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  • KAIST researchers solve solar cell dilemma by achieving 25% efficiency and long-term stability
    KAIST researchers solve solar cell dilemma by achieving 25% efficiency and long-term stability SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have addressed a long-standing trade-off in solar technology where increasing energy efficiency often leads to a shorter lifespan. The team succeeded in developing a high-efficiency perovskite solar cell that maintains performance over time by precisely controlling the internal structure of a protective surface layer. KAIST announced Tuesday that a joint research team led by Distinguished Professor Seo Jang-won from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) developed a design for a two-dimensional (2D) protective film. This technology simultaneously enhances both the power conversion efficiency and the operational reliability of the cells. Perovskite solar cells are considered the next generation of high-efficiency photovoltaics due to their low production costs. However, their tendency to degrade when exposed to heat, humidity, or prolonged sunlight has remained a significant barrier to commercial use. To combat this, researchers typically apply a 2D layer on top of the primary 3D perovskite structure to reduce surface defects, but these layers often lack the structural integrity needed for long-term durability. The research team introduced a more robust 2D structure known as the Dion-Jabocson (DJ) phase. In this configuration, organic molecules act like strong adhesive, binding the perovskite layers tightly together. By carefully adjusting heat treatment temperatures and timing, the researchers were able to control the "n-value," or the number of stacked layers within the film, to create a more organized and stable internal arrangement. This precise control allowed for smoother charge movement, which boosted the cell's efficiency. The team confirmed through experiments that the structural rearrangement at the interface during heat treatment is what allows the 2D film to be customized for maximum performance. This process also ensures that the manufacturing results are highly reproducible. The resulting solar cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of 25.56 percent. Furthermore, the devices maintained high performance levels even under extreme testing conditions of 85 degrees Celsius and 85 percent relative humidity. The researchers also confirmed that the technology is effective when applied to large-area modules, signaling strong potential for mass production. "This study demonstrates that the conventional dilemma of choosing between efficiency and longevity can be solved through the structural design of a surface protective film," said Distinguished Professor Seo Jang-won. He added that because the technology remains stable despite minor changes in processing conditions, it will be highly beneficial for large-scale commercial manufacturing. The study, co-authored by KAIST doctoral student Lee Jae-hee and KRICT researcher Moon Chan-su, was published in the journal Joule on February 24, 2026. 2026-03-24 16:21:56
  • S. Korean broadcaster wins final copyright suit against Chinas video platform Bilibili
    S. Korean broadcaster wins final copyright suit against China's video platform Bilibili SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - South Korean broadcaster MBC has secured a final victory in its high-stakes copyright infringement suit against the Chinese video-sharing platform Bilibili, the company said Monday. The Jiangsu High People's Court delivered a definitive blow to the digital "safe harbor" defense long utilized by Chinese tech giants, signaling a critical shift in how Beijing enforces international intellectual property standards for foreign content providers. By significantly increasing damages in this final appeal, the court established that a platform's duty of care scales with its commercial influence and the sophistication of its recommendation algorithms. The ruling marks a long-awaited turning point for foreign entities that have historically struggled to find functional legal recourse within the Chinese judicial system. Based in Shanghai, Bilibili is one of China’s most influential video-sharing platforms, often described as a hybrid of YouTube and Netflix with a heavy focus on anime, gaming, and "user-generated content." By the end of 2025, the platform averaged 366 million monthly active users, making it a central hub for young Chinese consumers and a dominant force in the region's digital economy. Unlike other online video platforms where South Korean dramas and films are the primary focus, Bilibili serves as the preeminent source for South Korean music programs, variety entertainment shows, and celebrity-driven content. These broadcasts are typically uploaded to the platform within one or two hours of their original airing in Seoul, complete with sophisticated Chinese subtitles provided by "fansub" groups. This near-simultaneous piracy undercuts the commercial viability of legitimate licensing deals and streaming rights, creating a systemic drain on the industry. The scale of the crisis is underscored by data from Park Young-soon, a lawmaker from South Korea's Democratic Party, who noted that trademark infringements in China surged from 977 in 2017 to a peak of 3,457 in 2020. While 2021 saw 2,922 recorded cases, the systemic nature of the problem remains evident. According to Park Young-soon, China accounts for 63.4 percent of all overseas intellectual property disputes involving South Korean companies. Despite this overwhelming volume, government support for affected firms has remained relatively modest, with only 65 cases receiving state assistance in 2021. The case originated in 2021 when MBC filed for damages after discovering thousands of unauthorized clips circulating on the platform for extended periods. Although a lower court initially recognized the infringement, the broadcaster appealed because the awarded damages failed to reflect the actual commercial value of the content or the platform’s role in its spread. In its final judgment, the Jiangsu High People's Court pivoted, ruling that the platform's failure to act despite the obvious "commercial value and high recognition" of the MBC library constituted a form of contributory infringement. This hardening of the Chinese judiciary aligns with broader trends observed in recent years. In 2024 alone, Chinese courts awarded approximately 120 million dollars in punitive damages across 18 major cases, reflecting an intensified effort to align domestic enforcement with international standards like the Berne Convention and TRIPs Agreement. The court has signaled that the sheer scale of a platform now dictates a higher duty of care. Beijing appears increasingly willing to treat large-scale digital platforms not as passive hosts, but as active distributors responsible for the legality of the traffic they monetize. An official from MBC stated that the ruling makes it clear that platforms can no longer evade responsibility while exercising substantial influence over content distribution and reaping immense profits. The broadcaster confirmed it will continue to pursue aggressive legal action against any overseas platforms that facilitate the unauthorized distribution of its content, regardless of the format. The judgment is final and takes immediate effect under China’s two-instance trial system. 2026-03-23 15:30:55
  • Kookmin University holds industry seminar on robot skin research
    Kookmin University holds industry seminar on robot skin research SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - The Robot Functional Skin and Hyper-Sensory Research Center at Kookmin University (KMU) held a meeting with 16 participating companies on March 17 at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square to share first-year research outcomes. The center, led by Professor Lim Si-hyung of the KMU Department of Mechanical Engineering, operates as part of the Engineering Research Center (ERC) project supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea. The project involves 10 professors from KMU, Seoul National University, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Gachon University, and Kumoh National Institute of Technology. Research focuses on developing functional skins and sensory systems that allow robots to operate in extreme environments involving high temperatures, humidity, and corrosion. The center aims to overcome the limitations of current robotic systems, which rely heavily on visual sensors, by developing non-visual recognition platforms and durable surface materials. The seminar provided a forum for partner companies, including SOS Lab and Nexensor, to discuss technical difficulties and industry needs. Participants agreed to establish a cooperation system to identify joint research projects beyond the current scope of the ERC mandate. "Close exchange with industry is essential to complete next-generation robot technology that performs precise missions even in extreme environments," Center Director Lim Si-hyung said. "We will continue to hold regular meetings to reflect corporate needs in our research and develop effective original technologies." 2026-03-23 14:04:56
  • Kim Hyo-joo captures Founders Cup title to reclaim throne after 11 years
    Kim Hyo-joo captures Founders Cup title to reclaim throne after 11 years SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Kim Hyo-joo secured her eighth career LPGA Tour title on Sunday, winning the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in California. The 30-year-old South Korean finished the tournament at 16-under 272, holding off a late challenge from world number two Nelly Korda to win by a single stroke. The victory marks a historic return to the winner's circle for Kim at an event she first conquered as a rookie in 2015. By reclaiming the title 11 years later, she demonstrated a rare longevity in the professional ranks, earning $450,000 from the 3-million-dollar purse. The win follows her most recent triumph at the Ford Championship in March 2025. Kim entered the final round in Menlo Park, California, with a commanding five-stroke lead. However, the closing 18 holes proved to be a test of endurance as she carded a 1-over 73, featuring four birdies and five bogeys. This uncharacteristic turbulence allowed Korda to narrow the gap significantly, briefly threatening the lead after the turn. The tension peaked at the par-3 17th, where Korda recorded a costly bogey to give Kim a two-shot cushion heading into the final hole. Despite a closing bogey on the 18th, Kim finalized the wire-to-wire victory, marking the third consecutive season in which she has recorded at least one LPGA win. Kim’s career has been defined by clinical precision and early brilliance. She first made history as a 19-year-old non-member at the 2014 Evian Championship, where she opened with a 10-under 61—the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship at the time. She eventually defeated Hall of Famer Karrie Webb to secure her first major title. Since officially joining the LPGA Tour in 2015, Kim has amassed 22 worldwide victories, including 14 on the KLPGA and 8 on the LPGA. Known for possessing one of the most fluid swings in the game, she has consistently ranked among the world’s elite, finishing in the top ten of the season-ending money list in both 2023 and 2025. Beyond individual accolades, Kim has served as a cornerstone of South Korean international golf. She represented the Republic of Korea at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and led the national team to victory at the 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown. Kim will travel to Arizona next week to defend her title at the Ford Championship. Currently ranked eighth in the world, she has resurgent form, suggesting she remains a primary contender as the tour approaches the major championship season. Kim becomes the first player this season to lead a tournament from the first round through the final putt. 2026-03-23 10:54:42
  • Scientists turn toxic gas into medical tool using electric signals
    Scientists turn toxic gas into medical tool using electric signals SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a technology to control hydrogen sulfide using electrical signals, turning a gas typically known for its toxic nature and foul odor into a precise medical treatment tool. KAIST said Monday that the study, led by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering's Professor Park Ji-min, introduces a bioelectronic platform capable of generating and delivering hydrogen sulfide to specific locations at exact times. This development marks a significant step toward precision medicine, where treatments can be applied to targeted areas without systemic side effects. Hydrogen sulfide is often associated with the smell of rotten eggs and is known as a hazardous substance. However, recent biological research has identified it as a crucial signaling molecule in the human body that maintains cell health and regulates protein functions by acting as a chemical switch. While it has therapeutic potential, hydrogen sulfide is difficult to use in medicine because it is a highly reactive gas that disappears quickly. Controlling its concentration and delivering it to a specific organ or tissue has remained a major technical challenge until now. To solve this, the KAIST team drew inspiration from bacterial systems to create a method that applies electricity to thiosulfate, a substance safe for the human body, to produce hydrogen sulfide. This electrochemical approach offers much higher safety and precision than traditional chemical injection methods. The researchers identified silver as the most effective material for the electrodes. Silver electrodes selectively promote the production of hydrogen sulfide while minimizing unnecessary side reactions, allowing for the fine-tuning of the gas amount and release speed simply by adjusting the voltage and timing. Testing the platform on human-derived cells, the team successfully activated specific ion channels that sense pain and stimuli. Furthermore, when applied to cells damaged by oxidative stress, the electrically controlled hydrogen sulfide restored cellular balance and promoted healing with virtually no observed toxicity. "This research is significant because it transforms hydrogen sulfide, once considered only a toxic substance, into a new tool for regulating biological systems via electrical signals," Professor Park Ji-min said. He added that the technology has high potential for expansion into digital healthcare and precision medical devices for treating neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The findings were published on March 19, 2026, in the international journal Science Advances. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Science Advances Title: Bioelectronic Synthesis of Hydrogen Sulfide Enables Spatiotemporal Regulation of Protein Modification and Cellular Redox Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3401 2026-03-23 10:38:13
  • Im Sung-jae finishes fourth at Valspar as Fitzpatrick claims victory
    Im Sung-jae finishes fourth at Valspar as Fitzpatrick claims victory SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Im Sung-jae secured a tie for fourth place at the Valspar Championship on Sunday, marking his strongest performance of the 2026 season. The 27-year-old South Korean entered the final round at Florida's Innisbrook Resort with a two-stroke lead, seeking his third career victory on the PGA Tour. A challenging closing 3-over 74 left him at 8-under 276 for the tournament, three strokes behind winner Matt Fitzpatrick. The result signals a vital return to form for Seoul’s most consistent golfer. Im had been sidelined throughout January and February due to right wrist inflammation following his mandatory military basic training. After missing the cut in his previous two starts this month, his 54-hole lead at the Copperhead Course effectively ended concerns regarding his physical recovery. Im established himself as a premier talent early in his career, earning the 2019 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award. Known as the "Ironman" for his heavy playing schedule, he remains the only player to reach the season-ending Tour Championship in every season since his debut. His performance in Florida marks his first top-ten finish of the year. The final round proved difficult as Im carded five bogeys through his first ten holes. He managed to stabilize his round on the back nine, highlighted by a chip-in birdie from the edge of the green on the par-4 16th. While the late surge was not enough to reclaim the lead, the top-five finish provides significant momentum heading into the Masters in April. Britain's Fitzpatrick clinched the title with a 4-meter birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 11-under 273. The victory was his first since the 2023 RBC Heritage and earned him a $1.6 million prize. David Lipsky finished one stroke back in second place, while Jordan Smith took third. Other South Korean competitors also delivered notable performances at Innisbrook. Kim Seong-hyeon shot a 1-under 70 to finish tied for seventh at 7-under 277, his best result since May 2024. Kim Joo-hyung finished in a tie for 18th at 4-under 280, level with Brooks Koepka. The PGA Tour continues next week as players make their final preparations for the first major championship of the year. Im is expected to remain the highest-ranked South Korean player in the world rankings following this result. 2026-03-23 09:15:11
  • BTS Live: Orderly fan exit caps Gwanghwamun concert
    BTS Live: Orderly fan exit caps Gwanghwamun concert SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Nearly 50,000 people departed orderly and safely from Gwanghwamun Square late Saturday night as the BTS comeback concert came to a close. According to Seoul's real-time crowd management system, the assembly filled the central plaza to capacity before the performance began. To manage the turnout, city officials and local police released the crowd in stages, opening audience sections one by one to prevent congestion at nearby transit hubs. This phased dispersal followed a performance that marked the first time the group had appeared together in South Korea since 2022. For the international fans, the coordinated exit was as surprsing as the surreal outdoor concert itself. Eeti, a fan from London who moved her travel plans forward to witness the show, described the safety protocols as the most impressive she had seen. "It was so great amd amazing," she said. She found the entire event "very well organized. very convenient, very surprised how smooth everything was" and was impressed how she felt "no danger. Pretty safe," despite the volume of people in the square. Other attendees noted the specific atmosphere during the set. Liana, a fan from Russia who has followed the group for a decade, traveled to Seoul specifically for the Saturday performance. While she described the choreography for the new songs as 'so good,' she was struck by the relative silence of the crowd. 'Why is no one dancing?' she recalled thinking. Liana observed that most people around her remained still and focused on filming the stage, which created a quiet environment. She said she had been waiting four years for the return and was interested in seeing the dance routines live since they were not featured in recent music videos. The demographic in the square included families like Chloe Besner and her daughter from Montreal. Besner, who is in her 50s, attended the show to support her daughter’s interest in the group. "Really enjoyed it. It was great that the boys were really fantastic," she said. Although she suggested the sound could have been "more balanced and stronger," she found the overall experience positive. Besner noted that the group's music is a regular part of her domestic life in Canada. ' "Everything was very smooth and great, came to see the show for my daughter," she said, adding, "I think we are going to still dance in the kitchen with BTS music." Extra subway and bus services remained in operation past midnight to accommodate the dispersal. And ARMY fans cleaned up and made sure they left no trace. 2026-03-21 21:54:08
  • [UPDATE] BTS Live: K-pop legend reclaims global spotlight
    [[UPDATE]] BTS Live: K-pop legend reclaims global spotlight SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -The silence that has defined the cultural landscape of Seoul for nearly four years vanished in a single, percussive instant as BTS initiated its Arirang comeback performance in the heart of Seoul on Saturday night. At least 50,000 people have occupied Gwanghwamun Square, according to Seoul's real-time crowd management system, creating a dense sea of violet light that stretches from the Sejong Center for Performing Arts to the gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace. This sudden mass assembly triggered the city's highest tier of traffic and safety monitoring, effectively paralyzing the heart of the capital to accommodate the group's first full ensemble appearance since the conclusion of its collective military service. The opening sequence signaled an immediate, aggressive departure from the group's previous polished aesthetics. By launching into "Body to Body," "Hooligan," and "2.0"—all tracks from the new fifth studio album—the seven-member group asserted a raw, industrial identity that suggests a radical creative recalibration during their years away from the public eye. This performance is not merely a musical return but a high-stakes restoration of the primary engine of South Korean soft power, transitioning the ensemble from a period of national conscription back to its position as a global phenomenon. The setlist for the evening reflects a meticulous balance between institutional legacy and future ambition. While the inclusion of "Butter" and "MIC Drop" provides a bridge to the group's past dominance, the narrative core of the performance remains centered on the debut of the title track, "SWIM." The logistics of the event are managed by thousands of police officers and city personnel who have cordoned off the Sejong-daero corridor to maintain order within the historic district. 2026-03-21 20:08:42
  • BTS Live: Global fans brave biting winds to witness K-pop legends Seoul comeback
    BTS Live: Global fans brave biting winds to witness K-pop legend's Seoul comeback SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) -Thousands of spectators are currently gathering in central Seoul under a clear spring sky, enduring a sharp 6 kilometers per hour southwest wind that has kept temperatures at a persistent 12 degrees Celsius. The conditions, while visually brilliant, present a physical trial for international fans who have occupied the open stone expanses of Gwanghwamun Square since the early morning hours. The massive assembly serves as the live launch for "Arirang," the group’s fifth studio album released only yesterday. Fans have traveled from dozens of countries to witness "The Comeback Live | Arirang," a free, 60-minute spectacle that marks the first time all seven members will perform together since 2022. The choice of venue—the historical gateway to Korea's royal past—was designed to underscore the national significance of their return to civilian life. The arrival of the septet ends a hiatus defined by mandatory military service and a shifting global music landscape. Today's showcase is not merely a concert but a calculated reassertion of dominance by the most significant cultural export of Seoul. As the sun maintains a 14-degree Celsius peak, the real test of endurance will arrive after sunset when the temperature is forecast to plunge to a low of 5 degrees Celsius for the 8 p.m. start. The atmosphere at the square is defined by 39 percent humidity, creating a crisp, high-visibility environment ideal for the Netflix global broadcast but demanding for those standing in the long shadows of the surrounding government buildings. Security personnel and medical units have been deployed across the plaza to monitor the crowd as the wind chill remains a persistent factor for those waiting in the open air. Voices from the cold For those embedded in the crowd, the plummeting temperature is secondary to the emotional weight of the reunion. Aung Pyae-hein, a 30-year-old fan from Myanmar, arrived heavily prepared for the shift in weather. "It's not too cold today, but I am wearing long johns to brace the weather, just in case," he said. Aunge added that he even created handmade merchandise to attach to his traditional Hanbok for the occasion. Others are relying on the sheer density of the 200,000-strong crowd to provide physical warmth. Olivia Lim, 31, who traveled from Singapore, expressed confidence that the collective energy would help her bear the chilly weather. "I think the crowd and the heat of the moment will protect us," Lim said. "It is chilly, but I will be fine. I think the crowd will protect us and we will be too busy focusing on the stage." Her sentiment was shared by Charlotte Tang, 28, also from Singapore, who was dressed in a red Korean traditional dress, Hanbok, to match the new album cover. "I will make it through with the heat of the crowd," Tang said. The performance has even attracted those in Seoul for other purposes. Emma, 43, from England, found herself at the square despite being in the city on a business trip. "It is a bit chilly, but I can handle the cold, being with the fans vibing through the concert. I will make it out alive," she said, noting she is content to watch the performance on the massive digital screens installed across the venue. High-pressure return under clear skies Despite the 12 degrees Celsius chill, the energy at the site remains absolute. The clear conditions have allowed for the deployment of sophisticated crane cameras and drones, which are capturing the scale of the 200,000-strong crowd against the backdrop of the Gyeongbokgung Palace gates. This visual symmetry between Korea's dynastic past and its modern pop royalty is expected to be a central theme of the evening broadcast. As the afternoon progresses, the southwest winds are expected to continue, with the temperature beginning its steady descent toward the 5-degree Celsius evening low. For the fans who have traveled from across the globe, the cold is a secondary concern to the impending performance, yet it remains the primary environmental obstacle for a city currently under a total cultural lockdown. 2026-03-21 12:18:33
  • Animuscure receives FDA orphan drug designation for ALS treatment candidate
    Animuscure receives FDA orphan drug designation for ALS treatment candidate SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - Animuscure, a biotech startup founded by Sookmyung Women’s University (SWU) Pharmacy Professor Bae Gyu-un, announced that its drug candidate AMC6156 has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is currently being developed to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual damage and loss of motor neurons. This leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis. The disease typically affects middle-aged and older adults, with a survival period generally estimated between two and five years after the onset of symptoms. Current medical options to fundamentally stop the progression of ALS remain extremely limited, representing a significant unmet medical need. AniMusCure Inc. (Animuscure) is developing AMC6156 as an oral medication featuring a new mechanism of action aimed at improving muscle function. As an oral formulation, the drug is expected to improve patient convenience, and the company plans to explore combination therapies and commercialization strategies based on future clinical results. The FDA grants ODD to drugs intended for the treatment of rare diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. This designation provides several incentives for developers, including tax credits for clinical trials, eligibility for federal grants, a waiver of prescription drug user fees, and seven years of market exclusivity upon regulatory approval. This marks the second FDA ODD for the company. In September 2025, Animuscure received the same designation for AMC8012, a treatment candidate for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare congenital muscle disorder. By securing consecutive designations for muscle and neurological conditions, the company is strengthening its position in the global drug development market. "With this orphan drug designation as a stepping stone, we will accelerate global clinical development," said CEO Bae Gyu-un. "Our goal is to provide new options for ALS patients who currently have very limited treatment choices." 2026-03-21 10:15:52