Journalist
Lee Hugh
=
-
South Korea's strategic oil reserves hit 100 million barrels SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - South Korea's strategic oil reserves have surpassed 100 million barrels for the first time, the government said on Monday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the final oil tanker carrying this year’s stockpiled crude arrived at the Korea National Oil Corp.’s storage base in Geoje, bringing state-held reserves to 100 million barrels. Privately held oil stockpiles stood at about 95 million barrels as of October. Combined public and private reserves are sufficient to cover more than 210 days of net daily imports, exceeding the standard set by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the ministry said. South Korea began building strategic oil reserves in 1980 after the first and second global oil shocks highlighted the risks of supply disruptions. Since then, reserves have been expanded systematically, the ministry said. As a result, South Korea now holds the fourth-largest oil stockpiles among IEA member countries, providing a strong buffer against global energy supply shocks. 2025-12-22 14:22:06 -
PHOTOS: Coal briquettes become symbol of solidarity SANGJU, December 22 (AJP) - During South Korea’s rapid industrialization, the yeontan — a cylindrical coal briquette — was the lifeblood of the working class, fueling the stoves that saw families through the harsh winters. While the nation has since transformed into a high-tech powerhouse, these "black diamonds" remain a critical, albeit fading, lifeline for the vulnerable. Though most of the country transitioned to oil boilers in the 1980s and eventually to widespread gas, the briquette has not disappeared. Its affordability makes it the primary heating source for low-income households living in older, marginalized neighborhoods. However, the low price of the coal itself belies the difficulty of its delivery. Each briquette weighs roughly 3.5 kilogram, and because many recipients live in steep, narrow alleyways inaccessible by truck, transportation costs can be prohibitive. This logistical gap has given rise to a unique culture of "Yeontan Volunteering." Central to this effort is the Yeontan Bank, a welfare organization that bridges the gap between donors and those in need. The bank manages monetary donations to purchase the fuel and coordinates legions of volunteers to deliver them by hand. The work is grueling and messy. Volunteers must prepare for a "battle" with anthracite dust, which stains everything it touches. Dressed in black clothing and shrouded in plastic raincoats, masks, and gloves, these "human chains" pass the heavy briquettes one by one up steep hills — ensuring that for the city’s most marginalized, the winter remains bearable. 2025-12-22 14:09:12 -
Seoul says it held nuclear talks with Russia despite Moscow's denial SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - South Korea reportedly held talks with Russia to discuss multiple issues including North Korea's nuclear weapons program. According to diplomatic sources, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official handling North Korea-related issues traveled to Moscow and met with Oleg Burmistrov, the Russian Foreign Ministry's special envoy for North Korea's nuclear issues. Apart from a foreign ministers' meeting in September this year, this was the first gathering of nuclear officials since bilateral relations worsened after North Korea's troop deployment to Russia in October last year, drawing attention for possible changes. Observers believe South Korea urged Russia to play a "constructive role" in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula. During the meeting, Seoul likely raised concerns about military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, which violates UN Security Council resolutions, and also discussed efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia, however, denied the meeting, calling it an attempt to sow distrust between Moscow and Pyongyang, apparently mindful of North Korea. According to the Kremlin's state-run news agency TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in the statement, "The opponents of our cooperation with North Korea do not abandon their futile attempts to drive a wedge into the Russian-Korean comprehensive strategic partnership and sow distrust between the allied countries and the peoples of Russia and North Korea." She added, "Russia does not hold any consultations with the South Korean side, does not discuss with it any topics affecting bilateral relations between Pyongyang and Seoul, much less the 'North Korean nuclear problem' because there is no 'North Korean nuclear problem' for Russia.'" 2025-12-22 13:41:31 -
Korean sets record 20-day exports Dec, chips make up a third of total exports SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) -South Korea posted a record for first 20-day monthly exports in December, driven by a 42-percent jump in chip shipments that now account for nearly a third of total exports, customs-cleared preliminary data showed Monday. According to the Korea Customs Service, exports for Dec. 1–20 climbed 6.8 percent from a year earlier to US$43.03 billion, marking a fresh record for the first 20-day period. Average daily exports, adjusted for working days, rose 3.6 percent to US$2.61 billion. At a daily average of about US$2.6 billion for the full year, annual exports are on track to set a new milestone of US$700 billion. Semiconductors led the gains, jumping 41.8 percent. Chips accounted for 27.1 percent of total exports, up 6.7 percentage points from a year earlier. Semiconductor exports have risen for nine consecutive months through November, supported by strong demand for high-value memory used in artificial intelligence data centers and by higher memory prices. Computer peripherals surged 49.1 percent, while wireless communications equipment rose 17.8 percent. Passenger car and ship exports fell 12.7 percent and 21.7 percent, respectively. Shipments to the United States slipped 1.7 percent, weighed down by higher tariffs. Exports increased to China by 6.5 percent, Vietnam by 20.4 percent and Taiwan by 9.6 percent. Imports totaled US$39.21 billion, up 0.7 percent from a year earlier. By item, imports of semiconductors rose 11.8 percent, machinery 3.5 percent and precision instruments 12.5 percent, while crude oil fell 3.2 percent and gas declined 15.0 percent. By source, imports from China rose 3.9 percent, the United States 14.7 percent and Taiwan 12.8 percent, while those from the European Union fell 3.8 percent and Japan 2.3 percent. The trade surplus so far in December stood at US$3.8 billion. 2025-12-22 13:34:18 -
Santa rally reaches Asia, led by chip stocks SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Asian markets opened the week on signs of a “Santa Claus rally,” as a key overhang — Japan’s long-anticipated rate hike — was cleared last week, reviving risk appetite across the region. Chip stocks led the advance after strong earnings from Micron Technology and fresh optimism around high-bandwidth memory (HBM), reinforcing the global AI-driven semiconductor rally. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI was up 1.97 percent at 4,099 as of 10 a.m., raising hopes the index could close above the psychologically important 4,100 mark for the first time in ten days. Institutional investors spearheaded the rally with net purchases of 776.4 billion won ($525 million), supported by foreign inflows of 344.0 billion won. Retail investors appeared to be locking in gains after recent volatility, net selling 1.1 trillion won. The Korean won strengthened modestly to 1,477 per dollar, up 4 won from the previous close. Market participants attributed the move to year-end currency hedging by the National Pension Service and institutional investors seeking to lock in exchange rates ahead of the Dec. 30 market close. Blue chips traded broadly higher. Samsung Electronics gained 3 percent to 110,000 won after reports that its HBM4 samples received top-tier evaluations in quality tests for Nvidia. Rival SK hynix, the market leader in HBM, surged 4.75 percent to 575,000 won, emerging as a primary beneficiary of the improving AI memory outlook alongside Micron’s upbeat results. Korea Zinc, the world’s leading non-ferrous metal smelter and a focal point of ongoing corporate governance disputes, rose 5.4 percent to 1,380,000 won. Uncertainty surrounding its U.S. refinery investment eased after the South Korean government expressed a favorable stance, while Chairman Choi Yoon-bum and the Young Poong–MBK alliance reaffirmed their commitment to the project. Doosan Enerbility, seen as a bellwether for nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs), rose 2.2 percent to 79,000 won, defying lingering caution over a potential AI-sector bubble. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 jumped 2.1 percent to 50,557, as the removal of Bank of Japan-related uncertainty combined with Micron-led tech optimism to trigger broad-based buying. Semiconductor equipment makers led the gains. Tokyo Electron surged 6.3 percent to 33,160 yen ($210.7), while Advantest rose 3.5 percent, DISCO gained 4.8 percent, and Ibiden climbed 5.2 percent. Financial and holding companies also found favor, with SoftBank Group Corp. jumping 6.4 percent to 18,210 yen, buoyed by the BOJ’s rate move and easing AI-bubble concerns in New York. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group advanced 2.3 percent. Taiwan’s TAIEX rose 1.4 percent to 28,084, anchored by a 2.1 percent gain in TSMC, which traded at 1,460 Taiwan dollars ($46.33). MediaTek slipped 0.7 percent, while Foxconn edged up 0.7 percent. Mainland China showed a tech-led divergence. The Shenzhen Component Index rose 1.1 percent to 13,285, outperforming the more domestically focused Shanghai Composite’s 0.5 percent gain and the Hang Seng Index’s 0.3 percent rise. 2025-12-22 11:51:42 -
Lee praises badminton star An Se-young's historic win SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung praised South Korean players for their achievements at the BWF World Tour Finals, which wrapped up over the weekend. Shortly after badminton ace An Se-young's victory late Sunday night, Lee wrote on Facebook that the national anthem was played three times in Hangzhou, China, saying he was "very proud" of her and other players and calling 2025 "the year of South Korean badminton." The world No. 1 in women's singles became the first female badminton player to achieve 11 wins in a single season, tying the 2019 record set by former Japanese player Kento Momota. With 73 victories out of 77 matches, she earned a total of US$1,003,175 (about 1.49 billion won), surpassing $1 million for the first time. Meanwhile, in men's doubles, Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho also claimed victory, achieving 11 wins in a single season, setting a new record and becoming the first South Korean men's doubles pair to achieve the feat in 37 years. Lee lauded Seo's winning tally, which rises to 12 when including the Thailand Masters earlier this year, calling it the most individual titles won in a single season in world badminton history. In women's doubles, Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na beat Japan to win their second straight title at the tournament. 2025-12-22 11:08:13 -
Hyosung Heavy wins European power equipment orders worth $170 million SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - South Korea's Hyosung Heavy Industries has secured a series of new orders for extra-high-voltage power equipment across Europe. The company said on Monday it won contracts worth more than 230 billion won ($170 million) this month in key European markets including the United Kingdom, Sweden and Spain, citing rising investment in power grids as countries accelerate energy transitions. In the United Kingdom, Hyosung Heavy Industries recently signed a supply contract worth about 120 billion won with Scottish Power Energy Networks, Scotland’s electricity distribution network operator, to provide extra-high-voltage transformers. The equipment will be used in a major wind power-related project aligned with the country's Net Zero policy, the company said in a press release. The company is also expanding its footprint elsewhere in Europe. It said it secured an order worth about 50 billion won this month from a major Swedish power distribution company for extra-high-voltage transformers, and separately won a contract in Norway. In Spain, Hyosung Heavy Industries also signed supply contracts worth about 60 billion won with leading power and energy companies to deliver transformers and reactors. The Spanish contracts mark the company’s first entry into southern Europe, it said. Hyosung Heavy Industries noted that Europe’s extra-high-voltage transformer market is dominated by established global players, making market entry challenging without advanced technology. The company said it strengthened its technical credentials this year by passing a short-circuit test for extra-high-voltage transformers conducted by France’s electricity transmission system operator. 2025-12-22 10:54:06 -
South Korea's NCSoft pivots to casual games with two acquisitions SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - South Korean game developer NCSoft said on Monday it is stepping up its push into the global mobile casual game market, announcing two acquisitions to seek new growth beyond its traditional focus on massively multiplayer online role-playing games. NCSoft, led by co-chief executive officers Kim Taek-jin and Park Byung-moo, said it will acquire global mobile casual game developer Lihuhu Games and South Korean studio Springcomes as part of a portfolio diversification strategy. The company said it will purchase a 67 percent stake in Indigo Group, a Singapore-based firm that owns Lihuhu Games, for about 153.4 billion won ($103.9 million), making NCSoft the largest shareholder. Lihuhu Games, headquartered in Vietnam, has released about 100 titles across genres including match-3D, number-based and “hole” puzzle games. More than 80 percent of its revenue comes from North America and Europe, NCSoft said. The developer projects revenue of about 120 billion won and operating profit of around 30 billion won this year. Springcomes focuses on the merge-game genre and is known for its rapid development cycle, typically launching four to five new titles a year. The studio expects its revenue this year to more than double from a year earlier to about 28 billion won, NCSoft said. To integrate its expanded casual-game portfolio, NCSoft has established the Mobile Casual Center. The company said it appointed Arnel Cheman to lead the unit and recruited additional data and user-acquisition specialists, including Anthony Pascal. NCSoft also said it has secured a software license from European analytics firm Codebase to build a data analytics and live-operations platform. Park said the acquisition of Lihuhu Games was significant in that it established a foundation for “visible growth” in the global mobile casual market. He added that NCSoft plans to strengthen its international competitiveness through further acquisitions of European studios and an expanded publishing business. The company said it plans to announce a more comprehensive business strategy related to its mobile casual push early next year. 2025-12-22 10:19:24 -
DP to push controversial bill for special tribunal on martial law case SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP) is expected to push through a bill for a special tribunal to handle insurrection cases related to disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle last year. The DP is set to submit the controversial bill to the plenary session of the National Assembly this week, despite concerns that it may be unconstitutional and could undermine judicial independence and fairness. Amid criticism, the DP earlier made revisions to the bill including removing direct references to Yoon in an attempt to deflect allegations of solely targeting his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, but the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) remains determined to block it with a filibuster. But the DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, can vote to end a filibuster after 24 hours. 2025-12-22 09:58:37 -
KAIST researchers develop AI to automate plastic manufacturing and train new workers SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Professor Yoo Seung-hwa and his research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed an artificial intelligence system that can automatically manage factory machines and guide workers. The technology was created to help factories maintain production quality as experienced experts retire and more foreign workers enter the workforce, potentially creating language barriers on the factory floor. Most plastic items used today are made through a process called injection molding. This involves melting plastic and pouring it into a mold to create many identical parts at once. However, the process is very sensitive. Small changes in room temperature or humidity can cause the plastic parts to come out with defects. For a long time, factories have relied on the "gut feeling" of highly experienced workers to manually adjust the machine settings when the weather or conditions change. The research team at the KAIST Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Inno-Core PRISM-AI Center created two main tools to solve this problem. The first is a generative AI engine that acts like an expert's brain. It looks at the factory’s current environment, such as the humidity level, and automatically calculates the perfect pressure and speed for the machine. The second tool is a digital assistant called "IM-Chat." This chatbot uses a large language model to answer questions from workers in plain language. When a worker asks the chatbot a question, such as "What is the best pressure when the humidity is 43.5 percent?", the system does not just give a random answer. It automatically triggers the AI engine to do the math and then provides the worker with the exact settings along with an explanation from the factory's technical manuals. Because the system supports multiple languages, it allows newer or foreign workers to make the same high-level decisions as a human expert who has worked in the factory for decades. During testing, the AI proved to be much more reliable than older technology. Previous AI models used for this work often had error rates between 23 and 44 percent. The new system developed by the KAIST team reduced that error rate to just 1.63 percent. In real-world factory tests, the machine settings suggested by the AI successfully produced high-quality parts without any human help. "This is a case where we solved the core problems of manufacturing by using data-based AI," said Professor Yoo Seung-hwa. "By combining an AI that can optimize the factory process on its own with a system that can explain that knowledge to anyone, we hope to make many different types of industries more independent and automated." The researchers believe this technology can be used for more than just plastic. It could eventually be applied to making batteries, 3D printing, and even medicine. The project was a collaboration between several researchers, including doctoral students Kim Jun-young, Kim Hee-gyu, and Lee Jun-hyeong, who served as co-first authors. The work was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Systems (JCR 1/69, IF 14.2) Title: Development of an Injection Molding Production Condition Inference System Based on Diffusion Model DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2025.01.008 Journal: Journal of Manufacturing Systems (JCR 1/69, IF 14.2) Title: IM-Chat: A multi-agent LLM framework integrating tool-calling and diffusion modeling for knowledge transfer in injection molding industry DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2025.11.007 2025-12-22 09:47:37