New presidential committee's appointment of K-pop impresario expected to boost tourism, drive economic benefits SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - With the surging popularity of K-pop and other megahit series of South Korean dramas and shows, the country has been experiencing a cultural renaissance lately, with expectations that it will expand further into global markets. To capitalize on the resurgence of the Korean Wave including the latest global hit like Netflix’s South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters," the government has launched a new presidential committee to further promote Korean culture and leverage it to boost tourism. The committee, launched early this week, aims to expand the global presence of South Korean pop culture, with K-pop impresario and founder of talent mill JYP Entertainment Park Jin-young appointed as co-chair along with Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young. Park, widely regarded as a pioneer of K-pop's early entry into the U.S. with his agency's girl band Wonder Girls making their American debut in the late 2000s, is an expert in grooming and nurturing young K-pop talents, having spent many years promoting K-pop overseas. In a post on Instagram, Park admitted that taking on a government role felt “burdensome and worrisome” for someone in the entertainment business but said it was an opportunity he could not pass up. While expressing the heavy responsibilities of taking on a "burdensome" role in a post on Instagram, Park said he could not resist the "opportunity." He then vowed to use all his experience and expertise to help more artists and young prospects gain opportunities and support their growth. Stressing that K-pop is "at a very special moment right now," he added that he wants it to serve not only as a "cultural showcase but also as a platform for global connection." Experts say the committee demonstrates the government’s determination to support related industries through policies as they expand on the global stage. Kenneth Chi Ho Kim, a professor at Hanyang University ERICA, told AJP on Wednesday that the establishment of the committee "shows the government's commitment to nurturing popular culture by collaborating more closely with the entertainment industry and other businesses to support its growth overseas." To strengthen the global competitiveness of the Korean Wave, he said, "Policy support, stronger cooperation between public and private sectors, and broader cultural exchanges would be essential, and the new committee is expected to take the lead in this process." Kim said Park's appointment is impressive, as it reflects the committee's willingness to bringing in experts who have played a key role in globalizing K-pop, adding that the move "reflects an effort to expand the global reach of Korean popular culture." Attention now turns to whether the committee can convert global buzz into meaningful growth for the tourism industry and generate broader economic benefits. Meanwhile, following the announcement of Park's appointment, shares of JYP Entertainment rose 2,000 won or 2.67 percent to close at 77,000 won later in the day. 2025-09-10 17:08:35

North Korea tests new solid-fuel engine for ICBMs SEOUL, September 9 (AJP) - North Korea tested a new high-thrust solid-fuel engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the reclusive country "conducted another ground jet test of a high-thrust solid-fuel engine using composite carbon fiber material," with its leader Kim Jong-un inspecting the test. KCNA said it was the "ninth ground jet test" of its kind and the "last one in the development process," capable of producing a maximum thrust of 1,971 kilonewtons, which is roughly equivalent to lifting 200 tons of weight. Kim praised the test as a "success assuming the most strategic nature in the recent modernization of defense technology," adding that it signals a "significant change in expanding and strengthening the nuclear strategic forces" of North Korea. Tuesday's test came about a week after KCNA hinted at a "new-type solid-fuel engine" intended for its Hwasong series of ICBMs, which it claims could reach the U.S. mainland. Unlike conventional solid-fuel engines, which typically use hardened propellants for rapid launches but are constrained by heavy metal shells that reduce performance, a carbon-fiber composite shell makes the engine lighter, allows it to carry more fuel, and generates greater thrust, making it suitable for long-range ICBMs. According to Shin Seung-ki, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), Pyongyang has already completed the development of ICBMs with sufficient range and now appears to be focusing on increasing thrust to carry more warheads. "North Korea is apparently aiming to mount more warheads on its ICBMs to step up its threat to the U.S.," Shin told Aju Press. He speculated that the engine's 200-ton thrust could allow the missiles to carry five to six warheads, compared with about 10 on U.S. ICBMs. 2025-09-09 11:34:27

Alliance reaffirmed, substance lacking: Korean-American lawmaker on Lee–Trump summit SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - Two weeks after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and the United States President Donald Trump held their first summit, U.S. lawmakers are offering mixed assessments, praising its reaffirmation of ties but also pointing to unresolved challenges such as defense costs and trade issues. Rep. Young Kim, a Republican from California and one of the first Korean American women elected to Congress, said the summit served as a "necessary reaffirmation" of the U.S.-South Korea alliance but fell short on substance. The public portion of the meeting "felt more like formalities between the two leaders than a substantive discussion on trade, defense cost-sharing, and broader security coordination issues," Kim told Aju Press in a written interview last week. "My key takeaway is that there is too much at stake in the U.S.-ROK proves through his actions – not just rhetoric – that he prioritizes the partnership as the foundation of security and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Likewise, it is important for our side to treat South Korea as a valued and respected ally." The lead-up to the White House talks was hardly smooth. Hours before the Oval Office meeting on August 25, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting political unrest in South Korea, which unsettled Lee's delegation. When reporters entered, Trump brought up alleged "church raids," which Lee countered by explaining that an independent prosecutor was investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle from the previous year, a matter unrelated to U.S. facilities. Trump quickly dismissed it as a misunderstanding. Later in the meeting, the tone shifted. Lee praised Trump as a "peace-maker" and cast himself as a "pace-maker" in inter-Korean relations, a remark widely interpreted as a gesture toward Trump's self-styled image as a dealmaker and his well-known interest in a Nobel Peace Prize. Rep. Kim, however, emphasized that the backdrop to any future U.S.-North Korea talks has grown far more dangerous. "We are facing a very different, more dangerous North Korea than the one we dealt with during the first Trump administration," she said, citing its defense treaty with Russia, a more sophisticated nuclear program and a recent statement by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister demanding recognition of the North as a nuclear state while rejecting denuclearization. The geopolitical divide was underscored about a week later in Beijing, when Kim Jong-un stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at China's "Victory Day" parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was the first such joint appearance in 66 years. With Kim Jong-un attending the parade with other members of "like-minded authoritarian regimes," the American congresswoman said, "it raises serious questions about his willingness to negotiate with the United States.” Even if Trump and North Korean leader were to meet again, Rep. Kim doubted that it would yield meaningful progress without tougher conditions. "To avoid a repeat of what we saw in 2019, the U.S. needs to come to terms with North Korea's nuclear reality and the threat it poses today," she said. She reiterated her opposition to South Korea's Sunshine Policy, a past initiative of engagement and aid toward Pyongyang, and to unilateral efforts to declare an end to the Korean War without "tangible commitments from North Korea to denuclearize, cease all illicit activities to evade sanctions, and improve the dire human rights situation." Although the two leaders exchanged warm words, Lee and Trump avoided some of the most sensitive alliance issues, including defense cost-sharing, U.S. troop levels and trade disputes. Observers say those matters will inevitably resurface. "President Trump has long made clear that he wanted South Korea to pay more for U.S. troops," Kim said, while voicing confidence that the alliance would remain "a beacon of stability in the region." She added that South Korea's "long history of hosting of U.S. forces in Pyeongtaek and its advanced shipbuilding and defense production capabilities" should enable the allies to reach a "mutually beneficial deal," while emphasizing Congress's "oversight role" in ensuring agreements reflect "America's long-term interests and strengthen deterrence." Kim said expanding Japan, South Korea and the U.S. cooperation is vital to countering Chinese aggression and deterring North Korea. “South Korea is not only a close ally but also an economic and technological powerhouse, particularly in shipbuilding, where it has made major new investments" in the U.S., she said. “Simply boosting U.S. production isn’t enough — we need to work hand in hand with trusted allies like South Korea to build resilient supply chains that strengthen both our economies and our security.” The first summit, initially planned for 30 minutes, stretched to more than 140 minutes but produced little in the way of concrete outcomes. With both leaders expected to attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York later this month, whether a second encounter can move beyond symbolism and address unresolved issues such as defense costs, U.S. troop levels and tariffs will be closely watched in both capitals. 2025-09-08 17:49:53

Lee meets with ruling and opposition leaders SEOUL, September 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung said Monday that national unity would be his top priority, as he met with the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. The luncheon meeting came for the first time several weeks after Jung Chung-rae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and Jang Dong-hyuk of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) were elected party leaders last month. Lee, who again wore his signature red-and-blue tie in a symbolic gesture he uses whenever he wants to stress unity, urged bipartisan cooperation. "One of the president's most important duties is to bring people together," he said, vowing to "make every effort to listen" to all citizens' voices and fairly reflect them, whether in favor or against, in policymaking. Also sharing the outcomes of his recent trip to Washington for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump last month, he called on both parties to cooperate with each other on national security and economic growth. He then sought help in streamlining government agencies and ministries and in implementing reforms to the prosecution, judiciary, and other key sectors. But political divides and disputes seem to persist. Jung brought up disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year, calling for "those responsible to be held fully accountable and punished." In contrast, Jang urged Lee to veto a series of "controversial" bills pushed by the DP, which holds a parliamentary majority. Nevertheless, Jung and Jang agreed to form a bipartisan committee tasked with improving citizens' lives, although specific details remain unclear. Meanwhile, Lee also held a one-on-one meeting with Jang for about 30 minutes at the PPP leader's request. 2025-09-08 17:16:25

Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping pledge unshakable ties through summit meeting SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday for their first summit in nearly seven years, signaling an effort to revive ties that had weakened as Pyongyang deepened its alignment with Moscow. The two leaders held talks at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, the day after attending China's "Victory Day" military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim's visit was a "historic occasion which further strengthened the political trust and strategic cooperation" between the two countries, highlighting the "invariability and invincibility" of bilateral ties forged in their shared "socialist" struggle. Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang's support for Beijing, stating that North Korea would "ever invariably support and encourage the stand and efforts" of China to defend the "sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests." Xi, for his part, emphasized the resilience of the relationship, calling China and North Korea as "good neighbors, good friends and good comrades who share the destiny and help each other." According to KCNA, Xi said, "No matter how the international situation may change, this stand will not change." After the talks, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its own statement. Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, "China has maintained an objective and just position, and will continue to step up coordination with the DPRK and make utmost efforts to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." The ministry added that Pyongyang praised Beijing's "just position" and expressed its willingness to work more closely with "China at the U.N. and other multilateral platforms" to safeguard common interests. North Korea also voiced hopes of expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation to deliver "more fruitful outcomes." Notably, the official statements from the two countries diverged on a key point. While China highlighted the Korean Peninsula issue, North Korea made no mention of it. At the same time, neither side mentioned denuclearization. During Kim's four previous trips to China in 2018 and 2019, official statements included Kim's commitment to denuclearization and Xi's endorsement of that goal. This time, such language was absent, suggesting a clear shift in priorities toward reinforcing political and economic ties. Kim wrapped up his fifth and longest trip to China on Thursday with his armored train leaving Beijing Station around 10 p.m. His stay in the capital lasted about 54 hours, part of a four-night and five-day overall visit. He is expected to arrive back in Pyongyang on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, his daughter, Ju-ae, who was spotted upon arrival in Beijing, did not appear at subsequent events, including the parade and summits. 2025-09-05 17:04:52

Ruling and opposition party leaders to meet with acting US ambassador SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - The leaders of South Korea's two main political parties, Jung Chung-rae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and Jang Dong-hyeok from the main opposition party People Power Party (PPP), are scheduled to hold separate talks with acting United States Ambassador Joseph Yun, who has been serving as acting ambassador since January, at the National Assembly on Friday. Jung, leader of the ruling party, is set to meet Yun at 3 p.m. in his office at the Assembly's main building. Yun will then meet with Jang, who leads the main opposition party, at 4 p.m. The discussions are expected to focus on follow-up measures to the recent South Korea-U.S. summit and reaffirming the bilateral alliance between the two nations. Jung is also likely to raise trade concerns. On Thursday, he met with leaders of small and medium-sized businesses who expressed frustration over U.S. tariffs of up to 50 percent on steel and aluminum exports. They said exports to the U.S. had fallen sharply last month and appealed for political support. Jung was elected the new leader of the Democratic Party on August 2. Jang was elected the new leader of the People Power Party on August 26. 2025-09-05 13:30:47

S. Korean National Assembly Speaker meets N. Korean and Russian leaders in Beijing SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik had two rare encounters in Beijing on Wednesday, a brief greeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a short conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. One ended with little more than a nod, the other touched upon inter-Korean relations. According to Woo's office, the encounter with Kim took place in a waiting room ahead of China's "Victory Day" military parade at Tiananmen Square. Woo greeted Kim by saying, "It's been seven years since we last met ," to which Kim simply replied, "Yes." No further conversation followed, and Woo was seated far from Kim during the parade. Both Woo and Kim were in Beijing to attend the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was the first direct contact between a senior South Korean official and Kim since President Lee Jae Myung took office. The two had previously met during the 2018 inter-Korean summit. As floor leader of the Democratic Party in 2018, Woo attended a welcome banquet in Pyongyang. At the time, he publicly shared that his family had been divided across the border, with two sisters living in North Korea. Woo also met Putin at a reception following the parade. Woo's office said he asked Putin to pay attention to the 130 South Korean companies operating in Russia. Putin, in return, expressed interest in inter-Korean affairs and even asked Woo what message he should deliver to Kim at a North Korea-Russia summit, which took place later that day. The Kremlin, however, said the two leaders "may have exchanged a handshake and brief greeting," though there was "no separate meeting." Experts said Woo's exchanges with Putin highlight shifting dynamics in Seoul's foreign policy and Moscow's renewed ambitions. Lee Sin-uck, a research professor at Wonkwang University, said ties between South Korea and Russia had cooled under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, but the Lee administration is now seeking a more pragmatic course in diplomacy. Lee interpreted Putin's comments as part of Moscow's bid to reassert influence on the Korean Peninsula. He said Russia had been sidelined from key issues such as North Korea's nuclear program after the collapse of the Soviet Union. "With the war in Ukraine, Russia has forged what it calls a 'blood alliance' with Pyongyang and is now openly positioning itself as an international mediator," he said. Inter-Korean relations have been stalled since the 2019 Hanoi summit. North Korea has cut all official communication channels and labeled the South a "hostile state." By contrast, since taking office in June, Lee has pursued a conciliatory stance, ending propaganda broadcasts at the border, removing loudspeakers, and striking a softer tone in his speech marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. 2025-09-04 16:31:45

Kim, Putin vow to boost ties in Beijing summit SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging to strengthen their partnership and voicing support for each other's strategic priorities, Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim and Putin discussed "long-term plans for cooperation" in detail and "reaffirmed their steadfast will to continue to lead the bilateral relations to a high level." The summit took place at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse after China's "Victory Day" celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The two leaders also exchanged views on "important international and regional issues" in what KCNA described as "comradely and friendly atmosphere." Putin praised "bravery and heroism" of North Korean troops deployed to the Kursk region amid the war in Ukraine, saying the "relations between the two countries are special ones of trust, friendship and alliance." He also asked Kim to "convey the warmest greetings" to North Korean people. Kim, in return, said Pyongyang would "fully support the struggle of the Russian government, army and people for defending the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests." He pledged North Korea "remain faithful to the implementation" of the bilateral treaty signed in June 2024, which includes a mutual-defense clause. Putin again invited Kim to visit Russia, though the state media made no reference to it. The summit followed a rare joint appearance by Kim, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who stood side by side on Tiananmen during the massive military parade. The display was widely viewed as symbolizing a deepening geopolitical divide, with China, North Korea, and Russia agon one side and Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. on the other. KCNA, in a separate report, said Kim took part in Beijing's celebrations, where he greeted Xi, met with war veterans and attended a state reception. With the North Korea–Russia summit wrapped up after the parade, attention is now turning to when Kim might sit down with Xi. 2025-09-04 11:17:28

Kim Jong-un's appearance at Beijing parade with Xi and Putin draws US criticism SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Beijing's "Victory Day" parade on Wednesday, a rare display that United States lawmaker Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) called "provocative," while drawing close attention in Seoul. The parade, held at Beijing's Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, showcased China's military power and its narrative of resilience against foreign aggression. Xi, in his keynote speech, hailed China's wartime victory as "building a Great Wall of flesh and blood" and said humanity again faces a choice between "peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and a zero-sum game." Though he did not mention the U.S., the remarks were widely seen as a veiled challenge amid escalating U.S.-China rivalry. For the first time in 66 years, the three leaders linked by Cold War-era ties appeared together on the same stage. In Washington, Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) described the display as "provocative" and said Kim's appearance with Xi and Putin reflected what she called the "Unholy Alliance" of authoritarian regimes. “When Kim Jong Un rallies with like-minded authoritarian regimes, it raises serious questions about his willingness to negotiate with the United States,” she told AJP in a written interview. President Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, urged Xi to recognize America's role in World War II, saying “Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory" and should be honored for their sacrifice. Kim's trip marked his first visit to China since January 2019 and his first appearance on a multilateral diplomatic stage since assuming power in late 2011. South Korean experts said Kim's presence amounted to a successful debut on the multilateral stage. Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, said Kim received protocol second only to Putin, walking to Xi's left during the procession and sitting in a prominent position on the Tiananmen reviewing stand. The treatment, he said, exceeded what then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye received when she attended the 2015 parade. Cheong also pointed to Kim's history of meeting Xi before engaging Washington. In both 2018 and 2019, he traveled to Beijing shortly before holding summits with Trump. This suggests Kim may again be seeking leverage before potential talks, though it was unlikely to have been the central focus of his visit. Kim's daughter Ju-ae accompanied him to Beijing but was absent from the parade. Her presence abroad nonetheless reinforced speculation that she is being groomed as his successor. The rare display underscored what some see as a widening geopolitical divide, placing China, North Korea and Russia on one side and Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. on the other. While speculation has mounted over a possible trilateral meeting, experts say bilateral talks are more likely. Indeed, Kim and Putin held a bilateral summit on the day of the military parade, after attending a banquet and traveling together to the meeting venue. At the meeting, Putin thanked North Korean troops for fighting in Ukraine and described ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as "friendly and reliable," Russia's Tass news agency said. It was their third meeting in less than two years, following summits in Russia in September 2023 and in Pyongyang in June 2024. 2025-09-03 17:20:01

Kim Jong-un joins Xi, Putin at Beijing military parade, daughter absent from ceremony SEOUL, September 03 (AJP) - For the first time in 66 years, the leaders of North Korea, China, and Russia stood side by side as Kim Jong-un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at China’s "Victory Day" military parade on Wednesday. The parade, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, began at 9 a.m. in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Official photographs showed Xi at the center with his wife, Peng Liyuan, to his left. Kim stood next to Peng, while Putin took position on Xi's right. Kim walked in just ahead of Putin, taking the second-to-last spot in the procession. After a photo, the three leaders walked side by side toward the Tiananmen reviewing stand, presenting a rare image of unity among Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang. Noticeably absent was Kim's daughter Ju-ae, whose presence during her father's arrival in Beijing had drawn widespread attention. Since her first public appearance in November 2022, Ju-ae has frequently appeared at military and political events in North Korea, but this was her first official trip abroad. Analysts say her presence on the international stage signals she may be undergoing early grooming as Kim's successor. At Beijing station, Ju-ae was seen standing directly behind her father as he was welcomed by senior Chinese officials. According to Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, "Kim's decision to bring her to China strongly suggests he is signaling to the international community that she is his heir, while giving her early diplomatic training." Cheong said this approach is a marked departure from Kim's own upbringing. Although named heir by his father at the age of eight, Kim Jong-un had little opportunity to engage in foreign affairs before assuming power, leaving him largely isolated until his summit diplomacy in 2018. By introducing Ju-ae early to international settings, Kim appears determined to avoid repeating that experience and to ensure she develops the skills and stature needed for leadership. Kim left Pyongyang by armored train on Monday and arrived in Beijing the following afternoon. In a rare move, state-run media released both his departure and arrival within hours. For the parade, Xi wore a Mao-style suit, while Kim broke from his usual attire, opting instead for a black Western suit with a bright gold tie, a choice some interpreted as an effort to project the image of "normal state." The trip was Kim's first visit to China since January 2019 and his first appearance on a multilateral diplomatic stage since assuming power in late 2011. The parade is widely seen as underscoring a broader geopolitical divide, placing China, North Korea, and Russia on one side against Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. Speculation is also mounting over a possible trilateral meeting among Kim, Putin, and Xi, given the rare occasion of them appearing together, though observers say bilateral talks are more likely. 2025-09-03 12:47:09