Cambodia scam networks and Korean deaths expose youth struggles at home SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - The murder of a South Korean student kidnapped for forced crime in Cambodia has shocked the nation — and exposed the hidden world of young Koreans trapped in Southeast Asia's online-scam networks. The body of a 22-year-old university student, surnamed Park, was found near Bokor Mountain in southern Cambodia in early August after his family received a ransom call. Cambodian police later arrested several Chinese nationals suspected of running the online fraud compound where Park had been held. Seoul dispatched investigators and conducted a joint autopsy to determine the cause of death. Data suggest Park's case is far from isolated. According to the Ministry of Justice, the number of South Koreans who traveled to Cambodia but never returned has surged from just 113 in 2021 to 3,209 in 2022, 2,662 in 2023, and 3,248 in 2024. As of August this year, 864 travelers remained unaccounted for. The spike mirrors a wider regional phenomenon. Similar trafficking, scam, and illegal-gambling operations have surfaced across Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. South Korean dramas such as Taxi Driver 2 have even depicted the brutal scam compounds exploiting foreign workers. "This isn't just about Cambodia," said a South Korean businessman who has worked in the Philippines for 15 years. "After Manila tightened its crackdown, many groups simply moved to Cambodia. Some still operate under the radar in the Philippines." Public outrage deepened after a recording surfaced of Park pleading with his family during ransom negotiations. The government reacted belatedly — sending senior diplomats to Phnom Penh, summoning the Cambodian ambassador on Oct. 10, imposing a travel ban on high-risk areas on Oct. 16, and performing a joint autopsy. "The government's response began only after the media coverage," said Lee Man-jong, honorary professor of police and law at Howon University. "By the time investigators arrived, the suspects were gone. It’s a classic case of policy catching up to outrage." Washington's latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report kept Cambodia at Tier 3, the lowest ranking, citing official complicity in online-scam trafficking. It found senior Cambodian officials had “financially benefited from the forced criminality and forced labor of victims." Experts warn the tragedy reflects deeper domestic woes. The youth unemployment rate hovers around 5 percent this year, according to KOSIS. Economic insecurity and temporary jobs continue to drive many young people to seek quick overseas opportunities. Many victims are unemployed young Koreans, lured by social-media ads for "high-paying overseas part-time jobs." "In Europe and the U.S., AI systems automatically flag job posts linked to trafficking, and platforms that fail to do so face legal consequences,” Lee noted. “That’s prevention-based governance — and it’s time we adopt it.” 2025-10-20 17:41:33

Hyunmoo-5 deployment to begin by year-end amid rising North Korean ICBM threat SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - South Korea will begin deploying its 8-ton "Hyunmoo-5" ballistic missile by the end of this year, as part of its effort to reinforce deterrence against North Korea's advancing nuclear threat. The Defense Ministry confirmed the plan to AJP on Friday, saying the Hyunmoo-5 — dubbed the "monster missile" for its unprecedented payload — has entered the operational fielding phase and is planned for mass production, with deployment set to begin by year-end. The Hyunmoo-5, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with an estimated warhead wight of eight tons, was first unveiled during last year's Armed Forces Day ceremony. The missile was designed to strike underground bunkers and command posts, as North Korea conceals much of its weapons infrastructure underground, serving as a key asset in Seoul's Korean Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) strategy — one of the three pillars of the nation's defense framework, alongside the Kill Chain and Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) systems. Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek recently said in an interview with Yonhap that a next-generation missile system with greater range and payload capacity is also under development to reinforce what officials describe as a credible conventional deterrent against Pyongyang's growing nuclear arsenal. "The Hyunmoo-5 was designed both as a deterrent against North Korea's advancing nuclear capabilities and as a powerful means of retaliation should deterrence fail," said Shin Seung-ki, research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). He added that its operational impact could be comparable to a nuclear weapon depending on how it is employed. Pyongyang recently unveiled its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Worker's Party, escalating concerns over its strategic reach. The new weapon is believed to be a solid-fuel, multi-stage ICBM with an estimated range of around 15,000 kilometers, potentially capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. In comparing the two systems, analysts note that Hyunmoo-5's heavier warhead weight, Mach-level speed, and bunker-penetrating design are optimized for neutralizing underground command facilities, while Hwasong-20's strength lies in strategic nuclear deterrence and long-range strike capability. "If North Korea has dug more than 100 meters to hide key command posts or important weapons systems, we now possess a weapon capable of destroying those sites," Shin said. "Just as we feel threatened by North Korea's nuclear arsenal, they can regard the Hyunmoo-5 as a comparable threat." Since North Korea currently has no ballistic-missile interception capability, there is effectively no system that can stop Hyunmoo series once launched. There was also a strategic rationale behind the decision to reveal the weapon. Systems like the Hyunmoo-5 had not been publicly displayed before, and details such as production volume and deployment schedules usually remain classified — a rare disclosure that also signals Seoul's intent to project confidence in its conventional deterrence amid escalating tensions on the peninsula. 2025-10-17 16:26:29

Korean battery biz in US back to normal after damage control SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Business operations in the United States are returning to normal for South Korean battery makers six weeks after the turmoil in Georgia that led to the arrest of Korean engineers and the temporary suspension of cross-border work. The recovery follows a bilateral agreement between Seoul and Washington that clarified visa rules for technical staff, removing the uncertainty that disrupted factory operations. LG Energy Solution said its employees resumed business trips to the U.S. on Monday, focusing on essential personnel dispatched to both construction sites for equipment setup and operating facilities. "The safety of our employees and partners is our top priority," said an official from LG Energy Solution, adding that the company is committed to ensuring all business travelers feel safe and supported as they return to work. According to a fact sheet published by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, travelers admitted under ESTA may engage in the "same activities as contemplated for a B-1 visa holder," and those entering to "install, service, or repair commercial or industrial equipment or machinery purchased from a company outside the United States" are eligible to do so under the B-1 category. It further specifies that such workers must have "unique knowledge essential to the seller's contractual obligation," while "building or construction work" remains excluded except for supervisory or training roles. The clarification effectively resolves the ambiguity that led to the detentions of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution engineers working at a Georgia joint-venture plant. Following the update, SK On is also gradually dispatching essential personnel to their U.S. construction and equipment sites. The diplomatic process unfolded quickly: the first U.S.-South Korea Business Travel and Visa Working Group meeting convened in Washington on Sept. 30, less than a month after the incident. Further signaling normalization, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is scheduled to visit Seoul from Oct. 23 to 25 to meet executives from LG Energy Solution, SK On, Hyundai Motor Group and CJ Foodville, all of which have major investments in Georgia. The meetings are expected to reaffirm the state's partnership with South Korean investors and demonstrate that the incident has not derailed ongoing collaboration. Beyond the travel resumption, South Korean battery makers are also accelerating a shift from electric-vehicle production lines to energy storage systems (ESS) to meet growing demand from AI-driven data centers. Following the phaseout of U.S. electric-vehicle subsidies last month, EV demand has slowed, but the need for large-scale energy storage has surged. Observers said converting EV lines to ESS facilities typically takes six months to a year, and the three major Korean battery firms are racing to secure an early lead in the market. LG Energy Solution recently reported its preliminary earnings for the third quarter of 2025, posting 5.7 trillion won (about $4.2 billion) in revenue and 601.3 billion won (about $445 million) in operating profit – signaling recovery momentum supported by higher ESS output in North America. Since many South Korean battery companies building factories in the U.S. rely on the expertise of Korean engineers dispatched under ESTA and B-1 business visas, the recent clarification of U.S. visa rules has provided crucial relief for ongoing operations. 2025-10-16 16:21:56

Hanwha Aerospace on a roll on soaring global defense spending Editor's Note: This article is the 39th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, global defense spending has soared. Europe's rush to rearm has opened new markets for Asian manufacturers, pushing South Korea into the front line of the world's fast-growing arms trade. Among the companies leading this surge is Hanwha Aerospace, which has evolved from a domestic supplier into one of Asia's most active defense exporters. Global rearmament and Hanwha Aerospace's rise So-called "K-defense" exports jumped from $7.2 billion in 2021 to $17.3 billion in 2022, according to South Korea's defense ministry. SIPRI — a Stockholm-based institute that tracks international arms transfers — ranked Seoul among the world's top 10 arms exporters, alongside the United States, France, Russia, China and Germany. The surge, fueled by competitive pricing and flexible production, marks a structural shift in the nation's export portfolio long dominated by semiconductors, cars and ships. At the center of this export boom stands Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea's largest defense contractor by sales. Since 2022, the company has secured a series of contracts with Poland, including billions of dollars' worth of K9 self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. These deals were followed by exports of Redback infantry fighting vehicles to Australia and new artillery and ammunition agreements with Romania, reflecting a broader push into NATO and EU markets. Founded in 1977 as Samsung Precision, Hanwha Aerospace began with aircraft engines and joined Hanwha Group in 2015. It has since grown into South Korea's leading defense manufacturer, spanning technologies from artillery systems to space propulsion. A soaring stock and divided performance The company's rapid expansion has also been mirrored in financial markets. Hanwha Aerospace's stock has surged nearly twentyfold since early 2022—just before the Ukraine war—jumping from around 50,000 won (about $36) to more than 1 million won (about $720) this year. "The surge in Hanwha's stock was largely driven by its export deals with Poland following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine," said Lee Hangyeol, senior analyst at Kiwoom Securities. "Those contracts significantly boosted earnings in the land systems division." Still, risks remain. Defense orders are cyclical and often subject to shifts in global security priorities. The sustainability of Hanwha's export momentum depends on continued demand and its ability to scale production efficiently. Lee added that while the company's land systems remain highly profitable, "the aerospace segment needs greater focus on R&D, particularly in indigenous engine development, to build new growth momentum." In fact, in its latest earnings report for the second quarter of 2025, Hanwha Aerospace's overall operating profit rose 156 percent year-on-year to 865 billion won (about $630 million), driven largely by surging demand in its land systems division. However, the company's aerospace segment posted a 1.8 percent loss. From firepower to future technology Beyond defense exports, Hanwha Aerospace is investing heavily in AI-based unmanned systems, advanced propulsion technologies and satellite engines — areas that bridge defense and commercial innovation. The company played a key role in the country's Nuri space launch project and continues to expand its aerospace portfolio, positioning itself at the intersection of national security and space technology. Analysts expect Hanwha Aerospace's defense business to remain solid in the coming years, as defense spending continues to rise across Europe and the Middle East. "This isn't just a short-term boom," Lee said. "Structural growth in overseas defense projects, combined with persistent geopolitical tensions, would keep exports expanding. As a result, Hanwha's stock is likely to maintain its upward trend over the medium to long term." 2025-10-16 09:00:00

South Korean first responders fight trauma without aid or support SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - "When I broke the window and stepped inside, I realized I had stepped on a dead body." Lee Chang-seok, a 19-year veteran firefighter, still remembers one of the first fires he responded to in his first year on the job. The fire had already spread through the building—a restaurant below and a home above—and the windows were sealed shut by signboards. "They tried to escape through the window," he recalled. "But the signs blocked them. A mother, her daughter and a tutor—all found dead by the window." The memory of that night—the feel of what was under his boots—never left him. Even years later, the scenes witnessed return without warning. Since the Itaewon crowd crush in 2022, which killed 159 people during Halloween festivities in Seoul's Itaewon, trauma among South Korea's first responders has drawn growing concern. Two firefighters who responded to the Itaewon disaster took their own lives this year, reigniting questions about the country's mental-health safety net for those who rush toward danger. A National Fire Agency survey shows that 7.2 percent of firefighters were at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 5.2 percent showed suicide risk last year. Yet many remain reluctant to seek help. Police officers face similar struggles. Between 2020 and 2022, the number treated for depression rose by 67 percent, while PTSD treatments increased nearly 50 percent, according to the National Police Agency and the National Health Insurance Service. National Assembly records show that between 2018 and 2022, at least 105 officers took their own lives, with mental health issues cited as the cause in 44 cases. Voices from the Field Firefighters like Lee say the emotional toll of the job hides behind a culture of restraint. "There's a general perception in our society that getting therapy means you're weak," he said. "It's the same among firefighters—but it carries even more weight for us. Our team leaders give orders that put us inside burning buildings, so they avoid showing any sign of weakness. That mindset runs deep.” Inside the firehouse, colleagues talk about operations, not emotions. "We only talk about it with colleagues who were at the scene," Lee said. "We don't tell our families or those who weren't there. It's too painful, and we don't want them to imagine it." For many, coping becomes a personal effort. Lee spends weekends camping or working out, exhausting himself so sleep will come more easily. Institutional Reality Despite years of discussion, South Korea's safety-and-rescue agencies still lack a consistent system for mental-health care. The National Fire Agency runs Healing Centers and Mobile Psychological Support Units, while the National Police Agency operates Trauma Recovery Clinics. But staff shortages and brief, irregular counseling leave many responders without proper care. One counselor may be responsible for hundreds of personnel, and sessions can be as brief as 20 minutes every few months. "PTSD isn't something you treat every three months," Lee said. "You need follow-up care, sometimes medication, and a real treatment system. Not just 20 or 30 minutes of talk." Every firefighter who attended a major disaster—such as the Itaewon crowd crush or the Muan airport accident that killed more than a hundred people—is required to complete post-incident counseling sessions, but there is still no legal mandate for continued treatment. System Gaps Other countries have moved faster to institutionalize mental-health protection for first responders. In the United States, more than half of states now recognize PTSD as a work-related injury, ensuring full medical coverage and compensation for firefighters and police. The United Kingdom runs the nationwide Blue Light Program, offering free, confidential counseling and resilience training across all emergency-service branches. South Korea, by contrast, still treats trauma support as a discretionary service rather than an entitlement. "Abroad, PTSD is acknowledged as a professional risk," said Oh Eun-kyung, a counseling psychologist and professor at the Air Force Education and Training Command. She said the Fire Agency and the Police Agency operate counseling and trauma centers, but their services remain limited compared with other countries. "Firefighters live with chronic exposure to crisis," Oh said. "They need regular check-ups, not one-time interventions. Prevention, early response, and long-term management should all be part of one cycle." Cultural Barriers Experts say South Korea still struggles to break the stigma surrounding mental health. "Many first responders still think seeking help means they've failed to endure," Oh said. "But trauma is not weakness—it's a natural human response to extreme stress. They need to be told that healing is part of duty, not a sign of fragility." She proposed a nationwide roadmap covering an entire career cycle, from recruitment to retirement, including regular psychological check-ups, anonymous counseling options, and partnerships with mental-health hospitals for specialized treatment. Lee believes post-disaster counseling should be mandatory, noting that delays of weeks or months in getting a counseling appointment often render treatment meaningless. "If someone finally decides to see a psychiatrist or counselor, and then has to wait four to six weeks for an appointment, that window is already lost," he said. 2025-10-15 17:41:05

Pyongyang's new ICBM blends technical ambition with political theater SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - North Korea unveiled a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, during a military parade in Pyongyang last Friday, underscoring its continued drive to advance long-range missile capabilities—possibly with Russian assistance—and to strengthen its leverage ahead of any potential resumption of dialogue with the United States. The Oct. 10 parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, showcased North Korea's latest strategic weapons, including new hypersonic and cruise missiles. Senior officials from China, Russia, and Vietnam attended as VIPs, highlighting Pyongyang's bid to demonstrate solidarity within the emerging "neo-Cold War" axis. The Hwasong-20 is believed to be an upgraded solid-fuel ICBM featuring a high-thrust engine and a carbon-fiber composite motor casing. North Korea claims the new engine can generate up to 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust—roughly enough to lift 200 tons. Unlike traditional solid-fuel engines that rely on heavy metal casings, the use of a carbon-fiber composite shell reduces weight, allows for larger propellant capacity, and boosts thrust efficiency—critical advantages for long-range missile performance. Visually, the missile's diameter appears slightly larger than its predecessor, the Hwasong-19, and its rounder nose suggests room for additional re-entry vehicles—detachable warheads capable of targeting multiple locations, an essential feature of modern ICBMs. The 11-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL) appears unchanged, and analysts estimate the Hwasong-20 could have a theoretical range of up to 15,000 kilometers, enough to strike the U.S. mainland. "Overall, the Hwasong-20 looks almost identical to the Hwasong-19, using the same TEL," said Shin Seung-ki, research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). "The missile's nose appears slightly rounder, which may allow it to carry more re-entry vehicles—perhaps six to eight compared with four or five on the Hwasong-19." Shin added that Russian technical support or materials may have contributed to the upgrade, citing the deepening military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Despite the apparent sophistication, experts remain cautious about the missile's actual capabilities. The Hwasong-20 has so far undergone only ground testing and has not yet been flight-tested, leaving its real-world performance unproven. South Korea's Unification Ministry noted that while Kim Jong-un avoided direct mention of the U.S. or South Korea in his speech, the display itself carried a clear strategic signal. "From North Korea's perspective, unveiling this type of strategic weapon itself carries a message to South Korea and the U.S.," ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam said Monday in Seoul. Analysts see the parade as Pyongyang's latest effort to position itself as a de facto nuclear power on par with Russia and China. "North Korea's message is clear," said Yang Uk, research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. "Pyongyang is signaling that it can strike the U.S., that it sees itself standing shoulder to shoulder with Russia and China, and that no one should expect it to give up its nuclear weapons." 2025-10-13 16:46:48

How Seoul blends K-pop, tech and diplomacy at APEC SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - This year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit arrives at a tense moment of tariff wars between allies and rivals, but host South Korea is showcasing a deft blend of diplomacy, technology and cultural soft power. The two-day leaders’ summit, beginning Oct. 31, will cover supply chain security, digital trade rules and climate cooperation. Alongside the traditional agenda, Seoul is infusing the stage with high technology and K-pop, highlighting both its economic strengths and cultural appeal. The official slogan of this year’s APEC is “Connect, Innovate, Prosper.” South Korea intends to spotlight trade liberalization, digital economy governance and climate action. The political centerpiece will be the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping—closely watched for any mention of shared interests, including North Korea. Cultural diplomacy features prominently. G-Dragon, the K-pop icon, has been named envoy for the summit. The APEC Music Festa on Oct. 10 at Gyeongju Civic Stadium will feature groups such as Billlie, NCT WISH, Yena, ONF, ONEUS and WEi. Beyond K-pop, programs will showcase Korea’s heritage: the Seorabeol Pungnyu traditional performance series at historic sites, a Nam June Paik exhibition at the Wooyang Museum of Contemporary Art, Scent of Korea in Silla at the Solgeo Art Museum, and the Future Heritage Craft Exhibition. Culture also earned a new spot on the APEC agenda. In August, Gyeongju hosted the first High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries, marking the bloc’s first formal recognition of culture as a subject of economic cooperation. Technology is the other showpiece. The Future-Tech Forum (Oct. 27-30) will convene discussions on artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, digital transformation and retail innovation. The K-Tech Showcase will highlight advances from Korean startups, as well as Samsung, Hyundai, SK and international partners. At the APEC CEO Summit, global executives including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are slated to attend. Still, questions remain about substance. Some critics warn that the event risks becoming more spectacle than policy. Koo Min-gyo, professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Administration, said APEC has historically had limited impact and questioned the choice of Gyeongju as venue. “Hosting an international event should be about setting the agenda and making the country’s voice heard on the international stage,” he said. “In this case, it was driven purely by domestic politics.” 2025-10-02 15:28:53

N. Korea returns to UN podium, building up diplomatic portfolio SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - North Korea has returned to the United Nations for the first time in seven years, suggesting renewed confidence after the powerful display of its leader standing alongside the heads of China and Russia earlier this month. Taking the podium at the UN General Assembly on Monday, North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong openly defied UN resolutions, reiterating that Pyongyang would "never give up nuclear weapons under any circumstances." He argued the arsenal ensures a balance of power on the Korean Peninsula against what he described as U.S.-led "war rehearsals." Still, he left the door open to cooperation with countries that respect and treat the North "in a friendly way." The UN return follows a flurry of recent diplomatic activity, starting with a symbolic photo-op at China's "Victory Day" parade in Beijing, where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un mingled with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Three weeks later, North's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui returned to Beijing for separate meetings with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi last Sunday and Premier Li Qiang the following day. Choe stressed Pyongyang's "consistent position to strengthen and develop the two countries' friendship and cooperation to meet the needs of the present era," while praising China's growing global stature. Pyongyang's newfound confidence partly owes to friendly overtures from U.S. President Donald Trump. During his summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung last month, Trump said he hoped to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before the year ends. Analysts speculate Pyongyang is seeking to elevate its international profile to strengthen its position should negotiations with Washington resume. "North Korea's message is clear. It wants to be recognized as a nuclear state," said Oh Gyeong-seob, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. He added that Trump's remarks about Kim appear to have encouraged Pyongyang to take a "more active stance." Oh also expressed concern over remarks from Seoul. South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Monday that North Korea has become one of only three countries capable of striking the U.S. mainland—an unusually blunt acknowledgement. "The claim itself is problematic, and it risks signaling that Seoul is effectively recognizing North Korea as a nuclear-armed state. The statement cannot be appropriate for a unification minister," Oh warned. 2025-09-30 17:06:17

Xi's appearance at N. Korea's military parade quietly speculated after foreign ministers' meeting SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - Speculation is cautiously building up over the possibility of Chinese President Xi Jinping making a ceremonial appearance at a military parade in Pyongyang next month, timed with the 80th anniversary of North Korea's Workers' Party. Such a trip would be seen as a reciprocal gesture after Kim Jong-un's train journey to Beijing earlier this month to attend China's "Victory Day" military extravaganza, as foreign ministers from the two countries held talks in Beijing. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Sunday, shortly after their encounter during Kim’s visit. The two sides reached "complete agreement" on regional and international issues, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Monday, without elaboration. Choe praised China’s growing global stature, citing Beijing's "Victory Day" celebrations as proof of its "historic achievements and comprehensive strength." She reiterated Kim’s view that the two countries' friendship "will never change regardless of international circumstances." Wang hailed Choe's visit as the first senior-level delegation to arrive in Beijing after the September summit, noting that "The Xi-Kim summit set out the direction and a blueprint for taking China–North Korea relations to a new, higher stage." It was also Choe's first solo trip to China since becoming foreign minister in June 2022. Given the renewed warmth, Beijing is expected to send a high-profile delegation to the Oct. 10 anniversary. If Xi attends, it would be his first visit to North Korea since 2019. Still, many analysts say the timing makes a Xi appearance unlikely. "With major domestic political meetings and the APEC summit ahead, October is not the right time for Xi to make a trip to Pyongyang," said Lee Dong-gyu, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. Jung Byoung-kon, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, agreed: "While such a trip would be welcomed by Pyongyang, it risks reinforcing a new Cold War alignment, which is not in China's long-term national interest." Xi is expected to visit Gyeongju, South Korea, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Oct. 31-Nov. 1, with Beijing and Washington signaling plans for the first in-person Xi-Trump meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's second term. With or without Xi, Pyongyang is preparing a spectacular Oct. 10 celebration. North Korea typically marks major milestones—especially every five or ten years—with large-scale events, including military parades and mass performances. Satellite imagery analyzed by Seoul-based SI Analytics shows North Korea has been preparing for one of its largest-ever military parades at Mirim Airfield in Pyongyang, involving at least 14,000 personnel and some 700 trucks. Preparations have lasted more than five months—far longer than the usual two to three—suggesting a scale surpassing the 2023 parade. The report said new weapons, possibly including the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile and AI-enabled drones, could be unveiled, alongside mass gymnastics performances. 2025-09-29 16:02:33

Trump's Tylenol vitriol upsets Korean moms-to-be, Seoul backs safety SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump's comments linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism have rattled some expectant mothers in South Korea, sparking anxiety and anger, while Korean health authorities firmly denied any scientific connection. At a White House press conference Monday, Trump said he would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restrict acetaminophen-based medicines such as Tylenol during pregnancy, except in cases of severe need such as high fever. He cited statistics showing autism prevalence in the U.S. has risen nearly fourfold since 2000, urging pregnant women and children to avoid the drug altogether. Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, rejected the claim, stressing that scientific studies have found no causal link between acetaminophen and autism. In Korea, the remarks unsettled some mothers-to-be. "I've taken two Tylenol tablets recently," said Ryu Ji-yeon, 31, who is in her 31st week of pregnancy. "I'm a little nervous after hearing the report, even though the authorities say it is safe." Others expressed frustration. "Pregnant women already endure constant pain and take Tylenol only when it's truly necessary, but such uncertain claims make mothers feel guilty," said Ko Hye-ri, also 31 weeks pregnant. "Some may even avoid taking it despite having a high fever, which could pose greater risks to the baby." For many, however, the news barely registered. "I've taken Tylenol for headaches but didn't feel concerned," said Choi Young-hee, 35, in her 32nd week. "It's basically the only pain reliever available in pregnancy, and I've read experts saying there's no link to autism." Several other women echoed that view, noting they trusted doctors' guidance and that untreated pain or fever could be more harmful than the medication itself. Tylenol, some said, is practically seen as the "pregnancy medicine." Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Thursday reiterated that acetaminophen can be used safely during pregnancy under medical supervision. It stressed there is no evidence linking the drug to autism, while recommending that daily intake stay below 4,000 milligrams and be guided by a physician's advice. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association and the World Health Organization have both emphasized that acetaminophen is a well-established, safe option for pregnant women when used appropriately. Autism diagnoses have also risen in Korea. Government data show the number of registered individuals with autism spectrum disorders rose nearly 40 percent, from about 26,700 in 2018 to more than 37,000 in 2022. Experts note the increase may reflect not only actual growth in cases but also broader diagnostic criteria and more families registering for government support. More recent data have yet to be released. 2025-09-26 16:25:03