Journalist
Park Sae-jin박세진
swatchsjp@ajupress.com
Assistant EditorForeign embassies in Seoul & Geopolitics, Diplomacy, Policy
Experienced journalist and editor at AJU PRESS specializing in multilingual news. I cover international diplomacy, geolpolitics, and policy, consistently delivering highly accurate, compelling reporting for a worldwide audience.
"Reporting the facts. Shaping the narrative. Every second counts."
Latest by Park Sae-jin
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South Korea's national museum forges partnership with Italy's Uffizi Gallery SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - To spread the value of their cultural heritage and increase mutual understanding, the National Museum of Korea and Italy's Uffizi Gallery have signed an agreement to exchange exhibitions and staff, Korea's iconic museum said Sunday. According to the National Museum of Korea's statement, its Director Yoo Hong-jun and Uffizi Gallery's Director Simone Verde signed the agreement in Florence, Italy, on Saturday. The two museums will work together on sharing art, educational programs, and restoring historical pieces. This partnership follows South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Italy. The Uffizi Gallery is famous for its Renaissance art, holding masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. The iconic South Korean museum plans to use this new partnership to bring some of these famous works to Seoul for local audiences. The agreement comes at a time when the main state-operated museum is seeing record-breaking popularity. The museum welcomed 3,255,160 visitors between January and May of this year, which is a 45.2 percent increase from the same period last year. Foreign visitor numbers also jumped 57.8 percent during this time, reaching 122,024 people. Experts believe the museum could reach 7 million total visitors this year, easily passing last year's record of 6.5 million. This steady growth is driven by popular special exhibitions and new programs that draw larger crowds, including families and international tourists. Before signing the agreement, the two directors met on June 12 to discuss bringing Italian masterpieces to Seoul. "Our museum has been holding special exhibitions every year to introduce collections from world-class museums," Yoo said, adding: "We hope to be able to introduce masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery, such as Botticelli, in South Korea." In response, Verde noted the growing global influence of South Korean culture. "I want to introduce the Uffizi Gallery's collection in South Korea," Verde said. "This agreement is very meaningful because the National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Gallery have taken their first step towards cooperation," Yoo said. "I look forward to continuing substantive exchange in various fields, such as exhibition, research, and education, based on the academic capabilities and collections that both institutions have accumulated." 2026-06-15 15:58:27 -
South Korean researchers technique to transfer nano circuits using water SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have developed a technique to transfer microscopic electronic circuits onto delicate surfaces by floating metal components on water. This opens new possibilities for wearable devices and biological sensors, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Monday. The technique, called water-floated nanotransfer printing, removes the need for heat, pressure, toxic chemical solvents, or adhesives. This allows the circuits to be applied to biological tissues or complex shapes that would normally be damaged by traditional methods. The research was led by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)'s Professor Park In-kyu, in collaboration with Dr. Jung Jun-ho from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) and Professor Ahn Jun-sung from Korea University. To create the floating circuits, the research team places an extremely thin layer of metal, such as gold or platinum, onto a polymer template. They use an ionized gas plasma to remove specific parts of the template. When placed in water, the liquid moves into small gaps, allowing a 20-nanometer-thick metal film to separate and float on the surface while keeping its shape. The circuits are transferred by dipping an object under the floating metal film and slowly scooping it up. As the water dries, the physical force of the liquid pulls the circuit tightly against the object, and natural molecular attraction keeps it attached without glue. The team also used the method on water-repellent surfaces, such as lotus leaves, by adding a small amount of ethanol to lower the surface tension of the water. The researchers tested the technology by creating sensors directly on lemons and oranges to detect small amounts of a pesticide. They also moved a metal mesh onto stretchable fibers to create a wearable gas sensor. The study, with KAIST doctoral candidate Kang Byung-ho as the lead author, was published in the journal Nature Communications on March 30, 2026. "This technology is significant because it overcomes the substrate limitations of existing nanotransfer printing, allowing nano patterns to be transferred to sensitive surfaces like living plant leaves or skin without adhesives or heat," Professor Park In-kyu said. "It can be utilized in various fields, from smart agriculture that measures pesticides without damaging crops to wearable health monitoring devices, bioelectronics, and next-generation robotic electronic skin, and is expected to develop into a core platform technology for wearable sensors and bioelectronics in the future." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Nature Communications Title: Versatile water-floated nanostructures for three-dimensional nanotransfer printing Link/DOI: https://bit.ly/4e9s0h5 2026-06-15 15:31:53 -
Uzbekistan hosts Tashkent International Investment Forum SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Uzbekistan will host the fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum from June 16 to 19 as the country establishes itself as the primary economic and investment hub for Central Asia, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Republic of Korea said Friday. The four-day event serves as a sustainable mechanism to transition high-level political dialogue into concrete commercial solutions and cross-border cooperation. The upcoming gathering aims to expand upon the framework of the previous session, which drew more than 8,000 delegates from 97 countries. That event concluded with signed business agreements totaling 30.5 billion US dollars, representing one of the largest outcomes among regional investment platforms. The program features a plenary session with heads of state alongside panel sessions, thematic pitch presentations, and an expanded exhibition showcasing national industrial potential. Organizers have structured dedicated business-to-business and business-to-government meetings to facilitate direct interaction between global financiers and local decision-makers. A unique concentration of political and corporate capital will assemble at the venue, including government leaders from Central Asian and European nations. Major institutional participants include the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Finance Corporation. International financial leaders noted that ongoing domestic regulatory adjustments have significantly strengthened corporate confidence in the local market. Nobumitsu Hayashi, the governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, stated that the economic reforms are creating a predictable and attractive environment for long-term investments. The economic diversification efforts coincide with the strategic integration of the country into international capital markets. Wang Bo, the chairman of the Chinese company CAMCE, stated that the developing economy represents a unique opportunity for foreign investors, particularly in light of the World Trade Organization accession process. 2026-06-12 22:52:00 -
Sookmyung Women's University startup develops ultra-lightweight, snow-melting solar panels SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - A technology startup founded by a mechanical engineering professor at Sookmyung Women's University has developed and commercialized a new line of lightweight solar modules designed to melt snow and integrate seamlessly into electric vehicles. The prominent university in Seoul said Thursday. ACE Inventor, founded by Joung Young-soo, a professor at Sookmyung Women's University's School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, has been receiving research and development support from the university since 2017. The startup is currently building a mass-production system capable of combining multiple cells into large-area modules measuring up to 3.75 (2.5m x 1.5m) square meters. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce up to 50 megawatts of the lightweight solar modules annually. The company has also secured funding from several South Korean government initiatives, including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Traditional solar panels rely on thick glass covers to protect the internal solar cells, making them heavy, rigid, and prone to shattering. The heaviness of the panels limits where they can be installed, often making the solar panel structure difficult to be put on older buildings, large logistics warehouses, or curved architectural structures that cannot support heavy loads. ACE Inventor replaced the standard glass with a specialized fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). This material reduces the total weight of the solar panel by up to 70 percent while providing the flexibility to bend around curved surfaces. One of the company's primary products is an FRP solar module equipped with an internal heating film. In regions that experience heavy snowfall, winter weather poses two major problems for solar energy generation. First, accumulated snow physically blocks sunlight, halting electricity production entirely. Second, the sheer weight of heavy snow combined with heavy glass solar panels frequently causes the roofs of agricultural greenhouses, barns, and older factories to collapse. The heating module can be operated in freezing or snow-accumulation conditions to raise the panel's surface temperature. This melts the snow before it can accumulate into a dangerous, light-blocking hazard. Because the system clears the panels efficiently using minimal power, it restores power generation quickly during winter months and prevents costly structural damage to vulnerable agricultural and industrial buildings. The company also introduced a vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) sunroof module aimed at the electric vehicle market. Range anxiety remains a significant hurdle for electric vehicle adoption, and adding solar panels to a car's roof, hood, or trunk can provide auxiliary power to extend driving range. However, traditional glass panels add significant weight to the vehicle, which paradoxically drains the battery faster. "In the electric vehicle era, vehicle weight and energy efficiency are directly linked to driving range, making lightweight and safe automotive modules a core technology for the future mobility market," ACE Inventor's chief executive Professor Joung Young-soo said. The new FRP automotive module weighs approximately 2.8 kilograms, which is more than 70 percent lighter than traditional double-sided glass modules. Its flexible nature allows it to mold seamlessly to the aerodynamic curves of modern car roofs. Because it contains no glass, it also eliminates the risk of dangerous glass shards scattering in the event of a traffic collision. "The modules released this time are a meaningful case where original technologies from the laboratory met the university's startup support system and led to actual product launches," Joung said, adding: "Moving forward, we will lead the market for domestic aging industrial facilities and zero-energy buildings, and expand into the global mobility market and heavy snowfall regions to write a success story as a university-originated deep tech company." 2026-06-11 16:44:20 -
Studies reveal uneven productivity gains and job anxiety from generative AI in S. Korea SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - Kookmin University International Business School (KIBS)'s Professor Oh Eun-young has published two research papers analyzing the varying impacts of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on industrial productivity and occupational replacement in South Korea, Kookmin University said Wednesday. The studies, published in international academic journals in February and June, examine how the adoption of AI technologies affects different sectors and how the public perceives the threat of job displacement. The research indicates that the effects of generative AI are determined by industrial structures and job characteristics rather than applying uniformly across the economy. The first paper analyzed productivity changes following the spread of generative AI. The research found that early productivity gains were concentrated in finance, information and communications, and professional services. In contrast, the manufacturing sector experienced limited changes, suggesting that the initial economic benefits of AI are more prominent in specific service-oriented industries. The second paper assessed public perceptions of job replacement by AI tools like ChatGPT. The survey indicated that South Koreans believe translators, data scientists, and financial advisors face a high likelihood of replacement. Meanwhile, professions such as professors, researchers, and writers were viewed as less vulnerable to AI substitution. The study also noted that older individuals experience greater overall job anxiety related to the technology. "Generative AI is an important technology that can increase productivity across the economy, but its effects do not appear equally in all industries and professions," Oh said. "In order to spread the benefits of AI technology more widely and respond to changes in the labor market, policy discussions that consider the characteristics of each industry and profession are necessary." 2026-06-11 06:56:44 -
KAIST researchers teach robots human judgment using short videos SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have built an artificial intelligence system that allows robots and self-driving cars to figure out human intentions just by watching a handful of videos. The new method heavily cuts down the amount of data needed to train these machines, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Wednesday. A research team led by Professor Yoo Chang-dong at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)'s electrical engineering department designed the framework, called Video-based Optimal TransPort Preference (VOTP). The technology lets smart machines learn how to make the right choices without needing a person to manually grade thousands of different actions. Instead of relying on massive datasets, the method only requires someone to provide about 10 short video clips showing both good and bad ways to complete a task. The system then uses a mathematical method called optimal transport to track tiny differences in movement. From there, it automatically guesses what humans would prefer in thousands of other situations, setting up virtual rewards to steer the machine. This setup mimics how people learn to do new things by simply watching a few examples. Physical AI systems, like factory robots, self-driving cars, and medical equipment, need strict guidelines to choose the safest actions in complicated environments. Until now, creating those guidelines meant having workers spend countless hours evaluating robot behaviors one by one. Some developers previously tried using text-based language models to speed up this grading process, but trying to describe highly specific mechanical movements with words often failed. The research team noted that their video-based approach works well for robotic arms, humanoid robots, drones, and software that controls computer screens. The study was picked for an oral presentation at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2026, which will take place in Seoul in July 2026. The paper, authored by Tung Minh Luu, Kim Hwan-hee, Lee Young-hwan, and Chang D. Yoo (Yoo Chang-dong), ranked in the top 0.7 percent of the 23,918 submissions the conference received. "The core of physical AI is making machines understand human intent and select the correct actions," Yoo said. "VOTP can learn human judgment criteria from a small number of videos, and it is a core technology that will advance the era of robots making human-like judgments." 2026-06-10 10:54:44 -
Russian envoy stresses restoration of bilateral ties with South Korea amid diplomatic strain SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev pushed for repairing relations between Moscow and Seoul during a diplomatic reception Tuesday, pointing to recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin to back his stance. Hosting the Day of Russia event at the embassy in Seoul, Zinoviev pointed out that while the two nations have shared decades of strong cooperation, their relationship is currently dealing with serious roadblocks. "Nonetheless, as President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin has emphasized, we continue to count on their restoration," Zinoviev told the crowd. He argued that South Koreans still hold a deep-rooted interest in Russian culture and a broadly friendly attitude toward the country. This underlying goodwill, he said, will help smooth the way for rebuilding relations once the right conditions are met. Zinoviev's speech comes during a particularly low point for Moscow and Seoul. Bilateral ties nosedived after Russia attacked Ukraine in early 2022. When South Korea joined the international community in placing economic sanctions on Moscow, Russia fired back by officially labeling South Korea an unfriendly country. The diplomatic rift widened in 2024 as Moscow tightened its military alignment with Pyongyang. Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership during a summit in Pyongyang, which included mutual defense clauses. South Korea heavily criticized the pact, along with the suspected transfer of North Korean weapons to Russia, calling it a blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Touching on regional security during his speech, Zinoviev said untangling the current issues on the Korean Peninsula will require a group effort. He called for dialing back military tensions and establishing comprehensive security guarantees that actually factor in everyone's concerns. On the topic of the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions, the ambassador did not back down. He argued that the sanctions meant to squeeze the Russian economy have instead fast-tracked the country's economic independence and technological growth. 2026-06-09 21:37:01 -
Chinese president drops denuclearization from North Korea summit agenda SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping completely excluded references to denuclearization and the Korean Peninsula during his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on Monday. The omission marks a fundamental realignment in how Beijing treats its neighbor, pivoting from managing regional security to utilizing the country as an active strategic asset against South Korea and its allies. This strategic shift dismantles the long-standing framework for peaceful regional disarmament. By prioritizing institutionalized bilateral ties over regional stability, Beijing is providing diplomatic cover for Pyongyang while actively undercutting international efforts to counter its nuclear ambitions. The state visit on June 8 marked the first time the Chinese leader traveled to Pyongyang in seven years. During talks at the Kumsusan Guest House, Xi proposed expanding official exchanges across diplomacy, law enforcement and military affairs. The two countries agreed to fully reopen border ports and resume international flights and passenger trains to significantly boost human and economic interaction. Official Chinese state documents from previous encounters heavily featured the term peninsula, including nine mentions during the 2019 summit. The official Chinese briefing for the latest meeting completely replaced regional security terminology with language emphasizing sovereign state relations and global initiatives. This integration deepens a northern trilateral alignment connecting North Korea, China and Russia, which directly challenges the security cooperation of South Korea, the United States and Japan. In a commentary published in the Rodong Sinmun newspaper on the day of his arrival, Xi emphasized that both countries must jointly safeguard their sovereignty, security and development interests. The new alignment echoes a recent joint statement between China and Russia that explicitly opposed diplomatic isolation and economic pressure aimed at North Korea. The direct involvement of top defense officials during the talks indicated an immediate acceleration in trilateral military cooperation. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol both attended the summit. Analysts suggest this defense framework could pave the way for high-level personnel exchanges or joint naval drills among North Korea, China and Russia at facilities like Wonsan Port. Such maneuvers would serve as a direct counterweight to the joint maritime training conducted by South Korea and its partners. On the economic front, Beijing indicated a greater willingness to bypass international trade restrictions to revitalize the North Korean economy. The two sides discussed linking development strategies and expanding practical cooperation in trade, agriculture, construction, science, technology and public health. The cross-border agreements are expected to revive several stalled infrastructure projects. These initiatives include opening the New Yalu River Bridge, renewing the ten-year usage rights for Rajin Port and developing the Tumen River maritime exit project recently negotiated between Beijing and Moscow. Xi concluded the state visit by calling for grand celebrations to mark the 65th anniversary of the bilateral treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. 2026-06-09 09:42:46 -
South Korea outlines strategy to attract 2 million cruise visitors SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - South Korean government and tourism officials met with industry representatives aboard a docked cruise ship in Busan on June 5, 2026, to outline a strategy aimed at expanding international cruise tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization said Monday. The 21st Cruise Development Council meeting took place aboard Royal Caribbean's 169,000-ton Spectrum of the Seas, marking the first time the annual council convened on an active vessel. About 90 officials from regional governments, the cruise industry, and academia attended the event to discuss ways to improve port excursions and encourage local spending. During the meeting, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced its 2026 revitalization plan funded by a supplementary budget. The initiative includes joint marketing campaigns with Royal Caribbean, familiarization tours for cruise line operators, and participation in international port exhibitions. Officials highlighted recent efforts to tailor services for visitors, citing a pilot program launched in Busan on May 12, 2026. A dedicated shuttle bus connecting the port terminal to the Seomyeon Medical Street area increased the disembarkation rate among ship crew members from 29 percent to 49 percent. Representatives from several South Korean ports shared specific regional strategies. Incheon focused on its fly-and-cruise programs, while Busan presented plans for overnight port calls linked to local festivals. Officials from Jeju, Yeosu, Sokcho, and the Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency also outlined their development goals. Wendy Yamazaki, Royal Caribbean's vice president for the Asia-Pacific region, presented an overview of core tasks for growing the country's cruise sector from a global operator's perspective. "We will do our best to attract cruise tourists through cooperation between the private sector, government, and academia based on the discussions at this council," said Han Yeo-ok, director of the international tourism content division at the KTO. "We will carry out comprehensive marketing to expand our global network and achieve the era of 2 million cruise tourists visiting South Korea early." 2026-06-08 17:09:55 -
S. Korean university students pitch multidisciplinary solutions at global sustainability festival SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - Students from five universities in South Korea presented multidisciplinary solutions to global challenges during the finals of the 2026 Global Symbiosis Joint Academic Festival on May 29, 2026, Kookmin University said Monday. The festival was organized by the HUSS Global Symbiosis Project Group and brought together participants from Kwangwoon University, Kookmin University, Sunmoon University, Yeungnam University and Honam University. The competition challenged students to analyze complex social issues, such as climate change and demographic shifts, and propose practical solutions through cross-major collaboration. Nine teams advanced to the finals, pitching ideas across fields such as technology, welfare, and urban planning. A team from Yeungnam University won the grand prize for proposing a symptom translation and hospital matching solution designed to improve medical access for international students. First prize went to a Kookmin University team for a food donation campaign aimed at supporting vulnerable youth. Excellence awards were given to three teams for artificial intelligence-based proposals. These included a carbon reduction platform using local energy data, an accessible cultural tourism application, and a monitoring system to prevent solitary deaths among single-person households. Judges evaluated the projects based on creativity, feasibility, and their multidisciplinary approach. The festival is part of the HUSS Global Symbiosis Consortium, a three-year initiative launched in 2024 with support from the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation. The consortium aims to train 2,500 students in sustainable resource management and international cooperation through various educational exchange programs. "This academic festival was an opportunity for students to interpret the complex problems of global society based on their majors and fields of interest, and to propose solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration," Professor Ahn Hyun-chul said. "We will continue to expand various programs so that students can grow while experiencing the value of a sustainable future and global symbiosis." 2026-06-08 16:56:34