Journalist

Kim Hee-su
  • USFK commander warns against political expediency in wartime opcon transfer
    USFK commander warns against 'political expediency' in wartime opcon transfer SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of United States Forces Korea (USFK), warned Tuesday that “political expediency should not outpace the conditions” in discussions over the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), as Seoul pushes to complete the transition within the current administration. Testifying before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Brunson stressed that the focus should remain on meeting the necessary requirements rather than adhering to a fixed timeline. His remarks come as the government of Lee Jae Myung pushes to complete the wartime OPCON transfer within its term, with the timeline to be determined based on agreed conditions under the allies’ framework. “We’ve got to stay focused on the conditions because the United States is safer that way and the Republic of Korea is safer that way,” Brunson said. Under this framework, the OPCON transition hinges on three key conditions: South Korea’s military capability to lead combined defense; the alliance’s comprehensive ability to respond to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats; and a security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader region conducive to a stable transfer. Seoul’s five-year state policy plan, unveiled in August, includes the goal of reclaiming OPCON, with speculation that a target year for the transition could be proposed at the annual Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) in Washington in October. The USFK commander also reaffirmed his position that the focus of U.S. forces in Korea is shifting from troop levels to capabilities. “The Korean Peninsula is key strategic terrain vital to defending the American homeland and advancing American interests in the region,” he said, noting that USFK is undergoing modernization to address rapidly evolving strategic challenges. “That’s why my focus remains strictly on capabilities over numbers,” Brunson added, emphasizing that while forward deployment remains a baseline, understanding the shift from force size to operational capability requires prioritizing the specific capabilities needed on the peninsula. His remarks come amid broader discussions under the administration of Donald Trump on adjusting the global posture of U.S. forces in line with a new National Security Strategy, fueling speculation that some USFK units could be redeployed or restructured as part of efforts to counter China. Brunson also pointed to USFK participation in Indo-Pacific Command exercises, saying it demonstrates the potential to project capabilities from Korea to support deterrence across the region. His comments are seen as signaling a possible expansion of USFK’s role beyond deterring North Korea to contributing to broader efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. On reports that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system had been moved to the Middle East amid tensions involving Iran, Brunson denied any such transfer. “We’ve not moved any THAAD systems. So THAAD still remains on the peninsula currently,” he said, marking the first public confirmation by a senior U.S. official. He added that munitions are being sent “forward” and are “sitting right now waiting to move,” though it remains unclear whether he was referring to THAAD-related components or general ammunition. 2026-04-22 11:57:30
  • Korea-India summit pivots steel, shipbuilding toward new growth axis amid China pressure
    Korea-India summit pivots steel, shipbuilding toward new growth axis amid China pressure SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s steel and shipbuilding industries, long squeezed by China’s dominance, are turning to India as a new anchor for growth, with Seoul and New Delhi moving to lock in deeper industrial cooperation at the highest level. During the first Korean presidential visit to India in nearly eight years, President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to elevate bilateral ties into an industry-wide partnership built on joint ventures and strategic coordination. Modi pledged to establish a dedicated “Korea desk” within the Prime Minister’s Office to oversee projects and fast-track execution, while Lee offered a reciprocal mechanism in Seoul to accelerate implementation. Kim Yong-beom, presidential chief of policy, said Modi acknowledged concerns raised by Korean firms over regulatory unpredictability and pledged to meet business leaders directly to address them. The Indian leader identified shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy as core sectors for cooperation over the next decade, framing the partnership as a combination of “India’s scale with Korea’s speed.” The summit was followed by a Korea-India business forum that drew around 600 corporate leaders, laying groundwork toward a shared goal of expanding bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. The shift comes at a critical juncture for Korea’s steel sector, which has faced declining profitability amid intensifying competition from China. Attention is centered on a 10 trillion won ($6.8 billion) joint investment by POSCO Holdings and India’s JSW Steel to build an integrated steel mill in Odisha, with completion targeted for 2031. The project marks POSCO’s renewed push into India after four failed attempts since its initial entry plan in 2004, highlighting both the opportunity and the execution risks in the market. China’s weight in global steel continues to loom large. The country accounted for more than half of global crude steel output in 2025, producing roughly 960 million tons out of 1.8 billion tons worldwide, keeping downward pressure on prices despite a domestic slowdown. The pricing gap is particularly acute in thick steel plates — a key shipbuilding input accounting for 20 to 30 percent of vessel costs — where Chinese products are about 200,000 won per ton cheaper than Korean equivalents. At the same time, external pressures are mounting. The United States has launched a Section 301 probe into structural overcapacity, while existing Section 232 tariffs on steel and autos continue to weigh on exports. Europe has also tightened safeguard measures, cutting duty-free quotas and raising tariffs to shield its domestic industry. Against this backdrop, India is emerging as a rare growth market. Now the world’s second-largest steel producer and consumer, it is seeing demand surge on the back of aggressive infrastructure expansion, with consumption and production both posting double-digit growth. New Delhi is also pushing to scale up shipbuilding under its “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” with plans for new shipyards across multiple states. Tamil Nadu has moved early, courting Korean investment and selecting HD Hyundai as a key partner for a potential new yard. HD Hyundai, through its shipbuilding arm, has already signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s Sagarmala Development Company to explore joint shipyard development, with Thoothukudi emerging as a leading candidate site. The diverging outlook across industries, however, underscores the complexity of the pivot. While steelmakers stand to benefit from rising Indian demand and investment opportunities, shipbuilders face margin pressure from rising plate costs, particularly as anti-dumping measures lift input prices. “Such cost pressures could undermine competitiveness, especially against Chinese shipbuilders that rely on lower-priced domestic steel,” an industry official said, warning of a widening gap between steel producers and shipyards. The Korea-India push, in that sense, is not just a search for growth — but a strategic recalibration as Korean industry navigates between China’s scale, Western trade barriers and the rising promise of India. 2026-04-21 16:57:01
  • Hanwha partners US firm to build unmanned surface vessels for Pentagon
    Hanwha partners US firm to build unmanned surface vessels for Pentagon SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Hanwha Group has partnered with U.S.-based Magnet Defense to jointly develop and produce unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for the U.S. military, the company said. Hanwha Defense USA announced on Monday that it signed a strategic partnership with Magnet Defense at the 2026 Sea-Air-Space exposition held in National Harbor, Maryland. The agreement covers multiple projects, including the joint construction of a 38-meter medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) known as the H38. Under the partnership, the H38 will be developed based on Magnet Defense’s flagship M48 model, incorporating Hanwha’s advanced technologies. The M48, the basis for the joint development, has one of the longest operational ranges among USVs in service at 17,000 nautical miles. The vessel has undergone extensive real-world validation, completing a total of 32,000 nautical miles of operations, including a round-trip voyage from Miami to American Samoa in 2024, a transit through the Panama Canal and navigation in extreme weather conditions rated at Sea State 9. Mark Bell, CEO of Magnet Defense, said the combination of Hanwha’s advanced missile systems and Magnet Defense’s USV design and manufacturing capabilities would generate strong synergies. Michael Coulter, CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, said, “Hanwha is committed to deploying highly capable and lethal unmanned surface vessels to support U.S. forces and allies in times of conflict,” adding, “We will integrate Hanwha’s manufacturing capabilities and advanced robotics technologies with Magnet Defense’s proven autonomous navigation systems.” The partnership comes as the U.S. Navy has signaled its intent to acquire unmanned surface vessels to meet evolving operational requirements. The two sides also agreed to cooperate on AI-based robotic shipyards and artificial intelligence software development. 2026-04-21 11:17:25
  • Lee, Indian PM Modi agree to upgrade CEPA, target $50 bln trade
    Lee, Indian PM Modi agree to upgrade CEPA, target $50 bln trade SEOUL, April 20 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed Monday to continue negotiations to upgrade their bilateral trade pact with the aim to double two-way trade to $50 billion by 2030. At a summit held during Lee’s state visit to India, the two leaders announced they would resume talks on upgrading the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May, seeking to modernize the framework in response to evolving supply chain and trade conditions. “We agreed to speed up the negotiations to upgrade our CEPA to create more favorable trade and investment conditions and better respond to the changing trade environment,” Lee said during a joint press statement. Modi also emphasized strengthening economic cooperation. “We have set a target to take bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030,” Modi said, adding that the two sides would work to upgrade the trade agreement and expand economic ties. The leaders agreed to broaden cooperation across strategic sectors including shipbuilding, finance, artificial intelligence and defense, while also strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges. “We have agreed to expand cooperation in strategic industries such as shipbuilding, finance, AI and defense, and promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” Lee said. As part of efforts to institutionalize economic cooperation, the two countries agreed to establish an “Industrial Cooperation Committee,” their first ministerial-level platform dedicated to economic collaboration. Lee said the body would help strengthen cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in strategic areas such as critical minerals, nuclear energy and clean energy. The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on port cooperation, establishing a framework that covers port infrastructure development and personnel exchanges. “In the field of shipbuilding, we aim to bring together the outstanding technology of Korean businesses and the policy support of India’s central and local governments so that Korean companies can seek new opportunities in the Indian market,” Lee said. “In the field of finance, cooperation between financial authorities will serve as a foundation for Korean financial institutions to enter India,” he added. The two countries will expand cultural cooperation, including the establishment of a “Korea Center” in Mumbai, which is expected to serve as a hub where K-pop and Bollywood intersect. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula. “We agreed that restoring stability and peace in the Middle East is crucial to global security and the economy,” Lee said. He also briefed Modi on Seoul’s efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and expressed hope that India would continue to play a constructive role in the region. 2026-04-20 18:32:07
  • Seoul pushes fleet of war robots but whos in charge over them unclear
    Seoul pushes fleet of war robots but who's in charge over them unclear SEOUL, April 20 (AJP) - Unmanned systems are rapidly reshaping modern warfare, from the battlefields of Ukraine to the Gulf, and South Korea is accelerating its push toward autonomous combat capabilities under its “Army Tiger 4.0” modernization drive. The initiative reflects a broader shift across the military, as the Army, Navy and Air Force each move to build their own unmanned fleets. But a central question remains unresolved: who commands this expanding ecosystem of robots across land, sea and air. Under Army Tiger 4.0, the future battlefield envisions “non-bleeding” robots moving first, with human soldiers positioned one step back. Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones are designed to scout, transport supplies and even fight on the front line. A multipurpose UGV — with Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem competing for selection as early as June — is a key pillar of the plan. Progress so far had been limited. In a 2023 study, defense scholars Kim Dong-beom and Kim Ho-sung said autonomous efforts were still at the “demonstration and limited experimentation” stage and that “widespread fielding across multiple echelons has yet to be achieved.” They added that turning Army Tiger 4.0 into routine practice “will require long-term force restructuring, sustained investment and iterative validation through exercises,” rather than one-off trials. Structural issues compound the challenge. Jung Yeon-bong of the Institute for National Security Strategy pointed to “the absence of a real control tower,” as well as a continued reliance on “platform-by-platform procurement” and service-centric development. A separate study by Baek Seoung-jin and Bae Hack-young of the Korea Association of Defense Industry Studies found that systems are still being developed in “separate stovepipes,” leaving doctrine and training “several steps behind the speed of technological change.” Navy: toward a “ghost fleet” At sea, the Navy is pursuing a similar transformation through its “Sea GHOST” program — a hybrid force combining crewed warships with unmanned surface vessels (USVs), underwater drones and aerial systems. These systems are designed to take on high-risk missions such as mine clearance, surveillance and tracking enemy vessels. The long-term vision includes a “mothership” capable of controlling multiple unmanned platforms and eventually a dedicated unmanned command. Development, however, remains fragmented. Different programs use incompatible software and data systems, making it difficult to operate them as a unified fleet — a recurring problem across services. Companies including LIG Nex1, Hanwha Systems and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are racing to develop combat-ready USVs, with deployment targeted in the 2030s. Air Force: manned fighters with unmanned wingmen In the air, the South Korean Air Force is placing unmanned systems at the core of future combat operations. The concept pairs manned jets such as the KF-21 Boramae with “loyal wingmen” — unmanned aircraft that can perform reconnaissance, electronic warfare and strike support. The government is developing a “Korean-style MUM-T” architecture to enable this integration, targeting an open framework by 2028. But the gap between concept and deployment remains significant. Researchers at the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement said current programs are still “in the phase of technology verification and concept demonstration.” They warned that large-scale exercises combining manned and unmanned aircraft under realistic electronic-warfare conditions “have been very limited so far.” A further constraint is operational: without secure communications networks — including beyond-5G links and low-Earth-orbit satellite relays — “AI-driven MUM-T and CJADC2 cannot function as intended in real war,” one defense expert said. Across all domains, the same problem emerges — fragmentation. Experts say South Korea lacks a unified command structure to coordinate unmanned systems development across the services. The result is parallel programs rather than an integrated force. The experience of the Drone Operations Command underscores the issue. Established in 2023, it faced criticism for overlapping roles and limited effectiveness, leading to restructuring in early 2026 rather than expansion. Some analysts argue that South Korea needs a smaller, joint unmanned task force capable of rapid experimentation — closer to models seen in Ukraine and the United States, where frontline units quickly adapt and scale technologies based on battlefield feedback. 2026-04-20 17:45:15
  • Seoul Mayor Oh to face DPKs Chung in June mayoral race
    Seoul Mayor Oh to face DPK's Chung in June mayoral race SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has been confirmed as the main opposition People Power Party’s candidate in the June 3 local elections, facing Chung Won-o of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. The PPP’s nomination committee announced Saturday that Oh won the party’s primary, defeating Rep. Park Soo-min and former lawmaker Yoon Hee-sook. If elected, he would secure a third consecutive term since returning to office in 2021 and a fifth overall term as mayor. Oh said he would “solemnly accept” the mandate to safeguard Seoul and restore balance in the country, adding, “If I am elected, I will take it as a call to rebuild the opposition,” he said, vowing to push for political reform. Born in 1961, Oh entered politics by winning a parliamentary seat in Seoul’s Gangnam district in 2000. He later became Seoul mayor in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010, but resigned in 2011 after staking his position on a citywide vote over whether to provide free school lunches to all students or only to low‑income children. He returned in 2021 through a by-election and won another term in 2022. His rival, Chung, is a three-term district mayor who has been publicly praised by President Lee Jae Myung, earning him the nickname “Lee’s pick.” After Oh was chosen as the PPP’s candidate, Chung wrote on his social media account that he hoped the upcoming election would be “a fair competition based on policies and competence” in addressing citizens’ livelihoods and the future of Seoul. A poll released Friday by Gallup Korea showed a sharp divide in party support, with the DPK at 48 percent and the PPP at 19 percent. In the same survey of 1,000 adults conducted from April 14 to 16, 45 percent of respondents said they wanted more ruling party candidates to win the June 3 elections, while 28 percent preferred opposition candidates. 2026-04-18 16:45:27
  • Hanwhas new K9 wheeled howitzer draws global attention after viral test video
    Hanwha's new K9 wheeled howitzer draws global attention after viral test video SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - A test video of Hanwha Aerospace’s new wheeled self-propelled howitzer, the K9MH, has spread widely on social media, drawing attention to its performance. The U.S. Army is pursuing a major program to replace its current 155mm M777 towed howitzers with wheeled self-propelled systems. Hanwha’s U.S. unit, Hanwha Defense USA, said last month it had proposed the K9MH for the program. The company is also reviewing plans to produce the system in Alabama if selected, and is reportedly planning to invest about $1.3 billion to build an ammunition plant in Arkansas. The K9MH is based on Hanwha’s flagship K9 self-propelled howitzer platform. It mounts a fully automated K9 turret on an 8×8 chassis from Tatra Trucks, a widely used solution for wheeled artillery, reducing the crew to three. Compared with the tracked K9, it is seen as offering lower maintenance costs and greater strategic mobility. Although not from official sources, footage filmed at a test site in Changwon, South Korea, has circulated on overseas social media, showing live-fire exercises of the K9MH. The video includes ammunition loading and firing sequences, demonstrating a dual-feed system that transports projectiles and propellant charges via separate conveyors. The system showed a firing cycle of about 7.5 seconds, delivering nine rounds per minute. Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express said the K9MH’s performance is comparable to Sweden’s Archer artillery system, one of the leading automated wheeled howitzers, which typically fires eight to nine rounds per minute with a loading cycle of around eight to nine seconds. It added that the K9MH could outperform Germany’s RCH 155 in terms of reload speed. However, the outlet noted that the Archer retains an advantage in deployment speed. The Archer takes about 23 seconds to fire its first round after stopping and 34 seconds to leave position, compared with roughly 20 seconds and 50 seconds, respectively, for the K9MH. The U.S. Army is expected to select candidates for the next phase of the program in July, with a final decision scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027. Other contenders include Rheinmetall’s RCH 155, Elbit America’s Sigma, and BAE Systems’ Archer. 2026-04-18 15:19:07
  • Trump warns of no ceasefire extension as U.S.-Iran talks set for April 20
    Trump warns of no ceasefire extension as U.S.-Iran talks set for April 20 SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday warned that the United States may not extend the ceasefire with Iran if no agreement is reached by April 22, stepping up pressure on Tehran. “Maybe I won’t extend it, but the blockade is going to remain. So you have a blockade, and unfortunately we’ll have to start dropping bombs again,” he said aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington from Phoenix, Arizona. The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire proposal put forward by Pakistan on April 7, setting April 21 as the initial deadline for reaching a broader agreement. It remains unclear whether Trump’s reference to April 22 reflects an extension of the deadline or a misstatement. A second round of ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran is likely to be held on April 20 in Islamabad, Pakistan, U.S. officials said. Iranian officials also told CNN that their delegation is expected to arrive in Islamabad on April 19, with negotiations likely to take place the following day. Iran has also raised expectations for a deal by announcing that it would fully allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following ceasefire declarations between Israel and Lebanon. However, major differences remain over key issues, including uranium enrichment and Iran’s nuclear program. The first round of talks collapsed after the two sides failed to narrow differences on enrichment. U.S. media reported that Washington had softened its earlier demand for a complete ban on uranium enrichment, instead proposing a 20-year suspension. Iran reportedly countered with a five-year proposal, preventing a breakthrough. Trump earlier said Iran had “agreed to everything,” including not possessing nuclear weapons, and would hand over what he described as “nuclear dust” buried underground following U.S. strikes involving B-2 bombers last June. But Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the claim in an interview with state-run IRIB, saying Iran’s enriched uranium “will not be transferred anywhere.” 2026-04-18 13:09:59
  • Health authorities say current vaccines remain effective amid concerns over new COVID-19 variant
    Health authorities say current vaccines remain effective amid concerns over new COVID-19 variant SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said Saturday that current COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against a new variant, urging the public not to overreact. The agency cited an assessment by the World Health Organization regarding the BA3.2 variant, noting that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are “expected to continue providing protection against severe disease,” and adding that there is “no data indicating increased severity” associated with the variant. According to the KDCA, BA3 — a sublineage of the Omicron variant — briefly appeared in early 2022 before disappearing. Its subvariant, BA3.2, was first identified in South Africa in November 2024. The agency said that although the BA3.2 variant could contribute to a rise in cases domestically, it is continuing to closely monitor the situation. The COVID-19 positivity rate at local clinics rose to 6.3 percent in the 15th week (April 5–11), up from 4.7 percent a week earlier. During the same period, the BA3.2 variant accounted for 23.1 percent of cases, making it the third most prevalent strain. As of last month, PQ2 and NB1.8.1 led with 34.6 percent each, followed by BA3.2 at 23.1 percent and XFG at 3.8 percent. A KDCA official said, “The WHO has assessed that the BA3.2 variant does not significantly change disease severity, and current vaccines remain effective. Excessive concern is unnecessary at this stage.” The official, however, urged high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older and immunocompromised individuals, to get vaccinated, with vaccinations available through June 30. 2026-04-18 10:36:17
  • President Lee signals South Korea role in safeguarding Hormuz shipping lanes
    President Lee signals South Korea role in safeguarding Hormuz shipping lanes SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Friday said South Korea would make a “substantive contribution” to efforts to safeguard navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Lee made the remarks during an international summit on maritime security in the strait, where leaders discussed coordinated efforts to restore safe passage through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. According to the presidential office, Lee emphasized that disruptions in the strait — a vital artery for global supply chains — have shaken energy, financial, industrial and food security worldwide. He also raised concerns over the safety and well-being of seafarers, including South Korean nationals, who remain stranded amid ongoing instability. “South Korea is a key stakeholder, importing about 70 percent of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz,” Lee said, adding that Seoul would make “a substantive contribution” to ensuring freedom of navigation. Lee further said the government would actively explore ways to expand diplomatic and military cooperation in response to evolving conditions. The summit, attended by representatives from 49 countries, lasted about 90 minutes. While China and Japan also took part, they were represented by non-head-of-state officials. Among leaders participating virtually, Lee was the first to speak and delivered remarks lasting approximately four minutes and 40 seconds, slightly exceeding the allotted three-minute speaking time. Lee’s remarks come amid growing discussions over a potential multinational maritime mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, being prepared as a postwar, strictly defensive effort to safeguard shipping and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. At a joint press conference, French President Emmanuel Macron said recent developments were “encouraging” for the transport of gas, fertilizers and other goods, while cautioning that risks remain. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “More than a dozen countries have already offered to contribute assets” to help safeguard navigation in the strait. Momentum for international involvement may be building, as Iran earlier in the day announced it would fully reopen the waterway, raising expectations for progress in ceasefire negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the announcement, writing “THANK YOU!” on his social media platform Truth Social. However, he added that the naval blockade would remain “in full force and effect” until a deal with Iran is “100% complete.” 2026-04-18 09:35:10