Journalist

Haehun Jeong
  • Lee calls for stronger economic cooperation at Beijing forum
    Lee calls for stronger economic cooperation at Beijing forum SEOUL, January 5 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung called for stronger "economic cooperation" between South Korea and China during a business forum in Beijing on Monday, where he met with a slew of corporate leaders and executives from both countries as part of his state visit. In his opening remarks, Lee said the two countries were "like ships sailing on the same sea in the same direction," adding, "The two countries have worked together while also competing with each other on this great journey." Lee further explained that the two countries have achieved economic growth and technological advances at the forefront of the global economy, but the current global trade environment no longer allows them to "easily follow the same set route as in the past." "A rapidly changing technology and unpredictable supply chains require us to chart a new path," he stressed. Pointing out that bilateral trade has stalled at around US$300 billion, he emphasized the need to open new routes and new markets. Lee said a "new level of cooperation" would be enabled as the two countries share similar historical and cultural values due to geographic proximity, highlighting that artificial intelligence (AI) could further accelerate it across various sectors including manufacturing and service industries. Citing Chinese President Xi Jinping's reference to South Korea as an "inseparable neighbor," Lee expressed hope that the forum would help participants make a fresh start toward a "mutually beneficial, friendly relationship in economic sectors" through candid talks and discussions. After wrapping up the forum, Lee is set to hold talks with Xi later in the day. 2026-01-05 16:28:53
  • Korea bets on AI-driven productivity as new engine of growth in 2026
    Korea bets on AI-driven productivity as new engine of growth in 2026 SEOUL, January 01 (AJP) -South Korea is entering 2026 with a renewed push to reset its growth model around artificial intelligence, as the government and corporate leaders converge on AI-led productivity and solution-based innovation as the country’s next economic engine, according to New Year's addresses by key officials from the government and private sector. In his New Year’s address Thursday, President Lee Jae Myung raised urgency on a national transition beyond recovery and incremental growth toward structural change powered by technology. “Now we are only at the starting line,” Lee said, “Because we started late, we must now run faster.” He pledged to make 2026 “the first year of a great leap forward,” calling for a fundamental shift in the country’s growth paradigm. Lee stressed that Korea can no longer rely on familiar development paths, saying the country must “completely change the growth paradigm” and move onto “a new road of transformation.” Growth, he said, should be driven not by concentration or scale alone, but by innovation, decentralization and new engines of productivity. At the core of that transformation is artificial intelligence, which policymakers increasingly view as essential infrastructure rather than a standalone technology. Deputy Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon described AI as a decisive factor for national survival in the coming decade. “Information security has become a prerequisite for the survival of both nations and companies in the AI era,” he said, signaling a tougher stance on governance as AI adoption accelerates. Bae defined 2026 as a turning point for science and technology policy, saying the government will push forward an “AI basic society” in which “all citizens can enjoy the benefits of artificial intelligence.” Rather than focusing only on cutting-edge research, the government is emphasizing practical, solution-oriented AI that directly raises productivity across the economy. The science ministry plans to secure world-class domestic AI models and deploy them across manufacturing, shipbuilding, logistics and other core industries to accelerate digital transformation. AI-based public projects will be expanded so citizens can experience tangible improvements in daily life. “We will promote AI transformation across key industries and expand AI-based livelihood projects so people can feel real change,” Bae said. Nationwide AI education programs, competitions and training initiatives will be expanded to ensure broad participation, while startups and young entrepreneurs will receive targeted support to translate ideas into viable businesses. A central pillar of the strategy is the creation of a “full-stack K-AI ecosystem,” linking semiconductors, software, data, platforms and services into a single value chain. The government plans to accelerate global expansion of Korean AI companies while strengthening the ecosystem that connects chips, infrastructure and applications. Officials say this approach is intended to move Korea beyond its traditional role as a component supplier toward becoming a provider of integrated AI solutions. This direction closely mirrors the private sector’s message. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said AI is already reshaping global industry and will define competitiveness going forward. “AI is no longer a distant future but a reality that has entered deep into our daily lives,” Chey said in his New Year’s message. “The era of AI has only just begun, and the opportunities ahead will be far greater than we can imagine today.” He said SK aims to become a leader in the global AI ecosystem by offering integrated AI solutions rather than isolated technologies. “AI innovation is not limited to semiconductors,” he said, stressing that energy, telecommunications, construction and bio businesses can all serve as foundations for AI-driven value creation. Chey added that successful transformation depends on strengthening core businesses first. “We must solidify the fundamentals of what we already do well and layer AI innovation on top of them to create differentiated value,” he said. As AI adoption accelerates, the government is also tightening its stance on cybersecurity and accountability. Bae warned that cyber threats linked to AI pose structural risks, saying the government would “respond at the national level” to hacking and security breaches. He said corporate leaders will face clearer legal responsibility for security failures, and repeated incidents could result in punitive penalties. The goal, he said, is to ensure that trust and safety become the foundation of AI-driven growth rather than an afterthought. The government plans to expand regionally autonomous R&D budgets and establish AI-based innovation clusters linked to local industries. Large-scale demonstration projects will anchor these hubs, enabling regions to develop sustainable growth engines tailored to their industrial strengths. This aligns with President Lee’s broader vision of moving away from a capital-centric structure toward a more distributed growth model, in which multiple regions serve as engines of innovation. Alongside AI, the government highlighted biotechnology, quantum technology and nuclear fusion as next-generation strategic sectors. A so-called “K-Moonshot” initiative will support long-term, high-risk research aimed at securing core technologies essential for future competitiveness. Bae emphasized that science and technology are central to overcoming Korea’s low-growth trap. “Science and technology are the key tools to unlock our economic potential,” he said, pledging stronger institutional support for basic research, scientists and young talent. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-01 14:37:05
  • Presidential office to move back to Cheong Wa Dae early next week
    Presidential office to move back to Cheong Wa Dae early next week SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung is set to move into the sprawling compound of Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul early next week, after vacating the current presidential office in Yongsan, his officials said on Wednesday. The relocation of the presidential office comes roughly three years and seven months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached earlier this year, moved it to the nondescript Defense Ministry building in Yongsan on the first day of his inauguration in May 2022. As the presidential office completes its relocation, a symbolic flag representing the country's head of state will be raised at Cheong Wa Dae again starting next Monday. The flag features the national flower mugunghwa or rose of Sharon at the center, flanked by two mythical phoenixes facing each other. 2025-12-24 15:40:13
  • Korea and US agree to work on a separate pact on nuclear-power submarine project
    Korea and US agree to work on a separate pact on nuclear-power submarine project SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) -South Korea and the United States will start working-level talks early next to write out a separate bilateral agreement on cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, said Seoul’s national security adviser said Wednesday. In a televised briefing on his back-to-back visits to the United States, Canada, and Japan, Wi Sung-lac specified the reasons for the need for a separate pact on the submarine program, which is linked to broader security commitments outlined in a joint fact sheet released last month. “We shared the view that a stand-alone agreement on cooperation over nuclear-powered submarines is necessary, and agreed to move forward with discussions,” Wi said. Wi traveled from Dec. 16 to 22 to the United States, Canada and Japan, holding meetings with senior officials including U.S. Secretary of State and national security adviser Marco Rubio and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. He described the talks in Washington as “practical and in-depth,” focused on implementing security commitments agreed at the leaders’ level. The submarine issue is part of follow-up measures stemming from a joint fact sheet issued after President Lee Jae Myung met U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju in late October. Under current U.S. law, transfers of nuclear material for military use are generally prohibited. However, exemptions may be granted through specific provisions or presidential authority, making a separate bilateral agreement a key procedural hurdle. Wi noted that Australia secured similar exceptions through its own arrangements with Washington. On uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, Wi reiterated South Korea’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation, stressing that Seoul plans to use low-enriched uranium below 20 percent for any nuclear-powered submarines and is not considering highly enriched uranium. He said Seoul emphasized to Washington that stable access to low-enriched uranium is becoming a strategic issue amid volatility in global uranium markets, framing the matter as one of shared energy and security interests rather than a departure from non-proliferation norms. A U.S. working-level delegation is expected to visit South Korea early next year to begin issue-by-issue consultations on security matters listed in the joint fact sheet. The two sides also agreed to set interim milestones — potentially around mid-2026 or the second half of the year — to review progress. “Based on the results of this visit, we will actively operate consultation channels with the United States and make every effort to implement the agreements quickly and faithfully,” Wi said. Beyond the submarine talks, Wi said discussions with U.S. officials also covered the stalled state of dialogue with North Korea, U.S.-China relations, Russia-North Korea military cooperation and broader regional security dynamics in Northeast Asia. During stops in New York, Ottawa and Tokyo, Wi also met with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Canadian national security and defense officials, and senior Japanese policymakers. In Canada, he highlighted South Korea’s capabilities in submarine construction as Seoul seeks to participate in Ottawa’s next-generation submarine procurement program, while talks in Japan focused on maintaining stable bilateral relations and expanding regional coordination. Wi acknowledged that differences can emerge among South Korean ministries on North Korea policy, but stressed that coordination through the National Security Council is essential to avoid mixed signals to allies. “What matters is coordination,” he said. 2025-12-24 13:38:04
  • Top security adviser heads to Washington to discuss implementation of bilateral agreements
    Top security adviser heads to Washington to discuss implementation of bilateral agreements SEOUL, December 16 (AJP) - National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lak on Tuesday left for Washington for working-level talks with U.S. officials this week. His trip comes after South Korea and the U.S. released a comprehensive joint fact sheet last month detailing agreements on bilateral trade and security. Wi is also expected to discuss measures for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. Just before his departure from Incheon International Airport, Wi said, "I will discuss two main issues in the U.S. – follow-up on the joint fact sheet and peace on the Korean Peninsula." Wi emphasized the need for in-depth discussions and coordination with multiple U.S. agencies to implement the agreements outlined in the joint fact sheet, which include a U.S. commitment to support the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, uranium enrichment, and the construction of nuclear submarines using U.S.-supplied fuel. Wi will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials to expedite the bilateral deal and share updates on progress. He also highlighted South Korea's diplomatic efforts to improve relations with its neighboring countries of China and Japan, which could help facilitate engagement with North Korea. Referring to President Lee Jae Myung's proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump to act as a "peacemaker" during their first summit in Washington, D.C. last summer, Wi said he plans to discuss strategies for bringing North Korea to the dialogue table. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-16 14:53:21
  • Lee, Laotian president agree to strengthen bilateral partnership
    Lee, Laotian president agree to strengthen bilateral partnership SEOUL, December 15 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung met with visiting Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith in Seoul on Monday. During their summit at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, the two leaders agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership, as the two countries mark 30 years of diplomatic relations. "Trade and investment have grown remarkably since 1995, with bilateral trade increasing 20-fold," Lee said, adding that mutual visits reached a record high last year. Lee emphasized South Korea's role as a key partner for Laos while highlighting Laos' importance to Seoul's efforts for ASEAN and Mekong cooperation. Lee also praised Laos' rich natural resources and called for cooperation in building a mineral supply chain, while pledging support for the country's development as a transport hub under Thongloun's leadership. Sisoulith expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations and requested South Korea's continued support for Laos' development. Following the summit, the two sides signed multiple memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on combating transnational crimes including online scams and phishing schemes, as well as labor-related agreements for foreign workers here. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-15 16:12:59
  • Laotian president to visit Seoul for summit
    Laotian president to visit Seoul for summit SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will hold a summit with Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith next week to discuss bilateral relations. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said Thursday that Thongloun, who is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Sunday, will sit down for talks with Lee on Monday, followed by a state luncheon. According to Kang, his trip to Seoul comes as the two countries mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and it will be the first bilateral visit in 12 years. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, with a focus on combating rising transnational crimes such as online scams and phishing schemes. "The upcoming summit will strengthen cooperation and improve relations between Seoul and Vientiane," Kang said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 14:51:30
  • President Lee nominates Kim Ho-chul as auditor general
    President Lee nominates Kim Ho-chul as auditor general SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Kim Ho-chul, a veteran human rights lawyer, as auditor general of South Korea’s Board of Audit and Inspection, the presidential office said on Sunday. The nomination was announced by presidential spokesperson Lee Kyu-yeon during a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul. Kim has held a range of senior public and civic posts, including serving as a standing member of a military death investigation panel and chairing the National Police Commission. He has also led major civic groups, including Lawyers for a Democratic Society, and served as a co-representative of the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements. Lee described Kim as a leading human rights lawyer who has consistently promoted public interest and social values, citing his involvement in high-profile institutional issues such as police oversight reforms and investigations into military deaths. “Kim is expected to help restore the constitutional principles of political neutrality, institutional independence and public trust in the Board of Audit and Inspection through the normalization of its audit functions,” Lee said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-07 14:29:47
  • Lee to discuss AI, semiconductor cooperation with SoftBank chairman
    Lee to discuss AI, semiconductor cooperation with SoftBank chairman SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung is set to meet with SoftBank Chairman Masayoshi Son to discuss cooperation in advanced high-technology sectors including artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. According to the presidential office on Thursday, their meeting is scheduled for Friday morning, with a focus on collaboration and infrastructure investment in these sectors. The meeting will also be attended by key officials including chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, presidential policy chief Kim Yong-beom, Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon. SoftBank is speeding up its AI expansion in the U.S. through its "Stargate" project, working with OpenAI and Oracle to build large-scale AI infrastructure and data centers. South Korea aims to become one of the world's "top three AI powerhouses." Lee already met with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in October to discuss cooperation in the field. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-04 13:50:54
  • Govt seeks talks to bring home South Koreans held in North Korea
    Gov't seeks talks to bring home South Koreans held in North Korea SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - South Korea is seeking talks with North Korea to bring back six South Koreans being held there, the presidential office said on Thursday. It comes just a day after the revelation was made during President Lee Jae-myung's press conference with foreign media, marking the first anniversary of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle. When asked by a reporter from NK News about the South Korean detainees in North Korea and any messages for their families here, Lee responded that he would look further into it, citing the lack of detailed information due to those cases occurring long ago. According to the presidential office, three North Korean defectors and three missionaries have been held since between 2013 and 2016 on dubious charges of espionage and other offenses. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-04 11:14:13