Shin Yu Bin and Lim Jong Hoon rise to No. 1 in ITTF mixed doubles rankings South Korean table tennis player Shin Yu Bin and partner Lim Jong Hoon have moved to No. 1 in the world in mixed doubles.  The International Table Tennis Federation posted updated world rankings on its website on Tuesday, listing the Lim-Shin pair at No. 1 in mixed doubles. They rose one spot from the Week 7 rankings released on Feb. 9, marking the first time the duo have topped the mixed doubles standings.  The pair were eliminated in the round of 16 at last month’s WTT Star Contender Doha. In the latest calculation, however, points from last year’s WTT Singapore event expired, benefiting Lim and Shin. Lin Shidong and Kuai Man, the previous No. 1 pair, fell two places to No. 3. Lin and Kuai had won Singapore Smash, but their number of ranking events dropped to five as they have played fewer international tournaments recently. WTT rankings can include up to eight tournaments, but points drop off after one year. Lim and Shin earned 1,500 points by winning last year’s Hong Kong Finals and have consistently competed, filling the maximum eight events used for ranking.  Lim and Shin are scheduled to compete at WTT Singapore Smash, running from Feb. 19 to March 1. Lin and Kuai, along with the world No. 2 pair Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, will not participate. Under a rule allowing only one pair per country, the world No. 9 duo of Hwang Yu Jung and Chen Yi will enter instead. 2026-02-11 16:36:41

E-Mart posts sharp profit rebound in 2025 on cost cuts, pricing power SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest retailer E-Mart reported a sharp improvement in profitability last year despite inflationary pressures and sluggish consumer spending. In a regulatory filing Wednesday, the company said consolidated revenue for 2025 slipped 0.2 percent from a year earlier to 28.97 trillion won ($21.7 billion), while operating profit surged 584.8 percent to 322.5 billion won. E-Mart attributed the turnaround largely to cost savings achieved through integrated purchasing, which strengthened price competitiveness and helped draw more shoppers. The company said price-focused promotions that consumers could directly feel helped increase store traffic and sales. For instance, its flagship discount event, “Whale Eat Festa,” attracted 23 million participants last year, with sales during the campaign rising 28.1 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. The company said three Starfield Market stores reopened after renovations last year, recording stronger traffic and sales. Visitor numbers at the Ilsan branch rose 61.3 percent after reopening, while sales climbed 74 percent. Customer traffic increased 7.3 percent at Dongtan and 32.4 percent at Gyeongsan, with sales rising 16.5 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively. Warehouse club chain Traders also posted growth, with annual gross sales rising 8.5 percent to 3.85 trillion won and operating profit climbing 39.9 percent to 129.3 billion won. Other offline affiliates also delivered solid results. Shinsegae Property reported revenue rising 27.2 percent to 470.8 billion won on stronger Starfield mall operations and development projects, while operating profit increased by 96.7 billion won to 174 billion won. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-11 16:12:28

Lee to meet DP, PPP leaders over luncheon SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to sit down for talks with the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) later this week. In a press briefing on Wednesday, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told reporters that Lee is scheduled to hold a meeting with DP leader Jung Chung-rae and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday to "seek bipartisan cooperation on state affairs and discuss ways to improve people's livelihoods." "They are expected to discuss various issues without limiting the agenda," Kang added. Possible topics could include the impasse over a broader tariff-related deal with Washington, after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly threatened late last month to raise tariffs back to 25 percent, citing delays in implementing the deal, which includes Seoul's massive investment in the U.S. The luncheon meeting comes about five months after the previous one, held in September last year. 2026-02-11 16:08:47

Actor Park Jung Min Apologizes After 'Life of Pi' Show Is Canceled Minutes Before Curtain Actor Park Jung Min apologized after the play "Life of Pi" was abruptly canceled shortly before it was to begin in Seoul. Park posted a message Tuesday through his agency, Sam Company, saying he was "sincerely sorry" to everyone who came to the show the night before. He said he used the agency account because he does not have a personal social media account. "No reason can ease the shock you felt in that moment, and I believe this was our fault," Park wrote. "Thinking of how empty you must have felt turning back with the theater doors still closed, I have nothing I can say." He added that the time, energy and support audiences gave to see the show were "a debt" he cannot repay. Park said he suggested adding a special performance and that the production company agreed. "I know a re-performance cannot make up for everyone’s disappointment, but I hope it can offer at least a small comfort," he wrote. He added, "I’m sorry to have put you through an experience you did not want. The actors and all staff will work even harder for the remaining performances. If you can, I hope to see you on the day of the re-performance. On behalf of the team, I apologize again." Online commenters responded with messages such as, "It’s not the actor’s fault," and, "I’m worried about his condition." The show scheduled to open Feb. 10 at GS Arts Center in Seoul notified audiences of the cancellation at about 7:25 p.m., about five minutes before the 7:30 p.m. start time. The production company said a sudden technical problem occurred in some lighting equipment before the performance. It said it attempted repairs but decided it could not proceed and canceled the show. After controversy over the cancellation, the "Life of Pi" production said it will stage an additional performance at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 with the same cast. Audience members who had tickets for the canceled show can attend in the same seats and will receive a refund of 10% of the ticket price. Those who do not want to attend the additional performance will receive a refund of 110% of the ticket price. The following is Park Jung Min’s full statement. Hello. I’m Park Jung Min. First, I want to sincerely apologize to all the audience members who came to last night’s performance. It seems the production company decided to cancel because problems occurred with some lighting equipment and they judged it would cause major inconvenience. There also may have been safety concerns for the puppeteers who must move inside the puppets. However, I believe no reason can ease the shock you felt in that moment, and this was our fault. Thinking of how empty you must have felt turning back with the theater doors still closed, I have nothing I can say. I believe the precious time, energy and heartfelt support you gave to see this show are a debt that cannot be repaid. My apology comes late. Before apologizing, I felt I needed to work with the production company to prepare as much of an alternative as possible, even if it could not be enough. I also thought an apology without an alternative could be irresponsible. I suggested adding a special performance, and the production company willingly accepted. It seems time was needed to confirm details with the many people involved with the theater and the production, and with the audience members who came yesterday. I know a re-performance cannot make up for everyone’s disappointment, but I still hope it can offer at least a small comfort. Thanks to the many audience members who have come so far, the actors and staff go onstage each day with gratitude. It has been a while since I last performed onstage, so I am very nervous and afraid in every moment, but I feel your support gives me great strength. Even so, I’m sorry to have put you through an experience you did not want. For the remaining performances, the actors and all staff will work even harder. If you can, I hope to see you on the day of the re-performance. I will work very hard. And on behalf of the team, I once again offer my sincere apology. I’m sorry. Sincerely, Park Jung Min (I do not have a personal account, so I borrowed the company account to post this. Thank you for your understanding.) 2026-02-11 15:57:00

'Life of Pi' Adds Feb. 16 Show After Last-Minute Cancellation in Seoul The stage production "Life of Pi," starring actor Park Jung Min, will add a performance on Feb. 16 after a show was canceled just five minutes before curtain, organizer Clip Service said Tuesday. The performance had been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the GS Arts Center in Seoul but was abruptly called off shortly before it was to begin. Clip Service said it found a lighting equipment error during a final inspection of the Feb. 10 performance and that "unexplained malfunctions" continued despite repair efforts. It said the technical problem involved lighting equipment that affected performers' movement, and it decided to cancel the show with safety as the top priority. The added 7:30 p.m. performance on Feb. 16 will be offered only to ticket holders for the canceled Feb. 10 show, with the same seats and the same cast. Seat changes will not be allowed. Those who do not want to attend the added performance will receive a refund of 110% of the ticket payment amount. Cancellations can be made without fees through the ticket seller's customer service center until 5 p.m. on Feb. 16.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 15:48:00

Korea Online Newspaper Association Names Winners of 3rd Digital Journalism Innovation Awards The Korea Online Newspaper Association, led by President Park Hak Yong, announced Wednesday that it has selected three winners for its third Digital Journalism Innovation Awards. The grand prize in the digital content category went to The Dong-A Ilbo’s “Omission: Is Your Apartment Safe?” The award recognizes 10 people: reporters Gu Teuk Gyo, Kim Su Hyeon, Lee Mun Su, Ju Hyeon U and Wi Eun Ji; developers Lim Sang A and Lim Hui Rae; creative director Jeong Si Eun; photographer Hong Jin Hwan; and PD Kim Ji Hui. In the digital service and business category, the grand prize was shared by Seoul Economic Daily’s “AI LINK” and Maeil Business Newspaper’s affiliate Maekyung AX’s “AI HUB.” The “AI LINK” team includes Woo Seung Ho, Kang Do Won, Mun Yeong Gwang and Seong Ye Hyeon of the Future Strategy Department. The “AI HUB” team includes Yoo Yeong Hun and Shin Hye Ji of the AI Data Department; Lee Dong U and Chu Gyo Yun of the Development Department; and Park Eun Ju, Lee Seong Yeon, Shin Myeong Hwa and Min Ji Hye of the DM Strategy Planning Department. Why the digital content winner was selected The judging committee said “Omission: Is Your Apartment Safe?” was a seven-month investigative project that sought to verify a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announcement by directly examining 21 apartment complexes nationwide and finding missing rebar at nine sites. The committee cited its use of digital tools to deepen understanding, including a 3D interactive presentation of rebar structures and a collapse simulation to scientifically assess risk, along with documentary video that showed the reporting process. Why the digital service·business winners were selected The committee said Seoul Economic Daily’s “AI LINK” converted the entire newsroom to an AI-based system and built a cycle spanning production, personalization, video and global expansion, demonstrating sustainability through revenue generation and overseas growth. It said Maekyung AX’s “AI HUB” — including AI explainers, “stock stories” embedded in articles and “My Morning Briefing” — was recognized for offering a new journalism experience while providing services meant to help readers in daily life. Overall comments from judges Judge Yoo Hong Sik, a professor at Chung-Ang University, said, “Each year, more entries are combining digital technology and journalism to expand the reader experience, raising expectations.” He added, “This year’s content entries showed the evolution of digital journalism, and the service and business entries pointed to the industry’s future direction through innovations such as platform building, revenue-model experiments and global expansion.” Each category’s grand prize includes a plaque and 5 million won in prize money. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 25 at the 19th-floor news conference room of the Korea Press Center in Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 15:15:00

Bank deposits, bond prices ebb as money chases red-hot stocks in Korea SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Bank deposits and bond prices fell sharply in January as funds rotated rapidly into equities and money market funds (MMFs), signaling heightened risk appetite amid a blistering stock market rally, central bank data showed Wednesday. According to the Bank of Korea’s January financial market report, bank deposits shrank by 50.8 trillion won ($35 billion) last month, reversing a 7.7 trillion won increase in December. Demand deposits alone dropped 49.7 trillion won, compared with a 39.3 trillion won gain a month earlier. In contrast, asset management firms recorded a strong inflow of 91.9 trillion won, swinging from a 3.9 trillion won outflow in December. MMFs, which allow fast withdrawals, attracted 33.0 trillion won, reversing a 19.7 trillion won outflow the previous month. Stock-type funds saw inflows surge to 37.0 trillion won from 10.0 trillion won in December, while bond-type funds returned to net inflows with a 4.2 trillion won increase after a 6.8 trillion won outflow. Market participants said MMFs are increasingly being used as temporary “parking lots” for stock-bound cash, as investors wait for favorable entry points in a fast-moving market. The shift away from deposits and bonds coincided with a sharp rise in market yields, reflecting falling bond prices. The three-year government bond yield climbed from 2.95 percent at end-December to 3.22 percent as of Feb. 10, up 27 basis points, while the 10-year yield rose 29 basis points from 3.39 percent to 3.68 percent. The stock market has been on a near nonstop record-setting rally since yearend. The benchmark KOSPI has gained 27 percent from end-December, while the KOSDAQ is up 21 percent. Investor funds held at securities firms rose by 18.2 trillion won in January, following a 9.9 trillion won increase in December, reinforcing signs of expanding retail participation in the rally. The central bank said government bond yields rose sharply amid shifting monetary policy expectations and concerns over fiscal expansion, compounded by the migration of funds into equities. Meanwhile, bank household loans fell by 1 trillion won in January, following a 2 trillion won decline in December. 2026-02-11 15:13:51

‘Life of Pi’ Adds Feb. 16 Show After Last-Minute Cancellation Over Lighting Issue The producers of the play “Life of Pi,” which was canceled five minutes before curtain due to a lighting technical problem, said they will stage an additional performance on Feb. 16. According to the theater industry on Tuesday, the show scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday at the GS Arts Center in Seoul was called off shortly before it was to begin. Park Jung Min, Hwang Man Ik, Joo A and Jin Sang Hyun were set to appear. Some audience members reportedly protested after the late notice. The production company said a sudden technical issue affected some lighting equipment. It said it attempted repairs but concluded the performance could not proceed. “The lighting equipment did not operate, and we decided to cancel with safety in mind,” it said. The company said inspections through Tuesday morning resolved the issue and future performances will go ahead as planned. It said an added show will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 with the same cast for ticket holders who missed Monday’s performance. It said those ticket holders can attend in the same seats and will receive a refund equal to 10% of the ticket price. The planned event will also proceed, allowing photo and video recording during the curtain call. Those who do not want to attend the added performance can receive a refund equal to 110% of the ticket price, the company said, apologizing for the disappointment and inconvenience. It said it will more closely review production operations and work to deliver a higher-quality performance.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-11 15:12:00

South Korea, Netherlands hold inaugural 2+2 ministerial meeting in Seoul SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - South Korea and the Netherlands held a meeting attended by high-ranking foreign and trade officials from both countries in Seoul on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with their Dutch counterparts David van Weel and Aukje de Vries for the inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Pointing to a shift in the geopolitical environment with the spread of protectionism, they discussed ways to deepen cooperation across a wide range of areas, including emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals. They also adopted a joint statement pledging to strengthen strategic cooperation. The next meeting will be held in two years in The Hague. 2026-02-11 15:02:51

Busy hands racing the holiday clock SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) -Busy hands race against time as South Korea’s delivery network shifts into peak mode ahead of the Lunar New Year. As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches (Feb. 14–18, including the weekend), sorting centers across the country grow increasingly crowded. The season is one of the busiest of the year, as Koreans exchange gifts and packages as tokens of good wishes. The Korea Postal Service has entered an emergency response system for the holiday period, designating the days through Feb. 20 as a special “Seollal mail communication period.” During this time, it expects to handle about 12.32 million parcels nationwide, reflecting a sharp surge in shipping demand. 2026-02-11 14:18:22