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  Blockchain operator Sign estimates 2026 to be turning point for institutional asset tokenization SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Sign, a blockchain infrastructure provider, released a market analysis Tuesday projecting that 2026 will serve as a pivotal year for Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, forecasting a shift from experimental pilots to full-scale institutional integration. The company stated that the digital asset sector is currently undergoing a structural transition. While recent years have focused on technical proof-of-concepts, Sign’s outlook suggests the coming January 20, 2026
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  Former PM to face verdict over martial law involvement SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is set to face his first verdict this week over his involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle in December 2024. In a nationwide televised trial scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul is set to deliver its ruling on him. Prosecutors sought 15 years in prison at Han's final hearing in November last year, accusing Han of aiding Yoo January 20, 2026
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  Former DP lawmaker appears for questioning over alleged bribery SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Kang Sun-woo, a former lawmaker of the Democratic Party (DP), appeared for questioning in western Seoul on Tuesday. She is accused of receiving 100 million Korean won (US$68,500) from Seoul city official Kim Kyung in return for the DP's candidate nominations for the 2022 local elections. The money was allegedly delivered to Kang's former aide, identified only by his surname Nam. Her questioning comes nearly a month after an audio recording was ab January 20, 2026
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  Pinkfong signs deal with US entertainment firm to develop family stage shows SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - The Pinkfong Company said on Tuesday it has signed a partnership with U.S.-based live entertainment and touring firm Terrapin Station Entertainment to jointly develop new stage productions for family audiences. Terrapin Station Entertainment has produced and toured live shows based on family-oriented intellectual property, including Disney Junior, Peppa Pig and Gabby’s Magic House, and has operated large-scale tours across North America. Unde January 20, 2026
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  Hyosung Heavy partners with German, Japanese power grid firms SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Hyosung Heavy Industries said on Tuesday it has signed an agreement with Germany’s Skeleton Technologies and Japan’s Marubeni to cooperate on the development and commercialization of “e-STATCOM,” a next-generation power-compensation system. Under the deal, Hyosung Heavy Industries and Skeleton Technologies will jointly develop e-STATCOM through 2027, while Marubeni, a strategic partner of Skeleton, will provide stable supplies of January 20, 2026
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  South Korea's Neptune sets sights on India as it scales adtech, game publishing SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - South Korea's Neptune said on Tuesday it will expand businesses that combine advertising technology and gaming this year, centered on three new initiatives, following its acquisition by Krafton. Neptune outlined three strategic pillars: global expansion of its adtech operations, a stronger push into hybrid-casual games and the development of a new demand-side platform, or DSP, for advertisers. India has been identified as the top priority market for January 20, 2026
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  Korea's producer prices rise nearly 2% on year amid weak won, surging memory chip costs SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) -South Korea’s producer prices rose for a fourth consecutive month in December, as a weak won lifted prices across a broad range of goods and services, while sharply higher memory chip costs added further upward pressure. According to data released Tuesday by the Bank of Korea, the producer price index for December stood at 121.76 (2020 = 100), up 0.4 percent from the previous month and 1.9 percent from a year earlier. For the full year of 2 January 20, 2026
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  Snow sledding available along Seoul's Han River SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Kids and other visitors have been enjoying snow sledding at parks along the Han River, as the Seoul Metropolitan Government offers seasonal programs for winter sports fun. Facilities for the programs, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., are available at three location - Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Yeouido - for 6,000 Korean won (about US$4) and will remain open until mid-February. Visitors can enjoy sledding on slopes of varying heights as well as a low-level play ar January 19, 2026
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  In a weak home market, K-food finds future in overseas SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Beneath the global rise of K-ramyeon lies a harsher reality at home: much of Korea’s food industry is shrinking, squeezed by a prolonged domestic consumption slump, rising input costs and a weak currency that has inflated import prices. On the surface, K-food appears unstoppable. Samyang Foods’ Buldak Spicy Chicken Noodles dominate convenience-store shelves worldwide, while Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun has become a staple at major U.S. retai January 19, 2026
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  OPINION: Belgium and Korea: An Enduring Friendship SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in Western Europe, with Brussels as its capital. Yet beyond its role as a political and diplomatic hub of Europe, Belgium often enters the global imagination through a gentler and more playful symbol: the Smurfs. These small blue characters—whimsical in appearance yet endurin January 19, 2026