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Dunyo Information Agency.
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Rome pivots to Seoul as lunar race demands global alliance SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - Italy and South Korea are formalizing a strategic aerospace corridor as the technical and economic pressures of the second lunar age render national isolation obsolete. During the 2026 Italian Space Day in the South Korean capital on Wednesday, Teodoro Valente, the president of the Italian Space Agency, told a delegation of industry leaders that the era of the solo spacefaring nation has ended. As the global community readies for a permanent human presence on the lunar surface, the alignment between industrial powers Italy and South Korea signals a shift away from regional competition toward a system of integrated diplomatic and scientific risk. The gathering at the Residence of Italy commemorated the sixty-second anniversary of the 1964 San Marco satellite launch, a milestone that established Italy as the third nation to reach space. However, the proceedings on April 22 suggested that historical prestige is now secondary to the immediate necessity of shared supply chains and a common defensive posture. Diplomatic momentum drives industrial ties Ambassador Emilia Gatto framed the event as a pivot point in a high-stakes year for bilateral relations. Gatto noted that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Seoul in January, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to visit Italy in June. Gatto characterized the current environment as a very good time for the relations between Italy and South Korea. "Welcome in your house," Gatto told the assembly. "It is not mine. It's just for you all to meet." The ambassador's remarks set the stage for an all-day program involving leadership from the Korea Aerospace Administration, or KASA, and the Italian Space Agency, known as ASI. Strategic alignment in the New Space era The industrial roadmap is anchored by the institutional synchronization between KASA and ASI. Valente characterized the creation of the South Korean agency as a unique opportunity to build a structured and long-term partnership. This alignment follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during the state visit of President Sergio Mattarella. Valente revealed that the Italian Space Agency is planning a dedicated industrial mission to South Korea between the end of 2026 and early 2027 to bring together large system integrators with small and medium enterprises. The mission aims to move the relationship beyond a traditional client-supplier model toward a harmonized system. "Space remains to us the greatest achievement never reached alone, and this is not only for economic reasons," Valente said. "International cooperation and space diplomacy are not simply an added value. They are essential." Technical collaboration and the human frontier The afternoon focused on bridging specific technical capabilities between the two nations. Following introductory remarks from CEOs Giampiero Di Paolo from Thales Alenia Space Italia and Jay Kim from South Korea's Boryung, an international collaboration session brought together institutional and academic leaders. These discussions featured policy director Kim Eun-jeong from the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Sean Yim from Hanwha Systems, alongside researchers from KAIST, Seoul National University, and the University of Padova. A keynote by Colonel Walter Villadei, an astronaut and Italian Air Force officer, moved the conversation from industrial logistics to the existential requirements of the human species. Villadei highlighted the transition of space from a scientific frontier to a daily human environment, emphasizing that the focus has shifted toward building the infrastructure required for humanity to inhabit the lunar surface permanently. "Space is no longer science fiction," Villadei said. "It is not something belonging just to a few lucky people flying to space. It is now this kind of daily environment from which all of us already depend very much for our Earth applications, but it is our future. So we are expanding and to make our human species able to live permanently in space, both in LEO (low-Earth-orbit) and on the Moon." 2026-04-22 18:10:09 -
S. Korean researchers develop DNA molecular computer smaller than two nanometer semiconductors SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - A research team in South Korea has developed a molecular computer using DNA that is smaller than current two-nanometer semiconductors and can perform calculations while simultaneously storing information. Professor Choi Young-jae and his team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology created a bio-transistor that operates at a scale of 0.34 nanometers, which corresponds to the distance between DNA bases, the research institute said Wednesday. Existing molecular DNA circuits have previously been used for simple tasks such as detecting the presence of cancer-related substances. However, these circuits were limited because they were consumable and could not be used again after a single reaction. The new bio-memory circuit overcomes this limitation by allowing for continuous information processing. The researchers designed the DNA molecules to change their arrangement by binding or separating based on input signals, and the molecules maintain that state to store the result. As semiconductor manufacturing reaches the two-nanometer level, the industry is approaching the physical limits of silicon-based technology. This has led to increased interest in molecular computing, which uses the natural properties of DNA to process information at a much smaller scale. DNA is a candidate for high-density information processing because its bases are spaced only 0.34 nanometers apart. By using complementary base pairing, researchers can design specific reactions to occur with high precision. The bio-transistor developed by the team allows for real-time calculation without the need for a separate reset process. This mimics the function of traditional silicon transistors, which control and amplify electrical signals to process and store data in modern electronics. Professor Choi Young-jae said, "This research marks a significant step forward in the realization of molecular computers using DNA." He noted that the development could suggest new directions for the fields of bio-computing and medical technology as a whole. The study included Professor Lim Seong-sun and researchers Kim Tae-hun, Jeong Sang-eun, and Kim Si-on from the KAIST Graduate School of Engineering Biology. They collaborated with Kim Woo-jin and Shim Jun-ho from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST). The research findings were published in the international journal Science Advances on April 1, 2026. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Science Advances Title: Reset-free DNA logic circuits for real-time input processing and memory Link/DOI: https://science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aeb1699 2026-04-22 11:19:52 -
Sookmyung Women's University researchers identify potential treatment for rare muscle disease SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - A research team led by Professor Kim Ju-mee at Sookmyung Women's University's Division of Pharmacy has identified a new pathological mechanism for GNE myopathy, a rare muscle disorder, and proposed a potential treatment strategy. By analyzing the genetic pathways of the disease, the team discovered that an existing drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could be repurposed to restore cellular functions that are impaired by the condition, the university said Wednesday. UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) myopathy is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the GNE gene, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of sialic acid. This deficiency results in progressive muscle weakness throughout the body, and the condition currently lacks a fundamental cure. The research team used human pluripotent stem cell-derived muscle models to conduct a transcriptome analysis. Through this process, they confirmed that dysfunction in autophagy—the body's natural process of cleaning out damaged cells—is a primary driver of the disease's progression. Specifically, the study revealed that an excessive production of the extracellular matrix abnormally activates the PI3K-AKT-mTORC1 signaling pathway. This activation inhibits ULK1, a factor necessary for initiating autophagy, effectively blocking the cell's ability to maintain itself. Using a drug screening technique based on these genetic findings, the researchers identified Copanlisib as a strong candidate for treatment. Copanlisib, which is already an FDA-approved PI3K inhibitor, was found to suppress the abnormal signaling and restore ULK1 activity, thereby normalizing the autophagy process in the diseased cells. These results were further validated using human stem cell-derived neuromuscular organoid models. The study was conducted as a joint effort with a research team led by Professor Cha Hyuk-jin from Seoul National University (SNU). "This research is significant because it goes beyond identifying the fundamental molecular mechanism of the disease to suggest a treatment strategy using an already approved drug," Professor Kim Ju-mee said. "In particular, the use of drug repositioning for rare diseases greatly increases the possibility of clinical application." The findings were published in the April 2026 issue of Experimental & Molecular Medicine, a leading international journal in the field of molecular medicine. ◆Experimental & Molecular Medicine (Impact Factor 12.9, JCR top 4.1%) ◆Title: Defective autophagy in GNE myopathy is rescued by inhibition of noncanonical Akt–mTORC1 activation across multiple isogenic models ◆Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4cXXoOP 2026-04-22 11:06:03 -
Kookmin University team demonstrates quantum-secured satellite communication system SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - A research team led by Professor Lee Ok-yeon at Kookmin University in South Korea has successfully implemented and verified a next-generation security system that combines low Earth orbit satellite communication with quantum-resistant cryptography. Working alongside Arion Communication, the team developed a hybrid structure designed to protect data across both wired and wireless connections. The technology integrates Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for ground-based networks and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for wireless satellite links. This hybrid approach is designed to counter security threats posed by future quantum computers. It specifically addresses the risk of hackers collecting encrypted data today to unlock it later, a threat known as harvest-now-decrypt-later. During the demonstration, Kookmin University (KMU) researchers verified end-to-end encryption across a satellite link using the Iridium constellation. The team successfully ensured that KMU cryptographic modules were fully compatible with the TYTO series equipment from Arion. This verification moves the technology beyond a basic proof of concept and into a pilot stage for broader use. Beyond technical validation, the demonstration shows the potential for creating a sovereign security infrastructure that remains stable during disasters or military conflicts. KMU plans to expand the use of these systems to national defense networks, satellite-based battlefield communications, and unmanned vehicle operations. The university is now focusing on building a cooperation hub to bridge the gap between research and commercial markets. This initiative will provide a platform for private companies to test and certify their security technologies while helping to build a domestic industrial ecosystem. "Quantum security technology is not just about individual functions or performance; the core lies in demonstration and ensuring interoperability based on hybrid implementation technology," Professor Lee Ok-yeon said, adding: "I will accelerate the establishment of a Quantum Campus that covers water, land, air, and space by converging quantum security technologies such as PQC, QKD, and QRNG with satellite communications." 2026-04-22 10:50:15 -
Turkey Pitches Overland Energy Route for South Korea as Hormuz Strait Is Blocked South Korea’s industrial base, including production lines in Ulsan and semiconductor hubs in Gyeonggi Province, is facing an existential threat after the Strait of Hormuz was paralyzed by an all-out war involving Iran, the United States and Israel, cutting off crude oil supplies bound for South Korea. Turkey’s Embassy in Seoul held an emergency briefing on April 21 at its compound in central Seoul, presenting what it called an essential overland energy bypass route for the survival of the South Korean economy. The session, led by Turkish Ambassador Murat Tamer, Commercial Counselor Ozlem Untez and Press Counselor Sercan Dogan, focused on positioning a “middle corridor” as a key lifeline for South Korea to circumvent the maritime blockade. Tamer described the crisis as a decisive fracture point in the international order and said turmoil in the Persian Gulf had exposed severe vulnerabilities in the global economy. “The international environment we face today is taking on a form that goes beyond the existing concept of crisis,” Tamer said. Citing price pressures and supply-chain disruptions since hostilities began, he said South Korea’s industrial model — built on full reliance on sea access — should pivot immediately to Turkey’s established energy and logistics networks. Ankara is offering to serve as a security anchor for South Korea through its pipeline infrastructure. Tamer cited the TANAP and TurkStream networks, which he said transport 30 billion cubic meters and 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas, respectively, and described them as stable gateways linking the Mediterranean and European markets. Tamer warned that any disruption in the flow of goods would be devastating for both countries. “Korea’s miracle lies in finding technology, inventing it, refining it to make it attractive, and inserting it into production lines,” he said. “Any disruption in this supply chain will hurt Korea, hurt Turkey, and hurt the whole world,” he added. Turkish officials urged South Korean companies to use Turkey not only as a market but as a strategic base for production and logistics. Untez highlighted Turkey’s economic scale and workforce of more than 86 million, noting 2025 GDP growth of 3.6%. She pointed to global connectivity through Turkey’s customs union with the European Union as a key advantage. “Thanks to the customs union with the EU, we can sell products to EU countries without any restrictions, tariffs or barriers,” she said. She said Turkey is seeking to promote foreign direct investment as part of efforts to rebalance trade ties in which Seoul currently posts a sizable surplus. In 2025, South Korea exported $9.11 billion to Turkey, while imports totaled $2.0 billion. Untez also cited Turkey’s rise as a major exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles and pointed to potential cooperation in defense and green energy. At the center of strategic cooperation is the Sinop nuclear power plant project. Tamer described it as a “100-year partnership” involving Korea Electric Power Corp. Negotiations on the plant — including 15 years of construction and 80 years of operation — have continued since President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Ankara in November 2025. Tamer said such projects are essential to repairing damage from the war. “This Middle East war will wound us and cause pain, but we must stitch up the wound so it does not remain a permanent scar,” he said. Dogan said the embassy was pursuing a proactive communications strategy. “The Turkish Embassy in South Korea is the most media-friendly embassy in Korea,” he said, adding it was ready to communicate on any Turkey-related issue. “Our door is always open. I, too, am personally always ready for anything related to Turkey,” he said. Turkey also pointed to the potential operation of the port of Ceyhan as an alternative route for Iraqi crude. The 960-kilometer Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, used to transport energy to a Mediterranean terminal, resumed operations on March 18, 2026. The embassy said technical teams from both countries would continue coordinating how to scale up the route to bypass the unstable Persian Gulf. The teams aim to increase integrated transport capacity to 350,000 barrels a day in the coming months.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-21 18:11:42 -
Ankara anchors S. Korean industrial future as Middle East war chokes global supply SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - The assembly lines in South Korea's southern industrial city of Ulsan and the semiconductor hubs of Gyeonggi, south of Seoul, are facing a systemic threat as a full-scale conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has effectively paralyzed the primary energy lanes of the world since the end of February. With the Strait of Hormuz blocked and the flow of Middle Eastern crude to South Korea curtailed, the Embassy of Türkiye in the Republic of Korea convened a strategic press briefing on Tuesday to present a mandatory land-based alternative. The session, led by Ambassador Murat Tamer, Commercial Counsellor Özlem Üntez, and Communications Counsellor Sercan Doğan, detailed a shift toward the "Middle Corridor" as a vital path for Seoul to bypass the current maritime chokehold. Ambassador Tamer framed the crisis as a definitive breaking point for the global order, noting that the disruption in the Persian Gulf has exposed the extreme fragility of the world economy. "Today, the international environment we face is manifesting in ways that transcend traditional concepts of crisis," Tamer said, pointing to the price pressures and supply chain failures that have followed the outbreak of hostilities. He argued that the industrial model of South Korea, which relies on secured maritime access, requires an immediate pivot toward the established energy and logistics network of Türkiye. The briefing focused on the capacity of Ankara to serve as a "security reference point" through its vast pipeline infrastructure. Tamer highlighted the TANAP and TurkStream networks, which handle 30 billion and 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas respectively, as stabilized gateways to Mediterranean and European markets. During a subsequent discussion on the interdependence of the two nations, Tamer observed that any break in the flow of goods would be devastating for both parties. "The miracle of Korea is to find the technology, invent technology, tantalize that technology, and insert that technology in the production line," Tamer said. He warned that "any interruption in this supply chain will hurt Korea, will hurt Turkiye, will hurt world." Commercial Counsellor Özlem Üntez provided the economic architecture for this industrial realignment. "Türkiye has a large and dynamic economy in the region and the global world," Üntez said, noting that GDP growth reached 3.6 percent in 2025. She emphasized that the young population of 86 million and the Customs Union with the European Union provide South Korean firms a duty-free entry point into a market of 450 million consumers. "Thanks to the Customs Union with the EU, we can sell our products without any limitation, any tariff, any barrier to the EU countries," she added. The structural shift includes a push for South Korean foreign direct investment to balance a trade relationship where Seoul holds a significant surplus. In 2025, South Korea exported 9.11 billion dollars to Turkiye while importing only 2 billion dollars in return. Üntez highlighted the potential for deeper cooperation in defense and green energy, noting that the nation is a major "exporter country in terms of unmanned aerial vehicles". A centerpiece of this long-term strategy remains the Sinop nuclear power plant project, which Tamer described as a "100-year partnership" involving KEPCO. Negotiations for the plant, involving 15 years of construction and 80 years of operation, have continued following the visit of President Lee Jae Myung to Ankara in November 2025. Tamer maintained that such projects are essential to "patch our wounds" inflicted by the current war. "This war in the Middle East is going to wound us, it's going to hurt us, but we have to patch our wounds so that those wounds will not leave a permanent scar on ourselves," he said. 2026-04-21 17:04:37 -
S. Korean scholar pitches trust operating system as algorithms absorb human workflows SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence generated nearly 29 percent of new Python scripts in the United States by early 2025. That metric triggered a silent panic across enterprise software sectors, marking the onset of what industry insiders call the SaaS (software-as-a-service)-pocalypse. Software is no longer just a functional tool waiting for a human click. Machine intelligence is actively moving to absorb complete cognitive workflows, seizing the power of judgment from human operators and fundamentally transferring authority. Park Han-woo, a media and digital business professor at Yeungnam University in South Korea, argues that the global economy is entirely unprepared for this structural disruption. In his latest book, "Digital Assets and Trust Operating Systems in the Era of AI," published on Tuesday, the author outlines how generative algorithms are evolving from passive assistants into autonomous agents capable of making financial and governance decisions on behalf of humans. "Judgment is power," the professor told AJP, noting that delegating these decisions to AI poses severe risks if left unchecked by robust institutional frameworks. "AI can create information, but it cannot take responsibility," the academic added. "The usefulness of a tool is determined by humans. To a thief, a knife can be a weapon to threaten people, but to a chef, a knife is necessary equipment to make delicious food. Delegate, but verify. AI is fast. But it can be wrong." Data as a mirror of social fracture The delegation of authority to machines frequently exposes deep-seated societal flaws. In his book, he highlighted a specific incident where an image-generating algorithm was prompted to draw a street sock seller and a corporate stockbroker. The resulting image depicted the sock vendor as an overweight Black man and the stockbroker as a well-groomed, physically fit White man holding an elegant bag. Algorithms learn from historical data sets inherently laced with human prejudice. An unchecked AI will inevitably reproduce and amplify past inequalities, ultimately reinforcing social disparities rather than eliminating them. "AI is a mirror. It reflects us," the author said. To prevent these biases from manifesting into automated discriminatory actions, the scholar insists that human intervention remains mandatory. He proposes a multi-layered approach: refining data to correct prejudice before training, enforcing transparent judgment processes that explain how a conclusion was reached, and demanding human oversight for critical decisions. "Content is overflowing, and trust is lacking," he noted, referring to the infinite generation of long-tail media. "Content verification comes from structure." The algorithmic challenge to sovereignty To formalize this oversight structure, the Yeungnam University academic advocates for the implementation of an AI-enhanced Decentralized Autonomous Organization, or AIDAO. This theoretical model combines the flexible, probabilistic reasoning of AI with the immutable, cryptographic execution of blockchain technology. "To explain AIDAO in one sentence: An organization operated together by AI and humans, or a decentralized autonomous organization where AI can be the CEO," the professor said. In an AIDAO, an agent might propose a strategy, such as shifting 20 percent of a portfolio during volatile market conditions. That proposal is not executed instantly. Instead, it must pass through smart contracts, specifically Ethereum protocols like ERC-8004 for identity verification and ERC-8001 for execution consensus, and require human approval. "The reason this is important is because it separates judgment, execution, and responsibility," the scholar said. Washington and other Western powers are already grappling with the implications of algorithmic governance. Seoul must also pivot toward shared global architectures rather than relying on isolated corporate platforms. The ultimate safeguard against the SaaS-pocalypse is a Trust Operating System that demands verifiable proof over blind faith. "AI calculates based on rules," he said, emphasizing, "AI generates based on probabilities. AI infers based on data. But humans are incomplete beings accompanied by mistakes. An AI with errors is discarded. However, even if imperfect, humans are chosen. Because humans are noble beings in and of themselves." While algorithms excel at optimizing workflows, the author maintains that humanity will retain its monopoly on meaning and purpose. "AI is good at 'how,' but it cannot do 'why,'" the academic said. "AI gives answers. But humans ask questions." That philosophical boundary forms the foundation of his proposed trust operating system. As algorithms steadily absorb the functional tasks of daily commerce and governance, the defining challenge of the AI era is no longer technological capability, but the architectural design of trust. The authority to build that architecture, the scholar argues, must remain firmly in human hands. While theoretical frameworks like AIDAO are still being debated in academic and financial circles, initial regulatory steps are already materializing. The South Korean government mandated the use of watermarks on AI-generated content starting in January this year. 2026-04-21 10:30:04 -
Pyongyang tests banned cluster missiles as Kim Jong-un asserts saturation capability SEOUL, April 20 (AJP) - In a bid to assert its ground-to-ground wide-area suppression capability, Pyongyang test-fired tactical ballistic missiles carrying cluster warheads on Sunday. The drill, reported by the Korean Central News Agency on Monday, involved weaponry banned by most of the international community due to its indiscriminate nature and lasting humanitarian risk. According to Pyongyang's state media, the Missile Administration of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted the test to evaluate the lethality of the Hwasongpho-11 Ra, a surface-to-surface projectile designed to saturate targets with submunitions rather than a single explosion. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launches alongside senior officials. During the exercise, five missiles were fired toward an island target 136 kilometers (84.5 miles) away. The projectiles struck an area measuring between 12.5 to 13 hectares with high density, a footprint roughly equivalent to 18 soccer fields. The focus on cluster munitions follows recent developments in the Middle East, where Iranian cluster ballistic missiles successfully penetrated Israel's layered air defense network. According to reports from human rights groups and defense analysts, these missiles challenge even sophisticated systems like the Arrow-3 by releasing their payloads at altitudes between 7 and 10 kilometers. The timing of this disclosure suggests a deliberate effort to demonstrate tactical parity with modern battlefield trends. This transparency likely reflects a growing confidence in the weapon's ability to bypass regional defenses, mirroring recent tactical successes seen in the Middle East. By publicizing the results of a five-year development cycle, Pyongyang could be notifying South Korea that its existing interceptor systems may no longer guarantee protection against a saturated missile volley. This development marks a shift toward operational, battlefield-ready tactics, signaling that the regime has moved beyond strategic posturing to focus on high-density suppression of specific target areas. These munitions have been largely outlawed by international consensus because they disperse hundreds of small bomblets over vast areas, frequently failing to detonate upon impact. These unexploded submunitions effectively become landmines that kill and maim civilians, even decades after a conflict has concluded. This persistent threat led a majority of the world's nations to renounce their use under an international treaty established in 2007, though several major military powers such as the United States, Russia, China, South Korea, and North Korea remain outside the agreement. Despite the international outcry over such weaponry, the Korean Peninsula remains one of the world's primary hubs for cluster munition production and storage. South Korea is a major manufacturer of these weapons and maintains a stockpile that ranks among the largest in the world, trailing only the U.S., China, and Russia, according to data from the Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor. South Korea has consistently declined to join international bans, maintaining that the munitions are a critical defensive necessity to counter the massive conventional forces and artillery that the North has concentrated along the border. A cluster bomb functions as a parent munition that opens in mid-air to scatter dozens or hundreds of smaller submunitions over a target zone. This mechanism is designed to destroy multiple targets simultaneously, such as infantry formations, unarmored vehicle convoys, or aircraft on a runway. Chang Do-young, the spokesperson for the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated during a briefing that "related content was being closely monitored and detailed specifications are being analyzed in depth" and added that "North Korea's ballistic missile launch is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and it must immediately stop the continuous missile provocation acts that heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and actively participate in our government's efforts to establish peace." 2026-04-20 16:15:53 -
K-pop identity and global expansion take center stage at Kookmin University special lecture SEOUL, April 20 (AJP) - Professor Lee Gyu-tag from George Mason University Korea examined the cultural evolution and future trajectory of K-pop during a guest lecture at Kookmin University on April 16. Speaking as the featured guest for the 663rd Thursday Special Lecture, Lee explored how the genre's identity has shifted from a local South Korean product to a global phenomenon, the prominent university said Monday. The lecture defined K-pop not merely as a broad term for all South Korean popular music, but as a specific cultural genre built upon a distinct production method and industrial structure. Professor Lee identified the "total management system"—integrating planning, production, and distribution alongside music, performance, and digital content—as a core element that evolved independently while being influenced by the division of labor models found in overseas music industries. The meaning of the "K" in K-pop is undergoing a transformation as the genre expands globally. While early efforts emphasized South Korean identity, Professor Lee analyzed how recent strategies have shifted toward the global market, citing the release of English-language songs and the inclusion of members from diverse nationalities, such as the trajectory seen with BTS. Professor Lee also noted that the term "K-pop" was first adopted abroad before being reintroduced to South Korea, helping to shape its current identity. He explained that the genre is unique because it is defined not only by its producers but also by the perceptions and evaluations of its international audience. The competitive strength of the genre lies in its business model, the way it builds relationships with fans, and the "maximalist" characteristics found in its performance and style. While citing experimental cases where the "K" is removed or groups consist of various nationalities, Professor Lee maintained that the South Korean production system and cultural context remain the central foundation. The lecture concluded with an assessment that the inherent ambiguity of K-pop could serve as a bridge for further expansion. Professor Lee emphasized the importance of understanding cultural context and pursuing balanced development for the industry moving forward. KMU has operated its Thursday Special Lecture as a regular course featuring external speakers for 30 years, marking the first and longest-running program of its kind among South Korean universities. Approximately 670 speakers from various fields have participated, including former President Roh Moo-hyun, Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan, author Rhyu Si-min, and film director Park Chan-wook. 2026-04-20 15:03:35 -
South Korean researchers develop wrinkle-free technology for foldable displays SEOUL, April 20 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a core technology that fundamentally eliminates the wrinkle problem in foldable smartphone displays by redesigning the adhesive areas between the screen and its support plate, the prominent science institute said Monday. According to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the new technique ensures that folding stress is distributed across the device rather than concentrating on a single point, allowing for a smooth surface even after tens of thousands of uses. This breakthrough is expected to serve as a turning point for the foldable market as the industry looks to expand the technology to tablets and laptops. The persistent crease on foldable screens has long been a major drawback, causing visual distortion and reduced durability. While global smartphone manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to address this issue, they have yet to completely remove the visible line where the device folds. Industry experts have often identified this physical flaw as the primary barrier to the wider adoption of foldable devices. Professor Lee Phil-seung and his team at the KAIST Department of Mechanical Engineering began their research to address common frustrations experienced by mobile users. After disassembling dozens of used foldable phones and conducting numerous experiments, the team discovered that the key lay in how the display is bonded to the internal support structure. By redesigning the adhesive zones, the researchers ensured that the mechanical strain of folding is spread out rather than pinching the screen at a specific point. To verify the performance of the prototype, the researchers used straight LED lights to test for surface irregularities. Unlike commercial products, where the reflected light appears bent or distorted at the fold, the KAIST prototype maintained a perfectly straight reflection. The team confirmed that no visual distortion occurred even under testing conditions sensitive enough to detect surface curves smaller than 0.1mm. The technology is designed to be durable enough to withstand tens of thousands of folding cycles with minimal deformation. Because the structural changes are straightforward, the researchers believe the method can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes for various devices beyond smartphones, including tablets and notebooks. "We have solved a difficult challenge that global companies could not resolve using a relatively simple and clear method," Professor Lee said. "We expect this technology to spread across the next generation of displays, including laptops and tablets, further strengthening the technical competitiveness of South Korea." KAIST has registered a patent for the technology in South Korea and has filed additional patent applications in the United States, China, and the European Union. According to the university, the simplicity of the design makes it highly viable for mass production. 2026-04-20 11:18:32