AJU PRESS - ASIA NEWS HUB

Journalist

Kim Dae-sik swatchsjp@ajunews.com

[[K-Pop]] Time magazine praises Netflix's 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' as a breakout global hit SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - Netflix's animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters has earned high praise from Time magazine, which recently featured the film in an article titled "How KPop Demon Hunters Conquered the World." The magazine described the title as a "breakout phenomenon" that has transcended cultural boundaries, winning both critical and popular acclaim. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film blends supernatural adventure with the vivid aesthetics of Korean pop culture. According to Time, the production stands out for its richly layered storytelling and visually distinct design. "As people who work in animation and storytelling, we're trained to layer things on and create something as entertaining as possible," Kang told the magazine. Since its release, the film has topped global streaming charts. Netflix's own platform, Tudum, reports that the movie has been viewed over 210 million times. Time also noted the film's soundtrack has become a sensation in its own right. Three original songs from the film have reached the Top Ten on the Billboard Hot 100. One of them, "Golden," is currently the most streamed song in the United States. The article highlights that this is the first time a film has achieved such musical success since Waiting to Exhale in 1995. Kang emphasized that the movie's emotional resonance comes from its deep cultural grounding. "Everything was seen through this Korean lens," she said. From the way sidewalks in Seoul are drawn to how napkins are wrapped around chopsticks, the team paid close attention to everyday Korean details. Even the film's demons are inspired by jeoseung saja, the grim-reaper-like figures from traditional Korean folklore. "This is dark, but I'm not going to be afraid of it," Kang said, recalling how her niece's love for Maleficent revealed how children can engage with layered, even frightening, stories. Kang also credited K-pop for shaping the film's scale and spectacle. "K-pop brought spectacle and scale, all the pizzazz that is kind of needed to sell it," she said. Time praised the film's ability to marry cultural authenticity with broad global appeal, underscoring its unique position as a creative and commercial success on the world stage. 2025-08-22 15:40:29
[[K-Pop]] Netflix hit animation director explores heart of Korean cultures and treasures SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Maggie Kang, director of Netflix’s global hit animation film "K-pop Demon Hunters," visited the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on Thursday, where she explored traditional Korean art and culture alongside museum director Yu Hong-jun. Following the tour, Kang expressed admiration for Korea’s cultural icons, calling the tiger character Derpy “a source of national pride” and praising Korea’s symbolic imagery. K-pop Demon Hunters, affectionately called "케데헌 (Kaedeheon)" by South Korean fans, has become a breakout hit across global streaming platforms. The film blends high-energy K-pop action with supernatural storytelling, earning praise for its original characters and use of Korean cultural themes. Derpy, the mischievous tiger mascot, has especially won over fans around the world. Kang spent about 40 minutes touring the museum with Director General Yu Hong-jun. The pair visited key exhibition halls, including the immersive digital media gallery and the Room of Quiet Contemplation. In the museum’s main atrium, Yu presented Kang with a traditional folding fan adorned with his own calligraphy. Inspired by the woodblock print "Muho-do" by folk artist Oh Yoon (1946-86), the fan reads, "Shinmyeong, the joy and soul of the Korean people." In return, Kang gifted Yu a Derpy plush, toy symbolizing the film’s signature character. After the two exchanged gifts and chatted briefly in private, they began their museum walk. At the immersive digital media room, Kang sat and watched a series of animated projections featuring themes from Joseon-era paintings, rank badges, and lacquerware. One short film, "Roaring Tigers," featured bold, humorous reinterpretations of tigers in Korean art. "I hadn’t seen this video before, and it’s truly remarkable. I missed it on my last visit, but I love how distinct and playful the tiger motifs are," Kang said. She explained that these styles contributed to the development of Derpy. "I thought the tiger could be fun and a bit cheeky, so that’s how Derpy came to be." At the sculpture and crafts hall, Yu offered an impromptu explanation of the famed moon jar on display. Kang stood in front of the delicate porcelain and nodded as Yu spoke. "It’s stunning. I never realized how much detail was involved," she said. "Just listening to your explanation gives me stories. Ideas are popping into my head." After finishing the tour, Kang said, "It was such a privilege to get a personal guided tour. I wish I had come before making the movie." She added, "But I now have great ideas for a new film, and I’m really excited about it." When asked if she would continue to incorporate Korean traditional culture into her future projects, Kang replied, "I think I will keep going." Yu said the film has played a role in attracting younger visitors to the museum. "I used to wonder why we had so many millennials and the Z generation visitors," Yu said. "But now I see they don’t just come to shop. They roam around the museum and really enjoy it in their own way." He added, "Now we are thinking about how to accommodate this wave of popularity and how to use it to upgrade the museum experience." According to Yu, the museum is now working on improving visitor engagement through enhanced exhibitions and new events. 2025-08-21 15:41:27
President Lee Jae Myung meets Bill Gates, discusses SMR and global health cooperation SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation and co-founder of Microsoft, at the presidential office near central Seoul on Thursday. Lee and Gates' conversation focused on collaboration in global public health, next-generation nuclear energy, and South Korea’s role in emerging industries. Gates, visiting South Korea for the first time in three years, opened the meeting by wishing President Lee well in his upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. "Have a good conversation with President Trump," Gates said, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Lee responded, "It will be difficult, but I will handle it wisely." The two discussed the growing role of South Korea in the development of small modular reactors, or SMRs, a field where Gates has invested through his company TerraPower. President Lee underscored the potential of South Korean firms in this space. "Many of our companies are developing small modular reactors and expanding their presence in the global market," Lee said. "South Korea can become a global leader in SMRs. Our companies are well-prepared, and we already have a significant edge internationally." Praising Gates's global contributions, Lee said, "I respect your dedication to public service for the planet and for humanity. The South Korean government will seek every possible way to join you in that mission." Lee added with a smile, "You created Windows, which I use to write emails. Through that, people around the world have been given a window to see the world." Gates noted that the Gates Foundation had recently marked its 25th anniversary with a pledge to use all of its funds and his personal assets within 20 years. "We are aiming to use around 200 billion dollars, with a focus on improving global public health," he said. He highlighted an ambitious target. "We want to reduce the number of child deaths worldwide to fewer than 2 million a year over the next 20 years, which means cutting 80 percent from current levels." Gates emphasized that South Korea could play a critical role in achieving this goal. "One of the key ways is through South Korea's innovative products. Your bioscience sector is extraordinary," he said. "From the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to SD Biosensor, SK, LG, and EuBiologics, the biotech landscape in South Korea has grown immensely. Ten years ago, it was small. Today, it is one of the world’s most important industries," he added. "I have had many opportunities to work directly with products from these companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vaccines and diagnostic tools were excellent." Gates also pointed to the broader global shifts. "The world has changed dramatically. Along with geopolitical shifts, we have seen massive technological changes, such as AI. For South Korea, this is a key opportunity to reassess strategy and solidify its presence in developing solutions." Gates also urged South Korea to continue contributing to global health. "South Korea is almost uniquely positioned, having gone from aid recipient to donor. I hope you continue to play a vital role in improving public health around the world." 2025-08-21 14:43:01
S. Korea sets AI transformation as centerpiece of new economic plan SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - South Korea's government and ruling Democratic Party on Wednesday announced plans to push for an "AI transformation" across industry, government, and daily life, while easing heavy penalties on companies and opening public data to the private sector. The announcement followed a policy meeting at the National Assembly attended by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Officials said the strategy rests on four pillars: "technology-led growth," "inclusive growth," "fair growth," and "sustainable growth." To support advanced industries, the government will designate key projects and provide assistance packages that include financing, tax incentives, manpower, and regulatory support. The DP also said it will prepare legislation to expand access to public data and help implement government initiatives. Han Jeong-ae, the party’s policy chief, said after the meeting that the government and the ruling party will move to revise corporate governance laws and adjust regulations that do not meet global standards. "There were opinions within the party, including from the special committee on the KOSPI 5000 initiative, that revisions are needed regarding excessive penalties such as breach of trust charges," she said. The DP plans to launch a task force to pursue these reforms together with the government. Officials also said the scope of the stewardship code will be expanded to strengthen corporate governance by requiring institutional investors to act more responsibly when managing assets. The AI-centered growth plan traces back to a campaign pledge by President Lee Jae-myung ahead of the June 3 snap election. During his campaign, Lee promised to create a 100 trillion won fund, with contributions from both the public and private sectors, to make South Korea one of the world’s top three AI powers. He also vowed to ramp up investment in advanced industries ranging from biotechnology and healthcare to aerospace and defense. 2025-08-20 15:27:17
[[K-Pop]] BTS' brother band CORTIS releases music video for debut track "What You Want" SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - CORTIS, the new boy band under BigHit Music, has released the music video for its debut title track "What You Want." The video was posted at midnight on August 20 on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel. It serves as the title track of the group’s debut album "Color Outside the Lines," which is scheduled for official release on September 8. CORTIS, consisting of members Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, and Gunho, took part in directing the video themselves, further highlighting their involvement in the creative process. The group officially debuted on August 18 with the digital release of "What You Want." By the morning of August 20, the track had entered the iTunes Top Songs chart in 15 countries and regions, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. 2025-08-20 14:34:19
[[K-Pop]] YOUNG POSSE's "Freestyle" video tops 10 million views in about three days SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - YOUNG POSSE's music video for "Freestyle" crossed 10 million views on Tuesday, roughly three days after it premiered. The track fronts the group's fourth EP "Growing Pain pt.1 : FREE", released on August 14. "Freestyle" is a punk hip hop track with hints of jazz and metal. The lyrics say they will ignore outside noise and make the music they want. All five members helped write them. The video keeps that idea front and center. It switches between a car wash and a party. Playful CG adds a light, fun touch. The five perform with confidence and attitude. The group dance is loose and lively, and it hits hard with the beat. On streaming charts, "Freestyle" entered at No. 7 on South Korea's YouTube Music Daily Top Songs chart shortly after release. YOUNG POSSE, made up of Jeong Sunhye, Wi Yeonjeong, Jiana, Doeun, and Han Jieun, will continue promotions on music shows and radio, alongside web content "YOUNG POSSE Is On The Move" and the weekly self-fandom project "YOUNG POSSE And Kids" on the ENA K-POP YouTube channel every Saturday at 8 p.m. 2025-08-19 11:23:12
Independence hall of Korea chief calls for national unity in liberation day address SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - On August 15 at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Seoul, director Kim Hyung-seok read a Liberation Day statement calling for "national unity" and an end to "history wars." The full text follows. --- Fellow citizens. Distinguished guests present here. Today, on the 80th anniversary of Liberation, we have gathered at the Independence Hall of Korea to once again honor the emotion of the day when this land regained its national sovereignty. Our Independence Hall preserves a Taegeukgi that President Kim Gu of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea entrusted in 1941 to Father Mius, who was traveling from China to the United States. Rendered into contemporary language, its content is as follows. "Father Mius, I ask this of you. You are helping us wholeheartedly to bring us blessings, so wherever you travel this time, please deliver this message to any of our Korean compatriots you meet. If we are to escape the sorrow of a lost nation, if we are to enjoy freedom and happiness, let us devote all our energy, manpower, and resources to the Korean Liberation Army, defeat the evil forces of the world, our enemy Japan, and complete the independence of our homeland." March 16, 1941. From Chongqing, Kim Gu. Here we are reminded once more of the meaning of Liberation Day. Behind the independence movement of Kim Gu, whom we proudly honor, stood unnamed supporters at home and abroad who sustained the activities of the Korean Liberation Army, as well as global friends such as Father Mius of Belgium. In this sense, the liberation of the Republic of Korea is an event of world history. On August 15, 1945, our forebears welcomed liberation. It was the day when, after 36 years under Japanese colonial rule, they overcame harsh oppression and suffering and won independence with an indomitable spirit of struggle. The nationalist historian and independence activist Jeong In-bo, who fought to protect the "spirit of the nation" during the colonial period, sang of the joy of liberation as follows. "Let us touch the soil again, even the sea dances. Elders and friends who yearned to see this day, what shall we say. This day bears the trace of forty years of hot blood, let us guard it forever, let us guard it forever." The Republic of Korea, for which Jeong In-bo cried out "let us guard it forever," has built a nation that draws the world's attention, an economic power and a cultural powerhouse, through the Miracle on the Han River and democratization. Yet behind this proud history lurks a grave social problem, that of a Republic of conflict. In his inaugural address, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized "national unity" and declared that "national unity is the president's responsibility." Thus, as we mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it goes without saying that the foremost task our society must resolve is national unity. It is also true that historical issues contribute to our divisions, including differing understandings of "liberation." Viewed from a world-historical perspective, Korea's "liberation" was a gift gained through the victory of the Allied Powers in World War II. From this vantage point, Ham Seok-heon's "Korean History Seen Through Will," a must-read among intellectuals in the post-liberation era, explains that "liberation is rice cake given by heaven." This interpretation differs from the national-historical view that "we won liberation through victory in the anti-Japanese independence war." Our people proclaimed themselves a "self-reliant, independent nation" through the March First Movement that drew the world's attention, and from that turning point our independence movement unfolded in diverse ways at home and abroad. The Provisional Government established in Shanghai, China, pursued diplomatic efforts for independence while carrying out armed resistance against Japan, thereby arousing international opinion. On April 29, 1932, the 24-year-old youth Yoon Bong-gil threw a bomb at the ceremony for the Japanese Emperor's Birthday and victory commemoration held at Hongkou Park in Shanghai, shocking the international community. In the will he left to his two sons just before the deed, he wrote, "Do not grieve that you have no father, study hard and become inventors like Edison." Just as Yoon Bong-gil sacrificed his own life for the independence of the homeland while hoping his two sons would become scientists, there is diversity on the other side of history. Liberation is not the "end of the past," it is the "responsibility to open the future." We are the people of the Republic of Korea who share five thousand years of history. There can be diverse interpretations in understanding history, but those differences must not become tools of partisan strife that divide the people. It is time to end the history wars. On that foundation, we must achieve national unity and move toward unification, the true completion of liberation. This is the mission we must affirm as we mark 80 years since liberation. August 15, 2025 Kim Hyung-seok, Director, Independence Hall of Korea 2025-08-19 10:44:03
Joint research team uncovers RNA quality control mechanism that slows aging SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - A joint research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Yonsei University, and the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB) has identified a key protein that regulates the pace of aging by maintaining the quality of ribonucleic acid (RNA). The discovery points to a potential new strategy for treating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. The researchers found that a ribosome quality-control protein called PELOTA plays a central role in removing faulty messenger RNAs (mRNAs). While the link between aging and the quality of DNA and proteins has been studied extensively, the role of RNA quality control remained largely unknown. The team demonstrated for the first time that ribosome-based mRNA surveillance directly influences lifespan. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model for aging research, the researchers showed that overexpressing PELOTA extended lifespan. Without PELOTA, the animals aged faster. The study revealed that ribosome quality control, mediated by PELOTA, is essential for eliminating abnormal mRNAs that can disrupt cellular balance. The study also revealed how PELOTA connects with major cellular pathways. When PELOTA was deficient, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway became abnormally active, and autophagy, the cell's self-cleaning and recycling process, was suppressed, accelerating aging. By contrast, activating PELOTA helped inhibit mTOR, promote autophagy, and preserve cellular homeostasis. Importantly, the findings were not limited to worms. The team observed similar mechanisms in mice and human cells, suggesting that PELOTA function is evolutionarily conserved. The loss of PELOTA activity was linked to muscle aging and Alzheimer's disease-like pathologies, pointing to potential therapeutic applications. "This study provides strong molecular evidence that RNA quality control is a central part of the aging regulatory network," said Lee Seung-jae of KAIST's Department of Biological Sciences, who led the work. "Our results show that removing abnormal RNAs is critical for maintaining cellular balance and delaying aging." The collaboration was co-led by Seo Jin-su of Yonsei University and Lee Kwang-pyo of KRIBB. The paper, titled Pelota-mediated ribosome-associated quality control counteracts aging and age-associated pathologies across species, was published on August 4 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Doctoral researchers Lee Jong-seon and Kim Eun-ji of KAIST, Lee Bo-ra of KRIBB, and Lee Hye-in of Yonsei University were credited as co-first authors. The project was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea's Leader Research Program. 2025-08-18 13:51:15
[[K-Pop]] BLACKPINK gears up for November album release amid global tour success SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - K-pop girl band BLACKPINK is set to release a new album in November, according to YG Entertainment's chief producer Yang Hyun-suk. The announcement came through a video posted Monday on the company's official YouTube channel, where Yang provided updates on several YG artists, including TREASURE and BABYMONSTER. "The BLACKPINK members and their producer have been working very hard to prepare (for a new album)," Yang said, adding: "We hope to have an album out in November. We will do our best to make that happen." The comeback follows the release of BLACKPINK's latest single "JUMP," which dropped on July 11. The song is currently ranked No. 11 on Spotify's weekly global chart. It previously debuted at No. 1 and logged over 44 million streams in its first week, marking the strongest opening for any song on the platform this year. The group is also in the middle of its "Deadline" world tour, which began on July 5 at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The stadium-only tour has since moved through major cities in North America and Europe, including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and London. Additional stops are scheduled into early next year, with fans in Asia, Oceania, and Latin America still awaiting their turn. Alongside BLACKPINK's news, Yang shared a major update on TREASURE, a 10-member boy band. describing the group’s upcoming release as a new beginning. "They recently celebrated their 5th anniversary. Member So Jung-hwan appeared on 'Treasure Box' when he was 14 years old, and now all the members have become adults. They have finally entered their 20s," he said. TREASURE's new album, scheduled for release on September 1, will feature four retro-inspired tracks. Yang called it the start of “Act 2,” signaling a shift from their teen-focused image to a more mature and polished identity as a boy group. BABYMONSTER, comprised of seven members from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, is also gearing up for a comeback. Initially slated for October 1, the mini-album will now be released on October 10 due to delays related to the Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Holiday. The title track will be "We Go Up," and the album will include four new songs. According to YG's chief producer, BABYMONSTER recently completed filming their first original content series, "BABYMONSTER HOUSE," which will begin airing in September. 2025-08-18 10:38:46
KAIST develops AI that designs optimal cancer-targeting drugs without prior molecular data SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - KAIST scientists have unveiled an artificial intelligence model that can automatically design potential drug molecules precisely tailored to disease-causing proteins, even when no prior information about suitable molecules is available. The breakthrough could speed up drug discovery and cut costs, especially for hard-to-treat cancers. Traditionally, drug development starts by identifying a target protein, such as a cancer cell receptor, then screening vast libraries of molecules to find one that binds effectively to block its harmful activity. This process is time-consuming, expensive, and has a low success rate. The new KAIST system, called "BInD" (Bond and Interaction-Generating Diffusion model), skips the trial-and-error search by generating both the molecular structure and the way it interacts with the target protein in a single step. The team, led by Kim Woo-youn of KAIST's Department of Chemistry, designed BInD to create molecules that satisfy multiple drug design requirements at once, such as stability, physical properties, and structural realism. Most existing AI models generate molecules separately and then evaluate how they might bind to proteins. BInD instead considers the protein–molecule binding process from the start, boosting the chances of producing effective and stable candidates. The AI uses a "diffusion model", the same approach that underpinned the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the AlphaFold3 system for protein–drug structure prediction. Unlike AlphaFold3, which predicts atomic positions directly, BInD integrates knowledge-based chemical guidelines, such as bond lengths and distances between atoms, to ensure its generated molecules follow real-world chemical laws. The researchers also developed an optimization strategy that reuses strong binding patterns found in earlier AI-generated results, enabling the system to improve output without additional training. Using this method, the team successfully designed molecules that selectively target mutant forms of EGFR, a protein linked to certain cancers. This work builds on the group's previous AI models, which required pre-defined information on how molecules should bind to proteins. BInD removes that dependency, learning the key binding factors on its own. "This AI can understand and learn the essential elements for binding to a target protein, enabling it to design optimal drug candidates without prior molecular information," said Kim. "It has the potential to transform drug discovery by making it faster, more precise, and more reliable." The findings, co-authored by doctoral candidates Lee Joong-won and Jeong Won-ho as first authors, were published on Jul. 11 in the journal Advanced Science under the title "BInD: Bond and Interaction-Generating Diffusion Model for Multi-Objective Structure-Based Drug Design." 2025-08-10 12:05:00