Korea Expressway Corp. swept in V-League finals after late coaching change Korea Expressway Corp.'s bid for its first combined title in eight years ended in disappointment after the club entered the biggest stage with a self-inflicted coaching void and failed to win a match in the championship series. Korea Expressway Corp. lost 3-1 (25-15, 19-25, 25-20, 25-20) to GS Caltex on April 5 at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul in Game 3 of the Jina Air 2025-2026 V-League women's championship series, a best-of-five. After dropping Games 1 and 2 at home in Gimcheon, Korea Expressway Corp. fell again on the road and was swept 3-0 in the series, settling for second place. The momentum from finishing first in the regular season (24-12, 69 points) was nowhere to be found, with the disruption stemming from events off the court. On March 26, just days before the finals, the club announced it would not renew the contract of coach Kim Jong-min, who had led the team for the past 10 years. Kim's deal ran through the end of March, and the decision meant the team would play the April championship series under senior assistant coach Kim Young-rae as interim head coach. Kim was effectively dismissed after being summarily indicted on allegations he assaulted an assistant coach. Prosecutors accused Kim of throwing a remote control and pushing the neck area of an assistant coach, identified as Coach A, at the team's dormitory in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang province, including in the head coach's office, from late 2024 into early last year. After the complaint became public in April last year, Kim denied the allegations, but prosecutors summarily indicted him on assault-related charges. The club said March 26 that it decided against renewing Kim's contract after prosecutors issued the summary indictment in late February in connection with the assault and defamation case involving Coach A. The timing and manner of the notice drew criticism, as there had been no court ruling and the Korea Volleyball Federation, or KOVO, had not imposed any discipline. Kim had also attended a media day held just before the postseason in his capacity as the team's head coach. With the season's finish line in sight, players were forced to prepare for the finals amid turmoil after losing their coach overnight. The absence of leadership and the team's psychological shake-up showed in its play, and the advantages of being the top seed never materialized on the court. Korea Expressway Corp. entered the series with a stronger roster on paper and a physical edge from extra rest, but it could not take a single game from GS Caltex, which had advanced through a demanding schedule starting in the semifinals. The interim setup also showed clear limits. The bench often reacted a beat late, with timeouts and substitutions repeatedly missing the moments needed to halt GS Caltex's runs or change the mood. In key stretches when errors mounted, the staff appeared focused on calming players rather than offering sharp tactical answers or surprise lineup moves, and it was outmaneuvered in the chess match that often decides short series. After the Game 3 loss, interim coach Kim Young-rae fought back tears when speaking to reporters. "I'm so sorry to the players," he said. "After the match I tried to talk to them, but when I looked them in the eyes, I started crying and couldn't speak. I'm sorry." GS Caltex coach Lee Young-taek spoke cautiously about the situation. "Compared to Coach Kim Jong-min, I am not a coach with that much experience. I always learned a lot," Lee said. "It probably did have some impact that Coach Kim wasn't there." The late coaching change on the eve of the finals ended with the harsh result of a three-match sweep, and Korea Expressway Corp.'s 2025-2026 season closed with lingering regret despite its regular-season title.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 16:51:00

Si Woo Kim Ties for 10th at PGA Tour Texas Open; J.J. Spaun Wins Si Woo Kim posted a top-10 finish at the PGA Tour Valero Texas Open, which had a $9.8 million purse. Kim shot a 5-under 67 in the final round Sunday (Korean time) at TPC San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas, making six birdies and one bogey on the par-72 course. He finished at 11-under 277, tying for 10th with Tommy Fleetwood of England and others. It was Kim's fourth top-10 of the season, following a tie for sixth at The American Express in January and a tie for second at the Farmers Insurance Open and a tie for third at the WM Phoenix Open in February. Kim Seong-hyeon finished tied for 21st at 9-under 279. J.J. Spaun won at 17-under 271, edging a group at 16-under 272 that included Matt Wallace of England, Michael Kim of the United States and Robert MacIntyre of Scotland. The winner's check was $1,764,000 (about 2.66 billion won). Spaun, who earned his first PGA Tour victory at this event in 2022, claimed his third career tour title, his first in 10 months since his second win at the U.S. Open last June. The tournament winner was set to receive a Masters invitation, but Spaun had already secured a spot by winning last year's U.S. Open. As a result, 91 players will compete in this year's Masters. The Masters, the first men's major of the season, begins April 9 at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Kim and Im Seong-jae will represent South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 16:45:02

JYP rookie boy band KickFlip drops fourth mini album SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) -South Korean rookie boy group KickFlip, under JYP Entertainment, dropped its fourth mini album My First Kick on Monday, kicking off its second year since debut in January 2025. The group consists of seven members, but member Amaru did not participate in this comeback due to health reasons. The six members — Gyehoon, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju and Donghyeon — showcased the new tracks with high-energy performances. The title track, “Eye-Poppin’,” is a hyper-punk dance number that signals a bolder turn in the group’s sound, pairing punchy beats with a cheeky, no-holds-barred love confession. Since debuting with Flip it, Kick it!, KickFlip has steadily built momentum with releases including Kick Out, Flip Now! and My First Flip. The group notched its first terrestrial music show win, picked up multiple rookie awards and expanded its global reach with festival appearances such as Lollapalooza. "I want us to remain in people’s view, even if it means getting on their nerves," leader Kyehoon told reporters. "We don’t want to be tied to one style," member Donghwa said. "We want to keep trying new things and show different sides of ourselves." Centering on themes of love, uncertainty and new beginnings, the album captures the transition of the performers into their 20s. It extends a narrative established in earlier releases, which explored youth through family, school and personal freedom, now moving into romantic relationships. All members took part in writing the songs and producing the album, something that KickFlip has done since their debut early last year and which makes them distinctive among the newer acts. The album further develops the coming-of-age theme through songs such as "Twenty," which reflects the transition into adulthood, and "Scroll," which captures the uncertainty of one-sided love in a digital context. Musically, the group continues to build on a rock-based foundation while incorporating a broader mix of genres, reflecting an approach that balances continuity with experimentation. Earlier this year, KickFlip wrapped its first fan-con tour, 2026 KickFlip FAN-CON “From KickFlip, To WeFlip”, spanning 12 shows across five cities — a run that underscored its growing stage presence. My First Kick will be available on major streaming platforms at 6 p.m. Monday. The group will follow with a comeback show on Mnet M2 at 7 p.m. and a fan showcase at 8 p.m. 2026-04-06 15:51:05

Byeon Woo-seok Returns in MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ After Two-Year Gap Actor Byeon Woo-seok shared his thoughts on returning to viewers about two years after “Lovely Runner.” A production presentation for MBC’s drama “21st Century Grand Princess” (written by Yoo Ji-won; directed by Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hee-young) was held on the afternoon of April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon attended. Byeon said he was grateful for the attention and love he received for “Lovely Runner.” “Rather than feeling pressured, I hope people will love me even more,” he said. “As much as I’m given interest and support, I’ll keep improving and do my best.” He added, “I really like the attention. As someone who works as an actor, I think it’s the mindset you should have when you act.” On playing Prince Ian, a role that requires delicate emotional acting, Byeon said he built the character through extensive talks with the director. “I also did my best in this project to play Prince Ian,” he said. “I paid attention so viewers could empathize emotionally, and I tried to focus on his story.” “21st Century Grand Princess” is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a romance between a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner by status and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they try to shape their own fate and break through class barriers. It will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:48:40

Lee expresses regret over civilian drone incursions into North Korea SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Monday expressed "regret" over civilian drone incursions into North Korea, saying they fueled unnecessary military tensions between the two Koreas. His remarks came during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul, after prosecutors last week indicted three individuals including a graduate student in his 30s, a military officer and an intelligence agency employee, accused of flying drones into North Korea between last September and January this year. "It is deeply regrettable that some people's irresponsible actions caused unnecessary military tensions," Lee said, adding that, under the law, civilians are prohibited from engaging in acts that could provoke North Korea. It was the first time Lee officially expressed regret over these incidents, although he had previously criticized them on several occasions. Offering consolation to residents in border areas, whose concerns would have been especially high, Lee urged relevant ministries to take immediate measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again. North Korea has repeatedly complained that drones from South Korea violated its airspace. 2026-04-06 15:44:54

Korea's fiscal deficit tops 100 trln won for second year despite ratio easing SEOUL, April 6 (AJP) - South Korea's managed fiscal deficit ratio to gross domestic product eased slightly to below 4 percent last year on improved tax revenue, while the deficit still exceeded 100 trillion won ($66.3 billion) for a second consecutive year, according to a government settlement report for fiscal 2025. The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed the managed fiscal balance at a deficit of 104.2 trillion won last year, slightly narrowing from 104.8 trillion won in 2024. The figure marks the fourth-largest deficit on record, following 117 trillion won in 2022, 112 trillion won in 2020 and 104.8 trillion won in 2024. As a share of GDP, the deficit stood at 3.9 percent, down from the 4.2 percent projected at the time of the budget, but widening from 3.7 percent a year earlier. The ratio has remained above 3 percent for six consecutive years, underscoring a prolonged period of expansionary fiscal policy. South Korea's "managed fiscal balance" - a metric that excludes social security funds such as the National Pension, private school pensions and employment insurance - is designed to better reflect the government's discretionary fiscal position. The country is the only OECD member to present its fiscal balance in such adjusted terms. Total revenue stood at 637.4 trillion won against total expenditures of 684.1 trillion won, resulting in a consolidated fiscal deficit of 46.7 trillion won. Tax revenue rebounded, rising 62 trillion won on year to 597.5 trillion won, while total expenditure increased by 61.6 trillion won to 591 trillion won. However, compared with the original budget, revenue fell short by 2.1 trillion won while spending exceeded the plan by 13.7 trillion won, pointing to looser-than-expected fiscal execution. Corporate tax revenue surged 22.1 trillion won from a year earlier, supported by strong earnings at major firms such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Income tax rose 13 trillion won amid buoyant stock markets. Including 2.2 trillion won in special rural development taxes, total national tax revenue reached 373.9 trillion won, up 37.4 trillion won from the previous year. The fiscal "world surplus" - calculated by subtracting expenditures and 3.7 trillion won in carried-over budget from total revenue - stood at 3.2 trillion won, an increase of 1.1 trillion won from a year earlier. Concerns over fiscal sustainability persist. According to the Bank for International Settlements, South Korea's government debt rose 9.8 percent as of the third quarter of last year, nearly three times faster than corporate debt growth of 3.6 percent and household debt growth of 3 percent. The government defended its fiscal stance, citing overlapping domestic and external shocks. "Last year was a period when domestic and external shocks hit simultaneously, including weakened consumption following the Dec. 3 martial law incident and a rapidly changing trade environment triggered by the United States," said Hwang Soon-kwan, director general for treasury at the finance ministry. Officials said the government adopted an active fiscal approach, including two supplementary budgets, to support strategic industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors while stabilizing livelihoods and boosting domestic demand. Hwang also pushed back against claims that nominal GDP was overstated due to an 8 percent depreciation of the won in the second half of the year, saying underlying growth also contributed. On repeated calls from the International Monetary Fund to introduce fiscal rules, the government maintained a cautious stance. "We will actively review it once a consensus is reached in the National Assembly," Hwang said. 2026-04-06 15:42:07

IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier Singer and actor IU is returning with a new role after the popularity of the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended. IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality. “Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said. She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.” ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:39:06

IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who previously worked together in the drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” a decade ago, are reuniting in MBC’s new series “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” a romantic comedy set in a constitutional monarchy. A production presentation for the drama was held on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park Jun-hwa attended with cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress who has everything except noble status, and a king’s son who, despite his title, cannot have anything. The drama centers on their romance and efforts to break through class barriers. Park said the constitutional monarchy setting would offer “a unique kind of excitement” and keep viewers engaged. He said the production aimed to feel plausible through costumes and spaces so audiences could think it “could exist.” The series marks Park’s first drama for MBC. He said he felt pressure to deliver and emphasized the cast as the show’s biggest draw, adding that watching the visuals on set made monitoring footage enjoyable. Park also shared a casting anecdote, saying IU and Byeon were already attached when he joined the project and that their casting was one reason he decided to take it. He added, laughing, that his daughter is a big fan and urged him to do the drama. IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a character who is “annoyed” by lacking status despite her wealth. IU described Hee-joo as a layered figure full of irritation, anger and ambition, but also “cute,” and said the role was so appealing she decided quickly to join. She said Hee-joo is less a conventional chaebol figure than a celebrity who draws attention wherever she goes. Byeon plays Prince Ian, the king’s second son, a beloved royal who is not allowed to shine. Referring to the character’s nickname, “the 21st century Prince Suyang,” Byeon said Ian may look tough and twisted on the outside but carries inner wounds, and he focused his performance on that side. The reunion of IU and Byeon is a key point of interest. IU said she approached the new project determined to make up for “mistakes” from the past, noting that in their earlier drama Byeon played her boyfriend who had an affair with her close friend. She said it felt meaningful to work together again 10 years later and that Byeon brought an ease that felt like he had been preparing for a decade. Byeon said he felt their chemistry had continued since then and that filming was fun because IU made him comfortable on set. Noh plays Prime Minister Min Jung-woo, described as highly responsible, while Gong plays Queen Yoon Yi-rang, who appears cold but works to protect the royal family. Yoo plays Prince Ian’s aide, Choi Hyun, and Lee plays Hee-joo’s capable secretary, Do Hye-jung. Asked about comparisons to the earlier hit drama “Princess Hours,” Park called it “a great drama” and said the team would work to make this series remembered as well in 2026. He said Episodes 1 through 4 each offer different kinds of fun. With the drama set to reach global viewers via Disney+, the team also highlighted its Korean aesthetic. Noh said the blend of modern and traditional elements is reflected in architecture and costumes and would present Korea in a refined way. Park said the series includes many Korean elements, but its relationships are built around themes anyone can relate to. IU said the drama becomes more entertaining as it goes, adding that the director promised it would be a breakout project for the cast. She asked viewers to stay with the series to the end. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” premieres April 10 at 9:40 p.m. on MBC and Disney+. 2026-04-06 15:33:53

Hana Financial to Move Into Incheon Cheongna HQ, Pushing Digital and Global Strategy Hana Financial Group is expanding its footprint in Incheon’s Cheongna International City, betting on its data infrastructure to accelerate work on artificial intelligence and stablecoins and to broaden ties with global companies. According to the financial industry on the 6th, the group will begin moving into its Cheongna group headquarters in earnest in the second half of this year. The shift is being viewed as more than a change of address, repositioning the organization for digital transformation and a push overseas. As part of the move, about 2,800 employees from six to eight affiliates, including Hana Bank, will be based in Cheongna. Combined with 1,800 IT staff already located at the group’s data center, the group expects closer coordination across affiliates. Chairman Ham Young-joo plans to step up on-site management by traveling between Seoul and Cheongna after the headquarters relocation is completed. The group is emphasizing digital synergy among affiliates. Hana Financial said the Cheongna complex was designed from the outset around a “customer-centered, data-driven information company” concept, underscoring its focus on digital transformation. With the data center and strategy units in one place, the group expects to respond more flexibly to new technologies such as AI and digital assets. Hana Financial has been focusing on initiatives including stablecoins, an AI-based wealth management platform and central bank digital currency, all of which require advanced digital infrastructure. The Cheongna headquarters is also expected to serve as a hub linking domestic and overseas operations. Hana Financial has 204 networks across 26 regions worldwide and has been increasing engagement to expand its global business. The group recently met with Britain’s Standard Chartered Group and said it will pursue domestic payments marketing with Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. It is expected to pool capabilities across affiliates to pursue global investment opportunities and step up efforts to attract foreign capital. Hana Financial’s move to Cheongna also aligns with the government’s “5 hubs, 3 special zones” strategy. While rivals KB Financial and Shinhan Financial are moving to build infrastructure in the Jeonbuk region, Hana Financial is expected to focus on job creation tied to local universities and companies in Incheon, potentially presenting a model for balanced regional growth. If additional companies move in and industrial linkages deepen, the impact on the local economy is expected to grow. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:33:00

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea, KOTRA team up to help SMEs expand overseas IBK Industrial Bank of Korea said it will work with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, known as KOTRA, to help small and midsize companies expand into overseas markets. The bank said Sunday it signed a business agreement with KOTRA to support SMEs in developing overseas markets. The agreement is aimed at helping exporters diversify markets as global trade conditions shift, including U.S.-China trade tensions and supply chain restructuring, the bank said. Under the deal, the two organizations will cooperate on tailored support for overseas expansion, easing export-related difficulties and identifying successful cases. IBK said it will use KOTRA’s network of overseas trade offices. KOTRA will run an “overseas market development program” that provides services such as finding local buyers, marketing support, and advice on logistics and customs clearance. IBK also said it plans to help cover the cost of enrolling in short-term export insurance from the Korea Trade Insurance Corp. to reduce the risk of unpaid export receivables. “Using KOTRA’s global network, we will actively support SMEs’ entry into overseas markets,” an IBK official said, adding the bank will continue to back stronger export competitiveness and sustained growth.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:12:00