Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Volvo Korea Says EX30 Orders Top 1,000 a Week After Price Cut
    Volvo Korea Says EX30 Orders Top 1,000 a Week After Price Cut Volvo Car Korea said Thursday that new orders for its premium all-electric SUV, the EX30, topped 1,000 within a week of the company announcing price cuts. The company said the result shows the model’s product competitiveness and its aggressive pricing strategy are gaining traction even as competition intensifies in the electric-vehicle market. As part of a strategy to lower barriers to entry for imported premium EVs and strengthen its leadership in the EV market, Volvo Car Korea previously cut prices for the EX30 and the EX30 Cross Country (EX30CC) by as much as 7.61 million won, depending on trim. After the reductions, the EX30 Core is priced at 39.91 million won (down 7.61 million won), the EX30 Ultra at 44.79 million won (down 7 million won), and the EX30CC Ultra at 48.12 million won (down 7 million won). Volvo Car Korea said the move was intended not only as a pricing decision but also to deepen long-term relationships with existing customers who have chosen and trusted the brand. The company said it will continue to strengthen its value as a premium brand by standing behind the vehicle’s product quality and safety, as well as the ownership experience after purchase. “This achievement reflects a match between customer demand and our global strategy to lead the EV market, built on the EX30’s strong product competitiveness,” Volvo Car Korea CEO Lee Yoon-mo said. He added the company will keep working to deliver what it calls the value of “Swedish luxury” to more customers and help them experience it.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 09:54:16
  • Trump open to talk with North Korean leader, White House says
    Trump 'open to talk' with North Korean leader, White House says SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - The U.S. "remains open to dialogue" with North Korea, the White House said on Thursday. Reaffirming that U.S. policy on North Korea remains unchanged, the White House said U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to speak with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "without any preconditions," when asked by reporters about the possibility of talks. The comments came a day after Kim said Pyongyang has "no reason not to get along with the U.S." if Washington withdraws what he called its "hostile policy," during a key party congress that wrapped up its week-long gathering. Kim said, "The prospects for –U.S. relations depend entirely on the attitude of the U.S. side," while making no mention of the South, even as Seoul has repeatedly made conciliatory gestures as part of efforts to improve inter-Korean relations. In this atmosphere, the possibility of talks between Trump and Kim now appears on the horizon, coinciding with Trump's planned trip to China later next month. Trump met Kim three times during his first term - the first in Singapore in June 2018, the second in Hanoi, Viet Nam in February 2019, and the last at the inter-Korean border truce village of Panmunjom in June 2019. 2026-02-27 09:30:03
  • Hanwha Aerospace Enters Global LNG Trading With 20-Year Venture Global Deal
    Hanwha Aerospace Enters Global LNG Trading With 20-Year Venture Global Deal Hanwha Aerospace is entering the global liquefied natural gas distribution business for the first time. The company said Thursday it signed an LNG purchase agreement with Venture Global, a major U.S. LNG producer. Under the deal, Hanwha Aerospace will secure 1.5 million tons of LNG a year for 20 years starting in 2030 and plans to supply it to end users in Europe, Asia and other markets. The annual volume equals about 4.4% of South Korea’s LNG consumption in 2024, which totaled about 34.12 million tons. The agreement is part of the group’s push to build a “global LNG value chain” by combining affiliate capabilities. Hanwha Ocean provides capacity to build LNG carriers and offshore infrastructure such as floating LNG production facilities, or FLNG. Hanwha Energy has LNG power generation and operating capabilities. Hanwha Shipping will handle ocean transport. Hanwha Aerospace said the LNG move is intended to secure a future growth engine and, by strengthening “energy security” capabilities, bolster the global competitiveness of its core defense and shipbuilding businesses. As more countries view energy supply chains as tied to national security, major nations including those in Europe are adopting stable LNG supply as a key security strategy, the company said. Against that backdrop, Hanwha Aerospace said it plans to use LNG as leverage to expand defense exports and, over the long term, strengthen security partnerships with customer countries. It also expects increased LNG carrier orders for Hanwha Ocean. “Defense, shipbuilding and the energy industry are closely linked because they are core elements of national security,” a Hanwha Aerospace official said. “We will contribute to global security through eco-friendly energy solutions that cover production, distribution and use.” Hanwha Aerospace said it has been building an LNG business base in stages. In 2024, it invested about 180 billion won in U.S. LNG company NextDecade. In 2025, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Energy and Korea Southern Power to expand the global LNG supply chain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 09:24:18
  • Park Ji-hoon sheds ‘cute’ image with darker turn in ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’
    Park Ji-hoon sheds ‘cute’ image with darker turn in ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ This series looks back at the works that shaped today’s top stars. “Lee Kun-hee’s Fame” highlights signature projects, scenes and lines that marked their careers. <Editor’s note> Singer-actor Park Ji-hoon, known early on for a boyish charm as a member of Wanna One, is drawing attention for a darker, more intense screen presence. He reached a new turning point with the film “The Man Who Lives With the King,” released on Feb. 4, which he used to showcase his acting range. As of the previous day, the film had drawn a cumulative 6,733,443 admissions, according to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, raising expectations it could reach 10 million moviegoers. Though his idol image remains strong, Park is a 21-year acting veteran. He debuted as a child actor in the 2006 MBC drama “Jumong” and has since built a steady résumé across television and film. “Saved in my heart” Park became widely known for the line “Saved in my heart.” On Mnet’s national audition show “Produce 101 Season 2” in 2017, he finished second at age 17 and went on to promote with Wanna One, a group that rose to nationwide popularity. His “Saved in my heart” line, delivered with a cute gesture during the competition, became one of the program’s defining moments and helped make him instantly recognizable to the public. “Don’t cross the line.” Park’s breakthrough as an actor came with the webtoon-based Wavve original “Weak Hero Class 1.” He played Yeon Si-eun, a student consumed by studying but capable of striking back when provoked, and drew notice for a performance that shifted from vulnerability to a cold, controlled intensity. In the Netflix release “Weak Hero Class 2,” Yeon continues as a character who misses his friend Ahn Su-ho (played by Choi Hyun-wook) and becomes entangled in new conflicts after a forced transfer, coming to understand what real friendship means. A scene in Season 2 in which Yeon shouts, “Don’t cross the line,” echoing a Season 1 line — “You shouldn’t cross the line,” said by Ahn as he tried to stop Yeon — stood out to viewers for capturing both Yeon’s charisma and his longing for Ahn, who is in a coma. The “Weak Hero” series not only helped establish Park as an actor but also influenced his casting in “The Man Who Lives With the King.” Director Jang Hang-jun said he wanted to cast Park after watching the series. “His eyes were different from those of an ordinary man in his 20s,” Jang said. “I liked that look — the anger and emotions sunk deep down, as if they could burst at any moment.” “Is it not you?” In “The Man Who Lives With the King,” Park plays the ill-fated King Danjong, who is forced to yield the throne to his uncle, King Sejo, after the Gyeyu Coup, then exiled and ultimately meets a tragic end. For the role, Park lost 15 kilograms, a transformation that drew attention because he was reported to have relied on diet control rather than exercise. The reasoning, according to the report, was that Danjong’s portrayal — refusing food and drink and lacking the will to live — could not convincingly show a muscular physique. Early in the film, Park’s gaze conveys a Danjong who has lost everything, making the character’s occasional flashes of royal authority stand out more sharply. Danjong is not written as a character with many memorable lines, but one scene leaves a clear impression: after making a decision, he asks Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), “Is it not you?” underscoring how deeply he cares for him. In another moment, when Eom’s son Taesan (played by Kim Min) is threatened, Danjong erupts at the villain Han Myeong-hoe (played by Yoo Ji-tae), saying, “You wretch — how dare you insult the royal family?” Park, once best known for a cute image, has increasingly been recognized for intensity and charisma driven largely through his eyes. He is set to return in the first half of this year as Kang Seong-jae, the lead in the TVING original “Becoming a Legend as a Cook Soldier,” based on a webtoon of the same name. Kang is a private newly assigned to the Gangrim outpost who becomes a cook and accepts a “job-change quest” after following an unfamiliar voice. The role is expected to highlight a softer appeal rather than the forceful charisma seen in his recent work. ◇Park Ji-hoon filmography △Debut: 2006 MBC drama “Jumong” △Selected works 2017 Mnet audition program “Produce 101 Season 2” 2019 JTBC drama “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency” 2020 KakaoTV drama “Love Revolution” 2022 Wavve original “Weak Hero Class 1” 2025 Netflix original “Weak Hero Class 2” 2026 film “The Man Who Lives With the King” 2026-02-27 09:09:27
  • T’way Air Expands Customer Outreach With YouTube and Instagram Content
    T’way Air Expands Customer Outreach With YouTube and Instagram Content T’way Air said Thursday it is strengthening communication with customers through its official YouTube and Instagram channels. The airline is using long-form YouTube videos centered on employee stories to build trust, while focusing Instagram on follower benefits and interactive posts to grow its fan base. On YouTube, T’way Air features documentary-style long-form content in which employees appear on camera to share their work and daily routines. The airline said storytelling based on real workplaces has helped increase viewer engagement and channel growth. As of the end of this month, the channel had about 74,000 subscribers, up 153% from the same period a year earlier. Notable videos include “Vancouver Branch Manager” (400,000 views), “A Day in the Life of the Youngest Employee at Incheon Airport” (380,000), and “Newly Hired Aircraft Mechanic,” about a 30-year veteran taking on a new challenge (160,000). On Instagram, T’way Air said it is reinforcing its follower-focused approach. As of the end of this month, the account had about 210,000 followers, a 17% increase from a year earlier. The airline posts short-form videos offering behind-the-scenes looks and practical information designed to be quickly understood. It recently drew attention by switching the account to private and running an event that offered discount coupons only to followers. During the event, about 17,000 new followers joined, the airline said. Popular Instagram posts include a video on how pilots and cabin crew communicate in flight (1.13 million views), a preflight cabin crew briefing meeting (480,000), and tips on what to do if you lose earphones on board (170,000). “We are building trust with customers by showing the moments they are curious about as they are,” a T’way Air official said. “We will continue to expand empathy and communication with customers through stories that reflect employees’ concerns and pride, along with practical information.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:54:16
  • I Am Solo Season 16’s Oksun says she is preparing for marriage
    'I Am Solo' Season 16’s Oksun says she is preparing for marriage 'I Am Solo' Season 16 cast member Oksun has shared an update on her life. On the 26th, Oksun wrote on social media, “A lot of people have been asking how I’m doing, so I wanted to share an update,” adding, “It’s not that I’m sick or going through something difficult — I’m preparing for marriage.” She added, “I’ll greet you soon with good news.” In July, Oksun announced she was pregnant and received congratulations, but a month later disclosed that she had miscarried. At the time, she said, “Unfortunately, the precious little life that came to me suddenly returned to the sky,” adding, “I thought I would be OK once I entered a stable period, but because of my carelessness, I’m now going through a very painful and sad time after an unexpected goodbye.” She also asked for understanding, saying, “I would be grateful if you could be generous and watch over me with a warm heart,” and added, “I will try to overcome this hardship and return to you soon with a brighter 모습.” Oksun drew attention after appearing in 2023 on ENA and SBS Plus’ 'I Am Solo' Season 16 divorcee special. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:48:17
  • Korean Air Cut Aircraft Carbon Emissions by 420,000 Tons Last Year, Despite More Flights
    Korean Air Cut Aircraft Carbon Emissions by 420,000 Tons Last Year, Despite More Flights Korean Air said it cut carbon emissions from aircraft operations last year by more than 420,000 metric tons from the previous year, even as it flew more routes. The airline said Feb. 27 that it recently held its “2026 first-quarter Fuel Management Committee” meeting and tallied 12,184,169 metric tons of carbon emissions from its flight operations in 2025. That was down 420,055 tons, or 3.3%, from 12,604,224 tons a year earlier. Korean Air said its total number of domestic and international flights rose about 2.6% in 2025 from the previous year, making the overall emissions decline notable. The company said emissions during flight are calculated by multiplying fuel consumption by a carbon-emissions factor commonly used across the global aviation industry. Korean Air attributed the reduction to tighter fuel management across operations, including deploying newer aircraft, flying more efficient routes, selecting optimal alternate airports for short-haul flights, improving forecasts of passenger baggage and cargo weight, and optimizing aircraft center of gravity. It said it pursued these measures while adhering to its “absolute safety” principle and by strengthening coordination among relevant departments. The airline said it expanded the share of aircraft introduced since 2017 to 41.6% of total flights and reduced emissions by operating more fuel-efficient models such as the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 and the Airbus A350 and A321neo. It also applied an economically optimal cruising speed in flight planning based on factors including flight time and fuel burn, and optimized fuel loads by more accurately predicting actual payload weight, it said. Korean Air said it has continued working with air traffic control authorities to secure the shortest possible flight paths, reducing actual distance flown, fuel consumption and flight time. It said it prioritized the nearest airport among those meeting safety standards and reduced aircraft weight by optimizing fuel loads. The airline said it minimized use of auxiliary power units on the ground before takeoff and after landing to cut fuel use and emissions, and restored engine performance to improve fuel efficiency. Korean Air said it has also reorganized its companywide operating system to minimize emissions. It runs a fuel-management framework in which all organizations involved in flight operations communicate and cooperate, and it holds quarterly fuel-management committee meetings to review progress and set plans. It said it is also promoting measures to reflect frontline input and encourage voluntary participation, including awards for employees who contribute to emissions reductions and idea contests. To improve efficiency and apply more precise data, the airline said it digitized data previously recorded by hand and introduced artificial intelligence-based data processing. It said the system helps adjust onboard supplies such as drinking water and more precisely analyze and predict variables affecting passenger baggage weight, reducing deviations in baggage-weight estimates. Korean Air said its AI-based baggage-weight prediction was selected as an outstanding AI use case at the SkyTeam-led “2025 Sustainable Flight Challenge,” winning in the “Data Insight & Pioneer” category. “With a cooperative system based on voluntary participation and close communication among employees, we were able to reduce carbon emissions from flight operations,” a Korean Air official said. “This year as well, we plan to continue efforts for sustainable flight, including doing our best to meet our emissions-reduction targets.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:45:26
  • Museums Near Seoul’s Gwanghwamun to Close for BTS ‘Comeback Live’ Crowd
    Museums Near Seoul’s Gwanghwamun to Close for BTS ‘Comeback Live’ Crowd Major museums around Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square will temporarily close on March 21, when “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” is set to be held at 8 p.m. at the square, as officials brace for heavy crowds. Industry officials said on the 27th that the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History decided to close that day, and the National Folk Museum of Korea has joined the shutdown. The museums said the closures are necessary to protect visitors as large crowds are expected. Up to 260,000 people are projected to gather in the Gwanghwamun area on the day of the BTS event. Other nearby museums are also considering temporary closures, officials said. The Korea Heritage Service is discussing with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and police whether to temporarily close the National Palace Museum of Korea and suspend operations at Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksugung Palace. “We plan to make a final decision on closures and palace shutdowns sometime next week,” a Korea Heritage Service official said, adding that the agency will hold a final meeting with related institutions to confirm details, including the scope. The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is also adjusting its schedule. The musical “Anna Karenina,” the play “Wasp,” and the dance performance “Double Bill Bliss and Jackie,” which had been scheduled for that day, will not be staged. The center said it is in talks about rescheduling “Park Shin-yang’s Exhibition Show: The Fourth Wall.” Opening some Sejong Center spaces to BTS fans is also under discussion. “We are reviewing multiple options, and nothing has been finalized,” a Sejong Center official said. Police are also preparing safety measures. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has asked Seoul Metro to consider having trains pass through three subway stations — Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and City Hall — without stopping as a precaution against overcrowding. Traffic controls will also be imposed on Sejong-daero, which will be used as the performance venue, and on nearby roads including Saemunan-ro, Jongno, Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro. The police agency said it will provide advance notice through electronic road signs once control hours are set.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:16:31
  • Renault Korea Scenic E-Tech Named Korea’s 2026 Import Car of the Year
    Renault Korea Scenic E-Tech Named Korea’s 2026 Import Car of the Year Renault Korea said Feb. 27 that its compact electric SUV, the Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric, was named 2026 Import Car of the Year at the Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY) awards hosted by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA). The Scenic E-Tech had earlier won Electric Crossover of the Year at another Korea Car of the Year program hosted by the Korea Automobile Expert Journalists Association (AWAK), giving it two major domestic “car of the year” awards this year. Renault Korea said the recognition follows last year’s award for its midsize SUV, the Grand Koleos, which was named SUV of the Year. The company said the back-to-back wins reflect strong evaluations of both its locally produced models and vehicles it imports and sells in South Korea. Renault also said it became the first non-German brand to win the Import Car of the Year category in South Korea. Since the category was introduced in 2016, winners through last year had all been models from two German premium brands, the company said. Renault Korea, which changed its corporate name and logo in 2024 and announced a renewed push in the domestic market, said it operates under the motto “born in France, made in Korea.” The company said it contributes to the local economy as an automaker rooted in Busan, while offering both domestically produced vehicles from its Busan plant and imported models to broaden its lineup. The Scenic E-Tech is equipped with an 87-kilowatt-hour high-performance NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery from LG Energy Solution and has a maximum driving range of 460 kilometers under South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy certification standards, Renault Korea said. It also features “Fireman Access,” a patented battery-fire response technology developed with French fire authorities, the company said. The Scenic E-Tech previously won the 2024 European Car of the Year award.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-27 08:15:22
  • HMM Busan Relocation Plan Gains Traction as Major Shareholders Signal Support
    HMM Busan Relocation Plan Gains Traction as Major Shareholders Signal Support President Lee Jae-myung’s remarks, followed by signals of support from Korea Development Bank, a major shareholder, have brought a possible relocation of HMM’s headquarters to Busan back into focus. Industry watchers say the company could replace three outside directors whose terms end next month, then call an extraordinary shareholders meeting to revise its articles of incorporation to enable the move. Union opposition, including the possibility of a strike, remains a key variable. According to the industry on Wednesday, KDB Chairman Park Sang-jin said at a press briefing the previous day that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Ocean Business Corp. had presented a schedule to complete HMM’s move to Busan in March or April. “If the relocation is confirmed, we will actively support it,” Park said. The comments effectively formalized the relocation push in line with Lee’s presidential campaign pledge. KDB and the Korea Ocean Business Corp. are HMM’s No. 1 and No. 2 shareholders, holding 35.42% and 35.08%, respectively. The biggest obstacle is HMM’s articles of incorporation, which stipulate that the company’s headquarters is in Seoul. The company must revise the articles at a shareholders meeting before it can begin practical work for a relocation. Amending the articles requires a special resolution backed by at least two-thirds of shareholders present. With KDB, the Korea Ocean Business Corp. and the National Pension Service holding more than 70% of HMM shares, the government could secure approval if the item is put to a vote. Investment banking sources said the agenda for HMM’s regular shareholders meeting on March 26 is not expected to include an articles change. No such item was included in shareholder proposals that closed earlier this month. In the shipping industry, a leading scenario is that KDB and the Korea Ocean Business Corp. will replace the three outside directors whose terms expire at the regular meeting, convene an April board meeting to approve an articles-change proposal, and then seek shareholder approval at an extraordinary meeting in May. Practical work for the Busan move is expected to ramp up in the second half of this year. HMM’s onshore union, made up of employees working in Seoul, is strongly opposed. It is expected to begin rallies in the Yeouido area next week and hold a strike resolution rally in front of Cheong Wa Dae to block the relocation, according to reports. Under labor law, management decisions such as relocating a headquarters are generally not subject to lawful industrial action. However, that could change when the amended Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act, known as the Yellow Envelope law, takes effect next month. If a management decision is interpreted as having a substantial impact on working conditions, it could be treated as a legitimate subject of labor action. If an HMM strike materializes, it would be the first general strike at a major company since the law’s implementation, drawing close attention from business, labor and legal circles. 2026-02-26 18:04:31