Singer Navi Shares Maternity Photos as She Nears Due Date Singer Navi, whose real name is Ahn Ji-ho, has shared maternity photos as she nears the end of her pregnancy. On Tuesday, she posted photos on social media with the caption, "3+1=4." In the images, she highlights her baby bump. Online commenters responded with messages including, "So beautiful," and, "Wishing you a safe delivery." Navi married Cho Sung-hwan, a retired soccer player, in 2019. She gave birth to a son in 2021 and is currently pregnant with a daughter, due in April. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:18:15

Hyundai, Kia post all-time sales record in US SEOUL, March 4 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia set an all-time sales record in the U.S. last month thanks to strong demand for midsize-to-large SUVs and hybrid models. Their combined sales stood at 137,412 vehicles in February - 71,407 units for Hyundai and 66,005 for Kia - up about 5.7 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, from a year earlier. Hyundai posted its best-ever sales for the month, extending a streak of monthly records for the third straight month since last December. Strong demand for SUVs drove the sales, with the Palisade seeing an increase of 28.4 percent to 10,025 units and the Santa Fe rising 18.6 percent to 11,344 units. Sales of Kia's midsize Telluride jumped 68.7 percent to 13,198 units, followed by the K5 with 6,053 units and the Carnival with 5,805 units. Sales of Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis also increased 3.3 percent to 5,730 units, with the GV70 leading the lineup with 2,628 units. Some 34,855 electric and other eco-friendly vehicles were sold, with sales surging 34.7 percent from a year earlier to account for about 25.6 percent of total sales. Meanwhile, Japanese automaker Toyota remained at the top after selling some 180,950 vehicles in the U.S. in February. 2026-03-04 16:11:11

K-pop boy band NOWZ drops first Japanese album SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - Cube Entertainment's K-pop boy group NOWZ has rolled out its first Japanese album “NOWZ” on Wednesday, targeting the neighboring country's dance music scene. Releasing albums in Japan was considered one of the most important promotion activities for Korean artists in the early 2000s, when K-pop was not as popular. Japan has served for decades as a crucial gateway for K-pop acts seeking to build international audience. Chart performance, arena tours and album sales in the country have often been viewed as key milestones in an artist’s global expansion. The importance of the Japanese market dates back to the expansion of second-generation K-pop artists such as TVXQ, Girls’ Generation and KARA, whose chart success and large-scale tours helped establish Japan as a major overseas base for Korean artists. More recently, the industry has expanded its strategy by launching “localized K-pop” groups designed specifically for the Japanese market. JYP Entertainment’s nine-member girl group NiziU, formed through the audition program Nizi Project in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Japan, debuted in Japan in December 2020 before expanding activities to Korea with a Korean-language release in October 2023. HYBE Labels Japan, now known as YX Labels. also launched multinational boy group &TEAM in December 2022 following the audition program &AUDITION – The Howling, positioning the group as a Japan-based K-pop act targeting both domestic and global audiences. NOWZ, composed of Hyunbin, Yun, Yeonwoo, Jinhyuk and Siyun, released the EP on global streaming platforms Wednesday alongside a performance video for the track "AMMO (feat. YRD Leo)." NOWZ is a five-member boy group under Cube Entertainment that debuted in April 2024. The group was originally introduced under the name NOWADAYS before rebranding as NOWZ in June 2025. It marks Cube Entertainment’s first new boy group since Pentagon, which debuted in 2016. The performance video for "AMMO (feat. YRD Leo)" features fast-paced visuals including laser effects and glass-shattering sequences synchronized with the group’s choreography. Japanese rapper YRD Leo, who features on the track, also appears in the video. The choreography for "AMMO" was created by Monika of the dance crew PROWDMON. The group previously showcased performance-driven tracks such as "EVERGLOW," "Problem Child" and "HomeRUN." The EP contains five various tracks, including the pre-released original Japanese song AMMO (feat. YRD Leo) as well as Japanese versions of previously released tracks HomeRUN, "GET BUCK," "Untitled World" and "Fly Freely." Following the EP, NOWZ will begin promotional activities in Japan starting March 5, including television appearances, media interviews and fan events. The group will also hold its first fan concert, "Run with me, NOW," in Korea on March 28. 2026-03-04 16:02:46

Korea Eximbank, KHNP sign nuclear power cooperation MOU with Philippines’ Meralco The Export-Import Bank of Korea said it has moved to strengthen financing support for South Korean companies seeking nuclear power plant contracts overseas. Korea Eximbank and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power said they signed a three-party memorandum of understanding with Meralco, the Philippines’ largest private power company, in Manila to cooperate on developing nuclear power projects in the Philippines. The signing ceremony was attended by Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Roque. Korea Eximbank President Hwang Ki-yeon, KHNP acting CEO Jeon Dae-uk and Meralco Chairman Manuel Pangilinan signed the agreement. The MOU was arranged following President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to the Philippines, with the aim of supporting the local market entry of “K-nuclear” from the financing side. Under the agreement, Korea Eximbank will review possible financing for nuclear projects pursued by Meralco, offer tailored financing packages when South Korean companies participate, and support efforts to build a nuclear industry ecosystem combining KHNP’s technology with Meralco’s local network. Pangilinan said South Korean companies’ proven technology and Korea Eximbank’s financial support would be “meaningful progress” for strengthening the Philippines’ energy security and economic growth. Hwang said the MOU marks a starting point for expanding Korea Eximbank’s financing expertise into nuclear projects in the Philippines, adding that the bank will step up support so the market can become a new growth opportunity for South Korean companies. 2026-03-04 15:54:00

Korean industry minister flies to Canada after Team Korea submits bid for submarine deal SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) -South Korea’s industry minister will head to Canada this week to lend a final push to Team Korea’s bid for Ottawa’s multibillion-dollar submarine program, as Seoul throws its weight behind a national effort to secure one of the world’s largest naval procurement deals. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan is scheduled to depart Thursday for Canada to support a South Korean consortium competing for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) — a program valued at up to 60 trillion won ($40 billion) to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s aging fleet. The Korean team led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is competing against a European bid spearheaded by Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which is working with partners including Norway. Both sides submitted their final proposals to the Canadian government on Monday, moving the competition into its final phase. Kim’s trip will officially center on attending the completion ceremony for LG Energy Solution’s electric-vehicle battery plant in Ontario, but the visit is expected to double as a diplomatic push for the submarine bid. During the trip, he is expected to meet senior Canadian officials including Industry Minister Mélanie Joly to highlight Korea’s submarine construction capabilities and discuss broader industrial cooperation between the two countries. The CPSP program calls for the procurement of up to 12 conventionally powered submarines, with Canada aiming to deploy the vessels beginning in the early 2030s as its Victoria-class submarines approach retirement. Canadian officials have made clear that the winning bidder will be judged not only on capability, cost and delivery schedule but also on which proposal delivers the greatest economic and manufacturing benefits within Canada. That requirement has effectively turned the competition into a wider industrial partnership race. Hanwha Ocean has framed its proposal as the foundation for a long-term industrial partnership between South Korea and Canada, pledging investment in sectors including steel, artificial intelligence and space technologies. The company estimates the initiative could generate around 25,000 jobs annually between 2026 and 2044, while strengthening Canada’s marine manufacturing supply chain. Hanwha has also signed cooperation agreements with Canadian partners including Ontario Shipyards and Mohawk College to support workforce training and shipbuilding capability in Ontario. The plan includes establishing a shipbuilding training hub at the Hamilton shipyard aimed at addressing labor shortages in skilled trades and developing next-generation shipbuilding expertise. Hanwha Ocean is pitching its KSS-III class submarine, a platform currently operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. The design features lithium-ion batteries and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, allowing extended submerged endurance and a cruising range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles, along with Korean-developed sonar and combat systems. The company says it could deliver the first submarine by 2032 and four vessels by 2035, supported by what it describes as a firm delivery schedule and established supply chain. “In short, this is not just a platform pitch,” Charlie SC Eoh, president of Hanwha Ocean, said in a written response to the Canadian Press on March 2. “It is a risk-eliminated delivery plan paired with a generational industrial partnership that aligns with Canada’s defense industrial strategy.” The rival bid led by TKMS proposes a European partnership model. The German shipbuilder says it could deliver two submarines by 2034, though it has not publicly disclosed detailed cost or employment estimates. TKMS Chief Executive Oliver Burkhard described Canada’s procurement timeline — with a decision expected as early as mid-2026 — as “very ambitious,” noting that earlier plans had envisioned a decision closer to 2028 or 2029. The scale of the contract and Canada’s emphasis on domestic economic benefits have prompted a government-level lobbying push from Seoul, involving multiple ministries and defense agencies supporting the bid. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration and other ministries have established a coordinated support framework aimed at facilitating technology transfer, training opportunities for Canadian submarine crews and broader defense-industrial cooperation. Kim’s visit follows an earlier trip to Canada in January alongside senior presidential officials to promote industrial collaboration and the submarine bid. Canada is expected to select the winning bidder as early as mid-2026, making the CPSP one of the largest defense procurement decisions in the country’s history. 2026-03-04 15:41:43

Bridgerton Season 4’s Ha Yerin Addresses Racism Controversy, Urges Restraint Actor Ha Yerin has spoken publicly about a recent racism controversy tied to Netflix’s series “Bridgerton 4.” At a news conference held Tuesday afternoon at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung-gu district, Ha addressed the issue while appearing as the show’s lead actor. The series previously drew criticism during global promotion after actions that included excluding Ha, prompting allegations of racial discrimination. Fans in South Korea and abroad also lodged complaints with the show’s production company, Shondaland. “While I was on set, I never felt it was racism,” Ha said. “I do think there were times when certain details were overlooked. But I don’t think it was intentional or done consciously.” Ha added that while she did not personally feel slighted, she understands why some people reacted the way they did. She said the moment could be a chance to show tolerance for what was missed and for media outlets to learn that such details should not be overlooked. She also said she hopes the controversy does not lead to excessive criticism or hatred. “Bridgerton 4” follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit indifferent to marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class between a “lady in a silver dress” he meets at a masked ball and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life. Part 1 was released on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 on Feb. 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 15:24:31

OPINION: What 'Operation Epic Fury' signals to North Korea SEOUL, March 4 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un defined inter-Korean relations as "the most hostile state-to-state relationship," calling South Korea an "eternal enemy" at a rare party gathering that wrapped up late last month. He also said the North has "nothing to discuss with Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Since former U.S. President George W. Bush labeled Iran, Iraq and North Korea an "axis of evil" in January 2002, the U.S. has waged a sustained war on terror. It toppled Iraq's Saddam Hussein and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, and carried out precision strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year. With Iran continuing to refuse U.S. demands to ship its enriched uranium abroad - despite having had its nuclear facilities severely damaged, Trump took the drastic measure, risking being drawn deeper into a conflict in the already volatile region. The U.S. appears to have concluded that Iran's nuclear program had reached a point where it could no longer be left unchecked, posing a threat to both U.S. and regional security. Trump also seems to have acted swiftly to prevent the situation from escalating into an even more dangerous nuclear standoff by allowing Iran's program to advance further. These developments are likely to heighten pressure on Kim. By removing Iran's supreme leader, just two months after detaining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife early this year, Trump showed that his "FAFO" warning, which stands for "fool around and find out," was not empty. But it would be contradictory for the Trump administration to engage with North Korea while recognizing it as a nuclear-armed state, making talks between the U.S. and North Korea unlikely anytime soon. Concerns are also growing that a military option could be considered as a last resort to address North Korea's nuclear program, as the U.S. has previously considered striking North Korean nuclear facilities. After North Korea withdrew from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1993 and appeared to be moving toward reprocessing spent fuel rods from its reactor to produce nuclear weapons in Yongbyon, the U.S. considered a "precision strike" or a "surgical strike" the following year. William Perry, the then-Defense Secretary who reviewed the option, later recalled that it was not carried out over fears that North Korea might retaliate against South Korea, consequences that would have been difficult to call "surgical." The U.S. would have to take different approaches to nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, given their differing geopolitical situations and other factors. Iran lacks a major power to back it, while North Korea borders China and Russia, both of which are its traditional allies. Another factor is that North Korea can effectively hold South Korea "hostage." Believing an agreement could be reached through direct negotiations with North Korea's top leader, the U.S. struck deals at every nuclear crisis, helping avert military conflict on the Korean Peninsula, but failing to stop North Korea from advancing its nuclear arsenal. Choosing a military option to denuclearize North Korea would likely trigger a full-scale war and mutual destruction. President Lee Jae Myung has said, "No matter how expensive, peace is better than war." Both Trump and Kim adhere to "peace through strength," making diplomatic efforts essential to prevent a clash, and South Korea, as Lee suggested, may be best placed to serve as a "pacemaker" between them. For now, as Lee said in his address marking March 1 Independence Movement Day last Sunday, South Korea should "communicate closely with the U.S. and neighboring countries so that dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea can resume as soon as possible." With the world growing more unpredictable, South Korea cannot afford to let geopolitical risks intensify on the Korean Peninsula. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-03-04 15:23:18

Bridgerton Season 4 Star Ha Yerin Says Grandmother Son Sook Watched — and Blushed at Intimate Scenes Actress Ha Yerin on Tuesday shared her grandmother Son Sook’s reaction after watching Netflix’s series “Bridgerton 4.” Ha attended a press event for “Bridgerton 4” on Tuesday afternoon at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung District. Ha, a Korean Australian actor, is known in Korea as the granddaughter of Son, often described as a leading figure in theater. Ha said Son had watched all of “Bridgerton 4,” adding that her grandmother, whose eyesight has recently worsened, watched from close to the TV. “She sent me a message saying, ‘I’m proud of you, I love you,’ and it made me feel warm — and a little emotional,” Ha said. Ha added with a laugh that Son told her that morning, “The revealing scenes are a bit embarrassing.” Ha said she thought her grandmother would skip the sex scenes, “but she watched them all.” Ha said she began dreaming of becoming an actor after watching Son perform on stage when she was young. “I tried to come from Australia to Korea about once a year, and every time, my grandmother was always doing a play,” she said. Ha said she does not remember the title, but recalled seeing a one-person show and a scene in which Son cried while holding a pillow like a baby. “Seeing the audience crying, I thought, ‘This is the power of art,’” she said. “People are all the same, and the emotions we feel are similar. I thought it was an amazing job — to comfort people and help them empathize through theater — and that’s when I started to dream of acting. I’ve been inspired by my grandmother a lot.” Ha said Son is currently performing in a play titled “Noinui Kkum.” Ha said she is leaving on Friday and plans to see the production on Wednesday because her grandmother wants her to attend. Ha added that Son recently told her, “I used to be called Ha Yerin, Son Sook’s granddaughter, but these days I’m called Son Sook, Ha Yerin’s grandmother,” a remark Ha said made her feel both emotional and proud. “Bridgerton 4” follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit uninterested in marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class between a masked-ball “lady in a silver dress” and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life. Part 1 was released on Netflix on Jan. 29 and Part 2 on Feb. 26. 2026-03-04 15:06:58

Ha Yerin Says Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton 4’ No. 1 Ranking Still Hasn’t Sunk In Actor Ha Yerin shared her thoughts on the global popularity of Netflix series “Bridgerton 4.” A press event for “Bridgerton 4” was held on the afternoon of March 4 at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung District. Ha, who stars in the series, attended. “When ‘Bridgerton 4’ hit No. 1 on the global chart, it honestly didn’t feel real,” Ha said. “It felt like something happening outside of me, so it didn’t really sink in.” The series also ranked No. 1 in South Korea shortly after its release. Ha said she had heard it can be difficult for a foreign production to top the local chart, adding that she was “truly grateful” to hear “Bridgerton 4” had reached No. 1 in Korea as well. “Bridgerton 4” is a romance series about Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit indifferent to marriage, who meets a “lady in a silver dress” at a masked ball and becomes caught between her and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life, as love, identity and class boundaries collide. Part 1 premiered on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 was released Feb. 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:48:25

Jin Air to Launch Busan-Phu Quoc Route, Expanding Service From Gimhae Jin Air said Tuesday it will launch a new route from Gimhae Airport to Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese resort island often dubbed the country’s “pearl.” The Busan-Phu Quoc service, the carrier’s third new route introduced from Busan this year after Taichung and Miyakojima, is aimed at strengthening its network based in Busan. Flights begin April 30 and will operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departures leave Gimhae at 7:55 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays and at 8:05 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Phu Quoc at 11:25 p.m. The return flight departs Phu Quoc at 12:25 a.m., with a flight time of about 5 1/2 hours. Tickets are available through the airline’s website and mobile web and app. The route includes free checked baggage up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Located at Vietnam’s southern tip, Phu Quoc is seen as an emerging resort destination linking Da Nang and Nha Trang. Vietnam’s largest island has been designated a government economic special zone and was selected to host the 2027 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit, helping drive rapid development of global infrastructure, the airline said. Jin Air said the launch is part of its push to expand its Busan network. Since 2023, it has opened routes including Nha Trang, Tokyo and Nagoya, it said. With the new service, Jin Air’s international routes departing Busan will rise to 17. A Jin Air official said the airline hopes travelers “experience healing in everyday life” in Phu Quoc, adding it will continue working to develop new routes from Busan and build demand.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:15:00