Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • NK assembly reaffirms Kim Jong-un as head of state, watched for Iran response
    NK assembly reaffirms Kim Jong-un as head of state, watched for Iran response SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was reappointed as head of state at the opening session of the new Supreme People’s Assembly, closely watched for Pyongyang's rhetoric on inter-Korean relationship, U.S., and nuclear amid U.S.-led attacks on Iran over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The Korean Central News Agency said the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly opened in Pyongyang and “again highly elevated Comrade Kim Jong-un to the post of president of the State Affairs.” Under North Korea’s constitution, the State Affairs Commission is the country’s highest state policy body, and its president serves as the supreme leader and head of state. Kim has held the post since the commission was created in 2016, and his latest reappointment – third - formalizes the continuation of his rule under the new parliamentary term. The SPA, North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature, typically meets to approve personnel changes and codify decisions already made by the ruling Workers’ Party. The session was accompanied by a notable reshuffle in the upper ranks of the regime. Choe Ryong Hae, long regarded as one of the North’s most powerful officials and formerly chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, appears to have stepped down after being left off the list of delegates to the new assembly, according to reports preceding and following the session. He was succeeded by Jo Yong Won, a senior party secretary and one of Kim’s closest aides, who was also named first vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, further underscoring his rise in the leadership hierarchy. In a rare move for North Korea’s tightly controlled political system, KCNA said Choe delivered a farewell message in which he declared that the country had “permanently secured its status as a nuclear weapons state” and further strengthened its socialist system. Public remarks from departing senior officials are unusual in Pyongyang, where leadership transitions are normally handled without open acknowledgment. Other appointments included Ri Son Gwon, a former inter-Korean affairs official, and Kim Hyong Sik, a party legal official, as vice chairmen of the State Affairs Commission. Premier Pak Thae Song retained his post, while former premier Kim Tok Hun was appointed to the newly created role of first vice premier, according to KCNA. KCNA also said the Second Economic Committee, which oversees munitions production and defense industry planning, would be placed under the Cabinet, though it did not disclose who would lead the body. Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s influential sister, was removed from the State Affairs Commission, while Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho retained their posts. In another notable sign of institutional change, Rodong Sinmun referred to Ri Chang Dae, previously known as minister of state security, as head of a “State Intelligence Bureau,” suggesting a possible renaming or restructuring of the internal security apparatus. The SPA session also took up amendments to the socialist constitution, implementation of the country’s new five-year national policy plan and state budget issues for 2025 and 2026, though state media gave no details. Analysts are watching closely to see whether the regime will formally write Kim’s “two hostile states” doctrine into the constitution, a move that could erase longstanding references to peaceful reunification and shared national identity with South Korea. KCNA’s description of the meeting as the “first session” suggests further meetings could follow, with constitutional revision likely to remain at the center of attention. 2026-03-23 11:02:48
  • Kim Hyo-joo captures Founders Cup title to reclaim throne after 11 years
    Kim Hyo-joo captures Founders Cup title to reclaim throne after 11 years SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Kim Hyo-joo secured her eighth career LPGA Tour title on Sunday, winning the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in California. The 30-year-old South Korean finished the tournament at 16-under 272, holding off a late challenge from world number two Nelly Korda to win by a single stroke. The victory marks a historic return to the winner's circle for Kim at an event she first conquered as a rookie in 2015. By reclaiming the title 11 years later, she demonstrated a rare longevity in the professional ranks, earning $450,000 from the 3-million-dollar purse. The win follows her most recent triumph at the Ford Championship in March 2025. Kim entered the final round in Menlo Park, California, with a commanding five-stroke lead. However, the closing 18 holes proved to be a test of endurance as she carded a 1-over 73, featuring four birdies and five bogeys. This uncharacteristic turbulence allowed Korda to narrow the gap significantly, briefly threatening the lead after the turn. The tension peaked at the par-3 17th, where Korda recorded a costly bogey to give Kim a two-shot cushion heading into the final hole. Despite a closing bogey on the 18th, Kim finalized the wire-to-wire victory, marking the third consecutive season in which she has recorded at least one LPGA win. Kim’s career has been defined by clinical precision and early brilliance. She first made history as a 19-year-old non-member at the 2014 Evian Championship, where she opened with a 10-under 61—the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship at the time. She eventually defeated Hall of Famer Karrie Webb to secure her first major title. Since officially joining the LPGA Tour in 2015, Kim has amassed 22 worldwide victories, including 14 on the KLPGA and 8 on the LPGA. Known for possessing one of the most fluid swings in the game, she has consistently ranked among the world’s elite, finishing in the top ten of the season-ending money list in both 2023 and 2025. Beyond individual accolades, Kim has served as a cornerstone of South Korean international golf. She represented the Republic of Korea at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and led the national team to victory at the 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown. Kim will travel to Arizona next week to defend her title at the Ford Championship. Currently ranked eighth in the world, she has resurgent form, suggesting she remains a primary contender as the tour approaches the major championship season. Kim becomes the first player this season to lead a tournament from the first round through the final putt. 2026-03-23 10:54:42
  • Scientists turn toxic gas into medical tool using electric signals
    Scientists turn toxic gas into medical tool using electric signals SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a technology to control hydrogen sulfide using electrical signals, turning a gas typically known for its toxic nature and foul odor into a precise medical treatment tool. KAIST said Monday that the study, led by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering's Professor Park Ji-min, introduces a bioelectronic platform capable of generating and delivering hydrogen sulfide to specific locations at exact times. This development marks a significant step toward precision medicine, where treatments can be applied to targeted areas without systemic side effects. Hydrogen sulfide is often associated with the smell of rotten eggs and is known as a hazardous substance. However, recent biological research has identified it as a crucial signaling molecule in the human body that maintains cell health and regulates protein functions by acting as a chemical switch. While it has therapeutic potential, hydrogen sulfide is difficult to use in medicine because it is a highly reactive gas that disappears quickly. Controlling its concentration and delivering it to a specific organ or tissue has remained a major technical challenge until now. To solve this, the KAIST team drew inspiration from bacterial systems to create a method that applies electricity to thiosulfate, a substance safe for the human body, to produce hydrogen sulfide. This electrochemical approach offers much higher safety and precision than traditional chemical injection methods. The researchers identified silver as the most effective material for the electrodes. Silver electrodes selectively promote the production of hydrogen sulfide while minimizing unnecessary side reactions, allowing for the fine-tuning of the gas amount and release speed simply by adjusting the voltage and timing. Testing the platform on human-derived cells, the team successfully activated specific ion channels that sense pain and stimuli. Furthermore, when applied to cells damaged by oxidative stress, the electrically controlled hydrogen sulfide restored cellular balance and promoted healing with virtually no observed toxicity. "This research is significant because it transforms hydrogen sulfide, once considered only a toxic substance, into a new tool for regulating biological systems via electrical signals," Professor Park Ji-min said. He added that the technology has high potential for expansion into digital healthcare and precision medical devices for treating neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The findings were published on March 19, 2026, in the international journal Science Advances. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Science Advances Title: Bioelectronic Synthesis of Hydrogen Sulfide Enables Spatiotemporal Regulation of Protein Modification and Cellular Redox Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3401 2026-03-23 10:38:13
  • Kim Hyo-joo wins LPGA Founders Cup for eighth career title, first since 2015
    Kim Hyo-joo wins LPGA Founders Cup for eighth career title, first since 2015 Kim Hyo-joo captured the LPGA Tour’s Fortinet Founders Cup, earning her eighth career victory. Kim shot a 1-over 73 on Monday in the final round at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park, California, with four birdies and five bogeys on the par-72 course. She finished at 16-under 272, edging Nelly Korda of the United States by one shot. Korda was 15-under 273. The winner’s check was $450,000 (about 680 million won). The victory was Kim’s first since the Ford Championship in March last year. She also became the eighth South Korean player to reach eight LPGA wins, joining a list that includes Pak Se-ri (25), Park In-bee (21), Ko Jin-young (15), Kim Sei-young (13), Shin Ji-ae (11), Choi Na-yeon (9) and Kim Mi-hyun (8). Kim led from the opening round through the final round for a wire-to-wire win, reclaiming the title 11 years after her first Founders Cup victory in 2015, her LPGA debut season. “Unexpected things happened, like being tied after leading,” Kim said in a televised interview after the win. “I have some regrets, but I’m happy to win,” she said with a smile. With Kim’s victory, South Korea has won two straight LPGA events, following Lee Mi-hyang’s win at the Blue Bay LPGA two weeks ago. It is the first time since 2020 that South Korean players have won two of the season’s first five tournaments. That year, Park Hee-young won the ISPS Handa Vic Open and Park In-bee won the ISPS Handa Australian Women’s Open. South Korean players also stood out on the leaderboard, placing four golfers in the top five. Kim Sei-young and Lim Jin-hee tied for third at 11-under 277. For Kim Sei-young, it was her second top-10 finish of the season after a tie for 10th at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Yoo Hae-ran finished tied for fifth at 10-under 278.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 10:27:00
  • KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low
    KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI tumbled at the open on Monday, triggering a sell-side sidecar as investor sentiment soured sharply on energy crisis after an U.S. ultimatum on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. As of 9:54 a.m., Seoul's main index sank 6 percent 5,430.24, and the KOSDAQ nearly 5 percent to 1,105.33. Losers overwhelmed gainers by 859 to 57. The dollar hit 1,510.40, the first time above 1,510 since March of 2009 amid the global financial crisis. Fears of a broader conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran — coupled with surging oil prices and a global market sell-off — drove a broad risk-off sentiment, sending equities sharply lower. The escalation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face destruction on its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. Index-heavy Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plunged more than 6 percent. Automobile and mobility stocks also moved down, Hyundai Motor fell 4.06 percent to 496,000 won, Kia declined 3.62 percent to 162,400 won, and Hyundai Mobis dropped 5.12 percent to 380,000 won. In energy, chemicals and industrials, LG Energy Solution slipped 3.60 percent to 362,000 won, SK Square plunged 8.72 percent to 555,000 won, Doosan Enerbility fell 5.29 percent to 103,800 won, Hanwha Aerospace declined 4.24 percent to 1,264,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped 6.80 percent to 521,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean fell 5.58 percent to 121,900 won. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics edged down 3.31 percent to 1,548,000 won, while Celltrion declined 4.80 percent to 192,300 won. Financial shares followed the downward trend, with KB Financial Group falling 3.80 percent to 149,300 won, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 5.91 percent to 63,700 won, Samsung Life Insurance declining 4.32 percent to 221,500 won, and Shinhan Financial Group falling 4.29 percent to 93,700 won. 2026-03-23 10:05:09
  • Jureong Jureong Studio, Cheongju Early Printing Museum to Develop AI Guide for Jikji Exhibits
    Jureong Jureong Studio, Cheongju Early Printing Museum to Develop AI Guide for 'Jikji' Exhibits AR and AI content company Jureong Jureong Studio said it signed a mutual cooperation agreement with the Cheongju Early Printing Museum on March 23 and will begin work in earnest on the museum’s digital transformation project. The agreement marks the company’s first public-sector partnership applying its AI technology to cultural heritage. The centerpiece is an intelligent docent system that combines AI with printing-related cultural assets, including “Jikji,” described as the world’s oldest existing metal type book. Under the deal, the two sides will convert museum-held data — including academic materials on Jikji and metal type, exhibition narration scripts and verified images — into AI training assets. They plan to develop a location-based intelligent docent system designed to respond in real time in exhibition zones or in front of artifacts. Jureong Jureong Studio said it will build an AI docent platform using RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) technology, based on the specialized data provided by the museum. The service will use a location-based interface so visitors can experience real-time responses at exhibits. The company said the service will be offered as multimodal AI combining visuals, voice and text. It is designed to automatically provide tailored explanations for different visitor groups, including children, foreigners and people with disabilities. Jureong Jureong Studio said it will plan AI storytelling content and develop the docent system based on the museum’s academic expertise to avoid historical distortion, and will use the project to pursue digital transformation demand among cultural heritage institutions in South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 10:03:15
  • U.S. Iran oil waiver offers limited relief for Korea, little help for petrochemicals
    U.S. Iran oil waiver offers limited relief for Korea, little help for petrochemicals SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - A temporary U.S. decision to allow the sale of Iranian oil already at sea is expected to ease near-term supply pressures, but offers limited relief for South Korea’s petrochemical sector struggling with naphtha naphtha shortages from Strait of Hormuz disruption. The U.S. Treasury Department has authorized a 30-day waiver covering Iranian crude loaded before March 20, a move aimed at injecting additional supply into global markets and stabilizing prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday defended the decision, arguing that it would not materially strengthen Tehran while benefiting U.S. allies. “Iran already gets a huge amount of the money, because Iran is the largest sponsor of state terrorism, and China has been funding them,” Bessent said. “This sale…would help the United States’ Asian allies, like Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.” For South Korea, the additional supply—estimated at around 140 million barrels globally—could help ease price volatility and improve access to crude suited for domestic refineries. Iranian crude, typically medium-sour, aligns well with Korea’s refining system, allowing efficient processing without major adjustments. The government has yet to issue an official response. The measure is unlikely to significantly ease pressure on Korea’s petrochemical industry, which depends heavily on condensate, a key feedstock for naphtha production. Before U.S.-led sanctions, Iran was a critical supplier. According to the Korea Petroleum Association, Iranian crude accounted for 14 percent of Korea’s total imports in March 2018 before dropping sharply as sanctions tightened. More importantly, Iran supplied about half of Korea’s condensate imports in 2017. Iranian condensate is prized for its high naphtha yield—the base material for petrochemical products—and is typically sold at a discount compared with alternatives, making it both efficient and cost-competitive. The current waiver does not restore direct imports from Iran, nor does it signal a broader shift in sanctions policy. It is restricted to stranded oil—much of it already purchased, often by China—to re-enter the market. 2026-03-23 09:38:31
  • Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan Warns of Legal Action Over Ex-Manager’s Online Claims
    Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan Warns of Legal Action Over Ex-Manager’s Online Claims Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan said he will take legal action over an online post accusing him of misconduct. On Monday, Kim wrote on social media that he would not address “personal relationships,” but warned that if the spread of false information continues, he will pursue “all civil and criminal legal measures.” Earlier, a person identified only as A, who claimed to be Kim’s former manager, posted on an online community: “A few years ago or now, how can you be exactly the same? You drink, go live on SNS and fight with fans — and this time, did you want to be a hero?” A is believed to have written the post after Kim shared a message on March 21 that read, “Anyone want to cheer for Dingdong for no reason?” 2026-03-23 09:27:15
  • DeChambeau wins LIV Golf South Africa for second straight title, earns $8.9 million in two weeks
    DeChambeau wins LIV Golf South Africa for second straight title, earns $8.9 million in two weeks 브라이슨 디섐보(미국)가 LIV 골프 남아프리카공화국(총상금 3000만 달러) 대회에서 우승하며 2주 연속 정상에 올랐다. 디섐보는 22일(현지시간) 남아공 요하네스버그 인근 미드랜드의 더 클럽 앳 스테인시티(파71)에서 열린 최종 라운드까지 합계 26언더파 258타를 기록했다. 그는 욘 람(스페인)과 연장전에서 첫 홀인 18번 홀(파5)에서 팁인 버디를 잡아 우승을 확정했다. LIV 골프 개인전 통산 5승째다. 디섐보는 지난주 싱가포르 대회에 이어 2주 연속 LIV 골프 개인전 우승을 차지했다. 싱가포르 대회에서는 연장전 끝에 이태훈(캐나다)을 꺾고 정상에 올랐다. 두 대회 연속 우승으로 디섐보는 2주 동안 상금 890만 달러(약 134억원)를 벌었다. 개인전 우승 상금 400만 달러씩 800만 달러(약 120억원)를 챙겼고, 단체전에서는 6위와 1위로 합계 90만 달러(약 13억원)를 추가했다. 송영한은 합계 16언더파 268타로 공동 17위에 올랐다. 지난주 싱가포르 대회 준우승자 이태훈은 합계 12언더파 272타로 공동 31위를 기록했다. 안병훈은 합계 8언더파 276타로 공동 44위다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 09:24:00
  • Im Sung-jae finishes fourth at Valspar as Fitzpatrick claims victory
    Im Sung-jae finishes fourth at Valspar as Fitzpatrick claims victory SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Im Sung-jae secured a tie for fourth place at the Valspar Championship on Sunday, marking his strongest performance of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old South Korean entered the final round at Florida's Innisbrook Resort with a two-stroke lead, seeking his third career victory on the PGA Tour. A challenging closing 3-over 74 left him at 8-under 276 for the tournament, three strokes behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick. The result signals a vital return to form for Seoul’s most consistent golfer. Im had been sidelined throughout January and February due to right wrist inflammation following his mandatory military basic training. After missing the cut in his previous two starts this month, his 54-hole lead at the Copperhead Course effectively ended concerns regarding his physical recovery. Im established himself as a premier talent early in his career, earning the 2019 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. Known as the "Ironman" for his heavy playing schedule, he remains the only player to reach the season-ending Tour Championship in every season since his debut. His performance in Florida marks his first top-ten finish of the year. The final round proved difficult as Im carded five bogeys through his first ten holes. He managed to stabilize his round on the back nine, highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the edge of the green on the par-4 16th. While the late surge was not enough to reclaim the lead, the top-five finish provides significant momentum heading into the Masters in April. Britain's Fitzpatrick clinched the title with a 4-meter birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 11-under 273. The victory was his first since the 2023 RBC Heritage and earned him a $1.6 million prize. David Lipsky finished one stroke back in second place, while Jordan Smith took third. Other South Korean competitors also delivered notable performances at Innisbrook. Kim Seong-hyeon shot a 1-under 70 to finish tied for seventh at 7-under 277, his best result since May 2024. Kim Joo-hyung finished in a tie for 18th at 4-under 280, level with Brooks Koepka. The PGA Tour continues next week as players make their final preparations for the first major championship of the year. Im is expected to remain the highest-ranked South Korean player in the world rankings following this result. 2026-03-23 09:15:11