LG Best Shop to Launch Starfield Unjeong Store With Major Appliance Promotions Starting May 1 LG Best Shop will run a large-scale appliance promotion to mark the opening of its new Starfield Unjeong store. LG Best Shop Starfield Unjeong is a newly opening store in the Seoul-Gyeonggi area in 2026. The company said it will operate as a hybrid location offering hands-on premium appliance experiences along with tailored consultations. The opening event begins May 1. During the promotion, the store will offer special opening benefits on major appliances, gifts based on purchase conditions and additional membership points, among other deals. Customers who buy multiple items together will be eligible for benefits worth up to 6.5 million won. Gifts will also be offered by purchase amount, a package aimed at customers planning large appliance purchases for moving, new-home occupancy or weddings. Benefit amounts and eligibility may vary depending on items purchased and event rules. The store will also provide benefits tied to LG’s appliance subscription service. The company said the service can reduce upfront costs and includes free after-sales service and periodic care during the contract term, though some items, including repairs due to customer fault, may be excluded. Separate group-buying benefits will be offered for residents moving into new apartment complexes near Unjeongjungang Station. The store plans to provide consultations on customized appliance packages and group-purchase terms for eligible customers. Customers who book a consultation in advance will receive an additional “secret gift,” the company said. Advance bookings are intended to provide a more comfortable one-on-one consultation, including product comparisons and package proposals based on purchase plans. An LG Best Shop official said, “Starfield Unjeong was designed as a space that goes beyond simple retail sales to offer customer experiences and lifestyle suggestions,” adding, “We will raise customer satisfaction through the benefits prepared to mark the new opening.” The opening promotion is available by visiting the store during the event period, and details can be confirmed on site.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:48:51

USFK commander urges Korea-Japan-Philippines 'kill web' to counter North Korea, China, Russia Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, has proposed building a so-called “kill web” that links South Korea, Japan and the Philippines into a single military network. The Japan Times reported April 29 that Brunson, in an interview, said the network is needed to respond to rising security threats from North Korea, China and Russia. He said the plan would connect the three countries’ capabilities in multiple layers, with the South Korea-U.S. alliance as the core. Brunson said the goal is to integrate allied forces into one network not only across traditional domains — land, sea and air — but also space, cyber and the electromagnetic spectrum. As an example, he said U.S. satellite-based sensors could detect signs of threats from North Korea, China or Russia, then ground radars in South Korea or Japan could track them, with other forces moving to respond. He said such a system requires a network that allows real-time sharing of data from sensors — including satellites, drones and troops — to strike assets such as aircraft, ships and missile systems. Brunson said modern wars are often decided in cyber and electromagnetic domains before conventional fighting begins, underscoring the need to strengthen deterrence and build a rapid, combined response. The Japan Times said the proposal aligns with a shift in how the U.S. Defense Department views East Asia: not treating the Korean Peninsula as a standalone theater focused on deterring North Korea, but as a key hub in a broader defense network along the “first island chain” stretching from Japan to Borneo. Brunson said in major regional contingencies — including tensions in the Taiwan Strait or maritime disputes — all three countries could be involved. “The question is whether we are prepared to respond together, or whether we will be forced to coordinate in a rush after the fact,” he said. He also said U.S. allies such as South Korea, Japan and the Philippines cannot exist in isolation. “If you connect them, there is no single axis that hostile forces can prepare against, and the military advantage grows,” he said. To make the concept workable, Brunson outlined four tasks. He said South Korea, with its large ground forces and defense industrial base, would serve as a central provider of deterrence and logistics support. Japan, as a hub where major assets including fifth-generation fighters and the U.S. 7th Fleet are based, would provide advanced surveillance and strike capabilities and maritime control. The Philippines would offer strategic access linking the Pacific and Indian oceans and help reinforce maritime deterrence through systems such as ground-based anti-ship missiles. He also cited expanded multinational exercises as a key step to strengthen real-world readiness. The Japan Times said turning the plan into reality would require broader intelligence sharing and a maintenance and support system for U.S. military equipment in the region. It also cited political sensitivity over South Korea-Japan military cooperation and Japan’s constitutional constraints as major variables. Brunson said cooperation between U.S. forces in Japan and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces is already close but needs to be institutionalized, comments that also supported moves in Japan to strengthen its defense posture. In November last year, Brunson posted an East Asia map on the U.S. Forces Korea website with North and South Korea inverted, arguing for the need for “strategic triangle” cooperation among South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. At the time, he said the most important insight from the inverted map was the existence of a “strategic triangle” linking the three countries, adding that the concept offers a useful framework for trilateral planning discussions beyond traditional bilateral alliances.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:45:55

Researchers develop synthetic polymer matrix to improve stem cell survival SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - South Korean researchers have developed a three-dimensional culture platform that improves the survival rate and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Wednesday. Jon Sang-yong, a professor at KAIST's Department of Biological Sciences, led a research team to create a synthetic polymer material named "poly-Z." This material coats culture plates to encourage human adipose-derived stem cells to self-assemble into spherical structures called spheroids. Standard two-dimensional culture methods often cause these cells to age and lose functionality over time. The poly-Z platform alters the physical and chemical properties of the culture surface, promoting the adsorption of albumin proteins and preventing cells from attaching to the bottom. Stem cells grown in this environment produced more extracellular matrix, which mimics conditions found inside the human body. In animal trials involving mice with acute colitis and liver injury, the spheroids demonstrated higher survival rates and better inflammation control than cells grown using conventional methods. The new environment activates integrin and FAK signaling pathways, enabling the cells to better sense and respond to their surroundings. Seo Chang-jin, a researcher at KAIST's InnoCORE AI-Innovative Drug Discovery Research Center, served as the lead author for the research published in the journal Advanced Science on March 31, 2026. "This research demonstrates that a precise 3D culture environment based on synthetic polymers can simultaneously improve the functionality and therapeutic efficacy of stem cells," Jon said. "We expect this technology to be widely utilized in developing next-generation stem cell treatments for various intractable inflammatory diseases." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Advanced Science Title: Polymer Matrix-Based 3D Culture Significantly Enhances the Differentiation and Immunomodulatory Functions of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202518704 2026-04-29 10:45:44

U.S. Embassy in Ukraine Faces Leadership Gap as Acting Envoy Plans Departure, FT Reports Julie Davis, the acting U.S. ambassador who has led the American Embassy in Ukraine, is expected to leave Kyiv soon, the Financial Times reported April 28 (local time). Citing multiple sources, the FT said Davis recently told the State Department she intends to step down and plans to leave Kyiv in June, ending a 30-year diplomatic career. Davis has served as chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine since May last year. According to the FT, Davis has grown increasingly dissatisfied with the Trump administration’s reduced support for Ukraine and with circumstances surrounding her role. The State Department rejected that interpretation, saying Davis will continue to carry out Trump administration policy until her official departure. Before Davis, Bridget Brink, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, resigned in April last year. The FT reported Brink solidified her decision after a clash between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House Oval Office in February 2025. The timing is a concern. The FT said the U.S. administration has pushed to end the war in Ukraine, but talks have stalled amid Russia’s lack of cooperation and the fallout from the U.S. war with Iran. Ukrainian intelligence officials told the FT that Russia is preparing a new offensive this summer. If a prolonged diplomatic gap emerges in Kyiv, concerns are growing that pressure on Ukraine could intensify during a Russian summer offensive. In Washington, some diplomats argue that key conflict posts such as Ukraine require a Senate-confirmed ambassador rather than an acting envoy. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told the FT, “We need a Senate-confirmed ambassador.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:45:18

Cabinet Approves Bill to Add Three Local Council Seats in Incheon A bill to add three local council seats in Incheon cleared a Cabinet meeting on April 29. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok chaired an emergency Cabinet meeting and emergency economic task force meeting at the Government Complex Seoul that morning, where the government reviewed and approved a partial revision to the Public Official Election Act. The revision is a follow-up to Yeongjong Island being newly included as Yeongjong-gu, a basic local government unit, in Incheon. Incheon Metropolitan City will reorganize its administrative system on July 1. Because the statutory number of basic local council members is seven, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to increase the total by three through a legal revision to keep Yeongjong-gu’s council at seven members. The bill would raise the number of Incheon’s local council members to 128 from 125 and increase the nationwide total for district, city and county councils to 3,006 from 3,003. In opening remarks, Kim said the June 3 local elections are approaching and urged relevant ministries to step up efforts to ensure fair election management, including responding to fake news and supporting legally mandated election operations, now that redistricting has been completed.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:42:16

Samsung SDI Shares Hit Intraday Record on Profit-Turnaround Hopes Samsung SDI shares rose on Tuesday as expectations grew for a recovery in the second half of the year and a return to profit. As of 10:27 a.m., the stock was up 17,000 won, or 2.65%, from the previous session at 698,000 won, according to the Korea Exchange. It climbed as high as 706,000 won early in the session, setting a new intraday record. KB Securities cited improving results in maintaining its “buy” rating and raising its target price 60.4% to 850,000 won from 530,000 won. Kiwoom Securities also kept a “buy” rating and lifted its target price 70.8% to 820,000 won from 480,000 won. Shinhan Securities maintained “buy” and raised its target price 37.9% to 800,000 won from 580,000 won. Analysts also pointed to expanded shipments of mid- to large-size batteries as Samsung SDI supplies P6 high-nickel batteries for Hyundai Motor and Kia models including the Ioniq 3 and EV2, a factor expected to support a return to profit in the second half. Lee Hyun-wook, an analyst at IBK Investment & Securities, said North American energy storage system volumes appear to be fully booked through 2028, and that steady shipments combined with a recovery in the electric-vehicle market should drive a clearer earnings improvement. He said Samsung SDI could return to profit in the fourth quarter, its first in nine quarters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:41:12

Korea Tourism Organization Targets Russian, Kazakh Medical Tourists, Expects 5.8 Billion Won in Deals The Korea Tourism Organization said April 29 that its large-scale local sales push targeting high-spending medical tourists from Russia and Central Asia has concluded, generating 346 contracts and an expected 5.8 billion won in sales. ◆ Central Asia emerges as a key target in Korea’s medical tourism market The number of foreign medical tourists visiting South Korea topped 2 million for the first time last year, reaching 2.01 million. Among them, visitors from Russia and Kazakhstan totaled 35,450, up about 14% from a year earlier. Their average spending per person was about 40% higher than the overall average, making them a high-value market, the organization said. To capture demand, the organization held “2026 Korea Medical Tourism Promotion Briefings” on April 17 and 20 in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Twenty-four South Korean medical institutions and agencies joined the events, which drew about 330 local industry participants for business consultations. Product sales training was also offered to help local partners better understand the offerings. ◆ From trade fair to one-on-one sessions, 346 contracts signed In Almaty, Kazakhstan, the organization took part in the region’s largest tourism fair, the International Tourism Fair (KITF), held April 22-25. With 24 South Korean organizations, it operated a Korea tourism promotion pavilion highlighting medical and wellness travel products. On April 22, it hosted a tourism exchange event with 40 local agencies. On April 25, it staged a consumer-focused promotion at a major shopping mall linking K-beauty and K-food, drawing about 50,000 visitors. That day, it also held tailored one-on-one consultations at the InterContinental hotel with eight South Korean specialist doctors to showcase Korea’s advanced medical services. Across the roadshow, the organization reported 4,397 B2B and B2C consultations and said it expects 346 contracts and about 5.8 billion won in sales. Lee Dong-seok, head of the Korea Tourism Organization’s medical and wellness team, said the group will use the local networks built through the campaign to position South Korea as a tourism destination combining advanced medical technology with K-wellness. The organization said it has pursued a more segmented medical tourism strategy since last year, including building a networking club for affluent Chinese visitors, holding Japan’s first large-scale medical tourism event, and developing a new market in Erdenet, a mining city in Mongolia.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:40:08

EV Charging Firm Chaevi Jumps 132% in KOSDAQ Debut Chaevi, an electric-vehicle charging infrastructure company, surged in its KOSDAQ debut as buying poured in after trading opened. Shares were trading at 28,550 won as of 10:21 a.m. on Tuesday, up 132.11% from the IPO price of 12,300 won, according to the Korea Exchange. The exchange approved Chaevi’s KOSDAQ listing on April 27 and began trading on Tuesday. Newly listed shares are not subject to the volatility interruption mechanism, known as VI, on the first day, which can lead to larger price swings. Founded in 2016, Chaevi operates an EV charging infrastructure business based on electric motors and generators and electric conversion, supply and control equipment. It is known as the first domestic EV charging infrastructure company to pursue an initial public offering. In institutional demand forecasting held April 10-16, 751 institutions participated, posting a 55-to-1 competition ratio. In the retail subscription held April 20-21, the competition ratio was 302-to-1. The IPO price was set at 12,300 won, the bottom of the indicated range of 12,300 won to 15,300 won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:36:14

Hyundai Steel Extends Rally to Five Sessions on Steel Price Rebound, China Output Cut Hopes Hyundai Steel extended its gains for a fifth straight session in early trading, supported by a rebound in steel prices and expectations of higher product prices. As of 10:25 a.m. on April 29, Hyundai Steel shares were trading at 45,950 won, up 1,850 won, or 4.20%, from the previous session. The stock has risen for five consecutive sessions since April 23, gaining more than 10% over that period. The advance was attributed to growing expectations for an industry upturn as China, the world’s largest steel producer, has recently reduced output. According to the World Steel Association, China’s crude steel production last month totaled 87 million tons, down 6.3% from 92.8 million tons a year earlier. China has signaled output cuts, citing carbon-emissions reductions and industrial restructuring. Market participants say that if China-driven supply tightening continues, steel prices could firm further and lift earnings expectations for South Korean steelmakers. Global steel price trends have also been supportive, analysts said, as easing geopolitical risks in the Middle East, expectations for steadier interest rates and a weaker dollar have reduced some pressure on the sector. Brokerages are also focusing on the possibility of near-term earnings improvement. Kim Yun-sang, an analyst at iM Securities, said inflation and high interest rates remain a burden, but recent steel price moves and stabilizing macroeconomic variables are a positive shift. He added that while the price rise is partly tied to supply disruptions, higher prices themselves are supportive for earnings. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:35:32

Climate, Energy and Environment Minister Visits Doosan Enerbility Plant to Check New Reactor Equipment Kim Sung-hwan, minister of climate, energy and environment, visited a major nuclear equipment manufacturing site to help ensure the smooth rollout of new nuclear power plant construction. The ministry said Kim visited Doosan Enerbility’s Changwon plant in Seongsan-gu, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, on Tuesday morning to inspect production of key nuclear power plant components. The visit was part of on-site checks aimed at moving forward, without setbacks, with new reactors included in the 11th Basic Plan for Long-term Electricity Supply and Demand. The Changwon plant is considered the country’s only comprehensive manufacturing base with the capability to produce major components for large nuclear power plants. It has supplied key equipment to major domestic plants including Shin Hanul, Shin Kori and Shin Wolseong. Kim’s tour was scheduled to proceed from the main forging shop to the nuclear plant. Site managers briefed him on ultra-large forging production facilities, manufacturing processes for major nuclear components and the quality-control system. Kim was to review the production status and delivery schedules for key equipment designed to withstand high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Kim told workers, “Korea has world-class competitiveness in nuclear equipment manufacturing,” adding that the foundation of that strength is “the dedication and effort of workers on the ground.” He also urged them to “do your utmost in quality control” so that Korea’s nuclear power plants can remain trusted and their safety assured.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-29 10:34:44