Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • U.S.-first defense strategy pushes Korea toward higher spending and deeper capacity
    U.S.-first defense strategy pushes Korea toward higher spending and deeper capacity SEOUL, January 27 (AJP) - The main takeaway for South Korea in the U.S. 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) is blunt: North Korea is increasingly Seoul’s primary responsibility, and that maturity comes with higher defense spending and deeper manufacturing capacity. While the strategy describes North Korea’s expanding nuclear forces as a “clear and present danger” to the U.S. homeland and its regional allies, it also makes explicit that responsibility for conventional deterrence on the Korean Peninsula should increasingly rest with South Korea. Seoul is portrayed as a country with high defense spending, a robust defense industrial base and a mandatory conscription system — in short, fully capable of defending itself against North Korea, with U.S. forces providing “critical but more limited” support. This approach reflects the broader U.S.-first logic underpinning the NDS. Washington signals that it will prioritize resources for homeland defense and deterrence of China in the Indo-Pacific, while other security challenges are to be managed under a framework in which allies and partners assume “primary responsibility.” According to Jung Kyeong-woon, a research fellow at the Korea Association of Military Studies, the document draws a clear line between U.S. and South Korean roles. “The U.S. direction is to maintain nuclear deterrence, while placing primary responsibility for conventional deterrence on South Korea,” Jung said. “For decades, the South Korean military has relied heavily on U.S. forces. As a result, imbalances in certain capability areas have accumulated and are now quite serious.” He pointed in particular to high-cost, technologically demanding domains. “ISR, C4I systems, missile defense, cyber and electronic warfare all require enormous resources and advanced technology,” Jung said. “If South Korea is expected to shoulder most of the conventional deterrence burden, structural reinforcement in these areas will be unavoidable.” A higher and more durable defense spending floor The strategic shift is reinforced by a new burden-sharing benchmark embedded in the NDS. The document incorporates the concept agreed at the 2025 NATO Hague Summit — defense and security spending equivalent to 5 percent of GDP, including at least 3.5 percent for core defense outlays — as a guideline for U.S. allies and partners. This direction is already reflected in South Korea’s fiscal plans. Seoul has set its 2026 defense budget at around 66 trillion won ($45.6 billion), an increase of roughly 7.5 to 8.2 percent from the previous year, marking the fastest growth rate in nearly seven years. New resources are being concentrated on strengthening the three-axis deterrence framework — Kill Chain, Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD), and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) — while expanding precision-guided munitions stockpiles and accelerating investment in manned-unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, drones, and space and cyber capabilities. With Washington pressing allies toward a 3.5-percent-of-GDP benchmark for direct defense spending, Seoul faces mounting pressure over the medium to long term to further raise the defense share of its national budget. The government has already announced a long-term objective of lifting defense spending to around 3.5 percent of GDP by 2035, suggesting close alignment with the NDS’s burden-sharing framework. These pressures are expected to reshape not only South Korea’s military posture, but also the structure of its defense industry. Implications for Korea’s defense industry The NDS reframes deterrence as a system of “allied and partner production,” placing renewed emphasis on industrial capacity. Within this framework, South Korea is positioned as both a model ally and the primary security provider on the Peninsula — expected to strengthen its own forces while supplying equipment and capabilities to regional partners. South Korea’s defense industry has already entered a phase of structural expansion. Between 2020 and 2024, the country rose to become the world’s tenth-largest arms exporter, driven by large-scale package deals for K2 main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. By the end of 2024, the combined order backlog of major Korean defense firms was approaching 100 trillion won, with overseas contracts accounting for a growing share. However, experts caution that growing demand does not automatically translate into durable, long-term gains. “With the increase in global conflicts, the Trump administration’s assertive use of military power and the shifting of responsibilities to allies, demand for weapons systems will certainly grow,” Jung said. “Korean platforms such as the K2, K9, Chunmoo and Cheongung-II have demonstrated strong performance, cost competitiveness and delivery speed, making further exports likely.” At the same time, competition is intensifying. “The United States and Europe are fully aware of these shifts and will not simply surrender the benefits,” Jung said. “It remains unclear whether Korea’s defense exports will become fully institutionalized and structurally sustainable. In many cases, cooperation and competition will coexist.” Washington is already moving aggressively to rebuild its own industrial base. Between 2024 and 2026, the U.S. Army is investing several billion dollars to expand ammunition plants, aiming to raise 155mm artillery shell production to around 100,000 rounds per month — or more than 1 million rounds annually — by 2026. Speaking at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) annual meeting on Oct. 13 last year, Maj. Gen. John Reim, the Army’s Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, described the effort as historic. “We haven’t seen this level of investment — about $5.5 billion since 2022 — since World War II,” he said. Europe is following a similar trajectory. The European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) and related initiatives are channeling hundreds of millions of euros into new artillery and missile production lines, as NATO members race to rebuild domestic capacity rather than rely on foreign suppliers. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU countries produced an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 artillery shells annually. ASAP funding is designed to lift output to around 2 million rounds a year — a six- to eightfold increase over prewar levels. Washington’s recent decision to back Seoul’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines — marking the first serious move to extend such cooperation beyond the AUKUS partnership — further underscores South Korea’s elevation as a frontline maritime and industrial partner, even though the 2026 NDS stops short of detailing the SSN program. 2026-01-27 16:22:50
  • EXCLUSIVE: Korea–India summit under discussion - Indias envoy to Seoul
    EXCLUSIVE: Korea–India summit under discussion - India's envoy to Seoul SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - India may be the next state-visit destination for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, as Seoul looks to build on its back-to-back trips to China and Japan in 2026 by turning a "Special Strategic Partnership" — long cited but not fully realized for more than a decade — into a concrete industrial alliance with the world's most populous country, growing at a pace of more than 7 percent, across shipbuilding, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, according to India's ambassador to South Korea. "I think it is the Korean side's turn to visit. So we would like to have President Lee visit India at early mutual convenience," Ambassador Gourangalal Das told AJP in his first interview with a Korean media outlet. Das said he was optimistic about an "early visit," and when asked whether the summit could take place within the year, replied, "hopefully sooner than that," while declining to provide further details. Working-level discussions are already under way for what he described as "intense exchanges" between the two sides. Das, who formally began his duties after presenting credentials in December, said preparations for outcome-oriented high-level meetings have effectively become his priority. Key pillars under discussion include cooperation in shipbuilding, AI, semiconductors and energy, he said. "Our prime minister has already met President Lee twice, but those were on the sidelines of multilateral events," Das noted. "We hope that very soon we will also have bilateral exchanges at high levels. There have already been several ministerial-level visits as well." Shipbuilding at the top of India's industrial agenda Das framed shipbuilding as the clearest area where India's policy push and Korea's industrial strengths intersect most directly. On the economic front, he said New Delhi has placed shipbuilding near the top of its industrial priorities and recently launched what he described as "a very attractive incentive package." "There is a huge demand for ships in India," Das said. "Korea brings a lot more value in terms of technology and competence, and it is a good, trusted partner." India is backing that ambition with one of its most comprehensive industrial policy drives in decades. In its Union Budget announced last year the government unveiled a multi-layered shipbuilding strategy combining large-scale financing, cost support and cluster-based industrial development, aligned with its long-term road maps — Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 — which aim to place India among the world’s top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047. A cornerstone of the initiative is the Maritime Development Fund (MDF), planned with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore (about $3 billion). The government will contribute 49 percent, with the remainder expected from ports and private investors. The fund is designed to provide long-term, lower-cost financing for shipbuilding and ship repair — a structural bottleneck that Indian yards have long cited. Alongside this, New Delhi is revamping the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP) to offset cost disadvantages faced by domestic yards, including mechanisms such as credit notes linked to shipbreaking at Indian facilities. Large vessels above a certain size are also being reclassified as infrastructure assets, unlocking easier access to financing and signaling a shift in how shipbuilding is positioned within India’s industrial ecosystem. India is also accelerating the development of integrated shipbuilding clusters. Eight maritime clusters — five new and three expanded — are planned across coastal states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Odisha, combining shipyards with equipment manufacturing, logistics, training and ancillary services to raise productivity and meet global quality standards. "We would like Korean companies to avail of these incentives and opportunities and come out in a big way," Das said. He added that India is already in discussions with all three major Korean shipbuilders — HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) — ranging from vessel orders to the possibility of hosting a Korean shipyard in India. Korean firms have begun laying groundwork. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed memorandums of understanding with state-owned Cochin Shipyard for technology transfer and joint bidding, and with BEML for crane business cooperation, as it expands shipbuilding and offshore partnerships in India. For Korean shipbuilders facing intensified price competition from China, India offers both an additional manufacturing base and access to a fast-growing market. Indian policymakers, for their part, see foreign partnerships and technology transfer as essential to lifting productivity and moving into higher-value segments. Chips, AI and energy: "the next big potential" Semiconductors form another core pillar. While India's chip ecosystem is still "building," Das stressed that the industry requires "a huge number of ecosystem players," opening space not only for large Korean conglomerates but also for small and medium-sized firms. "Even if not the big semiconductor giants, we see a lot of potential for small and medium-sized Korean players to help make that ecosystem grow," he said, calling semiconductors a high priority for the Indian government. Das repeatedly emphasized the complementarity between the two economies. "Compute capacity can be fully harnessed only if you have data and application potential," he said. "India has all of that. This is a good field for us to work together, and it could become the next big potential in India–Korea relations." High-level exchanges, he noted, typically bring a mass-scale business delegation, and India hopes to use the momentum to broaden cooperation beyond a narrow set of industries. "I do not want to limit my answer to just one or two industries," Das said. "Both our countries are focusing on AI and the different aspects of AI." India is preparing to host the fourth AI Impact Summit next month, following earlier editions in Bletchley Park, Seoul and Paris. Das has argued publicly that India wants AI to deliver "economic growth through social inclusion, rather than social polarization." Asked about Korea's interest in developing a domestic, OpenAI-style model and whether Indian talent could come to Korea, Das linked the issue to India’s sovereign AI initiative. "India is a very diverse country," he said. "We want AI systems that reflect the essence of India, including its diversity, rather than making society very uniform and homogeneous." India's model, he said, is being developed as multimodal, supporting audio and visual interfaces and multiple Indian languages, to reach not only elite engineers but also the roughly 300 million people who still lack easy access to digital tools. Entertainment, students — and the 'paradox' of people-to-people ties Das also pointed to K-content and entertainment as an area of untapped cooperation, noting that both countries bring complementary strengths. On people-to-people ties, he highlighted what he called a "paradox" in Korea–India relations. "Despite Korea being so good in so many areas, there are only about 3,000 Indian students in the country," he said. "Indian students and researchers want to experience life as global citizens." Das said clearer post-study work pathways, broader access to skill-based employment, and stronger incentives for Korean-language learning would be critical to changing that equation. Strategic autonomy, Act East — and why Korea matters On geopolitics, Das stressed India's long-standing commitment to strategic autonomy, including amid fluctuations in U.S. politics. "We don't want to create our foreign policy based on individuals," Das said when asked about frictions with Washington under the Trump administration. "We have, of course, very strong and resilient relations with the United States." "I don't want you to be too focused on headline news," he added. "Irrespective of what might happen on a particular day or what gets people's attention, our relationship with the U.S. remains very strong and very comprehensive." Das said India's foreign policy has consistently prioritized independence. "We have always followed a very independent foreign policy which believes in maintaining our strategic autonomy," he said. "We have not formed any alliance with any country. We try to build good relations with all countries, and whenever differences arise, our approach has always been to deal with them bilaterally, without the intervention of others." Positioning Korea firmly within India's regional strategy, Das underscored the importance of East Asia to India's long-term growth outlook. "We look at the East Asia region as very critical to our own growth prospects," he said. "That is why for the past decade or so we have been promoting the Act East policy — of which Korea is very much at the center." India and Korea, he noted, share interests across maritime security, defense, space cooperation and regional stability, and he described Korea as a core partner in translating India's Act East policy into concrete economic and industrial outcomes. Against that backdrop, Das said the recent momentum in high-level exchanges would offer a chance to expand trade and investment — which he argued remain far below potential — and to push bilateral ties beyond a narrow set of projects into a more durable industrial and strategic partnership. 2026-01-22 08:51:28
  • I-CON City an experiment in creativity and growth — not urban development: Kessler
    'I-CON City an experiment in creativity and growth — not urban development': Kessler SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - The ambitious experiment of blending high technology, research, entertainment and community life — while mixing American and Korean cultural elements — is made possible by one decisive factor: location. Cheongna, a 10-minute drive from South Korea’s main gateway at Incheon International Airport, provides the foundation for the $1.4 billion I-CON City project, according to the American developer behind the plan. “This is not just about housing. It’s not just about retirement, a museum or entertainment,” Richard C. Kessler, chairman and founder of U.S. hospitality firm The Kessler Collection, told AJP on Wednesday after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Incheon Metropolitan Government and Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH). “It’s about all of those things coming together to create something you don’t find everywhere,” he said, describing I-CON City not as a conventional real estate development but as an evolving experiment that blends culture, research, entertainment and community. Founded in 1984, The Kessler Collection operates art-driven boutique hotels in cities such as Savannah and Orlando, with 11 properties across the U.S. After 55 years in real estate, Kessler said, the logic was simple. “Location, location, location,” he said. “This site has all three.” I-CON City, short for Incheon Contents City, also reflects the ambition to create a truly “iconic” destination in the capital region. “Creativity gives energy to everything,” the hotelier said. Officially named the Cheongna Culture and Tourism Complex, the project is being developed jointly by Incheon City, The Kessler Collection and LH, with completion targeted for 2031. The development will integrate cultural, tourism, business and residential functions, according to the city. “That’s really critical to what we are trying to build here,” Kessler said, citing the group’s experience with adaptive reuse projects such as the Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia. There, a former power plant was transformed into a major tourist destination by preserving industrial elements such as generators and smokestacks, creating a space where history and cultural arts coexist. At the heart of I-CON City is the diversity of function. Rather than focusing on a single purpose such as housing or tourism, Kessler said the project aligns with Incheon’s broader push to develop a “K-Con Land” across Cheongna, Yeongjong Island — home to Incheon International Airport — and Songdo, linking multiple interests into one organically growing urban space. A large-scale park will anchor the development, occupying roughly 15 to 20 percent of the site. Kessler described Durumi Park as the “heart” of I-CON City, where research facilities, residential areas and entertainment venues intersect. “That park is the heartbeat of the entire project,” he said. “It’s where culture, technology, people and ideas come together — a place that can continue to evolve over time.” The name Durumi Park carries historical significance. Cheongna was once a natural wetland where red-crowned cranes — a protected natural monument in Korea — migrated and wintered before large-scale urban development reshaped the area. Although land reclamation eliminated much of the original habitat, the crane remains a powerful symbol of Cheongna’s ecological heritage. Nearby, the Starfield Cheongna complex — combining a domed stadium with large-scale retail and leisure facilities — is under construction and scheduled for completion in 2027. Kessler emphasized that I-CON City is designed to attract an international audience, particularly from across Asia. Research-oriented office space, a 5,000-seat entertainment complex and an outdoor amphitheater are intended to draw visitors well beyond the local community. “This is not a local show,” he said. “It’s something people will travel to experience.” Another distinctive feature is the project’s approach to senior housing. Rather than viewing retirement as withdrawal, Kessler said the development aims to attract experienced professionals and global talent who can actively contribute to research, cultural programming and community life. “There’s a lot of wisdom in that group,” he said. “And that wisdom can add real depth to this project.” Storytelling will also play a central role. Drawing on the Kessler Collection’s experience with themed hotels and curated cultural spaces in the U.S., Kessler said I-CON City will highlight narratives unique to Korea — including K-pop, shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and the country’s modern history. “K-pop is one story the world still doesn’t fully understand,” he said. “There are many others — technology, shipbuilding, creativity — that Korea can tell in a very compelling way.” One centerpiece is a planned concert hall featuring hologram performances by past and present stars on a rotating basis. For fans, the show would not depend on comeback tours or overseas schedules — it would, in theory, always be on. Ultimately, Kessler said, the goal is for I-CON City to serve as a model for future developments — flexible, adaptive and open-ended. “This is an experiment,” he said. “But it’s the kind of experiment that can uncover opportunities developers may not have seen before.” 2026-01-21 17:48:53
  • Incheon signs MOU with U.S. Kessler Collection for I-CON City project in Cheongna
    Incheon signs MOU with U.S. Kessler Collection for I-CON City project in Cheongna SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Incheon City on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. hospitality company The Kessler Collection and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) to jointly pursue a $1.4 billion culture and tourism complex in Cheongna International City. The agreement was signed at Incheon City Hall by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, Richard C. Kessler, chairman and founder of The Kessler Collection, and Kang Oh-soon, head of LH’s Regional Balanced Development Headquarters. The project, dubbed the Cheongna Culture and Tourism Complex, or I-CON City, is planned on a 260,000-square-meter site in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon. The development will integrate cultural, tourism, business and residential functions, according to the city. Planned facilities include hotels, resorts and condominiums, as well as museums, a content tower, VFX studios, a K-pop arena, officetels, senior housing and public parks. The project will involve strategic investors including The Kessler Collection, Daol Asset Management, Cheongna Icon City, which is to be established, and Galaxy Corporation. SK Securities will participate as a financial investor, while Posco E&C will take part as the construction company. The total project cost is estimated at 1.9867 trillion won ($1,353 million), with an initial investment of 633.1 billion won planned for 2027 and 2028, according to the city. The Kessler Collection and Daol Asset Management will each invest 30 billion won, holding 30 percent stakes apiece. Kessler Korea and SK Securities will each contribute 12.5 percent stakes, while Posco E&C will invest for a 10 percent stake and Galaxy Corporation for a 5 percent stake. With support from the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), the IFEZ Authority will provide administrative support, including assistance with approvals and foreign investment-related procedures, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Founded in 1984, The Kessler Collection is a U.S. hospitality firm headquartered in Orlando, Florida, specializing in the development and operation of hotels, resorts and restaurants. The company operates a portfolio of boutique hotels and resorts across major U.S. cities. “I-Con City not just stands for Incheon Contents, but also reflects our vision to create an iconic landmark in the Korean gateway,’” Kessler said. “It is going to be quite an interesting experiment of intermingling of technology, culture, and creativity... one that I think will uncover opportunities that developers may not have identified in the past.” Mayor Yoo echoed the sentiment, saying, “The Kessler Collection’s investment in Cheongna International City will serve as an important catalyst for building Incheon’s cultural and arts ecosystem,” adding that the city will continue to closely coordinate with relevant agencies and companies to advance the project steadily. 2026-01-21 14:51:56
  • Korean Air beats Q4 expectations, positioned for post-merger liftoff
    Korean Air beats Q4 expectations, positioned for post-merger liftoff SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - Korean Air delivered stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, weathering a weak won that pushed up dollar-denominated fuel and aircraft lease costs, and easing concerns ahead of its planned full integration with Asiana Airlines next year. Operating profit came to 413.1 billion won ($280 million) in the October–December period, down 5.1 percent from a year earlier but comfortably above market expectations of around 360 billion won. Revenue rose 13 percent to 4.55 trillion won, while the operating margin slipped to 9.1 percent from 10.8 percent a year earlier. The earnings beat was driven by resilient passenger demand and improving yields. Passenger yield — average revenue per kilometer — rose 6.3 percent on year to 129 won, helping offset higher operating costs stemming from the weaker currency. The popularity of Korean culture and a favorable exchange rate continued to attract inbound travelers, supporting long-haul profitability. Demand from overseas visitors, particularly Chinese tourists, also lifted results. Chinese arrivals to Korea in October and November rose 24.7 percent year-on-year, as Beijing’s continued restrictions on group tours to Japan redirected more outbound travel toward Korea. Total foreign arrivals during the period increased 12.7 percent, aided by the weak won and the global appeal of Korean content. Inbound passenger traffic from North America rose 12.4 percent, allowing Korean Air to keep its trans-Pacific routes profitable despite a decline in transfer passengers from China amid ongoing U.S.–China tensions. Cargo operations showed a similar pattern. While cargo ton kilometers edged lower, a higher share of high-value IT and equipment freight, together with firmer rates, supported revenue. Cargo yield climbed 4.5 percent to 561 won per kilometer, offsetting much of the impact from currency moves and oil prices. Yield remains a key indicator of an airline’s earning power. Looking ahead, Korean Air said it will prioritize profitability by flexibly managing seat supply and sales channels. The carrier plans to increase overseas point-of-sale exposure to cushion against potential softness in outbound Korean demand, while diversifying its cargo portfolio and adjusting freighter capacity in line with market conditions. Management also emphasized fleet renewal and route optimization as levers to improve efficiency. Relatively low oil prices and a weaker won are expected to remain broadly supportive of its cost structure. Investor focus remains on the long-awaited merger with Asiana Airlines, expected to be completed between late this year and early next year. Once finalized, Korean Air will become Korea’s sole full-service carrier, with greater pricing power and scope to eliminate overlapping routes and costs. “We expect a gradual re-rating of Korean Air’s share price as expectations for integration are increasingly reflected,” said Choi Ji-yun, an analyst at Yuanta Securities. Brokerages largely maintained positive views following the fourth-quarter beat. KB Securities raised its target price by 10.7 percent to 31,000 won, while LS Securities lifted its target to 28,000 won, up 3.7 percent from its previous estimate. NH Investment & Securities, however, struck a more cautious tone, citing weaker earnings at subsidiaries and rising costs. The brokerage cut its target price to 29,000 won from 30,000 won, warning that consolidated results could lag expectations. “Peak-season demand has lifted international passenger and cargo fares, but rising depreciation from new aircraft and higher labor costs are keeping operating expenses elevated,” said Jeong Yeon-seung, an analyst at NH Investment & Securities. He added that weak profitability at Asiana’s long-haul routes and subsidiaries remains an overhang, and that a sustained share-price rebound is likely to depend on tangible synergies once full-scale joint operations begin this winter. 2026-01-19 16:01:23
  • Filipino domestic workers in Korea struggle with low pay, study finds
    Filipino domestic workers in Korea struggle with low pay, study finds SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - Many Filipino domestic workers in South Korea who came under a government pilot program have faced low wages and undervalued care work, according to a new academic study. In a paper published Saturday in the journal of the Korean Association for Immigration Policy and Administration, Lee Mi-ae, a professor at Jeju National University’s Research Institute for the Tamla Culture, examined the experiences of Filipino domestic and care workers employed under a pilot project run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Employment and Labor. The program brought 100 Filipino housekeepers to Korea to provide child care and household support for dual-income, single-parent and multi-child families. Lee and her research team conducted surveys and in-depth interviews between April and May last year with 21 Filipino workers in their 20s and 30s, along with two interpreters. During the first six months of the program, participants earned an average monthly wage of 1.92 million won ($1,301) before taxes. After deductions for housing, insurance and communication costs, their take-home pay fell to about 1.18 million won, or roughly 51 percent of South Korea’s average monthly wage in 2024, which stood at 3.74 million won. Their hourly wage was set at 9,860 won, 27 to 35 percent lower than that of domestic childcare providers and household workers, whose pay ranges from 13,590 won to 15,000 won per hour. Even under a standard 30-hour workweek, monthly deductions of 470,000 to 520,000 won for items such as housing left many workers with less than 1 million won in net pay. Several respondents also reported being asked to perform tasks beyond their original scope of work. In addition to child care, they said they were expected to clean the house, wash dishes, care for pets and provide English lessons. Lee attributed these problems to the exclusion of migrant domestic and care workers from the policymaking process, saying discussions focused mainly on users’ needs and employers’ interests. “Workers’ experiences and voices must be reflected at every stage of policymaking,” she wrote, calling for stronger labor protections. She also stressed that migrant domestic workers should be allowed to change workplaces without automatically losing their residence status and that their fundamental labor rights be protected. Lee further urged policymakers to move beyond a narrow focus on low wages and re-evaluate the social value of child care and household labor. 2026-01-17 17:49:02
  • BTS to release fifth full-length album Arirang in March
    BTS to release fifth full-length album 'Arirang' in March SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - K-pop supergroup BTS will release its fifth full-length album titled "Arirang," drawing its name from Korea's most iconic folk song. According to BigHit Music on Friday, BTS revealed the album title during a live broadcast on fan platform Weverse at midnight, announcing that the album will be released on March 20. Leader RM said during the live stream that the group wanted to incorporate something symbolic of Korea into the album's concept. "We thought it would be meaningful to include something that represents Korea, and the word 'Arirang' came to mind," RM said. "As we're releasing an album after a long time, we felt it could bring together the full range of emotions we've experienced." BTS said the album reflects the group's identity as artists who began their journey in Korea, as well as themes of longing and deep affection rooted in their personal experiences. BigHit Music described "Arirang" as a symbolic title that captures the emotional core the members aim to convey in the new release. "Ahead of their long-awaited comeback, BTS naturally turned their attention to the team’s roots, starting point and inner stories," the agency said. "By exploring universal emotions such as longing and deep love, the album is expected to resonate with listeners around the world." During the live broadcast, the members hinted that the new album would defy expectations. "Each of us has released solo projects, so whatever people expect, it will be different," the group said. "Yet the music still feels distinctly like us." The album marks BTS's first new full-length release in three years and nine months since their 2022 anthology album "Proof." The fifth studio album will feature a total of 14 tracks. Following the album's release, BTS will embark on a new world tour beginning April 9 at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province. The tour will span 34 cities with 79 shows — the largest in K-pop history — and will feature a 360-degree stage designed to enhance audience immersion. 2026-01-17 15:41:48
  • Kim Jong-un hails North Korean troops deployed to Russia at Pyongyang youth event
    Kim Jong-un hails North Korean troops deployed to Russia at Pyongyang youth event SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised North Korean troops deployed to Russia, calling their participation something "only young Korean people could do," state media reported Saturday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim made the remarks on Friday while attending a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. "Present here are also young soldiers who have recently defended the dignity and honour of their country in overseas special military operations by displaying the excellence, heroism, self-sacrificing spirit and character peculiar to their fellow people," Kim was quoted as saying. He added that such actions were something only young Korean people could accomplish. Kim also said there were no soldiers in the world who would fight on the battlefield as faithfully as North Korean troops, "expecting no reward or private interest," stressing that the existence of such youth was a source of incomparable pride for the state. He further addressed the significance of marking the youth league's 80th anniversary ahead of the Workers' Party of Korea's upcoming ninth congress. "The 80-year history of struggle of the youth league is being reviewed in the light of socialist ideals, noble patriotism, a passionate sense of justice and a pure spiritual world," Kim said, adding that this had once again elevated the status and prestige of North Korean youth. He went on to say that preparing the next generation and building a future that carries the country's proud past into a glorious present was a historic achievement of the North Korean youth movement that no one else could replace. During the event, Kim awarded the Order of Kim Jong Il, the country's highest state decoration, to the youth league. He personally attached the medal to the league's flag and presented the certificate to its committee chairman. Senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, Workers' Party secretaries Ri Il-hwan and Ri Hi-yong, and propaganda chief Ju Chang-il, also attended the ceremony, along with Youth League Chairman Mun Chol. Kim's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, did not appear to be present. The Socialist Patriotic Youth League, North Korea's largest youth organization, was founded in 1946 under the name the North Korean Democratic Youth League. Membership is mandatory for all young people and students aged 14 to 30, with total membership estimated at around five million. 2026-01-17 14:11:51
  • South Korea urges 50 citizens in Iran to leave as unrest continues
    South Korea urges 50 citizens in Iran to leave as unrest continues SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - The South Korean government said Friday that around 50 citizens are currently staying in Iran, urging them to leave the country as soon as possible amid continuing unrest. According to a joint meeting held Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas missions to assess safety measures in Iran—where violent crackdowns have followed recent anti-government protests—no casualties involving South Koreans had been reported. The meeting was attended by officials from South Korea’s embassies in Iran, Azerbaijan, Israel, Turkmenistan and Türkiye. Iran has been gripped by widespread protests sparked by economic hardship, with authorities carrying out a hardline response using snipers and other security forces. Some estimates suggest that the death toll may range from several thousand to more than 10,000, though the exact scale remains unclear as Iranian authorities have restricted internet access and information flows. Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-a said the situation remains highly uncertain due to numerous variables, stressing the need to prioritize citizen safety even at the risk of criticism. "Even if we are criticized for taking excessive precautions, it is preferable to act in a way that minimizes risk," Kim said, echoing remarks previously made by the president. She urged officials to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals. Kim also emphasized that a Level 3 travel advisory—recommending departure—has been issued for all regions of Iran, calling on South Koreans in the country to leave as quickly as possible. She further instructed South Korean missions in three neighboring countries to thoroughly prepare all necessary measures to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of citizens in the event of an emergency. South Korean Ambassador to Tehran Kim Jun-pyo said the embassy is checking the safety of all South Korean nationals in Iran on a daily basis and actively encouraging them to depart. "Departures are continuing," Kim said, adding that the embassy is maintaining constant communication with the local South Korean community and regularly reviewing and updating evacuation plans in case the situation deteriorates further. 2026-01-17 11:50:04
  • U.S. makes clear Taiwan chip tariff deal will not apply to South Korea
    U.S. makes clear Taiwan chip tariff deal will not apply to South Korea SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - Washington has made clear that semiconductor tariffs and related exemptions will be set through country‑by‑country negotiations, meaning the criteria agreed with Taiwan will not be copied and applied automatically to South Korea. An administration official said on Friday that the U.S. would pursue "separate agreements for separate countries" when asked whether the semiconductor tariff waiver terms offered to Taiwan would also be granted to South Korea. This suggests that Washington intends to define specific tariff and exemption conditions bilaterally with each major chip‑exporting partner, rather than adopting a single unified standard. President Donald Trump has argued that semiconductor imports have reached a level that threatens U.S. national security and has instructed his administration to negotiate with relevant countries to address this perceived risk through tariffs. Under this approach, Washington plans to negotiate first with countries that export semiconductors to the U.S. and only then impose tariffs, while offering "tariff offset programs" to companies that invest in strengthening the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. Within this framework, the U.S. announced a trade agreement with Taiwan on Thursday that sets out the tariff waiver rules for Taiwanese semiconductor exports. In return for a commitment by Taiwanese firms to undertake $250 billion of direct investment in the U.S., Washington agreed to cut the reciprocal tariff rate on Taiwanese products from 20 percent to 15 percent, aligning it with the rate applied to South Korea and Japan. Previously, South Korea had agreed to $350 billion in U.S. investment and Japan to $550 billion, in exchange for reductions in their respective reciprocal tariffs. The Trump administration also decided that Taiwanese companies establishing new semiconductor production capacity in the U.S. will receive substantial tariff relief. While a new facility is under construction, imports of up to 2.5 times its production capacity can enter the U.S. market without paying the new semiconductor tariffs. After the facility is completed, imports of up to 1.5 times the new capacity can continue to enter tariff‑free. South Korea finalized its trade negotiations with the U.S. at the end of October last year, ahead of Taiwan, and secured assurances that it would not be placed at a disadvantage compared with countries whose semiconductor trade volumes with the U.S. exceed South Korea's. This implies that South Korea is expected to receive conditions at least equivalent to those applied to Taiwan, one of its key competitors, although how this principle will be implemented remains uncertain and is expected to be clarified through further negotiations with Washington. 2026-01-17 11:11:50