Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Spring waits indoors at Gwangmyeong flower complex
    Spring waits indoors at Gwangmyeong flower complex SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) -Cold mornings and sharp winds still signal the tail end of winter. Frost lingers on sidewalks, and heavy coats remain necessary outdoors. Inside the garden shops at the Gwangmyeong flower complex, however, the season looks different. Rows of flowers are already in full bloom under controlled temperatures and lighting. Brightly colored blossoms line shelves and tables, while potted plants are arranged neatly along narrow aisles. Wholesale owners are preparing early for the spring shopping season. Each day, they water plants, adjust humidity and temperature, and inspect leaves and roots. Many begin work before sunrise to manage new shipments and organize displays. The complex supplies more than seasonal flowers. It also handles a wide range of succulents, small fruit trees, herbs and ornamental plants. Gardening tools and decorative items are stacked nearby, ready for customers planning home and balcony gardens. Most visitors have yet to arrive in large numbers. For now, shop owners focus on cultivation and maintenance, anticipating increased demand as temperatures rise. While winter remains outside, these indoor gardens are already set for spring. By the time warmer days arrive, the flowers will be ready — grown, arranged and waiting for shoppers seeking an early taste of the new season. 2026-02-23 15:38:05
  • S. Korean researchers develop AI that transforms single observer video into first-person perspective
    S. Korean researchers develop AI that transforms single observer video into first-person perspective SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed an artificial intelligence model capable of converting a standard video of a person into a high-quality video showing exactly what that person was seeing. The technology, named EgoX, reconstructs a first-person perspective using only a single third-party video as a source. This development addresses a significant hurdle in the fields of augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotics. While first-person data is essential for training AI and creating immersive content, it typically requires subjects to wear expensive action cameras or smart glasses. By eliminating the need for wearable hardware, the new model allows researchers to generate first-person data from the vast amount of existing video footage already recorded by outside observers. The EgoX system works by analyzing the three-dimensional structure of the environment and the specific movements of the person in the video. Rather than simply rotating the camera angle, the AI calculates the person's exact position and posture to recreate the scene from their eyes. It specifically models the relationship between head movement and visual field, ensuring that when a person in a video turns their head, the generated first-person view shifts naturally. In testing across various daily activities such as cooking and exercising, the model maintained high visual quality without the glitches often found in earlier conversion attempts. Because it understands the geometry of the space, the AI can accurately estimate depth and surroundings even when the lighting or movement in the original video is complex. The technology is expected to have an immediate impact on immersive media and robotics. In the metaverse and VR industries, it can turn standard broadcasts into experiences where users feel as if they are the protagonist. For robotics, it provides a way for machines to practice imitation learning by seeing human tasks from the correct physical perspective. Professor Ju Jae-geul, who led the research, stated that the significance of the work lies in the AI learning to reconstruct human vision and spatial understanding. He noted that the environment is now being created where anyone can produce immersive content using previously filmed videos. The research was a collaborative effort involving Kang Tae-woong and Kim Ki-nam, doctoral students at KAIST, and Kim Do-hyun, an undergraduate researcher at Seoul National University. The findings were first shared on the preprint server arXiv on December 9, 2025, and will be officially presented at the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition in Colorado on June 3, 2026. The project was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT through the National Research Foundation of South Korea and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information. (Paper information) Journal: The IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Title: EgoX: Egocentric Video Generation from a Single Exocentric Video DOI: https://keh0t0.github.io/EgoX/ 2026-02-23 15:31:57
  • Taegeukgi in full bloom ahead of March 1 Independence Movement Da
    Taegeukgi in full bloom ahead of March 1 Independence Movement Da SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) -A line of Taegeukgi stretches quietly through the trees at Hyochang Park, marking the 107th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement. From Hyochang Park Station to the park’s main entrance, a 510-meter walkway has been transformed into a corridor of national symbols. More than 300 Korean flags are attached to tree trunks and branches, creating a continuous display that follows the natural curve of the path. Installed from Feb. 21 to March 8, the project is designed to bring remembrance into everyday spaces. Rather than gathering people in a single square, it places history along a route used daily by commuters, joggers and nearby residents. As pedestrians pass beneath the flags, the scene invites a brief pause. Some slow their steps. Others lift their phones. Many simply look up, momentarily drawn out of routine. The white fabric, marked by red, blue and black, stands out against bare winter branches. From a distance, the rows resemble blossoms, suggesting both renewal and continuity. Up close, each flag recalls the collective spirit of 1919, when ordinary citizens filled the streets to demand independence. The installation honors independence activists while encouraging reflection in ordinary moments — on the way to work, during an afternoon walk, or while heading home. In this corridor of trees and symbols, remembrance does not rely on speeches or ceremonies. It unfolds quietly, one step at a time, reminding visitors that history remains present in daily life. 2026-02-23 15:30:53
  • BTS Comeback D-26: After Gwanghwamun, book cinema seats for ARIRANG concerts
    BTS Comeback D-26: After Gwanghwamun, book cinema seats for 'ARIRANG' concerts SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - Global K-pop powerhouse BTS is taking an unconventional, fan-first approach to its long-awaited comeback, blending free outdoor performances, livestreaming, and cinema screenings to reach audiences worldwide. Livestreaming to living rooms and screening concerts on silver screens — both free and paid — mark a departure from traditional commercial touring models, as the group reconnects with fans who have waited nearly four years for a full reunion. Alongside the free outdoor show at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, which will also stream on Netflix, BTS will bring its sold-out stadium tour to movie theaters at affordable prices. Concerts scheduled for April 11 in Goyang, South Korea, and April 18 in Tokyo, Japan, will be broadcast live in more than 3,500 theaters across 75 countries. In some regions, screenings will be delayed because of time zone differences. Live cinema viewing allows fans to gather for real-time broadcasts of concerts and major events. In South Korea, screenings will be available at the country’s three major multiplex chains — CGV, Lotte Cinema, and Megabox — with tickets going on sale at 10 a.m. on March 25. Largest world tour to date BTS is set to launch its biggest-ever world tour, spanning 82 shows in 34 cities beginning in Goyang. The group will become the first Korean act to hold standalone concerts at several major stadiums, including Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Stanford Stadium, Gillette Stadium, M&T Bank Stadium, AT&T Stadium, King Baudouin Stadium, and Allianz Arena. The group is also expected to set a single-show attendance record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. BTS will release its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20. From the album’s release through April 12, an immersive citywide project titled “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” will unfold across Seoul, featuring media installations, pop-up experiences and interactive events. Tickets for “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” the group’s first-ever performance at Gwanghwamun Square, will open Monday at 8 p.m. via NOL Ticket. Available sections include standing areas on the far right facing the main stage and reserved seating extending toward the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin Statue. Purchases are limited to one ticket per person. Some sections may have partially obstructed views because of stage structures and safety installations, with large on-site screens provided. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo said authorities will intensify monitoring of potential crimes linked to the event, including proxy ticket purchases, resale at inflated prices, cyberattacks targeting ticketing platforms, and accommodation-related fraud near the venue. With outdoor stages, global cinema broadcasts and a record-setting stadium tour, BTS’s “ARIRANG” era is shaping up as one of the most expansive and accessible comeback projects in K-pop history. 2026-02-23 15:24:32
  • Jeno and Jaemin are the new duo unit from NCT with mini album BOTH SIDES
    Jeno and Jaemin are the new duo unit from NCT with mini album "BOTH SIDES" SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - NCT members Jeno and Jaemin will debut as a new unit Monday evening in Korean time with the release of their first mini album “BOTH SIDES.” The unit, NCT JNJM, will release their first mini album at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) across major streaming platforms, alongside the music video for the title track "Both Sides" on the SMTOWN YouTube channel and other official platforms. “Both Sides” centers on the theme of duality, highlighting the contrasting yet complementary charms of the two members. Moreover, the album will consist of six tracks including the title track “Both Sides,” along with “I.D.O.L.,” “What It Is,” “Hashtag,” “Wind Up,” and “Sexier.” The title track “Both Sides” is a hip-hop dance tune featuring refined sound design, smooth drum beats, and a blend of vocal and rap performances. The lyrics convey a playful message about captivating someone through two distinct sides of one’s personality. Ahead of the release, NCT JNJM will host a countdown live broadcast titled “NCT JNJM ‘BOTH SIDES’ Countdown Live” at 4:30 p.m. through NCT’s official YouTube and TikTok channels, where the duo will introduce the album and share behind-the-scenes stories. “I know many fans have been waiting for this collaboration. I’m happy we can finally present something meaningful, and I’m looking forward to showing the new sides of ourselves through this unit,” Jeno said. Jaemin seconded: “Our chemistry is perfect. The album captures everything from elegance to sexy, and I hope fans are excited for our upcoming album.” Regarding the album’s concept, Jeno elaborated, “We focused on expressing the theme of duality through visual and musical aspects by putting emphasis on small details in our vocal lines and rap.” Jaemin added, “I think ‘Both Sides’ best represents our identity as a unit and the direction we want to strive toward.” NCT JNJM is the latest unit formed under the NCT umbrella, following NCT DoJaeJung. 2026-02-23 15:23:45
  • Korean Biopharma Ramps Up U.S. Production as Trump Tariff Uncertainty Grows
    Korean Biopharma Ramps Up U.S. Production as Trump Tariff Uncertainty Grows Uncertainty over tariff policy under the Trump administration is rising again, putting industries on edge. Concerns are growing in South Korea’s biotech sector as the possibility emerges of steep U.S. tariffs on Korean-made pharmaceuticals that have been exported duty-free. Companies say they plan to limit exposure by building inventory and starting production in the United States. According to industry officials on the 23rd, the Trump administration has intensified trade pressure on partners worldwide after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, were illegal. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 20 (local time), shortly after the ruling, that he would use Section 122 of U.S. trade law to impose a 10% tariff on imports from all countries. The next day, he raised it to 15%, the maximum allowed under that provision. The administration has also signaled it could impose tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act and Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which would be tougher than the earlier reciprocal tariffs. The court decision invalidated only the IEEPA-based reciprocal tariffs and does not affect tariffs grounded in other statutes. After the ruling, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative began unfair-trade investigations of major partners under Section 232. In South Korea, it has been investigating whether trade is unfair in nine categories, including pharmaceuticals, since last year. The Korea International Trade Association’s trade research unit said additional tariffs on at least seven categories could materialize by September due to Section 232. With tariff risks resurfacing, South Korean biotech companies are moving faster. Celltrion will begin producing biologic drugs this month at its Branchburg, New Jersey, facility, which it acquired from Eli Lilly. The plant has capacity of 66,000 liters for drug substance production, and Celltrion plans to expand it to 132,000 liters by 2030 through additional investment. The company previously secured two years’ worth of supply for the U.S. market. A Celltrion official said the company has prepared both preemptive inventory and longer-term measures, including operating a U.S. plant, and will respond so that any tariff policy does not affect the company. Samsung Biologics is accelerating work to complete an acquisition. It plans to finish the takeover process by next month for a biologics plant in Rockville, Maryland, which it bought in December, and to start local production immediately after completion. The plant currently has capacity of 60,000 liters, and Samsung Biologics is considering an expansion of 20,000 to 40,000 liters. Lee Seung-gyu, vice chairman of the Korea Bio Association, said biotech companies are minimizing tariff impacts by securing production facilities in the United States, and he urged the government to seek needed support while listening to industry views.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 15:18:00
  • Daewoong Pharmaceutical Unveils ‘ALL New thynC’ AI Platform, Targets 300 Billion Won in Annual Digital Health Sales
    Daewoong Pharmaceutical Unveils ‘ALL New thynC’ AI Platform, Targets 300 Billion Won in Annual Digital Health Sales "We will expand adoption of the real-time inpatient monitoring system 'thynC' to more than 100,000 beds and achieve annual digital health care sales exceeding 300 billion won." Park Hyeong-cheol, head of Daewoong Pharmaceutical’s ETC marketing division, made the remarks on the 23rd at a “digital health care vision” media briefing in Seoul. He also said the company aims to establish a nationwide monitoring system that can support patients at home after discharge. On the sales target, Park said the market size can vary depending on how digital health care is defined, but added he believes the goal is achievable even when counting only products already in use by medical staff. Daewoong Pharmaceutical, which set up a dedicated digital health care organization in 2024, unveiled its upgraded next-generation artificial intelligence health care platform, “ALL New thynC,” at the event. The platform integrates patient health data by linking biometric information collected from wearable sensors — including electrocardiograms, blood pressure and oxygen saturation — with tools such as continuous glucose monitoring, ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring and an AI voice-recognition medical record solution. Executives from partner companies, including Seers Technology, iCoop, Sky Labs and Puzzle AI, attended the briefing to share the platform’s technical value and examples of use in clinical settings. iCoop’s continuous glucose monitoring solution, CGM Live, tracks real-time blood sugar changes in hospitalized patients. Sky Labs’ ring-type continuous blood pressure monitoring solution, Cart On, automatically measures and records blood pressure. Puzzle AI’s AI voice-recognition solution, CL Note, recognizes clinicians’ speech in real time and links it to electronic medical records. Lee Young-shin, CEO of Seers Technology, said ALL New thynC is evolving into an AI-based platform that supports clinicians’ decision-making and will expand beyond in-hospital monitoring to home care to broaden full-cycle patient monitoring. The briefing also cited a case in which an early warning alert detected by thynC in a real-world medical setting helped identify a patient just before cardiac arrest. Daewoong Pharmaceutical said it plans to further advance monitoring technology so care does not stop outside the hospital. Park said the value lies in connecting technologies through an integrated platform to support clinical decisions, adding the company will continue working with partners across more medical settings.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 15:09:00
  • IBK Bank Gains as Film ‘The King and the Man He Lives With’ Nears 6 Million Viewers
    IBK Bank Gains as Film ‘The King and the Man He Lives With’ Nears 6 Million Viewers IBK Industrial Bank of Korea is drawing attention again for its track record in cultural-content investing, as the film ‘The King and the Man He Lives With’ continues a strong run and is closing in on 6 million admissions. According to the Korean Film Council’s box-office tracking system, the movie drew 1,414,207 viewers over its third weekend, Feb. 20-22, bringing its cumulative total to 5,828,885. It has held the No. 1 spot since release, and some are even discussing the possibility of topping 10 million admissions. For IBK, which participated as an investor, the box-office momentum could translate directly into returns. The film has already passed its break-even point of 2.6 million admissions, and its pace suggests returns comparable to the bank’s past hits. IBK previously invested 790 million won in the 10 million-viewer film ‘Extreme Job,’ posting a 377% return. It invested 1 billion won in last year’s ‘Exhuma’ and earned a 129% return. Its investment in ‘The King and the Man He Lives With’ is also 1 billion won. Building on its experience in cultural content, IBK plans to invest more than 50 billion won this year. In line with its policy goal of fostering small and midsize content companies that struggle to raise funds, the bank said it will continue to back projects with both commercial appeal and artistic quality. IBK has also been expanding beyond film into performances and musicals. After investing 3 billion won in the musical ‘Wicked’ last year, it invested 1 billion won in the musical ‘Life of Pi,’ which drew attention as a Korean premiere. It also plans to participate in an investment for the musical ‘Lempicka,’ set to open in March. A financial industry official said IBK’s cultural-content investing is positive because it shows a policy lender can go beyond loans and serve as a catalyst for industry growth. The official added that the bank appears to be maintaining strong results by selecting content that combines broad appeal with quality. 2026-02-23 14:54:00
  • South Korea and Brazil upgrade ties to strategic partnership
    South Korea and Brazil upgrade ties to strategic partnership SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership following a summit at the presidential Blue House on Monday. During a joint press briefing in the afternoon, Lee announced the adoption of a four-year action plan designed to foster a new leap forward in the bilateral relationship. The leaders oversaw the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding covering sectors such as small businesses, health regulations and agriculture. The talks highlighted several main areas of cooperation, prioritizing artificial intelligence, aerospace, defense, biopharmaceuticals and critical minerals. Both countries also plan to expand collaboration across the digital and green economies. Addressing international trade, Lee said he emphasized the need to quickly resume negotiations for a trade agreement between South Korea and the South American trade bloc Mercosur. Lee noted that Lula agreed the pact is a crucial task, and both leaders committed to seeking a breakthrough based on mutual trust. Brazil is currently unable to negotiate a conventional bilateral free trade agreement with South Korea due to institutional rules within Mercosur, which requires the bloc to negotiate trade deals collectively. Regarding the newly signed memorandums, Lee stated that the agreement focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises will help diversify bilateral trade and investment, which has historically been dominated by large conglomerates. Another key agreement addresses health and regulatory cooperation, which Lee said will further boost the popularity of South Korean cosmetics in Brazil. The arrangement facilitates the exchange of regulatory information for cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals, alongside technical cooperation to streamline market access. South Korean cosmetics have seen significant growth in the region. According to the Korea International Trade Association, cosmetic exports to Latin America grew by more than 40 percent annually over the past four years, reaching roughly $400 million in 2024. The two governments also signed three memorandums focused on agriculture, food security and supply chains. Lee described Brazil as an agricultural powerhouse with advanced technology, calling the partnerships vital for South Korea's food security and the sustainable development of rural economies in both nations. 2026-02-23 14:43:37
  • IVE Returns With Second Full-Length Album Revive+; Promotes Title Track Black Hole
    IVE Returns With Second Full-Length Album 'Revive+'; Promotes Title Track 'Black Hole' IVE is making a comeback with its second full-length album, 'Revive Plus.' A comeback showcase for the album 'REVIVE+ (Revive Plus)' was held Monday afternoon at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. The title track, 'Black Hole,' is a shuffle-based song with a cinematic feel, featuring a wide sense of space and film-like sound textures meant to heighten immersion and deliver a strong hook. Using the image of a black hole—where disappearance and birth coexist—the group said it expresses how IVE views the present and change. Member Gaeul said it felt special to return with a full-length album after three years, adding, “We worked hard to show an evolved IVE that doesn’t stop at change.” She added, “We seem to be getting a lot of love starting with the pre-release track 'Bang Bang,' which makes me happy. Riding that momentum, we’ll promote 'Black Hole' as well.” Member Rei said, “I’m proud that we captured what we’ve built under the name IVE in a full-length album in a cooler, more IVE-like way. We’ll show our diverse charms, like our identity, so please give this album lots of love, too.” IVE’s second full-length album, 'Revive Plus,' is set for release at 6 p.m. Monday. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 14:42:16