Journalist

Haehun Jeong
  • South Korea should remember Dec. 3 as Democracy Memorial Day
    South Korea should remember Dec. 3 as Democracy Memorial Day "A year has passed since the insurrection, yet darkness still lingers," said the ruling party leader, reflecting on the chaos following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. This statement underscores the ongoing turmoil in society. Since last December, this column has frequently criticized the martial law, mentioning terms like 'impeachment,' 'presidential election,' 'special prosecutor,' and 'People Power Party.' Even when not directly discussing martial law, related terms like 'diplomacy' and 'prosecution' have naturally surfaced. More articles on this topic are expected. As the special investigation into the insurrection nears completion, revelations continue, such as the justice minister's controversial communication with the first lady. The repeat of 'state manipulation' following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye has further angered the public. Despite Yoon's earlier promise to accept legal and political responsibility, his actions in court suggest otherwise. The past year has been tumultuous, marked by Yoon's failed arrest and release. On Nov. 26, the first trial of key figures indicted for martial law concluded. The special prosecutor labeled their actions as a 'terror against South Korean democracy.' While the appropriateness of the sentencing is debatable, holding those responsible is crucial. The court's first ruling is expected on Jan. 20. The People Power Party, now in opposition, appears unchanged from a year ago. Despite pledging to apologize for martial law and impeachment, internal discord persists. The party leader's stance resembles that of the ousted president, reflecting a regressive mindset. A consistent, reflective stance on martial law is necessary for public forgiveness and effective governance. The government is considering designating Dec. 3 as 'Democracy Memorial Day.' The martial law, the first since 1979, highlighted the importance of democracy and the constitution. Despite the failure of Yoon's 'coup,' support for his actions remains, posing a dangerous threat. To prevent future constitutional crises, strict legal action and continued emphasis on the day's significance are essential. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-03 09:23:53
  • Koreas top conglomerates vow near $700 bn domestic investment, doubling US commitment
    Korea's top conglomerates vow near $700 bn domestic investment, doubling US commitment SEOUL, November 16 (AJP) - South Korea’s four largest conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai and LG — pledged more than 1,000 trillion won ($687 billion) in domestic investment over the next five years, vowing to build new AI, semiconductor and hydrogen hubs outside the capital region to counter concerns that Seoul’s $350 billion U.S. investment commitment could drain high-tech capacity and jobs from home. The massive investment plans were laid out during a two-hour meeting with President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday, just days after Seoul and Washington electronically signed a memorandum of understanding for a sweeping industrial trade package. The deal lowers U.S. tariffs on Korean exports and includes $200 billion in Korean capital injections in the United States and $150 billion in bilateral shipbuilding cooperation. Under the agreement, tariffs on key Korean automobile and pharmaceutical exports will be cut to 15 percent, while semiconductor tariffs will be kept “no less favorable” than the rates applied to Taiwan. The meeting was attended by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, as well as senior leaders from HD Hyundai and Hanwha. President Lee urged the chiefs to ensure domestic investment does not lag behind U.S. commitments. “Some worry that U.S.-centered investment may weaken domestic activity,” he said. “I trust you will make sure those concerns do not become reality. Given Korea’s serious regional imbalance, I ask for even greater commitment to revitalizing local industries.” Samsung: Expanding domestic manufacturing, 60,000 new hires and national AI infrastructure Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong ensured no reduction in domestic investment, highlighting hiring commitments and new industrial sites outside the capital region. Samsung confirmed plans to invest 450 trillion won over five years, hire 60,000 workers, and expand advanced manufacturing capacity across memory semiconductors, displays and next-generation batteries. Samsung will begin construction of the fifth production line at its Pyeongtaek mega-campus, aiming for operation by 2028. The company is also building two major AI data centers in South Jeolla hosting 15,000 GPUs, and an AI service center in Gumi for Samsung affiliates. Samsung SDS, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI and Samsung Electro-Mechanics are each expanding facilities in Asan, Gwangju, Ulsan and Busan. SK Group: Yongin mega-fabrication site may reach 600 trillion won SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said domestic investment requirements have grown significantly due to demand for high-performance memory and advanced manufacturing technologies. SK had initially projected 128 trillion won in domestic investment by 2028. But Chey said that the Yongin semiconductor cluster alone may require up to 600 trillion won over the coming years. “As each fab begins partial operations, we are adding more than 2,000 jobs per facility,” Chey said. “If construction accelerates, SK could create 14,000 to 20,000 jobs per year through 2029.” Hyundai Motor Group: 125 trillion won through 2030 — AI, robotics and green energy at the core Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun unveiled a 125 trillion won domestic investment program for 2026–2030, the largest in the company’s history. The amount would sharply exceed its investment of 89 trillion won over the last five years. It will allocate 50.5 trillion won to new businesses including AI autonomous driving, robotics and hydrogen energy, 38.5 trillion won to R&D, and 36.2 trillion won to manufacturing upgrades and facility investments. Hyundai will build a high-power AI data center with Nvidia, expand robotics testing through a new Physical AI Application Center, and invest in a 1GW PEM hydrogen electrolysis plant in the southwest region. New EV and hydrogen fuel cell factories are underway in Ulsan and scheduled to open between 2026 and 2027. The company will also cover U.S. tariff burdens for key auto-parts suppliers this year and extend support to secondary and tertiary vendors. LG Group: Strengthening the supply chain with 100 trillion won LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo said LG will invest 100 trillion won domestically over five years, assigning 60% to materials, components and equipment — the backbone of long-term competitiveness. LG is also expanding AI-powered factory automation for both LG plants and partner SMEs, citing successful productivity gains from earlier pilots. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-16 18:58:47
  • South Korea to launch special benefit program to nurture scientists and AI experts
    South Korea to launch special benefit program to nurture scientists and AI experts SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - The government will foster scientists and related professionals by offering a range of benefits to support their research and other studies, the Ministry of Science and ICT said on Friday. The ministry plans to finalize concrete plans for such a program with an aim to launch it by the second half of next year. Under the program, about 20 scientists will be selected annually over the next five years to receive research grants, stipends, and various other benefits. "To attract top talent and boost scientific research, a record 35.3 trillion won has been allocated to research and development (R&D) in the government's budget," said Ha Jung-woo, presidential adviser for artificial intelligence (AI) and future strategies and former employee of the country's largest portal Naver, during a press briefing. "The government plans to expand science-focused schools and other specialized educational institutions to nurture students and young prodigies into AI experts, while aiming to attract 2,000 foreign specialists by 2030," he added, stressing the need to also enhance the competitiveness of provincial universities. "Under President Lee Jae Myung's strong commitment to transforming South Korea into a science and technology powerhouse, the government also plans to raise R&D spending to about five percent of the total annual government expenditure," Ha explained. Expressing optimism about a recent increase in applicants for science and math majors at universities, he hoped the upcoming program would further accelerate this trend. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-07 16:41:33
  • Lee holds talks with Canadian PM in Gyeongju
    Lee holds talks with Canadian PM in Gyeongju SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung agreed to expand cooperation in the defense and economic sectors with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their summit on Thursday on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea's historic city of Gyeongju. Hailing the North American country as a "key ally," Lee highlighted the special relationship between the two nations, recalling Canada's military support during the 1950–53 Korean War, during which it dispatched 27,000 troops and suffered nearly 400 casualties. He also praised Canada's pioneering work in artificial intelligence (AI)-related research, saying it would contribute to the advancement of the global community. Highlighting the growing cultural exchanges between the two countries, Lee cited Netflix's hit animation "KPop Demon Hunters," directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, as a successful example. Carney responded by describing South Korea as a crucial partner for Ottawa across defense, commerce, and culture. He also suggested expanding cooperation in trade and defense, marking the 10th anniversary of the free trade agreement between the two countries. The summit, which came about months after the two met at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta in June, was also attended by key officials from both countries including Canada's Chief of Staff Marc-André Blanchard and South Korea's national security adviser Wi Sung-lac. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-30 14:10:35
  • Seoul raises alert, protection for Koreans in Cambodia amid rising crimes
    Seoul raises alert, protection for Koreans in Cambodia amid rising crimes SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - South Korea is beefing up protection measures for its nationals abroad following the violent killing of a Korean college student in Cambodia. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac on Monday chaired a task force meeting at the presidential office with senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, and National Police Agency to devise coordinated action against the recent murder and related crimes. President Lee Jae-myung over the weekend ordered the Foreign Ministry to make the protection of citizens overseas, particularly in Cambodia, a top priority. Following the president’s directive, the government is making multifaceted efforts to protect our citizens from job scams and detentions in Cambodia,” the presidential office said in a statement. “We will enforce strict legal measures against organized crime.” The response comes after the body of a South Korean student was discovered in Cambodia’s Kampot Province in August. Repatriation of the victim’s body has been delayed, while additional cases of Koreans falling prey to similar crimes have since emerged. Cambodia’s state news agency AKP reported that three Chinese nationals in their 30s and 40s have been indicted by local prosecutors for allegedly torturing and killing the Korean student near Bokor Mountain in Kampot. They were charged with murder and fraud as part of a broader crackdown on online scam syndicates operating in the country. The National Police Agency said Sunday it will hold a bilateral meeting with Cambodian police on Thursday to discuss measures to prevent further crimes against Koreans. NPA Commissioner Park Sung-joo is also considering a visit to Cambodia to press for stronger cooperation. The agency plans to strengthen coordination with Interpol, dispatch 30 additional officers for cross-border investigations, and discuss establishing a dedicated “Korean Desk” within the Cambodian national police to handle cases involving Koreans. The South Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh currently has one police officer and two liaison officers, a level deemed insufficient amid a surge in scams and detentions. The ruling party is also pushing for stronger legal grounds to protect Koreans abroad. “The recent incidents in Cambodia have exposed the limitations of our current system, which is reactive rather than preventive,” Democratic Party Rep. Park said on social media. He called for swift passage of his amendment to the Consular Assistance Act to institutionalize continuous risk monitoring in crisis regions and establish an emergency protocol for coordination among the Foreign Ministry, National Intelligence Service, and local embassies. “It’s time for state systems — not individual courage or chance — to safeguard our citizens’ lives,” he said. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry on Friday raised its travel advisory for Phnom Penh to a special advisory, urging Koreans to exercise extreme caution or postpone nonessential travel. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also summoned the Cambodian ambassador in Seoul to demand stronger action against the surge in online scams and detentions targeting Korean nationals. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-13 13:55:51
  • Seoul moves to confront rising crimes against Koreans in Cambodia
    Seoul moves to confront rising crimes against Koreans in Cambodia SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - South Korea’s presidential office convened a task force meeting on Monday to address a surge in crimes targeting South Korean nationals in Cambodia, including a string of abductions and job-related scams that have alarmed families and prompted calls for stronger protection measures. Wi Sung-lak, head of the National Security Office, chaired the meeting, which brought together senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, Justice Ministry, and National Police Agency. The group discussed coordinated actions to combat fraudulent recruitment operations, illegal detentions, and other organized crimes involving South Koreans in Cambodia, the presidential office said. The meeting came in response to several recent incidents, most notably the death of a South Korean student in Cambodia’s Kampot Province in August. President Lee Jae Myung ordered the Foreign Ministry over the weekend to “prioritize the safety and protection of citizens abroad,” citing growing public concern over conditions in Cambodia. Cambodia has in recent years emerged as a troubling hotspot for kidnapping and forced-labor cases involving foreign nationals, including South Koreans. Dozens of Koreans have reportedly been lured by online job scams promising high salaries, only to be detained by criminal networks that force victims to engage in illegal activities such as online gambling or cryptocurrency fraud. South Korean police have cooperated with Cambodian authorities to rescue victims and crack down on such operations, but officials say the problem persists amid weak law enforcement and porous borders in the region. The presidential office said Monday’s task force will develop stronger legal and diplomatic responses, including faster consular support and closer coordination with Cambodian law enforcement. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-13 13:36:42
  • Seoul making upmost diplomatic efforts for release of a Korean from Israeli detention
    Seoul making "upmost" diplomatic efforts for release of a Korean from Israeli detention SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the utmost diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe release and return of a South Korean national aboard a Gaza-bound aid vessel detained by Israeli forces, the presidential office said Thursday. The president directed the government to carry out all possible diplomatic endeavors for the swift and safe return of the Korean citizen, identified as Kim Ah-hyun, after being briefed on the matter, according to a written statement from presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Kim was aboard one of 11 humanitarian ships bound for Gaza that were intercepted by Israeli forces on Wednesday. Israel’s foreign ministry said in a post on X that all passengers were in “good health,” had been safely transferred to an Israeli port, and were expected to be deported “promptly.” The latest flotilla, carrying food and medical supplies to the war-torn Gaza Strip, reportedly included hundreds of passengers from various countries. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), backed by the United Nations, recently confirmed that famine conditions have been observed in Gaza City — the main target of Israel’s military campaign — as a result of prolonged malnutrition during the two-year Hamas-Israeli conflict. The Korean foreign ministry said it is working closely with the Korean Embassy in Israel to ensure the “safe and fair” return of its citizen. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-09 12:02:22
  • Lee seeks UN chiefs help for peace on Korean Peninsula
    Lee seeks UN chief's help for peace on Korean Peninsula SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for the UN's cooperation to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula during a meeting with Secretary-General António Guterres. After delivering his keynote speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Lee met with Guterres, praising his leadership at the multilateral organization, stressing the UN's "crucial" role in addressing global crises and resolving international disputes. Lee highlighted South Korea's dramatic transition from an aid recipient to a donor and pledged that the country would play a greater role in addressing global challenges. He also expressed support for UN-led reforms and promised South Korea's contribution to making the UN more effective, while asking for more opportunities for South Korean talent to work in international organizations. Calling South Korea a "trusted partner" on global issues such as humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and human rights, Guterres pledged to strengthen relations with the country. Lee is now set to preside an artificial intelligence (AI)-themed open debate on Wednesday, making him the first South Korean leader to do so. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-24 10:47:01