Journalist

Lee Hugh
  • OPINION: Popes 2027 visit a strategic moment for Korea and Italy
    OPINION: Pope's 2027 visit a strategic moment for Korea and Italy SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Korea and Italy may sit on opposite ends of the Eurasian landmass, yet the pulse of the two nations beats with a surprisingly similar rhythm. Both societies brim with passion; both celebrate life through food, drink, music and dance; and both possess an instinctive sensitivity to beauty that permeates daily life. From the colors of their alleyways to the craftsmanship in their workshops, the two countries mirror each other in unexpected ways. It is no coincidence that each has risen as a cultural powerhouse—Korea in Asia and Italy in Europe—even if the sources of their global influence differ. Korea leads the 21st century with K-pop, film and drama, while Italy sustains the world’s artistic imagination through its Renaissance heritage, classical arts and fashion traditions. Upon these distinct yet complementary cultural foundations, Seoul and Rome have steadily expanded cooperation across diplomacy, economics, security and culture. Now a rare moment lies directly ahead. On July 29, 2027, Pope Francis will travel to Seoul to attend World Youth Day—one of the largest international gatherings of young people anywhere on the planet. His visit will be far more than a religious event. It will be a global stage where culture, diplomacy, tourism and faith intersect. And for many non-Catholic Koreans, the Pope is one of the most recognizable global symbols naturally associated with Italy’s history, culture and artistic heritage. This makes the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul an unexpected yet powerful moment to deepen Korea’s ties with Italy as well. The two nations are already widening their cooperation in five critical arenas. First, the strategic partnership itself is deepening. In an era shaped by geopolitical instability, the two governments are expanding dialogue on supply-chain resilience, climate policy, maritime security and global governance—anchored by shared commitments to democracy and human rights. Second, cooperation in advanced industries and technology is accelerating. Italy’s strengths in precision machinery, aerospace and robotics align naturally with Korea’s leadership in batteries, AI, semiconductors and space technologies. Korea’s recent focus on “physical AI”—the intelligence that animates manufacturing, logistics, mobility and urban systems—offers particular promise for collaboration with Italian industry. A bipartisan initiative in Korea, led jointly by Democratic Party lawmaker Jeong Dong-young and People Power Party lawmaker Choi Hyoung-doo, aims to build “physical AI pioneer cities,” an effort that fits neatly into the global industrial transformations underway in Italy. Third, trade and investment are diversifying. Korea’s automotive, semiconductor and battery sectors are increasingly interlinked with Italy’s machinery, fashion and food industries, with new space for partnership in ESG and green technologies. Fourth, cultural exchange continues to flourish. As Korean films, music and television saturate Italian youth culture, Italian fashion, cinema and classical arts remain a vital source of inspiration for Korean creators. The Pope’s visit will further amplify this cultural dialogue in ways neither nation has experienced before. Fifth, youth and education exchanges are expanding. Universities and conservatories in both countries are launching joint programs in design, architecture, music and AI, while start-up ecosystems are beginning to interact more actively. World Youth Day 2027 will serve not as a slogan for change, but as a living venue where those exchanges become tangible. At this crossroads, Korea and Italy must move beyond simple cultural affinity and step into the role of global partners capable of generating 21st-century synergy. The Pope’s arrival in Seoul can mark the symbolic beginning of this new chapter. For one week, the city will become a gathering place for hundreds of thousands of young people dreaming, questioning and reimagining universal values. At the heart of that moment will be the legacies and aspirations that Korea and Italy have built—separately and together. History often advances when culture leads diplomacy and when shared values redefine strategic purpose. Seoul in 2027 may become one such moment. If the two nations align their strengths—cultural and technological, traditional and innovative—they will shape not only their own future but carve out a partnership the world cannot ignore. In doing so, Korea and Italy may once again show how two culturally rich nations can create, against all odds, a new kind of modern miracle. 2025-12-01 16:04:07
  • South Koreas Webzen slapped fine for manipulating game item odds, misleading players
    South Korea's Webzen slapped fine for manipulating game item odds, misleading players SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korean game developer Webzen has been fined for manipulating item acquisition probabilities in its mobile title Mu Archangel and misleading players, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said on Monday. The regulator imposed a 158 million won (about $120,000) penalty for failing to disclose mechanisms that significantly reduced users’ chances of obtaining rare in-game items. According to the FTC, between June 2020 and March 2024 Webzen sold three types of randomized, paid items while hiding a so-called “floor system,” which blocked players from acquiring rare items until they made a minimum number of purchases. The FTC ruled the company had violated e-commerce law by using deceitful practices to induce spending. Of roughly 20,000 affected players, only 860 were compensated, prompting the regulator to issue a heavier fine than in comparable cases involving publishers such as Gravity and Com2uS. Player groups criticized the penalty as insufficient, noting that Webzen earned approximately $5.6 million from the sales linked to the deceptive system. The Game Users Association and the Webzen Game Victims Group said they plan to file a civil lawsuit seeking additional compensation, arguing that more than 95 percent of affected users remain uncompensated. An FTC official said the penalty was calculated under the country’s current e-commerce regulations. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 15:47:11
  • Lee to reflect on first year of martial law debacle with special address
    Lee to reflect on first year of martial law debacle with special address SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung is set to deliver a special address on Dec. 3, as South Korea marks the first anniversary of disgraced former President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law debacle. His address is expected to focus on the key role of the people and the National Assembly in swiftly ending the martial law, which plunged the nation into political turmoil, according to the presidential office. Lee will honor the efforts of South Koreans who turned chaos into peace in his address, which will be followed by a press conference attended by over 80 international journalists and broadcast live for about an hour. Lee is also likely to highlight the recovery of democracy and deliver a message of national unity, as he has consistently emphasized the resilience of South Korean democracy at recent multilateral gatherings including last month's G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lee Kyu-yeon, the presidential chief of public relations, said on Sunday, "Wednesday will hold significant meaning as the day citizens and journalists defended national sovereignty against martial law." He added that the president will observe the anniversary with a "calm but meaningful schedule," which includes a luncheon with key officials such as Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik, and the Supreme Court's chief justice Cho Hee-dae. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 15:22:25
  • Jeju beef, pork enter Singapore market for first time
    Jeju beef, pork enter Singapore market for first time SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korea has exported Jeju-produced beef and pork to Singapore for the first time, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said on Monday. The ministry, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, held a shipping ceremony at Jeju Port, sending 4.5 tons of meat products valued at roughly 2.8 billion won. The shipment represents the first case in which Singapore directly assessed and approved the safety of livestock products from Jeju, Jeju officials said. Six slaughtering and processing facilities on the island have been designated for export. South Korea, Jeju authorities and the livestock industry have been working with Singapore since 2016 to set up hygiene and quarantine standards for beef and port export to Singapore. The two sides reached a formal agreement during the APEC summit in Gyeongju last month, paving the way for the initial export. “Singapore is a rapidly expanding market for meat products, and this milestone will strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s livestock production, processing and distribution sectors,” the food ministry said in a statement. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 15:21:09
  • Stray Kids achieve eighth consecutive No. 1 on Billboard 200
    Stray Kids achieve eighth consecutive No. 1 on Billboard 200 SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - K-pop boy band Stray Kids' latest album topped the Billboard 200 albums chart this week, surpassing American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl," which had held the top spot for seven weeks. "Stray Kids claim their eighth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart as 'Do It' debuts atop the ranking dated Dec. 6," the American music chart said on Sunday, adding, "With an eighth No. 1, Stray Kids extend their record for the most No. 1s among groups this century (since 2000)." The album, which marks the octet's eighth consecutive No. 1 debut, contains five tracks that encourage acting boldly with strong confidence while enjoying the moment. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 14:39:51
  • Korean game makers target Southeast Asia, India as next growth engines
    Korean game makers target Southeast Asia, India as next growth engines SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - South Korea's major game publishers are expanding their focus on Southeast Asia and India, betting on the regions’ rapidly growing mobile-first user base and rising spending power. Companies are not only exporting games but also investing, forming joint ventures, and reorganizing operations to secure long-term positions in the markets. Industry officials say Southeast Asia has emerged as the world’s second-largest market for mobile game downloads, driven by a young demographic and widespread smartphone adoption. While current revenue remains modest, the expansion of e-wallets and mobile payment services is seen as a catalyst for sharp medium-term growth. India, meanwhile, has evolved into one of the world’s largest gaming consumer markets, with 400–500 million users, roughly one-third of whom are paying customers. The market generates an estimated $3 billion in annual revenue, and falling data costs combined with fintech expansion are lifting average revenue per user. Krafton has taken the most aggressive approach in India. Its localized version of PUBG Mobile, BGMI, has surpassed 240 million downloads, helping push Krafton’s mobile-game revenue up more than 30 percent year-on-year, with India now accounting for around 10 percent of the total. The company has invested over $200 million in Indian gaming, digital content and fintech firms since 2021, and plans to deploy at least $50 million annually going forward. Krafton aims to build an independent local ecosystem by backing startups, esports leagues and collaborations with streamers and domestic brands. NCSoft is positioning Southeast Asia as a key distribution and service hub. Last year, it set up NCV Games, its first regional joint venture, in Singapore with Vietnamese tech firm VNG, which dominates Vietnam’s messaging, payments and gaming platforms. The partnership provides NCSoft with an almost fully independent distribution network in Southeast Asia, adding a third operational pillar alongside its Korean and Western businesses. Netmarble is also strengthening its Southeast Asian presence through local subsidiaries and targeted marketing. Its Thai subsidiary has served as a strategic base for early market expansion, and the company has intensified outreach during major game launches. For the global release of its RPG remake Seven Knights Rebirth in September, Netmarble held offline showcases in Thailand and Taiwan. The game went on to record top sales rankings in more than 20 countries, including Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia. Netmarble has maintained an 8–9 percent revenue share from Southeast Asia in recent years. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 14:34:59
  • Remains of 25 Korean War soldiers recovered in DMZ
    Remains of 25 Korean War soldiers recovered in DMZ SEOUL, December 1 (AJP) - Some 25 remains and 1,962 belongings from the Korean War (1950-193) were recovered in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Ministry of Defense said on Monday. According to the ministry, the monthlong excavation, conducted by over 100 South Korean and UN troops from mid-October to late November, recovered the remains, many of which are believed to be South Korean soldiers, with precise identification pending further analysis and DNA testing. The project was resumed in October as part of efforts to ease military tensions between the two Koreas under the 2018 inter-Korean military pact, but North Korea has not participated, leaving South Korea to carry out the work alone. Previously, South Korea recovered 424 remains between April 2019 and June 2021, and an additional 67 remains between September 2021 and November 2022. The ministry said, "This effort aims to return the fallen heroes of the war to their families and fulfill the government's commitment to peace in the DMZ." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 14:05:45
  • Hanwha Aerospace showcases K9, Chunmoo systems at Egypts defense expo
    Hanwha Aerospace showcases K9, Chunmoo systems at Egypt's defense expo SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace said Monday it is participating in the Egypt Defense Expo (EDEX) 2025, which runs from Dec. 1–4 in Cairo, showcasing a range of artillery and air-defense systems. The South Korean defense manufacturer is highlighting its K9 self-propelled howitzer, set to enter service with Egypt from 2026 under a major contract. More than 450 companies are taking part in the exhibition, which is expected to draw around 40,000 visitors. At the center of Hanwha’s display is the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, capable of firing munitions with ranges between 80 km and 290 km. The company is also presenting the Chunmoo 2.0 anti-ship ballistic missile, designed to engage moving naval targets. Hanwha is exhibiting a model of the K9 package included in its 2 trillion won deal with Egypt signed in 2022. The package covers K9 howitzers for coastal defense, precision-guided munitions, and the K11 fire control vehicle, equipped with electro-optical tracking and radar. Deliveries of the K9 systems to the Egyptian Armed Forces will begin in the first quarter of 2026. The platforms will feature a domestically developed 1,000-horsepower engine and will be assembled locally in Egypt with components supplied by South Korean partners. The company is also proposing a suite of integrated air-defense assets for the Egyptian military, including the L-SAM long-range interceptor, a 40mm unmanned air-defense system, short-range drone launchers, and the Cheongeom surface-to-surface guided missile. “Through strengthened defense cooperation with Egypt, we aim to advance the defense ecosystems of both countries,” said Sung Il, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Middle East and Africa division. “We are committed to expanding our presence in the MENA market with proven solutions like the K9 and Chunmoo.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 13:56:51
  • South Koreas HD Hyundai consolidates shipbuilding units
    South Korea's HD Hyundai consolidates shipbuilding units SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo Shipbuilding completed their merger on Monday, forming an integrated entity under the name HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as the group seeks to reinforce its position as the world’s largest shipbuilder. The merger, first announced in August, follows a broader consolidation trend in the global shipbuilding sector, with major players in China and Japan also unifying their leading yards. HD Hyundai Heavy said the newly combined company will be better positioned to respond to shifting market conditions and strengthen its order pipeline. The shipbuilder aims to reach 37 trillion won in revenue by 2035 and significantly increase its role in the Korea–U.S. defense shipbuilding partnership known as MASGA. By integrating HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ advanced shipbuilding technology with HD Hyundai Mipo’s production capacity and expertise, the company expects to expand defense-related sales 10-fold to 10 trillion won by 2035. The unified yard will also prioritize next-generation green technologies, consolidating R&D efforts to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly solutions across both mid-sized and large vessels. HD Hyundai plans to pursue new demand for specialized ships, including icebreakers, as interest rises in Arctic development. In a video message marking the launch, HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun said the merger opens “a new chapter for our country’s shipbuilding industry,” adding that the combined workforce’s expertise would help propel future innovation. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-01 13:47:20
  • Samsung Biologics to invest 7 trln won in third bio-campus
    Samsung Biologics to invest 7 trln won in third bio-campus SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics plans to invest about 7 trillion won ($4.76 billion) to build a third campus in Songdo, diversifying its contract manufacturing business beyond antibody drugs into emerging therapeutic modalities. The South Korean biopharmaceutical manufacturer said Monday it signed a land purchase agreement with the Incheon Free Economic Zone authority for about 187,427 square meters of industrial site in Songdo International City. The company will pay 248.7 billion won for the plot, located in the advanced industrial cluster of the city's 11th district. Samsung Biologics plans to build its third campus on the newly acquired land, housing research and production facilities for cell and gene therapies, antibody vaccines, and peptides alongside existing antibody drug capabilities. The expansion aims to diversify beyond the company's current antibody-focused CDMO business while building foundational capabilities in next-generation modalities including mRNA, antibody-drug conjugates, and organoids. The third campus will be designed to integrate with existing operations at the company's first and second campuses through linked process, quality, and technical functions. Samsung Biologics expects the integrated approach to enhance production efficiency, reduce customer project lead times, and strengthen global regulatory compliance. "We have completed our transformation into a pure CDMO company through the spin-off, and now secured next-generation growth engines through entry into new modalities, allowing us to accelerate toward our goal of becoming a global top bio company," said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. 2025-12-01 11:52:58