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  KOSPI hits record high as Samsung and SK hynix fly SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Seoul's benchmark KOSPI closed Tuesday, just shy of 6,000 milestone, less than a month after the break above 5,000. Shares of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix also hit historic heights - 200,000 won, up 7,000 won from the previous close and 1,005,000 won, up 54,000 won respectively February 24, 2026
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  Ex-DP lawmaker faces arrest after Nat'l Assembly passes motion over bribery allegations SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a motion allowing the arrest of Kang Sun-woo, a former lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) over alleged bribery and breach of trust. The motion was passed with 164 votes in favor and 87 against, with three abstentions and nine invalid ballots. Kang is accused of receiving 100 million Korean won (US$68,500) from Kim Kyung, a former Seoul city official in return for the DP's candidate nominations for February 24, 2026
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  Chips, KOSPI on fire as institutions bet on more upside SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) — Asian markets traded mostly higher Tuesday, with the exception of Hong Kong, as investors digested the rollout of a blanket 10 percent U.S. import levy that replaced earlier, steeper tariffs under former President Donald Trump following a Supreme Court ruling last week. South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI roared higher, pushed by chip titans Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which hit fresh milestones of 200,000 won and 1 million won, respectivel February 24, 2026
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  Vice FM Kim pledges inter-Korean dialogue on humanitarian issues at UN rights council SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Seoul will pursue inter-Korean dialogue to address humanitarian issues such as family reunions and the return of detainees, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-a said Monday at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In a keynote address to the council’s 61st session in Geneva, Kim said the government would work closely with the international community to achieve “practical” improvements in the human rights of North Korean residents. &ldquo February 24, 2026
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  Wildfire in Miryang contained after 20-hour battle SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - A wildfire in the southeastern city of Miryang was contained on Tuesday after firefighters battled flames for more than 20 hours. The fire broke out around 4 p.m. the previous day on a hill in a small town in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, forcing about 150 residents to evacuate. About 1,511 emergency workers, along with 52 helicopters and 318 pieces of equipment, were deployed to combat the fire, but their efforts were hampered by low visibility a February 24, 2026
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  President Tokayev visits US to secure investment and aviation deals SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently wrapped up a trip to the United States, focusing on high-level negotiations with global corporations and financial institutions, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said Tuesday. The visit was designed to bring in long-term investment and move Kazakhstan further into international production chains. A major result of the trip was a 180 million dollar investment deal signed between K February 24, 2026
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  YG Plus to open BLACKPINK 'Deadline' pop-up in Seoul SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - YG Plus announced that it will operate pop-up stores themed around BLACKPINK’s upcoming release “Deadline” from Feb. 28 to March 8 at Musinsa Store Myeongdong and Musinsa Standard Seongsu. The pop-up will unveil a range of official merchandises commemorating the new album. Items include apparel and lifestyle products reflecting the album’s concept, as well as limited-edition exclusive goods will be available at the pop-up. February 24, 2026
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  Lee-Lula summit: a warm embrace and strategic partnership SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) -Cordiality defined the meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during Lula’s three-day state visit to Seoul — his first in 21 years since 2005. Lula was the first state guest welcomed by Lee since the presidential office returned to Cheong Wa Dae in December last year, adding symbolic weight to the visit. The two leaders held formal talks at Cheong Wa Dae on Feb. 23, fo February 24, 2026
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  Presidential chief of staff leaves for UAE to discuss AI and defense cooperation SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in economic and defense sectors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other areas with the Middle Eastern country. In a Facebook post, Kang said he was embarking on a three-day trip for working-level consultations to discuss follow-up measures after President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to the UAE in November last year. Kang also said February 24, 2026
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  Kookmin University researchers develop real-time capture and analysis technique for aquatic microplastics SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - A research team led by Professor Kim Hyung-min at Kookmin University has developed an innovative technology capable of capturing and analyzing micro- and nano-sized plastics in water in real time. The breakthrough addresses a major technical challenge in environmental science by allowing for the continuous monitoring of tiny plastic particles that are otherwise difficult to isolate from their surroundings. Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than February 24, 2026