Exhibition showcases trend of electric vehicles SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korea’s premier electric vehicle exhibition, EV Trend Korea 2025, opened in Seoul on Tuesday with an awards ceremony honoring standout innovations in the nation’s fast-growing EV sector. The three-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Environment at COEX convention center, brought together major industry stakeholders, including the Korea Battery Industry Association and the Korea Automotive Environmental Association. Ahn Se-chang, director general of the Climate Change Policy Bureau at the environment ministry, delivered opening remarks to a crowd of executives and policymakers. Attendees included Shin Seung-kyu, executive vice president of Hyundai Motor Group, and Glen Schmidt, vice president for government and external affairs at BMW Korea. Now in its eighth year, the exhibition is the largest in its history, according to organizers. Crowds flooded the venue on opening day, drawn by hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and test-driving opportunities. A popular highlight was the EV camping display, showcasing vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology that allows EVs to power outdoor equipment and appliances. Among the headliners was Hyundai’s newly redesigned Nexo, the company’s hydrogen-powered SUV originally launched in 2018. The updated model boasts a projected driving range of more than 700 kilometers on a single hydrogen refill — completed in under five minutes — and will feature a panoramic curved display dashboard. The vehicle is set for release next month, according to Hyundai officials present at the show. 2025-06-04 16:15:51

Business groups urge new president to focus on economic recovery SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korean business groups called on President Lee Jae-myung to revitalize the country’s flagging economy and position it as a global economic heavyweight amid mounting domestic and international challenges. In a series of statements issued Tuesday, business leaders asked the new administration to prioritize economic stability, bolster industrial competitiveness, and enact reforms aimed at restoring growth in a nation grappling with sluggish consumption, falling birthrates, and global trade headwinds. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one of the country's most influential business organizations, urged President Lee to “unite national capabilities” to confront structural issues such as low growth and regional population decline. In a policy paper, the group emphasized the need for proactive leadership in an era shaped by protectionist trade policies and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. “President Lee must steer the nation through a volatile global landscape and domestic uncertainty,” the chamber stated, calling for “decisive measures that restore public trust and energize economic fundamentals.” The Federation of Korean Industries echoed the call for urgent action, expressing confidence that “pragmatic, performance-oriented policies” could elevate South Korea into the ranks of the world’s top five economies. The group urged the government to foster innovation, revive the ailing manufacturing sector, and support emerging technologies as pillars of long-term growth. The Korea Enterprises Federation, meanwhile, pressed for bold regulatory reforms and a more flexible labor market, saying such measures are essential for enhancing competitiveness and sustaining prosperity. “Insightful and balanced leadership will be crucial in navigating the coming challenges,” the group said. The Korea International Trade Association advocated for a more profit-driven trade strategy, emphasizing the importance of minimizing external risks through coordinated diplomatic and trade policy efforts. “Rapid shifts in the global trade order require swift and adaptive responses,” the group said. As President Lee assumes office, expectations are high that his administration will move quickly to define its economic priorities and reassure markets. The coming months are expected to offer the first real test of how he balances labor-friendly campaign promises with the demands of a deeply concerned business sector. 2025-06-04 14:59:26

Conservative party officials in somber mood as exit polls show 12-point gap SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - South Korea's main opposition People Power Party officials watched in somber silence as exit polls showed their candidate trailing the ruling Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung by about 12.4 percentage points in Tuesday's presidential election. The party's election headquarters at the National Assembly Library fell into heavy silence when broadcasters announced the results at 8 p.m., immediately after voting concluded across the nation. Officials clad in red campaign jackets had gathered with cautious optimism. Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Yong-tae and other senior leaders took front-row seats as the critical moment approached. The mood shifted dramatically as exit poll figures appeared on television screens, showing their candidate Kim Moon-soo significantly behind, despite the campaign’s final-week rhetoric about a possible "golden cross" comeback. "We expected results within the margin of error, either slightly behind or slightly ahead, but this significant gap is quite disappointing," said co-campaign chief Na Kyung-won. "It's being received as somewhat shocking." Within ten minutes of the announcement, senior party officials began leaving the venue, their expressions marked by disappointment as the unexpected scale of the setback sank in. 2025-06-03 21:02:16

Lee Jae-myung promises pro-labor policies, aiming to revive economy SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election held Tuesday, with exit polls showing him ahead with 51.7 percent of the vote. His conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party follows with 39.3 percent, according to a joint exit poll survey by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS. The 61-year-old former Gyeonggi Province governor is seeking to implement sweeping economic reforms following months of political turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration. Lee’s background sets him apart from South Korea’s political elite. Born into poverty as the seventh of nine children, he revealed in his autobiography that he spent his early years working in factories instead of receiving a proper education. A workplace accident left his left arm permanently damaged, but he persevered to earn a law degree and pass the national bar examination. His experience as a human rights lawyer defending exploited workers helped shape his pro-labor political philosophy. After becoming mayor of Seongnam City in 2010, Lee went on to serve as governor of Gyeonggi Province in 2018. He ran as the Democratic Party’s candidate in the 20th presidential election but lost to Yoon Suk Yeol. Now, he is running again in the 21st presidential election as the forerunner for his party. The Democratic Party candidate has pledged to introduce a 4.5-day workweek with no pay reduction, aiming to address South Korea’s notoriously long working hours. Lee also remains committed to advancing the Yellow Envelope Act, which would expand legal protections for workers and unions during labor disputes. His labor agenda includes stronger workplace safety measures and increased healthcare investment for workers in hazardous environments. As part of his economic revival plan, Lee has proposed a bold 100 trillion won (70.6 billion dollars) artificial intelligence initiative aimed at positioning South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers. The plan includes developing a "Korean ChatGPT" with free access for all citizens and acquiring more than 50,000 high-performance GPUs. His administration would also prioritize research and development investments while strengthening the country’s defense and content industries. In a Facebook post on June 2, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to the Korean people, saying: "I will pursue politics that has a positive impact on the people's livelihood and economy. I will definitely keep my promise of a country where we all prosper together, a Republic of Korea where each and every citizen's life is respected." 2025-06-03 20:32:03

Lee Jae-myung advocates pragmatic diplomacy and balanced global engagement SEOUL, June 3 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party, is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election held Tuesday, with exit polls showing him ahead with 51.7 percent of the vote. His conservative rival Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party follows with 39.3 percent, according to a joint exit poll survey by public broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS. At the center of Lee's diplomatic strategy is a push for pragmatic engagement with major powers while maintaining the foundation of the United States–South Korea alliance. He has cautioned against a one-sided foreign policy approach, arguing that South Korea must adapt to shifting global dynamics and avoid following any single country unilaterally. Lee emphasizes that even long-standing allies like the United States are adopting protectionist policies, which calls for greater strategic independence. His "New Asia Strategy" aims to update previous diplomatic frameworks to better match today’s geopolitical realities. It includes expanding strategic cooperation with China, Japan, and Russia. Lee argues that China and Russia should not be treated as enemies by default, while also acknowledging the need to address unresolved historical tensions with Japan. Lee also calls for stronger ties with the Global South, identifying Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America as key diplomatic and economic partners. This multipolar approach is central to his broader plan for securing South Korea’s long-term strategic autonomy in an increasingly complex world. He has pledged to launch an emergency task force focused on trade negotiations to better manage economic tensions with Washington. On North Korea, Lee calls for a shift from confrontation to phased engagement and gradual denuclearization. His campaign outlines a plan to restart inter-Korean dialogue, reduce military tensions through step-by-step measures, and pursue humanitarian initiatives such as family reunions. While maintaining deterrence, Lee supports restoring cooperative projects designed to build mutual trust between the two Koreas. In terms of defense, Lee emphasizes conventional capabilities within the U.S.–South Korea alliance and opposes the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons or pursuing an independent nuclear arsenal. He proposes adopting AI-enhanced military technologies and establishing a hybrid conscription system, offering service members the option of short-term military service or longer professional careers. His administration would also focus on strengthening missile defense systems and boosting the defense industry's international competitiveness. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Lee promised to create a "robust security powerhouse where elite soldiers, armed with cutting-edge equipment and weapons, proudly dedicate themselves to defending the homeland." 2025-06-03 20:27:35

Police probe overseas IP addresses in SK Telecom cyber attack SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - South Korean authorities have identified foreign internet addresses linked to the recent cyberattack on SK Telecom and are coordinating with at least three countries as part of an expanding international investigation, police said on Monday. During a press briefing, Park Hyun-soo, acting chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said that cybercrime teams are analyzing server log records tied to malicious code discovered in the breach. “We have found overseas IP addresses during the analysis and are conducting international cooperative investigations,” Park said. Police did not disclose the countries involved but confirmed they are working in conjunction with the National Intelligence Service. The scope of the collaboration suggests a broader effort to trace the source of the hack, which has raised alarms over potential foreign interference in the country's critical communications infrastructure. When asked whether the foreign IP addresses indicated that the cooperating nations had served as conduits for the attackers, officials declined to elaborate. “We are in the process of verification and cannot say that anything has been definitively established,” Park said. Speculation has circulated that China or North Korea may be connected to the breach. However, investigators emphasized that no conclusions have been reached. Authorities continue to examine the origin of the attack, including whether it bears hallmarks of state-sponsored activity. The breach, discovered in April, targeted South Korea’s largest telecommunications provider and is believed to have compromised the personal data of a significant portion of SK Telecom’s user base. 2025-06-02 15:52:27

UAE in talks with TSMC to build advanced chip plant SEOUL, June 2 (AJP) - The United Arab Emirates is in preliminary discussions with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to build a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility as Gulf nations accelerate efforts to position themselves at the forefront of the global artificial intelligence race. TSMC has reportedly held multiple meetings in recent months with Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, and representatives of MGX Fund Management, a UAE-based investment firm backing the proposal, Bloomberg reported. The talks come amid a surge of high-level U.S. interest in the region's emerging technology ecosystem. A recent tour of the Middle East led by former President Donald J. Trump included several of Silicon Valley’s most prominent figures, among them Elon Musk of Tesla, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Lisa Su of AMD. Their presence has helped spark a wave of AI- and data center-related investment announcements across the Gulf. The proposed chip foundry, if realized, would mark a milestone for the UAE and the broader region. It would also represent a significant expansion for TSMC beyond its traditional bases in Asia and recent projects in the United States and Japan. However, the project faces steep challenges — including limited local access to water, a critical resource for chip fabrication, and a shortage of specialized technical talent. Still, the vision is part of a broader, region-wide effort to reduce economic dependence on hydrocarbons by investing in advanced technologies. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have launched sweeping initiatives — Vision 2030 and the National AI Strategy 2031, respectively — aimed at cultivating domestic AI capabilities and attracting global tech leaders. In parallel with the TSMC talks, the UAE is pressing ahead with the Stargate UAE initiative, a joint venture with OpenAI, Nvidia, Oracle, and SoftBank to construct a 5-gigawatt AI data center in Abu Dhabi. When complete, the facility is expected to consume roughly as much electricity as three million average American homes. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has tasked the sovereign wealth fund–backed startup Humain with acquiring 18,000 of Nvidia’s cutting-edge Blackwell chips and forming a $10 billion strategic partnership with AMD. These moves underscore the region’s intent to leapfrog into the upper ranks of AI infrastructure development. 2025-06-02 14:33:19

Arsonist sparks fire on Seoul subway, forcing 400 passengers to flee through tunnel SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - A man ignited a fire on a Seoul subway train during Saturday morning rush hour, forcing about 400 passengers to evacuate through underground tunnels as smoke filled the carriages. The blaze erupted at 8:43 a.m. on Line 5 between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations when a man in his 60s used a torch-style lighter to set clothing ablaze after boarding with a container of oil, witnesses said. Twenty-one passengers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and ankle injuries sustained during the chaotic evacuation. No fatalities were reported. Train operators and passengers wielded fire extinguishers to contain the flames before firefighters fully extinguished the blaze at 10:24 a.m. Emergency responders deployed 230 personnel, including 166 firefighters and 60 police officers, along with 68 pieces of firefighting equipment. Police arrested the suspected arsonist near Yeouinaru station at 9:45 a.m. Service between Yeouido and Aeogae stations was suspended until 10:06 a.m., with trains bypassing Mapo and Yeouinaru stations during the emergency response. Investigators are examining the scene and questioning the suspect to determine the motive behind the arson attack. 2025-05-31 16:10:14

South Korean professor loses lawsuit over research fund embezzlement disciplinary action SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - A South Korean national university professor who embezzled about 80 million won (US$57,952) in research funds by falsely claiming equipment purchases has lost his administrative lawsuit challenging his disciplinary punishment. The Chuncheon District Court ruled against the professor in his lawsuit seeking to overturn a three-month suspension imposed by the national university he resides, the court announced on Saturday. According to the indictment, the professor fraudulently claimed research material expenses 31 times between June 2018 and January 2021, pocketing about 80 million won intended for consumable research supplies. He also embezzled 1 million won over 36 instances by billing for meals for researchers who never attended actual research meetings. The university initially imposed dismissal and demanded 240 million won in additional disciplinary fines - triple the embezzled amount. After the professor appealed to the Appeal Commission for Educators, his punishment was reduced to a three-month suspension with standard disciplinary fines, considering his suspended sentence in criminal court. However, the professor argued he merely followed established practices of acquiring expensive equipment through credit arrangements and later paying through government project material costs. He claimed the funds questioned were used for actual equipment purchases that benefited his research. "The misconduct's content, duration, frequency and amount show the violations were not minor, warranting demotion or higher punishment," the court said. "However, considering the plaintiff's diligent work performance and research achievements, and that the embezzlement wasn't solely for personal gain, a suspension was deemed appropriate." The court emphasized that professors must maintain strong moral standards and integrity, stating the public interest in ensuring fair research fund management outweighed the defendant's personal disadvantages. 2025-05-31 14:20:46

China expands surveillance network in Korean waters with three new buoys SEOUL, May 31 (AJP) - China has quietly installed three additional observation buoys in disputed West Sea waters near South Korea, raising fresh concerns about Beijing's growing maritime surveillance capabilities in the region. The South Korean Navy reported on Saturday its discovery of large buoys near the 123-degree east longitude line, west of Ieodo reef. The installations sit in international waters within China's exclusive economic zone, directly adjacent to South Korea's maritime boundaries. Since 2018, China has deployed 10 observation buoys measuring about 3 meters wide and 6 meters tall throughout the Provisional Measures Zone (PMZ) under the stated purpose of marine observation. The latest additions bring the total count to 13 buoys, with one positioned inside the disputed fishing zone shared by both nations. While Beijing claims the buoys serve meteorological and oceanographic purposes, South Korean defense analysts fear the equipment could monitor South Korean naval vessels and submarines, potentially compromising Seoul's maritime security operations in its own backyard waters. China has systematically expanded its presence in the contested zone, installing large-scale aquaculture facilities described as deep-sea fishing operations. This month, Beijing declared parts of the area off-limits to navigation while announcing planned military exercises. "We are closely monitoring China's unauthorized installation of structures within the PMZ and will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to protect our maritime sovereignty," a Ministry of National Defense official said. 2025-05-31 10:34:31