Asia markets slide as foreign flows unwind amid U.S. ultimatum on Iran SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) — A sharp pullback in foreign positioning rippled across Asian markets Monday after Washington issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting investors to cut exposure to risk-sensitive assets. Chip-heavy markets led regional losses. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped below the 51,000 mark for the first time since Jan. 5, according to Kyodo News, dragged down by semiconductor stocks. Advantest plunged 6.76 percent, while Tokyo Electron fell 4.35 percent. Oil-sensitive chemical and manufacturing shares, along with retail heavyweight Fast Retailing, also declined. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 2.40 percent to 24,670.29, China’s Shanghai Composite fell 1.88 percent to 3,882.67, and Taiwan’s Taiex Index declined 2.04 percent to 32,860.10. The KOSPI slid sharply at the open, triggering a sell-side sidecar at 9:18 a.m. after KOSPI200 futures dropped more than 5 percent for over one minute — the 10th such activation this year. Foreign investors accelerated outflows, dumping more than 1.16 trillion won worth of shares shortly after the opening bell. The Korean won also came under pressure. The dollar-won exchange rate opened at 1,504.9 won and rose to as high as 1,511.8 won in early trade — its highest level since March 2009 during the global financial crisis. The market reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face further military action, intensifying fears of a prolonged disruption to a critical global energy route. As of 11:01 a.m., the KOSPI had fallen 4.88 percent, or 281.93 points, to 5,499.27, while the KOSDAQ dropped 3.65 percent to 1,119.08. Losses were broad-based across sectors. In semiconductors, Samsung Electronics declined 4.96 percent and SK hynix dropped 6.26 percent. Automakers also weakened, with Hyundai Motor down 4.84 percent, Kia falling 4.57 percent and Hyundai Mobis losing 5.37 percent. Energy, industrial and shipbuilding stocks were also under pressure. LG Energy Solution fell 3.60 percent, SK Square plunged 8.22 percent and Doosan Enerbility declined 5.75 percent. Hanwha Aerospace, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Electric all posted losses of around 4 to 7 percent. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics fell 3.81 percent and Celltrion declined 5.79 percent. Financials tracked the broader downturn, with KB Financial Group falling 4.83 percent, Shinhan Financial Group down 5.62 percent, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 6.50 percent and Samsung Life Insurance losing 4.32 percent. Among other large caps, Samsung C&T declined 5.38 percent and NAVER slipped 4.51 percent. On the KOSDAQ, Samchundang Pharm stood out among the few gainers, rising 3.97 percent on continued optimism over its oral insulin pipeline. Analysts said market direction this week will hinge on geopolitical developments and U.S. rate expectations, while warning of potential peak-out concerns in the memory cycle following Micron’s earnings. Investors were advised to monitor semiconductor earnings revisions and foreign fund flows closely. 2026-03-23 11:40:35

BTS week continues with back-to-back Tonight Show and Netflix documentary  SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - BTS moved immediately into the next phase of its comeback campaign after officially returning as a full group through a livestreamed concert at Gwanghwamun on Saturday, departing for New York the following day. The K-pop superstars are set to appear on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on March 25 and 26. RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook will join Fallon in studio for their first public interview tied to a new album release in six years. The group is also scheduled to perform two songs from “ARIRANG.” It marks BTS’s first full-group return to the program since the July 2021 “BTS Takeover,” which drew more than 120 million views across digital platforms and included performances of “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.” The group’s full-scale return was amplified by a free concert at Gwanghwamun, which was livestreamed through Netflix, turning the album launch into a global event. As of Saturday, a day after the album’s release, “SWIM” and “Body to Body” were leading Spotify charts, while several other tracks also landed in the top 10. Netflix is set to release the documentary film “BTS: THE RETURN” on Friday, chronicling the making of “ARIRANG” and offering behind-the-scenes insight into the band’s reunion after nearly four years. The rollout will continue into April with the launch of BTS’s new world tour, beginning in Goyang, just outside Seoul. The group is scheduled to hold three shows there on April 9, 11 and 12 before moving on to Tokyo for the first overseas leg of what is expected to become a multi-continent tour. BTS closed its Gwanghwamun performance with a message stressing that the event had been made possible through broad collective support, thanking fans, local residents and public authorities. “This stage was not ours alone,” the group said in a letter released after the concert. The members also acknowledged the inconvenience caused to nearby residents and businesses, expressing both gratitude and apology for the disruption. 2026-03-23 11:32:23

NK assembly reaffirms Kim Jong-un as head of state, watched for Iran response SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was reappointed as head of state at the opening session of the new Supreme People’s Assembly, closely watched for Pyongyang's rhetoric on inter-Korean relationship, U.S., and nuclear amid U.S.-led attacks on Iran over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The Korean Central News Agency said the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly opened in Pyongyang and “again highly elevated Comrade Kim Jong-un to the post of president of the State Affairs.” Under North Korea’s constitution, the State Affairs Commission is the country’s highest state policy body, and its president serves as the supreme leader and head of state. Kim has held the post since the commission was created in 2016, and his latest reappointment – third - formalizes the continuation of his rule under the new parliamentary term. The SPA, North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature, typically meets to approve personnel changes and codify decisions already made by the ruling Workers’ Party. The session was accompanied by a notable reshuffle in the upper ranks of the regime. Choe Ryong Hae, long regarded as one of the North’s most powerful officials and formerly chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, appears to have stepped down after being left off the list of delegates to the new assembly, according to reports preceding and following the session. He was succeeded by Jo Yong Won, a senior party secretary and one of Kim’s closest aides, who was also named first vice chairman of the State Affairs Commission, further underscoring his rise in the leadership hierarchy. In a rare move for North Korea’s tightly controlled political system, KCNA said Choe delivered a farewell message in which he declared that the country had “permanently secured its status as a nuclear weapons state” and further strengthened its socialist system. Public remarks from departing senior officials are unusual in Pyongyang, where leadership transitions are normally handled without open acknowledgment. Other appointments included Ri Son Gwon, a former inter-Korean affairs official, and Kim Hyong Sik, a party legal official, as vice chairmen of the State Affairs Commission. Premier Pak Thae Song retained his post, while former premier Kim Tok Hun was appointed to the newly created role of first vice premier, according to KCNA. KCNA also said the Second Economic Committee, which oversees munitions production and defense industry planning, would be placed under the Cabinet, though it did not disclose who would lead the body. Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s influential sister, was removed from the State Affairs Commission, while Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jong Ho retained their posts. In another notable sign of institutional change, Rodong Sinmun referred to Ri Chang Dae, previously known as minister of state security, as head of a “State Intelligence Bureau,” suggesting a possible renaming or restructuring of the internal security apparatus. The SPA session also took up amendments to the socialist constitution, implementation of the country’s new five-year national policy plan and state budget issues for 2025 and 2026, though state media gave no details. Analysts are watching closely to see whether the regime will formally write Kim’s “two hostile states” doctrine into the constitution, a move that could erase longstanding references to peaceful reunification and shared national identity with South Korea. KCNA’s description of the meeting as the “first session” suggests further meetings could follow, with constitutional revision likely to remain at the center of attention. 2026-03-23 11:02:48

Kim Hyo-joo captures Founders Cup title to reclaim throne after 11 years SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Kim Hyo-joo secured her eighth career LPGA Tour title on Sunday, winning the Fortinet Founders Cup at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in California. The 30-year-old South Korean finished the tournament at 16-under 272, holding off a late challenge from world number two Nelly Korda to win by a single stroke. The victory marks a historic return to the winner's circle for Kim at an event she first conquered as a rookie in 2015. By reclaiming the title 11 years later, she demonstrated a rare longevity in the professional ranks, earning $450,000 from the 3-million-dollar purse. The win follows her most recent triumph at the Ford Championship in March 2025. Kim entered the final round in Menlo Park, California, with a commanding five-stroke lead. However, the closing 18 holes proved to be a test of endurance as she carded a 1-over 73, featuring four birdies and five bogeys. This uncharacteristic turbulence allowed Korda to narrow the gap significantly, briefly threatening the lead after the turn. The tension peaked at the par-3 17th, where Korda recorded a costly bogey to give Kim a two-shot cushion heading into the final hole. Despite a closing bogey on the 18th, Kim finalized the wire-to-wire victory, marking the third consecutive season in which she has recorded at least one LPGA win. Kim’s career has been defined by clinical precision and early brilliance. She first made history as a 19-year-old non-member at the 2014 Evian Championship, where she opened with a 10-under 61—the lowest round ever recorded in a major championship at the time. She eventually defeated Hall of Famer Karrie Webb to secure her first major title. Since officially joining the LPGA Tour in 2015, Kim has amassed 22 worldwide victories, including 14 on the KLPGA and 8 on the LPGA. Known for possessing one of the most fluid swings in the game, she has consistently ranked among the world’s elite, finishing in the top ten of the season-ending money list in both 2023 and 2025. Beyond individual accolades, Kim has served as a cornerstone of South Korean international golf. She represented the Republic of Korea at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and led the national team to victory at the 2025 Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown. Kim will travel to Arizona next week to defend her title at the Ford Championship. Currently ranked eighth in the world, she has resurgent form, suggesting she remains a primary contender as the tour approaches the major championship season. Kim becomes the first player this season to lead a tournament from the first round through the final putt. 2026-03-23 10:54:42

Scientists turn toxic gas into medical tool using electric signals SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a technology to control hydrogen sulfide using electrical signals, turning a gas typically known for its toxic nature and foul odor into a precise medical treatment tool. KAIST said Monday that the study, led by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering's Professor Park Ji-min, introduces a bioelectronic platform capable of generating and delivering hydrogen sulfide to specific locations at exact times. This development marks a significant step toward precision medicine, where treatments can be applied to targeted areas without systemic side effects. Hydrogen sulfide is often associated with the smell of rotten eggs and is known as a hazardous substance. However, recent biological research has identified it as a crucial signaling molecule in the human body that maintains cell health and regulates protein functions by acting as a chemical switch. While it has therapeutic potential, hydrogen sulfide is difficult to use in medicine because it is a highly reactive gas that disappears quickly. Controlling its concentration and delivering it to a specific organ or tissue has remained a major technical challenge until now. To solve this, the KAIST team drew inspiration from bacterial systems to create a method that applies electricity to thiosulfate, a substance safe for the human body, to produce hydrogen sulfide. This electrochemical approach offers much higher safety and precision than traditional chemical injection methods. The researchers identified silver as the most effective material for the electrodes. Silver electrodes selectively promote the production of hydrogen sulfide while minimizing unnecessary side reactions, allowing for the fine-tuning of the gas amount and release speed simply by adjusting the voltage and timing. Testing the platform on human-derived cells, the team successfully activated specific ion channels that sense pain and stimuli. Furthermore, when applied to cells damaged by oxidative stress, the electrically controlled hydrogen sulfide restored cellular balance and promoted healing with virtually no observed toxicity. "This research is significant because it transforms hydrogen sulfide, once considered only a toxic substance, into a new tool for regulating biological systems via electrical signals," Professor Park Ji-min said. He added that the technology has high potential for expansion into digital healthcare and precision medical devices for treating neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The findings were published on March 19, 2026, in the international journal Science Advances. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Science Advances Title: Bioelectronic Synthesis of Hydrogen Sulfide Enables Spatiotemporal Regulation of Protein Modification and Cellular Redox Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb3401 2026-03-23 10:38:13

Kim Hyo-joo wins LPGA Founders Cup for eighth career title, first since 2015 Kim Hyo-joo captured the LPGA Tour’s Fortinet Founders Cup, earning her eighth career victory. Kim shot a 1-over 73 on Monday in the final round at Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park, California, with four birdies and five bogeys on the par-72 course. She finished at 16-under 272, edging Nelly Korda of the United States by one shot. Korda was 15-under 273. The winner’s check was $450,000 (about 680 million won). The victory was Kim’s first since the Ford Championship in March last year. She also became the eighth South Korean player to reach eight LPGA wins, joining a list that includes Pak Se-ri (25), Park In-bee (21), Ko Jin-young (15), Kim Sei-young (13), Shin Ji-ae (11), Choi Na-yeon (9) and Kim Mi-hyun (8). Kim led from the opening round through the final round for a wire-to-wire win, reclaiming the title 11 years after her first Founders Cup victory in 2015, her LPGA debut season. “Unexpected things happened, like being tied after leading,” Kim said in a televised interview after the win. “I have some regrets, but I’m happy to win,” she said with a smile. With Kim’s victory, South Korea has won two straight LPGA events, following Lee Mi-hyang’s win at the Blue Bay LPGA two weeks ago. It is the first time since 2020 that South Korean players have won two of the season’s first five tournaments. That year, Park Hee-young won the ISPS Handa Vic Open and Park In-bee won the ISPS Handa Australian Women’s Open. South Korean players also stood out on the leaderboard, placing four golfers in the top five. Kim Sei-young and Lim Jin-hee tied for third at 11-under 277. For Kim Sei-young, it was her second top-10 finish of the season after a tie for 10th at the Honda LPGA Thailand. Yoo Hae-ran finished tied for fifth at 10-under 278.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 10:27:00

KOSPI sinks more than 6%, Korean won hits fresh 17-year low SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI tumbled at the open on Monday, triggering a sell-side sidecar as investor sentiment soured sharply on energy crisis after an U.S. ultimatum on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. As of 9:54 a.m., Seoul's main index sank 6 percent 5,430.24, and the KOSDAQ nearly 5 percent to 1,105.33. Losers overwhelmed gainers by 859 to 57. The dollar hit 1,510.40, the first time above 1,510 since March of 2009 amid the global financial crisis. Fears of a broader conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran — coupled with surging oil prices and a global market sell-off — drove a broad risk-off sentiment, sending equities sharply lower. The escalation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face destruction on its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. Index-heavy Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plunged more than 6 percent. Automobile and mobility stocks also moved down, Hyundai Motor fell 4.06 percent to 496,000 won, Kia declined 3.62 percent to 162,400 won, and Hyundai Mobis dropped 5.12 percent to 380,000 won. In energy, chemicals and industrials, LG Energy Solution slipped 3.60 percent to 362,000 won, SK Square plunged 8.72 percent to 555,000 won, Doosan Enerbility fell 5.29 percent to 103,800 won, Hanwha Aerospace declined 4.24 percent to 1,264,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries dropped 6.80 percent to 521,000 won, and Hanwha Ocean fell 5.58 percent to 121,900 won. In bio and healthcare, Samsung Biologics edged down 3.31 percent to 1,548,000 won, while Celltrion declined 4.80 percent to 192,300 won. Financial shares followed the downward trend, with KB Financial Group falling 3.80 percent to 149,300 won, Mirae Asset Securities dropping 5.91 percent to 63,700 won, Samsung Life Insurance declining 4.32 percent to 221,500 won, and Shinhan Financial Group falling 4.29 percent to 93,700 won. 2026-03-23 10:05:09

Jureong Jureong Studio, Cheongju Early Printing Museum to Develop AI Guide for 'Jikji' Exhibits AR and AI content company Jureong Jureong Studio said it signed a mutual cooperation agreement with the Cheongju Early Printing Museum on March 23 and will begin work in earnest on the museum’s digital transformation project. The agreement marks the company’s first public-sector partnership applying its AI technology to cultural heritage. The centerpiece is an intelligent docent system that combines AI with printing-related cultural assets, including “Jikji,” described as the world’s oldest existing metal type book. Under the deal, the two sides will convert museum-held data — including academic materials on Jikji and metal type, exhibition narration scripts and verified images — into AI training assets. They plan to develop a location-based intelligent docent system designed to respond in real time in exhibition zones or in front of artifacts. Jureong Jureong Studio said it will build an AI docent platform using RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) technology, based on the specialized data provided by the museum. The service will use a location-based interface so visitors can experience real-time responses at exhibits. The company said the service will be offered as multimodal AI combining visuals, voice and text. It is designed to automatically provide tailored explanations for different visitor groups, including children, foreigners and people with disabilities. Jureong Jureong Studio said it will plan AI storytelling content and develop the docent system based on the museum’s academic expertise to avoid historical distortion, and will use the project to pursue digital transformation demand among cultural heritage institutions in South Korea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 10:03:15

U.S. Iran oil waiver offers limited relief for Korea, little help for petrochemicals SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - A temporary U.S. decision to allow the sale of Iranian oil already at sea is expected to ease near-term supply pressures, but offers limited relief for South Korea’s petrochemical sector struggling with naphtha naphtha shortages from Strait of Hormuz disruption. The U.S. Treasury Department has authorized a 30-day waiver covering Iranian crude loaded before March 20, a move aimed at injecting additional supply into global markets and stabilizing prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday defended the decision, arguing that it would not materially strengthen Tehran while benefiting U.S. allies. “Iran already gets a huge amount of the money, because Iran is the largest sponsor of state terrorism, and China has been funding them,” Bessent said. “This sale…would help the United States’ Asian allies, like Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.” For South Korea, the additional supply—estimated at around 140 million barrels globally—could help ease price volatility and improve access to crude suited for domestic refineries. Iranian crude, typically medium-sour, aligns well with Korea’s refining system, allowing efficient processing without major adjustments. The government has yet to issue an official response. The measure is unlikely to significantly ease pressure on Korea’s petrochemical industry, which depends heavily on condensate, a key feedstock for naphtha production. Before U.S.-led sanctions, Iran was a critical supplier. According to the Korea Petroleum Association, Iranian crude accounted for 14 percent of Korea’s total imports in March 2018 before dropping sharply as sanctions tightened. More importantly, Iran supplied about half of Korea’s condensate imports in 2017. Iranian condensate is prized for its high naphtha yield—the base material for petrochemical products—and is typically sold at a discount compared with alternatives, making it both efficient and cost-competitive. The current waiver does not restore direct imports from Iran, nor does it signal a broader shift in sanctions policy. It is restricted to stranded oil—much of it already purchased, often by China—to re-enter the market. 2026-03-23 09:38:31

Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan Warns of Legal Action Over Ex-Manager’s Online Claims Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan said he will take legal action over an online post accusing him of misconduct. On Monday, Kim wrote on social media that he would not address “personal relationships,” but warned that if the spread of false information continues, he will pursue “all civil and criminal legal measures.” Earlier, a person identified only as A, who claimed to be Kim’s former manager, posted on an online community: “A few years ago or now, how can you be exactly the same? You drink, go live on SNS and fight with fans — and this time, did you want to be a hero?” A is believed to have written the post after Kim shared a message on March 21 that read, “Anyone want to cheer for Dingdong for no reason?” 2026-03-23 09:27:15