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  Songs and poems told by hands SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Poetries were read and choir songs sung, but not aloud at Modu Art Theater in Seodaemun, western Seoul on Feb. 3. At 2 p.m., the 6th Korean Sign Language Day commemorative ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, began not with applause, but with raised hands, flowing gestures and attentive silence. Each movement carried rhythm. Each pause held meaning. Here, language was not spoken — it was performed. Korea February 4, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-45: Seoul scrutinizes crowd safety and price gouging SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - As visitor numbers are expected to rise ahead of BTS’s comeback in March, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has begun reviewing comprehensive measures, including crowd safety management and a crackdown on price gouging. On Wednesday, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon chaired a meeting at 10 a.m. to review key issues surrounding the BTS comeback event and discuss measures to ensure public safety and welcome global fans. During the meeting, officials reviewe February 4, 2026
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  Korea Zinc to develop next-generation battery material for drones, robots SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Korea Zinc said on Wednesday it has signed partnerships with two materials companies to develop composite copper foil, a next-generation battery component used for lightweight, high-performance batteries for drones and humanoid robots. The partnered firms are Taesung and Neo Battery Materials Korea. Korea Zinc said the three firms will jointly develop advanced battery technologies using composite copper foil for small mobility applications. Compo February 4, 2026
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  LG Electronics showcases B2B solutions at North American, European trade shows SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - LG Electronics is participating in major business-to-business trade shows in North America and Europe this week, presenting heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and commercial display solutions as it seeks to expand its B2B operations. The South Korean electronics maker exhibited HVAC solutions ranging from unitary systems to AI data center cooling technology at AHR EXPO 2026, North America's largest air conditioning trade show, which co February 4, 2026
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  Hyundai Rotem to supply vehicles for light-rail lines in Edmonton, Canada SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - South Korea's Hyundai Rotem has won a contract to supply light-rail vehicles for all light-rail transit (LRT) lines operating in Edmonton, Canada. The company said on Wednesday it signed a 320 billion won ($240 million) agreement on Monday local time with the City of Edmonton in Alberta to supply high-floor LRT vehicles. The order covers 32 trainsets, each consisting of three cars, with a maximum operating speed of 80 kilometers per hour. The tr February 4, 2026
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  UAE push into digital finance signals shift to nation-level blockchain adoption SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - The United Arab Emirates is signaling a fundamental shift in the global cryptocurrency market as digital assets enter a "nation-level phase" of adoption, according to Xin Yan, the CEO of blockchain technology company Sign. Yan, whose firm has supported government blockchain initiatives in multiple countries including the UAE, said the transition is marked by a move from experimental pilot programs to systematic execution. This shift is expected February 4, 2026
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  Korean markets enjoy solo record-setting run despite broad Asian retreat SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) – South Korean bourses on Wednesday remained unfazed by broad Asian retreat following overnight Wall Street fall on concerns over disruption in the software sector. The KOSPI pushed onto new territory of 5,300, up 0.8 percent at 5,331.98 as of 11:00 a.m. and the secondary KOSDAQ also up 0.8 percent at 1,153.36. Shares of Hyundai Motor and Kia rose in early trading as their U.S. units reported record sales results. Hyundai Motor’s U.S. subsi February 4, 2026
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  OPINION: BTS and the king's way When BTS step onto the stage for their upcoming Arirang performance, they are expected to open the show not with pyrotechnics, but with a procession — along a path once reserved for kings. The route is deliberate: from Geunjeongmun to Heungnyemun, onward to Gwanghwamun, and finally to the Woldae. Plans reportedly include a pre-recorded or partially live sequence of the group walking this restored axis — known historically as the “king’s road.” February 4, 2026
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  Rookie K‑pop girl group KATSEYE to appear in Super Bowl ad SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - Girl group KATSEYE will appear in a massively expensive commercial during this weekend's Super Bowl match. Insurance company State Farm's commercial, slated to air during the coveted Super Bowl slot on Sunday, will feature the Los Angeles–based six-member group, alongside American actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, American actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key. A preview of KATSEYE performing to American rock band Bon Jovi's &quo February 4, 2026
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  LG Energy Solution, Hanwha Qcells team up to target US energy storage boom SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - LG Energy Solution (LGES) and Hanwha Qcells have joined hands to strengthen their position in the fast-growing U.S. market for large-scale energy storage systems. Industry sources said Wednesday that Hanwha Qcells plans to procure up to 5 gigawatt-hours of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries from LGES’s plant in Holland, Michigan. The batteries will be deployed in U.S. ESS projects where Hanwha Qcells will oversee engineering, procurement and co February 4, 2026