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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Sign unveils vision for 'digital sovereignty' through national blockchain infrastructure SEOUL, November 02 (AJP) - Blockchain technology is moving beyond individual and corporate applications to become the foundation of digital sovereignty at the national level. Amid this shift, global blockchain company Sign is drawing attention for presenting a new framework for state-led blockchain governance. During Korea Blockchain Week held in Seoul last month, Sign released a new white paper titled "Sovereign Infrastructure for Global Nations (S.I.G.N.)." The paper outlines how blockchain governance can evolve from its original decentralization philosophy into a "Sovereign Governance Architecture" — a system that supports national digital infrastructure while maintaining both autonomy and legitimacy. At the center of the proposal is the "Double Chain Architecture," a structure combining two blockchain layers. The first, called the Sovereign Public Chain, is designed for public administration, fiscal management, and policy execution. The second, the Privacy Permissioned Chain, is tailored for secure data handling and financial operations. Sign emphasized that a national blockchain must combine transparency, autonomy, and legal oversight. "A state-led blockchain should not simply serve as a distributed ledger," the company said, "but as a governance infrastructure that enables digital sovereignty." On October 24, Sign signed an agreement with the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan to begin a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project known as "Digital SOM." The system will serve roughly 7.2 million citizens and link to the local stablecoin "KGST." The initiative represents a dual digital currency framework, combining a government-backed CBDC with a private stablecoin. It is expected to improve efficiency in domestic payments, tax collection, and welfare distribution while upgrading cross-border settlement systems. Industry observers said Sign's infrastructure could go beyond digital payments to accelerate the digital transformation of public sectors such as taxation and social welfare. On October 27, YZi Labs — a cryptocurrency investment firm rebranded from Binance Labs — announced a 25.5 million-dollar strategic investment in Sign. The funding round also included global investors such as IDG Capital. Sign said it plans to use the new capital to advance the development of sovereign blockchain infrastructure for governments around the world. YZi Labs manages more than 10 billion dollars in assets globally and has invested in over 300 projects across 25 countries in sectors including Web3, AI, and biotechnology. The latest investment follows an initial round made in December 2024 and is intended to accelerate blockchain adoption in public systems, combining digital sovereignty with real-world utility. "Sign is turning blockchain into everyday infrastructure," said Dana H., an investment partner at YZi Labs. "Its move from users to enterprises and now to national-level applications will set a new standard for digital sovereignty and public infrastructure." Sign plans to work with BNB Chain to build a Sovereign Blockchain Application Platform for governments and public institutions. CEO and co-founder Xin Yan said, "The crypto industry is rich in technology but poor in adoption. Sign aims to build national digital infrastructures — such as currency systems and verifiable proofs — that make blockchain part of everyday life." The company is currently partnering with government agencies in Thailand, South Korea, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with a ten-year plan to help countries develop their own digital currency and identity systems. Industry experts describe Sign’s approach as a sign of how blockchain is evolving from a philosophy of decentralization into a tool for national governance and public infrastructure. 2025-11-02 09:56:03 -
Chile's President Boric urges deeper partnership with South Korea beyond trade SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Thursday called for a broader partnership with South Korea that extends beyond trade and investment, emphasizing shared democratic values, culture, and innovation as the foundation for future cooperation. Speaking at the Korea-Chile Business Forum at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Boric said he had traveled nearly 35 hours from Santiago to attend, calling the visit a symbol. "Despite the 18,000 kilometers that separate us, we still feel close," the president said. "What unites us is not only trade or investment, but the human acts that shape culture," he said. "The bonds that last between nations are those that go beyond money and bring encounters of spirit." He reflected on the parallels between South Korea and Chile's democratic transitions in the late 1980s, noting that Chile had closely followed Korea's experience during that time. "You had your democratic elections in 1987, and we held our plebiscite to recover democracy in 1988. Even from afar, we felt connected to your struggle and your example," he said. Boric also spoke about the growing cultural exchange between the two countries, particularly through the spread of Korean pop culture among younger Chileans. "Everywhere I go in Chile, children hand me photos of Korean artists," he said. "It may seem trivial, but I am convinced it is not, because the ties that endure are those that touch people's spirits." The president praised South Korea's rise as a global technology and cultural leader, describing it as an inspiration for Chile's own transformation. "You have shown the world that through education and innovation, a nation can change its destiny," he said. "Chile is beginning to walk that path, especially in innovation and technology, but we still have much to learn." Boric highlighted opportunities for Korean companies to take part in Chile's transition toward clean energy and sustainable industries. He pointed to Chile's leadership in copper production, lithium reserves, and renewable energy development, saying, "We are producing green hydrogen at globally competitive prices, and we are consolidating our position as a digital hub in Latin America. We want Korean companies to participate actively in these new engines of growth." He also underlined Chile's institutional stability and commitment to democracy as a key factor for investors. "Chile is not a perfect country," he said, "but for more than 35 years we have maintained a firm conviction that democracy, institutions, and respect for human rights are the way to build a more equal nation." The Korea-Chile Business Forum was co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Chilean Embassy in Seoul, ProChile, and InvestChile. About 200 participants, including government officials and business leaders from both sides, attended the event, held during President Boric's visit to South Korea for the APEC Leaders' Week meetings. KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik noted in his opening remarks that the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 2004, was Korea's first FTA and Chile's first with an Asian country. "Over the past 20 years, bilateral trade has more than tripled," Yoon said. "Our cooperation has expanded into lithium, renewable energy, and climate change response. This forum will help deepen our partnership and identify new opportunities for collaboration." Ignacio Fernández, Director General of ProChile, called Korea "a strategic partner of more than six decades" and emphasized Chile's trade network as a gateway to the wider region. "When you trade with Chile, you are not only working with 20 million Chileans," he said. "You are also reaching a platform that connects you to over 600 million Latin Americans." The event included business roundtables on investment and agriculture, where participants discussed cooperation in green energy, food trade, and agricultural technology. KITA also signed memoranda of understanding with ProChile and InvestChile to strengthen cooperation networks and promote joint projects between the two countries. 2025-10-30 15:00:13 -
Türkiye and South Korea reaffirm 'blood brotherhood' at Republic Day reception SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - The Embassy of Türkiye in the Republic of Korea hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, celebrating the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and South Korea — a relationship born of shared sacrifice during the Korean War. The event, held at the Ambassador Pullman Hotel in Seoul, brought together around 300 guests, including diplomats, government officials, scholars, media representatives, and business leaders. Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer and Mrs. Tamer welcomed attendees to the Turkish National Day reception, which reflected both pride in the past and confidence in the future. "It is a great honor and joy to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye together with you tonight," Ambassador Tamer said in his opening remarks. "On this meaningful occasion, we proudly remember the enduring legacy of the Republic of Türkiye and the deep friendship we share with the people of the Republic of Korea." He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and highlighted Türkiye's continued progress under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "Today, in line with the visionary goals set by the Great Atatürk and under the esteemed leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are advancing with steadfast determination into the Century of Türkiye," he said. Ambassador Tamer also underlined the growing economic partnership between the two nations. "The trade volume between our countries has surpassed 11 billion US dollars, and we believe this is only the beginning," he said. "More mutual investments and new projects in renewable and peaceful nuclear energy will carry our cooperation to new heights." Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yoon-jin delivered a congratulatory address, emphasizing the historic bond between the two countries. "Korea and Türkiye are brothers that share blood," she said. "Seventy-five years ago, when South Korea was in crisis during the Korean War, Türkiye sent over 21,000 brave soldiers — the fourth largest among the 22 participating nations. The Korean people will never forget their noble sacrifice." Kang recalled her visit to Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara and shared her memory of meeting Ayla, the Korean War orphan whose story inspired the 2017 Turkish film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "Even though she has left us, the love between Sergeant Süleyman and Ayla still lives in the hearts of Koreans," she said. The story of Sergeant Süleyman Dilbirliği and the orphaned Korean girl later known as Ayla remains one of the most moving symbols of the Türkiye–South Korea friendship. During the Korean War, Dilbirliği found the five-year-old child alone and freezing on the battlefield near Waegwan in 1950. He took her to his unit, cared for her like a daughter, and named her Ayla, meaning "moonlight" in Turkish. Though they were separated when he returned home after the war, the two reunited more than six decades later in 2010, a moment that touched hearts in both countries and was later immortalized in the film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "We sincerely support the bright future of our brother nation Türkiye," Kang added. "South Korea will continue to work closely with Türkiye in the fields of economy, culture, and defense, and together we will uphold the values of freedom, peace, and human rights." The reception concluded with a performance by K-pop duo HoonDoo and a dinner attended by guests from across the diplomatic and business communities. 2025-10-30 10:08:44 -
Czech National Day reception marks 35 years of ties with South Korea SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - A reception celebrating the Independent Czechoslovak State Day was held Monday evening at a hotel in central Seoul, drawing some 250 guests from the diplomatic, business, academic, and media communities. Hosted by H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to South Korea, and Mrs. Andrea Jančárková, the event marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The evening opened with a performance by the Severáček Choir from the Czech Republic, setting a warm tone before the official speeches. Ambassador Jančárek welcomed guests and called the year a milestone in bilateral relations. "These anniversaries remind us how far our two nations have come together and how strong and dynamic our relationship has become," he said. He highlighted growing cooperation across politics, economy, and culture, as well as a recent meeting between Presidents Petr Pavel and Yoon Suk Yeol in New York. He also noted the signing of an agreement to build two nuclear power units in Dukovany, calling it a "historic accomplishment" that will strengthen energy security and expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, e-mobility, defense, and nuclear technology. Vice Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Sin-hak delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the South Korean government. "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, South Korea and Czechia have steadily expanded cooperation, elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership in 2015," he said. Moon described the Dukovany nuclear power project as the largest investment in Czech history, expressing confidence in its success. He added that both countries are exploring new areas of collaboration, including robotics, next-generation vehicles, and batteries, and are pursuing an industrial cooperation center to promote joint research and talent exchange. He also emphasized the shared democratic values of the two nations and recalled Czech support for Korea’s independence movement in the early 20th century. Ambassador Jančárek closed by thanking the partners and supporters of the event. "I believe the near future will bring us only positive news, and I look forward to further cooperation and friendship between Czechia and South Korea," he said. 2025-10-28 10:43:08 -
APEC Week: Beyond Trump and Xi, APEC leaders bring diverse agenda SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju this week, global attention is fixed on the expected encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But away from the media spotlight, many of the region's other leaders are arriving with their own priorities — from digital transformation and green energy to demographic change and inclusive growth. According to APEC, this year's discussions will center on the three pillars of "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," building on ongoing work to strengthen digital transformation, respond to demographic shifts, and promote sustainable development. The Gyeongju meetings are also expected to explore ways to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, small business support, and the creative economy. This year's summit is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agenda is designed to address "the social and economic shifts brought by technology and aging populations" while fostering innovation and inclusive development across the region. Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is expected to focus on the challenges of an aging society and labor shortages, issues that Japan has been confronting for years. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is likely to emphasize digital connectivity and regional supply-chain resilience, continuing Singapore's long-standing role as a bridge for economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently promoted the formalization of informal economies, echoing APEC's goal of making growth more inclusive. From Latin America, Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is attending her first major multilateral meeting since taking office, with an emphasis on sustainable energy and green transition. Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Peru's President Dina Boluarte are also in attendance, maintaining Latin America's active participation in APEC policy discussions. In a statement to Aju Press, the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul said on Monday that Peru "fully shares the principles and values of APEC, particularly the promotion of trade and investment liberalization," adding that it continues to advance the priorities it set during its 2024 chairmanship — including the use of clean hydrogen, reducing food loss and waste, and supporting the transition of small and medium-sized enterprises from the informal to the formal economy. The embassy also said it "commends Korea's focus on demographic change, artificial intelligence, and cultural and creative industries," underscoring both countries' efforts to make APEC more relevant to everyday citizens. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is traveling to South Korea after visiting Malaysia, said in an October 22 statement published on the Beehive, the official website of the New Zealand Government, that his goal is to "deepen relationships with regional leaders and unlock new opportunities for New Zealand." He described the Indo-Pacific as "the world's most economically dynamic region with nine of our top ten trading partners" and said that building effective partnerships across it "is a top priority for this government." Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is expected to push for closer cooperation on infrastructure and energy transition, while Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to focus on green technology and free trade — both recurring themes in Canberra's regional agenda. 2025-10-27 16:39:03 -
Global AI Frontier Symposium brings together world leaders in Seoul SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - KAIST said Monday that the National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Global AI Frontier Lab jointly hosted the "Global AI Frontier Symposium 2025" at Seoul Dragon City, drawing more than 500 participants from academia, industry, and government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Vice Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Baek Kyung-hoon attended the opening ceremony, along with IITP President Hong Jin-bae and other officials from South Korea and abroad. Two keynote speakers headlined the morning session: Yann LeCun, Turing Award laureate and professor at New York University, and Choi Ye-jin, professor at Stanford University and senior director at NVIDIA. LeCun spoke on the governance of AI research and the need for international cooperation, while Choi discussed how generative AI could evolve beyond existing scaling laws. Researchers from South Korea, the United States, Japan, France, and the United Arab Emirates presented their latest work and shared ideas for building stronger international research networks. The National AI Research Lab, led by Director Kim Ki-eung, and the Global AI Frontier Lab, co-directed by LeCun and Cho Kyung-hyun, unveiled key research outcomes from the past year. In his opening remarks, Minister Baek said that he hopes South Korea will move beyond being a strong technology nation to becoming a global leader in AI innovation. He called on the two labs to continue expanding international cooperation and nurturing a broader research ecosystem. The symposium featured two sessions. The first, titled "Foundations of Next-Generation AI," was chaired by KAIST Professor Yang Eun-ho and included presentations from Takeuchi Ichiro of RIKEN, Kam Tae-eui of Yonsei University, Park No-seong of KAIST, Lee Jae-ho of POSTECH, and Kartek Alahari of INRIA. The discussions focused on reliability frameworks, scientific foundation models, scaling limitations, and data-driven AI research. Running in parallel, the "Physical AI for Real-World Autonomy" session was chaired by POSTECH Professor Cho Min-su and explored topics such as self-supervised learning, reinforcement learning fairness, 3D vision models, and embodied agents. Speakers included Jean Ponce of ENS-PSL, Shim Hyun-jung of KAIST, and Ivan Laptev of MBZUAI. Industry experts from NAVER Cloud and POSCO Holdings joined panel discussions to explore how these research findings could be applied in real-world settings and lead to stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Kim Ki-eung, director of the National AI Research Lab, said the symposium was an important opportunity to showcase the past year's achievements and strengthen the foundation for international cooperation. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the National AI Research Lab serves as a central platform linking South Korea's AI research to the global stage, adding that KAIST will continue connecting academia, industry, and government through AI-driven innovation. Established in October 2024 with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and IITP, the National AI Research Lab is South Korea's largest AI research consortium. It brings together 45 professors and about 150 student researchers from KAIST, Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH, in collaboration with 12 Korean companies and 14 overseas institutions. The Lab also works with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seocho District to build a global AI ecosystem. Around 20 foreign researchers stay in South Korea for extended research programs, and the Lab regularly invites global experts to share the latest advances in AI. It has recently expanded its network by signing an MOU with Japan’s RIKEN and holding talks with AI institutions in Singapore to strengthen cooperation in AI governance and research. 2025-10-27 15:57:47