KIST cracks long-elusive reaction mechanism in next-gen hydrogen fuel cells SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - South Korean researchers have unraveled a reaction mechanism at the heart of next-generation hydrogen fuel cells that had eluded scientists for years, a breakthrough that could accelerate the development of cleaner and cheaper energy systems. A team led by Ji Ho-il at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) devised a new analytical protocol that pinpointed for the first time how oxygen reduction reactions unfold inside the cathodes of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), the institute said on Wednesday. PCFCs operate at temperatures below 500 degrees Celsius, well under the threshold required by conventional solid oxide fuel cells, which translates into lower manufacturing costs and significantly longer lifespans. The technology has drawn growing attention as a pillar of the global shift toward hydrogen-based energy, yet progress has been hampered by the sheer complexity of the electrochemical reactions occurring at the cathode, where oxygen, electrons and protons collide simultaneously. Previous studies relied on researchers selecting one assumed reaction pathway from hundreds of possibilities — a method prone to decisive bias. Ji's team upended that convention by developing a protocol that identifies the rate-determining step through precision experiments first, then traces the reaction pathway backward without any prior assumptions. When the protocol was applied to two widely studied cathode materials — PBSCF and BCFZY — the team confirmed for the first time that the two materials follow entirely distinct reaction pathways. One material showed a sharp drop in resistance as water vapor increased, while the other remained virtually unchanged, offering direct experimental proof of the divergence. "This study fundamentally reveals why hydrogen fuel cells suffer from low efficiency," Ji said. "We expect it to serve as an important foundation for developing the high-performance fuel cells essential to realizing a clean hydrogen economy." Beyond fuel cells, the researchers said the analytical framework could be applied broadly to other electrochemical devices, including systems that produce green hydrogen by running the cells in reverse to harness solar, wind and nuclear energy. 2026-04-08 14:05:53

BTS kicks off first world tour in 7 years amid chart-topping comeback halo SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - K-pop supergroup BTS will launch its “BTS World Tour Arirang” in Goyang on Friday, opening an 85-show run across 34 cities through 2027 in its first global tour in seven years as the group extends its comeback momentum across global charts and digital platforms. The group will hold three concerts at Goyang Stadium on April 9, 11 and 12, marking the opening leg of the world tour. The April 11 show will also be broadcast through a live-viewing event in about 3,800 theaters across some 80 countries and regions, expanding the audience well beyond the venue. The schedule has also been broadened to include additional Latin American stops, including Lima, Santiago and Buenos Aires. The tour will mark the group’s first full-member visits to Colombia, Peru and Argentina, while also setting milestones as the first Korean act to perform at major venues such as Estadio El Campín in Bogotá and Estadio Nacional in Santiago. Demand has already been evident in ticket sales, with dozens of shows across Goyang, Tokyo, North America and Europe sold out. Live Nation said BTS has sold about 2.4 million tickets for 41 performances in North America and Europe alone. As of 1:40 p.m. (0440 GMT), shares of HYBE were trading at 260,500 won, up 1.6 percent. Activity surrounding the Goyang concerts has extended well beyond the stadium. Images of BTS-wrapped buses have circulated online, while rehearsal and soundcheck footage from the venue has spread widely across social media, reflecting the scale of anticipation ahead of the opening shows. Online platforms have also seen a rapid spread of user-generated content, including travel tips, venue guidance and concert-related information, highlighting highly coordinated fan participation both on-site and online. The tour follows the group’s March comeback with its fifth studio album Arirang, which has continued to perform strongly on major charts. The album remained at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for a second consecutive week, marking the first time a K-pop act has posted back-to-back weeks atop the chart. It recorded 187,000 units in its second week, including 114,000 in pure album sales, 65,000 streaming-equivalent units and 8,000 track-equivalent units, according to Billboard. On the singles chart, “SWIM” ranked No. 2 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 while retaining the top spot in digital song sales for a second straight week. Beyond the charts, BTS has continued to roll out content tied to the album. A documentary, BTS: THE RETURN, released on Netflix on March 27, follows the production of Arirang and the members’ creative journey behind the project. The group has also sustained engagement through a staggered release strategy, spacing out new content instead of concentrating attention around a single promotional window. The music video for “SWIM,” released on March 20, has drawn more than 92.1 million views and reached No. 3 on YouTube’s trending chart. An official performance video followed on March 25, topping 22.9 million views and ranking No. 5 on the same chart. On April 2, the “BTS 2.0” video surpassed 34.1 million views and climbed to No. 2 on YouTube’s music trending chart. Most recently, the music video for “Hooligan,” released on April 8, drew more than 4.9 million views within hours. The sequential rollout highlights a strategy designed to sustain visibility and audience engagement over time. Such phased promotion has become increasingly common among major entertainment companies as they seek to extend comeback cycles and maintain momentum ahead of world tours and major international award events. The Goyang concerts will serve as the opening chapter of what is shaping up to be the largest global tour yet by a K-pop act. 2026-04-08 13:59:23

Anne Hathaway Says Meryl Streep Shaped Her Career: 'A Great Gift' to My Life Anne Hathaway on Tuesday spoke warmly of Meryl Streep, saying Streep’s influence has been a lasting “gift” in her life. A press conference for the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ (directed by David Frankel) was held Tuesday afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Streep and Hathaway attended. “This movie gave me a lot,” Hathaway said. “I was 22 at the time (of the first film), and my character was 22, too. I had a boss who was scary and amazing, and as a new actor I got to act with the most amazing actor. That experience made me who I am.” “I was influenced by Meryl in every way,” she said. “I think it was a great gift in my life. So many doors opened, and because audiences loved me, I was able to take on other roles.” Hathaway also praised Streep’s approach on set. “Meryl listens to what other people say when she acts, and she gains so much from that,” she said. “As a young actor, I could have gotten stuck in my own performance, but watching Meryl, I could feel what a deep mind is and how quickly her mind works. If you call it our chemistry, Meryl is so good and I just admire her. That’s our chemistry.” ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ follows Miranda (Streep), the legendary editor-in-chief of fashion magazine ‘Runway,’ and Andy (Hathaway), who returns as a planning editor after 20 years, as they reunite with Emily (Emily Blunt), now an executive at a luxury brand. The story centers on their struggle to regain leadership in the fashion world amid a dramatically changed media environment. The film is set for its first theatrical release worldwide on April 29. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 13:15:18

Meryl Streep Says Grandkids Talk Daily About 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' as K-Culture Spreads Hollywood actors Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway spoke about their interest in Korean culture during a press conference in Seoul. The event for the film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (directed by David Frankel) was held Tuesday afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu. Streep and Hathaway attended. Asked what they would want to cover in Korea if they were fashion editors, Streep said she was especially interested in Korean barbecue. "I’m very interested in Korean barbecue. I spend a lot of time in L.A., and there’s a Korean barbecue place near a hockey arena my son goes to a lot," she said. Streep added that she often hears about Korea while living in the United States. "I have six grandchildren, and every day they talk about 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' and they really love the songs," she said. "They’re influenced by K-pop and K-culture. It seems to mean the world is connected. Don’t we affect each other’s lives? When I was young, it was hard to experience foreign cultures, but my grandchildren are being influenced by Korean culture. It’s meaningful that we’re connected." Hathaway said Korea is shaping youth culture and has strengths recognized worldwide. "In particular, it’s leading in music, and it’s also outstanding in fashion and skincare, so I’m very interested," she said. "I think there’s a lot of rich content. If I were a features editor like Andy in the film, I would highlight those points and target readers." She added that, as a fashion editor, she would want to interview many people, including directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' follows Miranda (Streep), the legendary editor-in-chief of fashion magazine 'Runway,' and Andy (Hathaway), who returns as a features editor after 20 years. They reunite with Emily (Emily Blunt), now an executive at a luxury brand, and struggle to regain influence in the fashion world amid a dramatically changed media environment. The film is set for its first worldwide theatrical release April 29. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 11:48:19

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway Bring 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' to Seoul Ahead of April 29 Release The fashion-world duo of Miranda and Andy returned to the spotlight in Seoul, two decades after the original film, as "The Devil Wears Prada 2" arrives in a media landscape reshaped by smartphones and digital disruption. A press event for the film was held Tuesday afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu. Stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway attended. Streep, visiting South Korea for the first time, thanked the audience for the welcome. "This is my first time coming to Korea. Thank you for welcoming us warmly," she said. "I’m happy we can show you a film we love so much, and I’m glad to be here with a project I’m proud of." Hathaway said she wished she could stay longer. "I’m a little disappointed — I wish I could have been here a bit longer," she said, adding that visiting Starfield Library was on her bucket list but time was short. "Still, I’m going to try to do as much as I can with the time I have. I’m trying to figure out how to eat as much delicious food as possible," she said, drawing laughter. Asked what kind of story they would pursue if they were fashion-magazine editors covering Korean culture, Hathaway pointed to the country’s global influence. "Korea is leading youth culture right now and has so many strengths worldwide," she said, citing music, fashion and skin care. She added that, as an editor, she would want to interview directors Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon-ho. Streep said she was interested in Korean barbecue, noting there is a restaurant near a hockey arena her son frequents in Los Angeles. She also described how Korean pop culture reaches her family. "I have six grandchildren, and every day they talk about 'K-pop Demon Hunters' and they really love the songs," she said. "They’re being influenced by K-pop and K-culture. It feels like the world is connected. We affect each other’s lives." Streep said the sequel needed time. "I never thought, 'Why couldn’t we do it earlier?'" she said. "We needed 20 years. This story has to be 'now.' Because 20 years have passed, just as audiences were surprised by the first film, they can be surprised by the second, too." She said the 2026 media environment is central to the film. "When the first film came out in 2006, it was before the iPhone was released," Streep said. "Now everyone has a smartphone. Smartphones changed everything. Journalism and print culture changed, and entertainment changed, too. Our industry is going through major upheaval, and financially there are questions about how to get through these difficulties. This film is set against a rapidly changing media environment 20 years later." Hathaway agreed, saying the film reflects the impact of "digital innovation" on journalism and fashion. She said Andy, once a 22-year-old new graduate, returns 20 years later with experience, skills and confidence, and appears as Miranda’s potential partner. Hathaway said the sequel’s message extends beyond independent women to independence as an individual. "In the second film, Andy is paying all the bills she needs to pay," she said. "It would be nice if there’s a good person, but she thinks she’s great even 'on her own.'" Streep spoke about representation for older women on screen. "It’s rare in films to see a woman over 70 play a boss like this," she said, adding she was glad to portray a character with that kind of presence. She also said she recently appeared on a Vogue cover with editor Anna Wintour, with a 76-year-old photographer. "Women over 50 gradually disappear, and their opinions and thoughts are reflected less in culture," she said. "I’m happy we can show people with a strong presence." Hathaway praised Streep’s approach to acting. "Meryl listens to what other people say when she acts, and she gains so much from that," she said. "If our chemistry is anything, it’s that Meryl is so good and I’m just in awe. That’s our chemistry." Streep said filming the sequel was energized by the reunion. "When we made the second film, the energy between us caught fire — it was lively and fun," she said. She added she enjoyed working again with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, and said the group’s chemistry grew stronger. Near the end of the event, the production presented the actors with red high heels inspired by traditional Korean flower shoes. Streep called them "incredible" and "so beautiful," while Hathaway said they felt like a treasure and that she would remember the day when she looked at them. The two said they were looking forward to meeting fans later Tuesday at 7 p.m. Streep thanked the public for the warm reception and said she wanted to greet everyone in Korea. Hathaway said she was grateful to talk about life and dreams and called it an honor to return. "The Devil Wears Prada 2" follows Miranda, editor-in-chief of the legendary fashion magazine Runway, and Andy, who returns as a features editor after 20 years. They reunite with Emily, now an executive at a luxury brand, and struggle to regain leadership in the fashion world amid a transformed media environment. The film opens in South Korean theaters on April 29, ahead of the rest of the world. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 11:42:26

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway Share Impressions of Visit to South Korea for 'Devil Wears Prada 2' Hollywood actors Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway shared their impressions of visiting South Korea.  A press conference for the film 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (directed by David Frankel) was held Tuesday afternoon at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Streep and Hathaway attended. Streep said she was excited on the flight in after seeing mountain ranges and that she had not known much about Seoul. "I've traveled a lot, but I would pass by Korea. This is my first time coming," she said. She added that the hotel where she is staying was the best she has experienced, saying the bed was so comfortable she could hardly wake up. "Thank you for welcoming us so warmly," she said. "I'm happy we can show you a film we love so much, and I'm glad to bring a work we are proud of to Korea." Hathaway, visiting South Korea for the first time in eight years, said she wished she could stay longer. She said visiting Starfield Library was on her bucket list but she did not have enough time. "Still, I want to do as much as I can in the time we have," she said, adding that she was thinking about how to eat as much good food as possible. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' follows Miranda (Streep), editor-in-chief of the legendary fashion magazine Runway, and Andy (Hathaway), who returns as a features editor after 20 years. They reunite with Emily (Emily Blunt), now an executive at a luxury brand, and struggle to regain leadership in the fashion world amid a dramatically changed media environment. The film is set for its first theatrical release worldwide on April 29. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 11:33:18

Hanwha’s Ryu Hyun-jin becomes KBO’s oldest, fastest to 1,500 strikeouts Hanwha Eagles left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin added another milestone to his career. Ryu started Monday at Incheon’s SSG Landers Field and earned the win after allowing two runs over six innings in Hanwha’s 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season game against the SSG Landers. He struck out 10 to become the oldest pitcher in KBO history to reach 1,500 strikeouts, doing so at 39 years, 13 days. He also set the record for fewest games to 1,500, reaching the mark in 246 appearances. It was also his first double-digit strikeout game in 14 years, since an Oct. 2012 outing against the Nexen Heroes (now the Kiwoom Heroes). After the game, Ryu told reporters he learned about the approaching milestone after his previous start. “I did think I wanted to get at least one strikeout,” he said. “I got it in the first inning, so I was able to pitch comfortably.” Ryu added that he was not focused on piling up strikeouts. “I don’t have a desire to chase strikeouts,” he said. “But it’s good to have a day like today once in a while, and I’m just happy to have double-digit strikeouts for the first time in a long time.” Ryu previously recorded 934 strikeouts over 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. Combined with his KBO total, he has 2,434 strikeouts in Korea and the United States. Since debuting in the KBO in 2006, Ryu has recorded at least 100 strikeouts in nine straight seasons through last year, and he is aiming to make it 10 consecutive seasons in 2026. 2026-04-08 11:18:28

Pyongyang launches ballistic missile as military posture persists despite diplomatic opening SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of weapons testing and signaling that military provocations remain a cornerstone of its regional strategy. The launch follows a reported failure on Tuesday and comes at a volatile moment in inter-Korean relations, effectively dampening hopes for a de-escalation after a rare moment of rhetorical civility between the two capitals. The back-to-back launches disrupt a brief window of diplomatic curiosity that emerged after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret over the infiltration of drones into northern airspace. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, responded to the gesture by quoting her brother’s description of the president as a bold and honest man. However, the kinetic reality on the peninsula suggests that while Pyongyang may appreciate a change in tone from Seoul, it has no intention of pausing its march toward advanced strike capabilities or altering its official designation of the South as a primary hostile state. The Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the Wednesday morning launch but provided few immediate details as intelligence officials in Seoul and Washington began analyzing the flight data. The move appears to be a direct follow-up to an attempted launch from the Pyongyang area on Tuesday, which South Korean authorities believe ended in failure shortly after liftoff. Such rapid-fire testing is often utilized by the North to verify technical corrections after a setback, ensuring that its missile programs maintain a credible threat profile regardless of the political climate. This cycle of weaponry follows a period of heightened friction. The drone incident, which Pyongyang claimed was a violation of its sovereignty, had initially brought the two nations to the brink of a tactical exchange. The subsequent apology from Lee Jae Myung was seen by international observers as a pragmatic attempt to lower the temperature, a move that Kim Yo-jong’s statement appeared to validate. Yet, the presence of projectiles in the sky less than twenty-four hours after that statement suggests a calculated duality in northern policy. The persistent testing underscores the geopolitical reality that the North has largely abandoned the pursuit of reunification in favor of a two-state doctrine. By continuing its weapons program even after a diplomatic olive branch, the regime demonstrates that its military objectives are decoupled from the fluctuating moods of the Blue House. For Washington, the launches serve as a reminder that the peninsula remains a primary flashpoint, regardless of the domestic political shifts within Seoul. The South Korean military has maintained a heightened state of readiness since the first launch on Tuesday. Officials in Seoul indicated that they are closely monitoring further movements in the North, particularly as the regime often uses these windows of tension to test the resolve of the alliance between the United States and South Korea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the military is maintaining a full readiness posture while sharing information related to the North Korean launches with American authorities. 2026-04-08 11:12:26

ABL Bio Says Compass’ Bile Duct Cancer Drug Wins FDA Orphan Drug Designation ABL Bio said Tuesday that tovecimig, a bile duct cancer treatment being developed by its global partner Compass Therapeutics, has been granted orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The designation is intended to encourage development of treatments for diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 patients. In the United States, it can provide benefits including a period of market exclusivity, typically seven years, as well as tax credits, reduced FDA review fees and grants to support clinical trials. Tovecimig is a bispecific antibody developed by ABL Bio and licensed to U.S.-based Compass. It is designed to block both DLL4 and VEGF-A signaling pathways, which the company said play key roles in angiogenesis and tumor blood vessel formation. The company said inhibiting both pathways has shown strong anticancer effects by suppressing tumor cell growth. Compass is running a Phase 2/3 trial in second-line bile duct cancer patients combining the drug with paclitaxel. It plans to release key results this month, including overall survival and progression-free survival.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-08 11:06:19

Lee set to hold talks with former Japanese PM in Seoul SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to have lunch with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Seoul on Wednesday. According to Cheong Wa Dae, the two leaders are expected to exchange views and discuss various topics including bilateral relations between the neighboring countries, as well as global issues amid the prolonged Middle East crisis. Ishiba, who arrived in Seoul the previous day to attend a forum at Grand Hyatt Seoul hosted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, delivered a keynote speech earlier in the day. Lee held three summits with Ishiba while he was in office. They first met on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada in June last year, followed by talks in Tokyo in August and Busan in September. 2026-04-08 10:44:12