Webtoon Entertainment's simultaneous global releases boost revenue by up to 200% in piracy fight SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - Webtoon Entertainment, a Naver-controlled company, announced that a pilot program releasing Korean-language webcomics simultaneously across global markets drove payment revenue up by as much as 200 percent, underscoring the platform's intensifying campaign to claw back earnings lost to piracy. The Nasdaq-listed company said Monday that it had tested the initiative on four original Korean titles — including "Childhood Friend Complex" — that are serialized in English, French, Thai and Indonesian. By aligning global release dates with the Korean-language service for series returning from hiatuses of five months to a year, the platform eliminated translation delays that had long left overseas readers reliant on pirate sites for the latest chapters. The results showed that "Childhood Friend Complex" recorded the sharpest surge at about 208 percent in global payment revenue compared to its eight-week pre-hiatus average, other top webtoons following the spike as well. Weekly readership also climbed across all four titles, with "Lee Seop's Romance" posting the highest gain at 82 percent. The company attributed the gains largely to the absorption of paying users who had previously turned to unlicensed translation sites during the gap between Korean and global publication. Titles typically struggle to recover pre-hiatus readership and revenue levels after prolonged breaks, making the immediate rebound all the more notable. "Simultaneous releases demand close collaboration between creators and the platform," Kim Yong-soo, president of Webtoon Entertainment, said. "We will build a fast, efficient translation support system to minimize the burden on creators while working to protect the revenue that has been siphoned off by illegal sites." The simultaneous release strategy operates in tandem with Webtoon Entertainment's proprietary anti-piracy technology, Toon Radar, which uses artificial intelligence to embed invisible identifiers in webtoon images and track unauthorized distribution. The company said the number of titles illegally copied on the day of their official release fell by about 80 percent as of November compared to the average for the first three quarters of the year. 2026-03-09 11:33:47

OPINION: Is Iranian war part of Trump's broader strategy on China? SEOUL, March 9 (AJP) - The U.S. launched surprise airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East. Under the joint military operation with Israel, codenamed Epic Fury, strikes on military and strategic targets occurred as rounds of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Geneva, Switzerland remained deadlocked. U.S. President Donald Trump is widely seen as unpredictable yet intensely transactional, prompting American think tanks and analysts to try to piece together his intentions and speculate on his next moves. The motivations behind the military operation remain unclear, though possible factors include the growing uncertainty of Trump's tariff policies following the Supreme Court's ruling against them, a deepening rivalry with China, and Russia's prolonged war in Ukraine, ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in early November. First of all, his tariff fight is likely to continue despite last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Trump's unilateral tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal. The court found that foreign drug inflows and the U.S. trade deficit did not meet the conditions of the IEEPA and the National Emergencies Act (NEA). However, Trump would still have a range of tools available to a U.S. president, such as Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address trade deficits; Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to protect domestic industry; Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to penalize unfair trade practices; Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose temporary trade barriers; and Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to respond to discriminatory trade practices. The strike on Iran appears aimed at removing a source of instability in the Middle East. Israel's cooperation, along with the wave of anti-government protests inside Iran, may have signaled to Washington that conditions were ripe for action. Another possible calculation is that toppling Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's decades-long iron rule could weaken Iranian-backed armed groups such as Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah. Eliminating Iran's nuclear program may have been another driving factor, with the broader goal of stabilizing the region and helping bring the war in Ukraine to an end. The Trump administration had been negotiating both issues simultaneously, repeatedly saying that Ukraine talks were nearing a final agreement, even as nuclear talks with Iran had been stalled. Iran's international isolation, similar to Venezuela's, may have encouraged him to resort to the strike. Trump may have believed that fully dismantling Iran's nuclear facilities could prompt regime change and that any Iranian retaliation would have limited impact on the U.S., while also potentially creating momentum for peace negotiations in Ukraine. The ripple effects were already being felt across Europe. On March 2, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to expand France's nuclear weapons program and offer a nuclear umbrella to European allies, a move aimed at strengthening NATO's collective defense. The announcement echoed a demand Trump had pushed since his first term, that Europe do more to defend itself, and aligned with his broader strategy of transferring the burden of Ukraine's security onto NATO and its members. If Ukraine and Iran are brought under control, Trump would have more room to pursue what may be his longer-term goal, i.e., containing China, a challenge that, as then-vice president-elect JD Vance said at the 2024 Munich Security Conference, could take 40 years or more. The U.S. midterms will be another test of Trump's strategy, though he appears cautiously confident. Last year, Trump secured investment pledges totaling US$8.4 trillion from domestic and foreign companies and is now pressing to make good on those commitments. Even capturing just 10 percent of that, roughly $840 billion to $1 trillion, would deliver a significant economic boost. Bringing the wars in Ukraine and Iran to a close could further strengthen the U.S. economy by helping to stabilize global markets. Even if Trump loses, U.S. policy toward China is unlikely to change, given that both parties in Congress take a hardline stance. This is one reason the midterms may not decisively affect his broader China strategy. Meanwhile, Trump has taken a conspicuously silent approach on Taiwan. Unlike during his first term or the Biden administration when Washington weighed in carefully on Taiwan-related developments, he has not mentioned the island since returning to office. This may signal that, with budgets for Taiwan and the broader Indo-Pacific strategy already in place, there is less need to highlight the issue publicly. Beginning in the second half of 2021, the White House, CIA, and Pentagon warned Congress of a scenario in which Chinese President Xi Jinping could invade Taiwan in 2027. These warnings helped secure funding through the 2023, 2024, and 2025 National Defense Authorization Acts. Congress has steadily built up its financial commitment to Taiwan across successive defense bills. The 2023 NDAA authorized up to $10 billion in military aid through 2027, with annual loans of up to $2 billion and a dedicated regional stockpile of defense materials capped at $100 million. The following year's NDAA allocated $895 billion for Taiwan support, and Congress separately approved $300 million in military supplies and training. The fiscal 2025 NDAA added another $300 million for security cooperation and unlocked up to $1.5 billion in Pentagon stockpile transfers. Indo-Pacific funding has been also secured across successive defense bills. The 2023 NDAA kicked off with $11.5 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, followed by $14.7 billion in 2024 and $9.9 billion in 2025. Additional funds covered $12.5 billion for Guam facilities, $17.5 billion for regional military infrastructure, and $25 billion for ships, aircraft, and munitions. Trump has also refrained from publicly pressuring allies to increase direct cost-sharing payments, focusing instead on pushing them to raise defense budgets, a move that could translate into more purchases of U.S.-made weapons. Investment pledges have taken priority over cost-sharing demands, with the reasoning that the investment amounts are far larger and that Trump already secured his cost-sharing goals during his first term. Within this strategic framework, North Korea does not appear to be a priority for him. While some had anticipated a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un during Trump's planned visit to China in late March, that prospect now seems nearly impossible. Trump is unlikely to risk a repeat of the 2019 Hanoi photo-op, as major obstacles remain unchanged: Washington continues to demand complete, irreversible denuclearization, a condition Pyongyang is unlikely to accept. North Korea would likely be unsettled by the U.S. striking Iran during negotiations. With little common ground on denuclearization, neither side has reason to pursue a summit that would go nowhere. Meaningful talks with Pyongyang would likely become feasible only after the war in Ukraine ends, a scenario that would compel North Korea to make new strategic choices for its own survival. As for South Korea, Trump's main concerns have centered on the swift implementation of investment pledges and the "discriminatory" treatment of American companies here. Some of the friction, however, stems from U.S. misunderstanding of South Korea's domestic business landscape, so resolving it will require candor and direct engagement. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-03-09 11:26:30

Seoul issues verbal intervention as won hits lowest since global financial crisis SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - South Korean authorities issued a verbal intervention Monday as the won weakened to its lowest level since the global financial crisis, with officials warning they would take “appropriate” measures to stabilize financial markets. “The bond yields and the won-dollar exchange rate are showing excessive volatility compared with Korea’s economic fundamentals due to Middle East risks,” Bank of Korea Senior Deputy Governor Yoo Sang-dai said during an emergency meeting. The comment came as oil prices surged amid expanding battle zones and fuel production disruptions across the Middle East, including the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments to Asia. Market anxiety has also intensified after Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardline son of the slain supreme leader, as the country’s new leader — a move seen as signaling a prolonged conflict. The U.S. dollar jumped to 1,495.50 won, approaching the psychologically important 1,500-won level for the first time since the aftermath of the global financial crisis on March 12, 2009. The sharp move came as foreign and domestic institutions rushed to sell Korean assets. Foreign investors dumped more than 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) worth of shares on the benchmark KOSPI in early trading. Government bond yields also climbed in line with global markets, tracking a sharp rise in overseas rates, including nearly 10 basis points in the U.K. 10-year gilt yield. 2026-03-09 11:21:57

Joint research team identifies neural mechanism behind drug addiction relapse SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - A joint research team from South Korea and the United States has identified a specific neural circuit in the brain that controls drug-seeking behavior. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that addiction relapse is caused by a general decline in willpower or a permanent loss of function in the prefrontal cortex. A team led by Professor Baek Se-bum of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Professor Lim Byung-kook of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) announced on March 9 that they have discovered how specific inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal cortex regulate cocaine addiction. Addiction is notoriously difficult to treat because even minor triggers can revive intense cravings long after a person has stopped using drugs. Until now, this phenomenon was largely attributed to the weakening of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the area of the brain responsible for impulse control. However, the new findings indicate that relapse is actually driven by an imbalance in specific neural circuits rather than a simple decrease in overall brain activity. The study focused on parvalbumin-positive (PV) inhibitory neurons. These cells act as a brake gate in the brain by suppressing the activity of other neurons to maintain neural balance. By monitoring mice exposed to cocaine, the researchers tracked when these neurons activated and how they sent signals to lower brain regions. The researchers found that PV neurons, which make up 60 to 70 percent of inhibitory cells in the PFC, became highly active when the mice sought cocaine. When the mice underwent extinction training—a process to stop them from seeking the drug—the activity of these cells significantly decreased. This suggests that the behavior of PV cells is not permanently damaged by addiction but can be readjusted through behavioral training. To confirm the role of these cells, the team artificially suppressed PV neuron activity, which resulted in a major reduction in cocaine-seeking behavior. Conversely, activating these cells caused the mice to continue seeking drugs even after their training was complete. This effect was specific to drug addiction and did not occur with natural rewards like sugar water, nor was it observed in other types of inhibitory cells such as somatostatin (SOM) neurons. The study identified that the PFC sends these regulatory signals to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a core part of the brain reward system. The PV neurons act as a control switch in this pathway, influencing dopamine signals to determine whether to maintain or suppress addictive behavior. The findings prove that relapse is determined by whether this specific pathway between the PFC and the reward circuit is properly regulated. Professor Baek Se-bum stated that the research shows drug addiction is a circuit-level problem caused by a collapse in the regulatory balance of specific neurons and downstream circuits. He noted that the discovery of PV cells acting as a gate for addictive behavior provides a critical lead for developing precision-targeted treatment strategies in the future. The study, with Dr. Chung Min-ju of UCSD as the lead author, was published online in the journal Neuron on February 26. The work was supported by institutional funding and international research grants. (Paper information) Journal: Neuron Title: Distinct Interneuronal Dynamics Selectively Gate Target-Specific Cortical Projections in Drug Seeking DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2026.01.002 2026-03-09 11:12:03

World-OKTA wraps up entrepreneurship training for global AI startup hopefuls SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - The World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) said on Monday it has completed a four-day online entrepreneurship training program designed to sharpen the skills of aspiring founders ahead of its 2026 OKTA Global AI Startup Pitch Competition slated for March 31 in Seoul. Faculty from UC Berkeley, Stanford University and San Jose State University, alongside active venture capital professionals based in Silicon Valley, delivered six sessions spanning AI-driven idea discovery, venture capital investment structures, AI business model design and emerging trends in AI agent technology. "Graduates of this program will receive certificates and be invited to the hybrid-format finals of the Global Startup Competition on March 30," said Sun Park, World-OKTA's branch president of Atlanta. "We also plan to establish a World-OKTA global startup alumni network so that participants can continue to grow as a lasting entrepreneurial community." The initiative builds on the momentum of World-OKTA's inaugural startup competition held in Incheon's Songdo last October, where about 100 startups participated and overseas venture capitalists committed a combined $600,000 in investment. Among the recipients, hydrogen alternative energy developer Viologen secured $500,000 and sleep apnea biotech firm MD Staage raised $100,000. This year's competition, to be held at COEX Magok Convention Center in western Seoul, aims to identify and nurture innovative AI startups led by Korean entrepreneurs worldwide and connect them with global investors and market opportunities. 2026-03-09 10:56:26

Si Woo Kim ties for 13th at Arnold Palmer Invitational; Akshay Bhatia wins in playoff Si Woo Kim finished tied for 13th at the PGA Tour signature event Arnold Palmer Invitational, which has a $20 million purse. Kim shot a 2-under 70 in the final round at Bay Hill Club & Lodge (par 72) in Orlando, Florida, with four birdies and two bogeys. He closed at 5-under 283, tying Viktor Hovland of Norway, Maverick McNealy, Billy Horschel and Daniel Berger of the United States, and Sepp Straka of Austria. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour’s top-tier signature events, limited to 72 players. Akshay Bhatia of the United States won the title. Bhatia finished at 15-under 273 and beat Berger on the first hole of a playoff to claim his third career PGA Tour victory, his first in 1 year 11 months. He earned $4 million (about 5.94 billion won) in prize money. All three of Bhatia’s PGA Tour wins have come in playoffs. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the United States tied for 24th at 2-under 286. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland withdrew after the second round because of back pain.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 10:30:00

Iranian embassy in Seoul opens condolence book for late supreme leader SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - The Iranian embassy in South Korea notified the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 8 of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, whom the mission described as a martyr. In a formal diplomatic note, the embassy said the Iranian leader died February 28 in what it characterized as a "brutal and unjust attack" by the United States and Israel. The message marks the first formal communication from the mission to the South Korean government regarding the leadership transition in Tehran following the start of hostilities in late February. The death of the 86-year-old leader occurred during a wave of joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting government and military infrastructure across Iran. While U.S. President Donald Trump described the operation as a necessary step to address Iran's nuclear program and regional influence, Iranian officials have condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty and a war crime. The embassy announced it will open a book of condolences at its compound in the Yongsan district of Seoul. The book will be available for signatures on March 9 and March 10, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The diplomatic note, which was also circulated to other foreign missions and international organizations based in South Korea, concluded with standard formal assurances of the embassy's "highest consideration" for the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The announcement comes as Iran enters a period of high-stakes political transition. On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, as the new supreme leader. According to reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the 56-year-old takes power as the country remains engaged in active military conflict and faces significant internal security measures. South Korean officials have not yet issued a formal response to the embassy's characterization of the event or confirmed whether a representative will visit the mission to sign the condolence book. The South Korean government has previously coordinated the evacuation of its citizens from the region as the security situation deteriorated. 2026-03-09 10:23:43

Celltrion solidifies biosimilar dominance across key Asian markets SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - Celltrion has tightened its grip on major Asian biosimilar markets, with several of its flagship products commanding leading market shares in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, buoyed by an aggressive direct-sales push and a steady pipeline of new launches. Data from IQVIA showed that Celltrion's autoimmune treatment Remsima (infliximab) held the top prescription spot across all four markets as of the third quarter of 2025, capturing 93 percent of the market in Singapore, 77 percent in Hong Kong, 73 percent in Thailand and 65 percent in Malaysia. The company's oncology portfolio has also gained considerable traction. Breast and gastric cancer treatment Herzuma (trastuzumab) secured market shares of 87 percent in Thailand, 57 percent in Hong Kong and 51 percent in Malaysia, while blood cancer drug Truxima (rituximab) held 90 percent in Singapore and 79 percent in Thailand — all ranking first in their respective categories. In Singapore, Celltrion's adalimumab biosimilar Yuflyma has overtaken the original biologic to claim the second-highest market share. The company's Singapore unit plans to roll out a 20mg dosage of Yuflyma alongside the existing 40mg option ahead of upcoming adalimumab tenders, aiming to widen its competitive edge. Celltrion has also launched Yuflyma in Malaysia and Thailand. Celltrion's Thai subsidiary has forged long-term partnerships with every university hospital in the country, where Remsima, Truxima and Herzuma are now used as the sole biosimilar in each of their categories. The firm is broadening its product lineup across the region, with plans to secure approval for Stoboclo-Osenvelt (denosumab) in Singapore this year and to introduce three new products — Steqeyma (ustekinumab), Vegzelma (bevacizumab) and Omlyclo (omalizumab) — in Thailand. "We are elevating prescription outcomes on the back of product competitiveness and supply stability in Asia's tender-driven markets, and positive perceptions of Celltrion products are spreading rapidly," a company spokesperson said. "We will devote our full efforts to deepening the performance of existing products while ensuring the timely launch of new ones." 2026-03-09 10:16:21

Hyundai Wia Holds 2026 Partnership Day, Pledges Shared Growth With Suppliers Hyundai Wia said it held its “2026 Partnership Day” on March 6-7 at Haevichi Hotel & Resort in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, where it shared its business strategy and vision with suppliers. The event brought together 123 key suppliers to discuss ways to pursue sustainable shared growth. Hyundai Wia holds the gathering each year in early January on Jeju Island. This year’s theme was “Our journey together creates a bigger future.” CEO Kwon Oh-sung said, “The foundation of Hyundai Wia’s 50-year history has been our suppliers,” adding that they are “true partners” who go beyond transactions to think through technology, overcome crises and share results. Hyundai Wia said it will work with suppliers to strengthen technology leadership, including collaborating from the product planning stage and jointly pursuing development and cost innovation for mass production. The company also said it will accelerate digital transformation using artificial intelligence to shorten development timelines and prevent potential mistakes in production and quality processes. To support suppliers’ AI adoption and technical capabilities, Hyundai Wia said it will expand training support by using Hyundai Motor Group’s Global Shared Growth Cooperation Center to provide practical education that can be applied on the job. At the event, it hosted an AI lecture by Park Hee-jun, a professor in Yonsei University’s industrial engineering department, to help suppliers strengthen AI and digital transformation skills. Hyundai Wia said it will expand shared-growth programs, including offering low-interest loans to suppliers through a 68 billion won fund. It said it will pay all amounts in cash to small and midsize suppliers with annual sales under 100 billion won and will make holiday payments early. The company also said it will strengthen support for suppliers’ safety management. Hyundai Wia said it will also help suppliers expand sales channels by supporting participation costs for overseas exhibitions and covering expenses for obtaining Korea Customs Service’s Authorized Economic Operator certification to strengthen import-export operations. A Hyundai Wia official said the company’s 50th anniversary this year was possible thanks to its suppliers, adding that it will “open the next 100 years” through shared growth with partners. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 09:57:00

RIIZE Wraps First World Tour 'RIIZING LOUD' With 420,000 Fans 그룹 라이즈가 첫 월드 투어의 피날레를 성공적으로 마무리했다. RIIZE has successfully closed out its first world tour, drawing a total of 420,000 fans, the group’s agency said. The group launched its first world tour, “RIIZING LOUD,” in July 2025 and performed in 21 cities worldwide, from Asia to North America. The finale ran March 6-8 at KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Olympic Park, drawing 32,000 fans over three days after organizers opened even limited-view seats amid strong demand. Online livestreams on Beyond LIVE and Weverse were offered on March 6 and 8, with viewers tuning in from countries including the United States, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Japan, China and Thailand. A live viewing was also held March 7 in 143 movie theaters across 10 locations worldwide. RIIZE performed a new 27-song set over about 2 hours and 40 minutes, backed by a live band. The show featured band-arranged tracks, performances shifting between hard-hitting and bright moods, and concept-driven staging tailored to each song. Highlights included an opening run with “Bag Bad Back,” “Siren” and “잉걸,” along with “Something’s in the Water,” staged with a projection effect evoking an underwater setting. “Fame” used a moving crown-of-thorns set and a turntable lift, while “Combo” featured galaxy-like lasers across the ceiling. The concert also debuted a Korean version of “All of You,” with member Seongchan credited as a lyricist. The group introduced an outro for “9 Days,” made by member Anton, and an intro remix of “Impossible.” Other moments included a mic-stand choreography version of “Get A Guitar,” the musical-like staging of “Fly Up,” and close-to-the-crowd performances of “One Kiss” and “Inside My Love.” Near the end, the members looked back on the tour, telling fans, “What we realized during our first world tour is that wherever we went, BRIIZE (the fan club name) was with us. We felt the place we wanted to be most wasn’t any venue, but by BRIIZE’s side.” They added, “Everything was possible thanks to BRIIZE’s cheers, the moments we relied on each other even when it was hard, and the staff who worked with us behind the scenes,” offering thanks. They also said they sometimes wondered whether the group was “moving in a good direction,” but that seeing fans convinced them they were on the right path. “We should keep looking only at BRIIZE. Now we can’t do without BRIIZE,” they said, adding, “Thank you for loving the world of RIIZE. We’ll keep working so that world can grow in a great way, so let’s keep going together,” with some members in tears. Fans filled the venue holding orange light sticks, the group’s signature color, and staged events including a flash display during “Midnight Mirage,” slogan messages, card sections, sing-alongs and surprise cheers. In response, RIIZE performed the encore song “Happy! Happy! Happy!” from the animated series “씰룩” soundtrack. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-09 09:48:17