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  Kookmin University professor develops AI framework for public R&D evaluation SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - A research team led by Professor Kim Do-hyung of the KMU International Business School (KIBS) at Kookmin University (KMU) has developed a generative artificial intelligence framework to enhance decision-making in public research and development (R&D) evaluations, the university said Tuesday. The study introduces a systematic approach to bridging the gap between technical capabilities and stakeholder expectations. The research paper, titled "Bridgin March 18, 2026
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  US no longer needs help from allies including South Korea, Trump blasts SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his country no longer needs naval assistance from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries, as well as Australia, Japan, and South Korea, to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. "Because of the fact that we have had such Military Success, we no longer 'need,' or desire, the NATO Countries' assistance - WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea," Trump wr March 18, 2026
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  SK hynix owed 70% to US and 25% to Nvidia for record 2025 sales SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - SK hynix has effectively pivoted into an American-centric powerhouse, with nearly 70 percent of its record-breaking 2025 revenue originating from U.S. customers, with NVIDIA alone accounting for a quarter, according to its annual business report released Tuesday. The fiscal transformation, fueled by an insatiable appetite for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) among Silicon Valley giants, pushed the company into a "net cash" position for the first time March 17, 2026
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  KOSPI outperforms on Nvidia-driven momentum despite oil jitters SEOUL, March (AJP) — South Korean equities outperformed regional peers on the back of AI-driven buying, brushing aside rising oil prices that weighed on broader Asian markets. Seoul’s main bourse drew strength from its exposure to Nvidia’s supply chain, as momentum from the U.S. chipmaker’s GTC 2026 conference continued to support investor positioning in artificial intelligence-related stocks. Brent crude rose 3 percent to $103.23 a barrel, while West Texa March 17, 2026
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  BTS Live D-4 : Transit tip for the concert big day SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - An estimated 260,000 people are expected to flood central Seoul Saturday for the BTS comeback concert, turning the historic Gwanghwamun district into a vast open-air theater. Authorities estimate that while 22,000 ticketholders will be seated near the main stage, the larger crowds packing the city’s main boulevard and surrounding streets will effectively transform much of downtown into a pedestrian-saturated festival zone. In anticipation of March 17, 2026
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  BTS Live D-4: How to navigate Seoul's biggest concert day SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) — The countdown is on. As BTS’s long-awaited comeback concert at Gwanghwamun draws near, both Seoul residents and international visitors are bracing for what could be one of the most crowded days the city has ever seen. Nearly 300,000 people are expected to pack into an area roughly the size of three soccer fields — raising a simple but pressing question: how do you get there, move around and make it through the day? Transport disruptions March 17, 2026
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  Exhibition in Daejeon to showcase over 300 works by Andy Warhol SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - A special exhibition featuring American pop artist Andy Warhol's works is set to open to the general public in Daejeon on Wednesday. The months-long exhibition, "Andy Warhol: Selling Art," runs until June 21 at the Daejeon Museum of Art, featuring about 300 works including several pieces being unveiled for the first time in the world. The collection was made available by art historian and curator Paul Maréchal, who spent 30 years tirel March 17, 2026
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  Korean legislative finally moves on FX support as won levels breach crisis levels SEOUL, Mar. 17 (AJP) - South Korea’s National Assembly is scrambling to fast-track a package of exchange-rate support bills after sitting on them for months as the won comes under renewed pressure from the widening Gulf war. The urgency reflects not just broad dollar strength but a sharper loss of confidence in the won itself. According to the Financial Supervisory Service, the won weakened 4.12 percent against the dollar as of Monday from end-February, before the war e March 17, 2026
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  GULF CRISIS: Korean naval ability to answer Trump's Hormuz call in doubt SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump made pretty much clear that Washington expects South Korea to join escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz, but defense experts doubt the country's navy capabilities can meet the call. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has attacked at least 10 vessels, including tankers and tugboats, using missiles and surface drones, and threats to strike any attempting to pass the waterway off Iran coastline. A strategic c March 17, 2026
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  BTS Live D-4 : BTS comeback turns Seoul into citywide festival SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - Seoul is transforming into a festive atmosphere for the BTS comeback. Various commemorative events including a drone show at Ttukseom Hangang Park, media facades, and music light shows will take place. BTS announced detailed programs for 'BTS THE CITY: ARIRANG SEOUL' (hereafter THE CITY SEOUL) through Weverse on March 16. THE CITY SEOUL is a citywide project that will unfold across the city from March 20 to April 19. On March 17, 2026