Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • Koreas Oct exports hit record high for the month, extends 5-mo growth streak
    Korea's Oct exports hit record high for the month, extends 5-mo growth streak SEOUL, November 02 (AJP) - South Korea’s exports extended their growth streak for the fifth consecutive month, rising 3.5 percent on year to $59.57 billion in October – the highest ever for the month – despite fewer working days from the Chuseok holiday thanks to record chip and robust vessel shipments. According to data released Saturday by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, the trade account posted a $6.06 billion surplus as imports fell 1.5 percent to $53.52 billion. The cumulative trade balance for January through October stood at $56.43 billion, already surpassing the total surplus recorded for all of last year. Out of the country’s 15 main export categories, semiconductors, ships, petroleum products and computers posted gains. Semiconductor exports jumped 25.4 percent to $15.73 billion, the largest figure ever recorded for October, buoyed by robust demand for high-capacity memory chips such as HBM and DDR5 and strengthening chip prices from shortages in legacy chips. Ship exports soared 131.2 percent to $4.69 billion, led by offshore plant deliveries, extending their growth streak to eight months. Petroleum product exports rose 12.7 percent to $3.83 billion on higher shipment volumes. By contrast, exports of automobiles fell 10.5 percent, auto parts dropped 18.9 percent and steel exports declined 21.5 percent, largely due to higher tariffs in the main U.S. market. By region, exports to Latin America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) showed the strongest gains. Exports to Latin America surged 99 percent to $4.71 billion, hitting an all-time high on large-scale offshore plant sales. Shipments to the CIS increased 34.4 percent to $1.34 billion, boosted by strong car demand. Meanwhile, exports to the United States tumbled 16.2 percent to $8.71 billion amid weak sales of cars and steel affected by tariffs. Exports to China slipped 5.1 percent to $11.55 billion, though they remained above the $11-billion mark for a second consecutive month. Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan expressed optimism for a turnaround in U.S. trade as a result of the Korea–U.S. trade deal reached during APEC week, which promised nondiscriminatory tariff rates for car, chip and pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. “Despite fewer working days during the Chuseok holidays, semiconductors and ships continued to lead our export growth,” Kim said, adding that “the steady five-month growth streak demonstrates a clear recovery in South Korea’s export performance.” During their summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting held in Gyeongju, President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to allocate $200 billion out of South Korea’s $350 billion investment package in the form of cash investment, with an annual cap set at $20 billion. As part of the deal, car tariffs will be lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent, equal to the duties applied to Japanese and European vehicles. 2025-11-02 11:40:20
  • Court rules NewJeans must remain under ADOR, rejects bid for independence
    Court rules NewJeans must remain under ADOR, rejects bid for independence SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - The future of K-pop girl group NewJeans — who shot to global stardom upon their 2022 debut — has been thrown into uncertainty after a Seoul court ruled in favor of their agency HYBE on Thursday. The court determined that all five members remain exclusively bound to ADOR, a HYBE sublabel, until 2029, regardless of their claims of contract breaches and unfair treatment. The decision extinguishes hopes for an early stage comeback for NewJeans, who severed ties with ADOR after the ouster of founder and former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin last year over her alleged attempt to seize control of the label from HYBE. Min and NewJeans have since been engaged in separate legal battles against ADOR. The conflict spiraled into an ugly public feud beginning in April 2024, when Min accused HYBE and its chairman Bang Si-hyuk of copying NewJeans' concept for the debut of another girl group. HYBE and Bang are global names associated with BTS. Shares of HYBE jumped 5 percent to close at 324,500 won upon the removal of legal uncertainty. Following Min's resignation in August 2024, the NewJeans members notified ADOR of their unilateral termination of the contract. None of the teenage members attended the ruling on Thursday. In its decision, the court stated that ADOR's dismissal of Min "cannot be seen as a violation of the contract," adding that her media campaign "was not aimed at protecting NewJeans but at removing the group from ADOR." After mediation efforts collapsed, NewJeans resumed brief activities under the name NJZ, but their comeback was halted after a concert in Hong Kong in March when ADOR filed an injunction blocking the group from engaging in commercial promotions. NewJeans submitted multiple objections and appeals, all of which were dismissed — effectively preventing the members from performing or promoting without ADOR's approval since March. "The dismissal of former CEO Min Hee-jin alone does not prove ADOR lacked the capability or plans to manage NewJeans," the court said. "The contract does not stipulate that Min must personally oversee the group, and although she could have remained as an outside director or producer, she voluntarily resigned." HYBE has maintained that NewJeans can continue activities under ADOR without Min's involvement, claiming it has preparations in place for a full-length album comeback. Following the ruling, NewJeans' legal representative, Shin & Kim, said the team would immediately appeal. "We respect the court's decision," the firm said, "but the trust between NewJeans and ADOR has already been irreparably damaged. Under the current circumstances, it would be difficult for the members to return to ADOR and resume normal activities." The verdict is also a setback for Min, who recently established her new agency, OOAK (One of A Kind). NewJeans became an instant phenomenon upon their debut for reshaping K-pop's sound and visual identity and earned the label of “the idol for idols.” 2025-10-30 17:20:14
  • Koreas young pharma breed Samsung Biologics and Celltrion bulk up as bottom line holds
    Korea's young pharma breed Samsung Biologics and Celltrion bulk up as bottom line holds SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Korea's relatively young pharma heavyweights Samsung Biologics and Celltrion are outgrowing their older peers at home and abroad through aggressive and unconventional expansion. Samsung Biologics, founded in 2011, has scaled up relentlessly and now ranks No. 3 in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) market. Within its second Bio Campus in Songdo, Incheon, the Samsung Group unit plans to complete Plants 6 to 8 by 2032, raising total capacity to 1.324 million liters — the largest for any single company worldwide. The massive scale is expected to give Samsung Biologics a structural edge in securing long-term production contracts with multinational drugmakers and position it as an industry power rivaling Samsung’s influence in semiconductors. Celltrion, established in 2002 as a pure drug maker, is expanding through M&A. It recently joined the small group of Korean pharma companies with production bases in the United States, which accounts for roughly half of prescription-drug sales revenue among OECD countries. Last month, Celltrion signed a deal to acquire Eli Lilly's biopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Branchburg, New Jersey, for about 460 billion won. With planned expansion, total investment is expected to reach 1.4 trillion won — a move designed to reduce tariff risks, cut logistics costs, and strengthen supply-chain stability for North American demand. Their bold expansion rests on a solid bottom line and deep pipelines. Samsung Biologics on Tuesday reported consolidated revenue of 1.66 trillion won ($1.2 billion) and operating profit of 728.8 billion won for the third quarter, up 39.9 percent and 115.3 percent on year, respectively. Celltrion posted consolidated revenue of 1.26 trillion won and operating profit of 301 billion won, marking year-on-year gains of 16.3 percent and 44.9 percent. Samsung Biologics has climbed to the No. 3 global CMO position behind Switzerland's Lonza and China's WuXi Biologics, according to MarketsandMarkets. The CMO market is projected to grow 8.8 percent annually, reaching $34.1 billion by 2030 from $20.5 billion in 2024. 2025-10-29 17:59:41
  • Korea–Japan drama pairings strike universal chord in streaming era
    Korea–Japan drama pairings strike universal chord in streaming era SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her liking for Korean food, beauty products, and dramas to brush aside concerns that her hawkish and nationalist posture might sour bilateral ties. Her comment reflects a broader trend in Japan, where audiences increasingly separate politics from cultural consumption as Korean pop culture gains deeper traction through social media and global streaming platforms. Not only have the two neighbors — long distanced by historical grievances — grown more receptive to each other's culture, they are now actively blending talent and IP to create stories that resonate not just with Korean and Japanese viewers but with global audiences. The latest standout collaboration is "Romantic Anonymous," starring Japan's Oguri Shun and Korea's Han Hyo-joo, which ranked No. 6 globally in Netflix's non-English TV category and No. 1 in Japan just a week after release, according to Netflix ranking site Tudum on Tuesday. The series — directed by Japanese filmmaker Sho Tsukikawa, known for "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas," and written by Korean screenwriter Kim Ji-hyun — follows a mysophobic man and a socially anxious genius chocolatier. It was produced by Korea's Yong Film, known for "The Handmaiden," under the supervision of Netflix Japan. Japan has become increasingly eager to recruit Korean talent and storytelling know-how after Korean works like "Parasite" and "Squid Game" demonstrated global impact, creative originality, and strong commercial returns. A generational shift is also powering the trend, with younger viewers in both countries far less constrained by historical sensitivities in admiring each other's culture. One of the clearest examples is Coupang Play's "What Comes After Love," released last September and based on a joint novel by Korea's Gong Ji-young and Japan's Hitonari Tsuji. The series was praised for opening a new chapter in Korean romance storytelling. It held the No. 1 spot on Coupang Play for weeks, with viewership jumping 783 percent in its final week compared with its debut. After launching on Amazon Prime Japan, it immediately took No. 1 in the drama category (No. 3 overall), and within two weeks rose to the top position in 103 countries. Disney+ also contributed early to the cross-border wave with "Connect" (2022), a Korea–Japan collaboration starring Jung Hae-in, produced by Studio Dragon and directed by Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike. The success of such projects marks a shift from simple casting or IP exchanges to full-scale joint productions involving writers, directors, studios, and creative staff from both countries. "Korea and Japan share emotional narratives that both cultures easily relate to," said one OTT insider. "When the two countries merge their creative strengths — from acting talent to production expertise — the result can appeal far beyond Asia." Another industry official noted the strategic value of the partnership: "Japan offers long-lived IPs and strong domestic loyalty, while Korea has proven global appeal. Together, they can capture both local and international audiences." Streaming platforms show no intention of slowing the momentum. Netflix is developing "Soulmate," starring 2PM's Taecyeon and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura. Another highly anticipated project, "Road," based on the Japanese manga Ao no Michi, began production last month as a full Korea–Japan co-production, starring Son Suk-ku and Eita Nagayama as detectives investigating parallel murders in Seoul and Tokyo. As streaming giants widen their global slates, Korea–Japan creative pairings are emerging as one of the most effective formulas for delivering emotionally rich stories with universal appeal. 2025-10-28 17:04:37
  • APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight
    APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Iconic K-pop star G-Dragon has set the tone for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju with a playful 75-second promotional video featuring President Lee Jae Myung as a runway marshaller guiding arriving aircraft. Another K-pop figurehead, BTS leader RM, will carry the cultural baton, delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit before executives from 21 member economies, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. K-pop's prominent presence underscores how deeply it has become embedded in Korea's modern identity — now taking center stage on a platform once reserved for politics and trade. Alongside it, other arms of Korean soft power — food, beauty, and arts — are orchestrating a full-scale showcase for visiting global dignitaries. K-Food: from dinner table to global branding A royal feast with a contemporary twist, inspired by the Netflix hit "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," will be curated by Korean-American chef Edward Lee, famed for his Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," in partnership with chefs from Lotte Hotel. Beyond the banquet hall, food brands are vying for exposure. CJ CheilJedang will offer Bibigo cup rice, tteokbokki, and seaweed snacks at the APEC media center and delegate lodgings, while Nongshim is supplying 10,000 servings of Shin Ramyun in collaboration with Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," complete with on-site tasting booths. Lotte GRS will serve Angel-in-us Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the outdoor K-Food Zone, joined by Lotte Wellfood and Lotte Chilsung with Pepero, Chilsung Cider, and Icis water. OB Beer, exclusive sponsor of the CEO Summit, will pour Cass Fresh, Cass Zero, and Cass Lemon Squeeze from a rooftop booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Other local favorites include Whoo Ullim Water by LG H&H, Kyochon fried chicken, hy's Helicobacter Project Will probiotic drink, and Paris Baguette desserts like gotgam pound cake and seoritae castella. Food trucks from Kyochon Chicken, Cheongnyeon Dabang, and Okdongsik will circle the main venues to serve delegates a taste of Korea on the go. K-Beauty: tradition meets technology K-Beauty — a byword for innovation and refinement — will take over a hall at Hwangnyongwon, where LG Household & Health Care will exhibit its royal skincare line The History of Whoo Hwanyu, complemented by a live lacquerware demonstration by artisan Son Dae-hyun. Amorepacific will stage makeup shows and interactive experiences, while APR Corp. provides its Booster Pro device to international delegates. Makeup artist brand Jung Saem Mool introduces AI-powered iris color analysis for personalized beauty, and Gumi University hosts hands-on sessions under its K-Aesthetic program. Olive Young joins in with APEC-themed promotions at its Gyeongju stores, offering discounts and complimentary cleansers. Guests at Lahan Select Gyeongju will receive exclusive sample kits. Local fashion label Matin Kim, chosen as an official APEC partner, will distribute custom wallets and tote bags. The Korea Tourism Organization has also connected its Visit Korea platform to APEC's official site and opened a K-Goods Pop-Up at Gyeongju Station featuring souvenirs such as wine stoppers and "K-gat" ornaments — modern tributes to the traditional Korean hat made famous again through "KPop Demon Hunters." K-Arts: heritage in the global spotlight As night falls, Gyeongju — famed for its ethereal lighting — transforms into a living museum. The Hanbok Fashion Show will light up Woljeong Bridge under the theme "Mystery of a Thousand Years, Fly to Tomorrow." The show will weave together Korea's five heritage pillars — Hanbok, Hansik, Hanok, Hanji, and Hangeul — with AI-enhanced designs and Shilla-inspired royal costumes to show how tradition evolves into innovation. At the National Museum of Gyeongju, the exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" brings together all six royal crowns of Silla for the first time, alongside gold belts and ornaments that reveal the era's artistry and hierarchy. Meanwhile, at Gyeongju Expo Park, the National Jeongdong Theater Troupe will stage "Pure Heart," a digital reinterpretation of the folktale Simcheongjeon, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge media to celebrate devotion and modern creativity alike. 2025-10-27 16:45:45
  • Rare freshwater fish returns to life in Seouls Cheonggyecheon Stream
    Rare freshwater fish returns to life in Seoul's Cheonggyecheon Stream SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Cheonggyecheon has run through the heart of Seoul for more than six centuries — once a bustling stream in the old market district during the Joseon Dynasty, later entombed beneath concrete as the city modernized. Since its restoration in 2005, the waterway has evolved from a civic project into a living symbol of ecological renewal — proof that nature, when given room and care, can return even to the center of a metropolis. Nearly 20 years on, scientists have confirmed the presence of swiri (Coreoleuciscus splendidus), a rare freshwater fish native only to the Korean Peninsula and known to inhabit clean, fast-flowing streams. Its discovery, announced by the National Science Museum, underscores how far Cheonggyecheon's ecosystem has come since its rebirth. "It was both surprising and delightful to find swiri in Cheonggyecheon," said Dr. Hong Yang-ki of the National Science Museum. "This fish survives only in pristine, swiftly moving waters — so its presence shows that the stream's water quality has been consistently well maintained." The museum's survey covered six sites along the stream, from Cheonggye Plaza to its confluence with the Jungnangcheon River, revisiting the exact locations studied two decades ago. Earlier monitoring ended in 2019, but this year's findings revealed striking biodiversity gains — from bitterling and chub to endemic Korean species such as Rhodeus uyekii and Zacco koreanus. Before restoration began in 2003, Cheonggyecheon supported only a handful of pollution-tolerant fish like carp and mudfish. Today, its clear waters sustain a balanced ecosystem of species adapted to varying flow speeds and habitats. This year's findings marked a milestone: "We discovered newly hatched juvenile swiri for the first time since restoration," Dr. Hong said. "It means they're not just surviving, but breeding naturally within Cheonggyecheon itself." Researchers plan to conduct seasonal follow-up surveys and share results with Seoul City to shape long-term conservation strategies. Once buried beneath a highway overpass, Cheonggyecheon now hums again with the quiet pulse of life — a reminder that even in a city of ten million, nature can still find its way home. 2025-10-24 16:54:10
  • Korean drugmakers race to enter booming weight-loss drug market
    Korean drugmakers race to enter booming weight-loss drug market SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - South Korea's major pharmaceutical companies are racing to enter the global weight-loss drug market, upgrading drug delivery formats and formulations to tap a segment projected to grow more than 15 percent over the next five years. A recent survey by Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, cited by Yuanta Securities, showed that 62.2 percent of 4,400 respondents across 21 countries preferred oral weight-loss drugs — far ahead of injectables (16.3 percent) and dermal patches (7.8 percent). Convenience and ease of adherence were cited as key factors. "Oral formulations will create new demand by improving convenience and coverage potential," said one industry analyst. "As adherence improves, weight-loss drugs could evolve beyond single-use therapies into full-scale management tools for metabolic diseases." At present, GLP-1-based injectables such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro dominate the market. Despite their explosive success, their injectable form remains a hurdle for long-term use. Concerns also persist over rebound weight gain after discontinuation and gastrointestinal side effects. Korean drugmakers are targeting this gap by developing oral and patch-based alternatives. Global frontrunners are also pivoting to oral formulations. Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide — a pill version of Wegovy — is in Phase III trials and expected to receive FDA approval for weight management in late 2025, reaching the market in 2026. Lilly's oral candidate Orforglipron is also in Phase III. Among Korean firms, Il-Dong Pharmaceutical has reported promising results for its oral candidate ID110521156, which also demonstrated glucose-lowering effects. In multiple ascending-dose trials, the 200-milligram group achieved an average 9.9 percent weight reduction — and up to 13.8 percent in some cases — with no serious adverse events or dropouts. The company plans to begin Phase II trials next year. Hanmi Pharmaceutical has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. FDA for its compound HM17321 (LA-UCN2), designed to increase muscle mass while selectively reducing fat — addressing one of the key drawbacks of GLP-1 therapies, which often cause muscle loss. "Our goal is to enable healthy weight management, even for elderly or sarcopenic patients," said Choi In-young, head of Hanmi's R&D center. The company aims for commercialization by 2031. Daewoong Pharmaceutical and its subsidiary Daewoong Therapeutics have also entered the race, recently receiving Korean regulatory approval for a semaglutide microneedle patch. Using the company's Clopam platform, the patch delivers more than 80 percent bioavailability — outperforming existing microneedle systems — and offers a painless, once-a-week option. According to Goldman Sachs, the global anti-obesity drug market is expected to exceed $120 billion by 2035, with more than 170 drug candidates currently under development worldwide. Korean drugmakers, armed with formulation technology and competitive manufacturing capability, are moving fast to capture the next wave of innovation — reshaping the country's pharmaceutical footprint in one of the world's most lucrative therapeutic frontiers. 2025-10-23 17:04:03
  • Koreans get serious about park golf, launching the first pro qualifying test
    Koreans get serious about park golf, launching the first pro qualifying test SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Korea's love for golf is no secret, but the craze over its miniature, cheaper cousin turned serious this week as the nation hosted the world's first Professional Park Golf Pro Qualifying Test. The three-day competition began on Wednesday at Hanyeoul Park Golf Course in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, drawing 380 participants. Until just a few years ago, park golf — a hybrid between golf and croquet — was largely seen as a leisurely pastime for seniors. That perception has changed dramatically. It is now embraced across generations as an affordable, family-friendly sport enjoyed by both grandparents and grandchildren. Of the participants in the inaugural qualifying test, about 76 percent were in their 50s, while players in their 20s and 30s accounted for roughly 20 percent. According to the Korea Park Golf Association, registered membership has surged from 64,001 in 2021 to 183,788 in 2024, nearly tripling in three years. This year, the total topped 250,000, and when including unregistered players, the number is estimated to exceed half a million. "Park golf already had potential before COVID-19, but the pandemic made it explode in popularity," said Jeon Young-chang, executive vice president of the Korea Professional Park Golf Association, who opened Korea's first park golf course at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul. "Many golfers returning from overseas — and even regular golfers here — turned to park golf because of its lower cost and easier access. At first, people didn't take it seriously, but once they tried it, they found it incredibly fun." Originating in Hokkaido, Japan, in 1983 as part of a local park revitalization project, the sport was introduced to Korea in 2004 by Jeon. The rules are almost identical to regular golf, except players use a single mallet-like club on a shorter nine-hole course. Each hole measures up to 150 meters, compared to about 500 meters in standard golf, and a full round can be completed in about an hour. The sport's accessibility and low cost — often free or around 10,000 won ($7) for a three-hour round — have helped it expand beyond its senior base. Courses typically require no reservations and have flexible hours, making them easy for casual or spontaneous play. Younger players are also joining in. The Miss Korea Park Golf Team was launched last month to promote the sport among women and youth. "We played so well today — almost all holes-in-one," shrieked Kim Mi-sook, winner of the 38th Miss Korea title. "Many of us love outdoor activities like hiking or horseback riding, and park golf has become such a national trend that we decided to form a team." Lee Jae-won, a 27-year-old Miss Korea awardee and physical education graduate from Yonsei University, said she enjoyed the game's simplicity. "It's easy to start but has surprising depth — you really need precision and control," she said. For many, park golf has become both a hobby and a second career. Hyun Chang-min, 60, who traveled from Jeju Island to compete, said he started playing after seeing seniors on television. "It's so much fun — people say it's easier than golf, but using just one club actually makes it more challenging," he said with a laugh. Lee Jin-bok, 63, a KPGA-certified coach with three decades of experience training young golfers, also joined the qualifying test. "A friend introduced me to park golf five months ago, and I was instantly drawn to it," he said. "To establish it as a real professional sport, tournaments need to meet higher standards than amateur events. Prize money, sponsorships, and proper organization are key." Japan may have invented park golf, but Jeon believes Korea is now taking the lead. "Japan's scene has stagnated because it never produced star players — and without stars, a sport struggles to grow," he said. The inaugural Professional Park Golf Pro Qualifying Test runs through October 24. Of the 380 participants, the top 30 percent will earn professional certification and join Korea's first Professional Park Golf League, set to launch next April and run through November. 2025-10-22 19:06:46
  • Reunification becomes a distant dream as living divided feels like the norm for South Koreans
    Reunification becomes a distant dream as living divided feels like the norm for South Koreans SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - "Our wish is reunification. Even in our dreams, we wish for reunification." For South Koreans who attended elementary school in the 1970s and 1980s, these lyrics are etched in memory — a childhood chorus once sung with conviction. But eight decades after the peninsula was divided in 1945 following liberation from Japanese rule, that wish has all but faded. A growing majority of South Koreans now regard reunification with the North as unnecessary. According to the 2025 Unification Survey released this week by the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), 51 percent of respondents said unification is "not necessary," compared with nearly 70 percent expressing similar skepticism in 2014. Support for reunification remains weakest among those born between 1991 and 2000, at just 38 percent. Even among those who experienced the Korean War firsthand, the sentiment has declined — with 70 percent now skeptical of unification, compared with 62.1 percent a decade ago. The data reflect a generational and emotional divide. "We are too different now," said 57-year-old Lee Chun-mi. "The cost and time it would take to unify and integrate both sides would be enormous, and I’m not sure the outcome would be worth it." Others, however, continue to hold on to the hope of peaceful reconciliation. "I wish to see it before I die — but only through a peaceful process, not absorption," said another 57-year-old, Son Chun-ae. Younger South Koreans express similar divisions, oscillating between empathy and indifference. "Yes, unification could help North Koreans find better jobs and create a larger, more talented nation. I want them to live better," said Kim Gi-ri, 27. But Park Sun-min, 25, disagreed: "South Korea is doing well already. We're walking entirely different paths — I don't feel reunification is necessary." Another respondent, Kim Jae-hyun, also in his 20s, added, "Too much time has passed. The economic, political, and social disconnect is now too deep to bridge without major sacrifices." According to Min Tae-eun, a senior research fellow at KINU, the shift in perception is part of a natural evolution. "For many, division has become a normalized reality," she said. "It's not natural — but it's something people have lived with for nearly 80 years, and that familiarity has made it feel normal." For younger South Koreans, daily concerns such as jobs, housing, and economic stability now take precedence over questions of national unity. In the latest survey, 63.2 percent — the highest figure yet — responded that "if South and North can coexist peacefully without war, unification is not necessary." 2025-10-21 17:53:20
  • Once Asias creative powerhouse, Korean cinema faces its reckoning
    Once Asia's creative powerhouse, Korean cinema faces its reckoning SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Korea's once-vibrant movie scene is struggling to bring audiences back to theaters, and without serious soul-searching, it may follow the same decline once seen in Japanese and Hong Kong cinema. Multiplex chains are shuttering nationwide, often blaming global streaming platforms for their decline, but insiders argue the problem runs deeper — a shortage of compelling, diverse stories worth watching on the big screen. "The audience isn't gone — they just haven't been given enough movies worth going out for," said Kim Chi-ho, professor of Culture Contents at Hanyang University ERICA. "When the year's biggest hit barely surpasses five million viewers, it's not just about competition with OTT platforms. It's about what stories we're offering." The numbers tell the story. This year's top-grossing films — "My Daughter Is a Zombie" (5.62 million admissions) and "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" (5.42 million) — fell well short of the 10-million-viewer milestone that once defined a Korean blockbuster. At the same time, ticket prices of 14,000–15,000 won now rival a month of streaming-service access, giving moviegoers little reason to leave home. According to the Korean Film Council, Korea's annual movie attendance has halved since the pandemic, plunging from 200 million to around 100 million. In the first half of 2025 alone, box-office revenue dropped 33.2 percent year-on-year, while admissions slid 32.5 percent to 42.5 million. The decline is hitting multiplexes hard. CGV has already closed 12 branches this year, including its beloved Myeong-dong Cine Library — a hub for art-house screenings and film talks — while Megabox Seongsu, opened only six years ago, shut down earlier this month. "It's not just a temporary slump," said Lee Eun, CEO of Myung Films. "We're seeing the fallout of an industry that expanded too quickly, focused too narrowly on blockbusters, and left independent and mid-sized studios behind." Lee contrasted Korea's downturn with other post-pandemic markets. "Multiplexes that once earned 100 are now making 50 — but their costs remain the same," he said. "The closures we're seeing today may continue until a healthier balance returns." To keep the K-content wave alive, Lee urged a long-term vision that values artistry as much as profit. He called for policies that nurture independent and small-studio productions and treat cinema "as more than a commercial product." Independent and art-house filmmakers, he added, still struggle to find screens. "Over the past 20 years, multiplex chains have made efforts to show independent works. But now it's time for local governments, the Korean Film Council, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to expand funding for dedicated art-house theaters." Film critics warn that the halo surrounding Korean cinema — once seen as Asia's creative powerhouse — could fade just as it did for Japanese, Hong Kong, and Chinese films in earlier decades. The answer, they say, lies not in chasing blockbusters but in supporting diversity and creativity at every level of the industry. 2025-10-20 17:06:20