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  Korea's battery makers forge lithium alliance to counter China's grip SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - POSCO Group and SK On have sealed a long-term lithium supply deal worth up to 25,000 tons through 2028, in the latest sign that South Korean battery players are locking arms to build a domestic supply chain capable of challenging China's stranglehold on the global battery market. Under the agreement announced Wednesday, POSCO Argentina will ship lithium extracted from the Salar del Hombre Muerto salt flat in Argentina's Salta province to SK On' February 26, 2026
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  BOK seen on extended hold as financial risks resurface SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Financial stability concerns have re-emerged as the decisive variable in South Korea’s monetary policy outlook this year as inflation and economic growth return to target range. The Bank of Korea’s Monetary Policy Board on Thursday unanimously kept the benchmark rate unchanged at 2.5 percent, where it has remained since the May 2025 cut. “With inflation expected to remain stable near the target level, economic growth is projected to February 26, 2026
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  Kookmin University selected for S. Korea's Seoul BRIDGE project to commercialize strategic technologies SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Kookmin University announced on Thursday that its Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation has been selected for the Seoul BRIDGE project. The initiative is a key component of the Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) framework, a project managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to align university research with regional economic needs. Through this selection, Kookmin University will receive 650 million won annually over the next four years February 26, 2026
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  South Korean director Park Chan-wook to lead jury at 79th Cannes Film Festival SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Korean film director Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president of the 79th Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced Thursday, marking another milestone in his long-standing relationship with the prestigious event. Park will chair the main competition jury responsible for selecting the Palme d'Or, the festival’s top prize. He is the first Korean filmmaker to preside over the Cannes jury. His ties to Cannes date back more than two decades. February 26, 2026
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  Suwon's UNESCO world heritage Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion and Hwahongmun Gate stand as iconic symbols of Suwon's UNESCO World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress. Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, meaning "a pavilion where one can enjoy flowers and willows while water flows," sits elegantly at the northeastern corner of Hwaseong Fortress. Built in 1794 during King Jeongjo's reign, this hexagonal pavilion offers stunning views where the fortress walls meet Suwonch February 26, 2026
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  Trendy living ideas from Seoul SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) -The 2026 Seoul Living Design Fair opened Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, transforming the cavernous exhibition halls into a playground of textures, light and ideas. Now in its 31st year, the country’s largest interior and lifestyle showcase returns under the theme “Sustainable Living and Design.” Organizers say around 450 domestic and international brands have joined this year’s edition — the biggest lineup yet. For f February 26, 2026
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  Celltrion ramps up US manufacturing to buffer against tariffs SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - Biopharmaceutical company Celltrion said Thursday that it has taken steps to ensure its U.S. operations remain uninterrupted amid growing uncertainty over tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling last week. In a statement, Celltrion said it is ready to respond regardless of how tariff-related issues are resolved after the U.S. Supreme Court found U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs policy unlawful. Celltrion, which acquired U.S. February 26, 2026
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  KOSPI and Nikkei extend record rally on Nvidia guidance SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - KOSPI and Nikkei extend record rally on Nvidia guidance South Korean and Japanese shares stayed on their record-setting path Thursday, lifted by rosy guidance from Nvidia, while China-linked markets remained subdued ahead of the annual policy-setting congress next week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened higher and briefly surpassed 59,000 for the first time in morning trade, marking a fresh record, before trimming gains to 58,863.20 around 11 a.m. Th February 26, 2026
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  South Korea pledges $100,000 in aid to cyclone-hit Madagascar SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - South Korea will provide US$100,000 in humanitarian aid to Madagascar to help the country recover from damage caused by a recent tropical storm, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. Madagascar, an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa, was recently struck by a tropical cyclone that left dozens dead and caused widespread damage including collapsed buildings, disrupted communications, and downed power lines. The ministry hopes February 26, 2026
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  OPINION: Foreign residents' voting rights stir fresh debate ahead of local elections in June SEOUL, February 26 (AJP) - As an increasing number of foreign residents obtain the right to vote in elections here, calls are growing to implement reciprocal measures when granting voting rights to noncitizens. As of January 2025, approximately 140,000 foreign residents in South Korea were eligible to vote in local elections. With their numbers rising and their potential influence on election outcomes growing, some, particularly those from opposition parties, are voicing concerns ah February 26, 2026