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  Asian markets reel from Iran strikes as Seoul bourse remains closed for holiday SEOUL, March 2 (AJP) - South Korea's stock market remained closed on Monday in observance of a makeup holiday for March 1 Independence Movement Day, leaving investors to monitor developments in regional markets following the U.S.-led military strikes against Iran over the weekend. Most Asian markets opened lower amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a joint air strike by the U.S. and Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to end his 3 March 2, 2026
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  WAIFF D-4: Seoul to host event for AI-driven films this week in lead up to Cannes SEOUL, March 2 (AJP) - Excitement has been building for an event as part of the annual World AI Film Festival (WAIFF), which is set to kick off in Seoul this week. As part of WAIFF's worldwide journey leading to Cannes in April, the two-day event is set to open at Lotte Concert Hall in southern Seoul on Friday, following last month's stop in São Paulo and with upcoming events scheduled later this month in Kyoto, Japan, and Wuxi, China. The festival's stop in Se March 2, 2026
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  Seoul braces for fallout as Trump vows to continue military action against Iran SEOUL, March 2 (AJP) - South Korea is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East after U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday vowed to continue what he calls a "righteous mission" against Iran until "all objectives are achieved." In a six-minute video clip posted to his social media platform Truth Social, he said, "We grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission fo March 2, 2026
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  South Korea's February exports surge 29% to record high on semiconductor boom SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - South Korea's exports jumped 29.0 percent in February from a year earlier to $67.45 billion, marking the highest tally for the month on record, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Sunday. The result was especially striking given that the Seollal, or Lunar New Year, cut working days by three compared with the same month last year, a factor that typically weighs on shipment volumes. On a daily average basis, exports soared 49.3 percent to $3.55 March 1, 2026
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  South Korea's Lee orders emergency readiness during Singapore, Philippines trip SEOUL, March 01 (AJP)-South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed Sunday for a four-day state visit to Singapore and the Philippines, aiming to strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in advanced industries and strategic sectors. Lee left Seoul Air Base following his attendance at the 107th Independence Movement Day ceremony earlier in the day. He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung aboard the presidential aircraft. Chief of Staf March 1, 2026
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  Oil shock and shipping risks loom over Korea's 2% growth and bullish stock outlook SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) -Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran are threatening to splash cold water on Korea’s stock market rally and fragile economic recovery, underpinned by stable fuel prices and exchange rates. Given the country’s heavy dependence on imported energy and maritime trade routes, even a limited disruption in the Gulf region could ripple quickly through oil markets, shipping costs and industrial produ March 1, 2026
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  Blackpink's Rosé becomes first K-pop artist to win at Brit Awards with 'APT.' SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - Rosé of K-pop group BLACKPINK made history on Sunday, becoming the first K-pop artist to claim a trophy at the Brit Awards, one of Britain's most prestigious music ceremonies. The New Zealand-born South Korean singer took home the International Song of the Year award for "APT.," her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, at the 46th Brit Awards held at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. "Give a shoutout to BLACKPINK. Jennie, J March 1, 2026
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  S. Korea's Lee calls for peace, reconciliation on March 1st Independence Movement anniversary SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, as he marked the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement at a ceremony held at the COEX convention center in southern Seoul. Lee personally presented awards to independence movement meritorious persons at the ceremony before delivering his address. The following is the full text of President Lee's commemorative address: March 1, 2026
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  S. Korea enters era of 1 million foreign patients, moves to regulate medical fees SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - South Korea's medical tourism boom shows no signs of slowing, with the number of foreign patients having surpassed the 1 million mark for the first time in 2024 and no meaningful reversal in sight — prompting the government to tighten oversight of fees charged to overseas visitors. The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently announced proposed amendments to the enforcement decree and rules of the Act on Supporting Overseas Expansion of Medical Servi March 1, 2026
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  Over 130 IAF aircraft gather to demonstrate full-spectrum combat readiness in Pokhran POKHRAN, INDIA, March 01 (AJP) - The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted its massive triennial firepower demonstration, 'Exercise Vayushakti-24', at the Pokhran Field Firing Range near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise underscored the IAF's seamless combat readiness and its ability to deliver lethal strikes with surgical precision. The event was graced by the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu, along with senior militar March 1, 2026