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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Fire and toxic gas leak at SK hynix plant force 3,600 workers to evacuate SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - A fire and subsequent toxic gas leak at an SK Hynix factory in Cheongju, South Korea, prompted the evacuation of 3,600 employees on Monday morning. Seven workers were transported to an affiliated hospital after exposure to the chemicals, though the company reported no disruption to overall production, firefighters said. The incident began at 10:32 a.m. (0132 GMT) in a sixth-floor gas room connecting the M15 and M15X facilities at the company's Cheongju 4 Campus. Sprinklers immediately extinguished the fire, but toxic hydrogen fluoride spread inside the enclosed room, reaching a concentration of 5 ppm. Ten people were working at the scene when the incident occurred. Five workers complained of stinging eyes, and two others who showed no specific symptoms were also sent to the hospital for precautionary medical checkups due to their proximity to the leak. According to the rescuers, fires were put out immediately after the gas was detected. SK Hynix evacuated all personnel from the M15 and M15X buildings as a preventative safety measure. 2026-06-01 13:27:28 -
Update: Five killed in South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace factory explosion SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - An explosion at a Hanwha Aerospace factory in South Korea killed at least five people and injured two on Monday morning, according to police and rescuers. The blast prompted an emergency response as rescue workers continue to search for three unaccounted individuals. The incident occurred at 10:59 a.m. (0159 GMT) at the company's plant in Oesam, located in Daejeon's Yuseong District. Emergency dispatchers received about 30 simultaneous calls from people in the area who reported they "heard an explosion" and that "a lot of smoke is coming out" from the site. Fire authorities issued a Level 1 emergency response at 11:17 a.m. and are currently working to extinguish the resulting fire. Initial statements from the police reported four dead and two injured, but official on-site confirmations currently stand at five fatalities and two injured, with possibilities of more unfound victims at the site. Authorities suspect the blast originated on the first floor of the factory, though the exact trigger remains unknown. Police and fire officials will launch a joint investigation to determine the cause of the incident and confirm the final casualty toll as soon as the flames are fully suppressed. Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace issued a joint statement later in the day, expressing condolences over the deaths and apologizing to the public. “We are deeply saddened and devastated by the deaths of five precious employees in the accident that occurred this morning at Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon plant,” the companies said. “Hanwha Group and Hanwha Aerospace express our deepest condolences.” They also said they would provide full support for the treatment of injured workers and cooperate with fire and police authorities in handling the aftermath. A Hanwha Aerospace official said the statement was issued jointly at the group level, rather than only by Hanwha Aerospace, given the gravity of the accident. Hanwha Aerospace said CEO Son Jae-il convened an emergency meeting at the company’s Seoul headquarters immediately after the accident and headed to the site afterward. The company has also set up an emergency response headquarters at the scene to work with relevant authorities. Ga Jae-woong, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Daejeon plant, told reporters at the site in Yuseong District that the fire occurred during a process to clean propellant used for launch vehicles. “The fire broke out during a process to clean launch vehicle propellant,” Ga said. “Various tools are used in the process of cleaning explosive materials, and the accident appears to have occurred while those tools were being cleaned.” He said the cleaning process was not considered particularly dangerous because explosive materials are generally thought to lose their risk when they come into contact with water. “We need to determine exactly what caused it,” Ga said. “At this point, it is difficult to estimate the exact cause of the explosion, and we will know only after examining the site.” The Daejeon plant is considered one of Hanwha Aerospace’s key facilities for aerospace, defense and space-related equipment. The site handles work related to large propulsion systems, propellant mixing and filling, and tactical surface-to-surface weapons systems. The plant has faced scrutiny in the past over safety management. After a 2018 explosion that left nine people dead or injured, a special labor inspection found hundreds of legal violations. 2026-06-01 12:25:32 -
KAIST unveils mid-to-long-term strategy for artificial intelligence talent SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology outlined its mid-to-long-term strategy for nurturing artificial intelligence professionals and launched an international advisory board during a vision proclamation ceremony held at its main campus on Monday, the prominent institute said. The event shared the institution's direction for educational innovation, industry cooperation, and the establishment of a responsible artificial intelligence ecosystem. A key part of the ceremony was the appointment of the KAIST College of AI Advisory Board, which includes international experts such as Professor Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal and Professor Cho Kyung-hyun of New York University. Domestic participants represent major South Korean technology companies and research organizations, including the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Samsung Electronics, SK Telecom, Naver Cloud, and Hyundai Motor Company. The advisory board will provide strategic guidance on education, research, and global cooperation. As part of a special innovation session, undergraduate student representatives presented proposals on new possibilities for university education. This reflects the college's approach to treating students as active participants in designing future research cultures rather than passive recipients. During his keynote speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the need for rapid adaptation. "In order to preemptively respond to the period of great transition where AI moves beyond the stage of generation to the stage of execution, investment in AI talent is the most urgent," Bae said. "We will build South Korea's differentiated AI education system through active communication with students, who are the consumers of education." KAIST College of AI Dean Yoon Kuk-jin presented the institution's primary strategies following the keynote. "The KAIST College of AI intends to become an educational and research platform that expands human intellectual capacity alongside AI and designs new knowledge and the future, rather than an organization that simply teaches AI technology," Yoon said. "We will use this vision proclamation ceremony as an opportunity to grow into a hub leading world-class AI talent training, challenging research, industrial and social problem solving, and the establishment of a responsible AI ecosystem." KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung highlighted the broader impact of the technology on modern infrastructure. "AI is now becoming a core driving force leading changes in science, technology, industry, and society as a whole, beyond technology in specific fields," Lee said. "We will actively support the KAIST College of AI so that it can grow into an open platform that leads AI talent training and research innovation in South Korea and cooperates with the world." 2026-06-01 10:53:14 -
South Korea targets Honduras, Latvia and Kenya to diversify food exports SEOUL, June 01 (AJP) - The Korea International Trade Association has identified Honduras, Latvia and Kenya as strategic target markets to reduce South Korea's heavy reliance on the United States, China and Japan for food exports. The strategy aims to leverage the global popularity of South Korean culture to open new trade channels and sustain long-term growth. South Korean food exports have grown at an annual rate of 5.8 percent since 2015, surpassing 9 billion dollars in 2024. However, more than 50 percent of the export volume over the past decade remained concentrated in just three nations, prompting industry calls for immediate market diversification. The association published its findings Monday in a report outlining export competitiveness and market expansion strategies. Researchers selected the three countries based on surging local interest in South Korean culture, noting they all met strict criteria for cultural fan club growth and consumer goods import increases between 2021 and 2023. The report recommended specific product categories and localized approaches for each emerging market. For Honduras, researchers highlighted snacks such as sweets and ice cream, advising companies to launch sweet, large-capacity products and focus on hypermarket promotions to capture a growing youth demographic and urban population. In Latvia, which recorded the highest food import openness among 14 candidate nations, the association projected strong demand for mild sauces and dressings. The report suggested an integrated marketing campaign spanning YouTube, Google and expanding offline retail networks like hypermarkets and convenience stores. Kenya was identified as a target market for processed rice foods, including tteokbokki and rice crackers. The country offers a rapidly expanding consumer base, improved mobile payment infrastructure and an active e-commerce sector where platforms like TikTok and WhatsApp can drive localized sales. Across all three markets, the association urged exporters to strictly comply with local ingredient labeling rules and eco-friendly regulations driven by environmental, social and corporate governance standards. "Export channel diversification is the key that will determine the competitiveness of K-food going forward," said Kim Moo-hyun, chief researcher at the association. "Our companies should actively utilize services from related organizations, and the government must also strengthen communication with local regulatory authorities centered on diplomatic missions, acting as one team." To support these expansion efforts, the trade association plans to publish five strategic reports on consumer goods exports this year. The organization will also host business-to-business exhibitions linking South Korean companies with local buyers in Ho Chi Minh City and Paris in June, Jakarta in September, and Los Angeles in October. 2026-06-01 09:53:11 -
Diplomats Enchanted by the Blend of History and Modernity at Seoul Walking Event On May 31, diplomats from various countries participated in the '2026 Seoul Foreign Palace Walking Event,' organized by Aju Economy News. The event began at Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of Seoul and featured a route that included Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, and Jogyesa Temple, captivating participants with the unique scenery created by the blend of past and present. Jacques Plis, Luxembourg's ambassador to South Korea, expressed his admiration for the sight of the historic palace surrounded by skyscrapers. "This event has changed my impression of Seoul. Walking through the historical spaces of Seoul along a well-planned route made me feel more deeply connected to Korean history," he said. "The ancient palace in the city seamlessly connects the past and present. This event serves as a wonderful bridge linking Korea's historical legacy, its current state, and its future." Rai Mulendema Hamwina, the deputy chief of mission at the Zambian Embassy, noted that it was his first time representing an African nation at the event. He expressed amazement at the sight of people walking in traditional hanbok attire and the impressive traditional Korean architecture. "Even after hundreds of years, the buildings are maintained as if they were built yesterday. Where else in the world can you find such unique palaces? The architectural techniques of the past are simply astonishing," he remarked.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-31 17:54:00 -
Thousands explore South Korean palaces during central Seoul walking event SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - More than 2,000 people walked through the historic royal palaces of central Seoul on Sunday to experience South Korean traditional culture. The event aimed to showcase the harmony between the capital city's modern landscape and its historical sites. The 2026 Seoul Foreigner Palace Walking Contest, hosted by Aju News Corporation, brought together about 1,200 foreign nationals and 800 local citizens. The seven-kilometer circular route started at Gwanghwamun Plaza and guided participants through Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggung palaces before passing Jogyesa temple. Organizers expanded the event this year to include K-culture photo zones and cultural performances. Participants tried on traditional royal garments and interacted with setups replicating a royal clinic and historical palace guards. Lim Kwu-jin, president of Aju News Corporation, said the event serves as a meaningful time for people from various countries to naturally mingle with the history and culture of Seoul. "The palaces are Seoul's most precious cultural heritage and symbolic spaces that show the history and dignity of South Korea," Lim said. The event drew attendees from countries including China, Japan, the United States, France, India, Vietnam and Mexico. Several foreign diplomats participated in the trek and noted the visual impact of the preserved architecture. Jacques Flies, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to South Korea, said the curated walk gave him a deeper connection to the country's history. "I especially liked seeing the old palaces surrounded by the modern city," Flies said. "It creates a very nice bridge between the past and the present, and actually between the history of South Korea and the current state and future of South Korea." Wray Mulendema Hamweene, minister counsellor at the Embassy of Zambia in South Korea, highlighted the structural longevity of the traditional buildings. "Today, I had the opportunity to appreciate South Korea's rich culture," Hamweene said. "The many people wearing hanbok in the palace were very impressive." "Where else in the world can you find palaces like these? They are truly unique," Hamweene said. "Although these palaces were built hundreds of years ago, they look as if they were built only yesterday. The architectural technology of the past is truly astonishing." 2026-05-31 13:57:43 -
South Korean researchers develop virtual simulator for AI servers SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea have developed a virtual platform to test the performance of large artificial intelligence server setups without building physical systems, the prominent research institute said Friday. Created by a team led by Professor Park Jong-se at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) School of Computing, the software is called LLMServingSim 2.0. It models the complex hardware and software interactions needed to run large language models. The tool allows developers to experiment with different designs and verify performance before buying expensive server equipment. Running large artificial intelligence models usually requires thousands of servers. Testing new chips or system layouts in the real world takes a lot of time and money. The new simulator solves this by copying tasks like data processing, request sorting, and memory use on a regular computer. The technology goes beyond traditional graphics processing units to support newer chips. Users can test neural processing units and memory chips that handle calculations directly within a virtual data center. This helps researchers see if a certain chip will speed up processing, use less power, and stay stable across huge server networks. It can also analyze setups where different server resources are physically separated but connected over a network. The research was led by master's students Cho Jae-hong and Choi Hyun-min. It won the best paper award at the IEEE International Symposium on Performance Analysis of Systems and Software (ISPASS) 2026. The simulation tool has been released to the public as open-source software so businesses and schools can use it freely. "AI service competitiveness is determined not only by the model itself but also by the infrastructure technology that operates it stably and efficiently," Park said. "I hope this simulator will serve as an important foundation for researchers and the industry to develop next-generation AI infrastructure more quickly and efficiently." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: IEEE International Symposium on Performance Analysis of Systems and Software (ISPASS) 2026 Title: LLMServingSim 2.0: A Unified Simulator for Heterogeneous and Disaggregated LLM Serving Infrastructure Link/DOI: 10.1109/ISPASS69572.2026.00012 2026-05-29 15:54:20 -
Kookmin University selected to lead state-funded artificial intelligence material research hub SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - A research team from South Korea's Kookmin University has been selected to lead a state-funded research hub focused on developing artificial intelligence-based materials for next-generation displays, the prominent University said Thursday. The initiative is part of the 2026 Nano and Material Development Project Material HUB, organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF). Under the direction of principal investigator Professor Kim Young-hoon, the university will collaborate with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Chungbuk National University (CBNU), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) and the Korea Photonics Technology Institute (KOPTI). The project focuses on building a metal-halide color conversion material data hub and developing intelligent design technologies for materials and manufacturing processes. The research team will use an artificial intelligence closed-loop system and a high-throughput screening platform to reverse-engineer ultra-thin perovskite materials for augmented and virtual reality metaverse displays. By establishing a data-driven integration system, the researchers aim to optimize the synthesis of luminescent materials for high brightness and color purity while shortening the development time for new materials. The government-led Material HUB initiative uses data and artificial intelligence across the entire material research cycle, from exploratory design to performance implementation, to secure essential new materials early. The Kookmin University team, which includes professors Do Young-rag, Jung Jun-young, Jeon Ho-je and Cho Ki-sub, previously developed reverse-engineering technologies for high-efficiency perovskite materials and is currently expanding its focus to eco-friendly, lead-free alternatives. The team recently published related findings on chemical reaction predictions and next-generation displays in academic journals, including Nature, Advanced Materials and Nature Communications. 2026-05-29 14:48:31 -
Kookmin University student racing team KORA unveils EV ahead of international competition SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - Kookmin University student racing team Kookmin Racing (KORA) unveiled its new electric formula vehicle, F-26, during a launch ceremony on campus in Seoul, South Korea, ahead of an international engineering competition, Kookmin University said Thursday. KORA will participate in the 2026 Formula SAE Electric, an international student vehicle design competition hosted by SAE International (SAE). The event will take place from June 16 to June 20, 2026, at the Michigan International Speedway in the United States. KORA previously achieved a global fourth-place and Asia first-place finish at the 2015 event. During the ceremony held on May 27, 2026, the team conducted a test drive of the F-26, demonstrating its cornering performance and overall engineering to attending university officials, faculty and students. "The F-26 vehicle is an electric formula car developed with the goal of optimal stability and consistent performance based on our past experience participating in the competition," Cho Hyun-sung, project manager for KORA, said. "We will prove our preparation and efforts on the world stage with results." "KORA is a team with sufficient skills, so if they succeed in finishing the race based on the vehicle's stability, we can expect top-tier results," Shin Sung-hwan, dean of the College of Automobile and Mobility, said. "I hope the vehicle the students created with their best efforts completes the race stably on the international stage and leads to good results," Na Chang-soon, vice president of academic affairs, said. "Above all, I hope the entire process of participating in the competition concludes safely." 2026-05-28 16:15:01 -
S. Korean researchers resolve clogging in water electrolysis to improve green hydrogen production SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - A team of researchers in South Korea has developed a new structural design for water electrolysis systems that prevents gas bubbles from obstructing energy flow, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said Thursday. The research team, which includes scientists from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), and Konkuk University, redesigned the internal pathways of the catalyst layer. Using two-dimensional mesoporous carbon nanosheets, they created straight channels that allow water and gases to pass through rapidly. This prevents the traditional problem of bubbles accumulating inside the device and obstructing the chemical reaction. The researchers attached ultrafine ruthenium nanoclusters to the carbon surface to accelerate the hydrogen generation rate and protect the catalyst from damage over time. Testing showed the system reached a current density of 17.1 amperes per square centimeter at 80 degrees Celsius, exceeding the 2026 targets established by the United States Department of Energy. The device maintained stable operation for more than 1,000 hours using 0.09 milligrams of ruthenium per square centimeter, demonstrating high performance with a significantly reduced amount of the expensive noble metal. Water electrolysis is widely considered an essential technology for the transition to carbon neutrality, but high production costs and system inefficiencies have slowed its commercial adoption. By modifying how materials flow through the system rather than just changing the active catalyst material, the new design offers a method to make large-scale green hydrogen production more economically viable. The study, led by first authors Byun Jae-ho and Ban Min-kyung, was published online in the journal Joule on May 22, 2026. "This research is a technology that increases water electrolysis efficiency by designing not only the catalyst itself but also the path through which energy flows," Professor Lee Jin-woo of KAIST said. "We expect it to advance the commercialization of eco-friendly hydrogen production in the future as high-efficiency green hydrogen production is possible with only a small amount of noble metals." (Reference Information) Journal/Source: Joule Title: Outperforming water electrolysis through catalyst layer structuring with defective 2D mesoporous carbon Link/DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2026.102478 2026-05-28 13:56:05