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  KIST cracks long-elusive reaction mechanism in next-gen hydrogen fuel cells SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - South Korean researchers have unraveled a reaction mechanism at the heart of next-generation hydrogen fuel cells that had eluded scientists for years, a breakthrough that could accelerate the development of cleaner and cheaper energy systems. A team led by Ji Ho-il at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) devised a new analytical protocol that pinpointed for the first time how oxygen reduction reactions unfold inside the cathodes of protonic ce April 8, 2026
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  BTS kicks off first world tour in 7 years amid chart-topping comeback halo SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - K-pop supergroup BTS will launch its “BTS World Tour Arirang” in Goyang on Friday, opening an 85-show run across 34 cities through 2027 in its first global tour in seven years as the group extends its comeback momentum across global charts and digital platforms. The group will hold three concerts at Goyang Stadium on April 9, 11 and 12, marking the opening leg of the world tour. The April 11 show will also be broadcast through a live-viewi April 8, 2026
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  Pyongyang launches ballistic missile as military posture persists despite diplomatic opening SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of weapons testing and signaling that military provocations remain a cornerstone of its regional strategy. The launch follows a reported failure on Tuesday and comes at a volatile moment in inter-Korean relations, effectively dampening hopes for a de-escalation after a rare moment of rhetorical civility between the two capitals. The back-to-back launches April 8, 2026
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  Lee set to hold talks with former Japanese PM in Seoul SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to have lunch with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Seoul on Wednesday. According to Cheong Wa Dae, the two leaders are expected to exchange views and discuss various topics including bilateral relations between the neighboring countries, as well as global issues amid the prolonged Middle East crisis. Ishiba, who arrived in Seoul the previous day to attend a forum at Grand Hyatt Seoul hosted by the Asan Ins April 8, 2026
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  New York students explore Seoul through Kookmin University urban mission SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - A group of New York City high schoolers navigated the crowded streets and historic landmarks of Seoul on April 4, as part of a competitive cultural exchange hosted by Kookmin University, the prominent institute in Seoul said Wednesday. The program, organized by the university's HUSS Global Coexistence Project Group, challenged 24 students from Bronx Prep and Democracy Prep Endurance high schools to complete an "Amazing Race" style mission alongsi April 8, 2026
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  KOSPI surges over 6%, USD-KRW falls under 1,500 on Hormuz reopening news SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) — South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI zoomed above 5,800 by flying 6 percent upon the opening bell Wednesday on expectations of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a part of the ceasefire terms of the United States that Tehran reportedly accepted. The main index opened sharply higher, jumping 6.56 percent to 5,855.29, while the tech-heavy KOSDAQ rose 4.13 percent to 1,079.58. Japan’s Nikkei 225 also climbed more than 4 percent. A buy-side s April 8, 2026
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  POSCO to directly hire 7,000 subcontractor workers in major labor overhaul SEOUL, April 08 (AJP) - POSCO has announced a sweeping plan to directly hire around 7,000 subcontractor workers at its steel mills, marking a significant move to address longstanding issues surrounding subcontracting structures in industrial workplaces. The steelmaker said Tuesday it has established a roadmap to directly employ subcontractor workers who support production operations at its Pohang and Gwangyang steel plants. The hiring will be carried out in phases. POSCO has trad April 8, 2026
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  Lee congratulates Thai PM on reelection SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung spoke by phone with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Wednesday to congratulate him on his reelection, Cheong Wa Dae said on Wednesday. The call, which was made the previous day, came after Anutin, who led the conservative Bhumjaithai Party to a landslide victory in Thailand's general election last February, was reelected as the country's prime minister on March 19. He became the first Thai prime minister to win April 8, 2026
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  UPDATE: Korea's C/A at record high, foreign invest dip steepest in Feb *Updated with additional information SEOUL, April 8 (AJP) — South Korea's current account surplus reached a historic monthly high in February, crossing the $20 billion mark for the first time since records began and will stay largely insulated from the Middle East-driven oil and dollar spike at least through March, the central bank said Wednesday. Bank of Korea (BOK) data showed the February current account posted a record $23.19 billion surplus, surpassing the previo April 8, 2026
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  OPNION: BOK chief nominee Shin faces immediate test Shin Hyun-song’s nomination as the next governor of the Bank of Korea has been broadly welcomed by markets, reflecting confidence in both his credentials and temperament. In my own brief encounters with him, he left a strong impression of humility — a trait not always associated with figures of global stature. Few would dispute that his theoretical grounding and practical experience rank among the best. Notably absent so far is the kind of envy or backlash April 8, 2026