Journalist

김동영
Arthur I. Cyr
  • Taiwan leaps ahead on AI boom as South Korea staggers
    Taiwan leaps ahead on AI boom as South Korea staggers SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - Once regarded as twin Asian tigers for their industrial and geographic similarities, South Korea and Taiwan are now charting divergent paths — Taiwan riding high on the artificial intelligence boom, while South Korea struggles under structural and demographic headwinds. Taiwan's economy is projected to grow 5.3 percent this year, upgraded from 4.5 percent in a consensus of eight global banks in late August. South Korea, by contrast, is expected to eke out growth of just 1.1 percent after a modest 2 percent expansion in 2024. Both resource-poor economies remain export-driven and dependent on high-tech manufacturing. But Taiwan's all-in bet on semiconductors — and its ability to capture the AI upcycle — has sharply widened the gap. South Korea posted record exports of $65.95 billion in September, up 12.7 percent from a year earlier, with semiconductor shipments surging 22 percent to $16.61 billion. Taiwan's exports reached $54.25 billion during the same month, but its growth pace was far faster at 33.8 percent, powered by electronics worth $21.43 billion and semiconductor exports that jumped 27.1 percent. "Semiconductors are definitely the main reason for the differing performance of the two economies," said Wang Shu-feng, professor of business administration at Ajou University in South Korea and National Chengchi University in Taiwan. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker and often described as the country's "benchmark stock index," accounts for nearly 10 percent of Taiwan's GDP and serves as the key driver of its economic momentum. Semiconductors contribute roughly 15 percent of Taiwan's GDP, compared with 7 to 8 percent in South Korea, although the sector represents about one-fifth of Korea's total exports. Korea has concentrated on mass-market memory chips, while Taiwan has focused on customized logic chips — a strategy that shields producers from cyclical volatility through long-term contracts and close client relationships. "Taiwan goes all in on chipmaking. Most top students join TSMC or other semiconductor firms after graduation, whereas many South Korean students pursue medical or biochemistry fields, with broader career options," said Ko Jong-wan, head of strategy at the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association. Taiwan's bipartisan political support has also bolstered its semiconductor ascendancy. Seoul's efforts, in contrast, are often mired in debate over favoritism toward large conglomerates. Korea's special semiconductor law, which would have exempted chip workers from the 52-hour workweek limit, stalled in the National Assembly, while Taiwan passed legislation in 2017 allowing chipmakers to exceed the standard 40-hour week. During Taiwan's severe drought in 2022, the government prioritized water supply to TSMC over agriculture — a reflection of its strategic importance. In South Korea, the planned Yongin semiconductor cluster has faced persistent controversy over public resource allocation to major firms. When the United States, Japan, and the European Union rolled out massive subsidies to build local chip industries, Taiwan formally designated semiconductors as a "core national industry" in 2023 and introduced tax credits covering 25 percent of R&D investments. Korea's parliament only passed a moderate "K-Chips Act" in January this year, raising tax credits for facility investments from 15 percent to 20 percent. "With the AI boom driving demand for advanced packaging and chipmaking capabilities led by Taiwan's TSMC, it may be difficult for South Korea to close the gap in the near term," Wang said. 2025-10-13 15:18:34
  • TRAVEL: Walking through the independence history of Malaysia, diverse ethnicities working as one
    TRAVEL: Walking through the independence history of Malaysia, diverse ethnicities working as one KUALA LUMPUR, October 02 (AJP) - On Aug. 31, 1957, Malaysia peacefully liberated itself from British colonization. Its first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, raised his fists and declared the full independence of the nation. Today, the once British site for colonial officers stands as Independence Square, also known as Merdeka Square. While not particularly large, the square has the highest flagpole in all of Malaysia, with the country's flag standing upright surrounded by its 14 state flags. In the distance, one can easily spot Merdeka 118, the second tallest building and structure in the world. Its distinctive spire resembles Tunku Abdul Rahman's outstretched hand celebrating independence. Standing inside the square is the Royal Selangor Club, once a luxurious parlor for British officers to enjoy their afternoons. Now, club membership is awarded to only a handful of prestigious Malaysian giants and tycoons, while the exterior of the building still retains its red and white appearance. Next to the clubhouse stands St. Mary's Cathedral, one of the few centers for Anglican believers in a nation dominated by Muslims. Around the corner stands the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad Building, once a symbol of British colonial administration. The building is now undergoing renovation to preserve its history—a painful yet significant part of Malaysia's past. From an aerial view, the building is shaped like the letter 'F,' standing for 'Federal.' Walking downtown, one can spot the Central Market Kuala Lumpur, once a so-called 'wet market' selling fish and vegetables in 1888, refurbished in the 1980s as a local shopping center for tourists and Malaysians alike. Gift shops selling souvenirs occupy the first floor, while the second floor has various traditional Batik clothing stores and food stalls. On the second floor is a small history museum portraying the nation's history. During British colonial rule, the Malaysian population consisted mainly of three ethnic groups: the Malays for general farming, Chinese for tin mining, and Indians for rubber harvesting. The Chinese and Indians all preserve their heritage throughout parts of the city. The Chinese have their Sin Sze Si Ya Temple to honor their former 'Kapitan China,' including Yap Ah Loy, the last yet most prominent figure of Chinese leadership in colonial Malaysia. As for the Indians, just a few blocks away stands the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The outer pillars and decorations all depict different gods of the Hindu religion, serving as a local haven for Indians to find comfort. 2025-10-02 15:30:52
  • Malaysia targets 47 million visitors in 2026 tourism push
    Malaysia targets 47 million visitors in 2026 tourism push KUALA LUMPUR, October 01 (AJP) - Malaysia unveiled an ambitious target to draw 47 million international visitors in 2026 at the opening of Global Travel Meet 2025, a three-day summit focused on sustainable tourism development and industry partnerships. The event, running from Oct. 1 to 3 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, seeks to bolster Malaysia's standing as a premier travel destination while building momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026, the country's major tourism campaign. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan inaugurated the gathering following a traditional Malaysian dance performance, emphasizing the event's significance beyond the nation's borders. "Global Travel Meet 2025 is more than just an event; It is a platform where ideas are transformed into action," Khairul Firdaus said, describing the summit as a catalyst for driving collective government and industry efforts toward the 2026 goals. The exhibition floor bustled with multinational booths displaying an array of products, from traditional sparkling rice wine to double-decker tram buses with open-air second stories, as buyers and sellers converged to explore business opportunities. Tourism Malaysia hosted a welcome dinner at the five-star Sunway Resort Hotel, where Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing addressed guests on the strategic importance of tourism partnerships. Tiong King Sing highlighted Malaysia's commitment to advancing tourism as a cornerstone of national development while championing sustainability, inclusivity and innovation across the sector. The minister said the gathering would facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative growth while reinforcing a shared commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking tourism landscape. 2025-10-01 17:28:54
  • TRAVEL: A trip to Banguris Homestay, an authentic Malaysian experience to the core
    TRAVEL: A trip to Banguris Homestay, an authentic Malaysian experience to the core KUALA LUMPUR, October 1 (AJP) - Located in Selangor, one of Malaysia's largest states, the Sepang District is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. Deeper within the district lies Banguris Homestay, a village dedicated to showing guests how real Malay people live. With around 20 government-certified houses available for homestays, visitors can enjoy naturally ventilated rooms and authentic Malaysian food. The town boasts near-zero crime rates, and most households have no fences or security measures, making for a safe yet open visit. Beyond the vast dragon fruit and palm tree plantations that cover most of the village, there's a hands-on experience center showcasing how Malay people used to live off the land. At Banguris Homestay main center, visitors can try extracting their own coffee beans the traditional way. The tour guide explains that in the old days, Malay farmers used wooden presses shaped like flat, pattern-less waffle machines to pop coffee beans from the coffee cherries. The beans are dried for a few days, then roasted to brew real coffee. Next, the experience center offers a full demonstration on how to pluck palm fruits from palm trees. Usually harvested twice a month, the fruits come in bulks of around 50 to 70 kilograms each, with poisonous spikes protruding from the stems. A seasoned worker hacks away excess palm leaves to reveal the fruit bulk, sawing it off in seconds. While dangerous to harvest, the fruit is one of the nation's major export items. Palm oil is extracted from the outer red flesh of the fruit, while the white seeds inside are used in many cosmetics. Under the shade of the trees, the tour guide gestures toward the next stop: harvesting rubber from rubber trees. Visitors can try peeling the bark off trees so rubber flows out like a stream. While only a few trees are available for simple demonstrations, actual harvesting usually begins early in the morning, as Malaysia's hot and humid air can easily spoil raw rubber. Once the liquid fills each gathering cup to the brim, it's sent to factories to harden and later processed for commercial use. Besides trying Malaysian farming methods, visitors to Banguris Homestay can also enjoy stick fishing in nearby rivers and visit cassava root factories to see how rural country folks process the sweet-smelling roots into crunchy snacks. 2025-10-01 08:50:57
  • TRAVEL: Putrajaya – where modern Malaysias administrative heart beats
    TRAVEL: Putrajaya – where modern Malaysia's administrative heart beats KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 (AJP) - Rising from what were once rubber and oil palm plantations, Putrajaya stands as a testament to Malaysia's ambitious modernization. The 4,931-hectare garden city, transformed from former plantations, became Malaysia's federal administrative capital after officially established in 1999. Now just 26 years young, the city prepares to host ASEAN meetings throughout 2025 under Malaysia's chairmanship. Named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Putrajaya derives from Sanskrit – "putra" meaning "son" and "jaya" meaning "victory." The Prime Minister's office moved here in 1999, and today all governmental organizations except the Defense and Public Amenities ministries operate from this meticulously planned district. From atop the hill, Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister's office complex, watches over ministerial buildings that stand just a sidewalk apart. Below Perdana Putra lies Dataran Putra (Putra Square), a 300-meter circular plaza featuring concentric star patterns. The national flag flies from a towering flagpole, surrounded by flags of all 14 Malaysian states. The square's 11 segments form pointed stars symbolizing the original states at independence, while the central fountain represents unity. Distinguished by its magnificent rose-tinted granite dome, Putra Mosque glows pink in the Malaysian sun and accommodates 15,000 worshippers. Its design draws from famous Islamic architecture – the basement wall echoes Casablanca's King Hassan Mosque, while the minaret recalls Baghdad's Sheikh Omar Mosque. Non-Muslim visitors must follow a separate entrance route, with women required to wear provided red robes that completely cover their clothing. Across the governmental landscape stands the revolutionary Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, known as the "Iron Mosque." Built with 6,000 tons of reinforced steel comprising 70 percent of its structure, it accommodates 24,000 worshippers in an area twice that of Putra Mosque. Breaking from tradition, it features no minaret but employs cutting-edge Gas District Cooling technology and natural ventilation through steel lattice screens, eliminating the need for fans or air conditioning. 2025-09-30 13:50:36
  • Seoul to enshrine right to be forgotten as AI deepfake crimes persist
    Seoul to enshrine 'right to be forgotten' as AI deepfake crimes persist SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - South Korea is moving to include the "right to be forgotten" as a core privacy protection for youths targeted by deepfake pornography as AI-generated sexual crimes proliferate. The Personal Information Protection Commission this week announced new measures to safeguard personal data in the AI era. These include giving minors the right to demand deletion of online posts made during adolescence and barring individuals with criminal records from sensitive roles such as CCTV monitoring. The initiative reflects widening gaps in victim protection as generative AI tools become increasingly accessible on platforms including Google's Gemini. A presidential committee is working to establish a legal basis for victims to demand removal of AI-synthesized content. Deepfakes—digitally altered images or videos that make a person appear to be someone else—are being weaponized in non-consensual sexual material and disinformation. Despite government crackdowns, takedown orders for deepfake sex crime videos continue to climb, according to data from the Korea Communications Standards Commission cited by ruling People Power Party lawmaker Park Chung-kwon. Public alarm spiked last year after explicit AI-generated images of women and girls flooded platforms such as Telegram, triggering rare police investigations. Yet enforcement remains weak: of 964 deepfake-related sex crime cases reported between January and October 2024, Seoul police made only 23 arrests. Lawmakers are advancing parallel bills. On Sept. 11, Democratic Party legislator Huh Young introduced an amendment to sexual assault laws, warning that "the rapid advancement of AI technology has made it possible for anyone to create human images indistinguishable from reality, but this technology is being misused to produce fake sexual content that causes shame and disgust, emerging as a serious social problem." His proposal would criminalize AI-generated sexual content regardless of whether it depicts a real individual, closing a major loophole. But AI developers warn the draft is overly broad and risks stifling legitimate innovation. Experts say cheap, user-friendly AI services are fueling abuse. "As AI services get cheaper through market competition, more users are piling in—and among them, malicious users are growing," said Park Un-il, professor of AI utilization and data science at Sungkyunkwan University. "Deepfake pornography is becoming disturbingly common nowadays." Recent incidents highlight that ease of access. Incheon police on Thursday reported investigating a high school student accused of using AI to superimpose sexual images onto photos of four classmates and sharing them online. Advocates say such cases underscore the need for enforceable "forgetting rights," since traditional policing cannot keep pace with the speed and scale of AI content. "It's not the technology that should be blamed—it's the people misusing it," Park added. "AI is still in its infancy, and most content lacks copyright protection because responsibility is hard to assign. Korea needs expert teams to craft precise regulations for generative AI." 2025-09-26 17:05:39
  • HMM races toward net-zero as privatization battle looms
    HMM races toward net-zero as privatization battle looms Editor's Note: This article is the 37th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - South Korea's state-run sea carrier HMM is betting big on clean fuel, digitalized fleet management, and business diversification as it navigates a turbulent freight cycle and an uncertain privatization push. On Sept. 12, HMM signed a 10-year transportation contract with Brazil's mining giant Vale worth 430 billion won ($310 million), its second major deal with the company this year. The agreement, running from 2026 to 2036, will deploy five vessels to ship iron ore, building on a 636 billion won deal inked in May. The back-to-back contracts highlight HMM's pivot beyond everyday container shipping toward bulk cargo, a strategy that has cushioned volatility in freight markets while making the company more attractive as an acquisition target. Shipping tailwinds, market headwinds South Korea's shipbuilding industry is bracing for an earlier-than-expected super cycle, driven by record orders for LNG carriers and floating production facilities. The government's proposed Korea-U.S. shipbuilding partnership, dubbed the "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)" initiative, is further boosting sentiment. But freight oversupply clouds the outlook. "Shipping fares had a brief spike in May after tariff suspensions between the U.S. and China, but rates are now trending downward," said Choi Ji-yun, analyst at Yuanta Securities Korea. "With backlogs now covering more than 30 percent of the global container fleet, supply is overwhelming demand. Freight rates will remain under pressure, and HMM cannot avoid the impact." Despite market headwinds, HMM is pressing ahead with its modernization program. The company is scheduled to take delivery of seven methanol-powered 9,000-TEU container ships between late 2025 and mid-2026. "Since 2020, all newly built vessels have been designed as smart ships," an HMM spokesperson said. "Roughly 10,000 sensors on each ship transmit real-time data to our integrated operations center, enabling safe voyage planning and big-data analysis for fuel and route optimization." Existing ships are also being retrofitted with digital systems as part of a broader push for efficiency and carbon reduction. HMM has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 — five years ahead of the global maritime industry's 2050 goal. In September 2024, it announced a 14.4 trillion won ($10.4 billion) investment plan through 2030, with 60 percent earmarked for green initiatives such as alternative fuels and electrification. The company is exploring ammonia and hydrogen as next-generation fuel sources. It is also expanding its bulk fleet, with 13 new carriers entering service in stages — including seven car and truck carriers, four multipurpose ships, and two MR tankers. Strategic acquisitions of second-hand vessels are also under review. From state rescue to national champion Founded in 1976 as Asia Merchant Marine, the company began with just three crude carriers before rebranding as Hyundai Merchant Marine in 1983. After rapid expansion, HMM was hit hard by the global financial crisis and eventually fell under state control in 2016 when the Korea Development Bank (KDB) became the largest shareholder. In 2017, HMM absorbed assets from bankrupt rival Hanjin Shipping, cementing its position as Korea's flagship carrier. It rebranded as HMM in 2020. Ownership, however, remains unsettled. A 2023 privatization bid collapsed after food-to-shipping conglomerate Harim Group withdrew. Once HMM completes its 2.2 trillion won stock buyback this month, state shareholders KDB and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation will hold just over 30 percent, opening the door to a new auction. POSCO Group has emerged as a likely contender. Industry watchers say the steelmaker would benefit from a dedicated shipping arm to secure stable transport of iron ore and coal. "HMM's growing pivot toward bulk shipping aligns naturally with POSCO's raw material needs," said Jang Woon-jae, professor of maritime transportation science at Mokpo National University. "But private shareholders must recognize that HMM's large vessels are obliged to operate even when demand is weak — volatility is built into the business." As HMM pushes toward a green future while its ownership remains up for grabs, the company finds itself straddling two identities: a vital national strategic asset and a prize in Korea's evolving industrial landscape. 2025-09-25 15:13:26
  • BlackRocks Samsung stake surpasses Lee family as KOSPI soars
    BlackRock's Samsung stake surpasses Lee family as KOSPI soars SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics Co. remains a top pick for BlackRock Inc., which has reaped outsized gains from its bullish bet on the KOSPI — this year's best-performing major equity index globally. The world's largest asset manager now holds a larger stake in Korea's chip titan than the controlling Lee family. BlackRock owns 5.07 percent of Samsung Electronics, a position valued at 25.4 trillion won ($18.1 billion) based on Tuesday's closing price of 85,400 won per share. By comparison, the combined holdings of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and other Samsung family members are worth 24.6 trillion won. In its latest disclosure to the Financial Supervisory Service, BlackRock reported ownership of more than 5 percent in 10 listed companies, including Korea's four major financial holding groups, representing 1.1 percent of total KOSPI market capitalization. Crossing the 5 percent threshold grants the firm voting rights in shareholder decisions. During the 2024 to 2025 proxy season, BlackRock Fund Advisors supported about 89 percent of management proposals but backed only 90 percent of director appointments, signaling more assertive shareholder engagement, particularly on board independence. The U.S. asset manager has also drawn attention in Korea by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Science and ICT on artificial intelligence investment — a move that could lead to multibillion-dollar projects in the country. 2025-09-25 11:36:19
  • South Korean shipbuilders surge on hopes of early industry super cycle
    South Korean shipbuilders surge on hopes of early industry super cycle SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s shipbuilding companies are bracing for what could be an earlier-than-expected industry super cycle, as surging orders for high-margin vessels and prospects of collaboration with the United States fuel investor optimism. The combined market capitalization of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries has more than doubled this year, reaching 92.1 trillion won (about $66 billion) as of Sept. 24, up from 37.9 trillion won at the start of the year, according to data from the Korea Exchange. The 142 percent surge reflects mounting bets that the industry’s third super cycle could arrive well before the widely anticipated 2033 timeline. Shipbuilding cycles typically recur every three decades, driven by the replacement of aging fleets. This time, however, the acceleration is being propelled by a rush of orders for liquefied natural gas carriers and floating LNG production facilities — vessels that command significantly higher margins than conventional cargo ships. Backlogs at South Korea’s top yards already stretch at least three years. Samsung Heavy secured 2.1 trillion won in LNG carrier orders from an Oceania-based owner last month, while Hanwha Ocean signed a 350 billion won contract with a North American client in September. Adding to the momentum is a proposed Korea-U.S. partnership, dubbed the “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” initiative, or MASGA, which envisions sweeping investments in new American shipyards, joint workforce training and maintenance contracts pairing South Korean companies with U.S. personnel to service Navy vessels. Hanwha Ocean has already announced $700 million in additional investment in its Philadelphia shipyard, aiming to boost annual production capacity from 1.5 vessels to more than 10 by 2035. HD Korea Shipbuilding is preparing to merge two subsidiaries by year’s end to strengthen its naval capabilities, while Samsung Heavy has forged a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Vigor Marine Group. Operating profits for the three builders surged 102 percent to 2.77 trillion won in the first half compared with a year earlier, underscoring the strength of the current upturn. Still, uncertainties loom. The MASGA plan faces hurdles, including stalled negotiations over a proposed $350 billion investment fund, questions about concrete U.S. vessel orders and potential shifts in American trade policy. Recent immigration enforcement actions against Korean workers in Georgia have also complicated labor deployment, adding another layer of risk to an otherwise bullish outlook. 2025-09-24 15:28:31
  • Kakao deploys ChatGPT to defend ubiquitous rank among Koreans
    Kakao deploys ChatGPT to defend ubiquitous rank among Koreans SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Kakao Corp., South Korea's dominant messaging platform, announced the most sweeping overhaul in KakaoTalk's 15-year history on Tuesday, unveiling plans to embed OpenAI's ChatGPT directly into the app in a bid to restore public trust after a series of scandals and to sharpen its edge against both domestic and global competitors. The integration, revealed at the company's annual if(Kakao)25 conference in Yongin, will launch in October and represents the first direct collaboration of its kind worldwide. Users will be able to access OpenAI's latest GPT-5 model seamlessly within KakaoTalk without downloading a separate application, enabling AI-powered conversations alongside everyday messaging. "This magnitude of change is unprecedented in KakaoTalk's history," said Kakao CEO Chung Shin-a. "We are demonstrating our commitment to respond swiftly to user demands while embracing the transformative power of AI." The move underscores Kakao's urgency to reinvent itself as an AI-powered super app in South Korea's increasingly competitive digital arena, where rival Naver has steadily expanded its dominance across search, e-commerce, webtoons, and digital payments. "By bringing ChatGPT into KakaoTalk, an app that nearly all Koreans use daily, we are embedding world-class AI into the lives of people across the nation," said Oliver Jay, OpenAI's international managing director. KakaoTalk counts 49.1 million monthly active users, covering more than 90 percent of South Korea's population. AI Aid Across Kakao Services Beyond chatbot functionality, Kakao is building "agent AI" that connects ChatGPT with its ecosystem of services. For instance, users asking for driving music will receive curated playlists from Melon, its music streaming arm, without leaving KakaoTalk. The overhaul also brings Instagram-style feeds to the Friends tab, new organizational tools such as chat room folders, extended message editing up to 24 hours, and AI-powered voice call summaries. Complementing the OpenAI partnership, Kakao introduced Kanana, its own on-device AI model with 1.3 billion parameters, designed to grasp Korean conversational nuance and provide context-aware suggestions. The lightweight model can be downloaded in 18 seconds over Wi-Fi, enabling features to run directly on user devices without cloud reliance. Analysts welcomed the transformation. "KakaoTalk is expected to grow meaningfully as the world’s first messenger-based AI super app," said Choi Seung-ho of DS Investment & Securities. "Short-form content will be a key driver of user retention, while Kakao's AI service integration already outpaces global messenger peers." Kim Jin-gu of Kiwoom Securities added that ChatGPT subscriptions would strengthen data integration and accelerate the development of autonomous agents. Kakao's strategy comes as global tech giants race to bring AI deeper into consumer platforms. On the same day, Google Play introduced a new entertainment-dedicated space in South Korea with Gemini-powered gaming support, highlighting how major players are rushing to anchor user experiences in AI. Shares of Kakao closed Wednesday 0.79 percent lower at 62,800 won. 2025-09-24 12:42:45