National Museum’s MU:DS to Expand Globally With New BTS Collaboration The National Museum’s merchandise brand MU:DS, which drew attention last year with an “open-run” rush for limited items, is preparing to push further into global markets on the back of a new collaboration with BTS. Attention is also on whether MU:DS can produce another hit following the popularity of its “magpie-and-tiger” badge. A “BTS MU:DS” line is currently in development, though details such as designs and a specific release date have not been disclosed. Industry watchers expect the products to be released around the timing of BTS’ comeback. The partnership is also expected to accelerate MU:DS’ overseas expansion. BTS are set to hold a festival blending tradition and modern culture on the 21st at Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The performance is scheduled to be livestreamed via Netflix to more than 190 countries and regions, a move seen as a major platform to publicize the group’s return. MU:DS’ approach of reinterpreting traditional cultural elements with a modern sensibility aligns with the stated intent of the Gwanghwamun event. With global fans awaiting a full-group comeback, some observers expect MU:DS to benefit from a so-called “BTSnomics” effect. MU:DS previously collaborated with BTS on a 2024 “Dalmajung” series, which drew attention at home and abroad with items inspired by national-treasure-level artifacts such as the pensive bodhisattva and a white porcelain moon jar. The brand’s wider recognition was also boosted after BTS leader RM disclosed that he owns a MU:DS miniature modeled on the National Treasure gilt-bronze pensive Maitreya bodhisattva, the article said. The latest collaboration is also viewed as a step toward a full-scale global rollout. The National Museum of Korea, the National Museum Foundation of Korea and HYBE signed a memorandum of understanding in October last year to cooperate on MU:DS’ overseas expansion and promotion using HYBE’s global distribution network. With BTS set to begin with the Gwanghwamun performance and continue through next year with “BTS World Tour Arirang” across 34 locations for a total of 82 shows, analysts say MU:DS could also raise its profile worldwide. At the signing, National Museum of Korea Director Yu Hong-jun said the partnership with HYBE would help “deliver the beauty of Korea’s cultural heritage to the world” by bringing tradition and modernity together and “further broaden the horizons of K-culture.” HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk responded that the company would “do its best to share our cultural pride with the world, with all of HYBE’s infrastructure and sincerity.” MU:DS posted record annual sales last year of 41.3 billion won. Riding the popularity of “K-pop Demon Hunters,” the magpie-and-tiger badge sold about 90,000 units over the year and generated 1.3 billion won in sales, with strong demand across the product lineup. MU:DS has also promoted the value of Korean cultural heritage overseas. MU:DS items sold out within a week during an overseas touring exhibition of donations from the late Lee Kun-hee held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington. During the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics, 19 popular MU:DS products — including the “pensive bodhisattva miniature Mind series,” the magpie-and-tiger badge and key rings — will be sold at Korea House in Italy. 2026-02-05 09:27:00

KAIST researchers create faster AI chip to speed up YouTube-style recommendations SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new AI chip called AutoGNN that makes digital recommendation systems significantly faster and more energy-efficient. The technology speeds up the way computers analyze complex connections, such as those used to suggest videos on YouTube or detect credit card fraud. Professor Jung Myoung-soo and his team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) School of Electrical Engineering solved a major technical problem that usually slows down artificial intelligence. Before an AI can make a recommendation, it has to organize a massive pile of messy data—a step called preprocessing. This preparation phase is so slow that it takes up nearly 90 percent of the total processing time, creating a digital bottleneck that even powerful Nvidia chips struggle to clear. The team created a semiconductor that acts like a shape-shifter. Unlike standard chips that have a fixed internal layout, AutoGNN changes its own internal circuitry in real time to match the specific shape of the data it is analyzing. It uses two specialized parts: one to pick out the right data and another to count and organize it instantly. In testing, this new technology was 2.1 times faster than high-end Nvidia graphics chips and 9 times faster than a standard computer processor. It also used 3.3 times less electricity, making it both faster and greener for large data centers. Because the chip adjusts itself automatically, it can handle different types of information without slowing down. This could lead to more accurate real-time results for social media apps, banking security systems, and even the development of new medicines. The research was presented on February 4 at the IEEE International Symposium on High-Performance Computer Architecture in Sydney, Australia. (Paper information) Journal: IEEE International Symposium on High-Performance Computer Architecture (HPCA 2026) Title: AutoGNN: End-to-End Hardware-Driven Graph Preprocessing for Enhanced GNN Performance DOI: https://bit.ly/4avvoRj 2026-02-05 09:24:54

K Car Holds 2025 Employee Awards, Highlighting Collaboration and Challenge K Car said Wednesday it held its “2025 Employee Awards” event a day earlier at the Paradise City hotel on Yeongjong Island in Incheon. The company said it honored employees who delivered standout results across business areas including sales, customer satisfaction and safety management, helping strengthen the organization’s competitiveness. Awards were also presented to teams and larger units, underscoring K Car’s emphasis on creating greater value through collaboration. The event included year-end and fourth-quarter awards. Categories included Proud K Car Person, Top Performance, Excellence in Safety and Health, Excellent CS Branch, Top Member and Top Leader, with prize money awarded alongside the honors. Lee Dong Min, who won the top vehicle purchasing award for the second straight year, said, “My know-how is to carefully inspect and purchase vehicles as if I were choosing my own car,” adding, “I feel very proud to be making a big contribution to the company’s performance.” Im Neung Seop, who received the top sales performance award, said he believed the recognition reflected his focus on trust with customers and doing his best in the field. CEO Jeong In Guk said he thanked employees for producing results despite a difficult business environment, and said K Car will continue to build a workplace where staff can take pride in their work and fully develop their capabilities while growing as a company that earns greater trust from customers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 09:21:00

Hyundai’s XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell trucks top 20 million kilometers in Europe Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday that its XCIENT Fuel Cell hydrogen-electric truck fleet in Europe has surpassed a cumulative 20 million kilometers (12.4 million miles) of driving. The XCIENT Fuel Cell began operating in Switzerland in October 2020 and has been developed in multiple specialized versions, including refrigerated and freezer vans, street sweepers, hook-lift container trucks and cranes. A total of 165 trucks are now running in five European countries: Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Austria. In Germany, hydrogen-industry companies, including a commercial hydrogen-vehicle leasing specialist, have purchased about 110 hydrogen fuel cell trucks and are using them for logistics such as deliveries for supermarket chains, Hyundai said. In France, the trucks are also used for supermarket logistics and are deployed in Paris, Lyon, Pays de la Loire and Burgundy for specialized uses including street sweepers, hook-lift trucks and crane trucks. In Switzerland, the Netherlands and Austria, the trucks are used in logistics for food, beverages and industrial textiles, the company said. Hyundai said the trucks emit no carbon dioxide while driving, helping cut emissions. Under guidelines from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the company said, operating hydrogen fuel cell trucks for 20 million kilometers would reduce carbon emissions by about 13,000 metric tons compared with diesel commercial trucks. Hyundai said that is equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed annually by about 1.5 million pine trees. Hyundai said it plans to analyze data gathered during the 20 million kilometers of operation — including driving distance, hydrogen consumption and fuel cell performance — and apply the findings to future hydrogen fuel cell technologies. A Hyundai official said the XCIENT Fuel Cell, which started in Switzerland, is contributing to emissions reductions with partners in various fields, adding that the company will keep working to expand the hydrogen ecosystem and strengthen the role of hydrogen commercial vehicles as an eco-friendly mobility solution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 09:12:00

NOL Universe launches official merchandise for 2027 Chungcheong Universiade NOL Universe said Wednesday it has launched 18 types of official merchandise for the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade, including hooded sweatshirts, caps and key rings. The release follows an October agreement with the Chungcheong Universiade Organizing Committee on an official merchandising rights project. Under the deal, NOL Universe is responsible for developing, producing and selling souvenirs using the event’s intellectual property, including its logo, emblem and mascot. The items are available through the Chungcheong Universiade category on NOL MD shop, the company’s sports merchandise platform. To mark the launch, NOL Universe is offering discounts of up to 50% on related products until further notice. Separately, the organizing committee will run an Instagram event through March 5, offering prizes to customers who post proof of purchase of the newly released goods. Baek Sae Mi, head of NOL Universe’s entertainment business, said the company has released sports merchandise with teams and associations to help fans and athletes unite. She said the 2027 Chungcheong Universiade goods will help support people worldwide in cheering on the student-athlete festival. The 2027 Chungcheong Universiade is an international sports festival for university students. It will be held Aug. 1-12 next year across four provinces and cities in the Chungcheong region: Daejeon, Sejong, North Chungcheong and South Chungcheong. About 15,000 student-athletes from about 150 countries are expected to compete in 18 sports. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 08:57:00

'A Man Living With the King' Tops South Korea Box Office With 117,792 on Opening Day The film 'A Man Living With the King' debuted at No. 1 at the box office on its opening day. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing network, the movie drew 117,792 admissions on its first day of release. Its cumulative total reached 147,547, putting it atop the overall box office. The film had held the top spot in advance ticket sales before release and moved straight to No. 1 upon opening. It also posted a 99% Egg Score shortly after release, continuing a run of positive audience response. Set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, the historical drama follows a village chief who volunteers to live in exile to revive his community and a young deposed king sent into exile. Jang Hang Jun directed, and Yoo Hae Jin and Park Ji Hoon star.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 08:54:00

South Korea striker Oh Hyeon-gyu joins Besiktas from Genk for 14 million euros South Korea national team striker Oh Hyeon-gyu has left Belgium’s Genk to join Turkey’s Besiktas. Besiktas announced the signing on its website on Feb. 5, Korea time. The club said the transfer fee was 14 million euros ($14 million), about 24.1 billion won. The deal runs through June 2029, a term of 3 1/2 years. Oh will wear No. 9, typically associated with a team’s starting center forward. Besiktas, based in Istanbul, are one of Turkey’s most successful clubs, with 16 Turkish Super Lig titles and 11 Turkish Cup trophies. This season, Besiktas are fifth in the 18-team league at 10-6-4 (36 points). Oh began his European career in January 2023, leaving Suwon Samsung in South Korea’s second-tier K League 2 to join Scottish powerhouse Celtic. Over a season and a half, he scored 12 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions and helped the club complete a domestic treble. He moved to Genk in the summer of 2024 and has 10 goals and three assists in 32 matches in all competitions this season, including the UEFA Europa League.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 08:48:00

Seochon March Spring Festival to Run March 12-31 at Credia Classic Club Studio The spring festival “2026 Seochon March” will open in March. Credia said Wednesday that Seochon March will run from March 12 to 31 at Credia Classic Club STUDIO under the theme “Seochon March.” The first movement, a live concert, will open with a chamber performance by eight principal players from the Dito Orchestra. It will be followed by the Kim Dae Ho Trio, performing improvised jazz rooted in the bebop tradition. This year’s lineup also includes a kids’ classical concert by Le Petit Ensemble, open to audiences from newborns, as well as stages by crossover artist Park Hyun Soo and pianist Park Jong Hae. The second movement, a lecture series titled “Seochon Pungnyu,” will begin with a talk by Jeon In Geon, director of the Kansong Art Museum, on flower-and-bird painting. It will also feature a lecture by Jeong Byeong Mo, head of the Korean Minhwa School, exploring minhwa through the character “Duffy” from the film “K-pop Demon Hunters,” and a humanities talk with classical columnist Yoo Yoon Jong on composer Gustav Mahler’s music and life, tied to Eulyoo Publishing’s “Masters of Modern Art” book series. The third movement, “Haegeum Seoga Talk Concert,” will be hosted by haegeum player and author Cheon Ji Yoon, with conversations featuring pansori master Ahn Yi Ho, Gyeonggi folk singer Lee Hee Moon and scientist Jeong Jae Seung. Credia Classic Club STUDIO, a small multiuse cultural space in Seochon, is about a five-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station. Organizers said the intimate venue allows close communication with performers and speakers. Tickets are available through NOL Ticket and the Club Balcony website. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 08:45:00

South Korean trade minister urges swift passage of US investment bill SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s trade minister Yeo Han-koo on Thursday urged swift passage of a special law to support investment in the United States, warning that delays in the National Assembly risk being misinterpreted in Washington as a lack of commitment. Speaking after returning from Washington, Yeo said progress on the bill has slowed, raising concerns that the United States could see this as reluctance by Seoul to carry out agreed tariff measures. During his visit, Yeo said he stressed that South Korea intends to implement the tariff agreement “faithfully and swiftly,” adding it would be undesirable for Seoul’s good-faith efforts to lead to higher tariffs. He called for closer coordination with lawmakers to speed passage while ensuring U.S. officials understand South Korea is working sincerely to meet its commitments. The situation must be managed carefully to prevent bilateral friction, he added. Yeo said he did not meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during the trip but held three rounds of talks with senior officials. He said he has spoken with Greer five times in recent weeks and plans further consultations. Asked whether Washington could withdraw or delay planned tariff increases, Yeo said U.S. decisions are hard to predict but stressed the need for continued consultations even after the law is passed to avoid misunderstandings. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Jan. 26 that tariffs on South Korean cars, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other goods could rise to 25 percent from 15 percent, citing slow legislative progress on the investment bill. Following Trump’s remarks, ruling and opposition parties agreed Tuesday to form a special parliamentary committee to speed passage of the legislation. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-05 08:40:41

Korean conglomerates vow nearly $200 bn over 5 years for regional growth SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) -South Korea’s major business conglomerates have pledged to invest about 300 trillion won ($186 billion) across non-capital regions over the next five years, responding to President Lee Jae Myung’s call for more inclusive growth and balanced regional development. “As our companies work hard and the economy gradually begins to recover, I hope the fruits of growth will be shared more broadly,” Lee said at a meeting with conglomerate chiefs at Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday. “Those benefits should spread evenly to small and medium-sized businesses, regional communities and the younger generation.” It was the first dinner hosted for conglomerates by the president. Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin said the nation’s top 10 conglomerates plan to invest 270 trillion won in regional cities and provinces over the next five years. Combined with other corporate investment plans, the total is expected to reach around 300 trillion won. According to the FKI, if fully implemented, the pledged investment could generate up to 525 trillion won in production and 221 trillion won in added value. The move reflects growing concern over widening economic polarization. While large exporters have posted record earnings, many small and medium-sized firms continue to struggle amid weak domestic demand. Government data showed that the manufacturing production index for large companies rose 3.0 percent last year to a record 118.8, while that of small firms fell 3.3 percent to 98.3, the lowest level on record. Advanced industries such as semiconductors and batteries remain concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, accelerating youth outflows and deepening regional disparities. “The economy is like an ecosystem,” the president said. “Just as grass, grasshoppers and rabbits are needed for tigers to thrive, smaller firms, regional communities and young people must also prosper.” Major investment projects will focus on semiconductor facilities, battery research and production, carbon-neutral infrastructure and renewable energy. Samsung Electronics has pledged to newly hire 60,000 workers domestically and invest 450 trillion won over five years, including in R&D and facilities. The company plans to expand hiring in semiconductors, biotechnology and artificial intelligence. SK hynix will invest 19 trillion won in an advanced packaging plant in Cheongju, with total employment effects expected to exceed 10,000 jobs. It is also preparing to launch its M15X plant for next-generation memory production. Hyundai Motor Group has announced a 125.2 trillion won domestic investment plan for 2026–2030, including hydrogen infrastructure and electric vehicle facilities in Ulsan and the southwest region. LG Group plans to invest 100 trillion won domestically over five years, with LG Innotek expanding operations in Gwangju and Gumi. POSCO Group will invest about 5 trillion won this year in steel, battery materials and LNG projects, including hydrogen-based steelmaking facilities. Other groups, including Hanwha Aerospace and GS Group, are expanding investments in defense, wind power, LNG and small modular reactors. Lee said the government plans to foster five major regional hubs and three special self-governing provinces, urging companies to align their investment strategies with national development plans. “The government will create new centers of growth in regions and invest intensively,” he said. “I hope companies will move in step with these efforts.” He added that special legislation will be introduced to support renewable energy clusters and energy cities, while giving greater weight to non-capital regions in fiscal allocations. Advances in transportation and digital infrastructure have narrowed the gap between Seoul and regional areas, making regional investment increasingly attractive, Lee said. During the meeting, conglomerates also shared plans to hire a combined 51,600 workers this year, including 12,000 at Samsung and 8,500 at SK, presidential spokesperson Lee Kyu-yeon said. Samsung and SK hynix both posted record operating profits last year, driven by surging demand for artificial intelligence chips. 2026-02-05 08:02:45