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AJP
  • Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Beijing in message to Xi
    Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Beijing in message to Xi SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, state media reported Saturday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim sent a reply on Friday to Xi, who had congratulated him on his reappointment as chairman of North Korea’s State Affairs Commission. Kim expressed “deep thanks,” saying he felt the “invariable support and emotion of friendship” from Xi and the Chinese government toward him, his party and North Korea’s government. Referring to what he described as key agreements reached during a North Korea-China summit held last September on the sidelines of China’s 80th Victory Day parade, Kim said he was pleased that the “traditional DPRK-China relations are being put on a new high stage in keeping with the aspiration and desire of the two parties and the peoples of the two countries.” He also stressed that North Korea’s position remains firm in continuing to deepen and develop bilateral cooperation centered on socialism. Kim further expressed confidence that China, under Xi’s leadership, would achieve “fresh progress” in building a modern socialist state. North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, the country’s parliament, reappointed Kim as chairman of the State Affairs Commission on March 22. Xi sent a congratulatory message on Thursday, saying that safeguarding, consolidating and developing China–North Korea relations is a consistent and unwavering policy of the Communist Party of China and the government. 2026-03-28 17:14:39
  • BTS sets Latin America tour across five cities in October
    BTS sets Latin America tour across five cities in October SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - BTS will embark on a Latin America leg of its world tour in October, performing across five cities, the group’s agency said Saturday. Big Hit Music released detailed schedules for the “Arirang” world tour in Latin America, with concerts set to begin in Bogotá on Oct. 2–3. The tour will then continue to Lima on Oct. 9–10, Santiago on Oct. 16–17, Buenos Aires on Oct. 23–24, and São Paulo on Oct. 28 and 30–31, for a total of 11 shows. The concerts will mark BTS’s first full-group performances in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. Member Jin previously appeared as a guest during Coldplay’s world tour concert in Buenos Aires in 2022. The world tour will kick off on April 9 at Goyang Stadium in Goyang. According to the agency, all 46 shows across South Korea, Japan, North America and Europe have already sold out. BTS returned as a full group on March 21 after nearly four years. The group held a special comeback performance at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square the following day, drawing about 22,000 fans. 2026-03-28 15:43:45
  • Fuel prices near 1,900 won in Seoul as price cap raised
    Fuel prices near 1,900 won in Seoul as price cap raised SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - Fuel prices at gas stations across South Korea continued to rise for a second consecutive day after the government raised oil price caps. According to Opinet, the state-run fuel price information system, the nationwide average price of gasoline stood at 1,849.7 won ($1.23) per liter as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, up 10.9 won from the previous day. Diesel prices also climbed 9.6 won to 1,844.1 won per liter, extending the upward trend in fuel costs. The increase was particularly pronounced in Seoul. The average gasoline price in the capital surged 24.9 won in a single day to 1,890.5 won per liter, while diesel rose 18.6 won to 1,872.1 won. Prices had already jumped sharply on Friday, the first day of the price cap. The nationwide average gasoline price rose 19.4 won to 1,838.8 won, while diesel increased 18.8 won to 1,834.6 won. The government set the new price ceilings at 1,934 won per liter for regular gasoline, 1,923 won for diesel used in vehicles and ships, and 1,530 won for kerosene. The caps were raised by 210 won across all fuel types from the previous caps introduced in July. Market observers say the higher caps are feeding directly into retail prices at gas stations. When the earlier price cap was introduced in July, pump prices were about 100 won higher than refinery supply prices, raising the possibility that the nationwide average gasoline price could soon exceed 2,000 won per liter if the current trend continues. The record-high weekly average gasoline price nationwide was 2,137.7 won per liter, recorded in the fifth week of June 2022. Given the recent upward momentum and inflationary pressures, analysts say the record could be challenged again. 2026-03-28 14:32:19
  • S. Korea considering participation after France invites Lee to June G7 summit
    S. Korea considering participation after France invites Lee to June G7 summit SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - South Korea is considering whether President Lee Jae Myung will attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June hosted by France, the presidential office said Friday. A presidential official said Seoul is “considering participation while taking into account diplomatic schedules and domestic and international circumstances.” “France conveyed its intention to invite South Korea to this year’s G7 summit during close consultations between the two sides,” the official said. France, which holds the rotating G7 presidency this year, plans to host the summit in Evian in June and has invited leaders from South Korea, India, Brazil and Kenya, according to local media reports including AFP, citing a statement from the French presidency released Thursday. The G7 comprises the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Canada, with the presidency rotating annually among member states. The chair country can invite non-member nations and international organizations to expanded sessions. South Korea has previously been invited to G7 meetings hosted by the United Kingdom in 2021, Japan in 2023 and Canada last year. French officials also said Paris had initially planned to invite China to the summit, but Beijing declined the invitation. France is expected to engage with China separately. France had planned to focus on global economic imbalances, but the Iran conflict could reshape the agenda, officials said, adding that the situation remained uncertain. It remains unclear whether U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the summit. Meanwhile, South Africa claimed it had been excluded from the summit due to U.S. pressure. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for South Africa’s presidency, said France had withdrawn an invitation following “sustained pressure.” Magwenya said South Africa would not attend the summit. Trump has criticized South Africa over its land expropriation law, calling it discriminatory against white farmers. He also skipped the G20 summit there last November and called for the country’s removal from the grouping. 2026-03-28 11:35:30
  • Trump hints at NATO split over Hormuz deployment, says Cuba could be next
    Trump hints at NATO split over Hormuz deployment, says 'Cuba could be next' SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested the possibility of withdrawing from NATO after criticizing member states for failing to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, warning that future military action could target Cuba. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute hosted by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in Miami, Florida, Trump expressed frustration with NATO allies’ reluctance to respond to Washington’s call for military support in the Gulf. “Hundreds of protecting them and we would have always been there for them. But now based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?” Trump said. He specifically criticized European NATO allies for not deploying naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz, calling their decision “a terrible mistake.” The United States has been urging allies, including South Korea, Japan and European countries, since March 14 to dispatch naval forces to help secure shipping routes after Iran’s strategy of restricting transit through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted maritime traffic. However, no country has readily agreed to deploy forces, prompting Trump to escalate criticism of NATO allies and raise the prospect of distancing the United States from the alliance. NATO, formed in 1949, comprises 32 member states from North America and Europe. Its core principle of collective defense treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, and the alliance has long played a central role in deterring Russian threats in Europe. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for what he describes as “free-riding” under the U.S. security umbrella, citing low defense spending by European allies. Trump’s criticism could also extend beyond Europe. Trump previously complained that despite the presence of tens of thousands of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and Japan, Washington had received little support from those allies in the Iran conflict. Trump also suggested that Cuba could become the next target of U.S. military action after the Iran conflict ends. “I built this great military. I said you'll never have to use it. But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba's next, by the way,” he said. The Trump administration has been increasing pressure on Cuba as part of its broader effort to expand U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere. Following the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, Washington tightened restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba while negotiations led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio continue, U.S. officials have also kept open the possibility of military action. 2026-03-28 10:31:10
  • Gulf Crisis, One Month On: Asia learns to wean itself off US
    Gulf Crisis, One Month On: Asia learns to wean itself off US Editor's Note: One month into the Iran war, a conflict that began in the Middle East is rapidly evolving into a broader economic and strategic shock for Asia, and in this special series, AJP examines those spillovers in full — from a comprehensive overview of Asia-wide shocks to industrial realignments, the mounting risk of a third oil shock, and rising security tensions — as the central question shifts from how the war unfolds in the Middle East to how deeply its consequences will be embedded across Asia. SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - For decades, the American security umbrella underpinned stability in Asia. But in the first month of the U.S.-Iran war, that foundation has begun to shift. Amid a global surge in military spending, Asia’s leading economies are no longer waiting for Washington — they are bracing for a future where self-reliance is the only reliable guarantee of security. Since the late-February U.S.-Israel offensive, the conflict has reached a grim milestone: more than 3,000 dead, 15,000 targets struck, and a near-total paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz. Costs have climbed rapidly, surpassing an estimated $18 billion and rising by roughly $500 million a day. This anxiety is reflected in global arms flows. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the volume of major arms transfers between 2021 and 2025 rose 9.2 percent from the previous five-year period, marking the sharpest increase in a decade. “It is common sense that the momentum of military buildup will persist long after the conflict ends,” said In Nam-sik, professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. “For Gulf nations, no amount of economic prosperity can compensate for a collapse in national security. That existential fear drives them to spare no expense.” While the Middle East confronts immediate threats, East Asia is responding with more measured but accelerating adjustments. Long accustomed to chronic tensions, the region is now reassessing the durability of its alliances. “In East Asia, we are not seeing a sudden spike, but a steady and broad intensification of defense spending,” In said. “The key variable is the United States. Countries are beginning to internalize that American involvement may not be as steadfast as before. Preparation for reduced dependency is now essential.” That reassessment has been sharpened by Washington itself. As the United States presses allies for greater burden-sharing — including naval participation in securing the Strait of Hormuz — its latest 2026 National Defense Strategy signals a shift toward prioritizing homeland defense and Indo-Pacific deterrence, with partners expected to assume greater responsibility elsewhere. Recent rhetoric has reinforced that perception. President Donald Trump, in an Oval Office briefing, openly questioned allied “enthusiasm” for joint deployments, underscoring a more transactional approach to security commitments. In South Korea, this shift is accelerating long-standing debates over military sovereignty. President Lee Jae Myung has reiterated the need for “self-reliant defense,” including the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), currently held by the United States, by 2028. The urgency became tangible during the early weeks of the Iran conflict, when key U.S. assets — including THAAD batteries and ATACMS systems — were reportedly redeployed from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East, exposing what officials described as a temporary “hardware gap.” “There is no better strategic location for the U.S. than South Korea to keep China and Russia in check,” said Koh Yu-hwan, former president of the Korea Institute for National Unification, pointing to Seoul’s leverage even as it seeks greater autonomy. Japan is undergoing a similarly profound shift. Tokyo has approved a record 9 trillion yen ($56.4 billion) defense budget for fiscal 2026, part of a five-year plan that would make it the world’s third-largest defense spender. Its growing investment in long-range strike capabilities marks the most significant military pivot since World War II. China, meanwhile, has avoided direct entanglement, opting instead for strategic patience. Analysts say Beijing views U.S. involvement in the Middle East as an opportunity to consolidate its position in the Indo-Pacific, particularly around Taiwan. India is moving along a parallel path. Facing persistent tensions with China and Pakistan, New Delhi is accelerating its push for defense self-reliance, with calls to raise military spending to 2.5 percent of GDP. “From Ukraine to the Middle East, we are witnessing a chain reaction of global instability,” said Air Marshal Anil Chopra, former Director-General of the Center for Air Power Studies in New Delhi. “These crises are a wake-up call for regional powers to expand defense spending and fast-track self-reliance.” Across the Indo-Pacific, the conclusion is increasingly clear: there is little time left to wait for stability elsewhere. Asia is emerging simultaneously as a major arms supplier and a primary arena for military buildup. China and South Korea now rank among the world’s top 10 arms exporters, while regional demand continues to surge. Japan’s arms imports have jumped 76 percent, and India remains the world’s second-largest importer. At the same time, dependence on foreign weapons is declining. Imports by China, South Korea and India have all fallen, reflecting growing domestic production capacity and a structural shift toward self-sufficiency. What was once a strategic preference is becoming a necessity. In a world where security guarantees are no longer absolute, Asia is no longer waiting. 2026-03-27 15:45:01
  • South Korea joins France-led defense chiefs talks on Hormuz
    South Korea joins France-led defense chiefs talks on Hormuz SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - South Korea joined a France-led meeting of chiefs of defense from 35 countries Thursday to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. France’s Ministry of Armed Forces said the video conference was chaired by Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Fabien Mandon and brought together military leaders from countries interested in contributing to maritime security in the strategic waterway. “The meeting provided an opportunity to gather the positions of nations willing to participate in joint efforts to contribute to safe maritime navigation in this strategic region,” the ministry said in a statement. French officials emphasized that the meeting was unrelated to ongoing military operations in the region and described it as “purely defensive in nature.” The discussions focused on organizing the resumption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities subsided. South Korea was represented by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Jin Yong-sung, according to the South Korean military. A military official said the meeting served as an opportunity to exchange views and build a basic consensus on the Hormuz situation, adding that no decisions were made regarding specific military contributions. “The defense ministry and the Joint Chiefs of Staff will closely monitor international developments related to the Strait of Hormuz and continue communication for joint efforts,” the official said. “In coordination with relevant ministries, the government will carefully review possible response measures.” Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump requested allied nations in Europe and Asia, including France, to dispatch naval vessels to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded. However, most allies have declined the request, citing concerns about becoming entangled in the conflict. Many countries have indicated they would only consider escort missions after a ceasefire is reached. British media recently reported that the United Kingdom and France are exploring multinational efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the multinational chiefs of defense meeting led by France appears to be part of such preparatory efforts. Separately, France’s navy chief also held discussions with naval leaders from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, India and Japan, regarding the Middle East situation, French officials said. 2026-03-27 14:20:39
  • Hot Stock: KAI defies market rout as KF-21 rollout fuels defense rally
    Hot Stock: KAI defies market rout as KF-21 rollout fuels defense rally SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) -Shares of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) bucked a broad market selloff Thursday, riding a surge of investor optimism tied to the rollout of South Korea’s first mass-produced KF-21 fighter jet and rising expectations for arms demand amid expanding Middle East conflicts. While the wider market reeled, KAI climbed. The stock extended its recent rally, gaining for a second straight session and closing at 188,000 won, up 1.6 percent on the day — a stark contrast to the KOSPI’s 3 percent slide. The divergence underscores how defense names are increasingly trading as geopolitical proxies rather than cyclical industrial plays. At the center of the momentum is the KF-21 Boramae — South Korea’s first indigenous fighter jet and a flagship outcome of the KF-X (Korea Fighter eXperimental) program led by KAI in collaboration with the Air Force and the Agency for Defense Development. The program, backed by 7.48 trillion won ($5 billion) in investment and involving some 64,500 researchers and engineers, is now transitioning from development to mass production, with 120 aircraft scheduled for deployment by 2032 — a shift that marks the beginning of a long-cycle revenue stream. But the real upside lies beyond Korea. The KF-21 is gaining traction across a widening arc of potential buyers. Indonesia has already joined as a development partner, while the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Poland have all expressed interest, according to government and industry sources. The UAE, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal node. A $15 billion comprehensive defense cooperation framework agreed last November includes discussions on procurement, joint production and technology transfer — pointing to a deeper strategic alignment rather than a one-off sale. Saudi Arabia is also weighing the KF-21 as part of its broader air force modernization push. South Korea’s entry into the club of advanced fighter jet producers — now the eighth globally to field a 4.5-generation or higher supersonic fighter, alongside the United States, China, Russia, Japan, France, Sweden and a European consortium — is beginning to translate into market value. Analysts see the inflection point approaching. “The KF-21 will become a core pillar of KAI’s earnings as mass production ramps up,” said Chae Un-saem of Hana Securities. “From here, the duration of the upcycle will increasingly depend on export execution.” Brokerages are also turning more constructive on the broader defense sector, viewing the current geopolitical environment as a structural tailwind rather than a temporary spike. Yuanta Securities maintained its “overweight” call, noting that “the KF-21 is not just a development milestone — it anchors a long-duration growth story spanning production, exports and next-generation capabilities such as manned-unmanned teaming.” 2026-03-26 17:58:47
  • Hyundais US, Europe plants run full while Southeast Asia lags
    Hyundai's US, Europe plants run full while Southeast Asia lags SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group is facing widening disparities across its global production network, with plants in the United States and Europe operating at or above full capacity while Southeast Asian facilities remain underutilized. The divergence comes as the automaker accelerates localization strategies amid rising global protectionism, but weak demand and intensifying competition have weighed on its Southeast Asian operations. According to Hyundai Motor Group on Wednesday, the company produced 3,847,741 vehicles across nine global plants last year, recording an average utilization rate of 81.2 percent. Plants in Korea, the United States, Türkiye and Brazil all posted utilization rates exceeding 100 percent. Hyundai’s domestic plants produced 1,846,837 vehicles, with utilization reaching 102.1 percent. Brazil recorded 214,139 units at 102 percent, while the Alabama plant in the United States produced 362,000 units with a 100.6 percent rate. Türkiye produced 197,000 vehicles at 98.5 percent, and India produced 772,830 vehicles at 94.2 percent. The Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, which began operations last year, produced 66,420 vehicles, with utilization rising to 65.3 percent. In contrast, Hyundai’s Vietnam plant recorded a utilization rate of 37.6 percent, down from 48.9 percent a year earlier, with output falling to 42,540 units. Indonesia also lagged, posting a utilization rate of 47.3 percent, down from 57.2 percent the previous year. Analysts attributed the slowdown to weaker regional demand, intensifying competition and the rapid shift toward electric vehicles. Hyundai, which once topped Vietnam’s market in 2021, has recently struggled against local brand VinFast and low-priced Chinese EV makers. While Vietnam’s total auto sales rose 22.2 percent to 604,064 units last year, Hyundai’s sales fell by about 20 percent, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Indonesia also saw domestic sales decline 7.2 percent to 803,687 units, data from the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association showed. Japanese brands Toyota, Mitsubishi and Suzuki held about 45 percent of the market, while China’s BYD entered the top five. Hyundai ranked 10th with about 3 percent. Despite the slowdown, Southeast Asia remains central to Hyundai’s localization strategy. The company plans to increase local sourcing in Vietnam and introduce new EV models, while building a full EV value chain in Indonesia and launching 15 new models by 2028. 2026-03-26 10:55:07
  • Embassy of India in Seoul hosts digital exhibition on Human Cost of Terrorism
    Embassy of India in Seoul hosts digital exhibition on "Human Cost of Terrorism" SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in Seoul, in association with the Korea Democracy Foundation, hosted a two-day digital exhibition titled “Human Cost of Terrorism” at the National Museum of Korean Democracy. The exhibition was inaugurated on Tuesday by Mr. Lee Jae-oh, President, Korea Democracy Foundation (KDF); H.E. Mr. Gourangalal Das, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea (ROK); and Ms. Kim Jae-won, Hon’ble Member of the National Assembly. Mr. Lee Jae-oh in his welcome remarks underscored the symbolic significance of the venue, noting that a site once associated with the denial of freedom and human rights now stands as a reminder of the enduring value of democracy and human dignity. He emphasized that democracy is sustained through sacrifice and solidarity, and called for continued collective efforts to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. In his keynote address, Ambassador Gourangalal Das highlighted the shared democratic values underpinning the India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that terrorism remains a global threat to peace and stability and democracies like India and the ROK have the extra responsibility to speak out against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He underlined that perpetrators, organizers, and financiers of terror acts must all be held accountable and called for a coordinated, resolute and global response. Ms. Kim Jae-won, Member of the National Assembly during her special address highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation in promoting shared humanitarian values. She expressed hope that India and the ROK would continue to work together to advance peace, democratic principles, and cultural understanding. Over the two days the exhibition saw participation of the people from diverse fields including journalists, civil society representatives and government officials. The digital exhibition aims to fosters greater awareness of the universal nature of terrorism and reinforces the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. 2026-03-25 17:48:00