AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Jinkyu, Myung
  • LG Uplus accused of hindering data breach probe by destroying critical server
    LG Uplus accused of hindering data breach probe by destroying critical server SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has requested a police investigation into LG Uplus over allegations that the company intentionally disposed of a key server linked to a customer data breach. The ministry said the company discarded one of two APPM servers, which are critical for managing server account access and permissions, and submitted only the remaining server to a joint investigation team. “Both servers are required for an accurate forensic analysis, but one has already been disposed of, making a thorough investigation difficult,” a ministry official said. The case follows an August report by a U.S. security magazine, Frack, which said hacking activity had been detected on LG Uplus’s internal servers. At the time, the company said it found no evidence of intrusion. However, it was later confirmed that the operating system of the APPM server had been reinstalled a day before the company issued its initial response. The case has focused on whether sensitive customer data was leaked, and whether the company obstructed investigations by modifying or disposing of key digital evidence. Investigators said they have not ruled out the possibility of intentional destruction of evidence and have formally asked police to take over the case. An LG Uplus spokesperson said it was “currently assessing the situation.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-10 16:32:06
  • ChatGPT unrivalled 2025 app winner in Korea
    ChatGPT unrivalled 2025 app winner in Korea SEOUL, December 10 (AJP) - OpenAI's generative artificial intelligence ChatGPT was the standout app winner in South Korea this year, expanding user base nearly threefold between January and November, according to analytics firm WiseApp/Retail Wednesday. The AI assistance recorded a 196.6-percent surge in users from January to November, far outpacing growth across Korea's most competitive sectors from ecommerce to beauty and fintech. Other fast risers included bargain-shopping app Daiso Mall, which grew 31.9 percent, followed by beauty retailer Olive Young at 30.8 percent and Samsung’s financial management app Monimo at 28.1 percent. Ecommerce platform Gmarket increased 26.5 percent, fashion mall Musinsa 21.1 percent, TikTok Lite 18.5 percent, KakaoPay 17.7 percent, TikTok 14.6 percent, and Naver Pay 14.4 percent. In monthly active users, ChatGPT also dominated. The app averaged 16.72 million users over the past 11 months — nearly double the next-largest platform measured. KakaoPay followed with 9.13 million monthly users, trailed by Olive Young at 8.59 million, TikTok at 7.94 million, Musinsa at 7.44 million, Gmarket at 6.64 million, Monimo at 6.04 million, Naver Pay at 5.42 million, TikTok Lite at 4.74 million, and Daiso Mall at 4.05 million. WiseApp/Retail’s survey is based on a sample of Android and iOS smartphone users in Korea and reflects a year in which AI tools broke decisively into mainstream consumer behavior, overtaking longstanding leaders across retail, payment, and entertainment categories. 2025-12-10 13:32:04
  • All 12 CubeSats aboard Nuri rocket establish communication with ground stations
    All 12 CubeSats aboard Nuri rocket establish communication with ground stations SEOUL, December 09 (AJP) - All 12 CubeSats launched aboard South Korea’s fourth Nuri rocket mission have successfully established communication with ground stations, confirming the full success of the launch, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute said on Monday. Previously unresponsive satellites — including EEE Tester-1 developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, SpaceInTech’s B-1000 and Quaternion’s PERSAT — have now made contact. The Nuri rocket was launched on Nov. 27 carrying the next-generation medium satellite No. 3 along with 12 CubeSats. All payloads were successfully placed into a 600-kilometer earth orbit. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-09 09:27:17
  • Half of Koreas AI startups fail within three years, report shows
    Half of Korea's AI startups fail within three years, report shows SEOUL, December 08 (AJP) - Nearly half of South Korean artificial intelligence startups fail to survive beyond three years, underscoring structural weaknesses in funding and commercialization, according to a report released on Monday by the Korea Industrial Technology Association. The association said the three-year survival rate of AI startups stood at 56.2 percent as of the end of 2023, well below the 72.7 percent survival rate of general AI companies and the 68.8 percent average across all industries. The report found that AI startups remain highly dependent on external funding, with 22.9 percent of their research and development budgets coming from government grants and subsidies. “Government grants and subsidies are essential for sustaining AI startup R&D,” the report said, adding that heavy reliance on external capital reflects weak internal financial capacity. While average R&D spending by AI startups grew at an annual rate of 15.4 percent over the past three years, the amount reached only 590 million won in 2023, lagging behind other industrial sectors. “Bold R&D support and a stronger innovation ecosystem are needed for our AI startups to build global competitiveness,” said Ko Se-gon, executive vice president of the association. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-08 16:32:16
  • South Korea ushers in private-led space era with 4th Nuri launch
    South Korea ushers in private-led space era with 4th Nuri launch GOHEUNG, South Korea, November 27 (AJP) - South Korea opened a new chapter in its space program Thursday with the successful fourth launch of the homegrown Nuri rocket — the first assembled by Hanwha Aerospace — marking a decisive shift toward a private sector–driven space industry. The 200-ton, three-stage rocket lifted off from the Naro Space Center at 1:13 a.m. and entered a sun-synchronous orbit 600 kilometers above Earth, deploying a next-generation medium satellite along with 12 cube satellites. The flight was completed in 18 minutes and 52 seconds, faster than the planned 21 minutes and 24 seconds, after its engines outperformed design specifications, according to Park Jong-chan of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The medium satellite made first contact with Antarctica’s King Sejong Station 42 minutes after launch, with further communications scheduled with ground stations in Daejeon and Norway’s Svalbard. Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon called the mission a “pivotal moment” as the country transitions from a government-led model to a private sector–driven space economy. “South Korea is committed to becoming a top-five space power, with ambitions stretching from lunar exploration to deep space,” he said. For the first time, Hanwha Aerospace led the manufacturing and assembly of Nuri, following a technology transfer agreement with KARI earlier this year. The transfer, valued at 24 billion won (US$16.2 million), gives Hanwha exclusive rights to produce and operate Nuri through 2032, covering design, manufacturing and launch operations. Launchpad and propulsion-test infrastructure remain under government control. Compared with Nuri’s third launch in May 2023, which reached 550 km and carried 500 kg of payloads, Thursday’s mission flew higher and carried 960 kg — nearly double the earlier load. Experts say the launch is a watershed moment in Korea’s emergence into the “new space” era. “This marks the true beginning of private-sector-led space development,” said Huh Hwan-il, aerospace engineering professor at Chungnam National University. “Japan transferred launch vehicle technologies to industry two decades ago, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries now leads that market. Korea must prepare similar institutional groundwork to help companies fully utilize government-built capabilities.” The Korea Space Agency said it plans the fifth and sixth Nuri flights in 2026 and 2027, followed by a seventh in 2028. “We are planning next year’s budget to begin developing a next-generation launch vehicle building on Nuri’s technology,” said agency head Yoon Young-bin. South Korea’s steady push toward commercial space development — with Nuri now transitioning from state laboratories to private hands — positions the country to accelerate toward its long-term goal of joining the global top tier of space powers. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-27 07:40:31
  • T1 wins historic third consecutive LoL World Championship
    T1 wins historic third consecutive LoL World Championship SEOUL, November 10 (AJP) - South Korea's esports team T1 won this year's League of Legends (LoL) World Championship in Chengdu, China on Sunday, securing its third consecutive victory and sixth overall. By defeating its perennial rival KT Rolster 3-2, the team, led by iconic player and captain Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, solidified its dominance in the sport. Faker, who first won the championship at age of 17 in 2013, continues to be a pivotal figure for the team. Sponsor SK Telecom's consistent support has been crucial to T1's continuous success, with the company backing the team since its inception. In 2019, SK Telecom began co-managing T1 with American media giant Comcast, leading to significant growth in sponsorships and merchandise sales. In July, T1 renewed Faker's contract for four more years. In July, T1 also secured a major three-year sponsorship deal with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global, alongside partnerships and endorsements with Mercedes-Benz, Red Bull, Samsung Odyssey and Spotify. Capitalizing on its growing fanbase and popularity, T1 is actively expanding into new business ventures, recently hosting large-scale events and fan meets in Incheon and Busan. T1 is expected to achieve its first-ever operating profit this year, after a record revenue of 51 billion won last year, up 47 percent from the previous year, with projected growth of over 50 percent this year. SK Chairman Chey Tae-won praised the team, saying, "Their exceptional skill, teamwork, and perseverance have inspired fans worldwide, demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-10 10:41:51
  • South Koreas CJ ENM eyes one-stop platform for K-pop fans worldwide
    South Korea's CJ ENM eyes one-stop platform for K-pop fans worldwide SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - CJ ENM, one of South Korea’s largest entertainment companies, is betting that K-pop’s next wave of global expansion will happen not just on stage, but on screens. The company announced plans to turn its digital platform Mnet Plus into a global “fanteractive” hub — blending content, fandom, and commerce for the hyper-connected generations of Gen Z and Alpha. At a Culture TALK event in Seoul, Tuesday, CJ ENM said Mnet Plus had surpassed 40 million cumulative subscribers within three years of its launch. The platform now boasts up to 20 million monthly active users and 7.6 million daily users, with international audiences making up about 80 percent of its traffic. The company said much of that growth is being driven by younger fans who consume, create, and share K-pop content across borders and languages. Company officials said the platform’s strength lies in its interactive features. Users can vote for their favorite artists, participate in fan support campaigns, join live streams, and chat in real time. During the finale of Boys Planet 2, Mnet Plus recorded a staggering 70,000 votes per second and more than 130 million cumulative views. “Our goal is to create an ‘experience platform’ where fans can engage and immerse themselves beyond just watching,” said Kim Ji-won, head of Mnet Plus. CJ ENM plans to broaden Mnet Plus’s lineup of original K-pop content and expand its global streaming infrastructure. The company will introduce an ad-supported free viewing model alongside premium paid tiers designed to deepen fan experiences and connect audiences with artists and brands. Chae Woo-jin, head of the Entertainment Culture Research Institute, said, “The future of K-pop depends on what kind of value and experiences these platforms can offer. They must widen the cultural reach of K-pop for fans worldwide.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 14:09:19
  • Korea-France Space Forum highlights growing partnership in space exploration
    Korea-France Space Forum highlights growing partnership in space exploration SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Government officials, scientists, and industry leaders from South Korea and France gathered in Seoul on Monday for the fifth Korea-France Space Forum, underscoring the two nations’ expanding collaboration in space exploration and technology. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the forum brought together representatives from the Korea Space Agency and France’s National Centre for Space Studies, known as CNES, as well as executives from major aerospace companies and research institutions. The event featured presentations on national space strategies and panel discussions on strategic autonomy, reusable launch vehicles, and the future of commercial space services. Discussions centered on how the two countries can strengthen cooperation in areas such as next-generation orbital systems, satellite operations, and space security. In the session on strategic space autonomy, experts from both sides explored developments in reusable launch vehicle technologies and examined how private companies could contribute to government-led space security efforts. France, a leading member of the European Space Agency, is regarded as a global leader in space transportation and satellite navigation. South Korea, which recently launched its national space agency, is accelerating its push to develop independent launch capabilities and expand international partnerships. “The Korea-France Space Forum offers an important platform for dialogue and collaboration,” said Lionel Suchet, chief operating officer of CNES. “Our two nations have complementary expertise, and this exchange helps us move forward together in the new era of space development.” Yoon Young-bin, head of the Korea Space Agency, said the forum would “help lay the groundwork for joint research, technology exchange, and innovative industrial partnerships.” The forum concluded with the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two agencies, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in exploration, satellite technology, and the commercial space sector. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:02:58
  • South Korean institute to collaborate with University of Missouri on atomic energy
    South Korean institute to collaborate with University of Missouri on atomic energy SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the University of Missouri have signed a five-year agreement to deepen cooperation in nuclear research and development, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday. The agreement, signed at the institute’s headquarters in Daejeon, establishes a framework for joint research, personnel exchanges, and shared use of facilities. The two institutions will collaborate in six key areas: reactor technology, measurement systems, radioisotopes, neutron beams, materials science, and advanced computing. The partnership will include joint training programs and international research planning, with both sides expected to expand cooperation through shared reactor design and operational expertise. “South Korea, once a recipient of U.S. nuclear technology aid, now stands as an equal partner in next-generation research development,” Ku Hyuk-chae, South Korea’s first vice minister of science and ICT. Joo Han-kyu, president of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, said, "The collaboration will establish a sustainable model for technological cooperation following our research reactor exports.” Mun Y. Choi, president of the University of Missouri, described the agreement as “a model for Korea–U.S. nuclear research collaboration,” expressing optimism about the long-term impact on scientific exchange between the two countries. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 10:36:32
  • Anthropic of Claude AI chatbot to open office in Seoul next year
    Anthropic of Claude AI chatbot to open office in Seoul next year SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Anthropic, the U.S. artificial intelligence company behind the Claude chatbot, said it will open a Seoul office early next year. “South Korea is a leader in AI innovation in Asia, and Claude is already widely used here,” Anthropic’s chief executive, Dario Amodei, said in a statement. “We look forward to collaborating with partners in South Korea’s world-class tech ecosystem to realize AI’s potential.” Senior executives from Anthropic are expected to visit Seoul next week to meet with local clients and partners, the company said. According to Anthropic’s internal data, South Korea ranks among the top five countries globally in both total and per capita use of Claude. More than a quarter of all users of Claude Code, the company’s AI coding assistant, are based in the Asia-Pacific region. In South Korea, monthly active users have grown sixfold over the past four months, with South Korean software engineers now accounting for the largest share of Claude Code users worldwide. Anthropic has already established collaborations with major South Korean venture capital firms and startups through its “Claude for Startups” initiative, which provides access to technical resources. Local companies have begun integrating Claude into their workflows — Law & Company, a legal tech startup, reported a 70 percent increase in lawyer efficiency after adopting the tool, while SK Telecom is partnering with Anthropic to develop new AI service models. “South Korean companies already demonstrate world-class capabilities in complex coding and enterprise applications,” said Paul Smith, Anthropic’s chief operating officer. “Our Seoul office will allow us to work more closely with them and offer tailored support for their specialized needs.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-24 10:52:49