Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • KLPGA Tour Opens 2026 Season With Record 34.7 Billion Won Purse and No Clear Favorite
    KLPGA Tour Opens 2026 Season With Record 34.7 Billion Won Purse and No Clear Favorite The 2026 Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association tour begins an eight-month run this week, with attention on whether another wide-open season will unfold without a dominant player. The KLPGA schedule starts with an opening event in Thailand on March 12 and runs through November, with 31 tournaments. Total prize money is 34.7 billion won, up about 100 million won from last season. Four new events with purses of at least 1 billion won were added, pushing the average purse to 1.12 billion won, the tour said. The season opener is the Rejuran Championship, played March 12-15 at Amata Springs Country Club (par 72) in Chonburi, Thailand. Its 1.2 billion won purse is the largest in KLPGA Tour history. The 120-player field includes the top 90 on the 2026 KLPGA regular tour eligibility list, 23 players drawn from the 2025 THAI LPGA money list and overseas entrants, and seven sponsor invites. ◆A deeper field fuels a wide-open race In past years, the tour had clear standouts, including Chun In-gee in 2015 (five wins), Park Sung-hyun in 2016 (seven), Choi Hye-jin in 2019 (five), and Park Min-ji in 2021 and 2022 (six each). Recently, however, the tour has lacked a single dominant force. Last season produced 22 winners across 31 events. Lee Ye-won, Bang Shin-sil and Hong Jeong-min shared the wins lead with three each, while Kim Min-sol and Ko Ji-won won twice. Hong finished as the money leader and Yoo Hyun-jo won the season points title. A similar pattern played out in 2024, when Lee, Park Hyun-kyung, Park Ji-young, Bae So-hyun and Ma Da-som each won three times to share the wins crown. The tour has attributed the parity to overall improvements in player performance, driven by more systematic physical training, longer average driving distance, and wider use of data for swing work and course strategy. Rookies have also contended immediately, shrinking what once was considered an adjustment period. ◆Season opener offers early test; floating green looms as key variable The opening event is expected to offer an early read on the season, as players put offseason swing work and conditioning to the test. With last season’s top performers in the field, another tightly contested year is expected to begin immediately. Hong, who won three times last season, held on to finish No. 1 on the money list for her first career money title and is seeking a second straight. “I’m excited for the 2026 season opener after waiting for it,” she said. “I trained hard focusing on my swing and rhythm during winter training, so I also want to be the inaugural champion.” She added that because the course is hosting the event for the first time, she will focus on understanding the grass and layout. Yoo recorded 19 top-10 finishes last season and won the season points title with steady play. After focusing on short game and fitness in the offseason, she said, “It’s the first tournament of the season and the invitational event of a new sponsor, so I really want to do well.” She added, “It’s right after winter training, so my feel for competition may be off. Rather than the result, I’ll focus on the process and do my best every moment.” Noh Seung-hee, who finished second on the money list and fourth in points last year, is also among the leading contenders. She joined the Rejuran golf team this year, adding motivation to win the title sponsor’s event. Seo Gyo-rim, the 2025 rookie of the year, said she is targeting a strong start. “I’m really excited and looking forward to playing the season opener,” she said. “It’s important to button the first one well and build good momentum. I prepared hard in the offseason, so I’ll play with confidence.” A major variable is the par-3 17th at Amata Springs, where the green floats in the middle of a lake. The tour described it as one of only two “floating greens” in the world. Unlike a typical island green connected to land, it is completely surrounded by water, and players must take a dedicated boat to reach the putting surface after teeing off. Players who competed there at the 2023 DP World Tour Thailand Classic cited the 17th as the toughest hole. Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat said, “You have to put all your focus into simply hitting the middle of the green without going into the water.” Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello said, “The 17th hole was really tricky and the wind was strong.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 15:36:00
  • OPINION: Middle East conflict enters second week, leaving Trump with few options
    OPINION: Middle East conflict enters second week, leaving Trump with few options SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - The ongoing Middle East conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran has entered its second week, with fighting and retaliatory attacks spreading across the region and no end in sight as attention now turns to U.S. President Donald Trump's next move. Since the killing of Iran's former supreme leader Ali Khamenei shortly after the Feb. 28 U.S.-led military operation, senior Iranian military figures have been targeted and killed, and key military sites including nuclear facilities and ballistic missile bases have been destroyed. About 3,000 sites in Iran have been reportedly destroyed, and around 1,300 civilians have been killed including 168 elementary schoolgirls. More than 20 Iranian naval vessels are said to have been sunk, killing hundreds of sailors. Airstrikes have expanded to hit industrial and civilian infrastructure including oil storage facilities and refineries, prompting Iran to respond with retaliatory drone and missile attacks on energy and strategic sites in neighboring Gulf countries. Tehran, a city of some 10 million, has been shrouded in thick black smoke, with oily residue from destroyed oil facilities raining down on the capital and worsening severe pollution and water shortages. With civilian casualties rising and oil prices surging, calls for an immediate end to the war have grown louder, but Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have only become more hardline. Trump's early confidence that the war would last just a few weeks has faded, replaced by talk of a weekslong conflict, possible ground operations, regime change, unconditional surrender, and threats to kill any new supreme leader not approved by him. Analysts see little room for diplomacy, as the United Nations' influence wanes, international law loses its teeth, and meaningful mediation hard to come by. But the question remains. Why did the U.S. launch the military operation codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," even as nuclear talks in Geneva were reportedly making "positive progress," according to Oman's foreign minister and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency just two days earlier. Behind the war lies Israel's influence. Netanyahu has long opposed limited nuclear deals with Iran, arguing they fall short of his goals dismantling Iran's nuclear and missile programs and weakening the regime's grip on power, pushing Washington toward a more confrontational path. Iran's internal unrest may also have emboldened Trump. Crippled by U.S. sanctions, the country was already buckling under economic paralysis, with protests over livelihoods spreading even among the regime's traditional supporters. Its brutal crackdown only deepened the crisis, what many described as the gravest challenge the regime has faced since coming to power in 1979. After three years of war in Gaza and with Israel effectively controlling most of the West Bank, territory long envisioned for a future Palestinian state, Netanyahu came to see Iran as the last major obstacle standing in his way. Some 151 countries including many in Europe, recognize Palestinian statehood, while Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant over the Gaza war. With an early general election looming in October, he may have felt an urgent need to bolster domestic support. Public sentiment in Iran seems to be shifting from hope to fear to anger. After 37 years under autocratic, one‑man rule, many had expected democratic reforms and better living conditions. Instead, their protests were met with a brutal crackdown that has cost thousands of lives. But as U.S. strikes expanded beyond military targets, killing large numbers of civilians, anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment surged sharply. The best scenario, as some argue, would be for Trump to end the war quickly after finding a way to declare victory. But instead, Trump is considering deploying ground forces, demanding Iran's complete surrender. Otherwise, ending the war would be difficult for both Iran's leadership and its people, given Iran's long, 2,500‑year history and collective memory of enduring an eight‑year war with Iraq, during which the U.S. backed Iraq, and decades of crippling sanctions since 1979. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting oil and gas flows and pushing prices toward US$150 a barrel. The global economy is feeling the strain, with South Korea among the hardest hit, nearly 80 percent of its crude oil comes from the Middle East. Iran has also established a succession structure, with a three-person interim authority now in place. Iranian clerics have named Mojtaba Khamenei, the second-eldest son of the late leader, as the next supreme leader. The choice of a hardline conservative signals a determination to fight on. Even if the war ends, Iran's economic crisis leaves it with only one option, negotiation and compromise with the U.S., as no government would survive indefinitely under American sanctions and blockade. As war fatigue grows and global economic strain deepens, two things are worth watching. The first is whether the U.S. and Israel will accept Mojtaba as a negotiating counterpart. If he is killed, anger inside Iran could deepen, making the conflict harder to contain and far more prolonged. The second is whether the U.S. will deploy ground forces. A plan to send a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia into Iran appears to have stalled, hampered by infighting among Kurdish factions as well as objections from the Iraqi and Turkish governments. Instead, the U.S. is reportedly preparing elite special forces to seize and destroy Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles. Any ground deployment, however, carries serious risks and could turn the conflict into a long, costly war. There is still no clear exit, but extending the war indefinitely would also burden Trump ahead of the midterm elections in November, given negative U.S. public opinion and his emphasis on presenting himself as a peace broker. But Netanyahu will likely keep pushing Trump to maintain military pressure, arguing that Iran must be thoroughly weakened to prevent it from threatening Israel again, and he has also vowed to continue offensive operations across the region. Nevertheless, a possible breakthrough could come from Trump's upcoming summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, scheduled later this month in Beijing. China, which buys roughly 80 percent of Iran's oil exports, holds the greatest leverage over Tehran and is actively mediating. As the war grinds on, South Korea is also urged to take a more active diplomatic role in pursuit of peace. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-03-11 15:15:52
  • Korean games earn billions abroad but lose spotlight to K-pop
    Korean games earn billions abroad but lose spotlight to K-pop SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - South Korea's video game industry is quietly generating billions of dollars overseas, yet publishers say it remains overshadowed by the global success of K-pop and film while facing heavier regulatory and financial burdens at home. Once the flagship sector of the country's "K-content" boom, game developers complain they struggle to gain global attention or policy support despite remaining the largest content export industry. Games accounted for 60.4 percent of South Korea's total content exports in 2024, generating about $8.5 billion, exceeding the combined overseas sales of music, film, television and advertising, according to industry data. The 2025 export data are yet to be published. Domestic revenue reached roughly 23.8 trillion won ($16.2 billion). Yet the industry says it receives little institutional backing. Game production is notably absent from South Korea's content production tax credit framework, a gap lawmakers and trade groups have increasingly criticized. At a National Assembly forum Tuesday hosted by the Korea Association of Game Industry (K-GAMES), developers and policymakers pointed to the widening disparity with other cultural sectors. Film and television productions receive tax credits of up to 30 percent, while webtoon creators qualify for 10 to 15 percent incentives. Game developers receive no comparable support, even though 86.4 percent of Korean game companies employ fewer than 10 people, leaving most unable to meet the threshold for existing R&D tax credits. "Triple-A titles now routinely cost more than 1 trillion won to produce," said Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young. "National-level institutional support is more urgent than ever." The contrast is even sharper overseas. Britain offers a 34 percent tax credit on core game production costs, Canada reimburses up to 37.5 percent of labor expenses, and Japan allows companies to deduct 30 percent of qualifying intellectual-property income under its tax regime. Regulatory pressures are also rising. South Korea's Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence, which took effect in January, requires AI-generated content to carry disclosure labels. The game industry has opposed a proposed amendment that would introduce additional disclosure rules, warning the overlap could create regulatory confusion. Platform economics remain another sticking point. Google announced on March 4 it would lower its Google Play commission from 30 percent to a maximum of 20 percent, but the change will not take effect in Korea until December — six months after implementation in the United States and Europe. Apple continues to charge commissions of up to 30 percent through the App Store. According to K-GAMES, Korean developers paid an estimated 9 trillion won in platform commissions to the two companies between 2020 and 2023. Industry concerns come as financial pressures mount across major publishers. NCSoft reported revenue falling 5 percent last year despite launching Aion 2, while Kakao Games posted its first annual operating loss since listing. Pearl Abyss recorded a 14.8 billion won loss amid a prolonged content drought, and Krafton saw operating profit fall 10.8 percent despite record sales. Meanwhile Nexon logged roughly 4.5 trillion won in annual revenue, but operating income barely increased. A wave of project shutdowns has compounded the industry's difficulties. Extraction shooter Dungeon Stalkers will close on June 9 just seven months after launch, while NCSoft ended service for Blade & Soul Heroes in February and plans to shut down global services for Blade & Soul 2 in June. Critics say the industry's own strategy has also contributed to the slowdown. "Many game executives come to us saying 'this type of game makes money' rather than asking what makes a good game," said Im Chung-jae, professor of game software at Keimyung University. "For years the industry has focused on a narrow business model built around a small group of heavy-spending users." Despite the setbacks, major titles scheduled for release in 2026 are raising hopes for a revival. Pearl Abyss is preparing to launch the open-world blockbuster Crimson Desert, while Nexon's Arc Raiders and the globally acclaimed indie hit Dave the Diver have already demonstrated the international potential of Korean studios. Other successes — including Shift Up's Stellar Blade and Neowiz's Lies of P — suggest Korean developers can compete globally when they move beyond established formulas. Im said the industry ultimately needs broader recognition and greater creative diversity. “If companies adopt a longer-term philosophy and expand their genres, solutions will emerge,” he said. “The industry must be structured so it can ride whatever cycle comes — and right now, with such a narrow spectrum, it cannot.” 2026-03-11 15:04:56
  • SK hynix expands AI memory portfolio beyond HBM with LPDDR6 breakthrough
    SK hynix expands AI memory portfolio beyond HBM with LPDDR6 breakthrough SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - SK hynix said Tuesday it has developed the world’s first 16-gigabit LPDDR6 DRAM built on its sixth-generation 10-nanometer-class (1c) process, positioning the chipmaker to capture the next wave of artificial-intelligence demand spilling over from data centers to smartphones and mobile front. The new mobile memory, designed for devices running on-device AI, improves data processing speed by 33 percent and boosts power efficiency by more than 20 percent compared with the current LPDDR5X generation. With a base operating speed exceeding 10.7 gigabits per second, the chip surpasses the maximum performance of existing mobile DRAM products, the company said. The LPDDR6 chip incorporates Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and a sub-channel architecture that activates only necessary data paths, enabling devices to maximize bandwidth during heavy workloads while lowering voltage and power consumption during routine tasks. SK hynix plans to complete preparations for mass production in the first half of the year and begin supplying global smartphone and tablet makers in the second half. The development underscores how aggressively SK hynix is leaning into the AI memory boom that has reshaped the semiconductor industry over the past two years. The company has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure build-out, particularly through its dominance in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators supplied to companies such as Nvidia. Demand for AI servers has tightened the supply of advanced memory, driving prices sharply higher across the industry. Server-grade DRAM prices are expected to rise as much as 60 to 70 percent this year compared with late 2025, according to industry estimates, as hyperscale cloud providers including Microsoft and Google rush to secure memory supplies for expanding AI data centers. The surge in AI-related demand has also spilled over into conventional DRAM markets. Even as chipmakers prioritize production of HBM for AI servers, tighter supply of standard DRAM is pushing up prices for memory used in PCs, smartphones and other consumer electronics. Against that backdrop, SK hynix is broadening its portfolio beyond data-center memory to include mobile chips optimized for AI workloads running directly on devices. Industry analysts say the shift toward on-device AI, where smartphones process AI tasks locally rather than through remote servers, is creating a new growth engine for mobile memory with higher bandwidth and better power efficiency. The LPDDR6 chip is designed to support faster response times and longer battery life in AI-enabled smartphones and tablets, enabling complex tasks such as real-time language processing and image recognition without relying heavily on cloud computing. By moving early into LPDDR6 while maintaining leadership in HBM, SK hynix is positioning itself at both ends of the AI memory spectrum — from hyperscale data centers to next-generation mobile devices — as the industry pivots toward AI-driven computing. 2026-03-11 14:59:43
  • IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Launches Task Force to Boost KOSDAQ Research and IR Support
    IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Launches Task Force to Boost KOSDAQ Research and IR Support IBK Industrial Bank of Korea said Tuesday it has formed an "IBK KOSDAQ Activation Task Force" to reduce information gaps in the KOSDAQ market and support growth for small and venture companies. The task force will target KOSDAQ-listed companies and firms preparing initial public offerings, aiming to improve investors' access to information and broaden companies' funding options. IBK plans to hold two joint investor relations events with the IBK Financial Group in May and December for KOSDAQ-listed companies to expand communication between companies and investors. It will also survey difficulties such as attracting investment and promoting companies among about 1,600 KOSDAQ-listed firms that do business with the bank, and publish a policy report on steps to revitalize the market. IBK Investment & Securities, which recently opened a KOSDAQ research center, will work with the bank to expand its analysis reports on KOSDAQ-listed companies to 350 by the end of this year. The bank said the planned coverage would be among the largest by a domestic securities firm and is intended to help close information gaps in the KOSDAQ market, where investor information is relatively limited. IBK CEO Jang Min-young said the bank will "ease the shortage of investment information in the KOSDAQ market" and strengthen links between companies and investors to build a healthy investment ecosystem centered on small and venture companies. He added that, as a policy finance institution, IBK will continue providing support to help invigorate the KOSDAQ market. 2026-03-11 14:45:00
  • BTS Comeback D-10: Heritage souvenirs await fans at Gwanghwamun
    BTS Comeback D-10: Heritage souvenirs await fans at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) — It is no surprise that BTS is weaving Korean history into its latest project: the group’s comeback album is titled “Arirang,” and its return performance will be staged at Gwanghwamun, the historic gateway to Seoul. For fans traveling from around the world, the group is also ensuring the souvenirs tied to the event reflect the cultural legacy of the Gwanghwamun setting. Ahead of next week’s comeback, BTS’ agency is preparing a special pop-up event in Seoul featuring items inspired by the Bell of King Seongdeok, one of Korea’s most celebrated historical artifacts. The merchandise collection draws on decorative motifs from the ancient bronze bell and reinterprets them in contemporary fashion items, creating a meeting point between centuries-old Korean craftsmanship and the global reach of K-pop. The event, titled “BTS POP-UP: ARIRANG,” will run from March 20 to April 12 at two locations — the Heritage building of Shinsegae Department Store in Jung-gu and HYBE headquarters in Yongsan. The pop-up will open at 1 p.m. on March 20, with regular hours from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 8:30 p.m. on weekends, organizers said. Fans visiting the spaces will find items such as shoulder bags, card holders, hairpins, clips and layered skirts, all incorporating patterns derived from the historic bell. Created in 771 during the Unified Silla period, the Bell of King Seongdeok stands more than three meters tall and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Korean bronze casting. Its intricate lotus and cloud motifs remain symbols of traditional craftsmanship. By translating those designs into contemporary merchandise, the project aims to introduce elements of Korean cultural heritage to BTS’ global fan base. The pop-up will also feature official merchandise connected to the album, including hoodies, ball caps, T-shirts and the group’s signature light stick. Official goods will first be available through an online presale on Weverse Shop beginning Thursday at 11 a.m., followed by general online sales starting March 20 at 2 p.m. Sales will take place both at the pop-up locations and online. The project builds on BTS’ earlier partnership with the National Museum Foundation of Korea, known as the “Dalmajung” cultural series, which brought the group’s branding together with traditional Korean artifacts. Products in that series were released under MU:DS, a cultural goods brand created by the foundation. The name combines “museum” and “goods,” referring to items inspired by artifacts held in Korean museum collections. Interest in museum-inspired merchandise surged after BTS member RM, known for his interest in art and history, shared a miniature Pensive Bodhisattva statue on social media, drawing attention to cultural goods based on Korean heritage. The category has since grown rapidly. MU:DS recorded 413 billion won ($309 million) in sales in 2025, nearly doubling from 212 billion won in 2024. Earlier Dalmajung releases drew inspiration from national treasures including the Pensive Bodhisattva statue, Goryeo celadon and Joseon white porcelain, incorporating traditional motifs into modern accessories and lifestyle goods. Some pieces quickly became collectibles. According to fans and online store listings, a gold ring inspired by traditional patterns sold out on Weverse Shop on the day of its release, while several other accessories soon became difficult to obtain. Kim Eun-seo, a Seoul-based office worker who visited the National Museum of Korea during the Dalmajung launch in October 2024, recalled the crowds. “There were so many people at the museum that day,” Kim said. “Many visitors came to see the collaboration items, and popular products like the ring and key chains sold out quickly.” She said the appeal lay in how traditional aesthetics were subtly incorporated into modern designs. “The patterns weren’t overly bold,” Kim said. “They blended traditional motifs naturally, so the designs felt both modern and rooted in Korean culture.” Partnerships between cultural institutions and K-pop artists are increasingly being used to introduce Korean heritage to younger audiences and international visitors. The National Museum of Korea recently partnered with BLACKPINK, illuminating the museum’s exterior in pink to coincide with the group’s album release. The event also included a listening zone inside the museum where visitors could hear tracks from the album along with multilingual audio guides recorded by the members introducing several artifacts in the museum’s collection. The National Museum of Korea attracts more than five million visitors annually, ranking among the world’s most visited museums. Yet foreign visitors still account for only about 1.7 percent of attendance. For many institutions, K-pop provides a powerful gateway to global audiences. Countdown to Gwanghwamun BTS will release its 14-track album “Arirang” on March 20, marking the group’s first full-group comeback in three years. The album has already generated strong global interest, surpassing four million presaves on Spotify and topping the platform’s Countdown Charts Global for seven consecutive weeks. The group is also scheduled to hold a free comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 21 — an event expected to draw more than 26,000 fans and turn the historic downtown district into a global K-pop stage. Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun said such projects show how K-pop can amplify Korea’s cultural identity internationally. “We are moving from the era of K-content to the era of K-culture,” Jung said. “When globally recognized K-pop artists engage with institutions like the National Museum of Korea, it becomes a powerful way to introduce Korean culture to international audiences.” 2026-03-11 14:42:49
  • Daseok Society to Hold Spring Symposium on Korean Language Philosophy in Seoul
    Daseok Society to Hold Spring Symposium on Korean Language Philosophy in Seoul The Daseok Society will hold a spring symposium March 13 to mark the 136th birthday anniversary of Daseok Ryu Yeong-mo (1890-1981). The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at a second-floor classroom of the Seoul YMCA in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Held under the theme, “Our writing and our language are fitting,” the meeting is intended to highlight Ryu’s thought and philosophy of language and to revisit the meaning of the Korean language and script. The society said it is worth reflecting on “the reality that today’s society mixes foreign words and Sino-Korean terms indiscriminately and is gradually forgetting the original meaning of our language.” It added that the gathering will be a chance to reconsider “the meaning of language and life” through the Korean-language philosophy Ryu emphasized. Two presentations are planned. Choi Han-sil will speak on “Ttangbyeol Mokseumsallim Modumsallim,” explaining key concepts in Ryu’s thought. Kim Jong-gil will follow with “God Who Exists Without Being, and Neuli Rolling as a Flow,” outlining Ryu’s distinctive views of God and the universe. Ryu, regarded as a leading Korean thinker and religious philosopher, is known for exploring fundamental questions about humanity, life and the universe using native Korean terms such as “eol,” “haneunim” and “oneulsari.” The symposium is open to anyone interested in Ryu’s thought and Korean-language philosophy. Inquiries can be directed to the Daseok Society. 2026-03-11 14:39:17
  • ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Song ‘Golden’ to Be Performed at 98th Oscars
    ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Song ‘Golden’ to Be Performed at 98th Oscars Netflix hit film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ will bring its theme song, ‘Golden,’ to the Academy Awards stage. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on its official website on March 10 (local time) that EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — who provide the vocals for the film’s girl group, Huntrix — will perform ‘Golden’ at the 98th Academy Awards. The performance will open with a fusion segment combining Korean traditional instruments and dance. The academy said it will highlight the folk elements and cultural inspiration behind the film before the three Huntrix vocalists continue with ‘Golden.’ Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan called the film “a movie that sparked a global pop-culture craze.” On its official X account, the academy also posted: “Huntrix fans, light up your light sticks,” building anticipation for the stage. ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ is nominated this year for best animated feature and best original song. After winning at the Golden Globe Awards in January and the Grammys last month, attention is also on its Oscar chances. The 98th Academy Awards will be held March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 13:51:18
  • Op Ed: Remembering humility on St. Patricks Day
    Op Ed: Remembering humility on St. Patrick's Day In a world as fast-moving and unpredictable as the one we are navigating currently, it is nice to know there are some certainties upon which we can depend. One of those is St. Patrick’s Day. Every 17 March, this is an occasion that Irish people, and people of Irish heritage, celebrate all over our world, including here in South Korea. For our small island, from which so many people emigrated throughout our history, this really is a global celebration of history, culture, connections and shared values. Ireland does not take this for granted, ever. We are fortunate to have a national day that is enjoyed internationally and gives us an opportunity to share our story. But we know too that stories have greatest impact when they touch on universal themes, and when the arc of the narrative is ultimately hopeful. For Ireland, we believe all of this holds true. Ireland may be prosperous today, but this was not always the case. We understand the challenges of countries experiencing hunger and poverty because this resonates with our history. And although we have been independent more than 100 years, it is only in the last 50 years that our economy has grown exponentially and our society has become more tolerant, more equal and more inclusive. It is these values, together with our commitment to human rights, international law and multilateralism, that we will champion if we are successful in our bid for membership of the UN’s Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029. 2026 is a huge year for Ireland too. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for just the eighth time in our history. Previous Irish Presidencies have overseen significant moments in the EU’s history, including German reunification, and expansion of members in 2004. Ireland will take on this important role at a time when global challenges have rarely looked so formidable. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to inflict untold misery on the brave men and women there. We need to see a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Russia’s brutal war is a challenge to European security and is global in its impacts. We welcome the efforts of the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression and we will support these efforts through our membership of the Coalition of the Willing. As regards the current conflict in Iran, the Gulf and the Middle East, Ireland’s longstanding position is one of support for international law and the United Nations. Our priority now is to see urgent de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Elsewhere in the region, we welcome all good faith efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We will continue to work for a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians with the implementation of a two-State solution at its core. This also means that, in the West Bank, we must see an end to settlement expansion, rising settler violence and mass displacement. In Sudan, the scale and depravity of the horrors being inflicted on the civilian population should shock the conscience of us all. We must work to end this appalling conflict and ensure humanitarian access immediately. None of this is easy work. We know from our own history, in the words of poet WB Yeats, that “peace comes dropping slow”. We also know that even countries which want peace, such as militarily neutral Ireland, must ensure they are ready to face threats from those who don’t. This is why Ireland has embarked on the most significant capital investment in our Defense Forces in the history of our state. Our ambition is a safe and prosperous Ireland helping to shape a competitive and innovative Europe. We have always played an active role in shaping the European Union, just as Europe has so profoundly shaped Ireland. We will prioritize strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and deepening our EU single market during our Presidency this year. Korea and Ireland face many common challenges in 2026, highly open economies navigating global difficulties, and striving to send messages of peace amidst escalating conflict. We must continue to collaborate closely; economically and politically, to face these challenges together. At a time of so much turbulence, there is strength in Irish stability. This is Ireland in 2026 – a country with lots of challenges, domestically and internationally, but also one well-placed to lead a strong national and European response. An ambition worth toasting this St. Patrick’s Day! *The author is the Minister of State at Department of Transport of Ireland. 2026-03-11 13:42:05
  • “Cohabitation Blind Date” Final Couple Kim Jinju and Jang Mincheol Announce Wedding Plans
    “Cohabitation Blind Date” Final Couple Kim Jinju and Jang Mincheol Announce Wedding Plans Kim Jinju and Jang Mincheol, the final couple from the reality dating show “Cohabitation Blind Date,” have announced they are preparing to get married. SBS’ official YouTube channel on the 11th posted a video titled, “Cohabitation Blind Date final couple Jang Mincheol♥Kim Jinju announces marriage. Who will find love in the next cohabitation?!” In the video, the pair introduced themselves as the show’s “final couple” and a real-life couple, saying they have continued dating after filming and are now planning a wedding. Kim said she once wondered whether she would be able to marry, but that filming alongside the mothers helped the relationship progress naturally toward marriage. Kim’s mother said she saw a different side of her daughter during filming and came to feel she was old enough to get married. “Cohabitation Blind Date” is a reality dating program in which 10 single men and women who want to marry and 10 mothers who want their children to marry live together for five nights and six days, watching their children’s dating lives up close.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 13:39:16