AI rally, election boost lift Asian stocks led by Japan SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - Asian stocks extended gains Tuesday, led by Japan, as investor sentiment improved on a powerful mix of artificial intelligence enthusiasm and political clarity following a landslide election victory for the country’s ruling camp. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed more than 2 percent as uncertainty eased after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decisive win strengthened confidence in her “Strong Japan” economic agenda. Heavyweight technology and semiconductor stocks, including SoftBank Group and Tokyo Electron, drove the advance. South Korean shares also opened higher, tracking overnight gains in U.S. AI-related stocks. A rally in artificial intelligence names on Wall Street lifted local chipmakers and tech shares, with SK hynix rising more than 1 percent in early trade. Sentiment was further supported by news of a meeting between SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Shares linked to Hyundai Motor Group gained after its robotics unit, Boston Dynamics, released a demonstration video of its humanoid robot “Atlas,” fueling expectations for production innovation and long-term growth in robotics. Hyundai Motor rose 1.57 percent to 485,000 won, while Hyundai AutoEver jumped 6.71 percent. Hyundai Glovis and Hyundai Mobis gained 0.82 percent and 0.23 percent, respectively. The benchmark KOSPI added 0.42 percent to 5,320.52, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ slipped 0.90 percent to 1,117.58 as of 11:10 a.m. in Seoul. Investor flows were mixed. Individual investors sold a net 561.4 billion won ($385 million), while foreign and institutional investors bought a net 2.87 trillion won and 2.33 trillion won, respectively. The won consolidated on broad dollar weakness, with the greenback trading 2.20 won lower at 1,457.30. Among blue chips, Samsung Electronics edged up 0.03 percent to 166,450 won, while LG Energy Solution fell 1.39 percent to 389,000 won. Financial and biotech shares outperformed. Samsung Life Insurance gained 2.59 percent to 198,000 won, and Samsung Biologics rose 0.35 percent to 1.7 million won. Defense and aerospace stocks underperformed, with Hanwha Aerospace sliding 6.04 percent to 1,121,000 won. Shipbuilders also came under pressure. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fell 2.41 percent to 527,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean declined 1.58 percent to 131,100 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.88 percent to 27,263.95, and China’s Shanghai Composite edged up 0.04 percent to 4,124.66 in morning trade. 2026-02-10 11:33:46

Japanese PM says she hopes to visit South Korea again in reply to Lee SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi thanked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for his congratulatory message following her party's landslide victory in a snap election over the weekend. In a reply to Lee's message on X, formerly Twitter, late Monday night, Takaichi wrote, "I sincerely thank for his warm congratulations." She said Japan and South Korea as neighboring countries must cooperate as partners on various challenges facing the international community. "As affirmed during Lee's visit to Nara last month, we share a common understanding of the strategic importance of the bilateral relationship." Takaichi then said the two countries should develop their relationship "in a forward-looking and stable manner," and added she looks forward to visiting South Korea again as part of shuttle diplomacy. Meanwhile, the island country's first female prime minister had called the election just four months after becoming party leader in a bid to further consolidate her power. In last Sunday's election, the ruling LDP-led coalition secured 316 of the Diet's 465 seats, up 128 from its previous 198, surpassing the two-thirds threshold of 310 needed to propose constitutional amendments. This is the first time since its founding in 1955 that the LDP has broken its own record for the most seats in Japan's House of Representatives. 2026-02-10 11:23:36

Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop long-range air-to-air missile SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - South Korean defense firms Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said on Monday they will jointly develop a long-range air-to-air missile and cooperate on overseas marketing to expand exports of South Korean aircraft and air-launched weapons systems. Under a memorandum of understanding they signed a day earlier at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, they will cooperate on integrating air-launched weapons into South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet and FA-50 light combat aircraft. Hanwha Aerospace said it is conducting preliminary research with the agency on next-generation air weapons, including long-range air-to-air missiles powered by solid-ramjet engines, as well as supersonic air-to-surface and air-to-ship missiles. Demand for comprehensive defense packages has been rising as overseas customers increasingly seek integrated solutions covering aircraft platforms, weapons systems and operational support, KAI Chief Executive Cha Jae-byung said. “Korean defense products are gaining credibility, and customers are asking for packages that include not only aircraft but entire operational systems,” Cha said in a press release, adding domestic defense firms would work together to expand exports through joint marketing. Hanwha Aerospace Chief Executive Son Jae-il said combining Hanwha’s missile development experience across air-to-air, air-to-surface and surface-to-air systems with KAI’s aircraft integration capabilities would support the development of indigenous air-launched weapons. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-10 11:11:21

Black Eagles paint Riyadh sky with dazzling aerobatics in debut performance SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - South Korea's aerobatics team wowed spectators with impressive maneuvers at an air show in Saudi Arabia on Monday. It was the Black Eagles' first appearance at the show, which was part of the International Defense Industry Exhibition in the Middle Eastern country. After the Saudi Falcons’ performance, the Black Eagles took off with eight aircraft, forming star- and diamond-shaped patterns before moving into their other signature maneuvers, leaving colored smoke trails across Riyadh's sky. To the beat of traditional folk tune "Arirang" and "Golden" from Netflix's hit animated film "Kpop Demon Hunters," the team performed a series of routines including 360-degree turns. The highlight was its "Mugunghwa" maneuver, inspired by the country's national flower, the rose of Sharon, which symbolizes the country's perseverance and resilience. For the 30-minute show, spectators including South Korean expatriates packed areas around the runway to watch the dramatic maneuvers, cheering loudly and waving flags. In one breathtaking sequence, four aircraft approached at high speed in pairs from opposite directions, then narrowly crossed paths mid-air. Despite Riyadh's dry, high-altitude environment that reduces engine thrust and acceleration, the Black Eagles climbed to 8,000 feet (about 2,438 meters) and maintained top speed. Yoon Jong-geun, a South Korean expat in Saudi Arabia, said the team showed "another level of skill," compared with those he had watched earlier. "Just watching the Black Eagles fly over Saudi skies is a thrilling moment," he added. 2026-02-10 10:35:43

Pitcher Erick Fedde Agrees to One-Year Deal to Return to Chicago White Sox Former KBO MVP pitcher Erick Fedde is set to return to the Chicago White Sox.  MLB.com, citing sources, reported on Monday that the White Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with the right-hander. The team has not announced the deal, but only a physical remains, the report said.  Fedde starred for the NC Dinos in 2023, going 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts to win the regular-season MVP and the pitching Golden Glove.  He returned to the majors in 2024 after signing a two-year, $15 million deal with the White Sox. He made 31 appearances that season and went 9-9 with a 3.30 ERA.  Last year, he struggled after stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, going 4-12 with a 5.76 ERA in 32 games. After moving to the bullpen in Milwaukee, he rebounded with a 3.38 ERA over seven outings, pitching 16 innings.  MLB.com said Fedde’s sweeper and changeup remain effective, noting opponents are hitting just .191 against his sweeper.  2026-02-10 10:18:00

Korean firms post strong sales growth in North America despite US tariffs SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - Major South Korean companies recorded double-digit growth in North American sales last year despite higher U.S. tariffs, with technology and power equipment firms leading gains, according to corporate data released on Monday. North American revenue at 67 South Korean companies that separately disclose sales results in the region, along with 194 subsidiaries, reached 343.8 trillion won as of the third quarter of last year, up 14.1 percent from 301.2 trillion won a year earlier, according to corporate tracker Leaders Index. The increase outpaced overall revenue growth of 8 percent over the same period, with total sales rising to 1,110.5 trillion won. As a result, North America’s share of total revenue climbed to 31 percent from 29.3 percent a year earlier. Technology and electronics companies recorded the strongest expansion, with North American sales rising 20.7 percent to 157.9 trillion won. Memory chipmaker SK hynix posted a 65.5 percent jump in regional sales to 45.2 trillion won, lifting North America’s share of its total revenue to more than 70 percent. Samsung Electronics reported a 10.2 percent increase in North American sales to 93.3 trillion won, while LG Electronics recorded a slight 0.3 percent decline to 16.9 trillion won. Power equipment makers also benefited from rising electricity demand linked to artificial intelligence data centers and grid expansion. Hyosung Heavy Industries and LS Electric posted North American sales growth of 52.9 percent and 84.8 percent, respectively. In contrast, growth was muted in the automotive sector, where tariffs have weighed on trade flows. Combined North American sales rose marginally to 126.6 trillion won from 126.3 trillion won, while the region’s share of total auto revenue fell to 39.3 percent from 43.6 percent. Hyundai Motor’s North American sales increased to 62.2 trillion won from 57.4 trillion won, while Kia’s rose to 38.2 trillion won from 35.6 trillion won. The battery sector saw declining sales in the region. Samsung SDI’s North American revenue dropped more than 40 percent to 2.46 trillion won, while POSCO Future M recorded a 27.6 percent decline to 782.3 billion won. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-10 10:01:56

Innocean Highlights Purpose-Driven Travel Spots Featured in Global Ad Shoots Innocean said Tuesday it is recommending “purpose-driven travel” as a key trend ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday and is sharing global destinations it encountered while filming advertising campaigns. According to Innocean’s Data Insight Team, travel is shifting away from simply checking off famous attractions toward experience-based trips that reflect personal tastes and values. The team said travelers are increasingly looking for “great moments” that inspire them, rather than trips focused only on rest or escape. Innocean organized major destinations used in its global campaigns by travel purpose and introduced several locations chosen by advertising professionals. For travelers who want to experience local atmosphere and everyday life beyond major tourist sites, Innocean pointed to Bari and Matera in southern Italy, as well as Cheongnamdae in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Bari, a port city, and Matera, known for its cave dwellings, were filming locations for Trip.com’s “Trip Wherever, Worry-Free” campaign. Innocean said the settings preserve local daily life rather than showcasing flashy attractions, and the campaign emphasized that “the essence of travel is ultimately the experience between people.” Cheongnamdae, a key location for the Genesis GV70 “Luxe in Every Touch” campaign, was once a major national facility but has since been reborn as a space shaped by nature and time, Innocean said. Instead of man-made landmarks, forests and scenery formed over the years create its distinctive mood, and Genesis used the site to present a new meaning of luxury as “depth created by time.” For travelers seeking to sharpen their senses in nature, Innocean named Tromso, Norway. Located in the Arctic Circle, Tromso offers views of the aurora amid long darkness and severe cold, creating striking contrasts of light, it said. Innocean said its Genesis GV60 “Take Your Wonder Further” campaign filmed there conveyed that extreme conditions can produce powerful emotion. For those looking for a new experience created by contrasting elements, Innocean recommended Hyundai Motor Group’s Singapore Global Innovation Center, known as HMGICS, and Na Oh, a restaurant inside the center created in collaboration with Michelin three-star chef Corey Lee. Innocean described HMGICS as a space where an auto production facility, a large farm and a restaurant coexist, blending robotics and nature, industry and dining. It said the process of ingredients grown by robots becoming dishes shows a new lifestyle shaped by evolving technology. An Innocean official said the company often found greater inspiration at filming locations while searching for sites for ad production. The official encouraged people to visit the destinations introduced and “make 2026 even more diverse.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 09:54:00

Hanwha Aerospace, KAI to jointly develop weapons for South Korean aircraft Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries, known as KAI, said they will work together to develop a domestically produced long-range air-to-air missile for installation on South Korean aircraft. The companies also plan joint marketing to expand exports of South Korean aircraft and air-launched weapons. Hanwha Aerospace said Tuesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with KAI on Monday (local time) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the third World Defense Show. The agreement covers cooperation on aircraft-weapons business projects. Under the MOU, the companies will cooperate on systems integration of air-launched weapons for the KF-21 and FA-50 fighter platforms and pursue joint marketing aimed at exporting aircraft and aircraft weapons. They said they plan to carry out aircraft-weapons development projects led by the Agency for Defense Development to secure technology at a global top-tier level. Hanwha Aerospace said it is conducting preliminary research, overseen by the Agency for Defense Development, on advanced weapons including long-range air-to-air missiles and supersonic air-to-ground and air-to-ship missiles based on ducted solid-ramjet engines. KAI CEO Cha Jae Byung said that as confidence in South Korea’s defense technology has grown, overseas customers have recently been asking for Korean-made packages covering not only aircraft platforms but also broader operating systems. He said domestic defense companies will join forces through joint marketing to expand exports. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae Il said he is confident the company can meet its goals for developing domestically produced aircraft weapons by combining Hanwha’s experience in missile development — including air-to-air, air-to-ground and surface-to-air programs — with KAI’s capabilities in fighter integration.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 09:45:00

LG Display accelerates shift to OLED with sale of LCD business in Nanjing, China SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - LG Display said on Monday it will sell its automotive liquid crystal display (LCD) module business in Nanjing, China, as the company accelerates its transition toward higher-margin organic light-emitting diode (OLED) segment. In a regulatory filing, the company said it signed a contract to sell the business to the Nanjing unit of Toprun Total Solution for 491.5 million yuan ($68 million), with the transaction scheduled to close on July 30. LG Display’s Nanjing subsidiary currently operates both IT and automotive LCD module operations, but only the automotive LCD business will be carved out and transferred under the agreement. Following the sale, automotive LCD module production will shift from in-house manufacturing to outsourced operations to improve efficiency and reduce fixed costs. The move forms part of LG Display’s broader restructuring aimed at strengthening a business portfolio centered on OLED displays, which command higher margins and are increasingly used in premium televisions, mobile devices and automotive applications. The company said streamlining LCD operations would allow more flexible production aligned with customer demand and market conditions while easing cost pressures and improving competitiveness. LG Display has been steadily exiting or downsizing LCD operations as it pivots to OLED. Last April, the company completed the sale of its Guangzhou LCD plant in China. An LG Display official described the latest transfer as a strategic move to concentrate resources on high value-added technologies. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-10 09:42:25

Seoul 2027 World Youth Day revamps official website with six-language support The organizing committee for Seoul 2027 World Youth Day said Monday it has fully revamped the event’s official website to support six official languages: Korean, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian. The update focused on improving accessibility and readability so young people and other stakeholders worldwide can find information more easily and consistently. The committee said the expanded language support strengthens the event’s standing as a global gathering. The website also applies newly updated brand guidelines across its pages, reflecting standards for the logo, color system and typography to deliver a unified design and message on every screen. The committee said it has recently refined the “Seoul 2027 World Youth Day Brand Guide” and is using it as an internal standard across official promotional channels. The guide is shared internally with those directly involved in operations and promotion, including the committee, dioceses and volunteers, and is not released publicly. Instead, the committee said it selectively provides only necessary logo files through the official website to prevent indiscriminate use and maintain a consistent visual identity across promotional materials. Choi Sang Hun, a priest in the organizing committee’s communications department, said the website revamp and brand-guide update are “the starting point for change” to take promotion of Seoul 2027 World Youth Day to the next level. “Based on an enhanced brand identity, we will deliver a consistent message to young people around the world and further strengthen international communication,” he said. The official website will continue to update news, key schedules and materials, the committee said, serving as a channel for communication with young people worldwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-10 09:33:00