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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Researchers design DNA coatings to control catalyst environments for chemical production SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have developed a method to coat chemical catalysts with single-stranded DNA, enabling precise control over the surrounding chemical environment to improve hydrogen and chemical production, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Sunday. The research team, led by Professor Park Ji-min from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)'s department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, applied single-stranded DNA to the surface of gold nanoparticle catalysts. By altering the sequence of the DNA, the researchers could control the local acidity and ion distribution at a nanometer scale without changing the structure of the catalyst itself. In chemical reactions driven by electricity, the immediate environment surrounding a catalyst determines how efficiently it operates. Traditionally, scientists used polymer coatings to manage this space, but these materials lacked the precision needed to design internal structures at a microscopic level. Because DNA naturally carries a negative charge and its structure can be altered by changing its sequence, it serves as an effective tool for guiding the movement of ions. Using real-time analysis techniques, the team observed that the DNA layer functions as a customized interface that manages the flow of hydroxide ions. When applied to hydrogen generation and the conversion of glycerol, the specific DNA sequences directly impacted the efficiency of the reactions. Adjusting the sequence increased the production rate of glycerate, a material used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, demonstrating that reaction outcomes can be controlled solely through DNA modification. The study, co-authored by doctoral students Oh Sang-yeon and Lee Tae-kyung, was published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on May 5, 2026. "This research is an example showing that DNA can be utilized not just as a genetic information storage medium, but as a precision nanomaterial to control electrochemical reactions," Professor Park said. "By adjusting the acidity and ion movement on the catalyst surface through DNA sequence design, we expect it to be widely utilized in overall carbon neutrality technologies, including hydrogen production and biomass conversion in the future." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society Title: Programmable Single-Stranded DNA Layers as Modulators of Nanoscale pH at Electrocatalytic Interfaces Link/DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6c02995 2026-06-08 16:21:17 -
Lee vows to nurture super-gap growth engines beyond semiconductors SEOUL, June 08 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung marked his first year in office on Monday by unveiling plans to aggressively expand the country's economic focus, pledging to discover and nurture global super-gap growth engines beyond the semiconductor sector. Lee assumed the presidency on June 4 last year, following a snap election triggered by the December 2024 impeachment of his predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who had briefly declared emergency martial law. Lee framed his first year in office as a period of overcoming the resulting crisis of democracy and stabilizing the nation, setting the stage for a new era of proactive national growth. Speaking during a press conference at the state guest house at the presidential Blue House, Lee declared 2026 as the year South Korea begins its bold dream of becoming an irreplaceable nation. He presented four primary national objectives aimed at transforming the country into an industrial powerhouse where all citizens share the economic benefits. "I will continuously discover and nurture 'global super-gap growth engines' that will serve as South Korea's next-generation cash cows in industrial sectors other than semiconductors," Lee said. To execute this vision, the president promised to unveil a large-scale investment project soon, designed to fundamentally shift the national economic strategy. He emphasized that the financial rewards of this expansion must not remain trapped within specific corporations or regions, but must instead flow to small and medium-sized venture companies and spread evenly across the country. "I will carefully monitor the highly supported National Growth Fund so that it can fulfill its role for the growth of everyone, and I will also prepare measures to utilize the excess tax revenue generated by semiconductors in the most effective way," Lee said. On the security front, Lee committed to elevating South Korea's standing as a global diplomatic and military power under the principle that peace directly supports economic livelihoods. The government has recently accelerated efforts to build an independent defense framework in response to shifting global alliances and regional security demands. "I will do my best to ensure that the precious diplomatic and security achievements made over the past year, such as the revision of the South Korea-US nuclear energy agreement, the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines, and the push for an early recovery of wartime operational control, bear concrete fruit," Lee said. Domestically, the president promised to aggressively dismantle privileges and correct market irregularities to build a society where rules are respected. He vowed to strictly punish crimes that harm the economic well-being of the public. "I will thoroughly crack down on civil crimes that disrupt market order, such as stock manipulation and real estate offenses, and I will unwaveringly implement structural reform tasks to dismantle privileges," Lee said. "I will run with all my might, as if every single day given to me is my last day in office, so that this government will be more anticipated for the next four years than it was over the past year," Lee said. 2026-06-08 11:13:21 -
From PC cafés to pork belly: Inside Jensen Huang's unconventional Seoul summit SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - Neon lights, the rapid clatter of keyboards in a bustling Hongdae PC café, and the unmistakable sizzle of meat hitting a hot grill—these are hardly the traditional backdrops for high-stakes tech diplomacy. Yet, on the evening of June 5, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang traded the polished boardrooms of Silicon Valley for the vibrant, everyday rhythms of Seoul. Immersing himself first in South Korea's grassroots digital culture, Huang eventually made his way to "Hyungnim Jeoyo," a local pork belly restaurant, setting a distinctly grounded and intimate visual tone for the night ahead. By 7 p.m., the casual outing transformed into an unprecedented gathering of industry titans. Sharing the table and bonding over a traditional "samso"—pork belly paired with soju—were SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Naver founder Lee Hae-jin. This smoky, grill-side meeting echoed a similarly historic summit Huang held just seven months prior with Samsung and Hyundai leadership over fried chicken. The images that follow capture the candid, unbuttoned moments of this extraordinary evening, offering a rare glimpse into the personal, cross-cultural connections that are quietly shaping the future of global technology. 2026-06-05 22:54:20 -
Tourism agency partners with Catch Table to simplify restaurant reservations for foreign tourists SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - The Korea Tourism Organization has forged a partnership with WAD, the operator of the dining platform Catch Table, to improve restaurant reservations and information access for international visitors, , the state-operated tourism agency said Friday. The partnership focuses on promoting K-Local Gourmet Travels 33, a list of regional food destinations selected by KTO. Through the Catch Table global application, the organizations will create a digital service that combines restaurant information, reservations, and payment processing into a single system. The initiative is designed to eliminate language barriers that foreign travelers experience when dining at local restaurants. By integrating regional eateries into a global platform, the project seeks to distribute tourist traffic beyond major cities and generate revenue for small businesses across South Korea. "With K-food establishing itself as a global cultural trend, this agreement is an important milestone for the qualitative growth of food tourism in South Korea," said Min Byung-sun, head of the tourism industry division at KTO. "We will help foreign tourists conveniently enjoy hidden culinary gems across South Korea, bringing new vitality to the regional economy and the overall tourism industry." 2026-06-05 14:50:05 -
South Korean researchers win best paper award for humanoid pilot robot SEOUL, June 05 (AJP) - A research team has won the 2026 Best Paper Award from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine for developing an artificial intelligence-based framework that allows a humanoid robot to autonomously fly an aircraft, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Friday. The award recognizes a 2025 study detailing PIBOT, a humanoid designed to operate standard aircraft controls without requiring cockpit modifications. The award ceremony took place on June 4, 2026, during the International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Vienna, Austria. The research, based in South Korea, is led by Professor Shim Hyun-chul of the electrical and electronic engineering department at KAIST. The IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine is a peer-reviewed publication that highlights applied robotics research, recording an impact factor of 7.1 in 2025. The recognized study demonstrated a physical artificial intelligence system capable of acquiring specialized aviation knowledge, recognizing flight situations in real time, and responding adaptively. This differentiates the system from humanoid robots focused primarily on basic movement and cargo transport. The development of PIBOT began in 2021 with an estimated 5.7 billion won in funding over five years from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Having completed the initial phase of research, the team has been working since 2024 on a second-phase robot with a human-like physique and joint structure optimized for piloting. Researchers are also collaborating with related organizations to adapt the technology for ground vehicles and ships. "It is very meaningful that the pilot robot technology proposed for the first time in the world by a domestic research team has been recognized as a world-class research achievement thanks to the support of large-scale domestic projects," Professor Shim said. "We will further develop the research so that humanoid robots can help people in real environments and safely operate complex systems." Doctoral students Min Sung-jae, Kang Gyu-ri, and Kim Hyung-joo participated as co-first authors of the study. (Reference Information) Journal/Source: IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine Title: Toward Fully Autonomous Aviation: PIBOT, a Humanoid Robot Pilot for Human-Centric Aircraft Cockpits Link/DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/MRA.2024.3505774 2026-06-05 14:36:44 -
Turkey's Foreign Minister Calls for Cooperation with South Korea to Stabilize Global Order Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, urged South Korea and Turkey to actively collaborate to restore the collapsing international cooperation framework and stabilize the fragmented global order. In a keynote address at the 143rd International Policy Forum at Korea University in Seoul on June 4, Fidan diagnosed that the outdated international order centered around major powers has shown its limitations. He emphasized that capable middle powers like South Korea and Turkey, with diverse backgrounds, must step forward to lead new diplomatic agreements to untangle the complex knots of current global issues. Fidan pointed out the structural contradictions facing the international community today. Over the past 80 years, numerous international organizations and treaties have been established, yet in the face of significant crises, the world remains deeply divided and has lost a sense of common purpose. He cautioned against narrowly interpreting the current situation as merely a security crisis. Relying on outdated tactics of military deployment or deterrence cannot resolve fundamental issues; rather, the essence of the crisis lies in the collapse of the international cooperation system itself. A recent example is the armed conflicts spreading in the Gulf region, centered around Iran, which pose significant threats to global economic and strategic stability. Turkey is actively engaging in diplomatic channels with countries like Pakistan and Indonesia to mediate between the United States and Iran to prevent further escalation. The ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fifth year, starkly illustrates the ineffectiveness of the international community. Fidan criticized recent medium-range missile strikes near the borders of the European Union and NATO as an unacceptable escalation, warning of the risk of the conflict spreading throughout Europe. Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian ground communications, disrupting enemy logistics. As the war shows no signs of ending, European leaders face intense pressure to expedite Ukraine's accession to the European Union as a foundation for future peace agreements. The situation in Gaza starkly reveals the failures of the collapsed international order. The Foreign Minister characterized the international community's inability to prevent the ongoing tragedy as a severe legitimacy crisis. He explained that a system that cannot uphold universal human principles is destined to fail, and even countries that have benefited from the existing order now confront crises at their own doorsteps. In a multipolar world, no single country can bear the burden of global crises alone. Fidan analyzed that the roles of middle powers like South Korea and Turkey have become increasingly important in this dynamic. When two countries with different social and geographical backgrounds transcend the narrow interests of a single power bloc, they can forge solid agreements. To achieve tangible diplomatic outcomes, Fidan argued that regions must take the initiative to reform outdated systems. He also criticized the veto power system of the United Nations Security Council as an outdated monopoly of power by major countries, reiterating that the world is larger than just five nations. Hakan Fidan, who served as the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization for 13 years, was appointed Foreign Minister in 2023. In closing, he noted that when the concept of collective security was tested in the Korean Peninsula in the past, South Korea and Turkey stood shoulder to shoulder militarily.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 23:51:00 -
Turkish foreign minister urges S. Korea partnership to stabilize global governance SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - South Korea and Türkiye must leverage their diplomatic influence to address a deepening crisis in global governance and stabilize a fragmented international order, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday. Speaking at the 143rd International Policy Forum at Korea University in Seoul, Hakan Fidan warned that the current international system is unsustainable and requires coordinated intervention by capable middle powers. The diplomat highlighted a profound paradox in modern global cooperation. He noted that while the international community has established an unprecedented number of institutions and treaties over the past 80 years, the sense of shared global purpose has never been more severely fractured. He cautioned against viewing contemporary instability purely as a security crisis. Relying on familiar tactics like military deployments, deterrence, and containment fails to address the root issue, which he described as a fundamental breakdown requiring a visionary response. The escalating conflict involving Iran in the Gulf serves as a prime example of this instability, carrying severe consequences for global economic and strategic stability. Ankara is currently utilizing its diplomatic channels to halt the active conflict and prevent secondary regional spillover. Working alongside Indonesia, the Turkish government is closely coordinating with Pakistan, which is performing the primary mediating role in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. A similar systemic failure is evident in Ukraine, now a grinding war of attrition in its fifth year where a ceasefire remains elusive due to incompatible territorial claims. The threat of the conflict expanding into a broader war between Russia and Europe remains high following a recent intermediate-range missile strike near the borders of the European Union and NATO, an act described as an unacceptable escalation. Ukrainian forces have maintained a mid-range strike campaign against Russian ground lines of communication, successfully disrupting logistics across the theater. As the war continues indefinitely, European leaders face immense pressure to provide Kyiv with a credible and speedy path to European Union membership to help secure a future peace deal. The situation in Gaza represents the absolute peak of this systemic breakdown, with the top Turkish envoy characterizing the international community's failure to intervene in the ongoing genocide as an acute crisis of legitimacy. He warned that a system unable to prevent atrocities or uphold its founding principles is bound to fail. Nations that long benefited from the current framework are now facing crises at their own borders, he added. As power shifts fluidly across a growing number of theaters, no single actor can manage these global challenges alone. This dynamic elevates the role of capable middle powers like South Korea and Türkiye. Their distinct societies and backgrounds allow them to construct a resilient consensus beyond the narrow interests of singular power blocs. Achieving concrete diplomatic outcomes relies on regional ownership and global institutional reform. Regions must manage their own risks to prevent exporting instability to the rest of the world, as peace cannot be imposed from the outside. The minister also criticized the United Nations Security Council, arguing its veto architecture reflects a long-receded distribution of power that fails to represent current realities. Reaffirming the statement that the world is bigger than five, he demanded structural changes to establish fairness, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility. The foreign minister assumed his current Cabinet position in 2023 following a 13-year tenure as director of Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization. His extensive administrative and academic background includes serving on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and holding a doctorate in international relations from Bilkent University. Addressing the historical ties between Seoul and Ankara, he grounded his call for reform in the military cooperation seen during the war. He noted that when the concept of collective security was put to the ultimate test on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea and Türkiye stood shoulder to shoulder. 2026-06-04 18:51:33 -
Ruling Democratic Party dominates early vote counting in S. Korea's local elections SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Early vote counting for the June 3 local elections shows the ruling Democratic Party taking the lead in 14 of 16 metropolitan and provincial races, including the Seoul mayoral election. The conservative People Power Party is leading in only one region, North Gyeongsang Province. If the current trend continues, the elections will end in a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party. The early results suggest that voters in the first nationwide elections since President Lee Jae Myung took office a year ago are heavily backing the ruling party. The Democratic Party framed the election as a judgment on the 2024 insurrection and a vote for government stability, countering the opposition's calls to hold the current administration accountable. According to the National Election Commission, 14.0 percent of all votes had been counted as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. In the highly contested Seoul mayoral race, where 5.46 percent of votes have been counted, Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh is leading with 65.72 percent against People Power Party incumbent Oh Se-hoon, who has 31.88 percent. The counting rate remains below average in Seocho and Songpa districts, which are traditional conservative strongholds in the capital. The Seoul mayoral race was marred by logistical issues earlier in the day when polling stations in Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin districts ran out of ballot papers, leaving voters waiting in line. The People Power Party is demanding a halt to the vote counting and calling for a revote in the city. In Gyeonggi Province, Democratic Party candidate Choo Mi-ae leads with 51.07 percent over the People Power Party's Yang Hyang-ja, who has 43.16 percent. In Incheon, Democratic Party candidate Park Chan-dae is ahead with 60.04 percent against the People Power Party's Yoo Jeong-bok at 39.04 percent. The Democratic Party also took early leads in four regions that exit polls conducted by three major broadcasters had projected as tight races: Busan, Daegu, North Jeolla Province, and Gangwon Province. In Busan, the Democratic Party's Jeon Jae-soo leads with 53.60 percent against the People Power Party's Park Hyung-jun. In Daegu, Kim Boo-kyum of the Democratic Party has 53.48 percent, leading the People Power Party's Choo Kyung-ho. In Gangwon Province, the Democratic Party's Woo Sang-ho is ahead of the People Power Party's Kim Jin-tae with 54.00 percent. In North Jeolla Province, Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek is leading independent Kim Kwan-young with 52.52 percent to 41.37 percent. Democratic Party candidates Min Hyung-bae in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City and Wi Seong-gon in Jeju Province are certain to win, securing 81.62 percent and 61.35 percent, respectively. For the People Power Party, Lee Cheol-woo is the likely winner in North Gyeongsang Province with 64.64 percent. The race for South Gyeongsang Province governor remains a dead heat with 14.98 percent of the votes counted. Democratic Party candidate Kim Kyoung-soo has 49.71 percent, narrowly trailing the People Power Party's Park Wan-soo at 50.28 percent. The Democratic Party is also dominating the 14 parliamentary by-elections held alongside the local elections. In the Busan Buk-gap district, with 8.7 percent of votes counted, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo is leading with 53.37 percent. He is comfortably ahead of independent Han Dong-hoon at 38.55 percent and the People Power Party's Park Min-shik at 8.06 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Pyeongtaek-eul district, where 6.1 percent of the vote has been counted, Rebuilding Korea Party candidate Cho Kuk is leading a three-way race with 38.12 percent. He is followed by the Democratic Party's Kim Yong-nam at 32.80 percent and the People Power Party's Yu Eui-dong at 23.76 percent. In the Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang district of South Chungcheong Province, Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-bin leads with 55.06 percent against the People Power Party's Yoon Yong-geun at 39.26 percent, with 10.48 percent of votes counted. In Ulsan's Nam-gap district, traditionally considered a conservative stronghold, Democratic Party candidate Jeon Tae-jin is leading with 57.41 percent against the People Power Party's Kim Tae-gyu at 37.40 percent, based on a counting rate of 8.7 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Hanam-gap district, which saw a razor-thin margin in the previous general election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Kwang-jae is leading with 66.42 percent against the People Power Party's Lee Yong at 31.66 percent, with 14.0 percent of the vote counted. The People Power Party is securing a significant lead in Daegu's Dalseong-gun district, where Lee Jin-sook has 64.54 percent compared to the Democratic Party's Park Hyung-ryong at 35.45 percent, with 32.3 percent of the vote counted. Of the 14 seats contested in the by-elections, 13 were previously held by the Democratic Party and one by the People Power Party. 2026-06-03 23:59:28 -
Former justice minister Choo Mi-ae to become first female provincial governor in South Korea SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - The Ruling Democratic Party candidate and former justice minister Choo Mi-ae is certain to win the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial race, making her the first woman to head a metropolitan or provincial government in South Korean history. According to the National Election Commission on Wednesday, Choo is projected to defeat People Power Party candidate Yang Hyang-ja in the June 3 local elections. The six-term lawmaker maintained a wide lead over Yang throughout the campaign, cementing her victory early on. Her win breaks a long-standing glass ceiling in South Korean politics. Since the country introduced nationwide local elections in 1995, women have consistently run for top regional posts but have never won. The closest attempts occurred in 2022 and 2010. In the 2022 Gyeonggi governor race, conservative candidate Kim Eun-hye lost to Democratic Party candidate Kim Dong-yeon by a margin of 0.15 percentage points after a tight race that stretched into the morning after election day. In 2010, Democratic Party candidate Han Myeong-sook lost the Seoul mayoral election to Oh Se-hoon by 0.2 percentage points. During the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, running for the Democratic Party, lost to Oh by 18.3 percentage points, securing 39.2 percent of the vote. Female representation among candidates for top regional posts declined this year. Only five women, or 9.8 percent of 51 candidates, ran for metropolitan mayoral or gubernatorial seats, roughly half of 18.2 percent seen in the 2022 elections. Choo is the only woman to win such a post this year. In 2022, all 10 female candidates running for these positions lost. A former judge from Daegu, Choo entered politics in 1995 after being recruited by former President Kim Dae-jung, who was then leading the National Congress for New Politics. She earned the nickname "Choo d'Arc" -- combining her surname with Joan of Arc -- after leading a campaign group in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that helped secure Kim's 1997 presidential win. Choo was first elected to the National Assembly in 1996 for Seoul's Gwangjin-eul district. She went on to represent the district for five terms in the 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th parliaments. She was elected party leader at the Democratic Party convention in 2020 and served as justice minister during the Moon Jae-in administration. In the recent 22nd general election, she secured her sixth term after receiving a strategic nomination for Gyeonggi Province's Hanam District. Although considered a strong contender for National Assembly speaker in the first half of the 22nd parliament, she lost the internal party primary to Woo Won-shik. She then took the helm of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, spearheading efforts to pass prosecution reform bills. Choo is widely regarded as a prominent hardliner within her party, known for her strong drive and clear political stances. Because her term as Gyeonggi governor will end in 2030, a timeline that aligns with the next South Korean presidential election, political watchers view her as a potential presidential contender. 2026-06-03 23:49:32 -
National Election Commission apologizes for ballot shortage SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - Heo Chul-hoon, secretary-general of South Korea's National Election Commission, issued a public apology on Wednesday evening after several polling stations ran out of ballot papers during local elections. Speaking at the commission headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Heo said he takes full responsibility for the oversight. He said the commission deeply apologizes for causing great confusion and concern, acknowledging that the incident inconvenienced voters and damaged public trust. "We will accurately identify the causes and problems of the ballot shortages at some polling stations as soon as the counting is over and prepare measures to prevent a recurrence," Heo said. The commission transported extra ballots to affected sites immediately after noticing the shortage. Officials also instructed staff to ensure citizens who were already waiting in line could cast their votes normally even after the scheduled closing time. The supply issues occurred earlier in the afternoon at polling stations in major Seoul districts, including Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Songpa, forcing voters to wait for extended periods. Meanwhile, National Election Commission Chairperson Roh Tae-ak has not issued any statement yet. 2026-06-03 21:48:50