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Lee Kyung-min

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Business

Nexen Tire expands global reach with supply deal for Renault Korea’s Filante

Nexen Tire said Monday it will supply factory-fitted tires for Renault Korea’s new crossover model, Filante, extending its reach in global vehicle programs. The company said its all-season tire, Roadian GTX, will come in a 19-inch configuration designed for sport utility vehicles and crossover utility vehicles. Filante, a crossover blending sedan and SUV characteristics, is equipped with a hybrid powertrain and is positioned as a strategic model for Renault Korea. The tire maker said hybrid vehicles require higher technical standards for tires, and that the latest deal reflects Nexen Tire’s ability to meet those demands. The tires will be installed on models sold in Korea as well as export vehicles bound for Latin America and the Middle East, the Nexen Tire said. Nexen Tire said the Roadian GTX incorporates its latest technology to deliver durability and stable driving performance. A zigzag-patterned tread helps disperse road pressure to support stability, while an optimized load distribution design improves grip. A low-noise design tailored for electrified vehicles enhances quietnes

Apr 6, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Nexen Tire expands global reach with supply deal for Renault Korea’s Filante
Entertainment

Seventeen stuns fans with full-group contract renewal at encore concert finale

Seventeen said all 13 members have agreed to renew their contracts, in a surprise announcement that electrified fans on the closing night of the group’s world tour. The K-pop group made the announcement during a concert Sunday, capping a seven-month global tour that drew more than 900,000 fans to 31 shows in 14 cities, both in person and online. The group said it would continue forward “on the same boat, rowing together,” confirming plans for a second contract renewal with Pledis Entertainment. The crowd erupted as the long-anticipated commitment became official. The group said their decision was driven by their fandom, CARAT. “We want to say we love you to everyone. We will return as 13 members soon, so please wait a little longer,” the members said. They said they would remain active through unit and solo projects. The concert reached a peak as rain poured down near the finale, but the group continued performing, delivering impromptu renditions of songs, drawing an emotional response from fans. The set list also expanded to include hits and high-energy tracks combined with live

Apr 6, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Seventeen stuns fans with full-group contract renewal at encore concert finale
Economy

Government vows swift action against illegal FX trading, disinformation

Korea’s financial regulators issued stronger warnings Friday against illegal foreign exchange activity and the spread of false information, urging swift enforcement and closer coordination among agencies. The Ministry of Economy and Finance chaired a meeting of the pan-government task force on illegal foreign exchange transactions at the Korea Federation of Banks building. The meeting included officials from the National Intelligence Service, National Tax Service, Korea Customs Service, Bank of Korea and the Financial Supervisory Service. The ministry cited a case Thursday in which it filed criminal complaints against individuals accused of spreading false information, warning that such actions not only have the potential to destabilize financial markets but also erode the credibility of government policy. It said agencies should promptly share information on cases involving market disruption, including the dissemination of false information, and refer such matters to the police for thorough investigation. The ministry also called on institutions in the task force to use their data and

Apr 3, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Government vows swift action against illegal FX trading, disinformation
Economy

FSC visits Gangwon Province to promote regional growth fund plan

The Financial Services Commission brought its flagship National Growth Fund initiative to Gangwon Province Friday, pitching a sweeping plan to channel tens of trillions of won into regional industries and early-stage startups. At a policy meeting held in Chuncheon, officials outlined the structure of the fund and discussed ways to spur investment in local advanced industries, including energy infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The session marked the third stop in a nationwide outreach effort, following earlier visits to central and southwestern regions on Feb. 11-12 and to the Daegu and southeastern regions on Feb. 26-27. The meetings are aimed at promoting regional financing programs and gathering investment plans from local companies. The commission said Gangwon Province has strong growth potential in advanced sectors such as AI infrastructure, biotechnology and renewable energy, citing its natural environment and access to solar and wind resources. Officials said the outreach could serve as a catalyst linking regional industry with the National Growth Fund.

Apr 3, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
FSC visits Gangwon Province to promote regional growth fund plan
South Korea

‘The King’s Warden’ unveils bittersweet soundtrack as film nears 16 mil. moviegoers

As ticket sales approached 16 million, the distributor of “The King’s Warden” released the film’s original soundtrack, “Companion,” adding a final emotional note to one of the year’s biggest hits. The song was unveiled at noon Friday, according to the film’s distributor, Showbox, as “The King’s Warden” continued to perform strongly in its ninth week in theaters. The ballad captures the restrained, unfulfilled bond between Mae-hwa and Hong-wi, two central characters in “The King’s Warden,” according to Showbox. Jeon Mi-do, who plays Mae-hwa, took part in the recording, extending her performance beyond the screen. Known for her work in musical theater, she brings a restrained vocal style to the track, reflecting the character’s inner conflict and longing. Dalparan, the film’s music director, said the song was designed to carry the lingering emotions of the story’s conclusion. “I approached it as a way of distilling the film’s meaning and emotional resonance, aiming for a wistful, lingering tone,” he said. “I wanted to capture the sorrow of watching s

Apr 3, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
‘The King’s Warden’ unveils bittersweet soundtrack as film nears 16 mil. moviegoers
Business

Dongwha Electrolyte secures ‘national strategic’ status for battery tech

Dongwha Electrolyte, a Korean specialty chemical producer that supplies key components for electric-vehicle batteries, has secured a government designation for its electrolyte solution technology, a move that could unlock tax incentives and state support. The company said Friday that its lithium-ion battery electrolyte compound had been recognized as a “national strategic technology.” The designation, part of a broader government push to strengthen domestic supply chains, was granted to just three applicants in the latest review cycle. The company, an affiliate of Dongwha Enterprise, said the designation was confirmed by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Institute of S&T Evaluation and Planning under the first round of the 2026 national strategic technology verification program. The program, based on the Special Act on the Promotion of National Strategic Technologies, evaluates whether technologies held by companies and research institutions meet national strategic criteria, including excellence, maturity, commercialization capability and industrial impact. Of 38 applica

Apr 3, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Dongwha Electrolyte secures ‘national strategic’ status for battery tech
South Korea

Sejong Institute partners with Kyungpook Nat'l Univ. to expand Korean language testing

The King Sejong Institute Foundation said Wednesday that it signed an agreement with Kyungpook National University in Daegu to administer Korean language proficiency exams, marking its first partnership with a regional hub university in Korea. The agreement aims to expand the testing base for the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA) and improve access for learners by working with Korean language education institutions across the country. Under the deal, the foundation will oversee test administration and score reporting, while the university will handle promotion, recruitment of test-takers, staffing and IT infrastructure. The two sides also plan to pursue joint projects to promote Korean language and culture. The foundation said it will administer the third internet-based Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA) on April 18 at Kyungpook National University. The adaptive test designed to gauge communicative proficiency more precisely in less time, with fewer questions. The Sejong Korean Language Assessment evaluates learners of Korean as a second or foreign language across listening,

Apr 3, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Sejong Institute partners with Kyungpook Nat'l Univ. to expand Korean language testing
South Korea

Lee welcomes Macron with state dinner blending cuisine with symbolism

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, at a private dinner Thursday, setting the tone for a state visit marking 140 years of diplomatic ties. The dinner comes ahead of official events scheduled for Friday and marks Macron’s first visit to Korea since taking office in 2017, as well as his third meeting with Lee following encounters at the G7 and G20. Macron and his wife arrived Thursday afternoon at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, where they were received by government officials before visiting the War Memorial of Korea to lay a wreath at a monument honoring French soldiers who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War. The couple then headed to Sangchunjae, a traditional hanok-style residence located on the grounds of Cheong Wa Dae, for the dinner. The six-course meal was structured under themes including “spring-borne ties” and “a jewel box of Korean memory and light,” and designed to reflect harmony and friendship between the two countries. A selection of white and red wines, along wit

Apr 2, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Lee welcomes Macron with state dinner blending cuisine with symbolism
Business

Qualcomm joins Korea’s AI push, targets startups

Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has joined a government-led artificial intelligence (AI) initiative in Korea, outlining plans to work directly with startups to speed up the commercialization of emerging technologies. The company said Thursday it is participating in the “Challenge AX for All” program organized by Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, marking the start of expanded collaboration with domestic AI startups. At a kickoff event held Wednesday at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeouido, Qualcomm outlined areas of cooperation including augmented reality glasses, robotics and locally deployed AI infrastructure. The event was attended by Han Seong-sook, minister of SMEs and startups, and Kim Sang-pyo, president of Qualcomm Korea, along with industry and startup officials. The program is designed to pair global companies with startups to combine products and technologies, support pilot projects and advance commercialization. Qualcomm and LG Electronics are participating as corporate partners in the vertical track. Qualcomm said it will pair startups directly with local partners to devel

Apr 2, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Qualcomm joins Korea’s AI push, targets startups
Business

Wavve taps media strategist as CEO to drive streaming shake-up

Content Wavve Corp., the operator of one of Korea’s leading streaming platforms, named a veteran media and finance strategist as its new CEO, signaling a sharper focus on deal-making as the domestic market undergoes broad restructuring. The company said Thursday that Lee Yang-ki, most recently the head of an OTT competitiveness enhancement task force at CJ ENM, was appointed CEO following a board meeting Tuesday. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Wavve as it navigates a long-delayed merger with rival platform TVING. Lee, a veteran of media finance, previously served as chief financial officer of TVING before joining Wavve in the same role in 2025. At CJ ENM and TVING, he played a leading role in expanding cooperation between the platforms, including arranging for CJ ENM films and tvN dramas to be supplied to Wavve, breaking years of platform exclusivity. Under his leadership, the two services introduced bundled subscription packages and ad-supported tiers to compete with Netflix and Coupang Play. He also helped broaden Wavve’s offerings in live sports, securing broadcast

Apr 2, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
Wavve taps media strategist as CEO to drive streaming shake-up
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