Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • Cheap drones reshape Iran war, raising risk of North Korea copycat
    Cheap drones reshape Iran war, raising risk of North Korea copycat SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - Low-cost drones are rapidly redefining modern warfare in the Iran conflict, exposing a growing cost imbalance that could have direct implications for the Korean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed Washington achieved most of its strategic objectives in the war, likening the 32-day campaign to major 20th-century conflicts. Yet the fighting has dragged on longer than expected, far from the swift outcome suggested in the early hours of the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Feb. 28. What has sustained Iran’s resistance is not its nuclear capability, but drones — inexpensive, scalable and increasingly effective. Military analysts now describe the conflict as a “cost war,” in which cheap weapons are used to exhaust far more expensive defense systems. Iran’s Shahed drones, costing under $50,000, are forcing the U.S. and its allies to deploy interceptor missiles priced in the millions. Patriot interceptors cost roughly $4 million per unit, while Tomahawk cruise missiles exceed $2 million, underscoring the widening economic asymmetry. The trend has already been demonstrated in Ukraine, where low-cost interceptor drones have evolved rapidly — from speeds of 100 mph to over 220 mph within a year — and are now produced at scale, with output reaching as many as 2,000 units per day. One system, the “Sting” drone, costs around $2,000, a fraction of the estimated $20,000 price tag of the attack drones it targets. This widening cost gap raises a fundamental concern: even technologically superior forces risk being overwhelmed by sustained waves of inexpensive unmanned systems. The implications are particularly acute in the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions remain high. Analysts warn that the primary threat to oil tankers is not large naval engagements, but land-based anti-ship missiles and drone strikes. Securing maritime routes — and reopening the strait — has become central to any de-escalation scenario. Washington is already adapting. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the U.S. military has deployed a low-cost attack drone dubbed “Lucas,” developed by reverse-engineering Iran’s Shahed design. Costing between $10,000 and $55,000, the system marks a shift toward cheaper, mass-deployable strike capabilities. The drones were used in attacks on Iranian military targets, including drone production facilities and air defense nodes, contributing to an 83 percent drop in Iranian drone activity in the early phase of the war, according to U.S. officials. The deployment also marked the first use of one-way attack drones by the U.S. in this conflict. Originally designed for a potential confrontation with China, the Lucas system had been slated for Indo-Pacific deployment, with about 6,000 units ordered by the U.S. Marine Corps. The Iran war accelerated its operational debut. North Korea seen as potential beneficiary The spread of low-cost drone warfare is also raising concerns about North Korea, which could benefit from the evolving battlefield dynamics. Pyongyang has deepened military cooperation with Russia during the Ukraine war, gaining exposure to modern drone tactics. Analysts warn that as U.S. strikes degrade Iran’s domestic drone production, Tehran may seek offshore partners — with North Korea viewed as a plausible candidate. “The development and production of Shahed-type long-endurance suicide drones by North Korea appear highly likely,” said Jeon Kyung-joo and Kim Hong-seok of the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. They added that North Korean forces have improved operational capabilities through battlefield experience alongside Russian troops. A Ukrainian field commander also warned that adversaries are using ongoing conflicts as testing grounds. “North Koreans are advancing with the knowledge and experience they are acquiring here,” said Captain Oleh Shyriaiev, noting that such lessons could later be applied on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s drone program dates back decades but remained limited to outdated reconnaissance systems. Its recent deployment to Russia, however, is seen as a turning point, potentially enabling it to absorb production know-how and scale up its capabilities. Implications for South Korea For South Korea, the rise of low-cost drone warfare exposes a structural vulnerability. Seoul’s air defense architecture is built around high-end systems such as PAC-3, Cheongung-II, THAAD and the forthcoming L-SAM. While effective against ballistic missiles, these systems are ill-suited to counter low-flying drones. “THAAD is optimized for high-altitude ballistic missile interception and is not designed to engage low-flying drones or cruise missiles,” said Jeong Kyung-woon of the Korea Association of Military Studies. If North Korea deploys drones at scale, South Korea could face the same cost dilemma seen in the Middle East — using multimillion-dollar interceptors against threats that cost a fraction of that amount. Analysts say this underscores the urgency for Seoul to expand counter-drone capabilities, including electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons and low-cost interception systems. As the Iran conflict demonstrates, the future of warfare may be defined less by technological superiority than by cost efficiency — a shift that could reshape security dynamics far beyond the Middle East. 2026-04-03 15:19:45
  • South Korea to allow in-city tax refunds for cruise tourists starting April 6
    South Korea to allow in-city tax refunds for cruise tourists starting April 6 SEOUL, April 03 (AJP) - Cruise tourists visiting South Korea will be eligible for in-city tax refunds starting April 6, allowing them to reclaim value-added tax (VAT) and other domestic taxes on purchases made at downtown duty-free shops, the Korea Customs Service said Friday. Under South Korea’s tax refund program, foreign visitors can receive refunds on VAT and individual consumption tax included in purchases made at designated duty-free stores when goods are confirmed for export at departure. However, cruise passengers — who enter under a separate shore-excursion permit rather than standard immigration procedures — have faced difficulties using immediate or in-city refund services due to their short stay. The customs agency said it will link its vessel arrival reports and passenger manifest data to the refund system, allowing operators to verify eligibility for cruise tourists. With the number of cruise visitors expected to reach 2 million this year, the measure is expected to shorten waiting times for customs clearance and make tax refunds more convenient. Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myung-koo said the change would allow cruise tourists to enjoy both shopping and tax refund benefits during their brief stay. He added that the agency will continue working with relevant authorities to further streamline refund procedures for foreign visitors. 2026-04-03 14:25:44
  • Korean Air accelerates AI-powered drone development with 2028 deployment target
    Korean Air accelerates AI-powered drone development with 2028 deployment target SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - Korean Air is stepping up its push into unmanned aerial systems, advancing development of an artificial intelligence-powered high-speed target drone while investing $130 million in a new manufacturing facility in Busan to expand production capacity. The company said it recently completed a System Requirements Review (SRR) for its domestically developed high-speed target drone project at the Daejeon Convention Center, attended by officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Navy, the Air Force, and the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement. The project, awarded by DAPA in November last year, aims to localize key components including the drone airframe, control systems, and launch equipment, replacing imported target drones currently used for training and testing. The high-speed target drone under development is designed to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.6, or about 735 kilometers per hour among the fastest in its class domestically. Korean Air plans to roll out a prototype and conduct its first flight in 2027, with deployment targeted for 2028. The drone will incorporate artificial intelligence technologies to enable swarm control and greater mission autonomy. Korean Air is also pursuing an open-architecture design that allows modular sensors and mission equipment to be installed, improving operational flexibility and cost efficiency. The company said the platform will serve as a stepping stone for South Korea’s future manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems and the Surrogate Unmanned Combat Aircraft (SUCA) program, which the military aims to deploy in the early 2030s. In parallel, Korean Air signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Metropolitan Government to invest 200 billion won ($130 million) in a new aerospace manufacturing facility at its Busan Tech Center in Gangseo District. The new plant, with a total floor area of about 16,000 pyeong, will produce next-generation drones, components for future commercial aircraft, and support military aircraft modification and performance upgrades. Busan officials described the investment as the largest aerospace-related project in the city, noting that demand for unmanned aerial systems is expected to grow across defense, logistics, disaster response, and other industries. "The integration of high-speed target drone design with artificial intelligence technology is a critical step for Korea’s defense industry to secure a competitive edge in the global market," a Korean Air official said. "We aim to accelerate the localization of the high-speed target drone system, a national strategic asset, to strengthen the military’s combat capabilities and enhance the global competitiveness of the K-defense industry." 2026-04-02 14:00:35
  • Flying for South Koreans is now a luxury as fuel surcharge triples
    Flying for South Koreans is now a luxury as fuel surcharge triples SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) - Flying out of South Korea is fast becoming a luxury, as airlines this month slapped on fuel surcharges up to three times higher, passing on the surge in jet fuel prices driven by Middle East conflicts. For long-haul routes to the United States and beyond, passengers now face up to 600,000 won ($398) in additional round-trip costs from fuel surcharges alone. With oil prices still climbing, further increases are expected as early as next month. Industry data released Wednesday showed April surcharges are based on the average MOPS benchmark for jet fuel in the Asia-Pacific region between Feb. 16 and March 15. Airlines price fuel into 33 tiers and reset surcharges monthly on the 16th. The average price during the period hit 326.71 cents per gallon, placing it at level 18 — a sharp jump from level 6 the previous month and the steepest monthly increase since the current system was introduced in 2016. Fuel surcharges are additional fees applied to airfares to offset rising fuel costs. Under South Korea’s distance-based system, airlines determine surcharges monthly, based on ticket issuance date rather than travel date. Korean Air raised its international fuel surcharge from 13,500 won to 99,000 won per one-way ticket in March to between 42,000 won and 303,000 won in April, depending on the route. For the longest routes — including flights from Incheon to New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington and Toronto — the surcharge rose to 303,000 won per one-way ticket, a 3.1-fold increase from last month. For round-trip tickets departing from South Korea, passengers could face up to 606,000 won in fuel surcharges, about 408,000 won higher than in March. Other carriers followed suit. Asiana Airlines raised its surcharge range from 14,600–78,600 won in March to 43,900–251,900 won this month. Cargo surcharges also rose sharply. Korean Air, which sets separate fuel surcharges for cargo, announced it would impose surcharges of 2,190 won per kilogram for long-haul routes, 2,060 won for mid-haul routes and 1,960 won for short-haul routes — more than four times higher than last month’s 450 to 510 won. Long-haul routes refer to International Air Transport Association Traffic Conference (TC) area 1 – the Americas, Caribbean, and Greenland – and area 2 (Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia. Mid-haul routes cover TC3 destinations such as Southeast Asia, while short-haul routes refer to cities within an average flight time of two hours from Korea, including Japan and parts of China. Further increases are expected as jet fuel prices continue to climb. Fuel surcharges for May will be determined based on the average Singapore jet fuel price between March 16 and April 15. As of March 31, the Asian jet fuel benchmark reached 522.08 cents per gallon — already exceeding the highest surcharge threshold of 470 cents, which corresponds to level 33. If the trend continues, May surcharges could reach the maximum level for the first time. In such a scenario, fuel surcharges on U.S. routes could rise from the current 300,000 won range to more than 500,000 won per one-way ticket, while short-haul routes could approach 100,000 won. Unlike liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is typically purchased through long-term contracts lasting 10 to 20 years, aviation fuel is largely sourced through mid- to short-term supply agreements with refiners, supplemented by financial hedging such as futures and options. After airlines suffered significant losses during past oil price downturns due to hedging contracts, many global carriers have reduced or discontinued long-term hedging. As a result, airlines are more directly exposed to fuel price volatility, leading to rapid adjustments in fuel surcharges. “It’s not as short-term as gas contracts, but we don’t hold as much fuel reserves as people might assume,” a Korean Air official said. “We do maintain some stock, but not enough to cover operations for months. While airlines try to hedge fuel costs and apply surcharges, they typically rely on shorter-term procurement rather than long-term reserves.” Airlines also face limits on how much of the rising fuel costs can be passed on to passengers. As fuel prices rise further, carriers may instead reduce flight operations to manage costs, industry sources said. A weaker Korean won is also contributing to rising surcharges. Fuel surcharges are calculated in U.S. dollars and converted to Korean won using the average exchange rate. The won-dollar exchange rate surpassed 1,501 won during intraday trading on Wednesday, approaching levels seen during the 2009 global financial crisis. 2026-04-01 17:05:51
  • Submarine deal looms large over Canadas high-profile trade mission to Korea
    Submarine deal looms large over Canada's high-profile trade mission to Korea SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Canada’s trade delegation to South Korea this week has been heavily layered with the hot-button deal — Canada’s largest-ever defense procurement to replace its aging submarines, worth an estimated $40 billion, now being weighed between Korean and European bidders. The visit by the Team Canada Trade Mission, led by International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, comes as Ottawa moves to diversify trade and deepen ties with trusted partners, with defense and supply chains increasingly intertwined. Canadian officials are holding meetings with major Korean shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, alongside a visit to HD Hyundai’s Global R&D Center in Seongnam, industry sources said. Additional engagements are taking place around the Canada–Korea Business Forum in Seoul and events hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries. Officially, the delegation — comprising more than 180 participants from over 110 companies across sectors including ICT, aerospace and defense, and clean energy — is focused on expanding economic cooperation and strengthening supply chain resilience. The visit runs from March 30 to April 2. But the submarine program looms large. Korean bidders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are competing against Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the contract, with final submissions made earlier this month. Industry observers say the race is evolving beyond technical specifications into a broader contest over industrial partnerships, technology transfer and long-term maintenance capabilities. Hanwha Ocean has stepped up its bid by signing agreements with five Canadian firms — OSI Maritime Systems, EMCS Industries, Techsol Marine, Jastram Technologies and Curtiss-Wright — spanning navigation, power systems, maintenance and sonar. The strategy underscores a push to offer full lifecycle support, including maintenance, repair and overhaul. The timing of the visit also reflects mounting concern over global supply chain disruptions tied to the tensions in the Middle East. “Supply chain stability can never be taken for granted,” said Park Jung-sung, South Korea’s deputy trade minister, pointing to complementarities between Canada’s resource base and Korea’s manufacturing strength. Sidhu echoed the need for closer coordination among “trusted middle powers,” as Canada accelerates efforts under Prime Minister Mark Carney to reduce reliance on traditional markets and expand trade routes. “We are moving very fast to improve trade flows,” said Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s chief trade commissioner. “We need to get across that divide,” she added, referring to Canada’s long-standing dependence on the United States. Germany, meanwhile, has sought to bolster its bid with broader industrial proposals, reportedly linking the submarine deal to investments in autos and batteries, though Volkswagen has distanced itself from such arrangements. Against this backdrop, Canada’s Seoul visit is widely seen as part of a broader assessment of industrial cooperation frameworks ahead of a final contractor decision — one that will carry implications not just for defense procurement, but for the next phase of global supply chain alignment. 2026-03-31 15:31:37
  • Houthi entry into Gulf conflict adds to Seoul shipping woes
    Houthi entry into Gulf conflict adds to Seoul shipping woes SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - South Korea is closely watching the developments in the Gulf in fear of losing another core chokepoint after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared that they had joined with Iran against America and Israel. Analysts warn that any renewed blockade in the Red Sea or escalation in attacks could send shockwaves through global supply chains and deepen existing logistics disruptions. Houthis carried out their “first military operation” targeting Israeli military objectives using missiles, group spokesman Yahya Saree said, adding that the operation was coordinated with Iranian forces and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The Houthis, part of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance,” previously launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels transiting the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait during the Gaza war in 2023, targeting ships linked to Israel and its allies. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait a 29-32 km wide chokepoint separating Yemen and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Roughly 15 percent of global seaborne oil trade passes through the corridor. If the terrorist group deploys missiles, drones, or naval mines again against vessels in the strait, global shipping disruptions could worsen significantly. Such developments would complicate access to the Suez Canal and potentially disrupt oil shipments, including flows through Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port, which has recently been viewed as an alternative route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping in the region was already under strain from late 2023, when Houthi attacks prompted major container lines and tanker operators to divert vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, rerouting them around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. Despite tentative plans by some carriers to resume Red Sea operations in recent months, analysts warn that renewed hostilities could halt those efforts. “The repercussions of the joint military operation will see the further weaponization of trade and shatter hopes of a large-scale return of container shipping to the Red Sea in 2026,” said Peter Sand, chief analyst at freight intelligence platform Xeneta, through Lloyd's of London. The Red Sea and Suez Canal together handle roughly 15 percent of global maritime trade and nearly 30 percent of container traffic, making the route a critical artery for Asia-Europe shipping. As vessels reroute around Africa, the impact on Korean exporters is becoming increasingly pronounced. A typical voyage from Busan to Rotterdam via the Suez Canal spans roughly 20,000 kilometers and takes three to four weeks. The Cape route adds 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles, extending transit times by 10 to 14 days. War-risk insurance premiums have also surged from around 0.1 percent to as high as 1 percent. Freight rates are already reflecting the strain. As of late March 2026, the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) rose 7 percent to 1,826.77, driven by continued Red Sea disruptions and rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Asia-Europe and Mediterranean routes saw particularly sharp increases. Adding to the pressure, 2026 marks the first year of full implementation of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for maritime transport. Following a phased rollout — 40 percent in 2024 and 70 percent in 2025 — shipping lines must now cover 100 percent of verified emissions, with voyages from non-EU ports such as Busan to Europe subject to carbon costs for 50 percent of total emissions. The longer detour routes increase fuel consumption by 30 to 40 percent, while many carriers have adopted high-speed “full steaming” to mitigate delays, further driving up emissions. The combined effect of longer voyages and full ETS obligations is creating a new wave of carbon-related surcharges. Industry experts warn that these additional costs could weigh heavily on South Korea’s key export sectors, including automobiles and batteries, potentially eroding their price competitiveness in the European market and adding further uncertainty to global trade already strained by geopolitical tensions. 2026-03-30 17:48:34
  • POSCO Holdings named Business of the Year at 2026 Australia–Korea Business Awards
    POSCO Holdings named Business of the Year at 2026 Australia–Korea Business Awards SEOUL, March 30 (AJP) - POSCO Holdings was named Business of the Year at the 2026 Australia–Korea Business Awards (AKBA) in Seoul on Friday, according to the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea). This year’s recognition of POSCO Holdings highlights the company’s long-standing investment in Australia’s resources sector and its growing role in future-facing industries shaping the bilateral partnership, including critical minerals, battery materials, and clean energy supply chains. “At a time of increasing uncertainty in global supply chains, the Australia–Korea economic relationship is taking on renewed strategic importance,” said Ross Gregory, Chaiman of AustCham Korea. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in December 2021 reflects this shift, establishing a framework for closer cooperation across strategic, economic, and technological domains. “Within this context, deepening trade, investment, and industrial collaboration between Australia and Korea plays a critical role in reinforcing supply chain resilience and supporting the long-term stability of key industries,” Gregory said. The Australia–Korea Business Awards is a flagship event hosted by AustCham Korea, recognizing companies and individuals that have contributed to trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Since 2010, the awards have served as a key platform highlighting the strength of the bilateral economic partnership. Winners are selected based on an evaluation of the achievements and success stories of nominated companies. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and business leaders from both countries, including Australian Ambassador to Korea Jeff Robinson and the Republic of Korea’s Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jung-sung. Their participation underscores the growing strategic dimension of the Australia–Korea relationship. “Long-standing business cooperation between Korea and Australia is something we see as highly meaningful,” Gregory said. “This year’s awards celebrate the fact that collaboration between the two countries is expanding into a broader range of future industries.” “POSCO Holdings, as this year’s Business of the Year, has helped underpin key industrial supply chains through its investments and partnerships across Australia’s mining and resources sectors,” he said. “These efforts demonstrate how collaboration between our two economies continues to evolve into new sectors,” he added. This year’s awards recognized companies and individuals across a wide range of industries, reflecting the continued expansion of bilateral economic cooperation. While collaboration has traditionally been centered on resources, financial services and technology, it has increasingly diversified into areas such as biotechnology, education, food and beverage, energy transition, healthcare, and tourism. 2026-03-30 16:20:36
  • Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Beijing in message to Xi
    Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Beijing in message to Xi SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, state media reported Saturday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim sent a reply on Friday to Xi, who had congratulated him on his reappointment as chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission. Kim expressed “deep thanks,” saying he felt the “invariable support and emotion of friendship” from Xi and the Chinese government toward him, his party and North Korea’s government. Referring to what he described as key agreements reached during a North Korea-China summit held last September on the sidelines of China’s 80th Victory Day parade, Kim said he was pleased that the “traditional DPRK-China relations are being put on a new high stage in keeping with the aspiration and desire of the two parties and the peoples of the two countries.” He also stressed that North Korea’s position remains firm in continuing to deepen and develop bilateral cooperation centered on socialism. Kim further expressed confidence that China, under Xi’s leadership, would achieve “fresh progress” in building a modern socialist state. North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, the country’s parliament, reappointed Kim as chairman of the State Affairs Commission on March 22. Xi sent a congratulatory message on Thursday, saying that safeguarding, consolidating and developing China–North Korea relations is a consistent and unwavering policy of the Communist Party of China and the government. 2026-03-28 17:14:39
  • BTS sets Latin America tour across five cities in October
    BTS sets Latin America tour across five cities in October SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - BTS will embark on a Latin America leg of its world tour in October, performing across five cities, the group’s agency said Saturday. Big Hit Music released detailed schedules for the “Arirang” world tour in Latin America, with concerts set to begin in Bogotá on Oct. 2–3. The tour will then continue to Lima on Oct. 9–10, Santiago on Oct. 16–17, Buenos Aires on Oct. 23–24, and São Paulo on Oct. 28 and 30–31, for a total of 11 shows. The concerts will mark BTS’s first full-group performances in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. Member Jin previously appeared as a guest during Coldplay’s world tour concert in Buenos Aires in 2022. The world tour will kick off on April 9 at Goyang Stadium in Goyang. According to the agency, all 46 shows across South Korea, Japan, North America and Europe have already sold out. BTS returned as a full group on March 21 after nearly four years. The group held a special comeback performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square the following day, drawing about 22,000 fans. 2026-03-28 15:43:45
  • Fuel prices near 1,900 won in Seoul as price cap raised
    Fuel prices near 1,900 won in Seoul as price cap raised SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - Fuel prices at gas stations across South Korea continued to rise for a second consecutive day after the government raised oil price caps. According to Opinet, the state-run fuel price information system, the nationwide average price of gasoline stood at 1,849.7 won ($1.23) per liter as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, up 10.9 won from the previous day. Diesel prices also climbed 9.6 won to 1,844.1 won per liter, extending the upward trend in fuel costs. The increase was particularly pronounced in Seoul. The average gasoline price in the capital surged 24.9 won in a single day to 1,890.5 won per liter, while diesel rose 18.6 won to 1,872.1 won. Prices had already jumped sharply on Friday, the first day of the price cap. The nationwide average gasoline price rose 19.4 won to 1,838.8 won, while diesel increased 18.8 won to 1,834.6 won. The government set the new price ceilings at 1,934 won per liter for regular gasoline, 1,923 won for diesel used in vehicles and ships, and 1,530 won for kerosene. The caps were raised by 210 won across all fuel types from the previous caps introduced in July. Market observers say the higher caps are feeding directly into retail prices at gas stations. When the earlier price cap was introduced in July, pump prices were about 100 won higher than refinery supply prices, raising the possibility that the nationwide average gasoline price could soon exceed 2,000 won per liter if the current trend continues. The record-high weekly average gasoline price nationwide was 2,137.7 won per liter, recorded in the fifth week of June 2022. Given the recent upward momentum and inflationary pressures, analysts say the record could be challenged again. 2026-03-28 14:32:19