S. Korean researchers identify protein mechanism to overcome leukemia drug resistance SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - A joint research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Uijeongbu Eulji University Hospital, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has identified a new molecular mechanism that controls how chronic myeloid leukemia responds to anticancer drugs, the state-operated research institute located in the central city of Daejeon said Thursday, April 23, 2026. Chronic myeloid leukemia is caused by an abnormal protein called BCR::ABL1 that sends continuous growth signals to cells, causing them to multiply. While targeted drugs are the standard treatment to block this protein, some patients develop resistance or show a low response to the medication. The researchers focused on how these drugs affect the internal "protein factories" of cancer cells, known as ribosomes. They found that the treatment causes these ribosomes to jam and crash into each other, a process called ribosome collision. This creates intense internal stress that leads the cancer cell to destroy itself. A protein named ZAK was identified as the key sensor for these collisions. The study found that ZAK plays two opposing roles depending on the environment. Under normal conditions, it assists cancer growth by connecting with certain signals. However, once drug treatment begins, it switches to a monitoring role that triggers cell death. The team verified this mechanism by analyzing cancer cells from leukemia patients. They found that using additional drugs to increase ribosome collisions significantly improved the effectiveness of the treatment. In contrast, cells with low ZAK function were more likely to resist the anticancer drugs. These findings suggest that a patient's ZAK activity levels could be used to predict how they will respond to treatment. It also opens the door for new combination therapies that could help patients who have built up a resistance to current drugs. "This research shows how important the process of a cell detecting abnormal protein synthesis and converting it into a death signal is for treatment," Professor Lim Jung-hoon said. "Since we have confirmed that ribosome collisions are the key switch that determines the death of cancer cells, we plan to expand our research to various types of cancer," Dr. Park Ju-min said. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Leukemia Title: BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors induce ribosome collisions to activate ZAK-dependent ribotoxic stress and apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4vIofWw 2026-04-23 15:56:37

Korea, Vietnam deputy prime ministers discuss expanding science and technology cooperation South Korea and Vietnam held deputy prime minister-level talks on the sidelines of President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to Vietnam, agreeing to develop science and technology cooperation into a new core pillar of bilateral ties. The two sides broadly discussed ways to expand practical cooperation in advanced fields including semiconductors, artificial intelligence and smart cities. According to Vietnam’s government official newspaper, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung met South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon on the morning of the 22nd (local time) at the government headquarters in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, along with officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office, also attended. ◆ "Science and technology is a new pillar showing early results" Ho said the visit was significant for maintaining and advancing the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership across all areas. He said cooperation in science and technology has produced positive early results and is emerging as a new pillar of cooperation. He said he hoped the visit would become “new momentum” to deepen ties in a more substantive and effective direction. Ho said Vietnam is focused on implementing national strategic goals for a new stage of development and wants to further strengthen cooperation with South Korea in a spirit of trust, partnership and shared development. He asked South Korea to continue exchanges of delegations at various levels, including senior officials, and to pursue balanced, sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation. Ho also urged South Korean companies to increase new investment in Vietnam and expand their operations. He highlighted priority areas including infrastructure development, advanced electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, big data, biotechnology and smart cities. He said ministries and agencies should closely coordinate to run cooperation mechanisms efficiently and turn policy agreements into concrete projects that deliver results. ◆ South Korea: "High regard for Vietnam’s talent; focus on AI and semiconductors" Bae said the two countries held a joint science and technology committee meeting earlier this month and discussed drafting a comprehensive cooperation plan in the field. He said the meeting would provide an important foundation for expanding cooperation in a range of areas. He said many major South Korean companies “highly value Vietnam’s development potential and excellent human resources,” adding that cooperation is also expanding in areas such as agriculture, workforce training and official development assistance projects. Bae pointed to the potential of Vietnam’s young workforce and said he hoped to strengthen cooperation in key areas the South Korean government is prioritizing, including AI and the semiconductor industry. He particularly emphasized expanding the role of the Korea-Vietnam Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST). Calling VKIST a model case of bilateral cooperation, he said he hoped it would continue to develop and become a symbol of cooperation between the two countries. South Korea pledged to actively support and coordinate the efficient implementation of VKIST-related projects. The plan is to develop VKIST beyond a research facility into a hub for cooperation between companies in both countries, while also building it into a platform to jointly develop training programs in areas such as software and AI. Bae said the cooperation has already involved multiple exchanges at the ministerial and department levels, adding he was confident more concrete activities would lead to shared goals and tangible results.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:54:10

Vitol CEO Warns Mideast War Could Cost Oil Markets 1 Billion Barrels The chief executive of Vitol, the world’s largest independent energy trader, warned that the fallout from the war in the Middle East could leave global crude and refined-product markets short by at least 1 billion barrels in cumulative losses. According to the Financial Times and Vitol disclosures on the 23rd, CEO Russell Hardy said at the FT Global Commodities Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland, that “600 million to 700 million barrels of supply have already disappeared, and losses could reach at least 1 billion barrels before the market recovers.” The FT reported that even if the war ended tomorrow, combined losses in crude and refined products could still reach that level as production, refining and logistics normalize. Hardy said about 12 million barrels a day of hydrocarbon supply is currently off the market, and he estimated refining volumes are down by roughly 6 million barrels a day. He said product inventories of 300 million to 400 million barrels are filling a short-term demand gap, but described them as only a temporary buffer that will ultimately need to be replenished. He also cautioned on demand. Hardy said demand has fallen by 4 million barrels a day so far and could drop further if the situation drags on, as the shock spreads from supply disruptions to slower growth and weaker consumption. A key variable is the Strait of Hormuz. The FT said Hardy believes the market impact could last longer if the blockade near the strait continues. Energy Intelligence also reported that Hardy warned a prolonged blockade would add downward pressure on global demand.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:53:25

Seoul Studio Apartment Rent Averages 710,000 Won as Monthly Leases Rise, Jeonse Dips In March, Seoul’s studio rental market showed mixed movement, with monthly rents rising while jeonse deposits edged down. Real estate information platform Dabang said it released its “March Dabang Yeojido” report on the rental and jeonse levels for studio units in Seoul’s multi-family housing — row houses and villas with exclusive floor space of 33 square meters (355 square feet) or less — based on March data. Using a 10 million won deposit as a benchmark, the average monthly rent for a Seoul studio was 710,000 won, up 40,000 won (5.2%) from the previous month, Dabang said. The average jeonse deposit was 213.86 million won, down 830,000 won (0.4%), suggesting the earlier rise has slowed. “Dabang Yeojido” compares each district’s average monthly rent and jeonse deposit with the Seoul average (set at 100%), using transaction prices reported to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Readings above 100% indicate prices higher than the citywide average. By district, monthly rents were strongest in the Gangnam area and major central neighborhoods. Gangnam-gu was the highest at 141% of the Seoul average, followed by Seocho-gu (122%), Seongdong-gu (122%), Yongsan-gu (118%) and Jungnang-gu (116%). Including Gwangjin-gu and Dongdaemun-gu (108%) and Gangseo-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu (101%), nine districts were above the city average. For jeonse deposits, Seocho-gu ranked highest at 125%, followed by Jung-gu (120%), Gangnam-gu (119%), Gwangjin-gu (113%), Dongjak-gu (112%) and Yongsan-gu (110%). Including Yeongdeungpo-gu (106%), Mapo-gu (104%) and Dongdaemun-gu (101%), nine districts were above average. Dabang said its March figures cover studio transactions in Seoul and calculate monthly rents using a 10 million won deposit after applying a rent-to-jeonse conversion rate, while jeonse figures are based on all jeonse transactions. Monthly rent data were compiled from deals with deposits under 100 million won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:52:35

Hyundai E&C Proposes 'Apgujeong Hyundai Galleria' Name for Apgujeong 5 Redevelopment Hyundai Engineering & Construction, which is bidding for the redevelopment of Apgujeong District 5 in Seoul’s Gangnam district, said on the 23rd it has proposed the complex name “Apgujeong Hyundai Galleria.” The company said the name combines “Apgujeong Hyundai,” long seen as a symbol of top-tier housing in South Korea, with “Galleria,” the department store brand associated with luxury lifestyle. Hyundai E&C said it will work with Hyundai Motor Group to apply advanced robotics across the complex, including demand-responsive transport, or DRT. The company said residents would be able to summon an unmanned DRT shuttle from their homes, creating a mobility network that links Apgujeong “like a single city.” Other proposals include nanomobility for personal movement support; porter robots and robo-stations for contactless deliveries; parking robots and EV charging robots for a smart parking system; and unmanned firefighting robots. On the residential side, Hyundai E&C said it designed “Zero Wall” wide panoramic views extending up to 240 degrees, beyond 100% Han River views for all units, and applied a 3-meter coffered ceiling height to enhance openness. Planned amenities include “Club Apgujeong,” a large community facility of 12 pyeong per household, and “The Circle 420,” which the company described as the country’s first circular community space to be built at the center of the complex. Hyundai E&C also said it plans to work with Hanwha so residents can access services through a dedicated membership, including use of VIP lounges at Galleria’s luxury store, shopping benefits and participation in exclusive programs. Apgujeong District 5, which will redevelop Apgujeong Hanyang 1 and 2 apartment complexes, is being 추진되고 있다 under Seoul’s fast-track integrated planning system. Once completed, it is set to include eight buildings ranging from five basement levels to 68 stories above ground, with 1,397 housing units. It is the only Apgujeong redevelopment project being bid competitively, with Hyundai E&C and DL E&C participating.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:52:07

Malaysia Food Culture Fair Set for June 17-30 at ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe The agriculture section of the Embassy of Malaysia in Japan said April 22 it will hold a special fair, “Taste of Malaysia,” with Malaysia’s government tourism office at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe from June 17 to 30 to showcase Malaysian cuisine. The event will also include a tasting for industry participants featuring Malaysian seafood, aiming to raise awareness in the Japanese market and expand business. The fair will offer a buffet of traditional dishes, including seafood imported directly from Malaysia, nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk), chicken satay and beef rendang. During the event, tastings will be held for HoReCa operators — hotels, restaurants and catering services — and food-industry buyers to present Malaysian seafood in greater detail. Japanese dishes will also be served alongside Malaysian cuisine to suggest a wider range of uses. Organizers said they plan to create opportunities for direct exchanges with Japan’s food industry to support future deals and business cooperation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:51:16

Amara Raja to Double Telecom Lithium Storage Deployments in India to 2 GWh by 2026 Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd., a major Indian maker of industrial and automotive batteries, said on April 21 it plans to double cumulative deployments of lithium energy storage systems in the telecommunications sector to 2 gigawatt-hours by the end of 2026. The company said cumulative installations have already exceeded 1 gigawatt-hour, with systems deployed at 50,000 telecom sites nationwide as India’s energy transition accelerates. In a statement, the company said energy storage is becoming “core infrastructure” for India’s shift in energy use. Amara Raja said demand for high-performance storage products is rising domestically as fifth-generation, or 5G, mobile networks and data centers expand, and it is aiming to reach the 2 gigawatt-hour target by late 2026. It identified data centers and broader industrial uses as its next growth areas.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:46:01

Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back touts military reading program tied to national campaign The Ministry of National Defense said on the 23rd it will launch a barracks reading initiative called the “One Gun, One Book (a gun in one hand, a book in the other)” project, linked to the nationwide “2026 Reading Korea Campaign.” The phrase combines “gun,” symbolizing the military’s core mission, with “book,” representing knowledge, culture and preparation for the future. The ministry said the goal is to help about 205,000 young people who enlist each year use their service not only to fulfill national defense duties but also to grow through reading. Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back said service members will be supported so they can “explore their dreams and career paths through intense and steady reading” and turn their time in uniform into “a period of intellectual growth to plan for the future,” rather than a pause in life. Starting in the second half of this year, the ministry will encourage new recruits to bring one book when they enter basic training — either a personal “life book” or a “tomorrow book” they want to read — to help spark motivation. It also plans to offer reading coaching by professional instructors and provide rewards, including one day of leave, for writing book reports to create a sense of achievement. The ministry has also been running a tailored e-book support program since February, providing 128,000 won for book purchases over a service member’s full term of service. Ahn also plans to lead reading lectures for commanders and add reading-coaching instruction to command and management courses for midlevel and senior officers, the ministry said, aiming to have commanders drive a reading culture in units. “Because even what is not in books can come through people in a deeply felt way, reading is the best way to awaken a commander’s spirit and gain major insight,” Ahn said. He added that classics “wake up a sleeping brain,” while bestsellers can leave a deep impression, and said the two should be read in balance for their meaning to be fully absorbed. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:45:15

Director Maggie Kang Signs Exclusive Deal With The Present Company, Expands Korea Work Maggie Kang has signed an exclusive contract with The Present Company. The Present Company said on 23 that it plans to develop a range of projects with Kang based in South Korea and that it expects strong synergy with a director known for creativity and a global sensibility. The company added that Kang is a symbolic figure who has demonstrated the global potential of Korean content and will continue that work as a creator representing South Korea. Kang, a Korean Canadian director born in South Korea and raised in Canada, began her career as a story artist at global studios. She later drew worldwide attention directing Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” The title has surpassed 500 million cumulative streams, delivering one of Netflix’s top-level performances, and also earned international recognition, including two wins at the 98th Academy Awards and the feature animation prize at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. Kang has also been noted for stylish visuals and fine detail, expanding her influence into fashion, including appearing on magazine covers and establishing herself as an artist watched by high-end brands. “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which blends K-pop with a Korean-inspired universe, has been credited with helping set a new trend in the global content market. Kang received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of her contribution to expanding Korean content. The Present Company is a management agency representing actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Shin Se-kyung, Kim Seol-hyun and Park So-dam. Ahn previously connected with Kang by participating in “K-Pop Demon Hunters” as a voice actor. Kang plans to broaden her work with The Present Company with South Korea as her base while continuing overseas activities in partnership with global agency UTA.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:42:16

Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung inspects crackdown on illegal stream facilities in Seoul Insu Stream in Seoul’s Gangbuk district has long been packed during peak outing season, with platforms crowded by visitors and sunshades strung overhead, leaving the waterway constricted and the valley effectively turned into a commercial space. On the morning of the 23rd, Yoon Ho-jung, South Korea’s minister of the interior and safety, visited the Insu Stream area in Ui-dong. The scene had changed, but the cleanup was not finished. Yoon looked toward sections still being dismantled: where platforms and tents had been removed, marks remained from fixtures wedged between rocks, and some exposed concrete was still visible. Officials said most illegal facilities such as tents and platforms had been taken out, but remaining structures and incomplete streambed restoration varied by section. No workers or heavy equipment were seen at the time, underscoring that work completed and work still pending existed side by side. As Yoon walked downstream, he listened to a briefing from Kim Yong-gyun, head of the ministry’s Natural Disaster Management Office. “Major illegal temporary facilities are being removed, and we are now removing remaining structures while restoring the streambed,” Kim said. “Is it cleaned up to here?” Yoon asked. After being told progress differed by section and additional removal was planned, Yoon nodded. “If traces remain, (illegal facilities) will come back,” he said. The work is part of the ministry’s policy to eradicate illegal activity along rivers and valley streams. Targets include not only illegal facilities such as tents and platforms, but also illegal buildings and structures in development-restricted zones, aiming to break repeated patterns of occupation. According to Gangbuk-gu, 15 restaurants and three lodging businesses operate near Insu Stream. A recent full inspection found 10 cases of illegal activity. Illegal occupation facilities, centered on platforms and tents, totaled 305 cases; eight sites had repeated the same conduct in the past. The district said it has completed corrective work at one site and is pursuing administrative measures at seven. The remaining two will undergo surveying to determine whether violations occurred. Farther downstream, the changes were clearer. Areas once crowded with platforms were more open, though some concrete debris remained. “There’s still some left here,” Yoon said, and officials replied that removal of remaining structures would continue. Along the stream, a deck walkway came into view. Some sections were already installed, with additional construction planned. Yoon stopped to look it over. “This is how the space needs to be organized,” he said. Officials described the deck as more than a path: it is intended to clearly designate the cleared area for public use and to block illegal temporary structures from returning. During the walk, officials also outlined follow-up management steps, including plans to install CCTV and conduct drone inspections. Yoon stressed that enforcement alone was not enough. “It can’t end with a crackdown,” he said. After looking over the stream, rocks and remaining signs of work at the site where merchants and business facilities had been removed, Yoon said the area must stay as it is. “This condition has to be maintained. People must be made to understand that the losses from demolition and fines are greater than the profits gained through illegal activity,” he said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-23 15:36:23