignificant. Still, Yao, Ilyukhina and Stratt move forward, executing the logic of a few dying for the overwhelming majority — grimly, calmly and at times with humor. Grace, by contrast, cries that he would rather live on Earth a little longer, even if only for a few more years. He sobs in front of Stratt. Even without anyone depending on him, the film treats his desire to keep living as a choice that is hard to condemn. The film does not rule on which side is right. It presents, on equal terms, those who want to stay and those who choose to leave to die, emphasizing that different people make different decisions. The review argues that the film’s gaze is warm in the way it acknowledges and contains those competing human impulses. It even invites viewers to understand Stratt, who forces Grace onto the ship, as someone acting from her own position and sense of necessity. The review concludes that the film leaves an additional, lingering impression: people pursuing what they believe is the best choice, from where they stand, can appear admirable even when their decisions collide. * ‘Leftover review’: A review of the smaller impressions that remain after the main takeaways from cultural content. 2026-03-31 18:04:14
  • Kim Hyo-joo rises to No. 3 in women’s world golf rankings after back-to-back LPGA wins
    Kim Hyo-joo rises to No. 3 in women’s world golf rankings after back-to-back LPGA wins Kim Hyo-joo, who has won the past two LPGA Tour events, climbed to No. 3 in the women’s world golf rankings. In the rankings released March 31 (Korean time), Kim had 6.71 points, up one spot from No. 4 last week. It is the best ranking of her career. Her previous high was No. 4, reached in March 2015 and again last week. Kim successfully defended her title at the Ford Championship, which ended March 30 at Whirlwind Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Following her victory at the previous event, the Fortinet Founders Cup, she won in consecutive weeks and raised her career LPGA total to nine titles. With her recent form, Kim is within reach of the top spot. Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand leads the rankings with 10.81 points, followed by Nelly Korda of the United States with 8.44. The world rankings are based on results over the past two years. Among South Koreans, Kim Sei-young is next highest at No. 10, down one place. Yoo Hae-ran held steady at No. 13, and Choi Hye-jin remained No. 15.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 17:48:00
  • South Korea Passes Law to Promote Hanbok Culture and Industry
    South Korea Passes Law to Promote Hanbok Culture and Industry A new legal framework has been put in place to systematically promote hanbok, a signature cultural asset tied to Korean history and identity. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the 31st that the National Assembly passed a bill to enact the Hanbok Culture Industry Promotion Act. The measure marks the culmination of efforts that began with its first proposal in the 19th National Assembly in 2013, after repeated introductions and expirations. The ministry said it establishes a foundation for promoting hanbok culture and developing the related industry. Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, has evolved over centuries alongside daily life. But as Western-style living spread, it gradually fell out of everyday use. In recent years, however, younger people have helped popularize modernized “everyday hanbok,” and the hanbok rental business has grown, reshaping the market. Calls have increased for policies that preserve hanbok’s value while integrating contemporary design so it can take root as part of daily culture. Under the new law, the government must draw up a five-year master plan for promoting the hanbok culture industry and prepare annual implementation plans. It also requires regular surveys of industry conditions to strengthen policy continuity and reflect on-the-ground needs. The act also sets out a basis for support including training specialized workers, identifying and awarding best practices, backing hanbok education, assisting startups and production, and promoting research and development. It designates Oct. 21 each year as Hanbok Day and calls for that week to be observed as Hanbok Culture Week to help build public interest. The ministry said it will use the law as a springboard to push policies aimed at making hanbok more common in daily life, expanding the industry and promoting it overseas. To encourage everyday wear, it plans to expand public-participation events tied to major occasions such as holidays and Hanbok Culture Week, and to strengthen cooperation with cultural institutions including national and public museums and local hanbok creative centers to offer a wider range of programs linked to hanbok. To support industrial growth, it will expand its “Hanbok Wave” project to help companies find new sales channels, promoting hanbok developed in collaboration with Korean Wave stars through major digital billboards and social media. It also plans to run a “Business Day” at the Hanbok Shop event at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in August and broaden cooperation with the industry, including improving access to hanbok workwear through online platforms. For global outreach, the ministry said it will pursue international promotion tied to major fashion weeks, aiming to enter overseas fashion markets. It also plans hanbok experiences and fashion shows at major international events such as the Olympics and Korea Season to showcase hanbok on the global stage. The law will take effect one year after it is promulgated. The ministry said it will broadly gather opinions from relevant sectors as it drafts the enforcement decree. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 17:33:43
  • Dongkook, Yuhan and Celltrion Post Global Marketing, Donation Updates
    Dongkook, Yuhan and Celltrion Post Global Marketing, Donation Updates Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s Centellian24 joins major global beauty expo Dongkook Pharmaceutical said its dermacosmetic brand Centellian24 participated in Cosmoprof Bologna 2026, billed as the world’s largest beauty trade show, held March 26-29 in Bologna, Italy. Now in its 57th year, the event is a venue for sharing market trends and business opportunities. Organizers drew about 3,100 companies from more than 150 countries and more than 250,000 industry participants, the company said. Centellian24 attended for a second straight year and ran a standalone booth to expand contact with global buyers. The booth featured hands-on demonstrations of key products including Madeca Cream Time Reverse; Expert Madeca Cream Active Renew PDRN; 360 Shot PDRN Active Serum; 360 Shot PDRN Lifting Eye Cream; 360 Shot PDRN Glowing Eye Patch; and the Madeca Prime Max beauty device. Yuhan holds blood drive across sites to support supply and cancer patients Yuhan said it ran a “blood donation campaign to save lives” across its operations, including its Daebang-dong headquarters as well as research facilities and plants, to help ease blood shortages and support cancer patients. The campaign was held over three days — March 16, 17 and 20 — the company said. Yuhan has run the program since 2008 and holds it regularly twice a year, in the first and second halves. A total of 71 employees participated this time, bringing cumulative participation to about 2,500, it said. Employees also donated blood donation certificates, which are to be used through the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation to support pediatric cancer patients who need transfusions. Celltrion holds Brazil launch event for autoimmune drug Omliclo Celltrion said it held a launch event in Brazil — the largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America — for Omliclo, an autoimmune disease treatment whose active ingredient is omalizumab. About 80 people attended, including Brazilian specialists in allergy, respiratory medicine and dermatology, as well as representatives from insurers, the company said. Presentations covered Omliclo’s clinical data, global prescribing experience and its value in real-world care settings. Attendees showed strong interest in prescribing experience and expressed expectations for broader use, Celltrion said. Celltrion’s Brazil unit has continued local marketing since launching Omliclo there in November. It recently won a bid from the Santa Catarina state government, securing an early supply channel, the company said. With Omliclo launched as a “first mover” in Brazil, Celltrion said it expects additional bid wins to continue. Jaseng delivers rice donation in Busan and launches local volunteer group Jaseng Medical Foundation said it delivered 480 bags of 10-kilogram white rice to the Busan Community Chest on March 30 to support food needs among vulnerable residents. The Busan city government will assist with administrative support for recipients, while the Busan Community Chest will select households in need, the foundation said. Each selected household will receive 10 kilograms of rice, to be distributed through food banks and food markets across Busan’s 16 districts and counties. A launch ceremony for the Busan Jaseng Volunteer Group was also held after the donation event. The group, formed with 21 members, is a private volunteer organization made up of local residents and aims to build sustained ties with the community, the foundation said. Busan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital will support its operations and activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 17:29:12
  • Debate Flares Over Adding Hangul Signboard to Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Gate
    Debate Flares Over Adding Hangul Signboard to Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Gate "This issue should be viewed from the perspective of making new history and properly showing national identity." (Lee Geon-beom, head of the Hangul Culture Solidarity) "Whatever the justification, if it goes this way, Gwanghwamun and Gwanghwamun Square will be reduced to a ruler's 'playground.'" (Choi Jong-deok, former head of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage) On March 31, a forum at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History in Seoul highlighted sharp divisions over whether to add a Hangul signboard at Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Supporters argued for a “creative inheritance of the spirit of the times,” while opponents stressed restoring the gate to its original form. Lee Geon-beom, a presenter at the forum, said South Korea's modern identity should be expressed at Gwanghwamun, calling it a national symbolic space and the birthplace of Hangul. Hanging a Hangul signboard, he said, would reflect not only past identity but also that of the present and future. Lee argued that Hangul is central to national identity under the Constitution and that a Hangul signboard would help restore that identity. He cited a 2004 Constitutional Court ruling that described as basic constitutional matters of national identity “making our language the national language and our script Hangul,” along with defining territory and clarifying where sovereignty resides. Lee said South Korea should show the world the history of Hangul as a national script and an independent culture. He added that the ideals of a democratic republic are rooted in King Sejong's “spirit of serving the people,” and said a Hangul signboard should hang at the center of the country. Opponents emphasized the importance of restoring the original form. Choi Jong-deok, another presenter, said the past revives memory and shows who people are, arguing that the goal should not be to create something that never existed but to reveal, among the traces of history, what is desirable for the present and future. Choi said removing the legacy of 36 years of Japanese imperial rule that trampled Joseon palaces and restoring the palace symbol that lasted more than 500 years is a legitimate right for Koreans living today. Choi pointed to cases including a change to the Gwanghwamun signboard under the Park Chung-hee government and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's plan to install 22 sculptures symbolizing countries that fought in the Korean War. He criticized the area around Gwanghwamun as increasingly becoming a “propaganda site” for those in power, and argued that the past should be left to testify to the society and culture of its time. Hong Seok-ju, a professor of architecture at Seoil University, said it would be appropriate to consider a Hangul signboard after the restoration of Gyeongbokgung is fully completed. He said changes should be made quickly if a plan closer to the original is found, but moving further away from the original requires caution. Kim Hyeong-woo, head of the Korean Peninsula Culture and Tourism Research Institute, argued that Gwanghwamun, a major tourist landmark, should have a Hangul signboard. He said the gate does not currently convey a strong narrative as the birthplace of Hangul, and that a Hangul signboard would symbolically declare that Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung, is where Hangul was created. Another participant suggested considering new high-tech media rather than a signboard. Lee Kang-min, a professor of architecture at the Korea National University of Arts, said Hangul is among the most scientific writing systems and best suited to a digital environment. He said it would be desirable if Hangul could be implemented in Gwanghwamun Square in a way that contrasts with ink-based culture and presents forward-looking messages about South Korea's future. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 17:27:29
  • Tree-planting events begin nationwide ahead of Arbor Day
    Tree-planting events begin nationwide ahead of Arbor Day Gyeonggi, March 31 (AJP) - A tree-planting event took place at a park in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province on Tuesday, about a week ahead of Arbor Day. The spring day, which falls on April 5 and marks the 81st anniversary this year, has been observed since 1946 to raise awareness of the importance of trees and forest resources, encouraging tree planting to restore devastated forests and create a more pleasant living environment. Although Arbor Day is no longer observed as a public holiday, having once been designated as such in 1949, central and provincial governments hold various events nationwide each year to highlight the value of forests and support efforts to tackle climate change. 2026-03-31 17:27:06
  • Asian stocks slump on war fears, chip rout hits KOSPI
    Asian stocks slump on war fears, chip rout hits KOSPI SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Asian stocks overall traded lower on Tuesday, with South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI extending losses for a fourth straight session amid uncertainty surrounding the Iran crisis and weakness in global semiconductor shares. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.58 percent to 51,063.72, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index edged down 0.16 percent to 24,712.24, China’s Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.80 percent to 3,891.86, and Taiwan’s TAIEX Index fell 2.45 percent to 31,722.99. The KOSPI opened 2.53 percent lower at 5,143.75 and fell 4.26 percent to close at 5,052.46, after briefly threatening to dip below the 5,000 level in early trade. It later pared losses to reclaim the 5,200 mark, but selling pressure intensified again toward the close. Heavyweight chip stocks led the decline, as concerns grew that the sharp rally in memory prices driven by the AI boom could lose momentum. Samsung Electronics plunged 5.16 percent to close at 167,200 won, after opening 3.57 percent lower at 170,000 won and briefly trimming losses to 174,700 won before resuming its decline. The company’s announcement that it would cancel about 14.5 trillion won worth of treasury shares failed to support the stock. SK hynix also dropped sharply, falling 7.56 percent to 807,000 won, tracking a steep overnight sell-off in semiconductor stocks on Wall Street. In the auto sector, Hyundai Motor declined 5.11 percent to 445,500 won, slipping to fourth in market capitalization as the Iran conflict raised concerns over supply chain disruptions and production setbacks. Analysts warned that a prolonged war could pressure margins and disrupt supplies of key inputs such as plastics, chemicals and automotive semiconductors, while longer shipping routes could add to near-term production risks. However, a weaker won and a higher share of high-margin models, including SUVs, Genesis vehicles and hybrids, are expected to support profitability. Affiliate Kia fell 4.16 percent to 145,200 won, and Hyundai Mobis dropped 5.03 percent to 378,000 won. In the shipbuilding and defense sector, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shed 3.12 percent to 465,000 won, and Hanwha Aerospace lost 4.51 percent to 1,249,000 won. In biopharmaceuticals, Samsung Biologics slipped 1.70 percent to 1,504,000 won and Celltrion declined 2.13 percent to 197,200 won. Financials were also lower, with KB Financial Group falling 2.74 percent to 141,900 won, Samsung Life Insurance dropping 4.10 percent to 210,500 won, Shinhan Financial declining 3.09 percent to 87,700 won, and Mirae Asset Securities edging down 1.75 percent to 61,600 won. Elsewhere, Samsung C&T fell 2.31 percent to 253,500 won and Doosan Enerbility dropped 2.55 percent to 91,800 won, Hanwha Ocean was the only gainer among the major stocks, rising 1.69 percent to close at 120,200 won. On the secondary KOSDAQ market, Samchundang Pharm plunged 29.98 percent to 829,000 won, retreating sharply from recent highs above 1.1 million won the previous day. The drop came despite the company’s announcement of an exclusive agreement in the United States for an oral semaglutide generic, which includes about $100 million in conditional payments and a 90 percent share of sales for 10 years, as profit-taking emerged amid concerns over stretched valuations after a rapid rally. The Korean won traded at 1,529.30 per dollar, weakening further from around 1,522.60 earlier in the day, as persistent geopolitical tensions, elevated oil prices and strong dollar demand continued to weigh on the currency. 2026-03-31 17:24:13
  • Tracing humanity in the age of AI; MMCAs Deep Time
    Tracing humanity in the age of AI; MMCA's Deep Time SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - In an age where artificial intelligence processes information at lightning speed, what makes humans uniquely human? At the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the answer unfolds not through data, but through the patient gaze of a detective — observing, tracking and interpreting over time. The museum on March 31 unveiled its 2026 performing arts program, Deep Time, a yearlong exploration of how humans perceive, question and endure in an era increasingly shaped by machines. The museum announced on March 31 that it will host MMCA Performing Arts 2026 'Deep Time' from April 1 through December 6, exploring humanity's distinctive approach to observation and inquiry in the AI era. The long-term project will unfold over two years. This year's Chapter I, themed 'Observation and Tracking,' explores "deep and slow" time revealed through persistent observation over extended durations. Next year's Chapter II, 'Slow Creep,' will examine how this accumulated deep time transforms both the observer and the observed. At a briefing held on Tuesday, electronic music composer Ryoji Ikeda and contemporary music ensemble Ensemble Modern presented a collaborative work. Detailed programs will be revealed sequentially each month. 2026-03-31 17:08:22
  • Why yacht tour is best way to enjoy Busans iconic Gwangan Bridge
    Why yacht tour is best way to enjoy Busan's iconic Gwangan Bridge BUSAN, March 31 (AJP) -A yacht tour would be the best way to soak in the beauty of Gwangan Bridge, one of the must-see landmarks in the southern port city of Busan. Several tour programs are available at Haeundae Beach, the city's most famous beach, known for its long sandy shoreline and seaside attractions. Depending on the type of yacht, routes may vary, but some tours take you right under Gwangan Bridge, offering breathtaking views of Busan's coastal scenery. Cruise tours run throughout the day. Daytime tours are perfect for exploring Busan's urban landscape, while nighttime tours offer spectacular views of the bridge lit up against the city skyline. Tours on every Saturday evening are especially popular, coinciding with a weekly drone show that passengers can enjoy against the stunning night sky, with the bridge as a dramatic backdrop. 2026-03-31 16:38:05