AW 2026 opens as showcase of AI-native manufacturing innovation SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - The present and future of manufacturing innovation led by autonomous manufacturing and physical AI gathered in one place. AW 2026 (Smart Factory & Automation World) opened at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on March 4, presenting the largest-ever exhibition with 453 companies from 24 countries and 2,300 booths. From humanoid robots and smart logistics to AI factory special pavilions, the event showcasing a convergence of intelligent automation technologies is drawing attention as a practical stage for the industrial field declaring a shift to "AI-native manufacturing." This year's exhibition features major Korean robotics and logistics companies including Hyundai Motor Group Robotics LAB, Hyundai Glovis, Hyundai Movex, Robotis, Eugene Robot, and Wonik Robotics. The exhibition runs through March 6. 2026-03-04 17:47:29

Asian markets in second rout while Seoul bourses suffer worst collapse SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - The spiraling war in the Middle East sent shockwaves across Asian markets Wednesday, triggering a historic collapse on the Seoul bourse. Global energy markets remained volatile as tensions centered on the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil shipments — fueled fears of supply disruptions and renewed inflation pressure. The narrow waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne crude and serves as a key route for energy supplies bound for Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was prepared to intervene to protect shipping lanes in the region. “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said, adding that the government would also provide political risk insurance for maritime trade to ensure the “free flow of energy to the world.” The war abruptly ended this year’s fastest and steepest rally in Korean equities, sending stocks tumbling for a second consecutive session in one of the sharpest market collapses in decades. The benchmark KOSPI plunged 12.06 percent, or 698.37 points, to close at 5,093.54, after already falling 7.24 percent the previous day. The two-day slide wiped out nearly 19 percent of the index’s value. The index briefly dropped to an intraday low of 5,059.45 before closing near session lows, pushing the market back toward levels seen earlier this year. The scale of the decline was extraordinary by historical standards. The drop surpassed the 12.02 percent plunge recorded on Sept. 12, 2001, in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, when the KOSPI fell 64.97 points to close at 475.64. The latest selloff therefore ranks among the steepest single-day declines in the history of the Korean stock market. Selling pressure intensified shortly after the open. The index began the session 3.44 percent lower at 5,592.59, before losses rapidly accelerated across the board. According to the Korea Exchange, circuit breakers were triggered as the selloff deepened. Trading was halted on the KOSDAQ at 11:16:33 a.m., followed by the KOSPI at 11:19:12 a.m., after both indices fell more than 8 percent from the previous close. The mechanism halted trading for 20 minutes in an effort to curb panic selling. It marked the seventh circuit breaker in KOSPI history and the eleventh for the KOSDAQ, and the first such halt since Aug. 5, 2024. Trading activity surged as volatility intensified. Turnover on the KOSPI jumped to about 62.6 trillion won ($42.6 billion), sharply higher than 52.8 trillion won the previous day. Losses were widespread across the Korean market, with major exporters and technology firms leading the decline. Samsung Electronics dropped 11.74 percent to 172,200 won, while SK hynix fell 9.58 percent to 848,000 won, extending losses from the previous session. Automakers and industrial stocks also suffered steep declines. Hyundai Motor plunged 15.8 percent, Kia slid 14.04 percent, and LG Energy Solution fell 11.58 percent. Heavy industry and shipbuilding shares were similarly hit, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropping 13.39 percent. Even defense stocks — which had surged a day earlier amid rising geopolitical tensions — reversed sharply. Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Systems all posted significant losses. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also recorded a historic decline. The index plunged 14 percent, or 159.26 points, to 978.44, breaking below the psychologically important 1,000 level after opening at 1,112.08. Major growth stocks fell sharply across the board, including EcoPro, Alteogen, EcoPro BM, Samchundang Pharm, and Rainbow Robotics, all posting double-digit losses. Elsewhere in Asia, markets also declined as investors moved away from risk assets, though the scale of losses was far less severe than in Korea. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 3.6 percent to 54,245.5, while the broader TOPIX dropped 3.7 percent. In Greater China, declines were more moderate. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 2.3 percent, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 1 percent. The comparison underscored the magnitude of Korea’s selloff, which far exceeded declines across other major Asian markets. Currency markets also reflected growing risk aversion. The Korean won traded near crisis-era levels at 1,476.2 per dollar, highlighting investor concerns about capital outflows and rising energy costs. With tensions in the Middle East unresolved and energy markets highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, volatility across global markets is likely to remain elevated. Market watchers note that after surging nearly 50 percent this year as of last week, the KOSPI may still face further downside risks if geopolitical tensions persist. 2026-03-04 17:47:01

Cheongung-II's maker survives worst-ever rout in Seoul as it debuts on Iranian borders SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - The bombshell from the 2026 Middle East conflict has flown to Seoul and crashed the party in a big way — sending the benchmark KOSPI plunging a record 12 percent and the KOSDAQ 14 percent. One stock, however, defied the sweeping rout: LIG Nex1, the maker of the Cheongung-II. The sudden spotlight came after the missile defense system reportedly saw its first real combat use intercepting Iranian missiles over the Gulf, a development that instantly thrust South Korea’s defense technology into the center of a widening regional war. The geopolitical shock triggered both panic and dark humor in Seoul’s retail trading circles. A viral meme circulating among Korean day traders shows Kim Seung-youn and his son Kim Dong-kwan beckoning investors to board a flight amid the spiraling Middle East war, captioned: “No time to explain — just get in.” Behind the jokes lies a stark reality: defense companies are increasingly under the spotlight as geopolitical tensions intensify globally, from the Russia–Ukraine War to rising instability in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. Korean missile shield tested in real combat The Middle East escalation provided an unexpected proving ground. Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets reportedly triggered interceptions by the Cheongung-II system deployed in the United Arab Emirates, marking what analysts view as the first known combat use of a Korean-exported missile defense system. The UAE integrates Cheongung-II into a multilayered defense network alongside the Patriot missile system and Israel’s Arrow missile defense system. According to UAE defense data, 161 out of 174 Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted, along with all eight cruise missiles and 645 out of 689 drones — an interception rate exceeding 90 percent across categories. Cheongung-II reportedly delivered comparable performance within the network. Often described as a Korean counterpart to Patriot, the system uses a hit-to-kill interceptor capable of destroying targets by direct impact. Its missiles travel at roughly five times the speed of sound and can intercept aircraft and ballistic missiles at altitudes of around 15–20 kilometers. Analysts say battlefield validation could significantly strengthen confidence in the system globally. “While defense stocks may fluctuate in the short term due to geopolitical developments, the industry’s fundamentals point to a structurally upward trajectory,” said Choi Jung-hwan, a defense analyst at Daishin Securities. “The fact that Cheongung-II has now gained operational experience in an actual conflict could strengthen trust in the system.” The Gulf conflict highlights a broader transformation in modern warfare, where missile barrages and drone swarms increasingly dominate the battlefield. “Missile defense is ultimately a probability game,” Choi said. “Ballistic missiles follow predictable trajectories, but drones are far harder to track and intercept.” He added that the economics of drone warfare also challenge traditional air defense strategies. “Drones are relatively cheap, while the systems designed to intercept them are expensive. In prolonged conflicts, that imbalance can weigh heavily on defenders.” The dynamic is expected to accelerate demand for counter-drone systems and next-generation air defenses — sectors where South Korea is rapidly expanding capabilities. Investors pile into defense names The battlefield headlines quickly translated into investor enthusiasm. Shares of LIG Nex1 surged nearly 30 percent Tuesday after reports of Cheongung-II’s operational use. Other defense contractors also rallied sharply. Hanwha Aerospace jumped about 20 percent to close at 1,432,000 won, while Hanwha Systems climbed more than 29 percent to 146,700 won. Both stocks retreated the following day as profit-taking set in, with Hanwha Aerospace slipping 7.6 percent and Hanwha Systems dropping about 21 percent. LIG Nex1 which soared around 20 percent during the broad retreat managed to end Wednesday up 1.8 percent at 673,000 won. Ryu Youn-seung, professor of defense industrial security at Myongji University, said the Middle East conflict could ultimately boost global demand for missile defense systems. “With Iran and Israel exchanging missile attacks, many countries may seek to strengthen their air defense capabilities,” he said. “The Cheongung-II’s performance could serve as a valuable opportunity for South Korea’s defense industry to gain greater recognition in global arms markets.” Korea’s defense exports have expanded rapidly since the Ukraine war reshaped global arms demand. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, South Korea ranked 10th among global arms exporters between 2019 and 2023, accounting for roughly 2 percent of global exports. The country’s competitive pricing and rapid delivery timelines have helped drive major deals, including Poland’s $12 billion purchase of Korean tanks, artillery and fighter jets in 2022. Analysts say the industry’s next phase will broaden beyond land systems such as tanks and artillery to include platforms like the KF 21 Boramae and advanced missile defense systems. “Defense is a long-cycle industry operating on timelines of a decade or more,” Choi said. “Korea’s strong manufacturing base — from steel to chemicals — gives it a structural advantage that is difficult for competitors to replicate.” If Cheongung-II’s combat debut proves successful, analysts say it could accelerate South Korea’s rise as a major supplier in the global defense market — not only as a cost-efficient exporter, but increasingly as a credible security partner. 2026-03-04 17:14:03

Rival parties agree to pass bill this week to clear way for US investment under trade deal SEOUL, March 4 (AJP) - A bill outlining South Korea's massive investment pledges to the U.S., a follow-up measure to a tariff-related deal between the two countries is expected to pass at the National Assembly later this week. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) met on Wednesday to discuss the bill and agreed to put it to a vote at a parliamentary session on Thursday. "If all goes as planned, we expect the bill to pass," the DP's Cheon Jun-ho told reporters. "We put the broader national interest first, mindful that further delays could invite even harsher U.S. tariff measures," said the PPP's Yoo Sang-beom. In January, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs on South Korea back to 25 percent from 15 percent, complaining about delays in Seoul's legislative process for the trade deal that was reached during his visit to South Korea last fall. Meanwhile, the two rival parties failed to reach a consensus on another bill to merge several central and southern provinces including Daejeon and Daegu, as each side weighs what advantages it might gain ahead of local elections slated for early June. 2026-03-04 17:11:39

Cha Biotech Names Vice Chairman Cha Won-tae as CEO Cha Biotech said its board met on Tuesday and appointed Cha Won-tae, vice chairman of the CHA Hospital and Cha Bio Group and chief sustainability officer at Cha Biotech, as CEO. Cha is the eldest son of Cha Kwang-ryul, global research institute director at CHA Hospital and Cha Bio Group and the group’s founder, and the grandson of the late Cha Kyung-seop, honorary chairman of CHA University and CHA Hospital, the company said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biological anatomy from Duke University, a master of public health from Yale University, an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a doctorate in health science from Yonsei University. He previously served as chief operating officer of CHA Health Systems, which runs Hollywood CHA Hospital in Los Angeles, and as chief strategy officer at Hollywood CHA Hospital, and later was president of CHA University. In September last year, he was named vice chairman of the CHA Hospital and Cha Bio Group and CSO at Cha Biotech. In January, he was appointed an inside director as part of efforts to strengthen accountable management and raise corporate value.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 17:10:19

Kim Seon-tae’s New YouTube Channel Ties Chungju City’s Official ChungTV in Subscribers Kim Seon-tae, known as the original “Chungju Man,” has seen his new YouTube channel reach parity with Chungju City’s official YouTube channel, “ChungTV,” in subscriber count. As of 4:50 p.m. on March 4, the channel “Kim Seon-tae,” created by Kim, had 775,000 subscribers. Kim opened the channel on March 2. After news of it spread more widely on March 3, subscriptions rose sharply. Attention has focused on whether Kim’s channel will overtake ChungTV. ChungTV also stood at 775,000 subscribers. Kim, who had built up ChungTV since 2019, matched its subscriber total just two days after launching his own channel. ChungTV’s subscriber count fell sharply after news spread that Kim had retired. Kim posted a video on March 3 titled “I’m Kim Seon-tae.” A ChungTV administrator drew notice by commenting, “Seon-tae, my Seon-tae.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:57:23

Korean appliance makers price in potential Middle East setback SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - South Korean home appliance makers are bracing for potential disruption from the widening conflict in the Middle East and the choking-off of the critical shipping corridor, the Strait of Hormuz — just as the region had begun to emerge as a fresh growth market for Korean brands. The escalation has raised concerns among producers that renewed interest in Korean consumer brands across the region — fueled partly by the broader K-wave — could falter, adding another layer of uncertainty as sales momentum in other Asian markets slows. Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Coway say they are navigating the short-term shock through existing contingency plans, though they acknowledge that prolonged hostilities could trigger broader regional fallout. Samsung Electronics, which relies heavily on maritime shipping for bulky consumer appliances, said the immediate supply-chain impact appears less severe than initially feared. “We maintain local inventory in each region, which provides a buffer for several weeks to about a month, so we do not see immediate risks,” a Samsung Electronics official said. “Furthermore, the Strait of Hormuz is primarily an oil route. Commercial appliances often travel via the Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope, so the direct impact on appliance shipping does not appear massive.” The official added that while a prolonged crisis would pose global economic risks, no specific internal directives have yet been issued in response to the situation. LG Electronics, which recently established a regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to secure major B2B infrastructure contracts, said short-term project disruptions are likely to remain limited. “Currently, there appears to be no direct impact on our operations, and we do not conduct direct business in Iran,” an LG Electronics official said. “Our top priority is the safety of our employees. Personnel in the affected regions have already been evacuated to nearby areas or returned home, and no damage has been reported.” The company acknowledged that a prolonged maritime blockade could fuel broader macroeconomic pressures, particularly through surging oil prices. “However, this is a general risk affecting all companies rather than an isolated issue for our specific business,” the official added. Rental appliance maker Coway — which had recently identified the Middle East as a new growth engine — said its exposure remains limited due to its indirect market presence. “We only recently started exporting to the UAE and Saudi Arabia through local partner firms,” a Coway official said. “We do not have a direct operational footprint or our own service personnel stationed there, and our market share is currently minimal. We do not expect any significant damage from the current situation.” Still, the cautious optimism could fade if the conflict drags on beyond several weeks. Sung Il-kwang, a Middle East expert at the Euro-MENA Institute, said the escalation could mark a turning point in the region’s business climate. “In the Middle East, even conflicts occurring outside a country’s immediate vicinity can prompt businesses to delay projects because of perceived security risks,” Sung said. “But now that the conflict has reached their doorstep, many business activities have effectively come to a halt.” He warned that a prolonged war could significantly alter the operating environment for companies active in the region. “While it is unlikely that the war will persist throughout the year, the situation must be monitored closely,” Sung said. “Depending on whether the crisis becomes prolonged, the ultimate impact on business operations could be severe.” 2026-03-04 16:41:11

Bridgerton Season 4 Star Ha Yerin Says She’s Proud Sophie Baek Reflects Her Korean Identity Korean American actor Ha Yerin has stepped into the global spotlight as a lead in Netflix’s hit series ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4, saying she was proud the character’s name reflects her Korean identity. A press event for the series was held Tuesday afternoon in Seoul, with Ha in attendance. ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit uninterested in marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class after meeting a “lady in a silver dress” at a masked ball — and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in his everyday life. The ‘Bridgerton’ franchise is one of Netflix’s best-known global hits. Ha said she struggled to grasp the show’s immediate success. “When ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 hit No. 1 on the global chart, honestly it didn’t feel real,” she said. “It felt like something happening outside of me.” She said her grandmother, veteran actor Son Sook, watched the entire season and sent a message of support. “My grandmother finished ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4,” Ha said. “Her eyesight has gotten worse lately, so she watched close to the TV. She messaged me, ‘I’m proud of you, I love you,’ and it made me feel warm — and also a little heartbroken.” Son is currently performing in the stage play ‘An Elder’s Dream,’ Ha said, adding that she planned to attend a performance. “She told me, ‘People used to call you Ha Yerin, Son Sook’s granddaughter, but these days they call me Son Sook, Ha Yerin’s grandmother,’” Ha said. “Hearing that made me feel emotional, and proud.” Ha, who has worked in Hollywood including on ‘Halo,’ recalled learning she had landed the role. “Overseas, you send a lot of self-tapes,” she said. While visiting her mother in Taean, she received a call from her agent telling her to submit an audition video within 24 hours. She filmed and sent scenes involving tea and a lake, then received a callback days later. She said she interviewed with the director over Zoom and later met Thompson the same way, auditioning at 11 p.m. due to the time difference. “Later, I was having brunch with my mom in Gangnam when I heard I’d become the female lead,” Ha said. “We cried and screamed together. I remember people around us looking like, ‘Is she OK?’” Ha said she also felt pressure joining a series with an established global fan base. “I worried that coming in as a new character might throw off the rhythm,” she said. “But they wanted new energy. In my seven years as an actor, it was the set that respected diversity the most. I was happy during the shoot.” Though set in the 19th century, the series has drawn attention for its diverse casting, including across race and sexual identity. “Even though it’s set in the 19th century, it has the power to make it feel modern,” Ha said. “At its core, it’s a love story. The center is how Sophie’s emotions and sincerity are expressed, so I tried to act with that as the focus. I think ‘Bridgerton’ reflects today and lets people project the love story and fantasy they imagine.” The franchise is also known for explicit romance. Ha said she felt “pressure and fear” filming intimate scenes with Thompson, and credited the production’s intimacy coordinator. “In Hollywood, in society, and in the media, it feels like people think they have the right to blame, judge and criticize women’s bodies,” she said. “That made me feel pressure and fear. In Korea, especially, beauty standards can be stricter than in the West. I worked with an intimacy coordinator on ‘Bridgerton,’ and I think it’s an essential role in the industry. They did an excellent job, choreographing it like a dance and doing everything possible to make it feel safe on set.” Ha also explained how her character’s surname changed from “Sophie Beckett” in the original work to “Sophie Baek” in the series. “After I passed the audition, we had a Zoom meeting,” she said. “While talking about the character, they asked, ‘What surnames start with a B sound?’ Since it was ‘Beckett,’ we were thinking of a name that fits ‘B,’ and I think ‘Baek’ came to mind. It wasn’t a big conversation, so I didn’t think much of it — but then Sophie’s last name had changed. It felt satisfying. Since I’m a Korean actor, I thought it was natural to change it to a surname that fits my identity, and I felt grateful.” ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 1 was released worldwide on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 on Feb. 26, and has been drawing strong attention, the organizers said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:40:18

Actress Nam Bo-ra Asks Fans About Her Pregnancy Bump in SNS Post Actress Nam Bo-ra asked followers for advice about her pregnancy bump.  Nam posted a photo on her social media on the 4th with the caption, "How far out does your belly go?"  In the photo, she wears leggings and shows her baby bump.   Nam held a wedding ceremony last May with a businessman her age. She is due to give birth to a son in June. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:39:14

World Cup 100 Days Out: Iran Boycott Threat and Mexico Security Worries Cloud 2026 Tournament The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is 100 days away. The tournament opens June 12 (Korea time) and runs through July 19 across 16 cities. It will be the first World Cup played with 48 teams. Organizers are facing growing concerns, however, as instability in the Middle East and worsening security in Mexico tied to the government’s fight with drug cartels raise fears of disruption. ◆Iran hints it may skip World Cup after U.S. strike The biggest uncertainty is heightened tension in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, including a direct U.S. strike. Iran has suggested it may not take part in the North American World Cup. Mehdi Taj, head of the Iran Football Federation, said on Iranian state television on March 1, “In a situation where the United States has carried out airstrikes, it seems difficult to expect participation in this World Cup,” signaling a possible boycott. Since the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, no team that had already secured qualification has declared it would withdraw shortly before the tournament. Iran is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches in the United States: against New Zealand and Belgium on June 16 and 22 in Los Angeles, then against Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. If Iran withdraws, the financial cost could be significant. The Associated Press reported March 3 that Iran would forgo at least $10.5 million. FIFA pays each of the 48 finalists $1.5 million for preparation costs and also pays $9 million to each of the 16 teams eliminated in the group stage. Iran could also face a fine of at least 250,000 Swiss francs and could lose eligibility to take part in the next World Cup qualifiers, the report said. The BBC reported that if Iran boycotts, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates could benefit. Iraq reached the intercontinental playoff after beating the UAE 3-2 in a fifth-round qualifier. Iraq is set to play a one-off match on April 1 against the winner of Bolivia vs. Suriname; if Iraq wins that intercontinental playoff, a scenario could emerge in which the UAE takes Iran’s place in the finals. FIFA said it is watching closely. Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said, “Our goal is for all teams to participate and to stage the World Cup safely.” Trump, president of the co-host United States, took a hard line. In an interview with Politico on March 4, he said of Iran, “I don’t care whether Iran comes to the World Cup or not,” adding, “I think Iran is a country that has been very seriously defeated. Completely depleted.” ◆Mexico security crisis deepens after cartel retaliation Mexico, another co-host, is also grappling with worsening security. After the Mexican government killed the leader of a drug cartel in Jalisco state in February, cartel members have repeatedly blocked roads and set vehicles and shops on fire, among other acts of violence. Some qualified teams have moved to issue travel advisories or raise alert levels for high-risk areas in Mexico. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has also advised canceling or postponing travel there. With concerns growing that the unrest could drag on, some have raised the possibility of changing host sites within Mexico or canceling certain matches. As speculation spread that Guadalajara could lose its hosting rights, Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told a news briefing on Feb. 24 that there was “no risk at all” of Guadalajara being stripped of matches. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also said he trusted Mexican authorities and that there would be no schedule changes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to reassure the public. In a Feb. 25 briefing, she said, “There is absolutely no problem. If anything, trust is firm,” adding that fans would not be put at risk and that the government and security forces would use all available resources to guarantee safety during the World Cup. She repeated that message at a news conference on Feb. 26, saying she wanted domestic and international visitors to know the World Cup would be a major celebration in Mexico and that the country was ready to welcome national teams and fans. South Korea’s national team is watching developments closely because all three of its group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in Mexico. Drawn into Group A, South Korea is set to open June 12 against the winner of a European playoff at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara. It then plays host Mexico there on June 19 and finishes the group stage June 25 against South Africa at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said the team would focus on preparation despite the unsettled environment. “It seems the World Cup is drawing major attention even before it begins because of various external situations,” Hong said. “Our team will not be shaken by the outside environment, and we plan to do our best with what we can do now,” he added. “Until the tournament begins in 100 days, the coaching staff and players will prepare well in their respective roles.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:24:00