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South Korea expands support for socially withdrawn youth amid rising numbers SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare said on September 14 that it will step up efforts to support isolated and secluded young adults, also described as socially withdrawn youth, after identifying more than 1,300 cases through pilot centers. Isolated and secluded young adults, often described as socially withdrawn youth, are young people who cut themselves off from education, work and social interaction for extended periods of time. Many spend most of their time at home, sometimes confined to a single room, avoiding contact even with close family members. This phenomenon has emerged as a social problem in South Korea, where economic pressures, academic competition and strained personal relationships can drive young people into isolation. Experts warn that prolonged withdrawal not only disrupts normal development and employment prospects but also increases risks of depression and suicide, placing a heavy burden on families and society at large. Youth Future Centers, first opened last year in Incheon, Ulsan, North Chungcheong and North Jeolla provinces, have uncovered 1,300 young people cut off from society as of June this year. The centers provide counseling, daily life recovery programs, group living options and family services aimed at helping them regain stability and independence. The ministry plans to double the number of centers to eight next year by adding four more. Officials also said one-on-one online counseling will be introduced to strengthen suicide prevention. The new service will allow counselors to proactively reach out to young people who register for help. "We are preparing a service where applications from at-risk youth will be accepted, and counselors will reach out at specific times to ask about their psychological state and provide support," a ministry official said. The scale of the problem has been highlighted by government surveys. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, about 5.2 percent of South Korea’s young people — roughly 540,000 individuals — were estimated to be socially withdrawn in 2024. That figure was more than double the 2.4 percent recorded in 2022. The survey cited job-related difficulties (24.1 percent), interpersonal relationship problems (23.5 percent), family issues (12.4 percent), health concerns (12.4 percent) and academic struggles (10.4 percent) as the main reasons. A joint study carried out last year by the Health Ministry and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs found that nearly 75 percent of socially withdrawn youth had thought about suicide at least once. Officials say the new counseling program is intended to address these risks more directly. Families of affected young people will also be offered education programs, psychological counseling and self-help groups. 2025-09-14 10:50:40 -
Kim Yo-jong warns US, Japan and South Korea over upcoming military drills SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - SEOUL — Kim Yo-jong, a senior North Korean official and sister of leader Kim Jong-un, warned that upcoming joint military exercises involving the United States, South Korea and Japan would bring "bad results" for those countries, calling them a reckless show of force in the wrong place. Her statement, released by the state-run Korean Central News Agency on September 14, criticized two drills set to begin next week. The first, Iron Mace, is a U.S.–South Korea combined nuclear and conventional integration tabletop exercise scheduled for September 15 to 19. The second, Freedom Edge, is a trilateral multi-domain exercise that will involve U.S., South Korean and Japanese forces operating on and around the Korean Peninsula. "We have already cautioned that the 'Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula' fabricated by the U.S. and South Korea are indeed a dangerous idea," Kim said. "If the current rulers sympathize with this dangerous idea cooked up by their predecessors and put it into practice, we will regard it as an unfiltered demonstration of their anti-DPRK confrontational stand and a succession of confrontational policy." She added, "I remind the U.S., Japan and South Korea that the reckless show of strength made by them in real action in the vicinity of the DPRK, which is the wrong place, will inevitably bring bad results to themselves." Her comments suggested frustration that the Lee Jae Myung administration in South Korea and U.S. President Donald Trump have spoken about dialogue with Pyongyang while continuing exercises the North has long condemned as invasion rehearsals. Kim did not mention either leader by name, but her reference to "current rulers" made clear her displeasure. On the same day, Park Jong-chon, vice chairman of North Korea's Central Military Commission, issued a separate statement calling the drills a "nuclear war rehearsal" and "the most comprehensive and aggressive invasion war drill." He argued that the situation proves North Korea must continue to build its strategic strength. "The United States and its followers should not test our patience and must stop dangerous games that aggravate regional tensions and undermine security," Park said. "If these shows of force continue, our countermeasures will also be expressed more clearly and at a higher intensity." Both statements were distributed only through KCNA, which primarily addresses foreign audiences, and were not carried in Rodong Sinmun, the Workers' Party newspaper aimed at North Korea's domestic readers. The language reflects Pyongyang's long-standing pattern of denouncing joint military drills. Past exercises such as Ulchi Freedom Shield and the now-defunct Team Spirit drew similar reactions, with North Korea portraying them as rehearsals for invasion (source: U.S. Department of Defense archives). Iron Mace was introduced in 2023 after Washington and Seoul agreed to strengthen nuclear deterrence, while Freedom Edge was first conducted earlier this year to expand trilateral coordination across air, sea, space and cyber domains (source: South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense). 2025-09-14 09:50:02 -
Russian envoy signals possibility of restoring ties with South Korea SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - Russia sees room for reviving its strained relationship with South Korea, Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev said during a reception in Seoul marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. "Today, despite the many difficulties, Russia and South Korea still have the possibility of restoring practical and mutually beneficial cooperation," Zinoviev told guests at the embassy event on September 12. He added that dialogue and collaboration between the two nations "align with the fundamental interests of both peoples." The event was part of a series of commemorations highlighting the Soviet role in defeating militarist Japan and the liberation of Korea in 1945. Zinoviev recalled that more than 35,000 Soviet soldiers were killed or wounded during the Manchurian campaign against Japan, including over 1,900 who fell on the Korean Peninsula. He described the Soviet Union's rapid defeat of Japan's Kwantung Army as decisive in forcing Tokyo's surrender and ensuring Korea's independence after 35 years of colonial rule. "Our two nations and peoples are deeply connected by the shared struggle for Korea's liberation and independence, and many of our compatriots sacrificed their lives in that process," Zinoviev said. He pointed to cultural and scholarly exchanges as a way of preserving that historical connection, noting that the embassy is supporting a research project with South Korean universities on the Soviet role in World War II. Relations between Russia and South Korea have shifted repeatedly over the past century. In the late 19th century, the Russian Empire was one of the few powers that offered diplomatic recognition to the Joseon court, signing the 1884 Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. Russian diplomats and soldiers also provided shelter to Korean exiles during the Japanese colonial era, and Moscow's early support for independence activists gave Russia a lasting place in Korean historical memory. Formal diplomatic ties were not established until 1990, but the post-Cold War decades brought rapid growth in exchanges. Russia supplied South Korea with technical know-how in missiles and rockets, giving Seoul's struggling space program a crucial boost. By the 2000s, South Korean consumer goods were highly popular in Russia, and trade volumes exceeded 7 billion USD before the pandemic. Energy imports, car exports, and cultural programs further deepened the relationship. The trajectory changed sharply after the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022. South Korea joined Western-led sanctions and added hundreds of product categories to its export restrictions on Russia. While Seoul publicly maintained a stance of not sending weapons to countries at war, leaked U.S. intelligence documents in 2023 revealed that South Korea was replenishing American and Polish ammunition stocks. Moscow regarded these moves as a breach of trust and repeatedly warned that providing arms, even indirectly, crossed a red line. The cooling of ties also spilled into the cultural arena. Performances by Russian artists were canceled in Seoul, sometimes following pressure from Ukraine's diplomatic representatives. Russian officials voiced frustration that culture was being drawn into politics. Trade volumes fell, and South Korean firms such as Hyundai faced difficulties maintaining operations in Russia. The election of President Lee Jae Myung in June has opened a new chapter. Lee has emphasized pragmatism in foreign policy and shown less appetite for confrontation than his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol. Russia's envoy appeared to acknowledge that shift. Without outlining specific measures, Zinoviev stressed the importance of restoring dialogue and protecting areas of cooperation that remain less affected by politics, such as culture, research, and youth exchanges. "There is a genuine interest in Russian culture and a friendly attitude toward Russia within South Korean society," Zinoviev said at the reception. "This is why I believe continued dialogue and cooperation between our two countries serves the fundamental interests of both peoples." 2025-09-13 15:23:26 -
Venezuelan exhibition in Seoul aims to build cultural bridge with Korea SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Venezuela's Embassy in the Republic of Korea has described the new exhibition "Color Without Limits: Tribute to Carlos Cruz Diez" as a cultural bridge linking Venezuela and South Korea, highlighting how art can strengthen ties between two nations that are geographically distant yet connected by shared values. "This exhibition is an opportunity for cultural exchange between Venezuela and Korea," Isabel Di Carlo Quero, Chargé d'Affaires at the Venezuelan Embassy in Seoul, told AJP on Thursday. "Although our countries are far apart, we share coincidences in the arts, and Korea has always had a refined appreciation for them. Preserving the legacy of three major Venezuelan kinetic artists — Jesús Rafael Soto, Carlos Cruz Diez, and Víctor Salas — is part of that shared commitment." The exhibition opened in Caracas in 2023, traveled to Beijing in 2024, and arrived in Seoul this year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and South Korea. It follows last year's "RGB: The Colors of the Century" at the Seoul Arts Center and continues to celebrate the centenary of maestro Cruz Diez. Carlos Cruz Diez (1923~2019) was one of Venezuela's most influential artists and a global pioneer of kinetic and optical art. His work explored the interaction of light and color, often creating the perception of movement in static pieces. Cruz Diez's legacy is present in museums and public spaces worldwide, and his influence remains central to contemporary visual arts. Alongside honoring Cruz Diez, the exhibition features works by young Venezuelan artists with cognitive conditions such as autism and Down syndrome, who reinterpret the maestro's kinetic style in ways that promote inclusion and diversity. "It raises awareness about how we can give people with special conditions a chance to be included in society and to develop skills for the future," Di Carlo Quero said. She added that the exhibition underscores Venezuela's intent to keep Cruz Diez's legacy alive for younger generations. "With just primary colors, one can create infinite variations," she said. "That message reflects creativity without limits, and it is also a way to connect our two nations." Seoul already hosts two important Venezuelan works — one at Olympic Park and another in Gyeonggi Province — making the capital a meaningful stop for this project. For Venezuelan artists, the exhibition is also an opportunity to highlight the enduring resonance of kinetic art in Korea, a country with a long-standing appreciation for contemporary and abstract art. As the two countries mark six decades of diplomatic ties this year, Venezuelan officials expressed hope that "Color Without Limits" will serve as a lasting bridge between peoples, extending friendship through art, inclusivity, and shared creativity. 2025-09-12 16:43:01 -
Brazil underscores closer ties with S. Korea at Independence Day event in Seoul SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - At a reception marking the 203rd anniversary of Brazil's Independence Day, Ambassador Márcia Donner Abreu stressed that the occasion was designed not only to commemorate Brazil's history but also to reaffirm the expanding cooperation between Brazil and South Korea in trade, investment, culture, and responses to global challenges. "Brazil and Korea are partner countries not just by history but by shared values and hopes," Ambassador Abreu said during the national day reception held in central Seoul on Wednesday. She underscored the need to broaden the relationship in "economic diversification, scientific and technological cooperation, and resilient infrastructure development," while highlighting opportunities in "clean energy, food security, digital innovation, and climate action." She also pointed to the significance of the June summit between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Lee Jae Myung as proof of strengthened ties. "Despite being geographically far apart, the two countries are consistently linked by friendship and shared commitments to democracy, prosperity, inclusivity, sustainability, and peace," she said. Abreu added a personal note, reminding the audience that this would be her last Independence Day reception in Seoul and expressing gratitude to the South Korean government, private sector, and civil society for supporting the embassy's work in deepening bilateral ties. Song In-chang, the G20 Sherpa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, echoed the ambassador's call for stronger cooperation. Representing the South Korean government, he congratulated Brazil on its independence and praised the country as a global leader that has grown into one of the world's largest democracies and a top-twelve economy. He emphasized that the two nations' partnership has moved beyond traditional areas. "Korean companies are investing in Brazil's semiconductor, hydrogen, and space sectors, working closely with local firms and institutions to contribute to Brazil's economic and technological advancement," Song said. He highlighted concrete examples of cooperation, including the successful test launch in March 2023 of South Korea's first private space rocket, Hanbit TLV, at Brazil's Alcântara space center, with a full launch scheduled for October. "Brazil's Air Force and Korea's private sector achieved a successful collaboration," he noted. Song also cited aerospace cooperation, mentioning that Korean aerospace firms will supply parts to Brazilian company Embraer for its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. Looking ahead, he said the two countries are intent on deepening cooperation in renewable energy, AI, climate change response and broader trade and investment. Song recalled the June summit between the two presidents at the G7 summit in Canada, the first such meeting in a decade, which provided momentum for renewed bilateral dialogue. He also pointed to the August vice-ministerial talks in Seoul and the newly signed working holiday program that will allow more young people to study and work in each country. On cultural ties, Song noted that K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean food are enjoying popularity in Brazil and that São Paulo state recently designated October 9 as Hangeul Day. "Korea and Brazil are friends and partners who share not only commerce and technology, but ideals," he said. The reception gathered some 200 diplomats, officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives from Brazil, South Korea, and other countries such as the United States, Peru, Chile, Iran, and Russia. Both speakers highlighted that as Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém this November, and as South Korea seeks to expand its global role in technology and climate action, the two countries see each other as strategic partners in shaping solutions to common challenges. 2025-09-11 19:54:44 -
Lee puts AI at the heart of South Korea's economic future in 100-day address SEOUL, September 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung marked his 100th day in office on Thursday with a press conference that put artificial intelligence (AI) at the core of his economic agenda. He stressed that embedding AI into everyday life could open a path for South Korea to become more competitive globally. "Education policy is not about changing the admissions system," Lee said when asked about competition in schools. He pointed to excessive competition as the root problem and argued that AI can create more opportunities and drive growth. "The real issue is how to create more opportunities, how to achieve more growth, and how to distribute those opportunities more fairly. We should implement AI-related education across the board. Let's build our people's ability to adapt to and use AI," he said. "Let's start it seriously from the lower grades, just like learning addition and subtraction, because AI will become part of daily life." Lee's emphasis on AI echoes one of his central campaign pledges: accelerating South Korea's AI capabilities as a driver of growth and productivity. During the June 4 snap election, he vowed that the country would become a "top-three AI powerhouse" by expanding research, industrial applications, and public-sector use of the technology. His administration has presented AI as a tool to modernize traditional industries, address education inequality, and secure South Korea's place in the global economy. On the economy, Lee underscored the same promise in concrete terms. "The South Korean economy will be massively reorganized around high-tech industries, including AI. Traditional manufacturing will be converted to AI, energy will shift to renewables, and we will build up cultural industries in a major way," he said, adding that providing such direction is enough to keep the country from faltering. The president also turned to the fallout from a U.S. immigration raid at Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution's battery plant construction site in Georgia, where more than 300 South Koreans were detained. In what U.S. officials described as the largest single-site immigration enforcement action ever conducted, federal agents arrested about 475 people at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution plant, most of them South Korean nationals. Investigators said many workers had entered the U.S. on short-term visas or through the visa waiver program, which does not allow employment. Construction at the $4 billion facility has been suspended, fueling diplomatic tensions and raising doubts among South Korean investors about the risks of expanding in the U.S. "As of today, our latest information is that at 3 p.m., they will leave the detention facility, with the flight scheduled to take off at about 1 a.m. tomorrow and arrive in Seoul tomorrow afternoon," Lee said. "There are 316 South Koreans, 306 men and 10 women, along with 14 foreigners, moving by the chartered flight. One of the detainees chose to remain in the U.S. because of a family situation." Lee added that Seoul had objected to U.S. authorities' initial plan to transport the workers in handcuffs and pressed for their release without restraints. "Frankly, it is embarrassing," he said. "Companies must be wondering whether investing directly in the U.S. is worth it. If this situation continues, it will inevitably affect future investment decisions." On security and inter-Korean relations, Lee emphasized the need to reduce tensions despite North Korea's cool stance. "From North Korea's perspective, it would be foolish to expect them to suddenly change their stance just because our government stopped loudspeaker broadcasts and took a few conciliatory steps," he said. "But for us, easing military tensions along the border is in our interest. It is not for them, but for us." Rejecting ideological labels, Lee described his approach as pragmatic. "It is not because Lee Jae Myung is pro-North Korea. It is because this is about South Korea," he said. "North Korea's nuclear and missile issues are directly tied to the U.S. The armistice was signed by the U.S., not us. So, of course, U.S.-North Korea relations are critical. But when that relationship improves, it also helps inter-Korean relations." Lee added that he would continue to act as a go-between for Washington and Pyongyang. "Right now, the person who can have the strongest influence is President Donald Trump," he said. "If he plays the role of peacemaker, I will do my best as the pacemaker." The press conference followed Lee's intense diplomatic schedule, which included summits with the G7, Japan, and the United States. He is set to attend the U.N. General Assembly and APEC later this year. Reflecting on his first months in office, Lee said, "The past 100 days were about recovery and normalization. From today until the last day of my term, I will dedicate myself to building a country where the people are the true owners, and where South Korea can grow and leap forward." 2025-09-11 13:19:06