Korean Air accelerates AI-powered drone development with 2028 deployment target SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - Korean Air is stepping up its push into unmanned aerial systems, advancing development of an artificial intelligence-powered high-speed target drone while investing $130 million in a new manufacturing facility in Busan to expand production capacity. The company said it recently completed a System Requirements Review (SRR) for its domestically developed high-speed target drone project at the Daejeon Convention Center, attended by officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Navy, the Air Force, and the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement. The project, awarded by DAPA in November last year, aims to localize key components including the drone airframe, control systems, and launch equipment, replacing imported target drones currently used for training and testing. The high-speed target drone under development is designed to reach speeds of up to Mach 0.6, or about 735 kilometers per hour among the fastest in its class domestically. Korean Air plans to roll out a prototype and conduct its first flight in 2027, with deployment targeted for 2028. The drone will incorporate artificial intelligence technologies to enable swarm control and greater mission autonomy. Korean Air is also pursuing an open-architecture design that allows modular sensors and mission equipment to be installed, improving operational flexibility and cost efficiency. The company said the platform will serve as a stepping stone for South Korea’s future manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems and the Surrogate Unmanned Combat Aircraft (SUCA) program, which the military aims to deploy in the early 2030s. In parallel, Korean Air signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Metropolitan Government to invest 200 billion won ($130 million) in a new aerospace manufacturing facility at its Busan Tech Center in Gangseo District. The new plant, with a total floor area of about 16,000 pyeong, will produce next-generation drones, components for future commercial aircraft, and support military aircraft modification and performance upgrades. Busan officials described the investment as the largest aerospace-related project in the city, noting that demand for unmanned aerial systems is expected to grow across defense, logistics, disaster response, and other industries. "The integration of high-speed target drone design with artificial intelligence technology is a critical step for Korea’s defense industry to secure a competitive edge in the global market," a Korean Air official said. "We aim to accelerate the localization of the high-speed target drone system, a national strategic asset, to strengthen the military’s combat capabilities and enhance the global competitiveness of the K-defense industry." 2026-04-02 14:00:35

LG Chem Licenses Frontier Cancer Drug Candidate Targeting p53 Y220C Mutation LG Chem said April 2 it has signed a global exclusive license with U.S.-based Frontier Medicines to develop and commercialize the cancer drug candidate FMC-220, which is nearing entry into a Phase 1 clinical trial. Under the deal, LG Chem will lead development and commercialization worldwide excluding China. The company will pay Frontier an upfront payment, along with additional development and commercialization milestone payments and separate sales royalties. FMC-220 is a p53 Y220C activator designed to restore the normal function of p53, a tumor-suppressor protein, by acting on the Y220C mutation among multiple p53 mutations. The p53 Y220C mutation is found in about 1% to 3% of all cancer patients and is considered an important treatment target. However, it has been viewed as an “undruggable” target because of structural constraints that have made drug development difficult. LG Chem said FMC-220 is designed as a covalent drug, meaning it binds irreversibly to its target. The company said this could allow more stable binding than noncovalent approaches and help sustain the drug’s effect longer. Frontier said preclinical results showed strong anti-cancer efficacy and durable responses even at low doses, and that anti-tumor activity was maintained in tumor models with co-mutations in KRAS, suggesting broader potential use across patient groups. LG Chem said it will initially develop the drug for ovarian cancer, where the p53 Y220C mutation is relatively more common, and plans to expand development to other cancers with the mutation. The company plans to recruit patients with ovarian cancer and other solid tumors in the United States and South Korea and begin a Phase 1 trial within the year. “FMC-220 is an innovative approach in that it targets a genetic mutation for which treatment options are currently limited,” Son Ji-woong, head of LG Chem’s Life Sciences division, said. “We will work to verify the potential of a treatment option that can provide real help to many patients.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 13:00:00

Hyundai Motor bets on EV re-pivot after Gulf crisis SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) -South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group is stepping harder on the pedal in battery development and factory upgrades, after a period of stalled investment amid weak demand, as it bets on a structural shift toward non-fuel vehicles triggered by the global energy crisis. Its affiliate Kia said Wednesday that domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles — including hybrids, electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered cars — jumped 51.9 percent on-year in March to 35,480 units. Electric vehicle sales alone surged 122.5 percent to 14,488 units, marking the first time Kia’s monthly domestic EV sales topped the 10,000 mark. Pricing has emerged as a key lever. With government subsidies, models such as the PV5 and EV3 are priced in the 20 million won ($13,216) range, allowing Kia to reach a broader pool of cost-conscious consumers. Hybrid demand also remained solid, with sales rising 14.5 percent to 19,293 units, underscoring a transitional shift as consumers hedge between fuel efficiency and full electrification. “Sales in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa dipped due to geopolitical risks, but robust eco-friendly vehicle demand elsewhere drove us to our best-ever first-quarter performance,” a Kia spokesperson said. “We will continue to build sales momentum by leading with EVs and hybrid SUVs.” The rally comes as soaring crude oil prices — triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — have laid bare Asia's dependence on fossil fuels and sharpened the economic case for electrification. "The most viable escape from a world where geopolitical instability dictates energy prices is clean energy," said Kim Do-hyun, a senior analyst at Samsung Securities. Beyond sales, Hyundai Motor Group is deepening its push into battery technology. The group has begun developing ultra-high-nickel batteries — with nickel content exceeding 90 percent — in partnership with cathode material suppliers L&F, POSCO Future M and Ecopro. The next-generation cells are designed to deliver a range of 500 to 700 kilometers on a single charge, about 10 percent more than current high-nickel batteries. No battery maker or automaker has yet succeeded in mass-producing such cells, which demand advanced engineering to manage heightened fire risks and shorter lifespans tied to extreme energy density. Industry sources say the batteries are expected to be fitted in Hyundai's premium EV lineup, including its N performance series and the Genesis Magma brand. The group plans to continue development at its upcoming Future Mobility Battery Campus in Anseong, south of Seoul, scheduled for completion later this year. The facility will serve as a hub for battery research across EVs and robotics. Hyundai has also signaled that even as it builds in-house battery capabilities, it will not reduce procurement from external cell makers such as SK On. Its solid-state battery technology — widely considered the next frontier for safer, higher-density energy storage — is reportedly on par with that of South Korea's three major battery manufacturers. Meanwhile, the group is overhauling its flagship Ulsan complex — the world's largest single automotive plant, spanning 5 million square meters with an annual capacity of up to 1.52 million vehicles. Two aging production lines at Plant 1 and Plant 4, where Hyundai's first assembled car, the Cortina, rolled off the line in 1968 and its first indigenous model, the Pony, was built starting in 1975, are slated for reconstruction. Industry sources estimate Hyundai will invest about 4 trillion won to transform the two lines into advanced EV production facilities. A separate new EV plant within the Ulsan complex is set to begin operations in the second half of this year — the company's first new domestic assembly plant in 29 years, since the Asan facility opened in 1996. The green vehicle push coincides with the group's broader physical AI ambitions, which include deploying Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robots at its U.S. plants by 2028 and mass-producing on-device AI chips for autonomous robotics. With electrification gaining ground at the showroom and intelligent automation reshaping the factory floor, Hyundai is betting both fronts will define its next chapter. 2026-04-02 11:41:27

Korea leads broad Asian fall on disappointment at Trump address SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - Asian stocks fell Thursday, led by energy-dependent South Korea, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s much-hyped address failed to deliver clarity on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, leaving markets with more uncertainty than relief. Trump, speaking in a nationally televised address at 10 a.m. Korea time, said the conflict could continue for “two to three more weeks,” while offering no clear commitment to restoring access to the key shipping route. The remarks, coupled with continued military rhetoric, reinforced concerns over prolonged disruption to global energy supply. The benchmark KOSPI dropped 3.96 percent to 5,261.78 as of 11:20 a.m., sharply reversing from the previous day’s rally as sentiment turned risk-off. Institutional investors provided limited support, purchasing a net 341.8 billion won ($226 million), while retail and foreign investors sold 303.8 billion won and 159.0 billion won, respectively, signaling a broad pullback. Large-cap stocks declined across the board. Samsung Electronics fell 4.8 percent to 180,600 won, while SK hynix dropped 4.3 percent to 855,000 won. Hyundai Motor lost 3.9 percent to 469,000 won, and Kia slipped 1.2 percent to 153,400 won. LG Energy Solution edged down 0.3 percent. In contrast, defense and aerospace-related shares advanced, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions and renewed interest in strategic industries. Hanwha Aerospace rose 6.9 percent to 1,425,000 won, supported by expectations of increased defense demand and strengthening momentum in the space sector. The gains were further underpinned by optimism over NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission and reports that SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering, reinforcing long-term growth expectations in aerospace. The KOSDAQ also fell, declining 3.3 percent to 1,079.8, with losses accelerating shortly after the start of Trump’s address at 10:02 a.m. Selling pressure on the secondary board was led by institutions and foreign investors, which offloaded 182.2 billion won and 73.6 billion won, respectively, while retail investors bought 290.6 billion won, indicating a divergence in risk appetite. The Korean won also erased most of the previous day’s gains, weakening to 1,520 per dollar as foreign outflows persisted. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising 4.7 percent to $105.8 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate gaining 3.9 percent to $104.1, underscoring persistent supply concerns tied to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Across Asia, major indices also traded lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.3 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 0.8 percent, and China’s Shanghai Composite edged down 0.1 percent, reflecting a broader shift toward risk aversion. 2026-04-02 11:35:10

South Korea warns Bali travelers as gruesome violence rattles island SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - The South Korean embassy in Jakarta has shattered standard diplomatic norms by issuing an unusually blunt safety warning that details a series of horrific crimes targeting foreign nationals in Bali. The notice, released on Wednesday, bypasses the vague language typically found in consular advisories to itemize specific accounts of kidnapping, dismemberment, and sexual assault. This move signals that Seoul now views the security environment in Indonesia's most famous resort province as a high-stakes threat to its citizens. The safety warning arrives as Bali continues to see a record number of international visitors. According to data from the Bali Tourism Board, the island welcomed over seven million foreign tourists in 2025, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous year. While the province remains a premier global destination, the rapid growth in tourism has been accompanied by a shift in the local criminal landscape. Official figures from the Bali Police indicate that crimes involving foreign nationals rose by 47 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. Authorities have linked this trend to the emergence of international criminal syndicates operating in tourism corridors. In response, local law enforcement launched "Operasi Sikat Agung 2026" earlier this year, a high-intensity police operation specifically designed to curb theft and violent offenses in areas frequented by international travelers. The embassy's notice highlights five specific cases that occurred between February and late March 2026. On February 15, a Ukrainian national, later identified by local media as Ihor Komarov, was kidnapped in Jimbaran while riding a motorcycle. His remains were discovered by local residents on February 26. According to the Indonesian National Police, the suspects in this case are believed to be part of a transnational criminal group. Additional incidents listed include the fatal stabbing of a Dutch national on March 23. The victim was attacked by two unidentified men on a motorcycle while returning to a villa in North Kuta. On the same night, a Chinese national reported being abducted and sexually assaulted by a motorbike taxi driver. Two further sexual assaults were reported on March 24 and 25 involving hotel staff and security personnel in Seminyak and Canggu, leading to the arrest of the suspects involved. South Korean officials have advised travelers to remain vigilant, particularly during late-night hours, and to utilize official transportation services. The notice also instructs individuals to report any criminal activity to the Indonesian police. 2026-04-02 11:22:11

Shinhan Bank, Andong City Sign Deal to Launch Public Delivery App Ttaenggyeoyo Shinhan Bank said April 2 it signed an agreement a day earlier with Andong in North Gyeongsang Province to introduce its public delivery app, Ttaenggyeoyo. The city is the first in the province to sign such a deal for a public delivery app. Ttaenggyeoyo, operated by Shinhan Bank, is billed as a shared-growth platform offering brokerage fees of about 2%, faster settlements and various discounts. Shinhan Bank has signed public delivery app agreements with 56 local governments nationwide, including Seoul. Under the agreement, Ttaenggyeoyo plans to add Andong's local currency payment function, provide subsidies to new participating merchants and roll out dedicated financial products. A Shinhan Bank official said the bank will continue expanding its role in working with local communities so the app can provide practical help to small business owners and the local economy. The official added that Shinhan Bank plans to broaden partnerships with both metropolitan and basic local governments to expand the app's benefits. Separately, Shinhan Bank is running a Ttaenggyeoyo payback event through April 30. Customers will receive a 4,000-won discount coupon if their cumulative order total in April increases by even 1 won from the previous month. The offer applies to all order types in the app, including delivery, takeout and dine-in.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 11:09:00

Actor Woo Seung, Former KNK Member, to Hold First Solo Fan Meeting in Osaka 그룹 크나큰(KNK) 출신 배우 우승이 일본에서 첫 단독 팬미팅을 연다. 우승은 오는 5월 8일과 10일 일본 오사카 플러스윈 홀 오사카에서 ‘2026 우승 퍼스트 팬미팅 인 오사카 : 메이 비’를 열고 현지 팬들과 만난다. 이번 행사는 우승이 배우 활동을 본격화한 이후 일본에서 처음 여는 단독 팬미팅이다. 그는 무대에서 그동안 보여주지 않았던 새로운 모습과 다양한 매력을 선보일 계획이다. 주최 측은 팬들과 가까이에서 소통할 수 있는 코너도 마련할 예정이라고 밝혔다. 팬미팅은 양일 오후 2시와 오후 6시, 총 4회 진행된다. 자세한 내용은 플러스윈 엔터테인먼트 홈페이지와 소속사 공식 사회관계망서비스(SNS) 채널에서 확인할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 10:57:15

Krafton launches 'Raon' AI brand, releases four open-source models SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Krafton unveiled a new artificial intelligence model brand called "Raon", releasing four open-source models on global AI platform Hugging Face as the company moves to establish itself as a serious AI contender beyond gaming. The four models — Raon-Speech, Raon-SpeechChat, Raon-OpenTTS and Raon-VisionEncoder — span speech, voice and visual processing, reflecting Krafton's push into multimodal AI. The brand name draws from the native Korean word "라온," meaning joy, and is designed to capture what the company calls the essential pleasure of gaming through AI. Raon-Speech, a 9-billion-parameter voice language model, claimed the top global ranking among open speech-language models under 10 billion parameters in both English and Korean, assessed across seven core tasks and 40 benchmarks. Raon-SpeechChat, meanwhile, is the first real-time, full-duplex voice conversation model developed in South Korea, capable of interrupting and being interrupted mid-conversation. Raon-OpenTTS, trained entirely on publicly available voice data, ranked among the world's best in blind listening tests against research-grade text-to-speech systems built on proprietary datasets. Raon-VisionEncoder, the fourth model, outperformed Google's SigLIP2 in select visual recognition tasks and will be integrated into Krafton's broader independent AI foundation model project. "The release of the Raon model series marks an important milestone in building our AI capabilities," Chief AI Officer Lee Kang-wook said. "By open-sourcing large-scale training data and core models, we hope to contribute to the advancement of multimodal technology and the growth of South Korea's AI ecosystem." 2026-04-02 10:41:01

From "I'll do it later" to "doing now": why "admin night" catches on in Korea SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) - “No talking for the next two hours.” At a café in Seoul’s Gwanak District, participants briefly declare their goals using nicknames — then fall into silence. Laptops open, keyboards click, and each person dives into their own task. Among Gen Z, “admin night” is emerging as a new evening ritual — an alcohol-free alternative to after-work drinks, focused on getting things done. The appeal lies in being together without interaction. Participants say the subtle feeling of being watched helps them stay focused, and why? The purpose is simple from “I’ll do it later” to doing it now. A lighter form of connection, with fewer emotional demands — a quiet shift in how young people work, gather and unwind. 2026-04-02 10:27:14

Super Junior’s Donghae Reveals Track List for First Full-Length Album ‘ALIVE’ Super Junior member Donghae has released the track list for his first full-length album, “ALIVE.” Donghae posted the track list at midnight Thursday on his official social media channels. The album will feature double title tracks “Good Day (Feat. Jay Park, 1iL)” and “Haetteotne,” along with “ALIVE,” “EAST COAST,” “RACE,” and “HELP.” Also included are “ROCKET,” “Goodbye (Feat. TABLO),” “TOO LATE,” “FLOWER,” “To You(),” “HBD,” and “BEAUTIFUL,” for a total of 13 tracks spanning multiple genres, according to the posted list. The album includes guest appearances by Jay Park on “Good Day” and Epik High’s Tablo on “Goodbye.” The agency said Donghae took a leading role in writing and composing most of the songs, filling out the credits and shaping the album’s overall sound and mood. It is his first full-length album since debut. The release follows a previously announced timetable and news that all seats for his solo tour stop in Seoul sold out. The album’s music will be released April 20 at 6 p.m. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 09:36:51