Seoul bourse ranks 8th in global market cap rank, up 2 notches from Dec SEOUL, February 08 (AJP) - South Korea’s stock market has climbed to eighth place globally by valuation upon sustaining double-digit gains into the new year on the back of strong momentum in semiconductor and tech shares. According to the Korea Exchange, the combined market capitalization of the KOSPI, KOSDAQ and KONEX stood at 4,799.36 trillion won ($3.6 trillion) at Friday’s close, slightly edging Taiwan’s total of 4,798.68 trillion won as well as Germany. The World Federation of Exchanges rank placed South Korea at the 10th worldwide as of December last year, trailing the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Canada, Taiwan and Germany. The Seoul bourse moved up by two notches on frenzied buying in chip stocks upon record earnings confirming a semiconductor supercycle. The benchmark KOSPI, hosting memory giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix has surged about 21 percent as of Friday, marking the strongest performance among major global indices. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ has gained nearly 17 percent, ranking third worldwide in year-to-date returns. Germany’s DAX index and Taiwan’s weighted index so far in the year gained 0.94 percent and 9.73 percent, respectively. Despite last week's correction, analysts are still buoyant about upward momentum. NH Investment & Securities perceives the KOSPI has yet to reach the peak of its current cycle, raising its 12-month target to 7,300 from 5,500. JPMorgan also raised target to 7,500 from 6,000. 2026-02-08 18:50:53

LGES buys battery JV in Canada as Ottawa weighs industrial offsets in submarine bid SEOUL, February 08 (AJP) -LG Energy Solution (LGES) has agreed to acquire its partner’s entire stake in a major Canadian battery plant for a symbolic $100, underscoring how slowing electric vehicle demand, shifting industrial policy and geopolitics are reshaping North America’s manufacturing landscape. In a regulatory filing on Friday, the South Korean battery maker said it would purchase the 49 percent stake held by Stellantis in their joint venture, NextStar Energy Inc., ending the partnership formed in 2022 to build Canada’s first large-scale EV battery plant in Windsor, Ontario. Stellantis however will remain as a customer. Under the agreement, LGES will take full ownership of the venture by June 30, 2026, acquiring shares for $100 that Stellantis had originally bought for $980 million. LG has committed $1.46 billion to the project and said its investment will continue as planned. The price reflects the deteriorating outlook for EV demand in North America, where automakers have scaled back expansion plans amid weaker sales and the rollback of U.S. consumer tax incentives. LGES said the ownership change would allow it to realign the facility toward a broader customer base, including energy storage systems (ESS), as automakers cut battery orders. Company officials in Seoul said the move reflects a strategic shift away from reliance on a single carmaker and toward fast-growing demand from data centers and renewable energy projects. One production line at the Windsor plant has already been converted for ESS manufacturing, with LG targeting utilization of more than 70 percent by year-end. The facility’s full capacity stands at about 49.5 gigawatt-hours annually. The pivot follows the cancellation of a $6.5 billion EV-related supply deal with Ford Motor late last year and mirrors similar conversions at LGES’ U.S. plants in Michigan. The restructuring comes as Canada intensifies efforts to protect its auto sector and attract non-U.S. investment, amid trade tensions with Washington and uncertainty over the future of North American supply chains. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has rolled out incentives tied to domestic production and revived EV purchase subsidies to stabilize the industry after major cutbacks by automakers. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts, dealing a major blow to exports and accelerating streamlining of Canadian operations by carmakers including Stellantis which has moved production of its Jeep Compass model from Ontario to Illinois. Canadian officials now say the ability of foreign partners to deliver broader industrial benefits — beyond a single project — is becoming central to Ottawa’s investment strategy. The battery plant deal is also being watched closely in Seoul and Berlin, as Canada evaluates bids for its multibillion-dollar Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s special envoy for defense procurement, said during a recent visit to South Korea that automotive and advanced manufacturing cooperation would weigh heavily in the final decision. “If there are areas where we can cooperate in sectors like automobiles, we are looking to pursue broader partnerships that go beyond defense,” Fuhr said after touring facilities operated by Hanwha Ocean. Analysts observe LGES' deeper commitment to Canadian manufacturing may strengthen South Korea’s case by reinforcing long-term industrial ties at a time when Ottawa is seeking to reduce dependence on U.S.-based supply chains. For LGES, full control of NextStar offers operational freedom and access to generous Canadian production subsidies. For Ottawa, it preserves a flagship manufacturing asset while reinforcing its pitch for foreign partners willing to invest across multiple sectors. 2026-02-08 08:02:18

Korean crypto exchange Bithumb's bitcoin flop draws regulatory scrutiny SEOUL, February 07 (AJP) -South Korea’s financial authorities moved swiftly Saturday after a major operational error at crypto exchange Bithumb led to the mistaken distribution of hundreds of thousands of bitcoins, triggering market volatility and raising fresh concerns over risk management in the digital asset sector. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) convened an emergency meeting at the Government Complex Seoul, chaired by Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young, with officials from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and industry representatives. Bithumb Chief Executive Lee Jae-won attended the session. Kwon said the incident exposed the vulnerabilities and risks inherent in virtual assets, calling for a rigorous assessment of user losses and close monitoring of Bithumb’s compensation efforts. Regulators also formed an emergency task force with the FIU, FSS and the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance, or DAXA, to oversee follow-up measures. The task force will conduct on-site inspections at Bithumb and extend reviews to other exchanges, examining asset custody practices and internal control systems. Any illegal activity uncovered during the process will prompt immediate formal investigations, authorities said. Officials are also considering upgrades to monitoring systems to allow real-time oversight of exchanges’ asset holdings. The FSC said it would link the response to ongoing efforts to draft the second phase of Korea’s virtual asset legislation, including proposals to mandate regular third-party audits of crypto holdings and impose strict liability on exchanges for customer losses caused by system failures. Earlier in the day, the FSS dispatched an inspection team to Bithumb’s headquarters to examine the cause of the accident, user protection measures and the feasibility of recovering misallocated assets. According to industry sources, the incident occurred during a promotional “random box” event on Friday evening, when a staff member mistakenly entered “BTC” instead of “Korean won” as the payment unit. As a result, rewards totaling 620,000 won intended for 249 users were erroneously paid out as 620,000 bitcoins. The exchange said it immediately suspended transactions and withdrawals on affected accounts at around 7:40 p.m. and began recovery efforts. Bithumb reported that it had recovered 618,212 bitcoins and reclaimed about 93 percent of the remaining coins sold by users, leaving roughly 125 bitcoins unrecovered. The sudden inflow of coins led some users to sell aggressively, briefly dragging down the bitcoin price on the platform. Compensation and reforms Bithumb estimates customer losses linked to the incident at around 1 billion won ($750,000). In a statement, CEO Lee acknowledged that panic selling during the price dip had caused unfavorable trades for some users. The company said it will compensate affected investors by refunding their full trading losses plus an additional 10 percent. Users who sold bitcoin at depressed prices between 7:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. will receive automatic payouts within a week after data verification. All customers logged into the platform during the incident will also receive 20,000 won in compensation. In addition, Bithumb plans to waive trading fees across all markets for one week following a separate announcement. To strengthen safeguards, the exchange said it will establish a 100 billion won customer protection fund and implement a series of reforms, including enhanced asset verification systems, reinforced multi-level approval procedures, improved AI-based abnormal transaction detection, and regular external audits. “I sincerely apologize and take full responsibility,” Lee said. “We will do everything necessary to ensure that no customer suffers losses.” Financial authorities said the case underscores the need for stricter oversight as crypto assets become more embedded in the financial system. The FSS will continue to examine whether Bithumb’s response adequately protected users and whether a full recovery of the misallocated bitcoins is feasible. The incident is likely to accelerate regulatory efforts to tighten controls on exchanges and reinforce accountability, as policymakers seek to prevent similar disruptions in the fast-growing digital asset market. 2026-02-07 19:28:02

OPINION: Seoul bourse in precarious rally South Korea’s stock market, for now, remains an impressive outlier. While major U.S. and European indices have struggled to sustain momentum, the KOSPI closed at 5,089.1 on Feb. 6, up more than 20 percent from the end of last year. The technology-heavy KOSDAQ has risen nearly 17 percent over the same period. Few advanced markets can match that performance. Yet strong numbers can obscure weak structures. This week, the KOSPI fell to around 4,949, surged to 5,371, and retreated again toward the low 5,000s within days. A swing of more than 420 points — roughly 8.5 percent — in such a short period is not the hallmark of a confident, institutionally anchored bull market. It is the signature of a market increasingly driven by sentiment, momentum, and leverage. Foreign investors appear to have drawn similar conclusions. Since the start of the year, overseas investors have sold a net 17.6 trillion won of Korean equities while continuing to accumulate bonds. This is not capital flight. It is portfolio triage — a calculated reduction in equity risk in favor of safer instruments. Hedging activity reinforces the message. Stock lending balances have climbed to a record 140.8 trillion won, reflecting rising demand for protection against a downturn. In effect, investors are buying into the rally with one hand and insuring against its collapse with the other. More revealing, however, is what Korean investors themselves are doing. In 2025, residents invested roughly $140 billion in overseas securities. Foreign investment in Korean securities amounted to barely $53 billion. Outflows were nearly three times larger than inflows. In equities alone, Korean investors sent about $118 billion abroad, while foreigners invested just over $40 billion at home. This is not a cyclical fluctuation. It is a structural reallocation of capital. Korean investors, from pension funds to private individuals, are steadily diversifying away from domestic assets. They are voting, with their money, for deeper and more liquid foreign markets. Global investors, meanwhile, are becoming more selective about Korea. The consequence is that the burden of sustaining domestic share prices has shifted decisively toward retail investors — and toward leverage. Margin debt remains near 25 trillion won, with unsettled credit balances around 1 trillion won. Borrowed money has become a central driver of trading activity. Much of the market’s recent strength rests on “debt-financed optimism,” a notoriously unstable foundation. History suggests that such structures tend to magnify both euphoria and panic. They perform well in rising markets and unravel quickly when confidence falters. Pressure is also building in the currency market. Despite posting a record current account surplus in 2025, Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell by more than $4 billion over the year and declined further in December and January as authorities intervened to support the won. The exchange rate approached 1,470 per dollar in early February. The government’s $3 billion issuance of foreign exchange stabilization bonds — its largest since the global financial crisis — was a reminder that currency management has become a permanent policy concern rather than an occasional emergency. In plain terms, Korea is earning dollars but failing to retain them. Rising interest rates compound the problem. Three-year government bond yields have moved above 3.2 percent, while AA-rated corporate bonds approach 3.8 percent. Higher funding costs are squeezing companies already coping with weak currency and rising import prices. Without sustained earnings growth, current valuations will become increasingly difficult to defend. Taken together, these trends paint a sobering picture. Foreign investors are reducing equity exposure. Domestic capital is flowing abroad. Retail participation is heavily leveraged. Public authorities are devoting growing resources to currency stabilization. Volatility is rising. None of this implies imminent collapse. Korea remains a technologically advanced, export-competitive economy with strong industrial foundations. Semiconductors are recovering. Investment in artificial intelligence is expanding. Corporate governance has improved. But financial markets do not thrive on growth alone. They require confidence, capital retention, and institutional depth. Those conditions are eroding. When overseas investment outflows consistently exceed inflows by wide margins, and when equity gains depend heavily on borrowed money, sustainability becomes questionable. Markets can ignore such imbalances for long periods — until they cannot. The recent 8.5 percent weekly swing should therefore be interpreted less as a routine correction than as an early warning. Korea’s rally continues. For now. But it rests on increasingly narrow and fragile foundations. *The author is the managing editor of AJP 2026-02-07 11:31:23

White House has no specific timeline on hiking tariffs on Korean exports SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) -The White House said Thursday that there is no clear timeline for U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariff hike on South Korean goods, underscoring continued uncertainty over the future of the bilateral talks despite a flurry of visits by senior Seoul officials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a press briefing on Thursday said that she could not specify when Washington would raise “reciprocal” and sector-specific tariffs from 15 percent to 25 percent, as Trump warned last week. “I don’t have a timeline,” Leavitt said, adding that the White House trade team would provide updates “swiftly and promptly.” Trump last Monday warned he could restore higher tariffs on Korean autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other products, citing delays in South Korea’s legislative process to implement a bilateral investment agreement. Under the deal signed last November, Seoul pledged about $350 billion in U.S.-bound investments in exchange for reduced tariffs. But nearly three months later, related legislation remains stalled in the National Assembly. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the tariff hike was justified because “the Korean Legislature hasn’t enacted our Historic Trade Agreement.” Despite a series of urgent diplomatic missions, Seoul has so far failed to secure assurances despite back-to-back visits to Washington. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun raised the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan separately held talks in Washington. None produced firm commitments. At the heart of the dispute is Korea’s failure to pass a special investment bill needed to institutionalize its pledges under the agreement. Ruling and opposition parties have traded blame while delaying legislation critical to economic interests, undermining Seoul’s credibility in Washington. In contrast, Japan has moved quickly to announce large-scale U.S. investment plans under similar pressure. This political paralysis has given Washington added leverage and reinforced perceptions that Korea’s commitments lack urgency. Still, some suspect the Trump administration’s renewed tariff threat appears have driven in part by domestic political calculations, with midterm elections approaching and foreign investment touted as proof of economic strength. Returning from Washington on Thursday, Trade Minister Yeo said Seoul would continue intensive consultations to prevent immediate tariff implementation. “What matters is whether there will be a grace period after publication,” Yeo told reporters at Incheon International Airport. “There is still time for consultations.” He said the government is making “good-faith efforts” to implement the agreement and called formal tariff procedures “unnecessary.” Yeo welcomed the National Assembly’s decision to form a bipartisan committee to advance the investment bill, calling it “definitely helpful” in easing tensions. During his trip, Yeo met with U.S. Trade Representative officials and lawmakers to reaffirm Korea’s legislative commitment and address non-tariff issues, including digital regulations. 2026-02-06 07:54:52

More breach revelation, regulation, rivals exacerbate Coupang woes SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) -South Korea’s leading e-commerce platform Coupang said Thursday that the personal data of an additional 165,000 users had been leaked, deepening fallout from a massive breach disclosed last November and intensifying regulatory and political scrutiny. The company said the newly identified cases were part of the original breach, which exposed the personal information of more than 33 million users, and did not involve payment details, login credentials, emails or order histories. The leaked data included names, phone numbers and addresses. Coupang said it had notified affected users in line with government guidance and found no signs of secondary damage so far. The disclosure comes as a government-led probe drags on, with authorities maintaining pressure on the company despite complaints from the United States that Seoul’s response has been “excessive” toward a U.S.-based, publicly traded technology firm. Coupang’s founder has continued to resist calls for an expanded independent investigation, further complicating relations with regulators. The prolonged probe and lingering uncertainty are taking a visible toll on the company’s business. According to market tracker Wiseapp.Retail, Coupang’s monthly active users fell to 33 million in January, down about one million, or 3.2 percent, from December — a decline nearly ten times larger than the previous month’s drop. Industry analysts say the figures reflect eroding consumer confidence following the breach. Signs of strain are also emerging across Coupang’s logistics network. Industry sources said more than 5,000 workers at Coupang Fulfillment Services applied for voluntary time off between early December and mid-January as delivery volumes weakened. Small and mid-sized merchants dependent on the platform are feeling mounting pressure. The Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises said it has begun collecting damage claims from sellers, with many reporting average sales declines of 30 percent to 40 percent since the breach. As users drift away, rival platforms are gaining ground. Data from IGAWorks’ Mobile Index showed that new installations of Naver’s shopping app surged to 935,507 in January, up more than 147,000 from December — the highest level since last June. By contrast, Coupang’s app installs fell to 467,641, down nearly 60,000 from the previous month. Industry watchers say the shift reflects growing competition as domestic platforms ramp up discounts, faster delivery and partnership benefits to lure disaffected customers. Meanwhile, political and regulatory pressure on Coupang is widening beyond the data breach. The government and ruling Democratic Party are considering easing restrictions on large retailers’ overnight operations, allowing them to process online orders and offer early-morning delivery. The move, expected to be finalized at a high-level party-government meeting on Feb. 8, would effectively allow major chains such as E-Mart and Lotte Mart to compete more directly with e-commerce platforms. Currently, large stores are barred from operating between midnight and 10 a.m., preventing them from running late-night fulfillment operations. Under the proposed amendment to the Distribution Industry Development Act, online sales would be exempt from the restriction. Lawmakers say the change is part of broader efforts to support small businesses and correct what they describe as an “uneven playing field” favoring online-only operators. Critics, however, argue the measure amounts to indirect pressure on Coupang at a time when it is already struggling to stabilize its user base. Retail executives view the shift as a potential turning point. By turning hundreds of physical stores into 24-hour logistics hubs, traditional retailers could mount a serious challenge to platforms that have invested heavily in centralized fulfillment centers. The policy debate is unfolding against the backdrop of rapid structural change in the sector. Government data show that online sales accounted for 59 percent of Korea’s retail market last year, up from 24.2 percent in 2016, while the share of large discount stores fell below 10 percent for the first time. For Coupang, the convergence of regulatory pressure, falling user engagement, merchant discontent and rising competition marks its most serious test in years. 2026-02-05 19:26:06

Korean president hints at conscription overhaul in line with demographic changes SEOUL, February 05 (AJP)-South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday hinted at enabling non-conscription options for science talent as part of an overhaul of South Korea's military service system, citing demographic decline and brain drain caused by two to three years of interruption in studies and research. Speaking at a dialogue with young scientists at the presidential office, Lee acknowledged that mandatory service creates unavoidable career gaps for young men and has become a source of social friction. "Male youths inevitably experience a significant interruption in their lives while fulfilling their national duty," Lee said, adding that the government is considering broader alternative service programs and structural reform of the armed forces. He suggested expanding research-oriented service tracks and establishing research units within the military, as warfare increasingly shifts toward advanced weapons systems and artificial intelligence. "Armed force should be focused on expertise rather than sheer numbers," he said. "Instead of being thought as youth wasted, the conscription period should be utilized for an opportunity to learn advanced defense systems and high tech," he said, adding "here's a thought, why not create R&D units within the military?" ​​​​​​Under South Korea's Military Service Act, all able-bodied male citizens are required to serve between the ages of 18 and 28, with active-duty service typically lasting about 18 months. Limited exemptions are granted to Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists, while some classical musicians and traditional artists who win top international competitions are also eligible for alternative service. The selective nature of these exemptions has fueled long-running controversy, particularly in the cultural sector. The debate intensified around BTS, whose members enlisted despite topping global charts and generating significant economic value. Supporters had called for exemptions, while critics warned against preferential treatment for K-pop stars. A 2018 legal revision, often dubbed the "BTS Law," allowed top artists to defer enlistment until age 30 but did not grant full exemption. Public sensitivity over military service has also been shaped by the case of Yoo Seung-jun, who was banned from entering Korea after obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2002 to avoid enlistment. Alternative service, introduced following a 2018 ruling by the Constitutional Court of Korea, allows conscientious objectors to serve in public institutions instead of military units. Before the ruling, most objectors were imprisoned. However, the system remains controversial because alternative service personnel must serve for 36 months — twice as long as active duty — to deter abuse. Critics argue the lengthy term is excessive and discourages legitimate applicants. Lee's remarks come as South Korea faces declining birth rates and rising demand for high-tech military capabilities, prompting renewed debate over whether the manpower-centered conscription system remains sustainable. The government has said any reform will seek to balance national security needs with fairness and constitutional rights. 2026-02-05 14:07:51

From BTS to kimchi, Korea publishes first English Encyclopedia on Hallyu SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) -South Korea has released the world’s first English-language encyclopedia devoted entirely to Hallyu, offering global readers a systematic and in-depth guide to Korean popular culture and everyday life, the National Folk Museum of Korea said Monday. The Encyclopedia of Hallyu is the English edition of a Korean-language reference work first published in 2024. Compiled to help international audiences better understand the cultural context behind the global rise of Korean culture, the volume brings together 347 key entries spanning K-content, lifestyle and traditional culture. The encyclopedia features 347 entries that trace the evolution and breadth of Hallyu, from globally influential K-pop artists such as BTS, BLACKPINK and BoA to landmark works including Squid Game and Parasite. Beyond pop culture exports, it also documents everyday Korean life — spanning food, fashion, housing, leisure and social practices — to help readers understand how contemporary Korean culture is formed and experienced. More than 600 photographs are included to aid understanding, and 129 Korean and international scholars participated in the project to ensure academic rigor. To improve accessibility, each entry is presented in English alongside its Korean name. Rather than translating terms into approximate English equivalents, the editors adopted Romanized Korean spellings — such as gimbap, tteokbokki and ramyeon — to preserve original meanings. Brief explanations are also provided to help readers grasp unfamiliar concepts at a glance. Special care was taken to adapt culturally specific expressions for foreign readers. Concepts that are difficult to translate directly, such as jeong (a form of emotional bond), oppa and unni, are explained with cultural context rather than literal definitions. All translations underwent cross-review by native English-speaking editors and Korean specialists to minimize cultural misunderstanding. The encyclopedia is also designed as a companion guide for global fans of Korean content. Entries range from folklore figures like the dokkaebi (goblin) and jeoseung saja (grim reaper) to contemporary cultural markers such as mukbang, idol fandoms and official light sticks, which are explained not merely as merchandise but as symbols of Korea’s participatory fan culture. Both English and Korean tables of contents are provided, and an expanded visual index combining original terms, Romanization, definitions and representative images allows users to browse the book intuitively. The English edition is available online for free download via the National Folk Museum of Korea website and the Korean Folk Encyclopedia portal, and is also sold at the museum’s gift shop for visitors interested in Hallyu and Korean culture. Cultural officials said the publication is intended to go beyond explaining trends, serving instead as a bridge for global readers to understand Korean culture within the broader context of world heritage and shared human values. 2026-02-03 07:53:49

KOSPI shatters records in historic January rally SEOUL, February 01 (AJP) -South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI delivered one of the most explosive monthly rallies in the history of the local stock market in January, with virtually every major indicator posting record or near-record figures. According to the Korea Exchange (KRX), the KOSPI closed January at 5,224.36 last Friday, up 1,010.19 points from the previous month-end. The index gained 23.97 percent over the month, marking its strongest monthly performance since October 1998. Since the early 2000s, the KOSPI has recorded a monthly gain exceeding 20 percent only twice, including this January. The rally was accompanied by extreme intramonth volatility. The index climbed as high as 5,321.68 during the month, repeatedly setting new highs, while the January low stood at 4,216.68 — a swing of more than 1,100 points within a single month. The sharp rise translated directly into a surge in market capitalization. Total KOSPI market value stretched to 4,319 trillion won at the end of January from about 3,478 trillion won at the end of last year, adding roughly 840 trillion won in just one month. Heavy liquidity inflows underscored the market’s momentum. January trading turnover on the KOSPI reached 568 trillion won, the highest monthly total on record, nearly double the 302 trillion won recorded in the previous month. Trading volume also jumped sharply to 11.55 billion shares from 8.4 billion shares, signaling a clear increase in investor participation. Investor interest intensified further as sidelines cash flowed back into equities. As of Jan. 29, investor deposits stood at 103.7 trillion won, having surpassed the 100 trillion-won mark earlier in the week. Margin trading also hit an all-time high, with outstanding credit loans exceeding 30 trillion won for the first time. The number of active stock trading accounts reached 100.2 million as of Jan. 29, up about 1.73 million from the end of last year. Active accounts refer to those holding at least 100,000 won in assets and having traded at least once in the past six months. Given South Korea’s population of roughly 50 million, the figure implies that each citizen holds, on average, more than two active trading accounts. Despite mounting concerns over valuation and leverage, securities firms remain broadly constructive on the medium- to long-term outlook, citing earnings improvement and favorable liquidity conditions. “Leadership centered on artificial intelligence-related stocks is likely to persist,” said Na Jung-hwan, an analyst at NH Investment and Securities Co.. “From a return enhancement perspective, gradually increasing exposure to cyclical sectors as economic indicators improve remains a valid strategy.” 2026-02-01 18:39:47

'Bedford Park' Wins Sundance Special Jury Award for Debut Feature SEOUL, February 01 (AJP) -"Bedford Park", a romance starring Korean actors Son Suk-ku and Moon Choi, won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at the Sundance Film Festival on Friday, marking a strong showing for Korean-led storytelling at the world’s leading showcase for independent cinema. The award, which recognizes a first-time feature director, was presented during the festival’s closing ceremony in Park City, where the film had its world premiere last week. The jury cited the film “for inviting us into a world we’ve never seen depicted on film, and daring to share the very personal,” adding that the filmmaker “upended all of our assumptions of a story told with depth and skill.” Written and directed by Korean American filmmaker Stephanie Ahn, Bedford Park follows Audrey (Moon), a Korean American woman in her 30s haunted by childhood abuse. After her mother is injured in a car accident, Audrey returns to her parents’ home in New Jersey, where she meets Eli (Son), the man responsible for the crash. As the two confront their pasts as children of immigrants, a fragile romance takes shape. The film was produced by Gary Foster, Chris S. Lee, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Theresa Kang and Son, and features a supporting cast that includes Won Mi-kyung, Kim Eung-soo and Jefferson White. The title screened at Sundance as part of the U.S. Dramatic Competition and is available online to festival audiences. Moon, known in Korea as Choi Hee-seo, has built a career across film and television, with credits including "Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet", "Mistress and Now", "We Are Breaking Up". Her breakout role came in the 2017 historical drama "Anarchist From Colony", for which she won both best actress and best new actress at the Grand Bell Awards. Son has emerged as a fan favorite through television dramas such as "My Liberation Notes" and "D.P.", as well as the 2022 action hit "The Roundup," which drew more than 12 million admissions in Korea. Bedford Park marks the first U.S. production for both actors, who previously worked together in Korean projects including "Unframed" and "Night Fishing." Widely regarded as the most important launchpad for independent American cinema, Sundance has a growing history of spotlighting Korean and Korean American stories. Recent titles include "Past Lives" by Celine Song and "Minari" by Lee Isaac Chung, both of which went on to gain major awards recognition. Many of these films, like Bedford Park, explore themes of identity, generational tension and the immigrant experience. Separately, the Sundance Institute announced this week that the festival will relocate to Boulder, Colorado, beginning in 2027, ending its long run in Utah after the 2026 edition. According to industry publication Variety, Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Bedford Park. A release date has not yet been announced. 2026-02-01 15:56:57