SK hynix expands AI memory portfolio beyond HBM with LPDDR6 breakthrough SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - SK hynix said Tuesday it has developed the world’s first 16-gigabit LPDDR6 DRAM built on its sixth-generation 10-nanometer-class (1c) process, positioning the chipmaker to capture the next wave of artificial-intelligence demand spilling over from data centers to smartphones and mobile front. The new mobile memory, designed for devices running on-device AI, improves data processing speed by 33 percent and boosts power efficiency by more than 20 percent compared with the current LPDDR5X generation. With a base operating speed exceeding 10.7 gigabits per second, the chip surpasses the maximum performance of existing mobile DRAM products, the company said. The LPDDR6 chip incorporates Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) and a sub-channel architecture that activates only necessary data paths, enabling devices to maximize bandwidth during heavy workloads while lowering voltage and power consumption during routine tasks. SK hynix plans to complete preparations for mass production in the first half of the year and begin supplying global smartphone and tablet makers in the second half. The development underscores how aggressively SK hynix is leaning into the AI memory boom that has reshaped the semiconductor industry over the past two years. The company has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure build-out, particularly through its dominance in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators supplied to companies such as Nvidia. Demand for AI servers has tightened the supply of advanced memory, driving prices sharply higher across the industry. Server-grade DRAM prices are expected to rise as much as 60 to 70 percent this year compared with late 2025, according to industry estimates, as hyperscale cloud providers including Microsoft and Google rush to secure memory supplies for expanding AI data centers. The surge in AI-related demand has also spilled over into conventional DRAM markets. Even as chipmakers prioritize production of HBM for AI servers, tighter supply of standard DRAM is pushing up prices for memory used in PCs, smartphones and other consumer electronics. Against that backdrop, SK hynix is broadening its portfolio beyond data-center memory to include mobile chips optimized for AI workloads running directly on devices. Industry analysts say the shift toward on-device AI, where smartphones process AI tasks locally rather than through remote servers, is creating a new growth engine for mobile memory with higher bandwidth and better power efficiency. The LPDDR6 chip is designed to support faster response times and longer battery life in AI-enabled smartphones and tablets, enabling complex tasks such as real-time language processing and image recognition without relying heavily on cloud computing. By moving early into LPDDR6 while maintaining leadership in HBM, SK hynix is positioning itself at both ends of the AI memory spectrum — from hyperscale data centers to next-generation mobile devices — as the industry pivots toward AI-driven computing. 2026-03-11 14:59:43

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea Launches Task Force to Boost KOSDAQ Research and IR Support IBK Industrial Bank of Korea said Tuesday it has formed an "IBK KOSDAQ Activation Task Force" to reduce information gaps in the KOSDAQ market and support growth for small and venture companies. The task force will target KOSDAQ-listed companies and firms preparing initial public offerings, aiming to improve investors' access to information and broaden companies' funding options. IBK plans to hold two joint investor relations events with the IBK Financial Group in May and December for KOSDAQ-listed companies to expand communication between companies and investors. It will also survey difficulties such as attracting investment and promoting companies among about 1,600 KOSDAQ-listed firms that do business with the bank, and publish a policy report on steps to revitalize the market. IBK Investment & Securities, which recently opened a KOSDAQ research center, will work with the bank to expand its analysis reports on KOSDAQ-listed companies to 350 by the end of this year. The bank said the planned coverage would be among the largest by a domestic securities firm and is intended to help close information gaps in the KOSDAQ market, where investor information is relatively limited. IBK CEO Jang Min-young said the bank will "ease the shortage of investment information in the KOSDAQ market" and strengthen links between companies and investors to build a healthy investment ecosystem centered on small and venture companies. He added that, as a policy finance institution, IBK will continue providing support to help invigorate the KOSDAQ market. 2026-03-11 14:45:00

BTS Comeback D-10: Heritage souvenirs await fans at Gwanghwamun SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) — It is no surprise that BTS is weaving Korean history into its latest project: the group’s comeback album is titled “Arirang,” and its return performance will be staged at Gwanghwamun, the historic gateway to Seoul. For fans traveling from around the world, the group is also ensuring the souvenirs tied to the event reflect the cultural legacy of the Gwanghwamun setting. Ahead of next week’s comeback, BTS’ agency is preparing a special pop-up event in Seoul featuring items inspired by the Bell of King Seongdeok, one of Korea’s most celebrated historical artifacts. The merchandise collection draws on decorative motifs from the ancient bronze bell and reinterprets them in contemporary fashion items, creating a meeting point between centuries-old Korean craftsmanship and the global reach of K-pop. The event, titled “BTS POP-UP: ARIRANG,” will run from March 20 to April 12 at two locations — the Heritage building of Shinsegae Department Store in Jung-gu and HYBE headquarters in Yongsan. The pop-up will open at 1 p.m. on March 20, with regular hours from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and until 8:30 p.m. on weekends, organizers said. Fans visiting the spaces will find items such as shoulder bags, card holders, hairpins, clips and layered skirts, all incorporating patterns derived from the historic bell. Created in 771 during the Unified Silla period, the Bell of King Seongdeok stands more than three meters tall and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of ancient Korean bronze casting. Its intricate lotus and cloud motifs remain symbols of traditional craftsmanship. By translating those designs into contemporary merchandise, the project aims to introduce elements of Korean cultural heritage to BTS’ global fan base. The pop-up will also feature official merchandise connected to the album, including hoodies, ball caps, T-shirts and the group’s signature light stick. Official goods will first be available through an online presale on Weverse Shop beginning Thursday at 11 a.m., followed by general online sales starting March 20 at 2 p.m. Sales will take place both at the pop-up locations and online. The project builds on BTS’ earlier partnership with the National Museum Foundation of Korea, known as the “Dalmajung” cultural series, which brought the group’s branding together with traditional Korean artifacts. Products in that series were released under MU:DS, a cultural goods brand created by the foundation. The name combines “museum” and “goods,” referring to items inspired by artifacts held in Korean museum collections. Interest in museum-inspired merchandise surged after BTS member RM, known for his interest in art and history, shared a miniature Pensive Bodhisattva statue on social media, drawing attention to cultural goods based on Korean heritage. The category has since grown rapidly. MU:DS recorded 413 billion won ($309 million) in sales in 2025, nearly doubling from 212 billion won in 2024. Earlier Dalmajung releases drew inspiration from national treasures including the Pensive Bodhisattva statue, Goryeo celadon and Joseon white porcelain, incorporating traditional motifs into modern accessories and lifestyle goods. Some pieces quickly became collectibles. According to fans and online store listings, a gold ring inspired by traditional patterns sold out on Weverse Shop on the day of its release, while several other accessories soon became difficult to obtain. Kim Eun-seo, a Seoul-based office worker who visited the National Museum of Korea during the Dalmajung launch in October 2024, recalled the crowds. “There were so many people at the museum that day,” Kim said. “Many visitors came to see the collaboration items, and popular products like the ring and key chains sold out quickly.” She said the appeal lay in how traditional aesthetics were subtly incorporated into modern designs. “The patterns weren’t overly bold,” Kim said. “They blended traditional motifs naturally, so the designs felt both modern and rooted in Korean culture.” Partnerships between cultural institutions and K-pop artists are increasingly being used to introduce Korean heritage to younger audiences and international visitors. The National Museum of Korea recently partnered with BLACKPINK, illuminating the museum’s exterior in pink to coincide with the group’s album release. The event also included a listening zone inside the museum where visitors could hear tracks from the album along with multilingual audio guides recorded by the members introducing several artifacts in the museum’s collection. The National Museum of Korea attracts more than five million visitors annually, ranking among the world’s most visited museums. Yet foreign visitors still account for only about 1.7 percent of attendance. For many institutions, K-pop provides a powerful gateway to global audiences. Countdown to Gwanghwamun BTS will release its 14-track album “Arirang” on March 20, marking the group’s first full-group comeback in three years. The album has already generated strong global interest, surpassing four million presaves on Spotify and topping the platform’s Countdown Charts Global for seven consecutive weeks. The group is also scheduled to hold a free comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 21 — an event expected to draw more than 26,000 fans and turn the historic downtown district into a global K-pop stage. Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun said such projects show how K-pop can amplify Korea’s cultural identity internationally. “We are moving from the era of K-content to the era of K-culture,” Jung said. “When globally recognized K-pop artists engage with institutions like the National Museum of Korea, it becomes a powerful way to introduce Korean culture to international audiences.” 2026-03-11 14:42:49

Daseok Society to Hold Spring Symposium on Korean Language Philosophy in Seoul The Daseok Society will hold a spring symposium March 13 to mark the 136th birthday anniversary of Daseok Ryu Yeong-mo (1890-1981). The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at a second-floor classroom of the Seoul YMCA in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Held under the theme, “Our writing and our language are fitting,” the meeting is intended to highlight Ryu’s thought and philosophy of language and to revisit the meaning of the Korean language and script. The society said it is worth reflecting on “the reality that today’s society mixes foreign words and Sino-Korean terms indiscriminately and is gradually forgetting the original meaning of our language.” It added that the gathering will be a chance to reconsider “the meaning of language and life” through the Korean-language philosophy Ryu emphasized. Two presentations are planned. Choi Han-sil will speak on “Ttangbyeol Mokseumsallim Modumsallim,” explaining key concepts in Ryu’s thought. Kim Jong-gil will follow with “God Who Exists Without Being, and Neuli Rolling as a Flow,” outlining Ryu’s distinctive views of God and the universe. Ryu, regarded as a leading Korean thinker and religious philosopher, is known for exploring fundamental questions about humanity, life and the universe using native Korean terms such as “eol,” “haneunim” and “oneulsari.” The symposium is open to anyone interested in Ryu’s thought and Korean-language philosophy. Inquiries can be directed to the Daseok Society. 2026-03-11 14:39:17

‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Song ‘Golden’ to Be Performed at 98th Oscars Netflix hit film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ will bring its theme song, ‘Golden,’ to the Academy Awards stage. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on its official website on March 10 (local time) that EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — who provide the vocals for the film’s girl group, Huntrix — will perform ‘Golden’ at the 98th Academy Awards. The performance will open with a fusion segment combining Korean traditional instruments and dance. The academy said it will highlight the folk elements and cultural inspiration behind the film before the three Huntrix vocalists continue with ‘Golden.’ Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan called the film “a movie that sparked a global pop-culture craze.” On its official X account, the academy also posted: “Huntrix fans, light up your light sticks,” building anticipation for the stage. ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ is nominated this year for best animated feature and best original song. After winning at the Golden Globe Awards in January and the Grammys last month, attention is also on its Oscar chances. The 98th Academy Awards will be held March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 13:51:18

Op Ed: Remembering humility on St. Patrick's Day In a world as fast-moving and unpredictable as the one we are navigating currently, it is nice to know there are some certainties upon which we can depend. One of those is St. Patrick’s Day. Every 17 March, this is an occasion that Irish people, and people of Irish heritage, celebrate all over our world, including here in South Korea. For our small island, from which so many people emigrated throughout our history, this really is a global celebration of history, culture, connections and shared values. Ireland does not take this for granted, ever. We are fortunate to have a national day that is enjoyed internationally and gives us an opportunity to share our story. But we know too that stories have greatest impact when they touch on universal themes, and when the arc of the narrative is ultimately hopeful. For Ireland, we believe all of this holds true. Ireland may be prosperous today, but this was not always the case. We understand the challenges of countries experiencing hunger and poverty because this resonates with our history. And although we have been independent more than 100 years, it is only in the last 50 years that our economy has grown exponentially and our society has become more tolerant, more equal and more inclusive. It is these values, together with our commitment to human rights, international law and multilateralism, that we will champion if we are successful in our bid for membership of the UN’s Human Rights Council from 2027 to 2029. 2026 is a huge year for Ireland too. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for just the eighth time in our history. Previous Irish Presidencies have overseen significant moments in the EU’s history, including German reunification, and expansion of members in 2004. Ireland will take on this important role at a time when global challenges have rarely looked so formidable. Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, continues to inflict untold misery on the brave men and women there. We need to see a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. Russia’s brutal war is a challenge to European security and is global in its impacts. We welcome the efforts of the United States to end Russia’s war of aggression and we will support these efforts through our membership of the Coalition of the Willing. As regards the current conflict in Iran, the Gulf and the Middle East, Ireland’s longstanding position is one of support for international law and the United Nations. Our priority now is to see urgent de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Elsewhere in the region, we welcome all good faith efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. We will continue to work for a durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians with the implementation of a two-State solution at its core. This also means that, in the West Bank, we must see an end to settlement expansion, rising settler violence and mass displacement. In Sudan, the scale and depravity of the horrors being inflicted on the civilian population should shock the conscience of us all. We must work to end this appalling conflict and ensure humanitarian access immediately. None of this is easy work. We know from our own history, in the words of poet WB Yeats, that “peace comes dropping slow”. We also know that even countries which want peace, such as militarily neutral Ireland, must ensure they are ready to face threats from those who don’t. This is why Ireland has embarked on the most significant capital investment in our Defense Forces in the history of our state. Our ambition is a safe and prosperous Ireland helping to shape a competitive and innovative Europe. We have always played an active role in shaping the European Union, just as Europe has so profoundly shaped Ireland. We will prioritize strengthening the Union’s competitiveness and deepening our EU single market during our Presidency this year. Korea and Ireland face many common challenges in 2026, highly open economies navigating global difficulties, and striving to send messages of peace amidst escalating conflict. We must continue to collaborate closely; economically and politically, to face these challenges together. At a time of so much turbulence, there is strength in Irish stability. This is Ireland in 2026 – a country with lots of challenges, domestically and internationally, but also one well-placed to lead a strong national and European response. An ambition worth toasting this St. Patrick’s Day! *The author is the Minister of State at Department of Transport of Ireland. 2026-03-11 13:42:05

“Cohabitation Blind Date” Final Couple Kim Jinju and Jang Mincheol Announce Wedding Plans Kim Jinju and Jang Mincheol, the final couple from the reality dating show “Cohabitation Blind Date,” have announced they are preparing to get married. SBS’ official YouTube channel on the 11th posted a video titled, “Cohabitation Blind Date final couple Jang Mincheol♥Kim Jinju announces marriage. Who will find love in the next cohabitation?!” In the video, the pair introduced themselves as the show’s “final couple” and a real-life couple, saying they have continued dating after filming and are now planning a wedding. Kim said she once wondered whether she would be able to marry, but that filming alongside the mothers helped the relationship progress naturally toward marriage. Kim’s mother said she saw a different side of her daughter during filming and came to feel she was old enough to get married. “Cohabitation Blind Date” is a reality dating program in which 10 single men and women who want to marry and 10 mothers who want their children to marry live together for five nights and six days, watching their children’s dating lives up close.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 13:39:16

Korea's HMM joins wave of force majeure as Iran war disrupts Strait of Hormuz SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) -South Korea’s flagship container carrier HMM has joined a wave of force majeure declarations sweeping global shipping as the Iran war disrupts maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical trade and energy chokepoints. The company told shippers Wednesday that maritime security near the strait had deteriorated sharply due to the outbreak of war, hostile acts and attacks on commercial vessels, forcing it to impose restrictions on cargo services to the Middle East and Red Sea region. HMM said it would immediately stop accepting new bookings for cargo loaded at, or bound for, ports in the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf), the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Even for cargo already booked, shipments that have not yet been loaded will not be transported under current conditions, the company said. For cargo already in transit to or from affected areas, HMM said it would exercise its rights under bill-of-lading terms. Containers may be rerouted or discharged at the nearest safe port depending on operational conditions. The company also announced a transport disruption fee of $1,000 per container to cover additional costs such as cargo handling, storage and route changes. An HMM official said the measures were unavoidable. “Security conditions on the route have deteriorated rapidly due to the Iran war,” the official said, adding that the steps were necessary to protect the safety of ships, crews and cargo. The move comes as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered one of the most severe disruptions to Gulf maritime trade in decades. The Strait of Hormuz, linking the Persian Gulf with global sea lanes, handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments and serves as a key artery for container trade between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Industry data shows vessel traffic through the waterway has dropped sharply since the conflict erupted on Feb. 28 as missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels forced carriers to suspend services or divert ships. Major shipping lines including Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd have halted bookings or invoked force majeure provisions on shipments to several Gulf destinations. Force majeure is a contractual clause that allows companies to suspend or delay obligations when extraordinary events such as war or attacks on infrastructure prevent them from fulfilling contracts. The disruption is spreading beyond container shipping into global energy and petrochemical supply chains. Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corp. (FPCC) has declared force majeure on shipments of petrochemical products such as ethylene and propylene after delays in feedstock supplies caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters. Energy producers across the Gulf have taken similar steps. QatarEnergy, Bapco Energies in Bahrain and Kuwait Petroleum Corp. have invoked force majeure or emergency measures as attacks and shipping disruptions affect exports. Analysts say the growing use of the clause highlights how quickly geopolitical shocks in the Middle East can ripple through global supply chains. The maritime crisis is also pushing up operating costs for shipping companies. Prices for very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) have climbed above $650 per metric ton, while marine gasoil has surged past $1,000, reflecting rising war-risk premiums and route diversions. According to shipping data provider Kpler, more than 140 container ships are currently sheltering inside the Persian Gulf, unable to safely transit the strait. The United States has moved to stabilize maritime insurance markets by launching a $20 billion reinsurance backstop to cover war-risk losses for vessels operating in the region after major insurers withdrew coverage. With shipping disruptions now spreading across container trade, energy markets and industrial supply chains, analysts warn the conflict could create prolonged bottlenecks in global logistics if the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable. 2026-03-11 13:19:04

T’way Air Says Top Shareholder Sono International Will Subscribe to Full Rights Offering Allocation T’way Air said its top shareholder, Sono International, will subscribe to 100% of the 26.85 million common shares allocated to it in the company’s rights offering for existing shareholders, which runs for two days from March 11-12. The airline said the decision reflects Sono International’s firm confidence in T’way Air’s mid- to long-term vision and future growth value. It added that, despite volatility in the domestic and global economic environment, the top shareholder’s full participation is intended to support shareholder value and responsible management. T’way Air said it will focus the funds raised on securing key future growth engines. Starting in the second half of this year, it plans to add A330-900NEO aircraft to strengthen fleet competitiveness. The carrier also said it will continue expanding long-haul routes, including to Europe, North America and Australia. The company said it will also invest in upgrading its flight safety systems and improving service quality, with the goal of building passenger infrastructure at a global level. The capital increase is expected to help improve T’way Air’s financial structure. A T’way Air official said, “Through this capital increase, we will strengthen T’way Air’s financial stability and lay the groundwork for a bigger leap to become a global airline.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 12:03:20

Jeju Air Opens 2026 Hiring for Entry-Level Office Jobs Jeju Air said Wednesday it is accepting applications for entry-level office positions for the first half of 2026. The airline plans to hire in six areas: information security, branch transportation, ramp operations, crew scheduling, flight crew administration and flight training administration. Applicants must apply through Jeju Air’s recruitment website and complete an online competency test. Candidates who advance will go through two rounds of interviews and a pre-employment medical exam before final selections are made. Applications are open to four-year college graduates and those expected to graduate in August, with submissions due by 5 p.m. March 19. Jobs will be based in Seoul or Incheon. Applicants must meet minimum scores on recognized English tests such as TOEIC or OPIc and must be eligible for overseas travel. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 11:40:14