Hanwha's new K9 wheeled howitzer draws global attention after viral test video SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - A test video of Hanwha Aerospace’s new wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the K9MH, has spread widely on social media, drawing attention to its performance. The U.S. Army is pursuing a major program to replace its current 155mm M777 towed howitzers with wheeled self-propelled systems. Hanwha’s U.S. unit, Hanwha Defense USA, said last month it had proposed the K9MH for the program. The company is also reviewing plans to produce the system in Alab April 18, 2026

Samsung Elec seeks court injunction to block union strike SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has moved to legally block a planned general strike by its labor unions, warning that disruptions to its semiconductor cleanrooms could trigger losses exceeding $20 billion and damage key client relationships. The South Korean tech giant filed for a provisional injunction with the Suwon District Court on Thursday to prevent what it described as “illegal” protest activities by a joint strike body formed by its three largest la April 17, 2026

Samsung Electronics unveils AI-driven 'Home Companion' appliances for North American market SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics showcased its latest vision for an artificial intelligence-integrated lifestyle during its "The Brief New York" technical seminar held from Thursday to Friday. The South Korean tech giant introduced its "Home Companion" scenario, a suite of appliance-based solutions designed to reduce household labor and enhance quality of life through advanced AI recognition technologies tailored specifically for North American consumer April 17, 2026

Hormuz crisis fuels air and sea charges, adding to input pressure in Korea SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - South Korean shipping lines are introducing emergency bunker surcharges as the prolonged conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli coalition drives up fuel costs, adding to input pressures and, ultimately, consumer prices. Sinokor Merchant Marine, one of Korea's largest container operators, said it will impose an emergency bunker surcharge of $100 per 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) on export cargo bound for Southeast Asia, effective this month. Industry o April 17, 2026

After Gulf war, Section 301 looms as next hit to Korean economy SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) — As South Korean markets price in a winding down of the Middle East conflict, another front is quietly opening — this time in trade. With the KOSPI hitting fresh highs on easing war concerns, attention is shifting to Washington, where a new round of investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act is gathering pace, raising the risk of fresh tariffs on key trading partners, including South Korea. Seoul, alongside Japan and China, is among April 16, 2026

Samsung Electronics unveils 2026 AI TV lineup at European tech seminar SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics held its '2026 Europe Tech Seminar' in Frankfurt, Germany, from Wednesday to Thurdsay, showcasing its 2026 artificial intelligence (AI) TV and audio product lineups to European media and industry professionals. During the event, Samsung demonstrated its 'Vision AI Companion,' an integrated TV platform that functions as a smart home hub. The platform provides real-time information on viewed content and supports tasks such April 16, 2026

SK hynix to test Samsung's shock earnings as AI memory boom deepens SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - After Samsung Electronics’ mind-blowing first-quarter numbers, its memory-focused rival SK hynix will be closely watched to see whether its three-month earnings can match — or even eclipse — expectations when it reports January–March results next week. According to financial data tracker FnGuide, the consensus among domestic brokerages estimates SK hynix’s operating profit for the period at 34.9 trillion won ($24.8 billion), wi April 16, 2026

South Korea's AI startups post strong growth under science ministry program SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced that AI and digital companies backed by its K-Global Project program posted broad gains in revenue, investment and employment last year, as the initiative celebrated a decade of nurturing the country's startup ecosystem. According to its press release on Thursday, the ministry surveyed 397 firms that participated in the program, drawing responses from 290 companies. Combined headcount at the end of 2 April 16, 2026

Record-high fuel surcharges to push up airfares ahead of peak summer travel season SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Fuel surcharges on international flights will rise to record-high levels next month as oil prices remain high, even as there are some hopes for an end to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Both international and domestic flight routes are subject to these surcharges, which airlines adjust based on changes in the average price of fuel traded on Singapore's spot market. According to aviation industry data released on Thursday, the average price April 16, 2026

HMM to launch West Africa container service, expanding global network SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - HMM will launch a new shipping route connecting Spain and West Africa in July, marking its first foray into the African continent as part of a broader push to extend its global reach. The new service announced Thursday, designated MA2 (Mediterranean West Africa), will operate out of Algeciras, Spain — a key Mediterranean hub — and call at ports in Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cote d'Ivoire. The round voyage takes about 35 days and wil April 16, 2026