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Spiritual Asia (19): How Confucianism became spirit of East Asia This is the nineteenth installment of AJP's Spiritual Asia series exploring the religious traditions, philosophical ideas and moral foundations that have shaped Asia's civilizations. This chapter turns to Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest living faiths, and examines how its teachings on truth, free will and moral responsibility continue to resonate in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. From the teachings of Confucius to the culture of East Asian civilization In the history of humanity, there are not many instances where the ideas of a single person transcended a nation to alter the politics, education, culture, and lifestyles of several countries over thousands of years. The Confucianism of Confucius is a prime example. Beginning amidst the chaos of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods in the 5th century BCE, the teachings of Confucius became the governing ideology of the state in the Han Dynasty, were systematized into Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty, and firmly established themselves as the foundation of social ethics, education, administration, and culture through the Goryeo and Joseon periods. Reaching across China and Korea, as well as Japan and Vietnam, Confucianism became the common language of East Asian civilization, and its profound influence remains to this day. However, Confucianism was not the ideology of the state from the very beginning. Confucius spent his life trying to realize his ideal politics but ultimately failed to achieve his ambitions. He traveled to various states preaching kingly rule governed by virtue, but the monarchs of his time were more interested in the competition for hegemony. Even after Confucius passed away, for hundreds of years, Confucianism was merely passed down as the scholarship of his disciples. The decisive turning point was the Han Dynasty of China. In particular, Emperor Wu of Han determined that a unified ideology was necessary to govern the empire stably. At this time, Confucian scholars developed the ideas of Confucius into principles of state operation, and finally, Confucianism was adopted as the official ideology of the nation. The era commonly known as the exclusive veneration of Confucianism had opened. Thereafter, as the civil service examination system for selecting officials was also operated centering on Confucian classics, Confucianism became both a scholarly pursuit and a path to worldly success, growing into an ideology that bound politics and education as one. In this process, Confucianism went beyond simple philosophy to become a complete system of civilization. It demanded benevolence and righteousness in politics, required propriety in administration, and emphasized self-cultivation for the individual, filial piety in the family, and trust in society. It connected the morality of the individual and the order of the state into a single system. Thus, Confucianism is evaluated as a civilizational philosophy practiced in daily life, distinct from Western political philosophy and different from religion. Reaching the Song Dynasty, Confucianism met another massive transformation. Absorbing the influences of Buddhism and Taoism, Neo-Confucianism emerged, equipped with a deeper metaphysics. Explaining principle as the order of the universe and material force as the physical world, Neo-Confucianism attempted to connect the human mind with the order of the cosmos. Scholarship was no longer merely the act of learning knowledge but became an ascetic practice to restore human nature. This current was later transmitted to Korea during the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods. Joseon was a nation that placed Confucianism at the center of state operation, a rare case even in world history. Not only the political system but also education, law, rituals, family life, ancestral rites culture, village codes, academies, and the civil service examination system were operated centering on Confucianism. The king had to rule the people with virtue, officials were required to have integrity and moderation, and the common people took filial piety and propriety as the norms of life. Of course, the Neo-Confucianism of Joseon left behind both light and shadow. On the positive side, it created a world-class zeal for education, civilian rule, a culture of upright officials, the ethics of family communities, and a tradition of respecting scholarship. On the other hand, a climate of excessive adherence to justification, factional strife, the rigidity of the class system, restrictions on women, and an emphasis on formality over reality also appeared. The limitations that can manifest when a single ideology dominates an entire nation were firmly left in history. Nevertheless, Confucianism played a decisive role in forming the spiritual world of East Asians. The traces of Confucianism are still alive in the family culture of the Chinese, the educational zeal of the Koreans, the community consciousness of the Japanese, and the Confucian administrative culture of Vietnam. Even after industrialization, not a few scholars point to Confucian culture as one of the backgrounds that enabled East Asian countries to maintain high educational levels and organizational power. The core of Confucianism, ultimately, is a scholarship that makes a person. The philosophy of Confucius was that to change a country, one must first change the people, and to change the people, one must cultivate the mind. Therefore, the Great Learning spoke of cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world; the Analects taught the life of a noble person; and Mencius spoke of the innate goodness of human nature. And at the pinnacle of all this Confucianism stands the Doctrine of the Mean. The Doctrine of the Mean is often understood merely as a life that does not lean to one side, but its depth is far greater. The Mean does not speak of compromise. Nor does it mean the middle ground between good and evil. The Mean speaks of the most upright center where the principle of heaven and the human mind become one. A state where emotions are neither excessive nor lacking, a state where desires do not overwhelm reason, a state where self and others, individual and community, reality and ideals achieve balance; that is exactly the Mean. Therefore, the Doctrine of the Mean is also a book of spirituality. It is the process of restoring the original mind within humans, speaking of a life where conscience precedes desire. Confucius emphasized the Mean as the highest virtue that a noble person must practice throughout their life, and later Neo-Confucian scholars also viewed this as the completion of human cultivation. The Korean thinker Daseok Ryu Young-mo also held a special love for the Doctrine of the Mean. Daseok saw that the essence of religion lies not in fighting one another, but in restoring the true center within humans. The Mean as he understood it was not eclecticism but a sense of balance toward truth. It was the path of emptying the mind that rushes to extremes and practicing the will of heaven within one's own life. Thus, Daseok understood the Mean of Confucianism, the Middle Way of Buddhism, the love of Christianity, and the Tao of Laozi as a single truth connecting with one another. His thought that truth is one, but the paths to look upon it are many, also stemmed from this integrative spirituality. Today, even in the age of artificial intelligence, the Mean holds an even greater significance. Technology develops dazzlingly, but human desires are growing alongside it. Information overflows, but wisdom is lacking; connections have multiplied, but trust is weakening. The more we live in an era where extreme politics, fake information, hatred, and division shake the world, the Mean can serve not simply as a classic but as the ethical compass of future society. The reason Confucianism has survived to this day lies here as well. Confucianism was not a philosophy for power, but a philosophy for humans; it was not a scholarship for systems, but a scholarship for people. Though systems may change with the times, that spirit of cultivating the human mind and building communities never grows old. As I conclude this Confucianism trilogy, I bring Confucius to mind once again. He was not an emperor who built an empire, nor was he a patriarch who founded a massive religion. However, as a single teacher, he nurtured the spirit of East Asian civilization over thousands of years. Emphasizing virtue over martial force, character over knowledge, and an upright life over success, his teachings still ask us today. "A civilization that fails to nurture people cannot last long." The true legacy of Confucianism lies not in ancient etiquette or formalities, but in the spirit that builds the person first, cultivates the mind first, and looks back at oneself before changing the world. And in the deepest part of that spirit, the balance of the Mean, the warmth of benevolence, the dignity of propriety, and the practice of self-cultivation are always flowing together. That is the greatest legacy left by Confucius, and the deepest root of spirituality through which East Asian civilization has continued to this day. 2026-06-25 10:49:26 -
Think tank upbeat on growth outlook but cautions over chip-driven, uneven recovery SEOUL, June 25 (AJP) - South Korea's economy is projected to recover this year, with growth estimated at 2.7 percent, a think tank said on Thursday. The positive economic outlook came at a seminar in Seoul hosted by the Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI), affiliated with the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI). Lee Seung-seok, a senior researcher at the KERI forecast that the country's economy is expected to grow 2.7 percent this year, rebounding from 1.1 percent last year and surpassing the 2.0 percent potential growth rate for the first time in about two years. Lee said exports and facility investment would drive growth, supported by government efforts to boost consumption, even as growth is expected to slow to 2 percent in the second half from 3.4 percent in the first half. But he cautioned, "The recovery is not being felt equally across all businesses, with momentum still heavily concentrated in the semiconductor industry and a few other sectors." He projected private consumption would grow a modest 2.0 percent due to high inflation and household debt despite income gains and government spending. Other researchers at the Korea Economic Research Institute (KERI) said the economy is increasingly split into a "K-shaped polarization," with semiconductors and exporters thriving while non-semiconductor industries and domestic demand struggle to keep up, pointing to these as key challenges ahead. "We need to expand the semiconductor-led recovery to new industries to strengthen the buffers of the South Korean economy," KERI head Chung Chul said. 2026-06-25 10:49:07 -
Trump Criticizes Oil Companies, Calls for Lower Gas Prices Donald Trump, President of the United States, publicly criticized major oil companies for not lowering gas prices despite a decline in crude oil prices. On June 24, during a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump stated, "Gas prices at the pump should be much lower," specifically mentioning Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP. He remarked, "While oil prices have dropped significantly, there has been no corresponding change at the gas stations. I believe gas prices should be around $2.25 per gallon, but they are higher than that." Earlier that day, Trump took to social media platform Truth Social, accusing energy companies of overcharging drivers and directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate an immediate investigation. A DOJ spokesperson told BBC, "Fuel prices are not only a national security issue but also impact the wallets of all Americans. We will always strive to ensure relief from price burdens in the U.S." However, it was not confirmed whether an investigation had actually begun. The White House supported Trump's statements, with a spokesperson saying, "President Trump has made it clear from the beginning that there would be short-term disruptions in the energy market due to the situation in Iran, and that gas prices would drop quickly once the Iran issue is resolved." The American Petroleum Institute (API), representing the U.S. oil and gas industry, responded to Trump's comments. API spokesperson Bethany Williams stated, "The industry shares the goal of alleviating gas price burdens and restoring stability to the global energy market," but added, "Gas prices do not move in lockstep with crude oil prices." She noted that the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to affect supply, refining, and inventories. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surpassed $140 per barrel in April during the height of the Iran conflict, marking the highest level since the 2008 global financial crisis. Following a ceasefire and peace negotiations, prices have since declined, with Brent crude falling below $74 per barrel, although it remains above pre-war levels of around $70. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the U.S. benchmark, also dropped to about $70 per barrel, but is still elevated compared to the pre-war price of approximately $60. The average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. exceeded $4 per gallon in April, reaching its highest level since 2022, but has since decreased to around $3.93. However, this price still exceeds pre-war levels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:48:00 -
LG Electronics Launches Veterans Support Project in Ethiopia LG Electronics is expanding its support for veterans and their descendants in Ethiopia, the only African nation that participated in the Korean War.On June 25, LG Electronics announced that it held a launch ceremony for a veterans support project in collaboration with the international development NGO World Together and the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association. The event was attended by Jeong Kang, the South Korean Ambassador to Ethiopia, Yang Seung-hwan, head of LG Electronics Ethiopia, and representatives from the veterans association along with veterans themselves.The project focuses on visiting 46 surviving veterans to take family photographs and present them with commemorative frames. LG Electronics plans to record interviews capturing their experiences and life stories, while also providing tailored support based on individual circumstances. Selected meaningful stories will be produced into a documentary.In the second half of next year, a commemorative event will be held to exhibit the documentary, interview videos, and family photographs. The event will include veterans, their families, and government officials, where gratitude plaques will be presented to honor the significance of their service in the Korean War.Since 2012, LG Electronics has also supported scholarships for the descendants of veterans. Based on employee donations, the company has provided scholarships to 236 descendants and has engaged in housing improvement projects, including living support funds and renovations of aging homes.The company has also achieved success in its talent development initiatives. Since 2014, LG Electronics has operated the LG-KOICA Hope Vocational Training School in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The school offers free training in IT and electrical engineering, enhancing the employment capabilities of local youth, with all 611 graduates successfully finding jobs or starting their own businesses.Outstanding graduates are offered internship opportunities linked to LG Electronics' Central Asia Service Corporation, while aspiring entrepreneurs receive training in legal, marketing, and business management, along with mentoring. The school has been recognized as a model for vocational training by the Ethiopian government in 2020.Yoon Dae-sik, head of external cooperation at LG Electronics, stated, "We will continue our social contribution activities to remember the dedication of Ethiopian veterans and help individuals and society reflect on its significance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:48:00 -
Noh Tae-ak Reports 2.2 Billion Won in Assets, Increases Savings by 41 Million Won Noh Tae-ak, who resigned from his position as chair of the National Election Commission due to the responsibility for the ballot shortage during the June 3 local elections, reported assets totaling 2.2 billion won. According to the asset registration details released on June 25 by the Supreme Court Public Officials Ethics Committee, Noh's assets increased by 41.69 million won since the last disclosure in March. The increase was attributed to savings from his salary. The asset breakdown shows that the largest portion, valued at 1.86 billion won, is from an apartment in the Bangbae-dong area of Seocho-gu, Seoul, owned by him and his spouse. Additionally, a 10 million won jeonse (key money deposit) for a property in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, registered under his eldest son, brings the total real estate assets to 1.87 billion won. Noh reported deposits totaling 592.15 million won, which includes 405.17 million won in his name, 171.22 million won in his spouse's name, and additional savings from their children. His total liabilities amount to 188.8 million won, with 174 million won classified as personal debt. The virtual assets held by his eldest and second sons were reported at a total of 4.6 million won. Noh was appointed as chair of the National Election Commission in May 2022 by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myung-soo. After retiring from the Supreme Court in March this year, he continued to serve as chair due to the ongoing process of appointing his successor. However, following the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections, he expressed his intention to resign and subsequently stepped down from the position.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:48:00 -
President Lee Jae-myung Advocates for Reform of Military Service System President Lee Jae-myung visited the Marine Corps' Yeonpyeong Unit to reiterate his proposal for a selective enlistment system. This plan aims to reduce the number of conscripts while allowing for the option of long-term professional military service with adequate compensation, alongside short-term mandatory service. He emphasized the need to adapt the military to the rapidly changing battlefield, which is increasingly focused on artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and unmanned systems, ensuring that military service can contribute to young people's career development. Debate over the selective enlistment system is likely to be polarized. However, one undeniable fact is that discussions on reforming the military service system can no longer be postponed. The demographic structure that has supported South Korea's military service system is fundamentally changing. The number of births has been declining annually, leading to a corresponding decrease in the pool of eligible conscripts. Projections suggest that maintaining the current size of the military will become increasingly difficult. Ignoring the reality of shrinking military resources while clinging to outdated systems is not a viable alternative. The nature of warfare is also evolving significantly. In the past, troop numbers were the cornerstone of military strength, but now the effective use of advanced technology determines combat capability. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated the power of drones, precision-guided munitions, and AI-based information systems. The emphasis is shifting from the number of soldiers to the importance of skilled personnel and the ability to operate advanced equipment. These changes present new challenges for the South Korean military. There is a growing need for specialized personnel to operate and maintain advanced equipment rather than simply performing repetitive tasks. It is essential to recognize that military service should not be a time of disruption but rather an opportunity for skill development. If long-term service members receive adequate treatment and can accumulate expertise, military readiness can be further stabilized. However, reforms to the military service system must be approached with caution, as they are directly tied to national security. South Korea remains in a military standoff with North Korea, necessitating vigilance along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Northern Limit Line (NLL) while preparing for potential military tensions. In this context, any reform that leads to personnel shortages or weakened combat capability is undesirable. Financial implications must also be carefully considered. Expanding the number of professional soldiers requires corresponding salaries, benefits, and housing support, which will necessitate a significant budget. To encourage long-term service, the military must offer conditions competitive with the private sector, which could place a considerable burden on national finances. Implementing reforms without securing sufficient funding will jeopardize sustainability. Equity in military service is another critical issue. A structure where some serve long terms while others serve short terms requires fair and transparent criteria that the public can accept. Military service is a sensitive obligation for all citizens, and pursuing reforms without social consensus could exacerbate conflicts. Reforming the military service system, including the selective enlistment proposal, is not merely a promise of one government. It is a national strategy that will influence South Korea's security for decades to come. The Ministry of National Defense, military leaders, lawmakers, and experts must collaboratively review factors such as troop levels, finances, security environments, and changes in future battlefields. Bipartisan discussions prioritizing national security over political interests are essential. The goal of military service reform is not merely to change the system but to create a military capable of defending the nation. With a declining population and rapidly changing battlefields, it is clear that the military service system must evolve. However, regardless of the chosen system, certain principles must remain steadfast: strengthening South Korea's security and establishing a military service system that the public can trust. Change is inevitable, but it must be grounded in reality and, above all, aimed at enhancing national security.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:44:00 -
Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yoon-bum Meets Australian Prime Minister Albanese to Discuss Critical Mineral Cooperation Korea Zinc has strengthened its position as a local strategic partner by expanding cooperation with the Australian government on critical mineral supply chains. On June 25, Korea Zinc reported that Chairman Choi Yoon-bum met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss the need to enhance Australia’s critical mineral supply chain and the competitiveness of its smelting industry. The meeting took place on June 24 at the Prime Minister's office in Canberra. Albanese began by highlighting Choi's achievements during his tenure as CEO of Sun Metals Corporation (SMC), a Korea Zinc subsidiary based in Townsville, Australia, stating, "Korea Zinc is a trusted company with proven operational capabilities in Australia." He added, "Choi Yoon-bum, who served as CEO of SMC for a significant period, has a deep understanding of Australia’s industrial environment and community coexistence, making Korea Zinc a company that aligns well with the Australian government's resource and energy policy direction." Albanese cited examples of Korea Zinc's initiatives, including not only the operation of smelters but also the procurement of renewable energy through solar and wind power, as well as the promotion of green hydrogen projects. In response, Choi stated, "We have been a partner contributing to and investing in the local industry and community in Australia for the past 30 years, expanding our business beyond smelting to renewable energy and green hydrogen. The abundant resources of Australia combined with Korea Zinc's technological expertise and diverse business portfolio will continue to create various synergies in the future." During the discussion, they also addressed Project Crucible, a construction initiative for an integrated smelter in Tennessee that Korea Zinc is pursuing in collaboration with the U.S. government. Project Crucible is recognized as a key effort to establish a critical mineral supply chain and enhance strategic mineral self-sufficiency in the United States. Choi explained that the combination of Korea Zinc's technological capabilities and the U.S. government's policy support is facilitating the stabilization of the critical mineral supply chain. Albanese responded that Project Crucible serves as a good example for the Australian government to benchmark and suggested enhancing communication to address challenges facing the Australian smelting industry. The Australian federal government announced its critical mineral strategy in 2023, aiming to secure a stable mineral supply chain in response to geopolitical supply chain risks through the 'Critical Mineral Production Framework.' This meeting is particularly significant as it occurred amid escalating competition between the U.S. and China over critical minerals. As the U.S. and Australia accelerate efforts to build a supply chain independent of China, Korea Zinc is being recognized as a strategic partner connecting the critical mineral supply chains of both countries, leveraging its world-class non-ferrous metal smelting technology. Industry experts believe that the expansion of Korea Zinc's local operations in Australia, coupled with Project Crucible in the U.S., will further enhance the company's strategy for building a global critical mineral value chain. Since establishing SMC in 1996, Korea Zinc has positioned itself as a key industrial partner in Australia for 30 years, expanding its operations from smelting to renewable energy and green hydrogen.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:40:00 -
GC Green Cross Selects 'FAB FIVE' for Focused R&D Development GC Green Cross has restructured its research and development (R&D) strategy to focus on five key pipelines, expanding its growth strategy from plasma-derived products and vaccines into new areas such as anticancer treatments. On June 25, the company announced that it has redefined its priority pipelines during its 2026 R&D portfolio review workshop, aiming to drive future growth. The five core assets, referred to as 'THE FAB FIVE,' include: △20% SCIG (GC5136B) △mCOVID vaccine (GC4006A) △EBV subunit vaccine (GC1140B) △Fabry disease treatment (GC1134A) △EGFR X cMET ADC (GC1148A). This selection maintains the company's strengths in plasma-derived products and vaccines while also expanding into the oncology sector. In the first quarter of this year, the company's performance was led by Aliglo. GC Green Cross also reported stable operations in its vaccine and rare disease treatment pipelines, reinforcing its foundation in immunology-focused early projects. Additionally, the company has established an internal system to continuously prioritize its pipelines. Jae-wook Jeong, head of R&D at GC Green Cross, stated, "We will concentrate our R&D capabilities and strategic investments around our core pipelines to strengthen our growth momentum."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:36:00 -
NH Nonghyup Bank Focuses on Green Loans and Transition Finance in Second Half of 2026 NH Nonghyup Bank is prioritizing green loans and transition finance as key initiatives for the second half of 2026, aiming to expand its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management efforts.On June 25, NH Nonghyup Bank announced that it held its first ESG Promotion Committee meeting of 2026 at its headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, on June 24.The ESG Promotion Committee oversees the bank's ESG management strategy. During the meeting, members reviewed major achievements from the first half of the year and discussed key tasks for the second half, including green and transition finance, social contribution, financial education, and sustainability disclosure.In the first half of this year, NH Nonghyup Bank secured additional contracts for direct power trading based on renewable energy totaling 4 megawatts (MW) and strengthened its management system for green loans and transition finance. The bank also expanded its community engagement activities, including support for rural children and financial education for underserved populations.Looking ahead, the bank plans to increase the scale of its green loans, establish a framework for transition finance to support renewable energy conversion, and improve its ESG data management system. Green loans refer to environmentally friendly loans and financial support provided in accordance with the government's guidelines on green loan management.Im Se-bin, Senior Vice President and Chair of the ESG Promotion Committee, stated, "We must receive market recognition through tangible ESG management results, going beyond mere declarations or regulatory compliance. We will demonstrate NH Nonghyup Bank's unique ESG competitiveness by actively supporting companies in their low-carbon transitions through green and transition finance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:36:00 -
Deputy Minister Lee Doo-hee Seeks U.S. Congressional Support for Defense Issues Deputy Minister of Defense Lee Doo-hee met with U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., on June 24 to request support for key security issues, including the transfer of wartime operational control and the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, according to the Ministry of Defense. During his meetings with Representatives Ryan Zinke and Pat Harrigan, both Republicans, Lee expressed gratitude for the U.S. Congress's role as a pillar of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and urged bipartisan interest and cooperation to further strengthen the alliance. Lee specifically requested ongoing congressional support for easing legal restrictions on the expansion of South Korea-U.S. cooperation in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and for securing low-enriched uranium for nuclear-powered submarines. He also explained the progress and significance of the transfer of wartime operational control and sought congressional backing for this transition. In a separate meeting with Emil Michael, the U.S. Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Lee discussed ways to enhance defense and defense industry cooperation. Both sides agreed to establish a director-level defense science and technology consultative body to discuss the development of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones, and to form a working-level consultative body to create common standards and certification systems for drones between South Korea and the U.S. Additionally, they committed to strengthening partnerships in advanced defense science and technology, including information sharing in the testing and evaluation of weapon systems that utilize cutting-edge technologies, and accelerating cooperation across security and industrial sectors, including supply chain stabilization.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-25 10:36:00