Kookmin University selected for S. Korea's Seoul BRIDGE project to commercialize strategic technologies SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Kookmin University announced on Thursday that its Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation has been selected for the Seoul BRIDGE project. The initiative is a key component of the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) framework, a project managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to align university research with regional economic needs. Through this selection, Kookmin University will receive 650 million won annually over the next four years, totaling 2.6 billion won in financial support. the university intends to use these funds to commercialize research in five of South Korea's primary strategic sectors: artificial intelligence, bio-health, fintech, robotics, and creative industries. To address the historical gap between campus research and industrial application, the university is forming an industry-academic cooperation council. This group will include researchers, corporate representatives, and field experts to create a steady collaboration pipeline. The goal is to identify technical hurdles faced by startups and small businesses in Seoul and match them with existing university patents or research through a demand-based Research and Business Development (R&BD) system. The university also plans to establish the Seoul BRIDGE Fund. This fund will capture 30 percent of all technology transfer revenue to be reinvested into the program, creating a self-sustaining cycle for future research and development. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Kookmin University was selected based on its strong track record in startup support and technology income. In the most recent JoongAng Ilbo university rankings—a prominent annual evaluation of higher education in South Korea—the school ranked second in industry-academic cooperation income per science professor and first in revenue per startup. These figures reflect the university's transition into a "company-builder" style accelerator that provides investment and post-management support rather than just simple licensing. "The selection for the Seoul BRIDGE project is a turning point that will allow us to connect our research capabilities directly to Seoul's strategic industries," said Son Jin-sik, the head of the Kookmin University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation and vice president for planning. "We aim to build a deep-tech startup ecosystem in the northeastern district of Seoul, creating a growth model where the university and the local community thrive together." The program will focus on practical technology applications rather than theoretical research throughout the four-year funding period. 2026-02-26 15:08:07

Korea Golf Course Association Board Discusses Tax Relief, Labor Law Response The Korea Golf Course Association said Wednesday it held its 167th board meeting a day earlier at the Korea Golf Hall in Bundang, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The meeting was convened as golf course operators face a rapidly shifting business environment, including fewer visitors, a weakening economy, the implementation of the so-called Yellow Envelope Act, and a push for a worker presumption system. The association said the board discussed the industry’s direction and steps to build a response framework. The board reviewed plans to approve operating proposals for two dedicated bodies aimed at easing what it called excessive tax burdens on membership-based golf courses: a consultative group to push for lower punitive property tax rates and another to seek abolition of the individual consumption tax. It also voted to set up a separate consultative group made up of representatives from member companies to improve decades-old standards for classifying golf courses as “luxury property” and to pursue legislative efforts more systematically and quickly to reduce user costs. To limit risks tied to revisions to labor laws, the association said it will strengthen on-site support by holding briefings in eight regions, distributing guidance for reviewing collective bargaining agreements and employment rules, and preparing a standard contract template for caddie operating agreements. Chairman Choi Dong-ho said the association will provide broad support, including briefings and an advisory system, to prevent confusion among member companies as labor conditions change. He said fixing institutional shortcomings will be a top priority so the golf industry can firmly establish itself as a core part of the sports and leisure sector.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 15:06:00

Mercedes-Benz Korea Becomes Title Sponsor of Korea Women’s Open, Purse Set at 1.5 Billion Won The Korea Golf Association said Feb. 25 that Mercedes-Benz Korea will serve as title sponsor of the major Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship. Mercedes-Benz Korea and the KGA held a signing ceremony the morning of Feb. 25 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul’s Jung District. Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Mathias Vaitl and KGA Vice President Jeong Chang-gi attended, the KGA said. The Korea Women’s Open is the national title event in Korean women’s golf. Launched in 1987, it marks its 40th anniversary this year. The Mercedes-Benz 40th Korea Women’s Open Golf Championship will be held June 11-14, with the venue to be announced later. Under the sponsorship, the total purse will rise to 1.5 billion won. The winner will also receive an exemption into the AIG Women’s Open, one of women’s golf’s five major championships. Vaitl said it was meaningful to partner with a tournament with “deep tradition and high standing,” adding that Mercedes-Benz Korea will continue investment and cooperation in the Korean market while expanding opportunities to promote the brand’s values and philosophy alongside the development of the country’s golf culture. Joy Ridgway, director of the R&A’s AIG Women’s Open, said the event is working to bring together the world’s best players, and that granting a direct entry spot through the Korea Women’s Open reflects an effort to broaden global qualifying pathways while recognizing the strength of Korean women’s golf. KGA President Kang Hyeong-mo said the sponsorship will further elevate the national title event. He said the association is providing pathways for young golfers to progress from youth competition to the domestic pro ranks and on to overseas majors, and pledged to keep creating new opportunities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 14:51:31

South Korean director Park Chan-wook to lead jury at 79th Cannes Film Festival SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Korean film director Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced Thursday, marking another milestone in his long-standing relationship with the prestigious event. Park will chair the main competition jury responsible for selecting the Palme d'Or, the festival’s top prize. He is the first Korean filmmaker to preside over the Cannes jury. His ties to Cannes date back more than two decades. In 2004, the noir-thriller "Oldboy" won the Grand Prix, propelling him into the international spotlight. He returned in 2009 to receive the Jury Prize for the vampire-themed thriller "Thirst," and again in 2022, when he was named Best Director for the neo-noir romantic mystery "Decision to Leave." Over the years, Park has become one of the festival’s most closely associated auteurs. Widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary world cinema, Park has built a reputation for meticulous visual composition and morally complex storytelling. Beyond representing Korean film abroad, he is viewed as a global auteur whose works regularly circulate through major festivals and critical discourse. In a joint statement, Cannes president Iris Knobloch and festival director Thierry Frémaux said "Park Chan-wook's inventiveness and visual mastery have given contemporary cinema some truly memorable moments. His ability to capture the complex impulses of characters with unusual destinies has left a lasting mark." They added, "We are delighted to celebrate his immense talent and, more broadly, the cinema of a country deeply engaged with the questioning of our time." Park succeeds French actress Juliette Binoche, who led the jury in 2025. Korea previously celebrated a historic Cannes victory in 2019, when Bong Joon-ho won the Palme d'Or for "Parasite," underscoring the country’s growing influence in global filmmaking. Park’s most recent feature, "No Other Choice," is a dark satire about an unemployed family man who resorts to extreme measures to secure a new job. The film was selected as South Korea’s submission for the Academy Awards, but did not receive a nomination. The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 12 to 23 in Cannes, France. 2026-02-26 14:30:29

Suwon's UNESCO world heritage Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and Hwahongmun Gate stand as iconic symbols of Suwon's UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, meaning "a pavilion where one can enjoy flowers and willows while water flows," sits elegantly at the northeastern corner of Hwaseong Fortress. Built in 1794 during King Jeongjo's reign, this hexagonal pavilion offers stunning views where the fortress walls meet Suwoncheon Stream. The pavilion was designed as a resting place for soldiers and a strategic military post. Its unique architectural beauty, reflected in the water below, creates one of Suwon's most photographed scenes. Hwahongmun Gate, also known as Buksumun (North Water Gate), was constructed in 1794 as part of Hwaseong Fortress. This seven-arched stone gate allows Suwoncheon Stream to flow through while serving as a defensive structure. The gate combines practical flood control with military defense, featuring openings that could be closed during attacks. Today, it becomes especially beautiful during the evening when illuminated, and hosts a spectacular waterfall display during the Hwaseong Cultural Festival. Both structures represent the architectural excellence of the Joseon Dynasty and remain beloved gathering places for locals and tourists alike. 2026-02-26 14:21:28

FNC Entertainment Tops 100 Billion Won in 2025 Revenue, Posts Third Straight Quarterly Profit FNC Entertainment, or FNC, said on the 27th that its 2025 consolidated revenue totaled 102.4 billion won, while operating results were around break-even, with an operating loss of 200 million won. Revenue rose 16.1 billion won from a year earlier, topping 100 billion won for the first time in eight years since 2017. Operating profit improved by 4.0 billion won from the previous year, reflecting both sales growth and stronger profitability. On a consolidated basis, fourth-quarter revenue was 35.0 billion won and operating profit was 900 million won, extending a streak of operating profit for a third consecutive quarter since the second quarter. On an annual basis, the company said it has improved operating profit by about 3.0 billion to 5.0 billion won each year since 2022. Net loss widened from a year earlier, but the company said the increase was due to valuation losses on derivatives tied to convertible bonds, reflecting a rise in its share price. It said the loss was a non-cash, book entry from revaluing the fair value of conversion rights at the end of the period and was not directly related to operating activities. Chief Executive Officer Kim Yu-sik said the company’s “selection and concentration” strategy and business restructuring, pursued steadily since 2023, have been reflected in results each year and brought performance to around break-even, adding that it expects to enter a “full-fledged profit phase” going forward. Kim said the music business will continue to expand domestic and global fandoms, support the growth of newer artists and strengthen core areas such as albums, concerts and merchandise. He said results from the drama production business are expected to become visible soon, and that the actor management business will also continue efforts to improve profitability through activities including acting and fan meetings. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 14:21:16

Milan Korea House Sets Record Attendance During Winter Olympics The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee operated Korea House in Milan from the 5th to the 22nd around the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, drawing the largest crowd in the program’s history. The ministry said Korea House, opened at Villa Necchi Campiglio in central Milan, drew 32,656 visitors over 18 days, or about 1,800 a day on average. Online reservations for about 1,700 people per day sold out throughout the period, prompting organizers to raise the daily reservation cap to 2,000. Visitors were largely local and international, the ministry said. About three-quarters were Italians. In a satisfaction survey, Italian and English accounted for 95% of response languages, and about 90% of respondents said they were satisfied, citing strong interest in the programs and content. The ministry said Korea House also produced results as a venue for sports diplomacy. For the first time at a Korea House opening event, 13 International Olympic Committee members attended, including IOC Executive Board member Spyros Capralos. Visits continued after the opening, including by IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. Officials from international sports federations and national Olympic committees, along with athletes and other figures in international sport, also visited for exchanges and cooperation, the ministry said. Kim Jaeyeol, elected to the IOC Executive Board, attended the opening and other key official events, and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Won Yoonjong held a news conference at Korea House after his election. Korea House also served as a support hub for South Korea’s athletes, the ministry said. It hosted four group cheering events for the national team, including for short track and curling, and ran a visit program for athletes. On the final day, it held a team wrap-up ceremony to mark the close of the competition and recognize athletes’ efforts. Organizers also ran cultural programs aimed at showcasing South Korea, drawing strong interest from visitors. The Korea Tourism Organization and CJ presented a hands-on tourism program under the “K-Dailycation” concept, and 320 people took part in a K-beauty experience over five days. A four-day K-pop cover-dance program drew 600 participants, who learned choreography to songs including those associated with K-pop Demon Hunters and BLACKPINK’s Jennie. A business-to-business tourism event was also held, inviting Italian travel agencies and media. The ministry said it sought to link on-site promotion to the development and sale of future travel products to South Korea. The National Museum Foundation of Korea introduced its “MU:DS” merchandise on site and drew strong interest, the ministry said. During the event, it sold 2,507 items for about 65 million won in revenue. The “magpie-and-tiger” badge, which had also been popular in South Korea amid the K-pop Demon Hunters boom, sold out early. Other items included products featuring motifs such as the gat and mother-of-pearl, along with an Irworobongdo pouch, a moon-jar key ring and items related to the Pensive Bodhisattva. Average daily sales at Korea House were about 3.61 million won, the ministry said. That was about three times the roughly 1.2 million won in average daily MU:DS sales during the Lee Kun-hee Special Exhibition held at the Smithsonian museum in the United States from last November through February. Korean street foods such as hotteok and fish cakes were also popular. Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young visited Korea House on the 7th and sold street food himself to promote Korean food, the ministry said. Hands-on events linking traditional culture to the global popularity of Squid Game and K-pop Demon Hunters also drew attention. Traditional games featured in Squid Game, including ddakji and gonggi, drew an enthusiastic response from local visitors, and Italy’s state broadcaster said “Squid Game was recreated at Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan.” Trying on hanbok and the gat, which drew worldwide attention through K-pop Demon Hunters, was also among the most popular programs, the ministry said. Choi said, “On the Olympic stage, where the world’s attention is focused, we were able to vividly feel the stature of Korean culture and Korean sports through Korea House.” He added, “At the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, we will operate a Korea House where the appeal of K-sports and K-culture comes together, based on this experience and these results.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 14:15:36

Kang Sue-jin to step down as Korea National Ballet director after 12-year tenure Kang Sue-jin, the Korea National Ballet’s seventh director and artistic director, will step down April 4, ending a 12-year term that began with her appointment in 2014. The company said Feb. 26 that after leaving the post, Kang is expected to be hired as a professor at Seoul Cyber University. In a statement released that day, Kang said the past 12 years were “another passionate and happy time” in her life. “I feel nothing but gratitude to the dancers and audiences who trusted and supported me through every moment with the Korea National Ballet,” she said. “Now I am wrapping up my role and turning my steps toward places our society needs.” She added that she hopes her experience can serve as “a small light” for young people pursuing their dreams in underserved regions, and said she will focus on mentoring future generations and giving back for the support she has received as an artist. During her tenure, Kang worked to strengthen the company’s artistic identity, systematize its creation-based foundation and expand its international standing, the company said. It maintained classical ballet traditions while also developing contemporary works and introducing overseas repertoire to build a balanced program. In 2025, the company staged choreographer John Neumeier’s full-length drama ballet “The Camellia Lady” for the first time in Asia, the company said, calling it a milestone for the domestic ballet scene. The production, which requires substantial resources, was cited as evidence the company can handle international-level repertoire. The company also said Kang focused on strengthening its organizational base, gradually increasing the number of company dancers. It expanded the long-stable quota of regular positions by 28.75% — including planned additions in 2026 — to improve job stability. Soon after her 2014 appointment, Kang also renamed the supporters’ group “KNB Society” and reorganized its operating system to institutionalize private sponsorship, the company said. Supporter membership grew from 40 in 2014 to about 100 in 2025, nearly a 2.5-fold increase. Sponsorship revenue rose from about 50 million won in 2014 to about 430 million won in 2025, nearly a tenfold increase, it said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-26 14:06:20

Trendy living ideas from Seoul SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) -The 2026 Seoul Living Design Fair opened Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, transforming the cavernous exhibition halls into a playground of textures, light and ideas. Now in its 31st year, the country’s largest interior and lifestyle showcase returns under the theme “Sustainable Living and Design.” Organizers say around 450 domestic and international brands have joined this year’s edition — the biggest lineup yet. For five days through March 1, COEX becomes a walk-through mood board of modern living. From sculptural sofas and modular shelving to mood lighting, tactile textiles and next-generation home appliances, every aisle offers a snapshot of how Koreans are reimagining their homes. This year, sustainability is not just a buzzword — it’s the backbone. Recycled woods, bio-based fabrics, low-energy lighting and smart energy systems take center stage. Brands are leaning into warmer palettes, natural finishes and compact, multifunctional designs that reflect urban living realities. Visitors move from minimalist studio setups to cozy, plant-filled living rooms and tech-forward kitchens, exploring spaces that feel both practical and aspirational. The fair captures a shift: homes are no longer just places to live, but carefully curated reflections of values — wellness, efficiency and environmental awareness. Since its launch, the annual fair has evolved into a barometer of Korea’s design culture, where industry insiders scout emerging brands and everyday consumers gather inspiration for their next renovation — or simply their next idea. 2026-02-26 14:04:50

Celltrion ramps up US manufacturing to buffer against tariffs SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Biopharmaceutical company Celltrion said Thursday that it has taken steps to ensure its U.S. operations remain uninterrupted amid growing uncertainty over tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling last week. In a statement, Celltrion said it is ready to respond regardless of how tariff-related issues are resolved after the U.S. Supreme Court found U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs policy unlawful. Celltrion, which acquired U.S. drugmaker Eli Lilly's biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Branchburg, New Jersey, late last year, said it completed a full inspection and preparations for full operations by the end of January and began manufacturing this month. The company said it has also begun procedures to manufacture its own products locally and plans to build a system linking production with its direct sales network to supply them across the U.S. as soon as possible. Under its phased plans, Celltrion said it will hedge against tariff uncertainty by supplying the U.S. market with products manufactured at its Branchburg plant. 2026-02-26 13:58:08