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  WAIFF D-3: WAIFF Seoul 2026 seeks to put Korea at the crossroads of AI and cinema SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - The upcoming World AI Film Festival Seoul 2026 aims to position itself as more than a standard cinematic competition, signaling that artificial intelligence-driven content creation has moved into a formal industrial phase. Organizers intend for the event to serve as a declaration that AI technology is no longer just an experimental tool but a cornerstone of modern media production. While the two-day event on March 6 and 7 will feature awards March 3, 2026
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  South Korean researchers develop world's most efficient stretchable OLED SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - A joint research team has developed a new stretchable organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that maintains its brightness even when stretched, overcoming a major technical barrier in the development of flexible electronics. The technology achieved world-record performance levels for brightness and efficiency, significantly improving the prospects for commercializing wearable displays and electronic skin. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology March 3, 2026
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  Uzbekistan joins international peace council for Gaza during Washington visit SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Washington from February 17 to February 19 at the invitation of United States President Donald Trump to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council. The working visit combined high-level political discussions with an extensive economic program, resulting in several agreements designed to strengthen the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States. The Peace Council is an intergovernmental March 3, 2026
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  Middle East Crisis: Korean industries grapple with renewed oil shock SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - The widening Middle East crisis, triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, is poised to ripple across South Korea's industrial landscape — compounding pressure on the struggling petrochemical sector while opening fresh prospects for defense exporters. The joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, launched on Feb. 28, killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered retaliatory Iranian missile March 3, 2026
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  South Korean President Lee arrives in Manila for summit with President Marcos SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Manila on Tuesday afternoon for a state visit to the Philippines. The trip coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Lee is scheduled to hold a summit with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., followed by a joint press announcement and a state dinner. This is the second meeting between the two leaders since they met approximately March 3, 2026
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  NCT DREAM to host live viewing events in 86 cities worldwide SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - NCT DREAM will broadcast the finale concerts of its fourth world tour in cinemas across 86 cities worldwide, its agency SM Entertainment said Tuesday. NCT DREAM is a seven-member Korean boy group that debuted in 2016 as a unit of the broader NCT brand, known for hit tracks such as “Hot Sauce,” “Candy” and “ISTJ.” The “2026 NCT DREAM TOUR FINALE” will be held over six days, March 20–22 and March 27&ndas March 3, 2026
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  Hyundai Motor Group unveils autonomous robot for high-risk firefighting SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group released a video showcasing a new autonomous firefighting robot designed to penetrate high-risk disaster zones where human entry is restricted. The "physical AI" solution revealed Tuesday targets environments with collapsing structures, toxic gas, or extreme heat to secure the "golden time" for fire suppression. Developed with the National Fire Agency, the robot features an advanced 6X6 in-wheel motor system that all March 3, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-17: Show goes on regardless of Middle East tensions SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - With 17 days to go, BTS is pressing ahead with its long-awaited return, undeterred for now by escalating military tensions across the Middle East. The group is set to release its fifth studio album on March 20, followed by a free concert at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul on March 21 — a symbolic stage meant to herald its first full-group comeback in nearly four years. “The schedules will proceed as announced,” a source close to the matter March 3, 2026
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  Samsung showcases AI-powered devices at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona SEOUL, March 3 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has been showcasing artificial intelligence (AI)-based network services and other technologies at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, which kicked off on Monday. The electronics giant set up a large booth at the Fira Gran Via, the venue of the annual tech expo, featuring its flagship Galaxy phone series and highlighting its aim to offer customers services beyond mobile devices while expanding into a broader ec March 3, 2026
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  Asian markets stay low, KOSPI down nearly 3% but defense stocks fly SEOUL, March 3 (AJP) — Asian markets remained lower Tuesday as the region is expected to bear the collateral damage from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz responsible for 70 to 90 percent of fuel imports from the Middle East. The Seoul bourse was heavily volatile, with the KOSPI swinging between 6,180 and 6,040.60 amid a tug-of-war between retail buying and foreign selling. As of 11:10 a.m., the benchmark index was down 2.89 percent at 6,063.39. On the secondary bourse, t March 3, 2026