Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Jeju Air to Add Four Daily Round Trips on Gimpo-Jeju Route, Raising Total to 26 Jeju Air said Tuesday it will add four daily round-trip flights on the Gimpo-Jeju route starting March 29, when its summer schedule begins. With the increase, the carrier will operate up to 26 round trips a day on the route, up from a maximum of 22 scheduled round trips. Jeju Air said that is the highest number of flights among airlines serving the Gimpo-Jeju corridor. The added service will bring Jeju Air’s frequency to about two flights an hour on the route and increase capacity by about 1,500 seats a day, round-trip basis. According to the Transport Ministry’s aviation information portal, about 2,514,500 passengers flew Jeju Air on the Gimpo-Jeju route last year. That accounted for 16.9% of the route’s total 14,835,900 passengers and was the largest share among low-cost carriers. In January, Jeju Air carried about 227,400 passengers on the route, the most among low-cost carriers, up 38.6% from about 164,100 a year earlier. “We are continuing to expand air service so Jeju residents and travelers visiting Jeju can move more conveniently between Jeju and Gimpo at the times they want,” a Jeju Air official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 10:45:17 -
Coupang confirms data breach affected 200,000 accounts in Taiwan SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Coupang Inc., the American operator of the biggest ecommerce platform in South Korea, disclosed on Wednesday that a massive data breach involving 33.7 million accounts included approximately 200,000 users located in Taiwan. The e-commerce giant cited a forensic analysis by cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which linked the Taiwanese breach to the same former employee responsible for the unauthorized access of South Korean user data in November 2025. While the perpetrator accessed 200,000 accounts in Taiwan, investigators found that data from only one of those accounts was actually saved by the individual. The update follows a series of forensic audits aimed at determining the full scope of the security failure. Mandiant and other third-party experts confirmed that "highly sensitive information" was not leaked in any region, including Taiwan. The compromised data was reportedly limited to basic contact information and order histories rather than passwords, financial records, or government-issued identification numbers. The breach originally came to light on November 29, 2025, after a former software developer, identified as a Chinese national, allegedly used an internal signing key to bypass security protocols. South Korean authorities previously noted that the incident stemmed from a failure to revoke authentication credentials after the employee left the company. Coupang Inc. had initially stated in December 2025 that there was no evidence of Taiwanese customers being affected. The company has since clarified that the former employee saved data from a total of approximately 3,000 accounts globally, including the single account in Taiwan. The disclosure arrives as Coupang Inc. aggressively expands its logistics footprint in Taiwan. The company stated it has been coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Affairs in Taiwan and South Korean regulators throughout the investigation. No instances of secondary harm or identity theft related to the breach have been detected. 2026-02-25 10:43:56 -
LIG Nex1 to Unveil AI-Powered Swarming Kamikaze Drone at DSK 2026 LIG Nex1 said it will showcase an integrated unmanned aircraft solution spanning kamikaze, reconnaissance and transport drones at Drone Show Korea DSK 2026, being held for three days through the 27th at BEXCO in Busan. At the exhibition, the company is unveiling for the first time an artificial intelligence-based small kamikaze drone. Developed with the Agency for Defense Development, the model can be operated in swarms and uses a canister-launch, multiple-launch method. LIG Nex1 is also displaying its Medium-sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Platform (MCUP), a hybrid transport drone with a 40-kilogram payload, a small reconnaissance-and-strike combined drone (MPD), and an “integrated avionics system” tailored to advanced air vehicles (AAV) expected to be used in future urban air mobility. A company official said, “Based on our advanced capabilities ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to strike and transport solutions, we will help accelerate the completion of an advanced science and technology force built on manned-unmanned teaming.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 10:28:55 -
K-literature takes center stage in Africa after Han Kang's Nobel win SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Korean literature has officially overtaken K-pop music and K-drama as the most documented aspect of South Korean culture in Africa, a report released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism showed Wednesday. The 2025 Global Hallyu Trend Analysis Report, released by the culture ministry and the Korea Culture Information Service Agency (KCISA), indicates that Korean literature now accounts for 32.8 percent of all media coverage related to Hallyu (the Korean cultural wave) in Africa. This surge in interest was primarily sparked by Han Kang, who became the first South Korean and the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in October 2024. Born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea, Han is a celebrated novelist and poet whose works, such as "The Vegetarian" and "Human Acts," frequently explore historical trauma and the fragility of human existence. The Swedish Academy recognized her "intense poetic prose" that confronts these universal struggles, triggering a global re-evaluation of South Korean written works. While K-pop remains the dominant cultural export in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, Africa has emerged as a unique market where literary news and events outpace other entertainment categories. Following the prize announcement, global media coverage of Korean literature spiked to 32.4 percent of all foreign news reports during the final quarter of 2024, a dramatic jump from just 1.2 percent in the preceding quarter. The popularity of South Korean novels in Africa is particularly evident in Nigeria, which ranked second globally, surpassing both the United States and Sweden, in digital documentation and media mentions regarding Han Kang's achievement. Official sources from the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) noted that dedicated literary gatherings were held in Abuja to celebrate the win and introduce works such as The Vegetarian and Human Acts to local audiences. The KCCN highlighted that the resonance of South Korean literature in Africa stems from "cultural compatibility." Readers in the region find that K-novels frequently address universal themes of patriarchy, generational trauma, and social justice, which mirror contemporary issues in many African countries. Notably, these readers engage with South Korean works despite a challenging local reading environment; official statistics indicate that the average Nigerian reads less than one book per year, though literary interest remains concentrated among highly engaged academic and cultural communities. Japan and the West see parallel literary interest The report also identifies Japan as a major hub for Korean literature. Japan recorded the highest volume of documentation for the category at 37.5 percent of its total Hallyu coverage, marking the only Asian country where literature is the primary point of interest over K-pop or K-drama. Japanese media emphasized the significance of the "first Asian woman" to win the prize and highlighted her works' delicate worldviews. This interest persists even as Japan sees a shift in reading habits. Data suggests that while 62.6 percent of Japanese adults do not read a book monthly, those who do engage with high-profile literary awards and translated works read an average of 6.2 books per year. Western nations have also shown significant engagement following the Nobel Prize announcement. In the U.S. and Germany, South Korean novels have moved beyond niche academic interests to mainstream media, with The Vegetarian remaining the most discussed work. In the U.S. where the average citizen reads approximately 8 books per year, Korean literature has benefited from a robust infrastructure of translation and literary discussion. Similarly, in Germany, readers average roughly 6.25 books per year, providing a fertile market for the philosophical and social depth associated with modern South Korean novels. The growth of Korean literature is supported by increased institutional translation efforts and the "Netflix effect," where series like "When Life Gives You Tangerines" and the animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters" have sparked secondary interest in original stories and broader South Korean heritage. In South Korea, where this cultural wave originates, adults read an average of 5.4 books per year, though this figure rises significantly when digital formats such as web novels are included. 2026-02-25 10:06:08 -
KAMA Names Jeong Dae-jin as New Chairman Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) said Jeong Dae-jin, a former deputy minister for trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, was elected its 19th chairman at a regular general meeting held on the 25th. Jeong entered public service after passing the 37th national civil service exam and held key posts across the former Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, the former Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the current trade and industry ministry, working in industrial policy, investment promotion and the creative industries, the association said. He also served as director general for trade policy and as deputy minister for trade, overseeing major external trade issues affecting South Korea’s leading industries, it said. KAMA said Jeong is well suited to lead the association as protectionist policies in the United States and the European Union and shifting trade regulations reshape the global environment. The association added it expects his leadership to pursue both continuity and innovation in its operations, strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea’s auto industry and supporting its transition to future mobility. Jeong is scheduled to hold an inauguration ceremony on March 3 and begin his official duties as the 19th chairman.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 10:06:08 -
S. Korea 'watching for possible US-North Korea talks' as Trump prepares for China trip SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - South Korea is keeping a close eye on developments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China late next month, South Korea's U.S. envoy said on Monday. At a press briefing with South Korean correspondents in Washington, D.C., Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha said, "With all possibilities in mind including the possible resumption of dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, we are closely watching related developments." She added that the embassy remains in frequent contact with U.S. government agencies including the National Security Council and the State Department, to share updates on North Korea and to discuss policies toward Pyongyang. "We are monitoring the situation, taking into account various factors including Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S.-China relations, and the growing military ties between North Korea and China," she said. Stressing that U.S. policy toward North Korea remains unchanged, she said that Washington will closely communicate with Seoul. When asked about Trump's new global tariffs, which came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled his reciprocal tariffs illegal, Kang said the embassy would closely monitor the Trump administration's next steps while supporting Seoul's discussions with Washington to ensure they proceed "in a favorable atmosphere." She said the South Korean government would respond to the situation "in a way that best serves the national interest," while admitting that "uncertainties remain." Kang also vowed to work closely with South Korean companies and businesses based in the U.S. to keep them updated in a timely manner on any developments. 2026-02-25 10:05:47 -
KOSPI lands above 6,000 less than above 5,000 SEOUL, Feb 25 (AJP) - KOSPI, on a record-setting ride, climbed above the 6,000 mark on Wednesday, less than a month after it tested 5,000, as South Korean retail investors flooded into the red-hot market on bullish forecasts of a further run toward 8,000. As of 9:45 a.m., the KOSPI added 1.07 percent to 6,032.92, with retail buying overwhelming institutional profit-taking. After a stunning 76 percent gain last year, the benchmark has remained unfazed in 2026, soaring 41.66 percent as of Tuesday and extending its rally less than a month after topping the much-touted 5,000 milestone on Jan. 27. The KOSPI’s performance, coupled with the secondary KOSDAQ’s gain of around 26 percent so far this year, is unrivaled globally - the S&P 500 has gained 1.54 percent and the Nasdaq has slipped 0.11 percent, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 up 13.87 percent and Taiwan’s TAIEX rising 19.81 percent. Foreign investment banks have been raising their targets from 7,000 and recently to 8,000 by Nomura Securities, betting on the exceptional artificial intelligence boom driven by Korean chipmakers and component producers. Korean retail investors have shown signs of returning from overseas markets, with customer deposits for local stock investment reaching 108.29 trillion won as of Monday after topping 100 trillion won for the first time late last month. Foreign investors, meanwhile, have been taking profits, selling a net 13.8 trillion won worth of KOSPI shares so far this month, according to the Financial Supervisory Service. 2026-02-25 10:05:15 -
Mannatech Korea Launches CoQ10 Essential Supplement for Antioxidant and Blood Pressure Support 글로벌 웰니스 기업 매나테크 코리아(대표 노재홍)가 현대인의 활력 증진과 혈관 건강 관리를 위한 신제품 ‘코큐텐 에센셜’을 출시했다고 25일 밝혔다. 매나테크 코리아는 이 제품이 바쁜 일상과 서구화된 식습관 속에서 놓치기 쉬운 기초 건강 관리를 돕도록 설계됐다고 설명했다. 회사 측은 예방 중심의 건강 관리 흐름 속에서 항산화 성분과 혈압 관리에 대한 관심이 커지고 있다며, 코큐텐 에센셜의 핵심 원료로 미토콘드리아에 필요한 성분인 코엔자임Q10을 채택했다고 밝혔다. 코엔자임Q10은 세포 내 에너지 생성을 돕고 유해산소를 억제하는 성분이지만, 20대 이후 체내 보유량이 급격히 줄어 외부 섭취가 필요하다고 회사는 전했다. 코큐텐 에센셜은 식약처 일일 섭취 권장량 최대치인 100mg을 한 캡슐에 담았다고 회사는 밝혔다. 회사는 하루 한 알로 에너지 대사를 활성화하고 전신 활력을 보강하는 데 도움을 줄 수 있다고 설명했다. 또 항산화와 혈압 조절의 ‘2중 기능성’을 갖췄다며, 유해산소로부터 세포를 보호하는 항산화 작용과 함께 높은 혈압을 낮추는 데 도움을 줄 수 있다고 밝혔다. 회사는 혈관 건강 관리가 필요한 중장년층과 업무·학업으로 지친 소비자들을 주요 대상으로 제시했다. 제품에는 비타민K와 셀렌, 아연, 망간 등 비타민·미네랄 성분을 포함했고, 녹차 추출물과 비트뿌리 추출물, 클로렐라 등 식물 유래 부원료를 더해 항산화 시너지를 높였다고 회사는 덧붙였다. 또 PTP 개별 포장을 적용해 산화를 줄이고 휴대와 섭취 편의성을 높였다고 밝혔다. 매나테크 코리아 관계자는 “나이가 들수록 자연스럽게 감소하는 체내 코큐텐 수치는 젊음과 활력의 핵심 척도”라며 “코큐텐 에센셜은 혈압 관리와 항산화를 동시에 챙기고 싶은 소비자들에게 최적의 선택이 될 것”이라고 말했다. 코큐텐 에센셜은 매나테크 코리아 공식 홈페이지 매나스테이션에서 주문할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 10:03:23 -
Parata Air Expands Air Cargo to Diversify Revenue Parata Air is accelerating efforts to diversify its business portfolio by operating an air cargo business alongside its international passenger service. According to international air cargo data released Tuesday by the Korea Airports Corp., Parata Air carried 228 tons of cargo in the first week of this month. Volumes have climbed steadily, from 113 tons in the third week of last month to 168 tons in the fourth week and 202 tons in the fifth week. The airline has pursued the strategy since last year, expanding passenger routes while increasing use of belly cargo space on passenger aircraft. Focusing on Japan and Southeast Asia routes, it has sought e-commerce shipments and demand for transporting fresh foods, gradually building its cargo revenue base. A Parata Air official said the carrier has maintained stable load factors in the passenger segment during the January peak season while also raising cargo load rates by optimizing flight schedules. Passenger and cargo operations complement each other, the official said, strengthening revenue stability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 09:51:15 -
K-Food Gains Global Attention Alongside K-Content Boom, Report Finds The Korean Wave has moved beyond a pop-culture fad, emerging as a strategic asset that boosts South Korea’s national brand and industrial competitiveness. According to the “2025 Global Hallyu Trend Analysis Report Based on Foreign Media and Social Data,” released on the 25th by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Culture Information Service Agency, K-food gained worldwide traction last year, riding the popularity of K-content such as the Netflix animated film “K-pop Demon Hunters,” known in Korean as “K-pop Demon Hunters (KDH).” The report reflects 5,608 stories from about 460 major overseas outlets, along with about 1.49 million Hallyu-related items collected from platforms including YouTube and X. The data covered October 2024 through September 2025. By sector, the global rise of “K-food” stood out. Along with core terms tied to popular and traditional dishes — including kimchi, soju, ramen and bibimbap — “chef” and “Squid Game” newly emerged as closely linked keywords. The report attributed that shift to Korean food being naturally featured on OTT platforms, including the cooking variety show “Culinary Class Wars” and the drama “Squid Game,” prompting renewed global attention. The report said “K-pop Demon Hunters,” which became a global hit, blended traditional cultural motifs such as grim reapers and dokkaebi with Korean elements including gimbap and ramen, helping the content’s ripple effects spread across industries, including traditional culture and K-food. It cited positive impacts extending into tourism and consumption, including an increase in foreign visitors to the National Museum of Korea and a surge in reservations for K-culture experience products. The drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” set on Jeju Island, also boosted demand for Jeju tourism after its Netflix release, the report said. It added that voluntary social media sharing — including the “My Own Gwansik Challenge” — was recognized as a case of local content going global. “Squid Game,” meanwhile, continued to generate industrial spillovers through global brand collaborations, wins at major U.S. awards shows and expanded OTT investment. After author Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, the share of “K-literature” coverage rose by more than 30 percentage points from the previous quarter, the report said. “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts” drew particular attention. Foreign media highlighted the symbolism of her being the first Asian woman to win the prize and said Korean literature had opened a new horizon in world literary history. In 2025, foreign media coverage related to Hallyu was highest in Asia (44%), followed by Europe (20.8%) and North America (16.9%), the report said. In most regions — including Asia, Europe, North America and Central and South America — K-pop accounted for the largest share. In Africa, “K-literature” ranked highest, while in Oceania, “K-film” led. By country, the United States, India, Argentina and Vietnam produced the most coverage. Japan showed a relatively higher share of “K-literature,” Vietnam of “K-drama,” and Brazil of “K-film.” The culture ministry said the report is significant because it integrates foreign news articles and social media data to provide a comprehensive big-data analysis — including coverage volume by continent, country and content type, shifts in keywords, sentiment analysis and network maps — and “quantitatively demonstrates the structure of Hallyu’s spread.” The report is available on the Culture Big Data Platform. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-25 09:45:24