Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Defiant Trump vows to stand firm on tariffs despite Supreme Court ruling
    Defiant Trump vows to stand firm on tariffs despite Supreme Court ruling SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signaled he would not back down on tariffs, despite a Supreme Court ruling against his tariff policy last week. "A very unfortunate ruling, but the good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made..... knowing that the legal power that I as president have to make a new deal could be far worse for them, and therefore they will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Court's unfortunate involvement," he said during his first State of the Union address in his non-consecutive second term. The remarks came just several days after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his sweeping global tariffs policy, ruling that Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad import duties was unlawful. The decision dealt a significant blow to one of the administration's signature economic initiatives. Undeterred, Trump wasted no time resorting to alternative measures such as Section 122 and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, threatening to reimpose global tariffs of up to 15 percent. He then doubled down further, declaring that import duties could one day replace income taxes even as his administration faces major legal and political obstacles to that vision. "As time goes by, I believe the tariffs paid by foreign countries will, as in the past, substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax," Trump said to applause from Republican lawmakers, claiming that such a shift would "take a great financial burden off the people that I love." "So despite the disappointing ruling, these powerful country saving - it's saving our country the kind of money we're taking in - peace protecting - many of the wars I settled was because of the threat of tariffs I wouldn’t have been able to settle them without - will remain in place under fully approved and tested alternative legal statutes," Trump said, adding that "congressional action will not be necessary." "And therefore, they will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Court's unfortunate involvement," he said. Trump's unwavering stance leaves uncertainty looming and complicates calculations, as tariff deals are not merely economic matters but are closely linked to national security and defense concerns. Earlier in the day, South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha said at a press briefing with South Korean correspondents in Washington, D.C., that Seoul has been "closely monitoring" the Trump administration's follow-up moves while supporting upcoming discussions with Washington, aiming to ensure they proceed "in a favorable atmosphere." Washington's trade community has also turned its attention to newly opened investigations under Section 301, with speculation mounting that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) could examine potential "discriminatory practices" against U.S. tech and digital platforms, including e-commerce giant Coupang, which claims it suffered unfair treatment during a probe related to its massive data leak late last year. Tuesday's address came after over a year of rapid deregulation, a record number of executive actions, and a turbulent political climate marked by mass layoffs, aggressive immigration enforcement, and a partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security. While Trump used the address to project confidence in his economic stewardship ahead of November's U.S. midterm elections, recent polls suggest public opinion remains divided. A PBS News/NPR/Marist survey found that 60 percent of Americans believe the country is worse off than a year ago, compared with 40 percent who say it has improved. 2026-02-25 15:49:54
  • NewJeans creator proposes settlement to HYBE to resolve NewJeans legal disputes
    NewJeans' creator proposes settlement to HYBE to resolve NewJeans legal disputes SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Min Hee-jin, the CEO of OOAK Records and former head of ADOR, has offered to waive a 25.6 billion won ($18.9 million) legal payout from HYBE in exchange for the termination of all ongoing litigation involving herself and the girl group NewJeans. During a press conference held in Seoul on Wednesday, Min announced her willingness to give up the funds recently awarded to her by a court regarding a put option on her former ADOR shares. Her proposal requires HYBE and its subsidiary, ADOR, to drop all civil and criminal lawsuits against her, the five members of NewJeans, their families, and former staff. The offer arrives as the group attempts to recover from a year of internal conflict that nearly led to its dissolution. In late 2024, the members declared the unilateral termination of their contracts following Min's removal as CEO, resulting in a total suspension of activities and a freeze on brand deals. While the Seoul Central District Court eventually ruled the contracts valid through 2029, the original lineup was fractured when ADOR officially terminated the contract of member Danielle Marsh on December 29, 2025. ADOR cited an "unrecoverable breach of trust" for the expulsion of Danielle, alleging she played a primary role in the group's attempt to break away from the label. The agency claimed the singer engaged in unauthorized activities, including filming a commercial in Southeast Asia and signing luxury brand deals that conflicted with her exclusivity clauses. Consequently, ADOR filed a 43.1 billion won damages lawsuit against Danielle, her family, and Min. Min's proposal also follows a February 23 exclusive report by the entertainment media outlet Dispatch. The report alleged that Min orchestrated the group's departure by meeting with a Japanese investor to secure funding and that she personally drafted the script for the group's November 2024 press conference. Min has dismissed these claims as "fiction." "I am proposing that we immediately stop all ongoing civil and criminal litigation and end all disputes in exchange for me letting go of the 25.6 billion won," Min said during the conference. She emphasized that her decision was motivated by the welfare of the members, stating she could no longer watch the group divided between the stage and the courtroom. While four members, Kim Min-ji, Hanni Pham, Kang Hae-rin, and Lee Hye-in, have already returned to ADOR, Min urged HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk to allow the group to reunite as a quintet. She called on the agency to fulfill its previous promise to support the members and requested that the industry return to a focus on creative output rather than legal battles. Min confirmed her transition to her new label, OOAK Records, noting that the February 25 briefing would be her final public statement regarding the management dispute. HYBE has not yet issued a formal response to the settlement offer. 2026-02-25 15:45:48
  • ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Hits 6 Million Viewers as Cast Recalls Key On-Set Moments
    ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Hits 6 Million Viewers as Cast Recalls Key On-Set Moments A single movie scene holds many perspectives. Even in the same place and time, a director and actors may remember it differently. <Choi Song-hee’s B-Cut> looks beyond the polished “A-cut” on screen to the behind-the-scenes record that still carries the set’s atmosphere. By cross-checking interviews with the people who made the film, it reconstructs the “B-cut” moments that were often more intense than the finished frame. <Editor’s note> The film “The Man Who Lives With the King” has topped 6 million moviegoers in 20 days, moving at a pace comparable to past hit Korean historical dramas. While audiences celebrate the box-office numbers and the finished scenes, the people who made the film point to different turning points: an off-script suggestion, or a moment of sincerity that surfaced only after the camera stopped rolling. Director Jang Hang-jun said the ensemble began not with popularity but with instinct. He brought together Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mi-do, saying he focused on acting rather than name recognition. "People might call it good fortune, but if you flip it around, who gathered them all? Ha ha," Jang said. "If you gave the script to 10 directors, they’d all cast it differently. Before casting, I looked only at acting, excluding popularity. Jeon Mi-do’s role as Maehwa was small, so I thought she might pass, but she accepted readily — and we actually increased her part. For Park Ji-hoon as King Danjong, I decided based only on his eyes in ‘Weak Hero,’ without even knowing he was an idol. And Yoo Hae-jin as Eom Heung-do was automatic in my head from the writing stage." On set, the actors became mirrors for one another. Yoo and Park, separated by nearly 30 years in age, said their work together went beyond a typical senior-junior relationship. Yoo said he discovered unexpected intensity from Park during a cliff scene. "I knew he was from the idol group Wanna One, but I didn’t really know his activities," Yoo said. "After I learned we’d work together, I looked up clips from ‘Weak Hero.’ When we met for the project, his energy was very strong. In the cliff scene, that energy was so intense it surprised me. It pushed me to think, ‘I can’t get complacent.’ I felt I had to stay sharp." One of the film’s most lyrical moments, the riverside water-play scene, was not in the script. It grew out of a behind-the-scenes image of Park spending time alone by the river between takes — a moment Yoo proposed turning into story. "At the end, when Eom Heung-do recovers Danjong’s body, there’s a scene that returns to the past," Yoo said. "I suggested the shot of Eom Heung-do looking sadly at Danjong playing in the water. As we filmed, I felt Eom Heung-do would have the gaze of a parent looking at a young child — someone too young, someone you feel sorry for. I thought we needed a scene where he looks at him with sadness and pity. It’s a tragic death, but I hoped it would convey that someone was by his side." "I heard it started from a single photo," Park said. "During a break, I was playing in the water by the river, and there was a photo taken from behind. What made sense to me was this: I’m at an age when I should be playing with friends, but I’m in exile with no one around, splashing alone. Even though it was me, it felt heartbreaking. I was impressed by his idea." Both actors said their off-camera rapport carried into scenes, where they judged each other’s sincerity through eye contact more than dialogue. "When you’re delivering lines, you look into the other person’s eyes," Yoo said. "You can tell whether they’re in the story or not. In sad scenes, when I look at Ji-hoon’s eyes, they’re already that wet. That pulls your emotions in. And when I’m emotional, his eyes can redden quickly, too. Through that, I thought, ‘He’s in this story.’ He expressed the path of a fragile character like Danjong toward death very well, and I think it was grounded in genuine sincerity." "I admired his acting and always respected him," Park said. "I couldn’t help but be amazed — even shocked — by the energy and rhythm he brought each time." The film’s momentum to 6 million viewers, the participants said, rested not only on careful direction but also on the actors’ close observation of one another and the choices that emerged on set — including a quiet, unscripted moment by the river that helped define the king’s loneliness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 15:33:28
  • LGs smart home robot Cloi, ultra-thin OLED TV take home iF Design awards
    LG's smart home robot 'Cloi', ultra-thin OLED TV take home iF Design awards SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - South Korean tech giant LG Electronics announced it has won 26 awards at the iF Design Award 2026, taking home accolades across multiple categories including product design, user experience, and architecture. The company's key award-winning products include the "LG Cloi," a home robot designed to interact with users by responding to human facial expressions, voice commands, and gestures. LG also won an award for its "LG OLED evo W6," a wireless wallpaper television featuring a thickness in the 9-millimeter range. Other recognized consumer electronics include the "LG gram Pro" laptop, which utilizes a novel aerospace material called aerominium, and the curved "LG UltraGear OLED evo" monitor. Three models of LG XBOOM audio products, the minimalist "Whisen Objet Collection Cool" air conditioner, and the "LG Puricare Bath Air System" for indoor air and humidity management also received honors. Beyond traditional hardware, LG's "Flagship D5" showroom in Seoul's Gangnam district won in the architecture category. The company also received recognition for an "easy-to-read book" manual designed to help slow learners and children with developmental disabilities understand appliance operations, a project noted for promoting social inclusion and sustainability. Additionally, an AI agent user experience (UX) developed for LG employees was awarded. "We will continue customer-centric design innovation by strengthening our core businesses from a future-preparedness perspective and discovering new growth opportunities," said Chung Wook-jun, head of LG Electronics' Design Management Center. 2026-02-25 15:30:20
  • Son Heung-min plays 45 minutes as LAFC beats Real Espana to reach CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16
    Son Heung-min plays 45 minutes as LAFC beats Real Espana to reach CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 Los Angeles FC, with Son Heung-min in the starting lineup, beat Honduras’ Real Espana and advanced to the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. LAFC won 1-0 at home at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Feb. 25 (Korea time) in the second leg of the first round. After a 6-1 win away in the first leg on Feb. 18, LAFC advanced 7-1 on aggregate. The CONCACAF Champions Cup features 27 clubs from member nations including the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Canada and Honduras. Twenty-two teams play the first round over two legs; the 11 winners join five teams that receive byes in the round of 16. LAFC will face Costa Rica’s Alajuelense in the round of 16. The win also gave LAFC three straight official victories to open the season (one in league play and two in the CONCACAF Champions Cup). Son, who had one goal and three assists in the first leg, captained LAFC and started again but did not record a goal or assist. After a scoreless first half, LAFC substituted Son and Denis Bouanga to give them rest. LAFC broke through in the 64th minute. Timothy Tillman’s shot on a free kick was saved, and Nkosi Tafari followed to tap in with his left foot for the 1-0 lead. LAFC conceded a penalty in the 88th minute, but Thomas Hasal made the save to preserve the win.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 15:27:00
  • The murmured question: Will Rhee become third BOK chief in second term?
    The murmured question: Will Rhee become third BOK chief in second term? SEOUL, Feb. 26 (AJP) — That the Bank of Korea will keep the policy rate steady at 2.5 percent on Thursday is hardly in doubt. Whether Governor Rhee Chang-yong will still be holding the gavel beyond the April meeting is. Rhee’s four-year term ends on April 20, shortly after the next rate-setting meeting on April 10. Whether he remains in office will be decided next month. Under the Bank of Korea Act, the governor’s term may be extended once with presidential endorsement. Whether through reappointment or a new nomination, the post must be confirmed at least one month before the term expires to allow for a confirmation hearing. A BOK chief is rarely rejected, given the central bank’s legal independence. Second terms are also uncommon. Only Rhee’s predecessor, Lee Ju-yeol, and Kim Sung-hwan, who served in the 1970s, have been reappointed. Whether Rhee becomes the third remains uncertain. Supporters cite crisis management Those backing Rhee credit his steady navigation through the dramatic monetary tightening and easing cycle in the United States following the post-pandemic inflation surge. Rhee took office in April 2022, at the start of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s withdrawal of excess liquidity injected during the pandemic. Under his watch, the benchmark interest rate rose from 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent by January 2023. As inflation softened and economic growth slowed in the United States, the policy direction shifted in October 2024. Rates came down to 2.5 percent by May 2025. Since then, Rhee’s policy board has opted for caution amid conflicting variables — rising housing prices and household debt at home, shifting rate paths in the U.S. and Japan, and exchange-rate volatility. Inside the central bank, officials largely supported the approach. According to a survey conducted by the BOK labor union in December, more than 61 percent of over 1,100 respondents evaluated Rhee’s monetary policy performance positively. Many economists agreed. “Rhee delivered timely monetary policy and maintained a strong presence during moments of crisis,” said Lee Seung-hoon, an economist at Meritz Securities. Another economist, speaking on condition of anonymity, added, “He managed to keep consumer inflation near the 2 percent target despite a challenging landscape.” Expanding the central bank’s scope Rhee has also been praised for broadening the BOK’s policy outlook beyond monetary frontier. Under his tenure, the bank expanded its “Issue Notes” series, applying statistical methods to challenges ranging from housing to the impact of artificial intelligence on employment. Many of the publications are now released in English, reflecting efforts to deepen international engagement. At a meeting of the Bank for International Settlements in January 2025, Rhee said Korea’s economic challenges “cannot be addressed by monetary policy alone.” Political friction Rhee’s scholarly and outspoken style, however, has unsettled some policymakers. He was appointed in 2022 by outgoing Moon Jae-in, and his term has overlapped with the impeached president Yoon Seok Yeol. Moon and President Lee Jae Myung are of the same progressive Democratic Party. Rhee publicly questioned Lee Jae Myung's campaign proposal to institutionalize universal basic income. Last November, Lee Un-ju, a member of the Democratic Party’s supreme council and a close ally of President Lee, expressed discomfort with the BOK’s focus on social issues such as housing and unemployment. “Why does he keep focusing on irrelevant issues while being so reckless with his own duties?” she wrote on social media. “If that’s the case, he should quit as BOK governor and focus on social policy research.” Such remarks highlighted lingering political unease over Rhee’s broader policy engagement. Successor names surface Given the sensitivity of the matter, officials have remained tight-lipped as differing views emerge. Still, alternative names are being floated. According to a ruling party official who requested anonymity, Shin Hyun-song, head of research at the BIS, is being discussed as a leading candidate. Known for his nonpartisan profile and academic credentials, Shin was also a top contender when Rhee was first nominated. Other names circulating in political circles include Ha Joon-kyung, senior presidential secretary for economic growth, and Lee Seung-heon, a former senior deputy governor of the BOK. “There is a possibility of reappointment, considering that Governor Rhee has recently rolled out measures aligned with the administration’s stance,” the source said. Since last year, Rhee has introduced several initiatives seen as supportive of the government’s broader economic agenda. These include promoting the development of a won-based stablecoin and arranging a foreign exchange swap between the BOK and the National Pension Service. He has championed easing capital-region concentration as a way to address youth unemployment and promote balanced national growth — goals that closely mirror the administration’s policy priorities. 2026-02-25 15:26:08
  • KAI Board Fails to Take Up Vote on New CEO Amid Union Objections
    KAI Board Fails to Take Up Vote on New CEO Amid Union Objections Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the 25th failed to move forward with selecting a new CEO after internal opposition prevented the board from taking up the agenda item. The company plans to complete the selection before next month’s regular shareholders meeting, but further friction is expected as the union and employees challenge the candidate’s suitability and the fairness of the process. KAI had planned to discuss appointing Kim Jong-chul, former head of the Unmanned Systems Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, at a board meeting held that morning at its Seoul office in Gangnam. But the union’s opposition kept the item from being placed on the agenda, leaving the CEO post vacant for about seven months. A KAI official said the board meeting proceeded as scheduled, but the CEO appointment item was not brought forward. “The future schedule is uncertain,” the official said. Kim, born in 1962, is a graduate of the 31st class of the Korea Air Force Academy. He served about 23 years as an Air Force officer, retiring in 2006 as a lieutenant colonel. That year, when DAPA was launched, he was hired through a special recruitment process at Grade 4. He is credited with helping draw up the agency’s initial organization and staffing, innovation plans and basic plans to promote defense exports, according to the report. He is also known to have close ties with DAPA Commissioner Lee Yong-cheol as a member of the agency’s founding group. During his time at DAPA, Kim held key posts including head of the Defense Export Support Team, head of the Project Operations Management Team, director of the Offset Trade Division and planning and coordination officer. From June 2011 for about two years, he served as director of the Offset Trade Division under the Acquisition Planning Bureau, handling planning work related to offset trade for major export items. While his background as a military defense-industry specialist is seen as a strength, the report said his experience in unmanned aircraft programs — cited as a key asset — has limited overlap with KAI’s work. Kim also has political ties dating to the 20th presidential election, when he worked with Lee Jae-myung’s campaign. In 2022, he served as vice chairman of the campaign’s Smart Strong Military Committee, a group of former generals that developed policies for advanced science and technology, with goals including AI-based manned-unmanned teaming systems involving drones and robots, and training drone warriors. The report said he is believed to enjoy Lee’s trust after serving as a bridge to bolster confidence in the campaign’s security views within a military culture known for strong conservative leanings. Inside KAI, opposition has been strong. The union is protesting that another figure with ties to a presidential campaign and a military background has been named as CEO candidate. It argues that with tasks piling up — including improving management efficiency, developing new weapons and fostering export products — it is inappropriate for a military figure to lead the company. Many employees are also said to be questioning the procedural legitimacy of the selection process. In a statement issued the previous day, the union said it is widely being discussed that the candidate, after working on a presidential campaign, was mentioned as a possible DAPA commissioner but fell through and is now “coming down” to KAI as CEO. If the appointment goes ahead, the union said, it would be hard to avoid criticism that it is a reward-based parachute appointment by the Lee Jae-myung government. KAI has been without a CEO for about seven months since July 2025, when Kang Goo-young — described in the report as having ties to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s presidential campaign — resigned early. Vice President Cha Jae-byung is serving as acting CEO, but the prolonged absence of a control tower has created difficulties in major projects at home and abroad, the report said. 2026-02-25 15:06:24
  • Thirteen KPGA Players, Including Ok Tae-hoon and Moon Do-yeob, Enter New Zealand Open
    Thirteen KPGA Players, Including Ok Tae-hoon and Moon Do-yeob, Enter New Zealand Open Thirteen players from the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour, including Ok Tae-hoon and Moon Do-yeob, will compete in the 105th New Zealand Open, the Asian Tour's second event of the season, with a total purse of 2 million New Zealand dollars. The tournament will be played Feb. 26 through March 1 (local time) at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown, New Zealand, using the Coronet Course (par 71) and the Remarkables Course (par 71). Co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the Australian Tour, the event awards its winner a berth in July's major championship, The Open Championship. The best finish by a South Korean player is a runner-up by Eom Jae-woong in 2023. The South Korean field includes Ok, Moon, Kim Hong-taek, Kim Bi-o, Heo In-hoe, Shin Sang-hoon, Kang Yun-seok, Hong Soon-sang, Lee Seong-ho, Kim Hak-hyeong, Lee Dong-min, Choi Chan and Luke Kwon. Ok said he expects a better result based on last year's experience, adding that the Open berth provides strong motivation. "I'll stay focused on every shot and do my best to win," he said. Moon said he is excited to return to the event and use it to check improvements made during training. "My first goal is to make the cut," he said. "If things go well, I'd like to challenge for a top 10. I'll play calmly."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 14:51:00
  • Ferry service along Han River set to fully resume this weekend
    Ferry service along Han River set to fully resume this weekend SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Seoul's water ferry service along the Han River is set to resume its full operations this weekend, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday. The service was halted on some routes shortly after its bombastic launch in September last year due to a series of technical glitches and other problems. After being partially suspended for about 100 days, the service is set to fully resume on Sunday following the completion of safety inspections and other checks, along with some ongoing measures. The service will offer about 16 round trips daily, with departures every hour from around 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additional routes including express trips, will gradually become available. To improve efficiency, some routes including a key stop at Yeouido, have been rearranged, with the city also ensuring crews have adequate rest time to maintain overall safety. During the first week of the service's resumption, riders aged 65 and older can take part in a survey. Those who provide feedback will receive free weekday rides. "We will prioritize safety to restore public trust while making the service more convenient for commuters and other users," said Park Jin-young, a city official. 2026-02-25 14:37:42
  • Chinas Unitree Robotics unveils new robot dog with enhanced speed and mobility
    China's Unitree Robotics unveils new robot dog with enhanced speed and mobility SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics has unveiled the As2, a new quadruped robot with upgrades in speed, endurance and terrain-handling capability, as the company expands its lineup of compact size industrial capability robots. The Hangzhou-based company announced the As2 on its website on Tuesday, offering the robot dog in three variants — Air, Pro and Edu. Weighing about 18 kilograms with its battery, the machine's standout feature is its pace: the Air version reaches a top speed of 3.0 meters per second, while the Pro and Education models hit 3.7 m/s, climbing to 5 m/s under no-load conditions. The As2 also delivers notable endurance, covering around 20 kilometers on a single charge over four hours without a load. Even carrying about 15 kilograms of payload, it can operate for over two and a half hours and travel more than 13 kilometers with its maximum batter capacity of 15000mAh. Agility is another hallmark of the new model. The As2 can scale 25-centimeter stairs, traverse slopes of up to 40 degrees and mount vertical ledges as high as 50 centimeters, making it suited for rugged outdoor terrain as well as indoor staircases. Rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, the robot operates in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 50 degrees Celsius, equipping it for harsh industrial and field environments. Unitree is one of China's leading robotics companies, producing both quadruped robots and humanoid machines. The firm gained global attention last year when its humanoid robots performed a synchronized dance alongside human performers during the Spring Festival Gala, China's most-watched television broadcast. Its humanoid robot H1 returned to the gala stage this year, showcasing a martial arts routine featuring complex maneuvers that underscored the company's rapid advances in robotic mobility and control. 2026-02-25 14:27:58