Journalist
Saijino
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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Kookmin University researchers develop high-efficiency catalyst for hydrogen production SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - A research team at Kookmin University has developed a new heterostructure catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of hydrogen production in alkaline water electrolysis. The team, led by Professor Lee Chan-woo of the Department of Chemistry, identified the specific mechanism that allows the catalyst to accelerate the water-splitting process, the university said Monday. The research focuses on Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (AEMWE), a next-generation technology that operates in alkaline environments to reduce reliance on expensive precious metal catalysts and corrosion-resistant parts. While promising, these systems are often limited by a slow initial step where water molecules must be broken down to create hydrogen intermediates, leading to higher energy consumption and lower efficiency. To address this bottleneck, the team engineered a catalyst by forming ruthenium oxide nanoparticles approximately 2 nanometers in size onto a 25-nanometer titania support. During the electrochemical process, the catalyst surface reconfigures itself into an active interface that attracts water molecules and lowers the energy barrier required to break their chemical bonds. Test results showed that the new catalyst required an overpotential of only 6.6 millivolts to reach a standard current density. This performance significantly outperforms commercial platinum catalysts, which require 43 millivolts, and standalone ruthenium oxide, which requires 79 millivolts. The mass activity of the new material was found to be approximately 6.4 times higher than that of standard platinum-on-carbon catalysts. The study utilized real-time spectroscopy and theoretical calculations to track water molecules and hydrogen intermediates during the actual reaction. This allowed the team to confirm that the titania interface directly facilitates the cutting of oxygen-hydrogen bonds. The researchers found that the ruthenium and titania work together, with the interface handling water activation while the ruthenium handles the formation of hydrogen molecules. "This research is significant because we developed a high-activity catalyst while simultaneously observing how the interface activates water molecules under actual operating conditions," Professor Lee Chan-woo said. "Based on the principle of cooperative hydrogen formation at the ruthenium-titania interface, we can suggest design strategies for high-efficiency catalysts applicable to next-generation electrolysis systems." The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and was published in the international journal Carbon Energy. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Carbon Energy Title: Ruthenium-Titania Interface-Mediated Water Activation for High Turnover Frequency in Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cey2.518 2026-05-11 14:58:02 -
Fifty Fifty announces June 1 comeback with new mini-album SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - South Korean girl group Fifty Fifty will return with a new mini-album on June 1, marking the quintet's first release in seven months. The agency Attrakt announced the comeback on Monday, confirming the release of the group's fourth mini-album. The new project, titled Imperfect-I'mperfect, conveys a message that one is perfect even if incomplete. It follows the digital single Too Much Part 1. which was released in November 2025. Fifty Fifty underwent a major reorganization in September 2024, transitioning into a five-member group centered on original member Keena. The current lineup includes Keena, Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana, and Athena. The group has seen significant international success recently, particularly with the track Pookie which became a viral challenge last year. Their digital single Skittlez also reached the Billboard Pop Airplay chart in the United States. A promotional poster released by the agency shows the five members holding hands in a forest setting with matching hairstyles. The mini-album Imperfect-I'mperfect is set for release on June 1. 2026-05-11 11:28:00 -
KAIST researchers develop stable high-frequency signal technology for 6G and space exploration SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have developed a method to generate ultra-stable high-frequency signals using miniature optical chips to improve the reliability of 6G communications and deep-space exploration. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Monday, May 11, 2026. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) research team, led by Professor Kim Jung-won and Professor Lee Han-seok, used a technology called a micro-comb to produce millimeter-wave signals in the 30 to 300 GHz range. While these high frequencies are necessary for next-generation sensing and radar, they typically suffer from increased noise and instability as the frequency rises. To address this, the researchers synchronized the micro-comb with a precise optical reference signal to ensure consistency over long periods. This process achieved a frequency stability level of 10-18, representing a level of precision where signal fluctuations are almost non-existent over time. The study also utilized a physical state known as a perfect soliton crystal to maintain low noise while extending the signal to higher frequency bands. This approach allowed for a timing precision of 3 femtoseconds, or three quadrillionths of a second, which reduces errors in high-speed data transmission. The technology is expected to enhance data reliability in 6G networks and improve the accuracy of radars used in autonomous driving and defense. It may also facilitate high-resolution astronomical observations, such as the synchronization of signals for black hole research. "This research is significant because it raises the performance of micro-comb-based signal sources to the world's highest level and expands them to high-frequency bands," Professor Kim Jung-won said. He added that the team is currently working to reach frequencies above 300 GHz. Researcher An Chang-min and Professor Kim Jung-won served as lead authors for the studies, which were published in the journals Laser & Photonics Reviews and Optica. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Laser & Photonics Reviews / Optica Title: Optical-to-microcomb stability transfer for ultrastable timing and microwave/millimeter-wave generation DOI: 10.1002/lpor.71135 Title: Preserving ultralow timing jitter in microcombs with repetition-rate multiplication via perfect soliton crystal formation DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.581054 2026-05-11 11:00:59 -
K-pop girl band BABYMONSTER adds seats for Seoul concert after tickets sell out SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - K-pop girl band BABYMONSTER will open additional seats for its upcoming Seoul concert series after tickets for the original three-day run sold out immediately upon release. The move aims to accommodate a surge in demand from fans following the group's recent musical comeback. YG Entertainment reported that the 2026-27 BABYMONSTER World Tour Choom in Seoul saw an explosive response during both pre-sale and general ticketing windows. The agency noted that the members themselves expressed a desire to perform for a larger audience after tickets for all three sessions were exhausted. The additional seating will include general admission, restricted-view seats, and a limited quantity of sound-check passes. Fans can purchase these tickets starting at 8:00 p.m. (1100 GMT) on June 13 through NOL Ticket. The concerts are scheduled to take place at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in South Korea from June 26 to June 28. This leg of the world tour comes on the heels of the group's third mini-album release on May 4. The new album features four tracks, including the title song Choom as well as Moon, I Like It, and Locked In. The release has received a positive reception for its diverse genres and unique production style. 2026-05-08 17:51:21 -
Hybe artists BTS, TWX and ILLIT sweep music charts in China, Japan and US SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - Hybe artists swept the top positions in international music rankings for the final week of April, securing the first through third spots in China, Japan, and the United States. According to data released by Hanteo Chart on May 8, South Korean acts including BTS, TWS, and ILLIT led the charts in these major global markets. The results demonstrate the broad reach of the South Korean entertainment conglomerate across different regions and sub-labels. The data suggests that both veteran artists and newer groups from the company are maintaining high levels of engagement with international audiences. In the China category for the period between April 27 and May 3, BTS claimed first place with the track Arirang, recording a total index score of 34,575.44. Tomorrow X Together followed in second place with a score of 27,119.46, while Kortis took the third position. All three of the top-ranking artists in China are managed by Big Hit Music, a prominent subsidiary under the Hybe umbrella. The group TWS led the rankings in Japan with the song No Tragedy, earning a total index score of 25,773.27. BTS and ILLIT followed in second and third place respectively, completing a clean sweep of the Japanese chart by Hybe-affiliated groups. In the United States, the girl group ILLIT secured the first position with the song Mamihlapinatapai, achieving a total index score of 12,692.11. BTS occupied the second spot in the American rankings, while Tomorrow X Together finished in third place. While BTS and Tomorrow X Together are part of Big Hit Music, ILLIT is managed by Belift Lab, another subsidiary within the Hybe corporate structure. Hanteo Chart utilizes big data technology to collect and analyze real-time K-pop information including physical album sales, digital performance, and social portal engagement. These regional breakdowns are released every Friday to track the global footprint of South Korean artists. 2026-05-08 17:18:45 -
BIGBANG member Taeyang releases first full-length album in nine years SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - K-pop legend BIGBANG Taeyang is set to release his fourth full-length album alongside a dedicated exhibition on May 18, the 37-year-old's agency said Friday. The record, titled Quintessence, arrives as the performer's first studio album in approximately nine years. The BIGBANG member's exhibition will be held at the Working With Friend gallery in the Yongsan District near central Seoul. The exhibition is designed to offer an immersive, multi-sensory interpretation of the album's core themes and artistic direction. The event is scheduled to run from May 18 to May 31, with the album's digital release scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) on the opening day. 2026-05-08 17:08:22 -
New Zealand ambassador hosts Māori culture night in Seoul SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet hosted an evening of traditional Māori performance at her Seoul residence on Thursday, emphasizing the deep-seated societal parallels between New Zealand and South Korea. The event brought together influential guests to witness indigenous cultural displays, signaling a continued commitment to soft-power diplomacy between the two nations. The two nations share a history that predates their modern economic ties, beginning with the Korean War when New Zealand deployed more than 6,000 personnel to the peninsula, according to the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Today, that relationship is defined by a comprehensive free trade agreement and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The guest list for New Zealand Culture Night 2026 included approximately 100 South Korean lawmakers, diplomats, scholars, and business leaders. The evening featured a performance by the Hiwa Crew, a group previously recognized for their appearance at the National Museum of South Korea during the Mana Moana exhibition. The performance focused on kapa haka, a Māori performing art that combines vocal music, rhythmic movement, and storytelling. Bennet explained that the art form is essential for passing on indigenous history and language to future generations. "Kapa haka is a treasured Māori performing art that brings together song, chant, movement, expression, and storytelling," Bennet said. "It is a way of passing on history, values, language, and identity, from one generation to the next." During her address, the ambassador identified direct parallels between Māori and South Korean social foundations, specifically the emphasis on lineage and respect for elders. She noted that both cultures value the concept of individuals being shaped by their broader communities. "There is much that connects Māori and Korean cultures," Bennet said. "For example, ancestry, which we call whakapapa, respect for elders, hospitality, and the concept of individuals being shaped by the communities they come from." The event also welcomed members of Te Rūnanga o Te Āti Awa, a Māori tribal authority that arrived in Seoul on the day of the event. The group participated in the haka, a traditional dance of focus and strength, alongside waiata, which are melodic songs of joy and warmth. "Through kapa haka, Māori communities affirm their connection to the land of Aotearoa, New Zealand; to their ancestors; and to one another," Bennet said. 2026-05-08 16:20:05 -
Coupang credit card transaction volume surpasses levels recorded before data leak SEOUL, May 07 (AJP) - April credit card transaction volume for South Korean e-commerce leader Coupang surged back to record levels, signaling that the platform's market dominance remains intact. The rebound follows a massive personal information breach revealed late last year, according to mobile index data released by artificial intelligence firm IGAWorks on Thursday. IGAWorks' data showed that monthly credit and debit card payments for Coupang reached 4.6 trillion won ($3.1 billion) in April. This represents a 3.8 percent increase compared to October 2025, the month before the company officially announced the data leak. March payments followed a similar trajectory, rising 4.1 percent above October levels and 3.2 percent above November levels. The figures indicate that consumer spending stabilized quickly after an initial dip following the privacy scandal. The platform's influence is particularly strong among South Korea's most affluent shoppers. Roughly 90 percent of all high-spending e-commerce users are active on the platform. Industry analysts attribute this resilience to the convenience of the platform's overnight "Rocket Delivery" service and its "Wow membership program," similar to Amazon's "Prime" membership program. The high level of dependency on these daily services has made it difficult for South Korean online shoppers to migrate to rival platforms. Meanwhile, Coupang founder Kim Beom-seok said during an earnings call on Wednesday that sales growth hit a low point in January but improved significantly throughout the spring. He noted that the speed of recovery accelerated through February and March. By late April, we had recovered about 80 percent of the Wow members who had canceled their subscriptions after the privacy incident," Kim Beom-seok said. He added that the vast majority of existing customers and members did not leave the platform following the breach. Performance across the broader domestic market was mixed during this period. While Gmarket saw a 12 percent rise in credit card transactions in April, 11st experienced a 9.6 percent decline. Global competitors AliExpress and Temu also saw transaction volumes fall by 7.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. The recovery in transaction volume contrasts with the company's recent financial performance. Coupang's parent company, Coupang Inc., reported a first-quarter operating loss of 354.5 billion won, or 244 million dollars, marking its first deficit in seven quarters. Higher operational costs fueled the deficit as selling and administrative expenses jumped 17 percent to 3.72 trillion won. The company also saw its active user base decline by 700,000 during the first quarter to a total of 23.9 million people. This shift has had a direct impact on the company's workforce. According to data from the National Pension Service of South Korea, direct employment at Coupang and its logistics subsidiaries fell by approximately 3,600 people in March alone. The total headcount for the company's direct employees stood at 87,135 at the end of March. 2026-05-07 10:16:10 -
New imaging technique uses LED light to map material structures in 3D SEOUL, May 07 (AJP) - A joint research team has developed a new imaging technology that uses standard light-emitting diodes to look inside materials and map their complex internal structures in three dimensions. The method, called incoherent Dielectric Tensor Tomography, allows scientists to see how molecules are arranged without using high-powered lasers or destroying the sample, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday. The project was a collaborative effort involving teams led by Professor Park Yong-keun at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Professor Hong Seung-mo at Asan Medical Center, and Professor Jeon Seok-woo at Korea University. By precisely controlling the polarization and angle of the light-emitting diode (LED) light, the researchers performed 48 independent measurements to reconstruct a 3x3 matrix known as a dielectric tensor. This mathematical model describes how a material reacts to light from all directions, revealing its unique optical fingerprint. While previous versions of this technology relied on laser systems, they were often hindered by visual noise and were sensitive to tiny vibrations in the room. By switching to LED light, the team eliminated this noise and made the system stable enough for use in standard laboratories or industrial settings. In comparative tests, the incoherent Dielectric Tensor Tomography (iDTT) system visualized microscopic molecular arrangements that were previously obscured by noise in laser-based systems. The research team demonstrated the practical utility of the technique across several fields. They successfully visualized the 3D alignment of molecules within liquid crystal particles and performed observations of fibrosis in colon tissue without using chemical dyes. The system also automatically distinguished between different crystalline substances, such as quartz and calcium chloride, based solely on how they reacted to light. The iDTT technology is expected to have applications in materials science, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. In the pharmaceutical sector, it could serve as a tool for identifying drug polymorphs, which are different crystalline forms of the same molecule that can alter how a drug works in the body. In medicine, it provides a non-destructive way to analyze the environment around tumors by measuring the 3D orientation of collagen fibers. "This research presents the possibility of replacing material anisotropy measurements, which previously relied on large-scale facilities or destructive analysis, with small optical microscopes," Professor Park said, adding: "As LED-based measurement has become stable, it will become a new standard for non-destructive precision analysis in various industrial fields." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Nature Photonics Title: Incoherent dielectric tensor tomography for quantitative three-dimensional measurement of biaxial anisotropy Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/48MKvF3 2026-05-07 09:22:25 -
Police 'liberate ' iconic Statue of Peace for first time in six years SEOUL, May 06 (AJP) - The barricades surrounding the Statue of Peace were dismantled by police on Wednesday after six years of isolation and confinement. The bronze monument, which symbolizes victims of Japanese wartime sexual slavery, is now publicly accessible and free from the immediate threat of vandalism. The Statue of Peace depicts a teenage girl sitting on a chair, staring toward the former site of the Japanese embassy in central Seoul. Since its first installation in 2011, approximately 200 similar statues have been placed worldwide in cities such as Washington DC, Sydney, Toronto, and Shanghai. The barriers had been in place since June 2020 to shield the site from aggressive pro-Japan activists and historical revisionists. During a celebratory event on Wednesday, supporters described the removal as the liberation of the statue. The action coincided with the 1,751st weekly demonstration held near the former Japanese Embassy in central Seoul. Activists from the Justice Memory Solidarity prepared for the opening by cleaning the statue with wet wipes and placing a purple floral wreath on its head. Han Kyung-hee, the chairperson of the Justice Memory Solidarity, told the crowd that the statue has finally returned to the arms of the citizens after five years and 11 months. She said that while the public had been unable to sit in the empty chair beside the girl for years, they never stopped fighting for its protection. The barricades were originally requested by the activist group itself as a desperate measure to prevent the statue from being defaced by far-right protesters. Tensions at the site had escalated in 2019 as groups began demanding the removal of the monument while shouting historical denials. The legal path for the removal opened after Kim Byeong-heon, the leader of a prominent revisionist group, was arrested in March. He faces charges of defaming the deceased victims by publicly denying the forced nature of their ordeal. Investigations by South Korean prosecutors revealed that Kim's activities were supported by approximately 76 million won ($5,222) in funding from Japanese donors. The prosecution stated that this money was used as the primary engine for his long-term campaign to erase the history of the victims. According to historical records from the National Institute of Korean History, the Imperial Japanese Army systematically forced an estimated 200,000 women into sexual slavery during the Pacific War. These victims, many of whom were young South Korean girls, were transported to frontline brothels across the Pacific front where they were subjected to repeated forced sexual violence. The Statue of Peace incorporates specific details to reflect this history, including short, uneven hair that represents the girl being forcibly torn from her family. Her bare feet and lifted heels symbolize the restless spirits of victims who were unable to find peace or a sense of home after the war ended. The monument is officially registered as the first public artwork of the Jongno District and is managed by the local government. Police officials confirmed they will continue to deploy personnel to the area to ensure the safety of the site following the removal of the physical barriers. 2026-05-06 14:35:56