Journalist

김혜준
Candice Kim, Lim Jaeho
  • Presidential candidates vow to expand high-speed underground rail nationwide
    Presidential candidates vow to expand high-speed underground rail nationwide SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Two leading contenders in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election have pledged to extend the country’s high-speed underground commuter rail system far beyond the capital, positioning rapid transit as a central campaign promise. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party both unveiled plans to expand the Great Train Express (GTX) system, a high-speed undergroun rail network in the Seoul metropolitan area. Each candidate has incorporated nationwide rail expansion into their 10-point policy platforms, aiming to connect distant regions through a system modeled after the GTX system. Both candidates argue that extending rapid transit to five major regions across the country would help disperse the concentration of economic and social activity around Seoul, a longstanding concern in South Korea’s regional development policy. Lee’s proposal focuses on expanding service in the Seoul area and to the southeast region, Daegu-North Gyeongsang, the central region, and Honam. He also pledged timely completion of the GTX-A, B, and C lines, with potential extensions reaching outer metropolitan areas and Gangwon Province. New routes, labeled GTX-D, E, and F, would be developed in phases. Kim, similarly, has framed a “country connected by GTX” as a key policy pillar. His plan envisions an express rail network linking five major metropolitan areas, continuing a trend toward megacity integration championed by the Yoon administration in early 2024. Their shared emphasis on high-speed rail reflects growing bipartisan support for addressing urban-rural divides. Currently, disparities in transit access between the capital and outlying regions are stark. The Seoul area operates 11 metropolitan rail lines, including the GTX-A. By contrast, non-metropolitan regions are served by just two lines, both connecting Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Rail accounts for 27.1 percent of intercity travel in the capital region, compared with only 0.4 percent in Gwangju-South Jeolla, and under 10 percent in most other regions. Still, the ambitious expansion faces significant financial and logistical challenges. Building rapid transit lines costs approximately 71.2 billion won per kilometer — more than double the cost of metropolitan roads and over 10 times that of Bus Rapid Transit systems. The first three GTX lines alone carry a projected price tag of nearly 12 trillion won. Experts remain cautious. A Korea Transport Institute survey of 15 transportation scholars cited “insufficient railway demand in provincial areas” as the foremost concern. As rural populations decline, critics warn that costly infrastructure may not be sustainable. Professor Lee Su-beom of the University of Seoul noted that rail systems face steep operational costs, particularly in energy use, and predicted inevitable deficits without stronger government subsidies. To make nationwide expansion viable, the institute concluded, central government support would need to rise by at least 10 percentage points to compensate for declining contributions from local governments. 2025-05-16 10:58:00
  • Lip products lead charge in K-beauty innovation
    Lip products lead charge in K-beauty innovation Editor's Note: This is the third article in our series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - In the ever-evolving world of Korean beauty, or K-beauty, few items command as much attention as lip products. From the glossy aisles of Olive Young — the nation’s ubiquitous health and beauty chain — to social media feeds around the globe, Korean lipsticks and tints have earned cult status, thanks to their innovative formulas, thoughtful color ranges, and accessible price points. Unlike global bestseller lists, which often skew toward the most promoted or exported products, a closer look at what Korean consumers actually reach for reveals a different story — one that international shoppers would do well to pay attention to. The enduring popularity of lip products in South Korea can be traced to both practicality and aesthetic transformation. Lips, unlike the rest of the skin, lack sebaceous glands and therefore require external hydration. At the same time, lip color remains one of the most cost-effective ways to change an entire look with a single swipe — a fact not lost on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, whose Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment became an overnight success, or Kylie Jenner, whose Lip Kits continue to dominate the U.S. market. Korean lip products, however, are distinguished not just by celebrity influence, but by a commitment to innovation. Brands have rapidly evolved beyond their earlier, more limited palettes — once shaped by a relatively homogeneous population — to embrace a wider spectrum of skin tones and personal style preferences. A growing interest in personal color theory and a shift toward more inclusive beauty standards have helped fuel this transformation. One standout is 3CE’s Shine Reflector, a lip gloss launched in March 2023 that quickly sold out nationwide. Its high-shine finish and rich color payoff have made it a favorite both online and in stores, bolstered by a collaboration with YouTuber Minsco. “Nowadays, many people are looking for this when they are in need of a shiny lip,” said an Olive Young spokesperson. The shade "Opal Shower" in particular, which works well layered over other colors, has become a top pick for travelers seeking versatile, space-saving beauty products. For those looking to streamline their beauty routines while abroad, the Shine Reflector offers a practical one-step solution — gloss and pigment in a single tube. It’s also well-suited to Seoul’s photogenic urban landscape, where an impactful lip can elevate a travel snapshot from casual to chic. Meanwhile, Peripera’s Ink Mood Glowy Tint, also released in 2023, has expanded to more than 30 shades, a boon for those navigating their “seasonal color type” or seeking hues that suit deeper skin tones. The brand is known for its affordability and trend-sensitive releases, though its habit of retiring shades quickly can frustrate loyal users. A word to the wise: if you find a color you love, consider buying backups. Less prominent but equally worthy of note is Colorgram’s Tanghulu Tangle Tint, a product with a more discreet retail presence but a loyal following. Launched by ABLE C&C — the company behind Missha — the brand targets Gen Z consumers with smaller, more portable packaging. While its shade range is narrower, the formula’s adhesive yet featherweight texture offers impressive shine in a single coat, making it ideal for quick touch-ups and budget-friendly gifting. Then there’s Romand’s Glasting Color Gloss, a line that captured the glossy-lip zeitgeist with standout shades like 01 Peony Ballet and 02 Nutty Vague. Both strike a delicate balance: shiny but not sticky, saturated but wearable. “Peony Ballet has such a pretty color,” said Kyu, a woman in her 20s living in Seoul. “For someone with dry lips and excess dead skin, Romand’s gloss is thick but not too runny, so it doesn’t flow and has a nice adhering feeling to the lips.” These are not the lip products that typically dominate international bestseller lists — which often reflect marketing reach more than local popularity. Instead, they represent a cross-section of what Korean shoppers genuinely value: well-formulated, aesthetically compelling, and often ahead of the trend curve. For international tourists, a visit to Olive Young offers more than just a retail stop — it’s an entry point into a beauty culture that blends innovation with accessibility. These lip products, each with their own story, serve as small but meaningful souvenirs: a swipe of gloss, a pop of tint, and a reminder of why Korean beauty continues to captivate the world. 2025-05-16 10:20:02
  • Samsung Electronics collaborates on boy band RIIZEs debut album ODYSSEY
    Samsung Electronics collaborates on boy band RIIZE's debut album 'ODYSSEY' SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has joined forces with RIIZE, a rising K-pop group under SM Entertainment, to promote the band's debut album, “Odyssey." The partnership includes the production of a 40-minute premiere video — unveiled Wednesday on the international fan platform Weverse — that features all 10 tracks from the upcoming album, set for release on May 19. The video weaves together coming-of-age narratives with appearances by several of Samsung’s newest products, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy Ring, the Music Frame, and the BESPOKE AI hybrid refrigerator. RIIZE, a six-member boy band that debuted in 2023, has garnered a global following with songs that explore youth, ambition, and personal growth. In the premiere video, those themes are paired with Samsung’s brand messaging around innovation and aspiration, portraying what the company described as “growing together and realizing dreams.” The collaboration also includes a series of short-form videos that will roll out on RIIZE’s official Instagram account beginning May 22. These clips will spotlight the group’s use of Samsung’s Galaxy AI features. Samsung launched a K-pop artist support initiative last year as part of an effort to bolster South Korea’s cultural influence abroad while positioning its products within that expanding global narrative. The initiative continues to grow through partnerships with both domestic and international talent. “We hope RIIZE, as brand ambassador, will help amplify our message of realizing dreams together,” said Park Jung-mi, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Global Marketing Office. “At Samsung, we aim to support our customers’ aspirations through the power of AI and innovation.” 2025-05-15 15:52:02
  • Hanwha finalizes $637 million acquisition of catering firm Ourhome
    Hanwha finalizes $637 million acquisition of catering firm Ourhome SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hanwha Group has completed its acquisition of catering firm Ourhome for 869.5 billion won (approximately $637 million), expanding its presence in the food services sector in one of the country’s most notable recent mergers. The deal, announced Thursday by Hanwha Hotel & Resort, gives the conglomerate a controlling 58.62 percent stake in Ourhome, marking the end of a seven-month negotiation and due diligence process that began in October. The acquisition was spearheaded by Kim Dong-seon, vice president of Hanwha Hotel’s Future Vision Division and the youngest son of Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon. With the transaction now complete, Ourhome officially becomes part of the sprawling Hanwha corporate family. The merger has drawn attention within the South Korean business community for what some analysts have described as “a shrimp swallowing a whale,” referencing the disparity in size between the two companies. Ourhome, a leading player in catering and food distribution, reported revenue of 2.24 trillion won in 2023 — more than double Hanwha Hotel & Resort’s 750.9 billion won in sales during the same period. To facilitate the acquisition, Hanwha Hotel & Resort established a special purpose vehicle, Woorijib f&b, earlier this year. Regulatory approvals for the deal were secured from both domestic and international authorities last month. Hanwha said it plans to integrate Ourhome’s scale and distribution capabilities with its own expertise in food service, drawing on nearly three decades of experience in the sector through its subsidiary Hanwha Foodtech. “We will lead the transformation of both domestic and global food markets together with Ourhome, which has shown excellence in catering and food distribution,” a Hanwha Hotel & Resort spokesperson said in a statement. The company also emphasized plans to accelerate automation in commercial kitchens and pursue collaborations with other Hanwha affiliates, viewing technological innovation as key to shaping the future of the food industry. 2025-05-15 13:38:09
  • Koreas agricultural giant balances tradition with global ambition
    Korea's agricultural giant balances tradition with global ambition Editor's Note: This article is the 18th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest agricultural cooperative and financial group, NongHyup (NH), is navigating a volatile landscape in 2025, shaped by climate disruptions, demographic shifts, and rising global tensions. According to a recent report from the NH Future Strategy Research Institute, the organization is confronting a web of challenges: erratic weather patterns impacting food supply chains, unstable agricultural prices, rural depopulation, and renewed geopolitical friction amid the second Trump administration in the United States. In response, NongHyup is doubling down on food security, managing domestic rice supplies, and working to boost the global profile of Korean food products. Legacy of rural support Founded in 1958, NongHyup was created to empower farmers following Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule. At the time, rural communities were burdened by weak infrastructure and limited access to capital, leaving agricultural production fragmented and inefficient. The cooperative has since evolved into a national institution rooted in its 2.05 million-member base, with 1,111 agricultural and livestock cooperatives operating across the country. Its central body, the NongHyup Central Association, oversees a broad portfolio that includes eight headquarters divisions, 34 departments, and specialized units. NongHyup operates under a dual structure: NH Economic Holdings, which manages distribution, food, and chemical subsidiaries; and NH Financial Holdings, which oversees banking, insurance, securities, and asset management arms. This hybrid model allows NongHyup to deliver both agricultural and financial services to farmers and rural residents, creating a rare synergy between the farm and the financial system. NH Bank and its sister firms not only provide credit and investment tools but also offer social and logistical support across the agricultural supply chain. Under the leadership of Kang Ho-dong, Chairman of the Central Association; Lee Seok-jun, Chairman of NH Financial Holdings; and Kang Tae-young, President of NH Bank, NongHyup has emphasized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as a cornerstone of its long-term strategy. “The core of future preparation is AI and ESG,” Lee said in a recent speech, highlighting the organization’s ambition to fuse cooperative ideals with cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices. As part of this pivot, NH NongHyup Bank is accelerating its international expansion. The bank plans to upgrade its London office into a full-service branch and establish a strategic foothold in Singapore. Additional branches are in the works in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Since launching its global division in 2017, NH has opened offices in New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Beijing, Noida (India), and across Southeast Asia. The expansion is beginning to pay off. In the past year alone, NH NongHyup Bank’s overseas assets have grown by 39 percent. The bank aims to generate 150 billion won in international profits by 2030, with overseas operations already surpassing 100 billion won in net income for the first time. NH Financial Holdings Chairman Lee Seok-jun/ Courtesy of NongHyup At the 2025 Global Strategy Council, NH executives made clear that the group intends to move beyond its traditional “fast follower” posture. Instead, they aim to become a “first mover,” aggressively pursuing new business and investment opportunities. “We cannot close the gap with global leaders by simply following in their footsteps,” said Jo Jung-rae, Vice President of NH Financial Group. “Risk management and speed in seizing new opportunities must define our approach.” That strategic agility builds on a history of bold corporate moves, including the 1998 acquisition of Namhae Chemical for 300 billion won, the 2014 purchase of seed firm Nongwoo Bio, and the acquisition of Woori Investment & Securities for over 1 trillion won. In 2003, NH partnered with France’s Amundi to launch NH Amundi Asset Management, expanding its global reach in asset management. The organization faces scrutiny over governance and ethical lapses. NH Bank has come under fire for improper lending practices and recurring financial missteps. Critics have raised concerns over politically influenced executive appointments, particularly at subsidiaries like NH Life Insurance. There have also been reports of workplace harassment and wrongful dismissals at some regional branches. Farmer advocacy groups have also voiced frustration over persistent agricultural price declines and what they see as insufficient reforms in distribution channels. As it eyes the future, NongHyup is seeking to balance tradition with transformation. Its long-term strategy centers on blending cooperative values — mutual aid, community development, social responsibility — with the demands of a modern, competitive economy. That includes deepening ESG adoption, investing in digital innovation, expanding its global presence, and supporting farmers in navigating the new realities of climate change, market volatility, and global supply chain shifts. In a country where agriculture still plays a vital — if shrinking — role, NongHyup’s ability to evolve may well determine the fate of Korea’s rural communities in the decades ahead. 2025-05-15 11:02:52
  • LG Electronics expands global Lifes Good campaign with community initiatives
    LG Electronics expands global 'Life's Good' campaign with community initiatives SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - LG Electronics is broadening the reach of its global brand campaign, “Life’s Good,” with a series of initiatives aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and social engagement across several continents. In the United States, LG’s North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., has taken a hands-on approach to urban ecology. Employees recently installed more than 150 handcrafted bird nests on company grounds and at their own residences, offering shelter to birds that have been displaced by urban development. Additionally, the company expanded its pollinator garden on the New Jersey campus, planting over 100 species of native plants. The garden, now recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, is the first of its kind established by a Korean company in the United States. These actions, LG said, reflect its broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, which it has framed under the vision of “Better Life for All.” The campaign also extends beyond environmental efforts. In Central Asia, LG Kazakhstan hosted educational events at two universities in Kyrgyzstan, engaging approximately 300 students. The sessions explored the core tenets of the “Life’s Good” philosophy, emphasizing the role of optimism in personal development and social innovation, as well as the ways in which technology can enhance daily life. Company officials describe the campaign as a reflection of LG’s evolving corporate identity. In 2023, LG redefined its brand direction, seeking to align its core values with global movements for sustainability and human well-being. “The ‘Life’s Good’ campaign is a journey beyond a simple brand slogan to create positive change together with customers,” a spokesperson for LG Electronics said in a statement. The company added that it intends to continue supporting initiatives around the world that embody its commitment to a more sustainable and optimistic future. 2025-05-14 15:22:35
  • SK hynix tops Koreas corporate rankings, surpassing Samsung, Hyundai
    SK hynix tops Korea's corporate rankings, surpassing Samsung, Hyundai SEOUL, May 14 (AJP) - SK hynix has emerged as South Korea’s top-performing company, overtaking Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motor in a prominent annual corporate management evaluation. The memory chip manufacturer claimed the No. 1 position for the first time in six years, earning 622.9 out of a possible 800 points in the latest assessment by CEO Score, a firm that tracks corporate performance. The results were released on Wednesday. Samsung Electronics held steady in second place for a second consecutive year, scoring 596.0 points. Samsung Biologics rose two spots to third with 590.0 points, while Kia remained in fourth place. Hyundai Motor, which topped the list last year, dropped to fifth. SK hynix’s rise was fueled by surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which drove record profits in 2024. The company earned particularly high marks in the areas of growth, investment, and financial stability. Now in its ninth year, the CEO Score evaluation assesses South Korea’s top 500 non-financial companies across eight categories, including innovation, global competitiveness, and sustainable growth. Samsung Electronics led the investment category, spending 88.7 trillion won on facilities and research and development last year — more than four times SK hynix’s 21.6 trillion won. Samsung Biologics distinguished itself in the global competitiveness category, outperforming larger rivals in profitability. Although its sales accounted for just 4.1 percent of those of China’s Sinopharm, its operating profit margin was 26.2 percentage points higher. Other companies recognized for excellence across various categories included Kia, shipping firm HMM, game developer Krafton, confectionery company Orion, and renewable energy provider Hanwha Energy. 2025-05-14 11:04:55
  • SK Earthon expands resource development in Southeast Asia
    SK Earthon expands resource development in Southeast Asia SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - SK Earthon, the energy resource development unit of SK Innovation, is ramping up its presence in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam emerging as a focal point in the company’s ambition to become a global player in oil and gas exploration. The company is pursuing a “clustering strategy” in Vietnam, a country estimated to hold 4.4 billion barrels of oil and gas reserves. The approach echoes SK Earthon’s long-running operations in Peru, where it has built a substantial energy portfolio since the 1990s. SK Earthon entered Vietnam’s resource development sector in 1998 and has since built a foothold in the Cuu Long Basin, a region off the country’s southern coast known for its hydrocarbon potential. The company currently holds interests in one production block (Block 15-1), one under development (Block 15-1/05), and two exploration blocks (16-2 and 15-2/17). Block 15-1, SK Earthon’s flagship Vietnamese asset, is expected to produce an average of 3,300 barrels per day in 2025, based on the company’s equity share. It ranks as the second-largest producing block in Vietnam by cumulative output. Additional development in the basin is planned for later this year. “Based on stable production from Block 15-1, and as output from the other three blocks comes online, we expect Vietnam to serve as a reliable cash-generating business," said Roh Jung-yong, who oversees SK Earthon’s Southeast Asia operations. SK Earthon is also widening its footprint across the broader Southeast Asian region, with active projects in Indonesia and Malaysia — two of the area’s largest oil producers. In Malaysia, the company acquired operating rights in 2022 to Block SK427 off the coast of Sarawak and secured the adjacent Ketapu block last year, creating new development synergies across connected fields. In Indonesia, SK Earthon was awarded two new blocks in a government auction last year. The company is currently finalizing contractual details and is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks. 2025-05-13 17:07:41
  • Samsungs AI-powered vacuum draws praise from global reviewers
    Samsung's AI-powered vacuum draws praise from global reviewers SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics’ latest foray into the premium home appliance market — the Bespoke AI Jet 400W cordless vacuum cleaner — is garnering positive attention from international technology reviewers, many of whom have highlighted the device’s powerful suction, adaptive AI cleaning features, and versatile accessories. Positioned as Samsung’s flagship cordless vacuum model, the Bespoke AI Jet 400W aims to appeal to consumers seeking high-performance cleaning with smart home integration. The vacuum, introduced last month, received a 4.5 out of 5 rating from the U.K.-based review site Trusted Reviews, which described it as “close to an all-in-one vacuum.” The publication praised its ability to automatically adjust suction based on floor type and cleaning environment, noting its “best-in-class” performance for dust collection and corner cleaning among cordless models tested to date. Another U.K. outlet, T3, underscored five standout features: the HexaJet Motor’s high suction power, improved functionality via AI Mode 2.0, dual battery options offering up to 100 minutes of run time, a clean station that automatically empties the dustbin, and integration with Samsung’s SmartThings app for monitoring usage and cleaning history. In Germany, the testing organization CHIP ranked the product first out of 43 cordless vacuum cleaners, awarding it near-perfect scores in categories including suction performance, battery life, and accessory utility. The publication gave the device an overall rating of “Very Good.” The German tech site Connect also praised the vacuum’s adaptive suction settings, which optimize performance based on surface type to enhance efficiency and conserve battery life. Reviewers noted the usefulness of its real-time battery status display, which tracks remaining power minute-by-minute. The global tech site SamMobile described the unit as “Samsung’s best cordless vacuum,” citing its 400W suction power, lightweight design, and integration with Samsung’s SmartThings platform. It also pointed to the inclusion of AI Mode 2.0 and an all-in-one clean station as key differentiators. 2025-05-13 14:56:22
  • Samsung Display unveils next-generation screens at Display Week 2025
    Samsung Display unveils next-generation screens at Display Week 2025 SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - Samsung Display is showcasing a suite of advanced display technologies that reflect the company's growing ambitions in next-generation screen innovation at the annual Display Week 2025 exhibition. The event, which continues from Tuesday through Thursday, features several never-before-seen prototypes and refinements to existing display technologies. Display Week, organized by the Society for Information Display, remains a key showcase for cutting-edge visual technologies, drawing researchers, engineers and tech giants from around the world. Among the highlights is a significantly upgraded version of Samsung’s Electroluminescence Quantum Dot (EL-QD) display. The newest iteration reaches a peak brightness of 400 nits — a 50 percent increase from the 250-nit model introduced at last year’s show. Unlike current QD-OLED displays, which use photoluminescence — where light from an OLED source is filtered through quantum dots — the EL-QD emits light directly from red, green and blue quantum dots using electrical signals, eliminating the need for an OLED layer entirely. Samsung Display is also exhibiting its "Sensor OLED Display," which integrates organic photodiodes directly into the OLED panel. This allows for fingerprint recognition across the entire screen, rather than being confined to a designated area. The display can also measure biometric data such as heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels and even detect atrial fibrillation. The technology, featured earlier this year in the journal Nature Communications, is being demonstrated through an interactive “digital dalgona game” that responds to laser light rather than touch. The company is also debuting its highest-resolution OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) panel to date — a 5,000 pixels-per-inch RGB display with a brightness of up to 15,000 nits. Despite its compact 1.4-inch size, similar to a smartwatch screen, the display boasts a refresh rate of 120Hz and covers up to 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, delivering greater pixel density than even 8K televisions. Samsung is also presenting a 4,200 PPI version with an even more dazzling peak brightness of 20,000 nits, an increase from previous iterations unveiled at SID 2024 and CES 2025. Visitors to Samsung’s booth can explore a range of forward-looking form factors. These include a microLED-based stretchable display, first unveiled last year, now shown creating a 3D topographic map with simultaneous protrusions. Concept devices include the “Flexible Briefcase,” an 18.1-inch foldable OLED panel that transforms into a bag-like form with a handle, and the “Polygon Foldable,” which features a trapezoid-shaped 3.38-inch OLED on the exterior of a flip-style phone. 2025-05-13 13:59:19