Journalist

박세진
Choe Chong-dae
  • Sookmyung Womens University team develops gene data modeling tool
    Sookmyung Women's University team develops gene data modeling tool SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - A research team led by Professor Yoon Suk-joon at Sookmyung Women's University in South Korea has created an ontology-based framework to quantitatively interpret gene-based biological data, the prominent university said Monday. Biological data has historically been difficult for artificial intelligence to interpret because it lacks the clear contextual relationships found in standard text. To address this, the team used biological ontologies—systems that structure concepts for computer processing—to help AI analyze genetic information more effectively. The researchers developed an algorithm called NetCrafter that measures how much functional or disease-related context-specific genes share. It converts these relationships into numerical networks, allowing for a more precise analysis of complex interactions within multi-omics data. The team is currently working with CBiS Inc., a startup founded at the university, to build AI models that can automate the study of drug targets, biomarkers, and biological mechanisms. The NetCrafter technology is already available globally through the Q-omics platform, and the university is currently pursuing a patent for the system. "This research will contribute to the realization of biological intelligence that understands data more deeply, moving beyond large language models," Professor Yoon Suk-joon said. The study included contributions from Professor Noh Hoh-suk of the Department of Statistics, Research Professor Chung Eun-ah of the Research Institute of Women's Health, and Dr. Shin Jae-moon from the Life Science Data Center in Japan. The findings were published in the journal Briefings in Bioinformatics. Journal/Source: Briefings in Bioinformatics (IF 7.7, JCR top 2.78 percent) Title: NetCrafter: ontology-derived gene network modeling and functional interpretation Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/bib/bbaf631.024 2026-04-27 17:44:30
  • Kookmin University partners with PriestmanGoode for urban mobility design project
    Kookmin University partners with PriestmanGoode for urban mobility design project SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - The Department of Automotive and Transportation Design at Kookmin University (KMU) is launching a joint industry-academic project with PriestmanGoode (PG), a British design consultancy, to develop mobility solutions for urban environments. The initiative aims to address traffic congestion and urban sprawl in South Korea's capital through design-led research, Kookmin University said Monday. The year-long project focuses on the Seoul 2050 Grand Plan, examining how user-centered mobility ecosystems can alleviate the logistical pressures of a growing megacity. Students and researchers will analyze shifts in transportation environments to propose new infrastructure and devices centered on public transit and shared mobility services. While the primary research focuses on the specific urban layout of Seoul, the university plans to develop these findings into flexible models that can be adapted for other global cities such as London, Shanghai, and New York. The partnership is designed to provide students with practical experience in tackling global urban challenges while enhancing the international competitiveness of the department. Upon completion of the project, high-performing students will be eligible for design internships at the PG headquarters in London. This exchange is intended to provide South Korean students with international professional experience and expand the university's global network for industrial collaboration. "We are very pleased to start this collaborative project with Kookmin University," said Lee Harding, Associate Director at PG. "We look forward to working with students on future-oriented mobility design projects that respond to the major challenges faced by expanding cities. We are paying close attention to how students research Seoul's urban spaces and implement that into user-experience-centered designs." Professor Roe Jae-seung of the KMU Department of Automotive and Transportation Design noted that the collaboration will provide a platform for students to propose practical solutions based on a deep understanding of metropolitan traffic environments. "This project will serve as an opportunity to propose new mobility designs based on a practical understanding of the transportation environment in Seoul and other large cities," Professor Roe said. "Through collaboration with a global company, we expect to enhance students' practical capabilities and contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness of the department." 2026-04-27 17:35:52
  • ASEAN specialist defines Presidnt Lees South Asian tour as move for strategic survival
    ASEAN specialist defines Presidnt Lee's South Asian tour as move for strategic survival SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - South Korea has locked in energy and industrial partnerships in India and Viet Nam this month to guard against a global "era of un-order." The agreements signed during the mid-April visits aim to double trade with India to 50 billion dollars and reach 150 billion dollars with Viet Nam by 2030 to counter intensifying supply chain volatility. Cho Won-deuk, director of the Center for ASEAN-Indian Studies at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, told reporters during a briefing at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents Club on Monday that the tour was a "choice of survival" as major power competition spills over into energy and minerals. The director noted that the Lee Jae Myung administration is pursuing "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest" to protect domestic industry from "trade fragmentation" and "energy insecurity." In New Delhi, the focus centered on institutionalizing a roadmap to secure a dominant position in the regional industrial landscape. South Korea and India are committed to a total overhaul of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to modernize a framework that has remained largely stagnant for fifteen years. The scholar noted that moves into shipbuilding and defense are "no longer the choice of economy, but the choice of survival." As part of this effort, HD Hyundai signed agreements with Cochin Shipyard to support India's goal of becoming a top-five global shipbuilder by 2047. The mission in Hanoi focused on securing access to energy and raw materials, where Lee Jae Myung declared that the "future of Viet Nam is the future of Korea." The visit resulted in two memorandums of understanding for the construction of new nuclear power plants, which the director characterized as a "big opportunity for Korean companies" seeking to expand in Southeast Asia. South Korea also established a partnership to exploit the rare earth reserves of Viet Nam, which rank sixth in the world with approximately 3.5 million tons. The scholar described the mineral collaboration as "very meaningful" for securing an "alternative supply" of materials required for semiconductors and batteries. South Korea remains heavily dependent on external sources for energy and minerals, according to data from the Korea International Trade Association. The director concluded that in an environment where no country can survive in isolation, it is the "most rational choice for middle powers to bind themselves together." 2026-04-27 17:30:14
  • S. Korea pursues Australian energy lifeline as Middle East conflict chokes supply lanes
    S. Korea pursues Australian energy lifeline as Middle East conflict chokes supply lanes SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - In a bid to exit the current energy bottleneck caused by the war in the Middle East and diversify the country's energy sources, South Korea's foreign minister Cho Hyun will host his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, in Seoul this Thursday. The April 30 summit comes as Seoul grapples with the fallout of the war in Iran and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a blockade that has effectively stranded the fossil fuels required to power the world's tenth-largest economy. According to February's trade data, Australia has already solidified its position as South Korea's top supplier of liquefied natural gas, providing 1,085,668 tons, representing 24.1 percent of the nation's total imports, even before the traditional supply lines from the Persian Gulf were paralyzed on February 28. The upcoming talks represent the structural component of a "Total Energy Diplomacy" offensive by the Lee Jae Myung administration to protect an economy that remains 100 percent dependent on foreign fossil fuels. By elevating Australia from a commercial provider to a primary security guarantor, Seoul is attempting to permanently decouple its industrial survival from the volatility of the Middle East. This strategic shift marks a transition from simple market diversification to the construction of a blockade-proof energy corridor within the democratic Pacific. This diplomatic push is coordinated with an emergency procurement drive led by the Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik. While Cho builds a long-term Pacific safety net, Kang Hoon-sik recently concluded a series of missions to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Oman to secure immediate industrial lifelines. Kang's "shuttle diplomacy" focused on the urgent acquisition of crude and naphtha, successfully negotiating a priority supply of 24 million barrels from the Emirates to address critical shortages. The April 30 meeting is intended to complement these emergency measures by securing the long-term reliability of the Australian supply chain. The trade partnership between the two nations has evolved from a historical exchange of Australian iron ore and coal for South Korean heavy industry into a broader strategic alliance. As the "Hormuz Trap" threatens the national power grid, Australian gas has increasingly displaced volumes from more volatile regions, with the two nations now exploring expanded cooperation in critical minerals such as lithium and nickel. These resources are viewed as essential for the next generation of industrial growth as the government seeks to mitigate future shocks to the fossil fuel supply chain. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that the two ministers will discuss high-level exchanges, economic security, and defense industrial cooperation. The session is expected to conclude with a joint press conference following a working dinner. 2026-04-27 13:28:12
  • Joint research team develops gene scissors speed-based method to identify multiple viruses
    Joint research team develops gene scissors speed-based method to identify multiple viruses SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - Researchers from South Korea and the United States have developed a diagnostic technology that simultaneously identifies various viruses and variants by measuring the reaction speed of gene scissors, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Sunday. The method allows for the identification of different pathogens in a single test without the need for complex laboratory procedures or multiple chemical markers. The study was led by Professor Son Sung-min from the KAIST Department of Bio and Brain Engineering in collaboration with teams from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) and the Gladstone Institutes. The researchers utilized a protein called Cas13, a type of gene scissors that targets ribonucleic acid (RNA). When Cas13 identifies a specific viral target, it activates and produces a fluorescent signal by cutting surrounding molecules. While conventional diagnostic methods often require different enzymes or multiple fluorescent colors to detect several viruses at once, this team focused on the speed of the reaction. By observing the process at a single-molecule level within microscopic droplets, they found that the gene scissors operate at distinct speeds depending on the specific virus or mutation they encounter. The team established a technique called kinetic barcoding, which treats these varying reaction speeds as unique signal patterns. By adjusting the design of the guide RNA, which directs the scissors to their target, the researchers can program the speed of the enzyme. This allows a single type of gene scissors to distinguish between a wide range of respiratory viruses and variants. The new approach also simplifies the testing process by detecting RNA directly. Most current tests for RNA viruses require a step called reverse transcription to convert the genetic material into DNA, which adds time and technical complexity. This platform eliminates that requirement, potentially allowing for faster results in clinical or field settings. In clinical trials, the system accurately identified various respiratory viruses and variants of SARS-CoV-2 in a single reaction. "This study is the first instance of using the reaction speed of gene scissors as a new type of information for diagnostics, moving beyond simply checking for the presence of a virus," Professor Son Sung-min said. "It will serve as a next-generation platform capable of diagnosing various infectious diseases simultaneously in the field." Journal/Source: Nature Biomedical Engineering Title: Programmable kinetic barcoding for multiplexed RNA detection with Cas13a Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4sTo8on 2026-04-27 09:33:22
  • KAIST researchers develop high-efficiency carbon capture technology
    KAIST researchers develop high-efficiency carbon capture technology SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a high-efficiency Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology inspired by electric vehicle battery manufacturing processes, placing them among the top four finalists in a global carbon removal competition. The development addresses the high costs and low efficiency currently hindering the commercialization of technologies that remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, the research institute said Friday. The research team, led by Professor Koh Dong-yeon of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was selected as one of four finalists in the 2026 Carbon Removal Challenge. The competition is hosted by OpenAir, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing carbon removal solutions. Out of approximately 40 teams from 30 universities worldwide, KAIST was chosen alongside the University of Michigan, Rutgers University, and a joint team from Cornell, Princeton, and Columbia. To overcome the limitations of existing DAC methods, the researchers applied a dry fabrication process typically used for battery electrodes. This solvent-free method involves pressing powders into solid films, allowing carbon-absorbing materials to be packed more densely. The process increased the adsorbent content to 97 weight percent, significantly improving the volume of carbon dioxide captured compared to traditional methods that use liquid-based coatings. The team also improved the regeneration process, which involves releasing the captured carbon for storage or use. By implementing Joule heating—a method that generates heat instantly by passing electricity through a conductor—the system can reach required temperatures within one minute. Additionally, by integrating a water-cooling system inspired by electric vehicle thermal management, the team reduced cooling times by approximately 60 percent, increasing overall productivity. "This achievement recognizes both the innovativeness and the practical applicability of our carbon capture technology," Professor Koh Dong-yeon said. "We plan to actively pursue the commercialization and expansion of this technology through global cooperation in the future." The South Korean team has been invited to present their technology to experts and investors at the Carbon Unbound 2026 conference in New York on May 20, 2026. The research was led by doctoral student Park In-jun, with contributions from a team of students and researchers, including Park In-hwan, Lee Min-hyung, and Karoline L. Hebisch. 2026-04-24 08:29:23
  • Kookmin University to hold third ceramic craft exhibition and sale
    Kookmin University to hold third ceramic craft exhibition and sale SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - Kookmin University will host the 2026 3rd Ceramic Craft Fair from May 14 to May 17 to showcase the work of emerging artists and facilitate the sale of student and alumni projects, the university said Thursday. The four-day event will take place in the lobby of the Kookmin University (KMU) Administration Hall in Seoul, South Korea. Students and alumni from the Department of Ceramic Craft within the College of Design are set to participate in the exhibition, which functions as an art platform where visitors can view and purchase various ceramic works. The fair is organized to provide students with practical market experience and help identify new talent in the field of ceramic arts. Revenue generated from the sales will be shared between the artists and the university to support a creative environment for local artists. Graduate students and alumni will serve as docents throughout the event to provide explanations of the production processes and the meaning behind specific works. The university will also utilize campus cafe spaces to integrate the exhibition into the daily environment of the campus. A hands-on workshop for children and families is scheduled for May 16 and May 17. Participants can design custom mugs using ceramic transfer techniques in sessions limited to 16 people, held five times per day. The exhibition has increased in size and participation since its launch. During the second annual fair held last year, singer and KMU alumna Lee Hyo-ri visited the campus to view the student projects. KMU President Jeong Seung-ryul said design and content are among the eight core specialized fields the university is prioritizing for its future development. "This fair will provide practical market experience for students and alumni while offering visitors the pleasure of owning art," President Jeong said. "KMU will continue to take the lead in expanding its role as a platform that connects art and industry." 2026-04-23 16:59:37
  • S. Korean researchers identify protein mechanism to overcome leukemia drug resistance
    S. Korean researchers identify protein mechanism to overcome leukemia drug resistance SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - A joint research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has identified a new molecular mechanism that controls how chronic myeloid leukemia responds to anticancer drugs, the state-operated research institute located in the central city of Daejeon said Thursday, April 23, 2026. Chronic myeloid leukemia is caused by an abnormal protein called BCR::ABL1 that sends continuous growth signals to cells, causing them to multiply. While targeted drugs are the standard treatment to block this protein, some patients develop resistance or show a low response to the medication. The researchers focused on how these drugs affect the internal "protein factories" of cancer cells, known as ribosomes. They found that the treatment causes these ribosomes to jam and crash into each other, a process called ribosome collision. This creates intense internal stress that leads the cancer cell to destroy itself. A protein named ZAK was identified as the key sensor for these collisions. The study found that ZAK plays two opposing roles depending on the environment. Under normal conditions, it assists cancer growth by connecting with certain signals. However, once drug treatment begins, it switches to a monitoring role that triggers cell death. The team verified this mechanism by analyzing cancer cells from leukemia patients. They found that using additional drugs to increase ribosome collisions significantly improved the effectiveness of the treatment. In contrast, cells with low ZAK function were more likely to resist the anticancer drugs. These findings suggest that a patient's ZAK activity levels could be used to predict how they will respond to treatment. It also opens the door for new combination therapies that could help patients who have built up a resistance to current drugs. "This research shows how important the process of a cell detecting abnormal protein synthesis and converting it into a death signal is for treatment," Professor Lim Jung-hoon said. "Since we have confirmed that ribosome collisions are the key switch that determines the death of cancer cells, we plan to expand our research to various types of cancer," Dr. Park Ju-min said. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Leukemia Title: BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors induce ribosome collisions to activate ZAK-dependent ribotoxic stress and apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4vIofWw 2026-04-23 15:56:37
  • President Lee pitches S. Korean growth model as Viet Nam pursues infrastructure surge
    President Lee pitches S. Korean growth model as Viet Nam pursues infrastructure surge SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung committed to deepening strategic cooperation in nuclear energy, transportation, and finance during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Hanoi on Thursday. Lee framed the partnership as a catalyst for a new "Red River Miracle," drawing direct parallels between South Korea's rapid post-war industrialization and the current development trajectory of Viet Nam. The diplomatic push comes as Seoul seeks to export its foundational economic model to one of the world's fastest-growing economies, positioning South Korean infrastructure and technology as the primary drivers for Viet Nam to become a high-income nation by 2045. For the Lee administration, securing these high-stakes projects is essential for maintaining South Korea's regional influence and finding new growth engines for its own domestic industry. During the meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, the president said the South Korean government will strengthen strategic cooperation with Viet Nam in nuclear power, transport infrastructure, and energy to create a new "Red River Miracle" together. He detailed how South Korea previously invested intensively in three core infrastructures: energy independence through nuclear power, logistics innovation through highways and railroads, and transparent payment systems. Lee noted that "the combination of these physical and institutional foundations was the decisive engine" that allowed his country to achieve an economic leap in a short period of time. The president further emphasized that stable energy and logistics flows sustain industry, while efficient financial infrastructure accelerates capital movement. He suggested that Hung, a former central bank governor, is uniquely positioned to lead this economic transition. "The success of Viet Nam, the driver of regional economic growth, is the success of us all," Lee said, according to officials present at the meeting. Hung responded by expressing confidence that the state visit would provide "new momentum" for the development of bilateral relations. He noted that Viet Nam is currently focused on strategic tasks to become a modernized, high-income developing nation by 2030 and a high-income advanced nation by 2045. The Vietnamese leader requested South Korea's continued support and technical cooperation to meet these milestones. In a move to further solidify executive ties, Hung extended an official invitation for South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok to visit Viet Nam. Lee accepted the invitation on behalf of the prime minister, stating he would relay the message immediately upon his return to Seoul to ensure the visit takes place at the earliest possible date. The two leaders concluded their discussion with a commitment to maintaining open channels for ministerial-level coordination on upcoming infrastructure projects. 2026-04-23 14:29:33
  • Pyongyang labels Japanese drone units a threat as military tensions rise
    Pyongyang labels Japanese drone units a threat as military tensions rise SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - Pyongyang slammed on Thursday Japan’s move to establish dedicated drone units within its Ground Self-Defense Force, calling the restructuring a "reckless" step toward reviving the country’s past imperial ambitions. State media reported that the modernization of Tokyo’s unmanned capabilities, paired with its recent acquisition of long-range strike weapons, has pushed the region into a dangerous new phase of military escalation. The criticism comes as the Japanese Ministry of Defense prepares to launch specialized departments this month focused on the research and deployment of combat drones, according to reporting by the Yomiuri Shimbun. For Pyongyang, these technical upgrades are not merely defensive adjustments but are evidence that Japan is abandoning its post-war pacifist stance in favor of a "pre-emptive strike" doctrine aimed at its neighbors, including South Korea and the broader region. The commentary released by the Korean Central News Agency pointed to a string of recent Japanese military expansions, including the procurement of American Tomahawk cruise missiles. It specifically highlighted the deployment of Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles in Kumamoto and high-speed glide weapons in Shizuoka. These systems, which allow Japan to strike targets from outside an enemy’s firing range, are being characterized by North Korean officials as the tools of a "war chariot" accelerating toward overseas aggression. While Tokyo has maintained that its military buildup is a necessary response to the shifting security landscape in East Asia, North Korea argued that the 1,000-kilometer range of Japan’s new missile variants far exceeds what is required for "minimum necessary" self-defense. The state media report urged the international community to stay alert, claiming that the integration of these high-tech offensive assets is stoking the "war fever" of Japanese militarism. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has stated that the lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drone technology has rapidly evolved, make it essential for Japan to adopt new methods of combat. Japan currently plans to spend roughly 5 trillion yen (approximately 33 billion dollars) on standoff defense capabilities through 2027, according to the Japanese government’s 2022 Defense Buildup Program. 2026-04-23 11:05:42