Journalist

박세진
Mashrab Mamirov
  • Iranian embassy in Seoul opens condolence book for late supreme leader
    Iranian embassy in Seoul opens condolence book for late supreme leader SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - The Iranian embassy in South Korea notified the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 8 of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, whom the mission described as a martyr. In a formal diplomatic note, the embassy said the Iranian leader died February 28 in what it characterized as a "brutal and unjust attack" by the United States and Israel. The message marks the first formal communication from the mission to the South Korean government regarding the leadership transition in Tehran following the start of hostilities in late February. The death of the 86-year-old leader occurred during a wave of joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting government and military infrastructure across Iran. While U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a necessary step to address Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, Iranian officials have condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty and a war crime. The embassy announced it will open a book of condolences at its compound in the Yongsan district of Seoul. The book will be available for signatures on March 9 and March 10, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The diplomatic note, which was also circulated to other foreign missions and international organizations based in South Korea, concluded with standard formal assurances of the embassy's "highest consideration" for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The announcement comes as Iran enters a period of high-stakes political transition. On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, as the new supreme leader. According to reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the 56-year-old takes power as the country remains engaged in active military conflict and faces significant internal security measures. South Korean officials have not yet issued a formal response to the embassy's characterization of the event or confirmed whether a representative will visit the mission to sign the condolence book. The South Korean government has previously coordinated the evacuation of its citizens from the region as the security situation deteriorated. 2026-03-09 10:23:43
  •  Sookmyung Womens University researchers identify protein key to maintaining healthy muscle
     Sookmyung Women's University researchers identify protein key to maintaining healthy muscle SEOUL, March 06 (AJP) - Professor Yang Young and Dr. Han So-ra from the Department of Biological Sciences and the Research Institute of Women's Health at Sookmyung Women's University have identified that CTRP1, a myokine produced in muscles, plays a critical role in maintaining healthy skeletal muscle. The research team found that CTRP1 regulates mitochondrial homeostasis in immature muscle cells to support normal muscle differentiation. This process induces the formation of muscle fibers favorable for mitochondrial respiration, thereby contributing to the maintenance of healthy muscle tissue. In cases where CTRP1 was absent, the researchers observed muscle damage and reduced muscle strength. These findings align with observations in tissues from patients with muscular diseases, where CTRP1 expression was notably decreased. The study further demonstrated that restoring CTRP1 in deficient cells normalized mitochondrial function and muscle differentiation. The study identifies CTRP1 as a core factor in regulating muscle homeostasis and suggests it as a potential target for gene therapy in muscular diseases. Professor Yang Young stated that the research confirms the possibility of using CTRP1 as a new strategy for regeneration and recovery in the treatment of muscle disorders. The findings were published online in January in Molecular Therapy, the official journal of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy and a member of the Cell Press family. (Paper information) Journal: Molecular Therapy (impact factor 12.0, JCR top 2.6 percent) Title: CTRP1 regulates skeletal muscle differentiation through quality control of mitochondrial dynamics and function DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.12.063 2026-03-06 15:28:55
  • Day 7 Middle East War: Tehran power vacuum rattles Gulf order
    Day 7 Middle East War: Tehran power vacuum rattles Gulf order As the war triggered by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran enters its first week, AJP examines how the conflict began and evolved, the emerging power vacuum in Tehran and its implications for Iran and the Gulf states, and the broader impact on global energy routes, financial markets and the international order. SEOUL, March 06 (AJP) - Exactly who is in control in Tehran remains unclear after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during the opening hours of the United States’ Operation Epic Fury and Israel’s concurrent Operation Roaring Lion. The conflict ignited on February 28 after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized a massive joint air campaign alongside Israel. Ali Khamenei was killed during the opening salvos of the bombardment. What he removed was more than a leader figurehead, according to Lee Hee-soo, a prominent expert on Islamic culture and Professor Emeritus at Hanyang University. "Khamenei held the status of a spiritual leader for approximately 300 million Shia Muslims worldwide," and the loss was a "spiritual blow" that the West may have underestimated. The uncertainty deepened after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington should have a say in selecting Iran’s next leader, warning that figures he considers unacceptable could "just end up dead." The sudden removal of Iran’s supreme leader and several senior military officials has left the Islamic Republic navigating a rare leadership vacuum while confronting the most intense military assault on its territory in decades. An interim leadership council composed of President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i and senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is temporarily overseeing the state. Meanwhile, Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts is expected to begin the process of selecting the country’s next supreme leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, the slain leader’s son, is widely viewed as a potential successor, though the succession process—traditionally handled within Iran’s clerical establishment—now faces unprecedented external pressure. Lee called the potential rise of Mojtaba Khamenei as the "final card" for a regime. "In a state of war, the population often unites under a banner of patriotism," he added noting that Iran’s 1,200-year history since the time of Alexander the Great has been a "history of resistance." Decentralized retaliation and power Despite heavy damage to Iran’s military infrastructure, retaliation has continued across multiple fronts. Israeli officials say successive waves of U.S.–Israeli strikes have destroyed roughly 80 percent of Iran’s air defense systems and more than half of its missile launch infrastructure. Yet missile and drone attacks from Iranian forces and allied groups continue to target Israel as well as U.S. installations across the Gulf. Iran’s ability to sustain attacks reflects a contingency strategy developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) known as the "Mosaic Defense Doctrine." Under the doctrine, Iran’s military was divided into 31 autonomous regional commands capable of operating independently if central leadership were eliminated. Professor Lee notes that the IRGC is not merely a military wing but a central power pillar controlling approximately 40 percent of the Iranian economy. "The Revolutionary Guard holds political, economic, and information power. This makes a simple regime change extremely difficult," Lee observed. Regional IRGC units appear to be acting with pre-authorized authority to launch missiles and deploy drone swarms. While Iran's high-tech capabilities are degraded, it reportedly maintains a production capacity of over 400 drones per day, including the Shahed drones currently utilized in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Drawing parallels to the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, Lee warned that asymmetric warfare lacks a clear "end game" and could settle into a permanent state of chaos. Moreover, the weakening of centralized leadership has also activated Iran’s broader regional proxy network, the Axis of Resistance. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon have intensified attacks against northern Israel, triggering heavy Israeli strikes in Beirut. In addition to targeting Israel and U.S. bases, Iranian drones struck neighboring Azerbaijan—marking the first expansion of the conflict into the Caucasus. The Hormuz dilemma and the Beijing channel One of the most immediate global consequences of the conflict has been the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow corridor carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and remains the world’s most critical energy chokepoint. Naval units associated with the IRGC and allied Houthi forces have effectively created a de facto blockade. Professor Lee warned that the risks remain extreme: "The blockade is Iran's life-line and their most potent asymmetric weapon." Based on current tracking data from maritime intelligence firms like Vortexa and Kpler as of Friday, the maritime paralysis has reached critical levels. Roughly 300 oil tankers and 280 dry bulk carriers are currently trapped inside the Persian Gulf. Outside the passage, at least 150 tankers carrying crude and LNG have dropped anchor in the Gulf of Oman. Approximately 3,200 vessels—representing 4 percent of total worldwide shipping tonnage—are currently idle. China can surface a mediating actor in the conflict, Lee said as Beijing purchases approximately 80 percent of Iran’s oil. The upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 31 therefore can service as the true "inflection point," he said, Gulf security under pressure Iran’s retaliation has also sent shockwaves across the Gulf monarchies. Missile and drone attacks during the opening days targeted multiple countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. Several strikes damaged civilian infrastructure, including airports, shaking the region’s image as a safe global business hub. The United Arab Emirates bore the brunt of early attacks, threatening its reputation as a stable financial center. Oman, traditionally known for its neutral diplomacy and role as a mediator, was also targeted. The attacks are forcing Gulf states to reassess their national security strategies. For decades, Gulf governments assumed that hosting U.S. military bases would guarantee protection, but some are now questioning whether the security benefits still outweigh the risks. A region entering a new strategic era Whether Iran ultimately survives the conflict intact or emerges deeply weakened, the Gulf that emerges from the war will likely be very different. Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have eroded the neutrality and mediation roles those countries once played. At the same time, the leadership vacuum in Tehran and the rise of decentralized proxy warfare are transforming the structure of regional conflict. The war that began as a targeted U.S.–Israeli military campaign is now evolving into a fragmented regional confrontation stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. The conflict has now expanded to involve 14 countries. The death toll continues to rise, with officials reporting at least 1,230 fatalities in Iran and more than 120 in Lebanon. As the conflict enters its second week, the central question facing the region is no longer simply how Iran will respond to the strikes. It is whether the Middle East’s fragile balance of power—already under strain—can survive the collapse of centralized authority in Tehran. 2026-03-06 14:57:29
  • BTS Comeback D-16: South Korea to launch anti-scalping system ahead of BTS comeback concert
    BTS Comeback D-16: South Korea to launch anti-scalping system ahead of BTS comeback concert SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - South Korean authorities are rolling out a dedicated counter-scalping system to protect fans ahead of the upcoming BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism confirmed the plan following a surge in illegal ticket trading for the high-profile event. Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, called ticket scalping a "chronic disease" during a press briefing on February 12. The minister said that the government is monitoring the situation with extra care because free events, like the "BTS The Comeback Live: ARIRANG" show, often see even more aggressive resale activity than paid concerts. The ministry is coordinating its response through a specialized subcommittee of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee. This group includes officials from the ministry and HYBE, the management agency for BTS. The culture minister noted that while the government has developed specific countermeasures, it will not reveal the technical details to prevent scalpers from finding ways to bypass the new safeguards. The concert is expected to draw a crowd of about 15,000 to the landmark civic square in Seoul. Although the tickets are free, concerns are high that prices on the black market could skyrocket. During the group’s 2022 concert held in the southern port city of Busan, tickets for the free show reportedly reached prices as high as 4 million won ($2,731). According to data from the Korea Creative Content Agency, suspected online scalping cases have skyrocketed from 6,237 in 2020 to more than 259,000 as of August 2025. Approximately 75 percent of the cases reported in 2024 involved music performances, with many scalpers using automated "macro" software to snatch up tickets the moment they are released. To combat this, the South Korean government passed amendments to the Public Performance Act on January 29. The new rules ban the use of macro programs for ticket purchases and allow the state to confiscate profits from illegal sales. Violators could face fines up to 50 times the amount of the original resale price, though the law will not be fully enforced until later this year. The crackdown also involves tax authorities, who recently identified 17 high-volume professional scalpers. These individuals, who included public-sector employees and business owners, allegedly moved more than 20 billion won worth of tickets through illegal channels. Minister Choi said the government will lead a public campaign to discourage ticket hoarding and illegal sales before the new legal penalties take full effect. He stated that the goal is to see a significant reduction in scalping during the busy autumn performance season. 2026-03-05 16:59:00
  • Uzbekistan targets Central Asian hub status through South Korea partnership: envoy
    Uzbekistan targets Central Asian hub status through South Korea partnership: envoy SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a central transport and logistics hub in Central Asia by leveraging its geographic location and expanding infrastructure partnerships with South Korea, a top envoy said. "True diplomacy is when political dialogue turns into production chains, investments and jobs," Uzbekistan Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov told AJP in an exclusive interview Wednesday. Without direct access to the sea, the country relies heavily on railway networks for Eurasian freight and passenger transport. That strategy has recently advanced with the arrival of a high-speed train manufactured by South Korean defense and rolling stock producer Hyundai Rotem. The train, named Jaloliddin Manguberdi, is currently undergoing test runs for the Tashkent–Khiva line. "High-speed rail is not only the speed of movement. It is the speed of economic transformation," Abdusalomov said, adding that the government is looking beyond simple procurement toward establishing comprehensive service centers capable of technical maintenance, major repairs and localized assembly of train components. "Purchasing equipment is the first step. Forming industrial competence is the strategic goal," the envoy said. "Whoever maintains the infrastructure becomes its strategic center. We are not just looking to operate modern trains but to become part of the global railway industry." This infrastructure overhaul anchors the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, a national development plan aimed at elevating the country into the world's top 50 economies. Achieving its economic and social welfare targets requires extensive digital transformation, prompting the government to propose expanding South Korea's e-government, intelligent logistics and big data solutions across Central Asia. The collaboration also extends to physical infrastructure through public-private partnerships, highlighted by the ongoing modernization of Urgench International Airport with Incheon International Airport Corporation. Abdusalomov said the project will serve as a regulatory model for the planned New Tashkent International Airport and future smart city systems. "Modern infrastructure starts not with concrete, but with management philosophy," he said. As global economies transition toward digital and green technologies, demand for critical minerals such as copper and lithium has surged. South Korea currently chairs the Minerals Security Partnership Forum, or FORGE initiative, aimed at strengthening global supply chains. Uzbekistan possesses vast reserves of these minerals but is rejecting the traditional raw-material export model in favor of building full-cycle industrial clusters. The foundation for this effort was laid in 2019 with the establishment of a joint rare metals research center in Uzbekistan, developed in cooperation with the Korea Institute for Rare Metals. "The technological future begins with sustainable access to resources," Abdusalomov said. "We are not discussing abstract prospects — we are already building a joint scientific and production infrastructure." Resource integration is expected to be a key agenda item at the inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit, which aligns with South Korea's initiative aimed at connecting the regions through technological and industrial networks. South Korea ranked among the top four foreign direct investors in Uzbekistan around 2017 but has since slipped to around 10th place following a surge of capital inflows from China, Russia, Turkey and European Union countries. Restoring South Korea to a top-three position is now a key objective for the Uzbek embassy. To attract investment, Abdusalomov outlined a range of institutional incentives for foreign businesses, including broad tax exemptions, reduced customs fees and state support for infrastructure development. He also highlighted Uzbekistan's macroeconomic stability, predictable exchange rates and its status as the most populous country in Central Asia. He added that political agreements expected at the upcoming summit require long-term vision. "Strong states are recognized not by the loudness of their declarations, but by their ability to think decades ahead and consistently implement the decisions they make," he said. Officials from both countries are currently drafting the financial and institutional mechanisms required to implement the proposed industrial, digital and transport projects ahead of the inaugural summit, scheduled for the second half of this year. 2026-03-05 14:02:45
  • WAIFF D-1: Live human-machine symphony to open Seoul artificial intelligence film festival
    WAIFF D-1: Live human-machine symphony to open Seoul artificial intelligence film festival SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - The World AI Film Festival Seoul 2026 will open Friday with a live performance blending human artists and machine generation, signaling a shift in how the entertainment industry approaches artificial intelligence. Kicking off on March 6 at Lotte Concert Hall in southern Seoul, the two-day event begins with a special performance titled "The Symphony of AI & Human." Organizers programmed the opening ceremony to move away from traditional film festival screenings, opting instead to showcase real-time artistic collaboration between generative systems and live performers. The central competition operates under strict technological mandates that function as a creative hurdle. To qualify, creators of the 25 competing films were required to integrate at least three distinct artificial intelligence tools, including one mandatory image-generative system, into their production pipelines. The submissions span six categories, ranging from traditional short films to micro-series designed for vertical mobile screens and commercials for fictional products. Competitors are vying for a share of a 27 million won prize pool and an official invitation to screen their work at the festival's grand finale in France this April. Son Seung-hyun, chief executive officer at visual effects studio Westworld, leads an 11-member jury evaluating the entries. The Seoul event aims to demonstrate that artificial intelligence has evolved past post-production experimentation and is now shaping the core narrative and visual structures of modern media. The festival's opening ceremony on March 6 is free to the public, while the subsequent Creative Intelligence Forum on March 7 at Lotte Cinema World Tower requires a paid ticket. The global circuit will continue with upcoming stops in Japan and China following the South Korea edition. 2026-03-05 11:14:46
  • South Korean researchers develop wireless electronic patch for real-time blood flow monitoring
    South Korean researchers develop wireless electronic patch for real-time blood flow monitoring SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Researchers at South Korea's Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a wireless wearable electronic patch capable of measuring blood flow in real time. The device uses deep learning and multilayer thermal sensing to monitor cardiovascular health without invasive procedures. This technology provides a potential tool for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases and continuous monitoring of patients in clinical settings. Blood flow serves as a critical indicator of cardiovascular health, with fluctuations often signaling conditions such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or even physical shock. While Doppler ultrasound is currently the clinical standard for measuring blood flow, its reliance on bulky equipment and trained medical professionals limits its use for continuous daily monitoring. Existing wearable thermal sensors have struggled with accuracy because the depth of blood vessels varies between individuals, distorting the thermal signals used to calculate flow speed. The research team, led by Professor Kwon Kyung-ha of the School of Electrical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), addressed this limitation by creating a multilayer thermal gradient sensing structure. The device features temperature sensors placed at different depths to analyze the three-dimensional movement of heat generated by flowing blood. By integrating a deep learning algorithm, the system can distinguish between the depth of the blood vessel and the actual speed of the blood flow simultaneously. Experimental results showed that the patch can measure blood flow speeds between 1 and 10 millimeters per second with an error margin of less than 0.12 millimeters per second. It also determined blood vessel depths between 1 and 2 millimeters with an accuracy within 0.07 millimeters. When integrated with photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors commonly found in smartwatches, the system reduced blood pressure estimation errors by up to 72.6 percent compared to using PPG sensors alone. This improvement was particularly evident during the Valsalva maneuver, a breathing technique that causes rapid changes in blood pressure. The platform was tested on human subjects through various physiological interventions, including breath-holding, external vascular compression, and cycling. In all scenarios, the blood flow measurements remained consistent with clinical perfusion index standards. The entire system is implemented as a wearable patch with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities, allowing for wireless transmission of biometric data to external devices for real-time analysis. "This technology provides a fundamental platform for more accurate measurement of blood flow and blood pressure," said Professor Kwon Kyung-ha. "By combining this with smartwatches, we can significantly improve the quality of daily health monitoring." The study, led by first author Sim Young-min, a student in the integrated master's and doctoral program, was supported by institutional funding and published in the journal Science Advances on February 6. (Paper information) Journal: Science Advances Title: Deep learning–integrated multilayer thermal gradient sensing platform for real-time blood flow monitoring DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aea8902 2026-03-05 09:53:12
  • Kookmin University to host international design award in Milan
    Kookmin University to host international design award in Milan SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - Kookmin University and the Association for Industrial Design (ADI) will co-host the Design Beyond East and West (DBEW) Award 2026, an international competition aimed at redefining the universal values of contemporary design. The university appointed Paola Antonelli, the senior curator of architecture and design at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), to serve as the jury chair for the event. The award seeks to move beyond geographical and cultural divisions to explore how design can integrate human interaction with technology in daily life. The competition marks a significant collaboration between South Korean academia and the Italian design industry to lead global discourse on design education. It is specifically structured to recognize the symbiotic relationship between educators and students, shifting the focus from final products to the creative pedagogical process itself. By honoring both the student's work and the instructor's guidance, the organizers intend to set a new direction for international design leadership and sustainable social impact. The award accepts entries across three main categories: space and architecture; product and fashion; and visual, communication, and service design, which includes artificial intelligence and digital media. To participate, undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates within two years of completion, must submit works created within the last two years alongside a faculty mentor. The judging panel includes international experts such as sustainable design theorist John Thackara, industrial designer Stefano Giovannoni, architect Cho Byoung-soo, and Lou Yongqi, president of Shanghai Tech University. "The structure in which professors and students collaborate and submit entries together is a differentiated and meaningful attempt not seen in existing awards," Paola Antonelli said. She noted that the mutual process of teaching and learning between teachers and students maximizes educational achievement. Antonelli further described design as an "act of building bridges," rooted in specific cultural contexts yet connected through abstract principles. Jeong Seung-ryul, president of Kookmin University, stated that the DBEW Award emphasizes the importance of human thinking and collaboration in the era of artificial intelligence. He noted that universities should function as spaces for questioning and debating the creative process rather than just teaching technical skills. President Jeong expressed his hope that the event would serve as a platform for educators and students worldwide to share common problem-solving approaches, reflecting the university's philosophy of building an educational ecosystem without boundaries. The competition has already received hundreds of entries from more than 30 countries since January. Submissions remain open until March 15, 2026, with the final winners to be announced on March 25, 2026. A total prize pool of 25,000 dollars will be awarded during a ceremony and forum scheduled for April 21, 2026, at the ADI Design Museum during Milan Design Week. 2026-03-03 17:14:19
  • Iranian embassy in South Korea condemns military strikes by US and Israel
    Iranian embassy in South Korea condemns military strikes by US and Israel SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - The Embassy of Iran in South Korea issued a formal statement on Tuesday strongly denouncing recent military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian territory. The embassy characterized the air strikes as a criminal act of aggression and a violation of national sovereignty, asserting that Tehran had pursued every available diplomatic avenue to prevent the outbreak of hostilities. The statement follows a large-scale military campaign launched on February 28 by the US and Israel, which targeted various cities across Iran. While the coalition stated the strikes were aimed at military and nuclear infrastructure, the Iranian embassy reported that civilian areas were also hit. According to the embassy, an attack in the city of Minab resulted in the deaths of more than 165 female students. Reports from the Iranian Red Crescent Society and news agencies such as Reuters and The Guardian have corroborated that a girls' elementary school in Minab was struck during the opening salvo of the operation. The embassy emphasized that the military campaign occurred while diplomatic processes between Iran and the US were still underway. The statement noted that Tehran had engaged in negotiations mediated by international partners in early February to fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities and to ensure that no pretext could be used to justify military intervention. In its communication to the South Korean public and media, the embassy stated that the Iranian people have made every possible effort to prevent war. The embassy further noted that because these diplomatic efforts were met with military force, Iran now maintains a firm defensive posture to protect its territorial integrity. The Iranian military is currently invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which provides for the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs. The embassy stated that Iranian forces are mobilizing all available resources to repel threats and will hold those responsible for the strikes accountable for what it described as war crimes. This stance comes amid reports from the International Institute for Strategic Studies that the initial strikes killed several high-ranking Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The embassy called on the international community and the South Korean government to condemn the military actions and take effective measures against the participating powers. The statement urged global leaders to uphold the United Nations Charter and ensure that the violation of Iranian sovereignty does not go unpunished. 2026-03-03 16:13:17
  • South Korean researchers develop worlds most efficient stretchable OLED
    South Korean researchers develop world's most efficient stretchable OLED SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - A joint research team has developed a new stretchable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that maintains its brightness even when stretched, overcoming a major technical barrier in the development of flexible electronics. The technology achieved world-record performance levels for brightness and efficiency, significantly improving the prospects for commercializing wearable displays and electronic skin. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on March 3 that a team led by Professor Cho Him-chan, in collaboration with the University of Chicago and Soochow University, created a hybrid liquid metal cathode. This component allows the display to remain conductive and bright while being pulled or deformed, a task that has historically caused stretchable screens to dim or fail. In conventional stretchable OLEDs, the electrodes often suffer from mechanical instability. When the material is stretched, the electrical connection weakens, leading to a sharp drop in performance. To solve this, the researchers used liquid metal particles thinner than a human hair. By densely packing these particles and rupturing only the top layer, they created a smooth, continuous metal surface that conducts electricity efficiently. The intact particles underneath serve as a cushion, absorbing physical shock and allowing the electrode to stretch like rubber. The resulting display reached a maximum brightness of 17,670 candelas per square meter at 9.5 volts, which is brighter than most high-end smartphone screens. It also recorded a current efficiency of 10.35 candelas per ampere, the highest level reported to date for this type of technology. Even when pulled to its limits, the device showed almost no loss in brightness, addressing the most significant weakness of previous stretchable display prototypes. Testing showed that the OLED remains stable even after being stretched and released multiple times. This durability is essential for practical applications, such as clothing-integrated displays or medical devices that must adhere to the moving surface of human skin or internal organs. The technology is expected to be used in various fields, including soft robotics and bio-interfaced optoelectronics. "We have solved the fundamental material problem that has limited the performance of stretchable displays," Professor Cho Him-chan said. "This hybrid liquid metal cathode technology will be a key foundation for next-generation flexible electronic devices." The study, with Lee Won-bum as the first author, was published in the journal Advanced Materials on December 28, 2025. It was selected as the inside back cover for that issue. (Paper information) Journal: Advanced Materials Title: Hybrid Liquid Metal Cathode Enables High-Performance Intrinsically Stretchable OLEDs DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202518254 2026-03-03 15:18:27