Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • Over 130 IAF aircraft gather to demonstrate full-spectrum combat readiness in Pokhran
    Over 130 IAF aircraft gather to demonstrate full-spectrum combat readiness in Pokhran POKHRAN, INDIA, March 01 (AJP) - The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted its massive triennial firepower demonstration, 'Exercise Vayushakti-24', at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise underscored the IAF's seamless combat readiness and its ability to deliver lethal strikes with surgical precision. The event was graced by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu, along with senior military leadership and civil dignitaries. The exercise operated under the IAF's core doctrine: "Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek" (Infallible, Invincible, and Precise). This year’s Vayushakti stood out by moving beyond a simple display of ordnance. For the first time, the exercise was conducted with a defined operational storyline, simulating a live combat theatre. This allowed for a more realistic demonstration of how air power is integrated into modern, high-intensity warfare. The exercise featured a formidable fleet of over 130 aircraft, including frontline fighters such as the Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk. Support assets like the C-17, C-130J, and C-295 transport aircraft, along with Apache and Chinook helicopters, played vital roles. The simultaneous precision strikes by the French-made Rafale and the Russian-origin Su-30 MKI highlighted the IAF's diverse and versatile aerial capabilities. The IAF demonstrated its long-range strike capabilities using advanced air-to-ground precision-guided munitions. A key highlight was the integrated air defence showcase, featuring the Akash and Spyder surface-to-air missile systems, working in tandem with Indian Army air defence assets to neutralize simulated aerial threats. The exercise also emphasized jointmanship and special operations. Garud Commandos and Para SF teams performed high-stakes insertions and simulated urban interventions. Rapid response missions, including assault landings at Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) and casualty evacuations (CASEVAC), were executed with clinical efficiency. Spanning both day and night, Vayushakti-24 proved the IAF’s ability to maintain 24/7 dominance over the battlespace. As darkness fell, aircraft equipped with advanced night-vision and targeting systems struck targets with pinpoint accuracy, illuminating the desert sky and demonstrating all-weather operational superiority. An IAF official stated, "Vayushakti-24 is a reaffirmation of our sovereign deterrence and our commitment to national security. By combining jointmanship with cutting-edge technology, we are fully prepared for the challenges of future warfare." Local analysts noted that the exercise not only validated the operational effectiveness of indigenous weapon systems under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative but also sent a strong strategic signal of regional stability and deterrence. 2026-03-01 09:46:27
  • Koreas top-shelf defense export K9 anchors Indias frontline firepower in evolving form
    Korea's top-shelf defense export K9 anchors India's frontline firepower in evolving form POKHRAN, INDIA, February 26 (AJP) - The desert does not forgive hesitation. At the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, under the abrasive winds of the Thar Desert, the K9 Vajra-T halted only long enough to compute its fire solution. Turret rotating independently of the hull, target data fed digitally, the first round was out within 30 seconds. On the move, the gun delivered in under a minute. Moments later, the battery displaced — engines growling, tracks carving arcs through sand — before counter-battery response could materialize. This was the tempo of “Exercise Agni Varsha,” conducted by the Indian Army’s Southern Command and observed by defense journalists from 25 countries. Tanks, mechanized infantry, legacy artillery, rocket platforms, Apache attack helicopters, indigenous ALH gunships and drones operated in concert. But the rhythm of the maneuver hinged on one platform: the K9. From Korean flagship to Indian backbone The Vajra-T is derived from South Korea’s K9 Thunder, widely regarded as Korea’s flagship land weapon system and one of its most successful high-value defense exports. Manufactured in India through a partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and Larsen & Toubro, the program reflects both technology transfer and industrial localization. More than 50 percent of components are now produced at L&T’s Hazira facility. The first 100 units were delivered ahead of schedule, prompting a repeat order for another 100, with localization set to exceed 60 percent. The platform’s battlefield credentials explain why it has become both Korea’s top-shelf artillery export and the backbone of India’s integrated firepower. Why K9 sits at the top tier of Korean defense exports The K9’s status is not symbolic. It commands roughly half of the global tracked 155mm self-propelled howitzer export market, operates in 11 countries and exceeds 1,700 units worldwide. Its competitive edge rests on several defining features: range, speed and survivability delivered as a complete ecosystem rather than a standalone gun. The 155mm/52-caliber platform projects precision fire beyond 40 kilometers, unleashes six to eight rounds per minute in burst mode, and delivers its first shot within 30 seconds when halted — or under a minute on the move — while a 1,000-horsepower engine drives it across deserts, mountains and high-altitude sectors with equal reliability. Its fully rotating 360-degree turret allows engagement without hull repositioning, compressing exposure time in counter-battery environments, and when paired with the K10 resupply vehicle and integrated digital fire-control architecture, the system sustains high-tempo “shoot-and-scoot” operations that modern warfare demands. That fusion of firepower, mobility, rapid deployment timelines and export-ready industrial partnership is what has elevated the K9 beyond a successful artillery piece into Korea’s top-shelf land defense export — and why it now anchors India’s evolving frontline firepower doctrine. The K9 is rarely sold alone. The K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicle — carrying 104 rounds and transferring ammunition at 12 rounds per minute — sustains high-tempo operations. Packages typically include maintenance, training and technology transfer. This ecosystem model — rather than a standalone hardware sale — has driven repeat procurement in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Competitiveness in Europe In European competitions, including Norway’s procurement process, the K9 outperformed Germany’s PzH 2000. The determining factors were structural: faster delivery cycles (18–24 months versus 3–5 years), balanced price-to-performance ratio, proven operation across desert, arctic and mountainous environments, and willingness to localize production and transfer technology – as well proven in the track record in India. Essential along India’s Pakistan frontier Along India’s western border with Pakistan, artillery is not a secondary arm — it shapes deterrence posture. In desert sectors and open plains, where concealment is limited, mobility and rapid displacement determine survivability. The K9’s range allows engagement of deep targets while maintaining operational depth. Its rapid response time and shoot-and-scoot capability reduce exposure to counter-battery fire. The powerful engine sustains maneuver across sand under extreme temperatures. Indian officials have noted the system’s operational deployment and its positioning along sensitive border sectors. Within India’s doctrine, the K9 forms a forward mobile strike layer, complementing legacy systems positioned further rearward. As the final salvos faded over Pokhran, the K9 units shifted positions with practiced discipline. Within minutes, their tracks were erased by wind. The exercise underscored why the K9 is widely regarded as Korea’s top-tier land defense export: speed, adaptability and integration into modern maneuver warfare. In India’s evolving artillery doctrine — particularly along sensitive borderlines — the K9 Vajra-T is no longer a procurement success. It is operational infrastructure. 2026-02-26 09:33:21
  • Indian satellite startup invites Korean tech names to develop military solutions
    Indian satellite startup invites Korean tech names to develop military solutions BENGALURU, INDIA, February 26 (AJP) - Astrome Technologies, an Indian defense technology startup specializing in high-frequency satellite and wireless systems, is seeking strategic partnerships with South Korean companies to jointly develop next-generation military satellite solutions, its president said in an exclusive interview with AJP. “We would be very happy to work with the satellite and telecom businesses of Korean companies such as SK Telecom, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics,” said Venkatesh Kumaran, president of Astrome Technologies, at the company’s headquarters in Bengaluru. “With geopolitical tensions rising, every country now wants sovereign technological capabilities, especially in satellite communications. We believe we can help Korean companies build and supply these systems to their military,” he said. Astrome is actively seeking what it calls a “reputable South Korean partner” — an intermediary capable of translating advanced technology into operational engagement with South Korea’s military and major defense contractors. Such a partner, Kumaran said, would play a central role in joint research and development, regulatory coordination and market entry. “Our technology is highly specialized. To deploy it effectively in Korea’s defense ecosystem, we need a partner that understands both the engineering and the institutional landscape,” he said. Suited for mobile and naval platforms The biggest challenge for high-speed communication at sea or on the move is stability. Traditional antennas are often bulky, mechanical devices that must physically rotate to track a moving ship or satellite. In harsh military environments, these moving parts are highly prone to wear and tear, leading to frequent maintenance issues and mechanical fatigue. Astrome’s core systems eliminate these vulnerabilities by using electronically steerable beams. Instead of moving the dish itself, the technology compensates for platform movement and environmental vibrations entirely through electronic signals, requiring zero mechanical components. The design is particularly suited for naval vessels and mobile ground platforms — sectors in which South Korea’s defense industry has established global competitiveness. “We are a small company, but we have cracked a technology that no one else in the world has,” Kumaran said. “Building products together with a Korean partner could create immense synergy in R&D and deployment.” Leadership in E-band phased arrays While South Korea is a global leader in 5G, the industry has faced challenges in deploying higher-frequency millimeter-wave networks due to technical hurdles and high costs. As the world shifts its focus toward 6G and the E-band spectrum (around 80 GHz)—a frequency range critical for high-capacity, low-latency communications—Astrome’s technology offers a ready-made solution that South Korea is currently striving to master. Its GigaMesh system drastically reduces deployment time. While traditional systems require hours of manual alignment by specialists, GigaMesh can be operational within 30 minutes, with subsequent control managed remotely through software. The system also supports multi-point transmission, enabling a single transmitter to serve multiple receivers simultaneously. According to the company, this reduces capital expenditure by up to 50 percent compared with conventional equipment. “Even major players like Ericsson and Nokia have not been able to do this,” Kumaran said. “We are the only ones who have cracked it and secured patents. Even if someone starts today, it would take three years to catch up.” From ground networks to space systems Building on its terrestrial wireless expertise, Astrome has expanded into a full satellite communications ecosystem. Its portfolio includes GigaSat, a flat-panel satellite ground terminal for maritime and land-mobile platforms, and SpaceNet, a software-defined E-band payload capable of delivering more than 180 gigabits per second per satellite. The company’s defense credentials were recently reinforced when India’s Ministry of Defence awarded Astrome for its Anti-ECM Tactical LAN Radio, a system designed to resist jamming and interception. The equipment successfully completed trials in environments ranging from desert heat to high-altitude cold, underscoring its operational resilience. Astrome’s engagement with South Korea predates its current partnership push and is rooted in early-stage investment. The company has received funding from South Korean venture capital firms, including Impact Collective and The Ventures, which supported its transition from a startup to a deep-tech defense supplier. “We received Korean investment at a very early stage,” said Brighu Bhattrahalli, head of global commercial business at Astrome. “That support was critical during our formative period.” Korean investors participated in a $3.4 million bridge funding round in September 2021, which was used to expand Astrome’s presence in the U.S. market and conduct international operator trials. To date, Astrome has raised more than $14 million in total funding. Company executives say Korean capital has played an important role in technology refinement and international credibility. That support enabled Astrome to finalize its patented digital beamforming phased array architecture — the core platform behind its GigaMesh and GigaSat products. The technology is designed to deliver high-speed, cost-effective connectivity in remote and underserved regions, while also meeting military-grade reliability standards. “With the right Korean partner, we believe our systems can be scaled for both civilian and defense applications,” Kumaran said. “The opportunity is strategic, not just commercial.” 2026-02-26 08:09:01
  • Aboard Indias Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant
    Aboard India's Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA, February 22 (AJP) - About 10 miles off Vizag Port, our small vessel — packed with around 80 local and international journalists — cuts through the swells for 30 to 40 minutes. Then, without warning, it appears. A vast steel wall, rising slowly over the horizon. INS Vikrant. India's first indigenous aircraft carrier. It takes several more minutes to pull alongside her and for the boarding bridge to be secured. Nobody speaks much. We are all just staring. The first stop is not the flight deck. It is somewhere far more unexpected — the hangar bay. Descend below deck and the scale hits you immediately. Roughly the size of two football fields, the hangar bay is the carrier's garage at sea — a cavernous steel chamber where up to 20 aircraft can be parked, serviced, and armed between sorties. Jets are chained to the floor with heavy-duty fittings, barely shifting even as the 45,000-ton ship rolls through open water. Technicians maneuver them into position on hydraulic turntables with practiced efficiency. Two 30-ton elevators on the starboard side stand ready to lift aircraft up through armored doors to the flight deck above — doors that stay sealed whenever the carrier is underway. We ride one of those elevators up. Slowly, the hangar bay disappears beneath us, replaced by open sky and a rush of sea wind. The first thing that strikes you is not the fighter jets parked nearby. It is the deck itself. The flight deck stretches 262.5 meters in length and more than 60 meters across — roughly two and a half football fields — hosting around thirty aircraft, including MiG-29K fighters. Look down and you will notice the lines painted across the steel: bright yellow and red, sharp and deliberate. The yellow line is a landing alignment guide, helping pilots center their aircraft on approach. The red Safety Line marks zones that are absolutely off-limits during flight operations — a boundary between routine and catastrophe, protecting crew from the lethal force of jet blast. "Crossing beyond that line can mean risking your life," one officer says grimly, his eyes fixed on the runway ahead of us. We stay well behind it. At the bow, the deck curves sharply upward into a 14-degree ski-jump ramp. There are no catapults here — aircraft launch on engine thrust alone, hurled skyward by the ramp's angle and their own power. Landing, however, is another matter entirely. "Landing is the real challenge," one pilot tells us. "You're coming in at hundreds of kilometers per hour, and your tailhook has to catch one of just three wires stretched across the deck. The system adjusts the tension in a split second — based on your speed and weight — and that's what brings you to a dead stop in such a short distance." If the hook fails to catch, the pilot immediately powers back up, circles around, and comes in for another attempt. He says it calmly. The physics of it are anything but. After the deck tour, we are escorted into a sealed briefing room deep inside the ship. Mobile signals vanish instantly. No Wi-Fi, no reception — just steel walls and the hum of machinery. Moments ago, we stood under open sky. Now, there is nothing but metal in every direction. On a carrier, silence is security. Beneath the flight deck lies a world of its own — more than 2,200 compartments housing around 1,700 crew members, who cycle between long deployments at sea and intensive maintenance periods in port. Vikrant generates enough electricity to power thousands of homes. Her onboard hospital has an ICU and a CT scanner. Three automated galleys produce nearly 5,000 meals a day. "The naan from the baking room is actually really delicious," one crew member says with a grin. Even here, morale is part of the mission. Under India's SAGAR doctrine — Security and Growth for All in the Region — Vikrant is both deterrent and lifeline. In 2025, her helicopters evacuated an injured sailor from the Arabian Sea, proof that this ship's purpose reaches far beyond combat. Back at the edge of the deck, steel meets open water. The horizon stretches without end. The carrier holds steady. And standing here, at the edge of a floating city in the middle of the Indian Ocean, that feels like the most remarkable thing of all. 2026-02-22 10:59:23
  • Gang Gam-chan sails with global fleet as Korea rises on Indo-Pacific Seas
    Gang Gam-chan sails with global fleet as Korea rises on Indo-Pacific Seas VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA, February 20 (AJP) - From the deck line to the distant horizon, the waters off Visakhapatnam shimmered with steel, color and motion on Wednesday as one of the world’s largest multinational naval formations assembled for the 2026 International Fleet Review. Flying the South Korean flag Taegeukgi high against a stiff Bay of Bengal wind, the 4,400-ton destroyer ROKS Gang Gam-chan cruised in tight formation alongside 18 other flag-bearing warships, cutting a steady line through rolling swells. From the press boat trailing the formation, her angular silhouette and brownish-gray hull stood out sharply under the tropical sun — a visible symbol of Seoul’s growing blue-water ambitions. For several hours, the Bay of Bengal became a moving stage of maritime power. Warships advanced in sequence, their signal flags fluttering, flight decks cleared and crews standing at attention along the rails. At the heart of the spectacle was the host, the Indian Navy, showcasing the rapid transformation of its fleet — from coastal defense to full-spectrum ocean-going force. The review was the third such event hosted by India, following earlier editions in 2001 and 2016. A “Blue Water” Presence Among the multinational lineup, Gang Gam-chan — the fifth vessel of South Korea’s Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers — stood out. Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and commissioned in 2007, the KDX-II-class vessel represents the backbone of the Republic of Korea Navy’s long-range surface fleet. Designed for anti-submarine, anti-air and surface warfare, she has participated in distant deployment missions, including anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. During the live broadcast by Doordarshan, commentators singled out the Korean destroyer as a core “blue-water asset,” highlighting its record in international maritime security operations. From the bridge wing, Korean sailors in white dress uniforms saluted as the formation passed the reviewing stand, where President Droupadi Murmu observed the parade. The event’s theme — “United Through Oceans” — was echoed in her address, in which she stressed collective responsibility and cooperative action among like-minded maritime partners. From Ancient Trade Routes to Modern Fleets The setting carried historical weight. These same waters once carried merchant vessels linking the Indus Valley, Southeast Asia and East Africa, and later the naval expeditions of the Chola Empire in the 11th century. On Wednesday, they hosted satellite-linked destroyers, stealth frigates and an aircraft carrier — a vivid illustration of how India’s maritime legacy has evolved into modern sea power. Leading the host nation’s formation was India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, followed by the Project 15B destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and the stealth frigate INS Nilgiri — centerpieces of New Delhi’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” self-reliance strategy. Behind them sailed vessels from key Indo-Pacific partners, including Australia and Japan, reinforcing the review’s message of collective security. Korea’s Expanding Maritime Footprint For South Korea, Gang Gam-chan’s appearance was more than ceremonial. She departed Jeju Naval Base on Jan. 30 to join the fleet review before taking part in the ensuing seven-days MILAN naval exercise until Feb. 25 — meaning 'meeting' in Hindi — symbolizing Seoul’s growing operational reach across the Indian Ocean. In parallel with the sea review, the Republic of Korea Navy delegation, led by Rear Adm. Kim Kyung-cheol, attended the plenary session of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium for the first time as an observer. The delegation held bilateral meetings and promoted Korea’s “total solution” approach to naval logistics and defense exports. Officials said the outreach reflects Seoul’s broader effort to link operational deployments with defense-industry diplomacy. A Floating Showcase of Strategy From the press vantage point, the choreography was precise. Each ship maintained exact intervals. Helicopters hovered briefly overhead. Signal flags snapped in unison. Even in moderate swells, the column remained steady — a moving demonstration of interoperability. Industry and defense analysts watching from shore said the review underscored how maritime security in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly shaped by networks rather than individual navies. While large aircraft and maritime patrol planes roared faintly beyond the horizon, Gang Gam-chan continued her measured advance, radar masts scanning and wake trailing cleanly behind her stern. On waters once ruled by sail and monsoon winds, South Korea’s gray-hulled destroyer now sailed as part of a multinational security web — a quiet but unmistakable statement of its place in a changing maritime order. As the formation dispersed toward sunset, the Korean vessel turned eastward, her navigation lights blinking on one by one — carrying with her the message that in today’s Indo-Pacific, presence itself has become policy. 2026-02-20 10:27:12
  • U.S. maritime plan allows initial ship construction in Korea
    U.S. maritime plan allows initial ship construction in Korea SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - The White House on Friday unveiled the “America’s Maritime Action Plan” (MAP), a sweeping strategy to revive the U.S. shipbuilding industry that explicitly signals cooperation with South Korea and Japan. It is widely seen as laying out the blueprint for the so-called MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative discussed during Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations. The U.S. government states in the report published on the White House website that "it will consult with China on shipbuilding capacity issues and continue its historic cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan on revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding." The document makes clear that Washington aims to pursue two goals simultaneously: counter China’s dominance in maritime industries and restore U.S. domestic shipbuilding capabilities, positioning allied cooperation as a strategic pillar in that effort. ‘Bridge Strategy’ allows initial construction abroad A key component of the plan is a so-called “Bridge Strategy,” under which early vessels in a multi-ship contract may be built at a foreign partner’s shipyard, while concurrent capital investments are made in a U.S. shipyard to eventually onshore construction. The MAP describes the concept as a “multi-ship buy wherein the first ships in the contract are built in a foreign shipbuilder’s home shipyard while concurrent direct capital investments are made in a U.S. shipyard … to eventually onshore construction.” Given that the United States currently builds less than one percent of global commercial ships and has limited large-vessel construction capacity, the strategy effectively allows allies such as South Korea and Japan to build initial orders while investing in U.S. facilities, with production gradually shifting to American soil. For Korean shipbuilders, this could open an exceptional pathway to construct early vessels domestically while securing financial incentives tied to U.S. shipyard investment. $150 billion secured for shipbuilding The MAP states that President Donald Trump has secured “at least $150 billion of dedicated investment for America’s shipbuilding industry,” adding that the Department of Commerce “is working to mobilize these funds to achieve the greatest investment in U.S. shipbuilding history.” The $150 billion figure is widely interpreted as corresponding to the shipbuilding-focused package under the MASGA framework, part of the broader $350 billion investment commitments discussed in last year’s Korea-U.S. trade agreement. While the plan opens potential avenues for Korean shipbuilders to participate in early-stage production and U.S. yard investment, it also signals a longer-term shift toward onshoring ship construction and strengthening U.S.-flagged shipping capacity. Industry analysts say the practical impact will depend on how aggressively Washington implements port fees, cargo preference rules and onshore investment requirements in the coming years. Foreign-built vessels face new fees under MAP The MAP also includes measures that could significantly raise costs for foreign-built vessels calling at U.S. ports, potentially affecting Korean shipping and export firms. Under the proposal, Washington would “establish a universal infrastructure or security fee on all foreign-built commercial vessels calling at U.S. ports,” calculated based on the weight of imported cargo. According to the report, a fee of 1 cent per kilogram could generate approximately $66 billion over a decade, while a 25-cent levy could raise as much as $1.5 trillion. The revenue would be directed toward a newly proposed Maritime Security Trust Fund to support U.S. shipbuilding and port infrastructure. The administration also plans to impose a 0.125 percent Land Port Maintenance Tax on goods entering through land borders, effectively applying the levy to exports routed via Canada or Mexico, in line with the Harbor Maintenance Tax on maritime imports. The plan further calls for expanding cargo preference requirements through a new United States Maritime Preference Requirement (USMPR), which would gradually increase the share of U.S.-bound cargo transported on qualifying U.S.-flagged vessels. Taken together, the measures are designed to reduce reliance on foreign-built and foreign-flagged ships while bolstering domestic maritime capacity. However, industry observers warn that the new framework could pressure Korean shipping lines and raise logistics costs for exporters, particularly given that a large share of vessels serving U.S. routes are built in South Korea, Japan and China. 2026-02-14 18:02:33
  • Book-style foldables to dominate global market in 2026 amid memory shortages
    Book-style foldables to dominate global market in 2026 amid memory shortages SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - The global foldable smartphone market is expected to shift from clamshell-style devices to book-type models in 2026, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research. According to Counterpoint on Saturday, book-type devices are projected to increase their share of the total foldable smartphone market from 52 percent in 2025 to around 65 percent in 2026, accounting for the majority of global foldable shipments. The shift reflects continued improvements in hardware quality and usability, as well as growing manufacturer confidence in high-value form factors. By contrast, clamshell-style foldables are expected to see a gradual decline in market share as they become positioned primarily as style-focused or complementary offerings within the mid- to upper-priced segment. Counterpoint also forecasts that Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market will play a meaningful role in this structural shift. Industry observers expect Apple to unveil its first foldable smartphone in the second half of 2026. The device is widely anticipated to adopt a book-type form factor featuring a wide foldable display with a 1:1.414 aspect ratio, optimized for multitasking, document viewing and content consumption. While market performance will depend on pricing, launch timing and product positioning, Apple’s entry is expected to significantly influence leadership dynamics within the book-type foldable segment and accelerate broader market adoption. Android smartphone makers are also adjusting their strategies in response. Samsung Electronics reached a key inflection point in the second half of 2025 as shipments of its Galaxy Z Fold 7 surpassed those of the Galaxy Z Flip 7, signaling improved product maturity for traditional book-type foldables. Samsung is also reportedly preparing to launch a wider-screen book-type model similar in form factor to what Apple is expected to adopt, aiming to enhance multi-panel productivity features. The strategic pivot is becoming increasingly visible across the Android ecosystem as vendors reassess their foldable strategies amid profitability and inventory management concerns. While clamshell models played a critical role in expanding the early foldable market, book-type devices are now seen as central to long-term growth. Motorola unveiled its first book-type foldable at CES 2026, and Google continues to invest in its Pixel Fold lineup. Tarun Pathak, research director at Counterpoint, said tightening supplies of memory components — particularly those used in mid- and low-end smartphones — are clouding demand visibility in the mass market. “In this environment, manufacturers are expected to shift their focus from volume expansion to profitability, prioritizing higher-margin products,” Pathak said. “Book-type foldables, equipped with premium specifications and higher memory configurations, help lift average selling prices and are well positioned within a value-driven growth strategy,” he added. 2026-02-14 13:30:44
  • Olive Young draws crowds at Milano Olympics Korea House with K-beauty booth
    Olive Young draws crowds at Milano Olympics Korea House with K-beauty booth SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - CJ Olive Young has opened a promotional booth at the Korea House during the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics, showcasing K-beauty products and supporting South Korea’s national team. According to the company on Saturday, Olive Young has been operating a “Lip Touch-Up Bar” since Feb. 6 at the Korea House in Milan, allowing visitors to experience K-beauty products firsthand. The booth, featuring color cosmetics from Olive Young’s private label brand Colorgram, has drawn heavy foot traffic, at one point prompting temporary crowd control measures due to overwhelming demand. Visitors have reportedly flooded staff with inquiries about where the featured products can be purchased. Olive Young has also provided South Korea’s Olympic athletes with travel-sized “K-beauty kits” comprising 18 items. The kits include six skincare products covering the full K-beauty routine from cleansing to masks, six snack items, and travel-size hair, body and dental care products. The company said the kits were designed with athletes’ extended overseas stay in mind. The growing popularity of K-beauty was also evident during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju last October, when Olive Young saw a surge in sales at its Hwangridan-gil store. At the time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted photos on social media of 13 Korean cosmetic products she purchased at Olive Young, describing them as “South Korea skincare finds.” The items included sheet masks, cleansing products and lip balms. Diana Carney, spouse of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, also said she received a shopping list from her daughter, who has a strong interest in Korea and specifically requested K-beauty products from Olive Young. Last month, Olive Young signed an official partnership with Sephora, the world’s largest beauty retail chain, accelerating its global expansion. In the second half of this year, the company plans to launch curated “K-beauty zones” across six regions, including the United States and Canada in North America, as well as major Asian markets, through Sephora’s online and offline channels. Olive Young currently operates a global online mall and plans to open its first U.S. offline store in May, followed by additional overseas locations. “The booth was designed to raise the visibility and status of K-beauty at the Olympic stage,” an Olive Young official said. “We will continue efforts to ensure that customers around the world can easily experience and access a wide range of brands.” 2026-02-14 12:58:50
  • President Lee to focus on policy planning during Lunar New Year holiday
    President Lee to focus on policy planning during Lunar New Year holiday SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will scale back public engagements during the five-day Lunar New Year holiday beginning Saturday and remain at the presidential residence to focus on policy planning, officials said. Lee is expected to review a range of pressing domestic and external issues, including tariff negotiations with the United States, efforts to stabilize the real estate market, and administrative integration, while refining his policy direction for the second year of his term. According to the presidential office, Lee will not travel to his hometown of Andong in North Gyeongsang Province or to the presidential retreat on Geoje Island during the holiday period. Instead, he is expected to spend time primarily with family at the residence. During last year’s Chuseok holiday in October, Lee attended an event for displaced Koreans and visited a child welfare facility and a traditional market. He also paid respects at his family graves in Bonghwa and Andong in North Gyeongsang Province. Lee’s increased activity on social media in recent weeks is expected to continue over the holiday. On the eve of the holiday, he posted consecutive messages addressing real estate issues, effectively setting market normalization as a key topic for the festive period. On Friday, Lee uploaded two posts suggesting the need for tighter lending regulations on multiple-home owners. Delays in the National Assembly’s legislative process and escalating tensions between the ruling and opposition parties remain among Lee’s concerns. A planned luncheon with party leaders ahead of the holiday was canceled on Thursday, adding to the political deadlock. The impasse has raised concerns that parliamentary handling of a special bill on U.S. investment, aimed at responding to Washington’s plan to impose a 25 percent tariff increase, could be delayed. With local elections scheduled for June, discussions over potential reshuffles within the presidential office and Cabinet are also expected to take shape. Following the holiday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to pay a three-day state visit to South Korea beginning Feb. 22. 2026-02-14 11:12:52
  • Cha Jun-hwan narrowly misses bronze by less than a point, sets Korean record
    Cha Jun-hwan narrowly misses bronze by less than a point, sets Korean record SEOUL, February 14 (AJP) - On the ninth day of competition at the 2026 Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday, South Korean athletes delivered notable performances in figure skating and snowboarding. South Korea maintained its tally of one gold, one silver and two bronze medals, remaining 13th in the overall medal standings. Figure skating: Cha Jun-hwan just off the podium In men’s figure skating, Cha Jun-hwan delivered a solid free skate at the Milano Ice Skating Arena to finish 4th overall, marking the best Olympic result yet for a Korean male singles skater. Cha’s total score of 273.92 saw him narrowly miss the bronze medalist Shun Sato of Japan, who scored 274.90 by less than one point after a strong performance highlighted by a clean quad Salchow, though a fall on his quad toe loop brought a deduction. Cha, who placed 15th at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics — then the best result by a South Korean man in the singles event — improved to fifth at the 2022 Beijing Games. He climbed one spot higher this time to set a new personal Olympic best. Gold-medal favorite Ilia Malinin of the United States struggled under the pressure of his Olympic debut, delivering an uncharacteristically flawed performance and finishing eighth with 264.49 points. With several medal contenders faltering, Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov capitalized to claim a surprise gold medal with 291.58 points, securing his country’s first gold of the Games. Snowboarding: Lee finishes sixth in halfpipe, Woo competes in cross At Livigno Snow Park, Lee Chae-un competed in the men’s snowboard halfpipe final and finished 6th with 87.50 points. The 19-year-old landed signature tricks including the frontside triple cork 1620 but fell short of the medals against a deep field. His run showcased Korean progression in snowboarding disciplines. Woo Su-bin, in South Korea’s first Olympic appearance in snowboard cross, was unable to advance to the 16-athlete round after a mid-race slip. She completed her heat despite the fall and won applause from the crowd. Curling: Korea improves to 2-1 in round robin South Korea’s women’s curling team defeated Britain 9-3 in its third round-robin match at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The team, skipped by Kim Eun-ji, bounced back from an opening 4-8 loss to the United States with consecutive wins over Italy (7-2) and Britain to improve to 2-1. South Korea moved into a tie for third place among the 10 teams in the standings. In the round-robin format, the top four teams advance to the semifinals. Sweden leads at 3-0, followed by Switzerland. South Korea will face Denmark (1-2) and Japan (0-2) in its next two matches on Feb. 15. Skeleton, Biathlon and Cross-Country: Jung posts second straight top-10 finish In men’s skeleton at the Cortina Sliding Center, Jung Seung-gi clocked a combined time of 3:45.90 over four runs to finish 10th. After placing 10th in his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games, Jung secured another top-10 finish at his second Olympics. Veteran Kim Ji-soo, competing in his first Olympic appearance since the 2018 PyeongChang Games, finished 16th with a four-run total of 3:48.11. In women’s skeleton at the same venue, Hong Su-jung recorded a combined time of 1:57.33 over two runs to place 22nd among 25 competitors. At the Anterselva Biathlon Arena, Choi Du-jin finished last in the men’s 10-kilometer sprint, crossing the line in 28:05.7 after missing three shots in the prone stage. In cross-country skiing, Lee Jun-seo placed 73rd out of 113 athletes in the men’s 10km interval start free at the Tesero Cross-country Skiing Stadium, finishing in 24:25.4. Norway’s Johannes Klæbo won the event in 20:36.2 to claim his third gold medal of the Games and the eighth Olympic gold of his career, tying the all-time Winter Olympic record. 2026-02-14 10:41:43