THREATS FROM NORTH KOREA: A Korean TV station was hit with disciplinary action after an anchor was drunk on a live news broadcast

JIBS Jeju Broadcasting has been hit with disciplinary action after one of its anchors was drunk on a live news broadcast.

On March 4, the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) held a plenary meeting at the Korean Broadcasting Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. All members voted to issue a 'warning' for the '8 PM JIBS News.'

The anchor, Cho Chang Beom, was found to have violated broadcasting regulations during a live broadcast. Specifically, he broke the regulations on maintaining dignity (article 27) and broadcasting accidents (article 55-2).

On March 30 of last year, Cho Chang Beom was embroiled in allegations of broadcasting while being severely intoxicated during the '8 PM JIBS News.' During the broadcast, his slurred speech and a 7-second period of silence caused a broadcast accident.

JIBS explained, "The anchor had consumed alcohol during the day and took cold medicine. He became aware of his condition during the evening broadcast. The staff immediately stopped the news and aired an apology."

An internal disciplinary committee was also held, and the station imposed sanctions. Cho Chang Beom received a three-month suspension and was excluded from news production for a year. Additionally, a warning was issued to the news director.

However, the KCSC pointed out that "the follow-up measures were not timely." They added, "Drunk broadcasting is absolutely unacceptable for any station. Legal sanctions are inevitable."

The KCSC's decision consists of a total of seven measures, with the "warning" counting as a legal sanction. This will serve as a point deduction during the station's re-licensing review and other assessments.

Source: allkpop 

KGM Musso EV

The Musso has returned, but not as expected. The name familiar to 90s kids who grew up with their parents driving that vintage off-roader is now revived as the first electric vehicle (EV) pickup truck made in South Korea.

2026 KGM Musso EV

Starting at 48,000,000 Korean Won, plus additional costs, the first-ever KGM Musso EV may not be the revival that off-road enthusiasts were hoping for. However, it is high time that South Korea introduced an all-electric pickup truck, a venture that almost no one along the Silk Road has dared to undertake, not even the Europeans dared to make an EV pickup of their own.

2026 KGM Musso EV

Starting with its exterior, the Musso EV is a pickup version of the Torres EVX, particularly in its front design and overall dimensions shorter than the diesel-powered Musso truck range (previously known as Rexton Sports). Although it is similar in size to the Torres EVX, the Musso EV features the rhino badge on the side and the rear prominently displaying "KGM." Additionally, it is equipped with distinctive X-shaped taillights.

2026 KGM Musso EV interior

Inside, the Musso EV showcases its futuristic convenience for both the driver and passenger in its hot seat. On the driver's side, it's packed with the 12.3-inch digital cluster powered by the Athena 2.0 platform, a 12.3-inch KGM Link navigation & integrated controller, and ambient lighting, among others. Some would find it tricky to get a hold of its controls because everything from infotainment to climate control is operated via its touch screen.

On the passenger side, the second-row seats feature a 60:40 split-folding, three-step sliding, and reclining seat cushion function. A fire extinguisher and emergency triangle are placed on the back of the second-row seats. 

The rear bed may be the smallest for an EV pickup but it's packed with a deck divider and an LED deck room lamp for organization purposes. It's good for up to 500kg of cargo, the same as the diesel-powered Musso Khan (formerly Rexton Sports Khan). That said, KGM offers a wide selection of accessories for the Musso EV such as rails and a canopy.

2026 KGM Musso EV

The vehicle is equipped with a BYD-derived LFP blade battery with a capacity of 80.6 kWh, enabling its 152 kW front motor to achieve an approximate driving range of 400 km. In the 4WD variants with its self-leveling system for better stability, while carrying goods at the back, the addition of a second motor boosts the total power output to 413 PS, making it the most powerful production vehicle in the KGM lineup. Additionally, it has a maximum towing capacity of 1.8 tons.

Underneath, the Musso EV is packed with front MacPherson Struts, rear independent multi-link suspension, and ventilated disc brakes. In its front-wheel-drive configuration, there's nothing special about driving one, but in its 4WD configuration, what can I say? Tarmac, gravel, or snow? Your guess is as good as theirs.

The Musso EV is packed with numerous safety features such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Intelligent Speed ​​Control (ISA), Automatic Lane Change Function, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Brake Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning, Backward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Safe Distance Warning, Smart High Beam, Front Vehicle Departure Alert, and Careless Driving Warning.

The arrival of the first-ever KGM Musso EV is a remarkable achievement that few along the Silk Road have attempted. In fact, even Europeans have yet to produce their own electric pickup. While it may be smaller than its diesel-powered counterparts, it stands out in a league of its own.

Available Colors: Grand White, Space Black, Blazing Gold, Ultra Marine, Marble Gray, and Amazonia Green.

Photo: KG Mobility

My FH5 Log: Battle of the RS flagships

The Audi RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are the flagships of the Audi RS range, and they may be the last of these RS flagships to be equipped with pure thermal engines. In Forza Horizon 5, let's have a final salvo with the two Audi RS flagships.

The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the 4K-spec Audi RS7 Sportback are regarded as the top guns of the Audi RS hierarchy, yet they pose only a minimal threat to BMW's M5 and Mercedes-AMG's E63. Both are equipped with a formidable 4.0L V8 TFSi engine featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a cylinder-on-demand mechanism for enhanced efficiency on the go. This engine delivers 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. When paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just over three and a half seconds, and with the dynamic package plus, it can achieve a top speed of 305 kph. There's even a performance variant that has seen its V8 engines enhanced to 630PS, reducing the 0-100 kph time by 0.2 seconds.

With their quick introductions done, it all comes down to this question: which of these RS flagships is the best? The RS6 Avant or the RS7 Sportback. With a bone-shaped circuit located near the Horizon Rush site as my laboratory, it's time for these blood relatives to settle the score for the last time in the heat of the rainfall. A fitting tribute to the last pure thermal-powered Audi RS overlords. Roll the tape.

Here are the results...

RS6 C8 - 1m07.818s (Wet)

RS7 4K - 1m07.100s (Wet)

It was a close result, but in the end, it seems the saloon equivalent is the winner after all. I didn't expect the RS7 to be slightly lighter than the RS6. No big deal.

As the Audi RS lineage prepares for the "new normal," we can be certain that the era of powerful Audis will never be forgotten by future generations. The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the C8-spec Audi RS7 Sportback have made their mark, but one day they will return—this time as even more formidable versions that are truly challenging to handle. Remind you of any?

EPILOGUE

After delivering their final blow as pure thermal-powered RS overlords, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are ready for their true final blow. Having winded up to similar levels akin to the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance, I gave them roles that suit their personalities.

Trust anyone who has an RS6 Avant in their spare time because they had a lot of fun driving through the Swiss Alps in style and comfort. With that, I shall call you...Fuwari. As in, Fuwari Midorikaze, one of the Tricolore members from PriPara. Na-chu!

As for my RS7 Sportback, its high and mightiness as the true RS flagship invoked the wrath of a high-and-mighty PriPara idol, and with that, I shall call you...Chili. Chili Tsukikawa, of course.

With everything settled, Fuwari and Chili are up for their Making Drama they'll never forget. The RS6 Avant is taking on an EventLab re-enactment of a Forza Motorsport classic track, the Bernese Alps, while the RS7 Sportback is locked in a duel against...someone outside the temple in the middle of snowy weather. Making Drama, Switch On!

Chili may have a rough "chilly" day but Fuwari feels right at home with the Bernese Alps re-enactment. Still, kudos to the masterminds of these EventLab creations.

The RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback may be polar opposites, but they both share the same powerful engine that has driven them to the very end. They have fulfilled their purpose, but they don't have the classic "Beauty and the Beast" ending. As witnesses, we are grateful to observe their final days and are ready to share their stories.

Danke, RS6 and RS7. We'll meet again someday.

Let's Do The News! (March 5, 2025)

        

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The National Food Authority (NFA) continues to mill rice in the country to decongest warehouses this summer. In Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said that space in warehouses will increase once all the rice is milled.

- Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that the three Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) bosses deported by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) did not make it to China. During the Senate hearing, Hontiveros identified POGO bosses Lyu Xun, Kong Xiangrui, and Wang Shangle as among the first to be deported by the agency.

- PhilHealth launched its Outpatient Benefits Package for Mental Health to help Filipinos with mental health problems. The new package covers services such as assessments, follow-up consultations, diagnostic tests, and psychosocial support for those who have depression, psychosis, epilepsy, child and adolescent mental disorders, dementia, and self-harm or suicide tendencies.

- Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says "We will not back down from a fight" and slams the Trump administration's tariff imposition on Canadian goods as a "dumb thing to do".

- "Time to make things right" - Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses regret over the White House row and says Ukraine is ready to "work fast to end the war". A few moments ago, in the aftermath of the failed talks between the two presidents, US President Donald Trump paused aid for Ukraine while European leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer, backed Zelensky.

- Brendon Hartley will replace Alex Lynn at Wayne Taylor Racing for next week's 12 Hours of Sebring race. Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Correa is making his IMSA debut with United Autosports in the Sebring bout.

- Ferrari blocked Enrico Cardile's role in Aston Martin after winning a legal case against its former technical director. 

- A first in Audi's rollback in its naming scheme, the sixth-generation A6 was unveiled and for the first time, it's offered only in Avant. It will be powered by a choice of 2.0L petrol and 2.0L diesel with MHEV, all mated to a seven-speed DSG.

2026 Audi A6 Avant

- The Lotus Emira range was updated for the 2026 model year with the introduction of the Emira Turbo SE model with its AMG 2.0L turbo engine boosted to 400HP, matching the performance of the Emira V6 variant with its supercharged 3.5L V6 engine, but with 44 more torque. Mated to an 8-speed DCT, it has a 182mph top speed.

2026 Lotus Emira Turbo SE

- Seiyuu Himari Hazuki will retire at the end of March 2025, her agency announced. As a result of the announcement, she will step down from her role as Merm4id member Saori Hidaka from the D4DJ franchise.

- PlayStation launches its new beta program for testing its upcoming games and PS5/PS App features. Players can register for free to express interest in beta access to games and new features.

- KBS denies reports that the TV network blocked Xiumin's appearance in the variety show Music Bank due to the SM dispute.

- The Netflix original K-drama, Karma, arrives this April 4th.

- Lamont Roach's lawyer has sent a letter to the NYSAC, demanding the majority draw with Gervonta Davis to be overturned.

- Taiwanese actor Darren Wang is under investigation for his alleged attempted murder.

TTFN.

Hyundai IONIQ 9

The first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 SUV completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars and it's the flagship EV SUV of the Hyundai lineup. Let's get to know more about the top of Hyundai's electric food chain.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

With prices starting at 67,150,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever Hyundai IONIQ 9 can be rudely called the Palisade of Hyundai EVs. While identically sized to the Palisade, the IONIQ 9 is a zero-emission business class on all four wheels that takes a different approach to "touring."

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Like its IONIQ siblings, which draw inspiration from their respective concept vehicles—the IONIQ 5 from the 45 Concept and the IONIQ 6 from the Prophecy Concept—the IONIQ 9 takes cues from the Seven Concept. While the design, inspired by the concept, is a standout feature of the IONIQ 9, the rear view is somewhat puzzling, as it may evoke memories of various Volvo wagons from the past.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 interior

Inside, the IONIQ 9 is everything you expect for a flagship EV SUV. From the driver's side, you'll be greeted by the braille-written steering wheel that became a signature for today's Hyundai models, a panoramic curved display that features a 12.3-inch instrumental display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, buttons and knobs for the aircon and radio, ambient lighting, and a glove compartment underneath the center console, among others. 

On the passenger side, the IONIQ 9 offers a choice between a 6-seater and a 7-seater. The cargo space accommodates from 620L (with rear seats up) to 2,462L (with all passenger seats folded down), while the frunk provides from 52L (for 4WD models) to 88L (for 2WD models). Notably, the six-seater variant features a unique asset that no luxury people mover possesses, not even today's Toyota Alphard: swiveling second-row seats.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

Armed with the E-GMP platform and a 110kWh li-ion battery, rear-wheel-drive variants of the IONIQ 9 have 160kW of power and 532km of driving range while the range-topping variant with H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system has 315kW of power and 501km of driving range.

Despite being somewhat bulky, the IONIQ 9 offers a luxurious experience comparable to any premium SUV you can think of. It serves as a well-organized cruiser, perfect for touring South Korea's upscale destinations, including the stunning location dubbed "Paradise" by Singles' Inferno. Equipped with H-TRAC, it features an Auto Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts its capabilities for various surfaces, whether tarmac, gravel, or snow. While it may not match the quality of a Range Rover, it is still quite impressive.

In terms of safety, the IONIQ 9 comes loaded with the latest Hyundai SmartSense technologies. These include high beam assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, among others.

The arrival of the first-ever IONIQ 9 completes the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars. With its SUV ruggedness, luxury sedan-riding comfort, award-winning EV powertrain, and premium features that can upset European imports, this is Hyundai's opulent expression of zero-emission touring. This is common-sense business class the Hyundai way. Any questions?

Available Colors: Ionosphere Green, Sunset Brown, Nocturne Grey Metallic, Celadon Grey Metallic, Bio Phillic Blue Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Grey Matte, Celadon Grey Matte, and Gravity Gold Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Let's Do The News! (March 4, 2025)

       

                                        

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Presidential Communications Office ad interim Secretary Jay Ruiz accepted the courtesy resignation of Toby Nebrida as general manager of the state-run television network People's Television Network (PTV).

- One of the Philippine Air Force's FA-50 fighter jets went missing early this morning. The said fighter jet disappeared while conducting tactical night operations before reaching Mactan, Cebu.

- COMELEC dismissed the disqualification case against the Tulfo family.

- The Commission on Appointments (CA) has received the documents related to the appointment of Transportation Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee Ruiz.

- US President Donald Trump criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for saying peace with Russia is very far away. Days after failed talks with Zelensky, the US halted aid to Ukraine while European leaders expressed concern that the Ukraine war would not end without US support.

- One person was killed when a car drove into a crowd in the German city of Mannheim.

- Painter Jack Vettriano, best known for his painting "The Singing Butler", passed away at the age of 73.

- Nissan officially ended sales of the GT-R after 18 years.

- A fully autonomous Maserati MC20 set a new autonomous driving world speed record at the Kennedy Space Center at 197.7mph.

- Mattias Ekstrom and Max McRae have been forced to withdraw from this weekend’s Race of Champions event in Sydney, Australia.

- Katherine Legge will make her NASCAR Cup Series debut at this Sunday's race in Phoenix.

- Joanne Ciconte completes MP Motorsport's 2025 F1 Academy lineup.

- An anime adaptation of the Genso Suikoden franchise was announced, including a new mobile game, manga, stage play, and concert.

- Oleksandr Gvozdyk wants a "dream fight" against Callum Smith when he returns for his April 19th fight.

TTFN.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix

A different kind of COTA awakens as the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series takes on its first road course action of the season, the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, featuring a new layout of the Circuit of the Americas, the sacred ground of the F1 US Grand Prix.

As the green flag waves, NASCAR in COTA is on. Stage 1 saw a multitude of incidents from Ty Dillon's spin on Lap 4 to Cody Wave's spin-and-save on Lap 17. As Bubba Wallace wins Stage 1, his first stage win on a road course, Stage 2 saw Kyle Larson slapped with a penalty for shortcutting Turn 3 while running in 8th followed by Denny Hamlin for shortcutting Turn 5, and John Hunter Nemechek for a commitment line violation, not to mention Larson lost his right front wheel on Lap 44. As Ryan Preece wins Stage 2, the final stage saw Daniel Suarez get hit by Connor Zilsch on Lap 50, Alex Bowman spin on Lap 56, Denny Hamlin sends Austin Dillon into the gravel on Lap 78, and Chase Briscoe sends Ty Gibbs spinning on Lap 83.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After an intense road course action in COTA, Christopher Bell wins the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children's 500 this March 9, 2025.