Korean manufacturers turn sharply pessimistic in steepest BSI drop since Covid SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) -South Korean manufacturers turned abruptly pessimistic, with sentiment posting its sharpest drop since the Covid-19 shock in early 2020 as the Middle East crisis spilled into the real economy a month after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. The country's largest business association, Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), said Thursday its Business Survey Index (BSI) outlook for April stood at 85.1, based on a survey of the country’s 600 largest compan March 26, 2026

OPINION: A third oil shock — and why Korea must not return to price controls SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) -The latest U.S.-Iran war is no longer just another geopolitical flare-up. It is rapidly taking on the contours of a systemic shock — one that is already pushing oil prices higher and exposing vulnerabilities across the global economy. President Donald Trump, who once unsettled markets with tariff threats, is now presiding over a far more destabilizing development. Damage to key oil facilities in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz h March 26, 2026

Changdeokgung Palace opens doors and windows to usher in spring SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - A two-week-long event to soak in the atmosphere of spring is underway at Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul, welcoming visitors who want to enjoy the historic royal palace with flowers in bloom. According to the Korea Heritage Service, the event, under the banner of "Letting in Light and Breeze at Changdeokgung," which kicked off last Tuesday, runs until April 5 and opens "changho" or the traditional windows and doors of palace building March 25, 2026

Embassy of India in Seoul hosts digital exhibition on "Human Cost of Terrorism" SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in Seoul, in association with the Korea Democracy Foundation, hosted a two-day digital exhibition titled “Human Cost of Terrorism” at the National Museum of Korean Democracy. The exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday by Mr. Lee Jae-oh, President, Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF); H.E. Mr. Gourangalal Das, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea (ROK); and Ms. Kim Jae-won, Hon’ble Member of the National Assembly. March 25, 2026

Suzy fronts Longines 2026 event in Seoul SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) -Singer and actress Suzy, global ambassador of Swiss watch brand Longines, takes part in a photo call at the brand’s 2026 new product presentation on Wednesday at The Westin Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul. Dressed in a dark navy suit with a white shirt and black tie, she completed the look with long, softly waved hair and understated accessories. March 25, 2026

Spring is finally here, heralded by first blossoms SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Spring arrives a little earlier in one corner of Seoul. Each year, Eungbongsan Mountain turns into a wash of yellow as forsythia blooms blanket the entire hillside. Located in Seongdong-gu, Eungbongsan is a well-known sunrise and scenic spot in Seoul, attracting crowds each year as warmer weather brings the season’s first blossoms. Climbing to the observation deck, visitors paused to photograph t March 25, 2026

Asian stocks climb as easing Middle East tensions push oil prices lower SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Asian stock markets rose broadly on Wednesday as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz were somewhat eased, pushing oil prices lower, lifting sentiment across the region. The move followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump the previous day, signaling progress in peace negotiations with Iran, raising expectations for a possible end to the conflict in the Middle East and also reducing fears of disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude hovered ne March 25, 2026

Korea's relative 'under-globalized' may underpin Korean Inc. strength SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - South Korea’s financial sector may look under-globalized next to the country’s export-driven industrial giants, but that is not necessarily a weakness, former Bank for International Settlements (BIS) General Manager Agustín Carstens said Wednesday. Speaking at the 19th Asia-Pacific Financial Forum (APFF) 2026 in Seoul, Carstens said Korea’s financial system has played a strategically effective role by channeling resources into the March 25, 2026

Korea unveils first domestically built KF-21 fighter jet SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - South Korea rolled out the first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jet on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the country’s decades-long push to develop the domestically built 4.5-generation supersonic fighter. President Lee Jae Myung, who attended the ceremony at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, described the rollout as a historic step toward strengthening self-reliant defense capabilities. “South Korea has finally secured we March 25, 2026

Hanwha's stealth KAI stake signals opening salvo in battle for Korea's fighter SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - The widening Gulf conflicts have caused disruption across markets but are simultaneously delivering a windfall for South Korea’s defense sector, galvanizing acquisition appetite around Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the country’s sole aircraft platform maker. Adding to its renewed strategic appeal, KAI rolled out its first mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jet on Wednesday. Hanwha Aerospace disclosed in its latest business report that it March 25, 2026