Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • OPINION: Foreign residents voting rights stir fresh debate ahead of local elections in June
    OPINION: Foreign residents' voting rights stir fresh debate ahead of local elections in June SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - As an increasing number of foreign residents obtain the right to vote in elections here, calls are growing to implement reciprocal measures when granting voting rights to noncitizens. As of January 2025, approximately 140,000 foreign residents in South Korea were eligible to vote in local elections. With their numbers rising and their potential influence on election outcomes growing, some, particularly those from opposition parties, are voicing concerns ahead of the country's local elections scheduled for early June. The debate dates back to the 1990s, when South Korea urged Japan to grant voting rights to ethnic Koreans living there. In a move intended to encourage Tokyo to follow suit, Seoul granted similar rights to foreigners residing in South Korea. In 2005, revisions to the relevant laws extended local voting rights to foreigners aged 18 and older who had maintained permanent residency in South Korea for at least three years. Japan, however, still does not recognize such rights. In fact, South Korea remains the only country in Asia that allows foreign residents to vote in local elections, and even in the U.S. and Europe, such rights are allowed only in limited cases. The issue is more complicated, as it is not simply a matter of Japan refusing such rights. The more pressing concern is that a growing number of Chinese nationals with permanent residency here are having a say in local elections. But supporters say that such rights are granted only to those meeting strict criteria. Besides, their turnout rates tend to be low, as seen in the 2022 local elections, when only 13.3 percent voted, and voters are spread across the country, making it difficult to influence any single race. They also maintain that any reciprocal measures would need to include permanent residents from all countries, and since few countries grant local voting rights to South Koreans living abroad, such a move would effectively eliminate the right altogether. But opponents argue that the eligibility criteria for foreign voters are too lenient, and that if voters from a particular nationality tend to support one party, they could distort election results. They also stress that South Korea should not extend local voting rights when major countries such as the U.S., Japan, and China offer no equivalent rights to South Koreans living abroad. At the center of the dispute is not the idea of foreign voting rights itself, but the high proportion of Chinese nationals among foreign residents in South Korea. In countries like the U.S., where immigrants come from a diverse range of countries, this may be less of a concern, but in South Korea, where a single nationality can make up a large share of eligible voters, controversy is more likely. China does not grant local voting rights to foreigners residing there. In November 2022, after South Korea's Justice Ministry suggested the need to reform local voting rights for foreign permanent residents, the Chinese ambassador to South Korea promptly summoned a meeting to express objections, an unusual move that some viewed as breaching diplomatic protocols. As there are no explicit residency requirements, some permanent residents could remain abroad after obtaining voting rights and return to South Korea only when it is time to cast their ballots. To address this, two bills currently pending in the National Assembly aim to tighten these rules by requiring permanent residents to have either at least 10 years of residence after obtaining permanent residency, or at least five years, including at least 730 days spent in South Korea during the four years preceding an election. Both proposals also include a clause for reciprocal measures. Strengthening residency requirements appears to be a reasonable step, but a cautious approach is needed on reciprocal measures. The government should take even a single concern seriously, as any election can be decided by a single vote. Even a single concern deserves serious attention, given that any election can be decided by a single vote. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-26 10:45:54
  • Celltrion Says U.S. Plant Begins Operations, Aiming to Reduce Tariff Risk
    Celltrion Says U.S. Plant Begins Operations, Aiming to Reduce Tariff Risk Celltrion said Feb. 26 it has completed all steps needed to ensure its business operations will not be disrupted regardless of how U.S. tariffs are ultimately settled. In a statement posted on its website titled “Status of U.S. operations and the company’s position on tariff risk,” Celltrion outlined the start-up of its U.S. manufacturing base and its plans to respond to tariff uncertainty. The company acquired U.S. drugmaker Eli Lilly’s plant in Branchburg, New Jersey, late last year. Celltrion said it finished a full facility inspection and preparations for full-scale operations by the end of January, and began contract manufacturing of Lilly products this month. It added that it has also begun validation procedures to produce Celltrion’s own products, and plans to build a system that links local production with its direct sales network to supply U.S.-made products to the U.S. market as soon as possible. The company also disclosed short- and medium- to long-term measures on tariffs. In the near term, it said it will rely on a second-year supply volume already in the U.S. to hedge against tariff uncertainty. After that, it plans to supply the U.S. market with products made at the Branchburg plant to move beyond tariff issues. Celltrion said that while the Trump administration’s tariff policy could change following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidating reciprocal tariffs, it has completed a structural response system to tariff risk by establishing local production and supply capabilities. 2026-02-26 10:27:00
  • South Korean researchers use natural sounds to boost brain health
    South Korean researchers use natural sounds to boost brain health SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - A research team at Kookmin University has developed a new method to deliver cognitive health benefits through everyday sounds by blending therapeutic frequencies with natural environmental recordings. The study focuses on making 40Hz auditory stimulation, which is known to help prevent Alzheimer's disease, more comfortable for long-term listening by integrating it into local South Korean soundscapes. Professor Namkung Ki-chan and his team at the Kookmin University Techno Design Research Institute published two papers on this cognitive wellness research in the international journals Healthcare and Applied Sciences. Both publications are ranked within the top 40 percent of their respective fields, covering health systems and applied sciences. While 40Hz gamma-band sound stimulation has gained attention for its potential to improve brain health, listening to the raw, repetitive tones often causes ear fatigue and discomfort. To solve this, the researchers recorded natural sounds from locations such as Chuncheon and Uljin in South Korea. They then built a protocol to naturally embed the 40Hz frequency into these environmental soundscapes, ensuring the therapeutic effect remains while the listener hears only the calming sounds of nature. The research combined user experience design with brainwave measurements to ensure the system is practical for daily life. By testing various mixing levels and playback structures, the team identified the best way to keep the 40Hz signal effective without it becoming a distraction. The two studies examined how participants accepted these sounds and used electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to confirm that the brain still recognized the 40Hz stimulation even when hidden within a natural soundscape. The results showed that the redesigned sounds were significantly easier to listen to over long periods while successfully triggering the intended brainwave responses. The project originated from a Soundscape Design course at the Kookmin University Graduate School of Techno Design. Graduate students from the Interaction Design Lab participated as co-authors, handling everything from field recording and sound production to conducting the experiments and drafting the research papers. Professor Namkung Ki-chan stated that the core of the research was taking a frequency that is effective for cognitive health but usually unpleasant to hear and turning it into a sustainable auditory experience using local South Korean soundscapes. He noted that the project is a meaningful example of an academic course leading directly to international research achievements. (Paper information) Journal: Healthcare (JCR Q2) Title: User Experience Design and Implementation of 40Hz Auditory Stimulation for Cognitive Wellness DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010045 Journal: Applied Sciences (JCR Q2) Title: EEG-based Verification of Soundscape-mediated 40Hz Gamma-band Stimulation DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010123 2026-02-26 10:23:50
  • BOK raises growth forecast for next year to 2%
    BOK raises growth forecast for next year to 2% SEOUL, Feb 26 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) upgraded its growth forecast for 2026 economy to 2 percent next year, projecting a return to a potential growth rate after a year of sluggish performance, helped by chip-led exports strength and a recovery in construction activity. Consumer price inflation is projected to remain around 2 percent, similar to last year's levels, the central bank in its revised economic forecast released on Thursday. The growth for gross domestic product was upped to 2 percent, which would double the 1 percent growth recorded in 2025. Last year's growth was dragged down to 1 percent from an initial forecast of 1.8 percent, following a 0.3 percent contraction in the fourth quarter. The outlook for consumer price inflation remains largely unchanged. The central bank expects consumer prices to rise 2.2 percent in 2026 compared with a year earlier, a marginal increase from the 2.1 percent recorded last year. Looking further ahead, the BOK anticipates that growth will moderate to 1.8 percent in 2027. During the same period, consumer price inflation is forecast to reach 2 percent, reflecting a slight slowdown from this year's projected levels. 2026-02-26 10:17:27
  • Hyundai Motor to Add Car Rental Business to Corporate Purpose
    Hyundai Motor to Add Car Rental Business to Corporate Purpose Hyundai Motor Co. plans to add car rental services to its stated business purposes, a move widely seen as part of an effort to upgrade its in-house subscription service, Hyundai Genesis Selection. Industry officials said Feb. 26 that Hyundai Motor will hold its annual shareholders meeting on March 26 at its headquarters in Seoul’s Seocho district and is expected to approve an agenda item adding “car rental business” to its corporate purpose. A company official said the change reflects consideration of entering the car rental business. Hyundai Motor said it plans to push ahead this year with an upgrade of Hyundai Genesis Selection, a vehicle subscription program it has operated since 2019. Hyundai Genesis Selection allows customers to rent Hyundai and Genesis vehicles by the day or month. Hyundai Motor plans and operates the platform, while partner rental-car companies supply the vehicles. While Hyundai Motor has so far focused on running the subscription platform, it is expected to expand its role to directly renting vehicles alongside partner rental firms. That could significantly broaden the range of models available through the service, industry observers said. Models available for day-by-day subscriptions are reported to total about 10, including the Staria, Palisade, Ioniq 5 N, Ioniq 6, Avante N and Nexo.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 10:16:30
  • Hyundai Marks Chung Ju-yung’s 25th Anniversary With Tribute Concert in Seoul
    Hyundai Marks Chung Ju-yung’s 25th Anniversary With Tribute Concert in Seoul Hyundai Motor Group marked the 25th anniversary of the death of founder Chung Ju-yung with a memorial concert that highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit through music. The group said it held the “25th Anniversary Concert for the Late Asan Chung Ju-yung, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Group” on Feb. 25 at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center. In a tribute, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun said the event was prepared to honor the lasting “resonance” left by his grandfather. “His convictions and every challenge began with people,” Chung said. “He believed in human potential and achieved innovation for people.” Chung said that while 25 years have passed, the message feels stronger as the group and society face “many difficulties and challenges at home and abroad.” He added, “I will continue to carry on my grandfather’s spirit to build a better future,” pledging to keep pursuing people-centered innovation. About 2,500 people attended, including members of the extended Hyundai family as well as figures from business, politics and culture, the group said. Among those arriving before the program began were HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Hyundai Commercial President Chung Myung-yi and Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young. Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Foundation, briefly told reporters, “Thank you for coming today. My father would also be grateful that you came.” Attendees also included Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin; Hong Ra-hee, former director of the Leeum Museum of Art; National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik; Kim Jong-in, former interim leader of the People Power Party; and lawmaker Na Kyung-won. Actor Yoo Hae-jin and other figures from the arts and entertainment world were also seen. Chung Ju-yung is widely regarded as a leading business figure who helped open new ground in South Korea’s industrial development through bold vision, determination and innovation focused on people. Born the eldest son of a poor farmer, he built his business from nothing, repeatedly taking on challenges that seemed impossible, the group said. The name “Hyundai,” meaning “modern,” reflects Chung’s entrepreneurial drive in the 1940s, when Korea was poor, to pursue modernization so people could live better, the group said. The concert was held under the theme “Continuing Resonance.” Pianists Kim Sunwook, Sunwoo Yekwon, Cho Seong-jin and Lim Yunchan performed, with the program intended to express in music Chung Ju-yung’s achievements in challenging the impossible and the hope those efforts offer to today’s generation. Park Min-seon, 31, of Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, said it was “even more meaningful” because it is rare for four pianists to share one stage. “The repertoire also felt meaningful,” she said. Hyundai Motor Group said it planned the concert to share the founder’s life and philosophy of forging new paths for a better life. To keep the focus on the event’s purpose, tickets were not sold; admission was limited to invited guests, including public-service workers, future talent, key figures from various fields and Hyundai employees, the group said. Attendees received a gift set that included Chung’s autobiography, “Born in This Land,” and an event booklet. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the group’s vision of “Progress for Humanity” is rooted in the founder’s people-centered management philosophy, adding that the company will continue efforts for a more prosperous life and a sustainable future through ongoing innovation. 2026-02-26 10:15:29
  • South Korean researchers use AI to design high-efficiency catalysts for hydrogen vehicles
    South Korean researchers use AI to design high-efficiency catalysts for hydrogen vehicles SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - A research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Seoul National University has developed a technology that uses artificial intelligence to precisely predict the arrangement of atoms in catalysts. By calculating atomic tendencies before conducting experiments, the researchers identified a way to improve both the performance and durability of the fuel cells that power hydrogen vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells are often described as the heart of eco-friendly mobility, but they remain expensive and have limited lifespans. Much of this is due to the platinum catalyst, a critical material that generates electricity. Platinum reacts slowly, its performance drops over time, and its high cost drives up the price of hydrogen cars. The South Korean team addressed these issues by using AI to design a more efficient atomic structure for the catalyst. The research focused on platinum-cobalt alloy catalysts. While these alloys are powerful, creating a stable, ordered structure known as an intermetallic compound typically requires extremely high heat. This heating process often causes the tiny particles to clump together or become unstable, which limits their use in real-world fuel cells. To solve this, the team used machine learning simulations to analyze how atoms move and arrange themselves at the atomic level. The AI discovered that introducing a small amount of zinc acts as a mediator. This zinc allows the atoms to settle into their proper positions more easily, creating a more precise and stable structure. In simple terms, the AI found a more efficient path for the atoms to follow, acting like a digital blueprint that was then tested in a laboratory. When the researchers synthesized the zinc-platinum-cobalt catalyst based on these AI predictions, it showed higher activity and better long-term durability than traditional platinum catalysts. This suggests that the AI-guided design can successfully translate from a virtual simulation into a high-performance physical material. The technology is expected to help reduce manufacturing costs and extend the life of fuel cells in various sectors, including passenger cars, long-haul trucks, ships, and energy storage systems. KAIST's Department of Materials Science and Engineering Professor Cho Eun-ae stated that the study used machine learning to predict atomic ordering before realizing it through actual synthesis. She noted that AI-based material design will provide a new paradigm for developing next-generation catalysts. Jang Hyun-woo, a doctoral student at KAIST, and Ryu Jae-hyun, a researcher at Seoul National University (SNU), served as joint first authors for the study. The findings were published in the energy materials journal Advanced Energy Materials on January 15. (Paper information) Journal: Advanced Energy Materials Title: Machine Learning-Guided Design of L1₀-PtCo Intermetallic Catalysts: Zn-Mediated Atomic Ordering DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202505211 2026-02-26 10:07:06
  • BOK holds at 2.5% as asset inflation fuels leverage risks
    BOK holds at 2.5% as asset inflation fuels leverage risks SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5 percent on Thursday, extending a pause that has been in place since May last year, as surging asset prices rekindle concerns over leveraged investing and record-high household debt. The decision at the central bank’s second policy meeting of 2026 was widely expected. In January, the BOK subtly shifted its policy language, removing references that implied further easing and signaling a more cautious stance amid financial stability risks. Behind the hold lies a delicate balancing act. While growth uncertainties persist in an unpredictable global trade environment, domestic liquidity remains ample. Broad money (M2) rose 0.6 percent in December from a year earlier, underscoring a still-expansionary financial backdrop. The pressing concern for policymakers is debt. As of the fourth quarter of last year, household credit reached 1,978.8 trillion won ($1.37 trillion), up 14 trillion won from the previous quarter and edging closer to the symbolic 2,000 trillion won threshold. Despite repeated government measures to curb mortgage lending — the main driver of credit expansion — borrowing momentum has proven resilient. Capital-region housing prices remain heated, even after successive tightening steps. At the same time, equities are staging a historic surge. The KOSPI has soared roughly 42 percent in just the first two months of this year, following a 76 percent jump last year. The pace has drawn a wave of retail investors back into the market — many relying on borrowed funds. Outstanding margin loans climbed sharply from 28.7 trillion won as of Jan. 15 to 31.7 trillion won by Wednesday, reflecting aggressive leveraged positioning. Such dynamics heighten systemic sensitivity. If the Korean won were to weaken sharply again, any acceleration of foreign capital outflows could trigger forced liquidations among leveraged domestic investors, amplifying market volatility. For the moment, exchange-rate risks have moderated. The dollar, which hovered around 1,460 won in January, has retreated to the 1,430-won range in February amid a broader pullback in the U.S. currency. 2026-02-26 09:50:35
  • Mercedes-Benz Korea Signs Retail of the Future Deal With 11 Dealers, Launch Set for April
    Mercedes-Benz Korea Signs Retail of the Future Deal With 11 Dealers, Launch Set for April Mercedes-Benz Korea said it held a signing ceremony on the 25th at the Shilla Seoul hotel with 11 authorized dealers to support the rollout of a new vehicle sales model, “Retail of the Future” (RoF). The company said RoF will be officially implemented April 13. Under RoF, Mercedes-Benz Korea will integrate vehicle pricing and inventory management that previously differed by dealer. Customers will be able to buy vehicles at a single company-set price at any authorized showroom nationwide, without negotiating, and check nationwide inventory in real time, the company said. The company said a standardized sales process spanning online and offline channels is intended to provide the same level of customer experience nationwide. Mercedes-Benz Korea and the 11 dealers said they have worked since 2023 to prepare for RoF, including building systems, stabilizing operations, training dealers and establishing on-site processes. They said they plan to continue close cooperation to ensure the new model takes hold. “RoF is a strategic decision to ensure customers can enjoy a consistent and trustworthy purchase experience, wherever and whenever, that matches the brand,” Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Matthias Geitl said. He said it was meaningful to be able to introduce the new sales model in April based on close discussions with the 11 dealers over the past three years, with shared goals of improving customer experience and satisfaction and pursuing mutual growth. Starting April 13, customers will be able to check vehicle prices and information on the official Mercedes-Benz website, choose an authorized showroom nationwide, and proceed with detailed purchase consultations and test drives, the company said. Mercedes-Benz Korea and its dealers also agreed to continue the social contribution activities they have jointly carried out over the past 12 years after RoF is introduced. Mercedes-Benz Korea said it launched the “Mercedes-Benz Social Contribution Committee” in 2014 with its local affiliates and the 11 authorized dealers and has carried out various social contribution programs aimed at growing together with Korean society. 2026-02-26 09:36:23
  • Koreas top-shelf defense export K9 anchors Indias frontline firepower in evolving form
    Korea's top-shelf defense export K9 anchors India's frontline firepower in evolving form POKHRAN, INDIA, February 26 (AJP) - The desert does not forgive hesitation. At the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, under the abrasive winds of the Thar Desert, the K9 Vajra-T halted only long enough to compute its fire solution. Turret rotating independently of the hull, target data fed digitally, the first round was out within 30 seconds. On the move, the gun delivered in under a minute. Moments later, the battery displaced — engines growling, tracks carving arcs through sand — before counter-battery response could materialize. This was the tempo of “Exercise Agni Varsha,” conducted by the Indian Army’s Southern Command and observed by defense journalists from 25 countries. Tanks, mechanized infantry, legacy artillery, rocket platforms, Apache attack helicopters, indigenous ALH gunships and drones operated in concert. But the rhythm of the maneuver hinged on one platform: the K9. From Korean flagship to Indian backbone The Vajra-T is derived from South Korea’s K9 Thunder, widely regarded as Korea’s flagship land weapon system and one of its most successful high-value defense exports. Manufactured in India through a partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and Larsen & Toubro, the program reflects both technology transfer and industrial localization. More than 50 percent of components are now produced at L&T’s Hazira facility. The first 100 units were delivered ahead of schedule, prompting a repeat order for another 100, with localization set to exceed 60 percent. The platform’s battlefield credentials explain why it has become both Korea’s top-shelf artillery export and the backbone of India’s integrated firepower. Why K9 sits at the top tier of Korean defense exports The K9’s status is not symbolic. It commands roughly half of the global tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer export market, operates in 11 countries and exceeds 1,700 units worldwide. Its competitive edge rests on several defining features: range, speed and survivability delivered as a complete ecosystem rather than a standalone gun. The 155mm/52-caliber platform projects precision fire beyond 40 kilometers, unleashes six to eight rounds per minute in burst mode, and delivers its first shot within 30 seconds when halted — or under a minute on the move — while a 1,000-horsepower engine drives it across deserts, mountains and high-altitude sectors with equal reliability. Its fully rotating 360-degree turret allows engagement without hull repositioning, compressing exposure time in counter-battery environments, and when paired with the K10 resupply vehicle and integrated digital fire-control architecture, the system sustains high-tempo “shoot-and-scoot” operations that modern warfare demands. That fusion of firepower, mobility, rapid deployment timelines and export-ready industrial partnership is what has elevated the K9 beyond a successful artillery piece into Korea’s top-shelf land defense export — and why it now anchors India’s evolving frontline firepower doctrine. The K9 is rarely sold alone. The K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle — carrying 104 rounds and transferring ammunition at 12 rounds per minute — sustains high-tempo operations. Packages typically include maintenance, training and technology transfer. This ecosystem model — rather than a standalone hardware sale — has driven repeat procurement in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Competitiveness in Europe In European competitions, including Norway’s procurement process, the K9 outperformed Germany’s PzH 2000. The determining factors were structural: faster delivery cycles (18–24 months versus 3–5 years), balanced price-to-performance ratio, proven operation across desert, arctic and mountainous environments, and willingness to localize production and transfer technology – as well proven in the track record in India. Essential along India’s Pakistan frontier Along India’s western border with Pakistan, artillery is not a secondary arm — it shapes deterrence posture. In desert sectors and open plains, where concealment is limited, mobility and rapid displacement determine survivability. The K9’s range allows engagement of deep targets while maintaining operational depth. Its rapid response time and shoot-and-scoot capability reduce exposure to counter-battery fire. The powerful engine sustains maneuver across sand under extreme temperatures. Indian officials have noted the system’s operational deployment and its positioning along sensitive border sectors. Within India’s doctrine, the K9 forms a forward mobile strike layer, complementing legacy systems positioned further rearward. As the final salvos faded over Pokhran, the K9 units shifted positions with practiced discipline. Within minutes, their tracks were erased by wind. The exercise underscored why the K9 is widely regarded as Korea’s top-tier land defense export: speed, adaptability and integration into modern maneuver warfare. In India’s evolving artillery doctrine — particularly along sensitive borderlines — the K9 Vajra-T is no longer a procurement success. It is operational infrastructure. 2026-02-26 09:33:21