Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • Snow sledding available along Seouls Han River
    Snow sledding available along Seoul's Han River SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Kids and other visitors have been enjoying snow sledding at parks along the Han River, as the Seoul Metropolitan Government offers seasonal programs for winter sports fun. Facilities for the programs, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., are available at three location - Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Yeouido - for 6,000 Korean won (about US$4) and will remain open until mid-February. Visitors can enjoy sledding on slopes of varying heights as well as a low-level play area. 2026-01-19 18:12:13
  • In a weak home market, K-food finds future in overseas
    In a weak home market, K-food finds future in overseas SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Beneath the global rise of K-ramyeon lies a harsher reality at home: much of Korea’s food industry is shrinking, squeezed by a prolonged domestic consumption slump, rising input costs and a weak currency that has inflated import prices. On the surface, K-food appears unstoppable. Samyang Foods’ Buldak Spicy Chicken Noodles dominate convenience-store shelves worldwide, while Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun has become a staple at major U.S. retailers such as Walmart. But the export boom is far from universal. Samyang Foods now generates 81 percent of its sales overseas, with Nongshim and Pulmuone also posting steady growth abroad. Beyond this narrow group, however, many food makers remain heavily exposed to weak domestic demand. Binggrae, whose Melona brand has become an icon of “K-ice cream” in North America, still derives only 13.7 percent of its revenue from exports as of 2025. That limited overseas exposure has failed to offset falling local consumption and rising costs, prompting the company to offer voluntary retirement to employees across the organization. A similar pattern has emerged among other domestically focused firms. Lotte Wellfood reported a consolidated operating profit of 63.9 billion won in the third quarter of 2025, down 8.9 percent from a year earlier, citing higher cocoa prices and one-off costs linked to voluntary retirement programs. The contrast with export-driven peers is stark. According to the Korea Customs Service, ramyeon accounted for 13.3 percent of total K-food exports last year, followed by seaweed at 10 percent and confectionery at 6.7 percent. Together, the three categories made up roughly 30 percent of total exports — and the companies most exposed to these segments delivered the strongest earnings. Samyang Foods posted third-quarter consolidated sales of 632 billion won and operating profit of 130.9 billion won in 2025, up 44 percent and 49.9 percent, respectively, from a year earlier, driven by surging overseas demand. Nongshim reported sales of 871.2 billion won and operating profit of 54.4 billion won, with operating profit jumping 44.7 percent. Pulmuone also recorded solid growth, with sales rising 6.6 percent and operating profit up 14.4 percent. Industry observers say the outperformance was driven not only by wider distribution but also by consumer engagement strategies centered on social media. “Rather than relying on traditional marketing, we expanded by communicating with consumers through social media-linked campaigns such as the ‘Fire Noodle Challenge’,” said Lee Hye-ryeong, a manager at Samyang Foods. “We organized events like speed-eating contests at schools and other on-site activities, and the distinctive taste of Buldak created a synergy with those efforts. We plan to continue this approach in 2026.” Such direct communication helped turn online buzz into real demand abroad, accelerating Buldak’s expansion into mainstream retail channels. More broadly, analysts say exports have become the industry’s primary growth engine, fueled by rising shipments of ramyeon and beverages to the United States, Southeast Asia and China. Stronger brand recognition, aggressive overseas marketing and localization strategies have allowed leading players to scale beyond the limits of the domestic market. The message is becoming unmistakable. In an era of weak local consumption, the K-food boom belongs to those that treat overseas markets not as a supplement, but as their main stage. For companies that fail to do so, global popularity alone may not be enough to ensure survival. 2026-01-19 18:05:13
  • OPINION: Belgium and Korea: An Enduring Friendship
    OPINION: Belgium and Korea: An Enduring Friendship SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Belgium is a constitutional monarchy in Western Europe, with Brussels as its capital. Yet beyond its role as a political and diplomatic hub of Europe, Belgium often enters the global imagination through a gentler and more playful symbol: the Smurfs. These small blue characters—whimsical in appearance yet enduring in influence—have become one of the country’s most recognizable cultural ambassadors, reminding us that a nation’s identity is sometimes conveyed as powerfully through imagination and humor as through history and diplomacy. Created by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford, 1928–1992), the Smurfs are an integral part of Belgium’s rich comics tradition. Living together in a magical forest village of mushroom-shaped houses, they embody values of cooperation, friendship, and community. Beloved far beyond Belgium’s borders, the Smurfs are so closely associated with the country that they are officially regarded as a national symbol—proof that cultural soft power can sometimes be expressed most effectively through creativity and warmth. Belgium’s relationship with Korea, however, is grounded not in fantasy but in a long and meaningful shared history. Strong diplomatic ties date back to 1892, even before the two countries formally signed a treaty of friendship in 1901. Belgium opened its first legation in Korea in 1903, marking the beginning of official diplomatic engagement between the two nations. A testament to this early relationship still stands today in Nanhyeon-dong, Gwanak-gu, southern Seoul: the former Belgian Consulate building, constructed in 1905 and renovated in 1983. With its classical Ionic columns and preserved fireplaces, the structure serves not only as a window into early 20th-century Western architecture in Korea, but also as a bridge between classical heritage and modern artistic expression. Recognized as Historical Site No. 254, it remains a protected part of Korea’s architectural legacy. Since September 2004, the building has been home to the Nam(South) Seoul Living Arts Museum. Following Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910, most foreign diplomatic missions were forced to withdraw. Belgium closed its post in Seoul in 1918, yet it was among the first nations to recognize Korea as a sovereign state after liberation and the establishment of a new government in 1948. Belgium officially re-established its embassy in Korea in 1970. Perhaps the most profound demonstration of Belgium’s dedication to Korea came during the Korean War (1950–1953). Under the United Nations Command, approximately 3,000 Belgian volunteers fought alongside Korean and the U.N. allied forces. More than 100 of them made the ultimate sacrifice. Their contribution remains a deeply respected chapter in the shared history of the two nations. In September 2011, the 110th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belgium was commemorated with a special concert and reception at the KBS Hall. Organized jointly by the Belgian Embassy in Seoul and KBS, the event featured the KBS Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Belgian conductor Patrick Davin. The invited guests also enjoyed the distinctive flavors of Belgian beer—an art form in its own right, with over 1,000 varieties produced across the country. More recently, Korea welcomed Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, who led a 256-member delegation during Belgium’s fourth economic mission to South Korea, held from June 10 to 17, 2017 Since King Philippe’s accession, Princess Astrid has been entrusted with leading Belgian economic missions abroad, underscoring their strategic importance. The delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders, as well as Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Pieter De Crem. During her visit, Princess Astrid was appointed an honorary citizen of Seoul. One of the most symbolic moments of the mission was her visit to Panmunjom, the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone—a place that powerfully represents both division and the enduring hope for peace. I had the honor of attending the Korea–Belgium Friendship Concert and reception on June 12, 2017, held at Kumho Art Hall at Yonsei University. Princess Astrid and many distinguished guests were present, including Belgium’s Ambassador to Korea, Adrien Théatre, and Yonsei University President Kim Yong-hak. The chamber music concert, performed by outstanding musicians from the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel—under the honorary chairmanship of Her Majesty Queen Paola—was refined, moving, and deeply memorable. Exchanging greetings and shaking hands with Princess Astrid was a personal honor. I was particularly impressed by her genuine interest in Korean culture and media. Her visit, I believe, further strengthened the foundation for fruitful bilateral relations between Korea and Belgium. I also had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Belgian King’s Day reception in Seoul, held on November 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul. The event celebrated the strong bilateral ties between Belgium and Korea and looked ahead to the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Ambassador Bruno Jans highlighted the upcoming commemorations, including the 75th anniversary of Belgian troop involvement in the Korean War. Belgium is also a cultural crossroads, blending Germanic and Roman influences into a distinctive national identity. Like its neighbors France and Germany, it possesses remarkable diversity, yet it has forged its own unique artistic, musical, and culinary voice. That voice resonates powerfully in world music through the legacy of Adolphe Sax, the Belgian inventor of the saxophone in the 1840s. In his hometown of Dinant, saxophone sculptures line the streets, and commemorative events continue to celebrate his enduring influence, including those marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. From Smurfs to saxophones, from battlefields to concert halls, Belgium’s connection with Korea reflects not only shared history but also shared values. It is a relationship built on respect, sacrifice, creativity, and cultural exchange—one that continues to evolve with quiet strength and enduring friendship. ---About the Author--- Choe Chong-dae is a prominent columnist and a longstanding member of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. An enthusiast of international cultural and historical affairs, he has contributed regular opinion columns to The Korea Times for more than four decades. He also serves on the editorial board of the Newsletter of the Korea-America Association and is the founding director of the Korea–Swedish Association. In 2010, he was awarded Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, one of the country’s most prestigious honors. 2026-01-19 18:00:24
  • US, South Korean officials meet for working-level talks on nuclear energy cooperation
    US, South Korean officials meet for working-level talks on nuclear energy cooperation SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean officials visited Washington last week to prepare for working-level talks on nuclear energy cooperation with the U.S., the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday. During his two-day trip last Thursday and Friday, Rim Kap-soo, who leads a task force for the talks, met with senior U.S. officials at the State Department and the Energy Department, including Christopher Yeaw, a State Department assistant secretary, and Matthew Napoli, a deputy administrator at the National Nuclear Security Administration. Rim and other South Korean officials reportedly emphasized cooperation with the U.S. on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and enriching uranium for commercial and peaceful purposes. According to the ministry, U.S. officials will visit Seoul soon for follow-up talks to implement agreements outlined in a joint fact sheet signed by the leaders of both countries during their summit in Seoul last fall. Rim's visit comes after national security adviser Wi Sung-lac traveled to the U.S. and met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Energy Secretary Chris Wright. 2026-01-19 17:52:41
  • OPINION: Modern security is a foundation for development, not just a military task
    OPINION: Modern security is a foundation for development, not just a military task SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) -In the vision of the President of Uzbekistan, security is not an isolated military task, but a multidimensional foundation for the sustainable development of the state in the digital age To mark Defenders of the Homeland Day and the 34th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a number of significant state events were held. Key events included an expanded meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a tour of the defense industry's production facilities, and the head of state's address to military personnel and compatriots. In this regard, a correspondent of Dunyo IA approached Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan, with a request to comment on the key outcomes of these events and the tasks outlined by the country’s leader: - It's no exaggeration to say that today, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Uzbekistan laid the foundation for a new stage in the modernization of the national army—its high-tech transformation. I would even say that Shavkat Miromonovich's congratulations this year were not simply a tribute to tradition, but a kind of manifesto for the "New Look Army," where intelligence and technology must finally supplant outdated approaches to warfare. In the President's vision, security is not an isolated military task, but a multidimensional foundation for the sustainable development of the state in the digital age. By analyzing the key messages of the head of state, one can trace a clear and consistent logic for the transformation of all elements of the public administration system. The key innovation of the current stage of reforms lies in the recognition of the profound transformation of the very nature of modern warfare, in which technological superiority, rather than personnel numbers, is decisive. This is why the President of Uzbekistan has set the task of a large-scale doctrinal update: the development of a new version of the Defense Doctrine and the National Security Concept has been initiated. This is dictated by the need to adapt strategic documents to the conditions of hybrid threats while simultaneously maintaining Uzbekistan's non-aligned status and reliance on multilateral diplomacy. This sends a clear signal to the country about the predictability and sovereignty of the republic's course. The central element of the updated strategy is the transition to a “proactive mode of operation,” in which the security system must not only respond to emerging threats, but also be capable of predicting risks in advance and neutralizing them at an early stage. This intellectualization of security naturally requires a review of the Armed Forces' technical makeup. In this regard, the head of state initiated a thorough re-equipment of the army, prioritizing the implementation of artificial intelligence, robotic systems, and modern cybersecurity systems. It was emphasized that in modern conflicts, victory is achieved not by the number of bayonets, but by technological superiority and the speed of information processing. In this context, the digital transformation of the army becomes an undisputed priority. In other words, in modern warfare, intelligence is more important than mass, and victory is determined by the quality of technology and management. At the same time, high technology demands a fundamentally new level of competence. Therefore, a true personnel transformation has been initiated: the army is being positioned not as a closed institution, but as a modern educational and technological platform. It is becoming a school of life and professional growth, as well as a driver of economic development. Every year, 5,000 conscripts will undergo training under the "One Million Programmers" and "Five Million AI Leaders" programs. This strategic move allows us to simultaneously address two objectives: increasing the army's cyber resilience and creating a pool of in-demand specialists for the country's economy. Furthermore, the program provides for training soldiers in civilian professions, with the issuance of state-issued certificates upon completion of their service. For military personnel opening a business after demobilization, the state will reimburse 6% of the loan interest rate. Educational incentives are also being introduced: the opportunity to take university entrance exams directly at military units, interest-free student loans for those entering universities after service, and reimbursement of the costs of obtaining international language certificates. This approach reflects the current trend of developing "smart forces," in which the country's defenders are also qualified specialists in demand in the civilian sector. In this way, the army is organically integrated into the civil society system, providing young people with real tools for personal and professional success. For this model to function effectively, a solid social foundation is essential. Therefore, an unprecedented strengthening of social protection for military personnel has become a logical continuation of the reforms. The decisions to double officers' length-of-service bonuses and pay veterans pensions equal to 100% of their pay are, in my view, a strategic investment in the prestige of military service. Additionally, a 10% increase in pay for privates and contract sergeants is envisaged, as well as a 20% increase in the salaries of civilian defense personnel this year and a further 50% increase next year. The President clearly demonstrates that the state takes full responsibility for the well-being of those who defend the Motherland, thereby raising the prestige of military service and strengthening the principle of unity between the people and the army. The final element of this comprehensive strategy is achieving profound technological self-sufficiency. The modernization of the national defense-industrial complex, the creation of domestic military technology parks, and the development of unmanned systems production are aimed at minimizing external dependence. A visit to the Chirchik Aircraft Plant and defense technology parks clearly demonstrates that Uzbekistan is focusing on localization, a service economy, and the development of its own industrial base. The creation of a regional hub for Airbus equipment maintenance is not only a matter of prestige but also a practical step toward technological independence and integration into global production chains. All this strengthens state sovereignty, enabling the effective protection of national interests by relying on its own innovative potential and competencies. At the same time, the military is becoming a driver of innovative development: technologies developed for defense purposes inevitably find application in civilian sectors. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that the announced initiatives mark a definitive departure from outdated models. Essentially, we are witnessing the emergence of a new model of statehood, one in which high-tech sovereignty, intellectual capital, and social justice are integrated into a single strategy. A highly mobile, technologically advanced army is being created, capable of effectively countering hybrid threats in the changing nature of warfare. The army serves not only as a shield for the state but also as a driver of education, the economy, and social mobility—a modern, pragmatic, and deeply national approach to development and security in the new global reality. 2026-01-19 17:51:57
  • South Korean stocks extend rally to 12th session on robotics surge
    South Korean stocks extend rally to 12th session on robotics surge SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean stocks extended their rally to a 12th consecutive session on Monday, driven by strong gains in robotics-related shares. The benchmark KOSPI rose 1.32 percent to close at 4,904.7, marking another record high after maintaining gains throughout the session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ advanced 1.4 percent to 968.4, while the KOSPI 200 climbed 1.3 percent to 713.96. Foreign investors led the advance. In the KOSPI market, foreigners posted net purchases of 551.3 billion won, while retail investors and institutions were net sellers of 751.1 billion won and 23.8 billion won, respectively. On the KOSDAQ, foreign investors bought a net 202.6 billion won, while individuals and institutions sold 137.5 billion won and 29.6 billion won. Robotics stocks were at the center of the rally. Doosan Robotics surged 19.14 percent to 107,700 won. Shares of Hyundai Motor Group also jumped on growing optimism over its robotics strategy, particularly its humanoid robot Atlas. Hyundai Motor soared 16.2 percent to 480,000 won, while Kia gained 12.2 percent to 169,600 won. The strength in robotics shares reflected a broader thematic rotation in the market. With renewed tariff pressure on semiconductors in the United States, investors have increasingly turned to sectors seen as less directly exposed to trade frictions, including robotics, automation and next-generation mobility. Expectations are also building that investment momentum is shifting from generative artificial intelligence toward practical industrial and manufacturing applications. By contrast, former market leaders showed more subdued performance. Naver fell 3.1 percent to 238,000 won, while Samsung Electronics edged up 0.3 percent to 149,300 won. In currency markets, the won strengthened slightly against the dollar to close at 1,474 won. Elsewhere in Asia, markets were mixed. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.7 percent to 53,583.6, while China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.3 percent to 4,114. 2026-01-19 17:50:42
  • SK hynix secures top vehicle safety certification for LPDDR5X memory
    SK hynix secures top vehicle safety certification for LPDDR5X memory SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - SK hynix said Monday it has obtained the highest functional safety certification for its LPDDR5X automotive memory, as demand grows for reliable semiconductors used in advanced driver-assistance and autonomous-driving systems. The South Korean chipmaker said its LPDDR5X DRAM has been certified at ASIL-D, the highest safety level under the ISO 26262 international automotive functional safety standard. ASIL-D applies to systems directly linked to passenger safety, including autonomous-driving control and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Certification was conducted by global safety testing body TÜV SÜD, which assessed the company’s development, design, verification and quality-management processes. SK hynix said the certified memory is designed for use in ADAS, autonomous driving and in-vehicle infotainment systems, where stable processing of large volumes of data is required. As vehicles increasingly rely on software-based architectures, known as software-defined vehicles (SDVs), functional safety has become a key requirement for automotive semiconductors, alongside performance and power efficiency. Under ISO 26262, automotive components are evaluated based on severity, exposure and controllability of potential failures, with ASIL-D representing the strictest criteria. SK hynix said its LPDDR5X automotive memory incorporates safety mechanisms including error detection and correction, fault-diagnosis functions and redundancy designs to reduce the risk of random hardware failures. The company said the certification supports its strategy to expand its presence in the automotive memory market, where safety validation is becoming a prerequisite for supplier selection by global automakers. SK hynix did not disclose shipment volumes or customer details. 2026-01-19 17:48:47
  • South Koreas Jin Air posts first annual loss in 3 years, hit by weak won
    South Korea's Jin Air posts first annual loss in 3 years, hit by weak won SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air returned to the red last year for the first time in three years, pressured by a weak won and intensifying competition in the airline industry. The company said on Monday that its standalone revenue fell 5.5 percent from a year earlier to 1.38 trillion won ($1 billion), based on preliminary results. Profitability swung to a loss for the first time since 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted travel. Jin Air posted an operating loss of 16.3 billion won last year, compared with an operating profit of 163.1 billion won in 2024. The airline had recorded operating profits for 10 consecutive quarters from the fourth quarter of 2022 through the first quarter of last year, but slipped into an operating loss in the second quarter due mainly to the won's weakness. Its annual net result also turned negative, with a net loss of 8.8 billion won, reversing a net profit of 95.7 billion won a year earlier. Despite the headwinds, the carrier said it launched new routes, including Incheon-Ishigaki in April and Jeju-Taipei in October, and worked to improve operating efficiency in an effort to cushion the impact on earnings. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-19 17:15:24
  • IMF flags structural FX fragility in Korea, citing shallow market and equity-heavy exposure
    IMF flags structural FX fragility in Korea, citing shallow market and equity-heavy exposure SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korea’s foreign exchange vulnerability has drawn renewed scrutiny from the International Monetary Fund, not because of short-term external debt — the trigger during the late-1990s liquidity crisis — but due to the country’s unusually large foreign equity exposure relative to the depth of its FX market. According to an IMF assessment released Sunday, South Korea’s foreign-exposed assets amount to roughly 25 times its average monthly foreign exchange trading volume, ranking it fourth globally. While the headline figure places Korea alongside advanced economies, a closer look reveals a structural imbalance that continues to weigh on the won. Data from the Bank of Korea and the Bank for International Settlements show that South Korea’s FX turnover averaged about $2.2 trillion per month last year. By comparison, Canada records roughly $11 trillion, Norway $2.8 trillion, while in the United Kingdom, around $2.7 trillion changes hands in a single day. Liquidity matters. The deeper the market, the more easily it absorbs external shocks such as geopolitical risk or global monetary tightening. Shallow markets, by contrast, can react sharply to even modest disturbances. Korea’s vulnerability is compounded by the composition of its foreign-exposed assets. Equities account for nearly 70 percent, far higher than in Taiwan, where stocks represent closer to 30 percent despite the island ranking first globally in total foreign exposure. Japan, benefiting from the yen’s safe-haven status, adheres to a de facto “1:1 rule,” keeping equity exposure below 50 percent. Because equities are inherently more sensitive to shifts in market sentiment than debt instruments, this structural tilt leaves the won more exposed to sudden capital outflows. Norway, often cited as a peer with high equity exposure, operates under a fundamentally different framework. Its overseas investments are managed by a sovereign wealth fund with no fixed payout obligations. Korea’s exposure, by contrast, is driven largely by the National Pension Service (NPS) — a pension fund with explicit future liabilities. The NPS faces a looming outflow phase in which benefit payments will eventually exceed contributions. Although a 75 percent surge in the KOSPI last year, combined with strong U.S. equity performance, pushed back the projected depletion date to 2064, the fund remains under pressure to pursue higher-risk returns. Norway’s fund, meanwhile, mitigates domestic risk by investing 100 percent of its assets overseas, an option unavailable to the NPS. Foreign exchange reserves add another layer to the so-called “won discount.” While South Korea’s reserves stand at $428 billion, ranking ninth globally, its reserves-to-GDP ratio is below 23 percent, placing it outside the global top 30. Among its four major Asian peers, Korea holds the smallest absolute reserves and the second-lowest ratio, ahead of only China. But China’s case is not directly comparable, given the yuan’s inclusion in the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights basket and the scale of its economy. Taiwan, another top-four country in foreign exposure, maintains a reserves-to-GDP ratio above 70 percent, with holdings reaching $602.6 billion as of December. Canada’s ratio, by contrast, sits near 5 percent, a level sustained only because the Canadian dollar functions as a quasi-reserve currency. Adding to concern, South Korea’s reserves fell by $260 million in December, bucking the trend among major economies and raising the prospect of being overtaken by Hong Kong in global rankings. A roadmap for diversification The IMF argues that expanding and diversifying Korea’s FX market structure is essential to reducing the won’s vulnerability. A key priority is extending trading hours. Korea’s FX market currently operates for 17 hours, from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., following a recent extension from a 3:30 p.m. close to better align with London. By contrast, markets in Japan, Canada, Norway and Taiwan operate on a 24-hour basis. Commercial banks have expressed support for a full transition. “Banks have been monitoring the FX market in three shifts since last February, but because dollar-related shocks often occur after 2 a.m., our ability to respond remains limited,” said an FX trader, who requested anonymity. Broadening participation by global investment banks is another priority. While Taiwan’s official trading hours are shorter, it benefits from active spot and forward trading by foreign institutions that act as shock absorbers during periods of stress. Korea’s market remains dominated by domestic banks, while foreign institutions are required to open local accounts — a barrier that limits participation. In response, the government’s 2026 Economic Growth Strategy, unveiled on January 9, includes plans to introduce 24-hour FX trading by July and allow foreign financial institutions to participate without local accounts. The goal, policymakers say, is simple: to deepen the pond, so that the won can better withstand the waves of global volatility. 2026-01-19 17:02:24
  • INTERVIEW: Park Seo-joon: confident Waiting for Gyeongo will linger despite low ratings
    INTERVIEW: Park Seo-joon: confident "Waiting for Gyeongo" will linger despite low ratings SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - For Park Seo-joon, returning to the romance genre after seven years with, "Waiting for Gyeong-do" was a project that demanded full embracement of character’s life. Following the timeline of protagonist "Lee Gyeong-do," who continues to live with the same feelings even after two relationships at the ages of twenty and twenty-eight, the narrative goes beyond a simple reunion melodrama. Instead, it asks how the emotion of love is endured, accumulated, and carried over time. “Being able to portray Gyeong-do was, a very rewarding experience. I believed that 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' relies heavily on the shared narrative between two protagonists, and the real question was how deeply we could convey the narrative. More over, It was a project that encourages you to think a bit more deeply about the idea of love.” For Park Seo-joon, "Waiting for Gyeong-do" was a project where the process mattered more than the result. Instead of dramatic moments, the focus was on emotional nuance, building meaning through small, gradual changes — a process that demanded great nuance from an actor's standpoint. “I feel like it ended well. This was a project where emotional expression was incredibly important, therefore, I tried to approach it as delicately as possible, and in that process, I think I was able to give it my all. I have no regrets. I feel like this is a work I poured everything I could into.” Waiting for Gyeong-do also marked Park Seo-joon’s return to the romance genre after seven years. Actor addressed, what drew him to the project was not the milestone itself, but the story. The narrative, which spans a long passage of time, offered a fresh creative stimulus for him as an actor. “To be honest, I didn’t really think about how many years it had been since I last participated in a romance project. There are so many different kinds of romance. What grasped my attention the most, was that the story depicts a long period of time. I felt there was something meaningful about the way the narrative lays out the protagonist's life over those years.” After completing the shoot, Park Seo-joon realized the emotional density woven into the project while looking aback at the project. “After watching all 12 episodes, I realized there was far more in it than I had expected,” adding "scenes that you might simply pass over if you look only at the events all had meaning when viewed through the characters’ emotions. In that sense, it was a project that made me think a lot as an actor.” Although Park Seo-joon mentioned, he did not want to speak in terms of numbers, "Waiting for Gyeong-do" opened with a 2.7 percent viewership rating and ended at 4.7 percent. For Park Seo-joon, who sparked a phenomenon with "Itaewon Class," the ratings were admittedly disappointing. Given the high expectations surrounding his first romance drama in seven years, a sense of bitterness was unavoidable. “From the standpoint of those who worked on it, you want more people to watch it. It’s certainly a story that deserves higher viewing. Since there haven’t been many projects recently that deal with such a lengthy narrative, I think it ultimately comes down to viewers taste. If I may carefully wish for something, i personally believe 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' has a lot of potential to be brought up often by people. I don’t think the plot of 'Waiting for Gyeong-do' would be forgotten that easily.” By portraying Lee Gyeong-do, Park Seo-joon took on the challenge of embodying a single character across his twenties and thirties. In a story that moves back and forth in time, the decision for one actor to play different stages of protagonist's life risked appearing contrived. Actor addressed that he decided early on that he would portray both young and old version of the characters himself. “I felt it was important that I portray those differences myself,” adding “Because the timeline moves back and forth, I suggested that I should be the one acting in two different era and the director shared the same view. I was grateful for the opportunity, and I felt confident because those were years I’ve actually lived. While I did wonder whether I could convincingly convey my twenties externally, the difference between who I was then and who I am now is clear. I wanted to express that difference to show the passage of time, while preserving one consistent core in Gyeong-do.” Moving between the character’s twenties and thirties, Park Seo-joon focused consistency instead of changes. Actor explained that he wanted to convey the passage of time through emotion and attitude, rather than through physical transformation. “I felt it was important not to make drastic changes to my appearance, even down to details like hairstyles,” adding “Consistency also comes through externally. At his core, Gyeong-do is a character whose love for Ji-woo never changes, and that emotional stance was what mattered most. For the role I prepared physically and mentally, however the most important factor was to keep the emotion steady. .” Having spent years watching reporters up close, Park Seo-joon said the role of the deputy editor of entertainment division felt unfamiliar, however not entirely foreign. He added that the sense conveyed by the office environment itself played an important role in the project. “Even down to details like the computer, I thought about what felt appropriate for the role,” adding “It was my first time acting in an office setting, although I haven’t spent much time in offices myself, I felt the atmosphere of the space was important. The moment I sat down, I had a clear sense of being a reporter. There’s a brief scene where I watch a drama on a monitor, and I imagined that reporters might do something like that while working on articles. Through the interview process, the role didn’t feel far removed from my own experience. I’ve attended many production presentations, and early in my career I even visited newspaper companies directly for interviews, so approaching the role didn’t feel particularly difficult.” When asked about whether his perspective on reporters had changed, Park Seo-joon responded with a smile, candidly reflecting that what had once been curiosity had now turned into understanding. “I used to be very curious, I wondered how the same words could be presented so differently. But now, I understand it. I think it’s something that can happen, and I don’t have any bad feelings about it at all anymore." When asked about how he chooses his projects and his future direction, Park Seo-joon responded with “Instead of expanding the field I tend to focus on stories that I can portray now.” Rather than aiming to broaden his spectrum, he appeared more focused on prioritizing stories that align with his current age and emotional state. “Saying ‘expanding my spectrum’ sounds a bit grand to me. What mattered most was what I could do at this point in my life. After finishing this project, I found myself wanting to tell another story. Instead of planning things too far ahead, I want to go with whatever genuinely interests me at the moment. Spending about two years on 'Gyeongseong Creature' also made me naturally gravitate toward stories that feel more grounded in reality than that kind of genre.” When asked whether there was a role or moment he is waiting for, Park Seo-joon offered a candid reflection on age, revealing a clear sense of expectation about his forties. “My forties,” adding “People often say men truly begin at 40, but for now, it still feels like I’m preparing. Personally, I think that feeling will come somewhere between 40 and 43. One reason I haven’t gravitated toward noir is that I felt I looked too young for it — that it wouldn’t suit me. But at that age, I think it might. The range of choices could change: the projects I can challenge and the stories I can appear in may be different from now. And romance at that stage will likely be completely different as well.” 2026-01-19 17:01:32