Samsung Electronics vice chairman dies of cardiac arrest Samsung Electroncis Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee/ Courtesy of Samsung Electronics SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Han Jong-hee, vice chairman and co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, has died of sudden cardiac arrest, the company announced Tuesday. He was 63. "Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-hee passed away today," Samsung Electronics said in a statement. "We pray for the deceased who dedicated 37 years to the company." Han joined Samsung's visual display development team in 1988, rising through the ranks to lead the television business in 2017. He was later promoted to co-CEO and head of the Device Experience (DX) division, overseeing the company’s consumer electronics, including TVs, smartphones, and home appliances. Known for his meticulous approach and gentle leadership, Han was credited with strengthening Samsung's premium TV strategy, including the development of QLED TVs, which helped solidify the company's global market dominance. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at Samsung Seoul Hospital. 2025-03-25 13:38:44

Hyundai Motor Group to invest $21 billion in US, aligning with Trump trade push SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group announced on Tuesday that it will invest $21 billion in the United States over the next four years, significantly expanding its American footprint as it seeks to align with the Trump administration’s industrial and trade policies. The pledge, made by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun during a joint appearance with President Donald Trump at the White House, brings the South Korean conglomerate’s total U.S. investment to $41.5 billion. It marks the first major commitment by a South Korean firm since Trump began his second term. The investment will support a broad range of initiatives, including an expansion of the Metaplant America’s production capacity in Georgia from 300,000 to 500,000 vehicles annually. Hyundai also plans to construct an electric arc furnace steel mill in Louisiana capable of producing 2.7 million tons of steel each year. Additional funds will go toward partnerships with American firms in artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as investments in energy infrastructure. “Hyundai will be producing steel in America — and its cars,” Trump said during the announcement. “As a result, they will not have to pay any tariffs.” His remarks come just days before the administration is expected to unveil a new framework for country-specific reciprocal tariffs on April 2. The comments have fueled speculation that companies making sizable investments in the United States could receive exemptions from future trade penalties. The White House has repeatedly held up Hyundai as a model for foreign firms responding to U.S. trade policy. In recent months, it has cited the company four times as an example of how tariff threats can drive domestic investment. Hyundai’s announcement also dovetails with the administration’s efforts to revitalize American manufacturing, particularly in sectors like steel. Earlier this year, Trump blocked the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns. Industry analysts say Hyundai’s move reflects a broader strategic calculation, as businesses navigate an evolving trade landscape. Speaking at the White House, Trump reiterated his administration’s stance, saying “Flexibility is an important word” when it comes to tariff exceptions. The president has previously granted exemptions to Mexico and Canada at the urging of the U.S. automotive industry, suggesting similar accommodations may be extended to firms with substantial domestic operations. Hyundai, which first entered the American market in 1986, has invested $20.5 billion in the United States to date. The new $21 billion pledge represents a more-than-doubling of its cumulative U.S. investment. 2025-03-25 09:46:08

Chinese e-commerce firms eye S. Korea amid US tariff uncertainty SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Growing uncertainty over potential changes to U.S. trade policy is fueling concern in South Korea that Chinese e-commerce giants may deepen their foothold in the Korean market, potentially triggering wider economic repercussions. Last month, the Trump administration announced plans to scrap the long-standing “de minimis” exemption for imports from China, Canada and Mexico — a duty-free threshold that currently allows goods valued under $800 to enter the United States without incurring tariffs, so long as they are intended for personal use. Although the White House has since delayed implementation, the proposed rollback has prompted speculation over how Chinese exporters may adapt. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 60 percent of the $64.6 billion in duty-free shipments under the de minimis provision originates from China. If access to the U.S. market becomes more restricted, trade officials warn, Chinese sellers could reroute shipments through other countries — including South Korea. AliExpress and Temu, two of China’s fastest-growing online retail platforms, have already made significant inroads in South Korea. In January 2025, they surpassed several local competitors to become the country’s second- and third-most downloaded shopping apps, trailing only Coupang. The rapid rise of Chinese platforms has coincided with a broader shift in South Korea’s online trade balance. In 2019, the nation posted a surplus of 2.37 trillion won in e-commerce. By 2024, that figure had reversed to a deficit of 6.24 trillion won. Trade with China has seen an even more dramatic turnaround, from a surplus of 4.52 trillion won to a deficit of 3.8 trillion won over the same period. “If Chinese e-commerce companies choose Korea as a detour route for exports to the U.S., Korea may also be targeted by U.S. import sanctions,” the Korea International Trade Association said in a statement. The organization added that American authorities are already stepping up investigations into efforts by Chinese firms to circumvent trade rules. Trade experts are urging Korean companies to monitor developments in U.S. tariff policy closely. Some suggest the shifting landscape may present opportunities for Korean exporters to capture market share in the United States, particularly by appealing to high-income consumer segments such as older Americans through tailored marketing and specialized products. 2025-03-24 16:34:05

Chinese premium EV maker Zeekr enters Korean market SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle brand under China’s Geely Automotive Group, has formally entered the South Korean market, signaling a deeper push into the global EV industry and following in the footsteps of budget rival BYD. According to corporate registration filings with South Korea’s Supreme Court, Zeekr has established a local subsidiary, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Korea. The company's stated objectives include the import, distribution, sales, and servicing of automobiles and related products. The Korean unit will be led by Cao Yu, Zeekr’s East Asia head, with Kim Nam-ho, a former executive at Polestar Korea, appointed as an internal director. The move comes after Zeekr completed trademark registration for its logo in South Korea on March 17. Industry analysts expect the brand to debut in the country with the 7X, a midsize electric SUV that has already been trademarked locally. The 7X features a maximum output of 639 horsepower and a driving range of 543 kilometers on a single charge. It accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.8 seconds. In Europe, the all-wheel-drive version retails for approximately 63,000 euros (about 100 million won), while the rear-wheel-drive variant is priced at 53,000 euros (roughly 84 million won). Founded in 2021, Zeekr has experienced rapid growth. Annual sales rose from 71,941 vehicles in 2022 to 118,585 in 2023, and reached 222,123 units in 2024. The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2024, raising $440 million in its initial public offering to support continued international expansion. 2025-03-24 15:05:31

LG OLED TVs sweep Consumer Reports rankings SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - LG Electronics has swept the latest television rankings from Consumer Reports, securing all ten of the top spots with its OLED Evo models — a remarkable feat that underscores the company's growing dominance in the premium TV segment in the United States. According to the firm on Monday, all ten top-rated televisions in the influential consumer guide earned scores of 88 points or higher, with LG’s 55-, 65-, and 77-inch OLED Evo G4 models each receiving 90 points — the highest ratings awarded to any television since 2019. The 65-inch G4 model was singled out by Consumer Reports as “one of the best TVs you can buy,” praised for its “excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, unlimited viewing angles.” The publication, known for purchasing and testing products independently without accepting advertising or sponsorships, noted the model had “no downsides.” Beyond its sweep of the top ten, LG also claimed 13 of the 17 TVs rated 87 points or higher. The remaining four were OLED models from rival Samsung. By contrast, premium LCD sets from Chinese manufacturers Hisense and TCL fared poorly, with Hisense’s 85-inch UX model scoring just 74 points, and TCL’s 65-inch QM851G earning 73. The North American market remains a critical battleground for high-end televisions. According to market research firm Omdia, the region accounts for 28.8 percent of global shipments for TVs priced above $1,500 and 30.6 percent of those priced over $2,500. OLED technology now dominates those brackets, representing nearly 60 percent of shipments above $1,500 — and more than 80 percent in the $2,500-and-up category. 2025-03-24 13:54:22

4 dead, thousands evacuated as wildfires ravage southeastern S. Korea SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - At least four people were killed and six others injured as wildfires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, swept through the nation’s southeastern region. The fires also forced the evacuation of approximately 1,500 residents. The blaze began on Friday in Sancheong-gun before spreading to other areas. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, all four victims were discovered in Sancheong. Of the six people injured, five suffered serious harm. “The wildfires are rapidly spreading due to dry weather, posing a grave threat to people’s lives,” Lee Han-kyung, deputy chief of the nation’s disaster response agency, said during a disaster response meeting. He pledged an all-out effort to bring the situation under control. Firefighters have struggled to contain the fast-moving flames, with about 30 helicopters deployed to combat the blazes. As of early Sunday, officials said the fire in Sancheong was about 30 percent contained. More than 3,286 hectares of land has been scorched, with over 1,000 hectares destroyed in both Euiseong in North Gyeongsang Province and Sancheong. Authorities have evacuated around 1,500 people to temporary shelters. 2025-03-23 16:02:13

Three Korean women missing near Grand Canyon, search intensifies SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - Three Korean women, traveling from the Grand Canyon toward Las Vegas, have been missing for 10 days, prompting authorities in Arizona to intensify their search. The women, identified as Lee, 33; Kim, 59, her mother; and Kim, 54, her sister, were reported missing after they failed to arrive for a scheduled flight back to South Korea from San Francisco on March 17, according to the Los Angeles Consulate General and local law enforcement. The women were last known to be traveling in a rented BMW on March 13. Tracking of the vehicle’s GPS placed them on Highway 40, west of the Grand Canyon, around 3:30 p.m. that day. The search has been complicated by the proximity of a major multi-vehicle collision that occurred on the same highway, roughly a mile from the GPS location, during a severe winter storm. The crash, involving 22 vehicles, resulted in two fatalities and 16 injuries, and several vehicles were destroyed by fire. Investigators have confirmed that the women’s cell phone signals were last detected in the vicinity of the crash site, and that there has been no subsequent credit card activity. However, authorities have not confirmed that the women’s vehicle was involved in the collision. Law enforcement agencies, including the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, have conducted extensive searches, including aerial surveillance. The authorities have also distributed missing person flyers with the women’s photographs. 2025-03-23 10:13:19

K-beauty on budget: Daiso's affordable finds for tourists, locals Editor's Note: This article marks the first in a series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. This series is designed to offer insights into the products, brands, and cultural shifts defining Korea’s beauty scene today. SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - Visitors to South Korea often joke about needing an extra suitcase just for beauty products. Yet, for first-time shoppers, navigating the country’s vast beauty market can be overwhelming. Amid an abundance of choices, Daiso’s budget-friendly K-beauty offerings have emerged as an unexpected favorite among both tourists and locals. “Daiso has the advantage of accessibility. The prices are affordable enough to try without much hesitation, and the portioned formats are consumer-friendly,” said Yeon, a Korean shopper in her twenties. “However, product quality varies. Some items perform well, while others can be disappointing.” Unlike its Japanese counterpart, Korean Daiso tailors its beauty products to local trends, incorporating popular K-beauty ingredients and formulations. However, consumer experiences can differ based on product quality, manufacturing standards, and individual skin types. For those eager to explore, here are three standout products worth trying. VT Cosmetics' Riddle Shot sold at Daiso/ Courtesy of Daiso Riddle Shot VT Cosmetics’ Riddle Shot line has gained significant consumer interest for its use of spicules — microscopic, needle-like particles that gently stimulate the skin. These products claim to promote pore refinement, skin regeneration, and improved absorption of active ingredients. When first introduced, the original Riddle Shot products were priced above 50,000 won for just 30ml, making them a costly gamble for consumers uncertain about their skin’s reaction. Daiso’s version, however, offers smaller, single-use sachets priced under 5,000 won. This budget-friendly alternative has maintained steady popularity, particularly among those looking for travel-friendly or trial-sized skincare solutions. Stick Cleansing Powder Enzyme cleansers, like Flor de Man’s Easy Stick Cleansing Powder, help exfoliate by breaking down dead skin cells and impurities. “For oily skin prone to congestion, enzyme-based cleansers can be beneficial,” said dermatologist Park, speaking with AJP. “However, as alkaline substances, they can disrupt the skin’s pH balance, so they should be used in moderation.” Personal testing once a week yielded results comparable to professional exfoliation treatments at dermatology clinics but at a fraction of the cost. Since availability varies by location, checking online before visiting a store is advised. Daiso also offers a wide range of face masks catering to different skin needs, from professional-grade modeling masks used in dermatology clinics to convenient stick-type masks for single-use applications. “It’s great to have a variety of affordable face masks without committing to a full-sized product that may not suit my skin,” said Lee, a woman in her thirties. She even repurposes masks that don’t work for her face as nourishing treatments for her hair. A Daiso official noted the growing demand for beauty and food products among international visitors. “Thanks to the popularity of K-beauty and K-food, foreign tourists frequently seek these items at Daiso. Our strength lies in our fixed-price model, with six standard price points (500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 won). Unlike Daiso branches in other countries, we differentiate ourselves by offering affordable yet high-value products. Additionally, we launch hundreds of new items each month.” For budget-conscious travelers eager to explore K-beauty without committing to high-end brands, Daiso’s skincare selections provide an accessible entry point — combining affordability with practicality and effectiveness. 2025-03-20 10:28:15

K-beauty YouTuber draws crowds at Leferi's latest Seoul pop-up SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - A new pop-up store by global beauty retail company Leferi is drawing throngs of visitors at The Hyundai Seoul department store, offering rare in-person consultations with Minsco, a prominent Korean beauty creator. Since its launch on March 14, "Minsco Select Store" has captivated fans eager to receive personalized makeup advice from the influencer, who has amassed more than 810,000 subscribers across social media. The store marks Leferi’s second foray into curated beauty retail, following the success of its "LeoJ Select Store" in Seoul’s Seongsu district last October, which attracted 46,400 visitors over three weeks and saw foreign customers accounting for up to 30 percent of daily sales. Minsco, often referred to as a "makeup master" by her followers, has personally curated a selection of products from 29 K-beauty brands, including Peripera, Clio, and Dear Dahlia. Unlike traditional cosmetics retailers that stock thousands of items, Leferi’s model narrows the focus to 54 carefully chosen products, employing an omnichannel strategy that integrates digital and physical shopping experiences. Special events such as "Private Retouching" sessions and "Personal Shopper with Minsco" appointments offer visitors a more tailored experience. “This is an innovative approach to beauty retail,” a Leferi spokesperson said, emphasizing the shift from mass-market distribution to a more selective and experiential model. Running through March 26, the two-week event gives visitors the opportunity to engage directly with Minsco, who holds national makeup certification and NCNS personal color consultant qualifications. Leferi, which has nurtured over 1,500 beauty creators and maintains a network of more than 800 domestic and international influencers, sees expansion on the horizon. In an interview with AJP, Leferi’s founder and Chairman, Inseok Choi, revealed plans to open a Tokyo store in October, four times larger than its Seoul predecessor. The expansion aims to attract local distributors and merchandisers, positioning Leferi’s “shoppertainment” concept on a global stage. 2025-03-19 15:55:06

SK hynix showcases advanced AI memory solutions at Nvidia's GTC 2025 SK hynix's HBM4 and SOCAMM on display at GTC 2025/ Courtesy of SK hynix SEOUL, March 19 (AJP) - SK hynix is making a prominent appearance at Nvidia’s Global AI Conference, GTC 2025, taking place from March 17 to 21. Under the theme “Memory, Powering AI and Tomorrow,” the company is showcasing a suite of cutting-edge memory products designed for artificial intelligence applications across data centers, on-device computing, and the automotive sector. Among the highlights of SK hynix’s exhibit is its HBM3E 12-layer high-bandwidth memory, a key component in next-generation AI processing. Also on display is the SOCAMM (Small Outline Compression Attached Memory Module), a technology gaining traction as a new memory standard for AI servers. Senior executives, including Chief Executive Kwak No-jung, AI Infrastructure President and Chief Marketing Officer Kim Joo-sun, and Executive Vice President Lee Sang-rak, are attending the event, seeking to strengthen collaborations with leading players in the AI industry. SK hynix was the first company to mass-produce fifth-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM3E) in a 12-layer configuration. The firm plans to complete preparations for mass production of its next-generation HBM4 12-layer products in the latter half of the year, with commercial availability aligned to customer demand. A prototype of the HBM4 module is also being showcased at the event. 2025-03-19 11:14:50