Journalist

Joonha Yoo
  • KOSPI briefly tops 5,900 as individuals offset foreign selloff
    KOSPI briefly tops 5,900 as individuals offset foreign selloff SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - Korean stocks closed higher Monday after briefly touching the 5,900 mark for the first time, although heavy foreign selling erased much of the early advance. The benchmark KOSPI rose 0.7 percent to finish at 5,846.1, after surging 2.1 percent in early trade to hit an all-time high of 5,931.9. The index later slipped down to 5,846.1 before the trading session ended. The KOSPI 200 gained 0.7 percent to 865.5. Volatility intensified as foreign investors dumped 1.10 trillion won, ($763.6 million) while institutions also sold 144.0 billion won. Individuals stepped in aggressively, purchasing 1.08 trillion won and effectively defending the 5,800 level. The rally was initially fueled by relief after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy was unlawful, easing trade uncertainty. However, renewed geopolitical tension in the Middle East — after Trump reportedly set a deadline for Iran’s nuclear rollback — tempered risk appetite during the session. Among large-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 1.5 percent to 193,000 won, extending its momentum above the 190,000 threshold. SK hynix edged up 0.2 percent to 951,000 won after earlier approaching the symbolic 1 million-won level. Software stocks outperformed sharply, with the sector climbing more than 8 percent, as artificial intelligence–related investment momentum broadened across technology names. MLCC maker Samwha Capacitor surged 30 percent on expectations of price hikes in AI server components following similar signals from Japan’s Murata Manufacturing. Automakers also drew strong interest. Hyundai Motor gained 2.8 percent to 523,000 won after reports that the group plans to invest roughly 10 trillion won in Saemangeum to build AI, hydrogen and robotics industrial clusters. Defense and aerospace names advanced amid rising geopolitical risk. Hanwha Aerospace climbed 8.1 percent, while Korean Air rose 5.2 percent ahead of the upcoming Drone Show Korea exhibition in Busan. In contrast, shipbuilding shares were mixed. Hanwha Ocean fell 1.8 percent despite expectations of potential LNG dual-fuel container ship orders from Japan’s ONE shipping group. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ slipped 0.2 percent to 1,152.0. Foreign investors bought 180.5 billion won, while institutions sold 362.3 billion won. Individuals added 218.8 billion won. Korean won strengthened 0.5 percent to 1,440.8 per dollar. Precious metals rallied, with gold rising to $5,080.9 per ounce and silver climbing to $82.3. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose than 2.4 percent, led by financial and technology shares. The Tokyo exchange was closed for the Emperor's birthday and the Shanghai market is set to resume trading on Tuesday after a holiday closure. 2026-02-23 17:47:22
  • BTS Comeback D-26: Jimin — from charts to cultural reference
    BTS Comeback D-26: Jimin — from charts to cultural reference Editor’s Note — As BTS prepares to return as a full seven-member act with a new album set for March 20 and an open-stage performance at Gwanghwamun on March 21, following a near four-year hiatus for rotational military service, AJP revisits the group’s 13-year trajectory. This series reexamines BTS’s history, music, performance identity and enduring appeal. The sixth installment traces the roots and growth of Jimin. SEOUL, February 23 (AJP) - BTS member Jimin has surpassed 2.3 billion cumulative streams on Spotify with his solo track “Who,” according to the platform’s chart dated Feb. 19. The milestone came 581 days after the song’s release on July 19, 2024, making him the first Asian solo artist without a Western collaboration to reach the figure. Even 19 months after release, “Who” continues to chart — ranking No. 54 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart and No. 1 in South Korea. His second solo album “Muse” has also crossed 3.8 billion cumulative streams, becoming the fastest Korean-language album to do so and the first Korean solo album to exceed that threshold. In the United States, “Who” spent 33 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest run for a K-pop male soloist, while “Muse” remained on the Billboard 200 for 34 weeks. The numbers suggest durability. The backstory suggests design. Born in 1995, Jimin (Park Jimin) entered Busan Arts High School as the top-ranked student in its modern dance department despite having trained in contemporary dance for less than a year. In 2012, he passed Big Hit Entertainment’s regional audition as its sole successful candidate from Busan and moved to Seoul. After a six-month trainee period — the shortest among BTS members — he debuted as the group’s final addition. Dance remains foundational to his identity. His control of line, balance and breath — visible in solo stages such as “Lie,” “Filter” and major award-show performances — reflects formal training rarely emphasized in idol narratives. His 2019 solo performance at the Melon Music Awards later inspired visual artworks exhibited at the Seoul Arts Center, while international figure skaters incorporated his choreography into competitive and touring programs. From performance to authorship Jimin participated in writing and composing every track on his first solo album “Face,” released in March 2023. For “Muse,” released in July 2024, he contributed to the majority of the tracks. His 2018 self-composed song “Promise” set a Guinness World Record for the most-streamed track within 24 hours on SoundCloud at the time, and he later became the fastest Korean solo artist to surpass one billion Spotify streams. Beyond charts and credits, his influence has extended outside music. Filmmaker Gus Van Sant once cited Jimin as a potential collaborator, noting his “peaceful” presence. His impact has also reached professional sport. Japanese Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu referenced Jimin’s movements from BTS’s “Dynamite” during a 2021 ice show and later said he studied his choreography. At the international Star on Ice tour, ice dancers Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto performed to “Filter,” incorporating elements of his styling and gestures. Fashion media have highlighted his gender-neutral styling and blend of traditionally masculine and soft aesthetics as reflective of shifting global beauty standards. Luxury houses have also taken notice. Jimin was named a global ambassador for Dior, while The Business of Fashion included him in its “BoF 500” list in 2019. Jimin enlisted for mandatory military service in December 2023 and was discharged in June 2025. Yet his streaming figures did not decline during his absence. Instead, they largely stabilized. Behind his 2.3 billion Spotify streams lies a path that runs from a dance studio in Busan to global arenas, competitive ice rinks and algorithm-driven charts. As BTS approaches reunion activities, his solo career appears less like a side project and more like a parallel axis — built on technique, authorship and a presence that moves fluidly across disciplines. The next installment will focus on V. 2026-02-23 16:36:44
  • 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
  • Koreas main index touches new ceiling, defying regional caution
    Korea's main index touches new ceiling, defying regional caution SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - Korea’s main KOSPI played solo with eyes set on the next historic milestone of 6,000, regardless of simmering tensions in the Middle East that weighed on markets across the region and the globe. The key index rose 2.3 percent to close Friday at 5,808.5, bouncing right back after dipping to 5,684.9. The blue-chip KOSPI 200 advanced 2.3 percent to 859.6. It diverged from regional peers. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.1 percent to 56,825.7, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.8 percent to 26,491.1. Mainland Chinese markets remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday through Feb. 23, limiting broader regional participation. In Seoul, institutional investors dominated the trade floor on the main bourse, buying a net 1.61 trillion won. Foreign investors sold 742.8 billion won, while retail investors offloaded 987.2 billion won throughout the session. Large-cap semiconductors led the advance. SK hynix surged 6.2 percent to 949,000 won, approaching the 950,000-won level, after the company disclosed that BlackRock had acquired 100,808 shares through market transactions as of Jan. 10. BlackRock’s combined holdings now total 5 percent, marking the first time it has held a stake of 5 percent or more since May 9, 2018, nearly eight years ago. Samsung Electronics edged up 0.1 percent to 190,100 won, holding above the 190,000 level after recently setting record highs. Despite mild profit-taking, the stock maintained technical strength. Industrial and defense names also outperformed. Doosan Enerbility gained 5.2 percent to 103,500 won after announcing a 320 billion won turbine supply contract linked to the Czech Dukovany nuclear project. Hanwha Aerospace jumped 8.1 percent to 1,242,000 won amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, boosting defense-sector sentiment. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ slipped 0.6 percent to close at 1,154.0. Institutional investors bought a modest 3.4 billion won, while retail investors added 318.6 billion won. Foreign investors, however, sold 274.5 billion won, weighing on overall momentum despite selective buying in growth names. The Korean won strengthened to 1,446.5 per dollar, up 4.5 won, or 0.3 percent, from the previous session. Investors are nervously watching the nonstop KOSPI rally, with investment banks scurrying to raise their next targets toward 7,000. 2026-02-20 17:28:12
  • Rosé and Bruno Mars win IFPI Global Single Award for APT.
    Rosé and Bruno Mars win IFPI Global Single Award for APT. SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - A collaborative track between South Korean singer Rosé and American artist Bruno Mars has become the first K-pop song to top the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry Global Single Chart. The rock-pop single "APT." led the worldwide sales and streaming rankings for 2025. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) on February 19, "APT." secured the top position on the annual chart, which calculates global performance by converting consumption data from streaming and download platforms into unit totals. The IFPI stated that the track secured the number one spot during a year defined by global hits with significant longevity. The organization noted that the achievement marked several milestones, as it is the first time an artist from outside North America or Europe has topped the chart. It also represents the first time a winning single has featured non-English lyrics. South Korean artists have previously appeared on the ranking, beginning with Psy for "Gangnam Style" in 2012. Members of BTS also reached the chart in 2020 and 2021, while Jungkook appeared on the list in 2024. Rosé is the first South Korean artist to reach the number one position. Bruno Mars returned to the top of the IFPI chart 14 years after his 2011 win for "Just The Way You Are." The singer also held the fourth position on the 2025 chart for "Die With A Smile," a duet with Lady Gaga. Other notable entries on the 2025 list included two songs from the Netflix animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters." The original soundtrack "Golden" placed second, while "Soda Pop" ranked 13th. The chart success comes as BLACKPINK prepares to release a third mini album titled "DEADLINE" on February 27. The project is the first group release in approximately four years since the second full-length album "BORN PINK" debuted in 2022. The upcoming five-track album features the title track "GO" and the pre-released single "JUMP." The remaining tracks are titled "Me and My," "Champion," and "Fxxxboy." 2026-02-20 15:40:43
  • BTS Comeback D-29: BTS on the Charts, RM on the Canvas
    BTS Comeback D-29: BTS on the Charts, RM on the Canvas Editor’s Note — As BTS prepares to return as a full seven-member act with a new album set for March 20 and an open-stage performance at Gwanghwamun on March 21, following a near four-year hiatus for rotational military service, AJP revisits the group’s 13-year trajectory. This series reexamines BTS’s history, music, performance identity and enduring appeal. The fifth installment traces the roots and growth of RM. SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, has surged to No. 1 on Spotify’s “Countdown Charts Global,” holding the top position for five consecutive weeks since Jan. 21. Based on global pre-save data, the chart is widely regarded as a barometer of pre-release demand. With 3.45 million pre-saves, ARIRANG has already established itself as one of the most anticipated releases of the year. At the center of that momentum stands BTS’s leader, RM — an artist whose personal evolution has become inseparable from the group’s global ascent. The Intellectual Architect of BTS Born in 1994, RM emerged from Korea’s underground hip-hop scene long before BTS became a stadium-filling name. As a teenager, he was already writing about identity, pressure and belonging — themes that continue to define his work. His original stage name, Rap Monster, reflected raw ambition and technical bravado. In 2017, he shortened it to RM, later interpreting it as “Real Me,” signaling a turn toward introspection and artistic maturity. International audiences quickly noticed his fluent English, famously acquired by repeatedly watching the sitcom Friends. The skill positioned him as BTS’s principal spokesperson in overseas interviews and award ceremonies, earning him the fan nickname “President Namjoon” for his composed, articulate presence. A defining moment came in 2018, when he delivered a speech at the United Nations as part of the “Love Yourself” campaign. The address framed him not only as a pop star, but as a generational voice speaking about vulnerability, self-worth and youth in the modern world. Solo Work: Vulnerability Over Spectacle While BTS’s group releases are built for arenas and global broadcasts, RM’s solo catalog has consistently turned inward. His 2015 mixtape RM emphasized aggressive technique and confidence. Three years later, mono. stripped away that bravado, replacing it with muted tones and emotional solitude. In 2022, Indigo — which he described as “the archive of my twenties” — blended alternative rock, hip-hop and jazz influences through wide-ranging collaborations. His 2024 release Right Place, Wrong Person further explored dislocation and the sense of being intellectually and emotionally out of sync with one’s surroundings. Across these projects, RM has repeatedly returned to questions of identity, alienation and self-definition. Rather than offering easy answers, his music documents an ongoing negotiation between authenticity and visibility in the age of global celebrity. From Lyrics to Canvases That reflective temperament extends beyond music. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has announced “RM x SFMOMA,” an exhibition scheduled to run from Oct. 3, 2026 to Feb. 7, 2027. Curated by RM, the show will feature about 200 works from his personal collection alongside the museum’s holdings. RM is widely known as a serious collector, reportedly owning more than 2,000 pieces. His interests range from Korean modern masters such as Yun Hyong-keun and Kim Whanki to Western figures including Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe and Paul Klee. In a statement announcing the exhibition, RM said: “We live in an age defined by boundaries. I hope this exhibition can be a small but sturdy bridge.” The message echoes the themes of his songwriting — a search for connections between self and society, East and West, the personal and the universal. Beyond Pop Stardom As ARIRANG dominates global pre-save charts, RM’s trajectory signals something larger than commercial success. On streaming platforms, he leads one of the world’s most influential music acts. In museums, he is building conversations across cultures and traditions. Few idols have managed to sustain such parallel careers with comparable seriousness. For fans, RM remains BTS’s intellectual anchor. For global audiences, he represents a new model of cultural figure — one who treats fame not as a destination, but as a platform for dialogue. As the comeback draws near, the charts measure anticipation. RM, meanwhile, continues to measure something deeper: how far popular culture can reach, and how thoughtfully it can still speak. 2026-02-20 14:15:41
  • SK hynix shares gain traction after BlackRock lifts stake to 5%
    SK hynix shares gain traction after BlackRock lifts stake to 5% SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) -Shares of SK hynix gained momentum after the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, raised its stake in the chipmaker above the 5 percent threshold for the first time in nearly eight years, according to a regulatory filing. BlackRock’s increased exposure comes as global investors seek to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom, with SK hynix emerging as a dominant supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators. A disclosure filed with Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service showed that BlackRock Fund Advisors and its related parties held 36,407,157 shares in SK hynix as of Feb. 10, equivalent to a 5.00 percent stake. The holding rose by 100,808 shares, or 0.01 percentage point, from the previous report on Feb. 9, when the group owned 36,306,349 shares, or 4.99 percent. The total number of voting shares outstanding stood at 728,002,365. The filing noted that the shares are owned by various funds managed by BlackRock and its affiliates, with the firm acting as an investment adviser and deemed holder. It also stated that none of the individual funds or clients independently holds a 5 percent stake. This marks the first time since May 9, 2018 that BlackRock’s aggregate holding in SK hynix has exceeded the 5 percent level. Market observers say international funds have been shifting capital away from the U.S. toward higher-return, technology-focused Asian markets, particularly South Korea and Japan. Korean memory chipmakers have emerged as key beneficiaries of the trend, riding what analysts describe as a once-in-decades boom driven by extremely tight supply and explosive demand for AI-related memory products, especially HBM. Both SK hynix and Samsung Electronics have posted strong rallies this year, rising about 35 percent and over 50 percent, respectively, on expectations of sustained earnings growth fueled by AI investment. Compared with early 2025, SK hynix’s share price has risen nearly fivefold, while Samsung Electronics’ stock has more than tripled. As of 2:00 p.m.. SK hynix shares climbed 6.38 percent to 951,500 won, moving closer to the symbolic 1-million-won mark. 2026-02-20 13:59:05
  • K-pop girl band Hearts2Hearts to drop new single RUDE!
    K-pop girl band Hearts2Hearts to drop new single 'RUDE!' SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) -K-pop girl band Hearts2Hearts will release a new single "RUDE!" on Friday to celebrate its first anniversary. Along with the new song, its music video will also be released through the SMTOWN YouTube channel. SM Entertainment said in a statement that the eight-member band's new track RUDE!, a synth house dance track, will be released at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) through various music and video platforms. The band's agency said that the new track offers a different vibe compared to "FOCUS," Hearts2Hearts' cool and chic house-based song relesed in October last year. The group is set to unveil the very first actual performance stage of RUDE! during the band's fan meeting "2026 Hearts2Hearts FANMEETING HEARTS 2 HOUSE," scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park. The group is also to meet international fans through a North American showcase in New York on Mar. 19 and Los Angeles on Mar. 22, followed by a fan meeting in Jakarta on Mar. 28. 2026-02-20 11:30:13
  • Samsungs historic surge lifts KOSPI to record close
    Samsung's historic surge lifts KOSPI to record close SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI set a fresh record on Thursday as trading resumed following the Lunar New Year break, led by Samsung Electronics' historic close above 190,000 won. A buy-side sidecar was triggered on the KOSDAQ at 10:41 a.m. amid an aggressive rally in mid- and small-cap shares. The KOSPI jumped 3.1 percent to close at 5,677.3 points, marking a fresh all-time high after hitting an intraday peak of 5,681.7. The strong upward momentum was broad-based across large-cap stocks, with the KOSPI 200 climbing 3.2 percent to 840.2. The rally was symbolically anchored by Samsung Electronics, which settled at 190,000 won, up 5.9 percent, marking the first-ever close above the 190,000 level. The stock briefly touched 190,900 won within the market, setting a new record high. Gains followed overnight strength in U.S. technology shares, with continued enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence and semiconductor demand. SK hynix added 1.6 percent to 894,000 won, while semiconductor equipment makers in the KOSDAQ market posted double-digit gains, reflecting renewed expectations for memory supply tightness and high-bandwidth memory pricing momentum. The KOSDAQ soared 4.9 percent to 1,160.7, significantly outperforming the main board. A buy-side sidecar was triggered at 10:40 a.m., signaling an exceptional surge in futures-linked buying. The measure marked heightened volatility on the upside, underscoring strong speculative momentum in growth stocks. Institutional investors led buying on the KOSPI with purchases of 1.64 trillion won, while foreigners were modest sellers of 923.2 billion won. Retail investors offloaded 860.5 billion won, reflecting profit-taking at elevated levels. On the KOSDAQ, both foreign and institutional investors turned strong buyers. Beyond semiconductors, policy-driven themes gained traction. Shares of Hanwha Solutions surged 27.5 percent to 58,500 won, while Samsung SDI advanced 9 percent to 408,000 won, leading gains in the energy equipment and services sector, which rose more than 16 percent. Investor attention also shifted to shipbuilding stocks after the U.S. administration unveiled its "America's Maritime Action Plan," which calls for cooperation with allied shipyards, including those in South Korea, under a so-called bridge strategy. Under the proposal, initial vessel construction would take place in allied countries before production gradually transitions to U.S. facilities. The framework is seen as opening potential early-stage contract opportunities for Korean shipbuilders, given their established infrastructure and technical competitiveness. However, uncertainties remain over how existing regulatory frameworks, such as the Jones Act, would be addressed or circumvented. Despite these unresolved questions, market participants broadly viewed the announcement as structurally supportive for Korea's globally competitive shipbuilding sector. Korean won strengthened to 1,447.3 per dollar, down 5.7 won from the previous session, easing pressure on foreign flows. Precious metals advanced, with gold rising 2.1 percent to $5,009.5 per troy ounce and silver climbing 5.5 percent to $77.6. Across Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.6 percent to 57,467.8, while China's Shanghai Composite fell 1.3 percent to 4,082.1. Wednesday's session underscored a powerful convergence of semiconductor momentum, policy-driven industrial optimism and liquidity-driven small-cap strength, with Samsung's 190,000-won milestone serving as the defining symbol of the rally. 2026-02-19 18:00:34