Aju-sponsored Korea-Japan forum calls for bilateral FTA as a stepping stone toward economic bloc SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - South Korea and Japan — two of the largest economies in East Asia — are increasingly viewed as a single investment destination by foreign capital as their tech-driven manufacturing capabilities grow more interconnected. But the absence of a meaningful bilateral trade framework or policy coordination still constrains the growth potential that could be unlocked if the two nations were to combine their industrial strengths, lawmakers, scholars and business leaders from both countries said Wednesday. The idea of the two neighbors complementing each other in strategically vital sectors such as semiconductors, batteries and defense — and jointly addressing common challenges — has been championed by Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. He has proposed that the two countries move beyond existing multilateral trade platforms and work toward forming an EU-style economic bloc that could emerge as the world’s third-largest economic power after the United States and China. Chey is expected to reiterate this vision at the Tokyo Forum 2025 at the University of Tokyo on Friday. His argument was highlighted during the 2025 Korea-Japan Economic Forum held Wednesday at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club. The event was co-sponsored by Aju Media Group and Japan’s NNA Kyodo News Group. The gathering brought together members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians’ Union, trade and industry experts, and officials from the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. Participants discussed how both governments should respond to ongoing supply-chain disruptions and rising geopolitical risks that have intensified following the return of the Trump administration in Washington. Matsuo Hirotaka, minister at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, highlighted Japan’s dramatically expanding investment footprint in Korea. “It rose from just US$500,000 at the time of diplomatic normalization in 1965 to more than US$6.12 billion last year, making Japan Korea’s largest investor,” he said. “The uncertain global trade environment, driven in part by U.S. tariff policy, underscores the importance of stronger economic ties between Seoul and Tokyo.” Lee Ji-pyeong, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, warned that without closer coordination both economies could face greater market volatility. “Many production processes already span the two countries, making simultaneous responses essential as protectionist measures rise in major economies and global rules become less predictable,” Lee said. Lee argued that a “deeper” bilateral trade framework is necessary for the two countries to act as a rule-setter in the global economy, noting that their combined GDP is projected to reach US$7 trillion by 2030. Kim Gyu-pan, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), noted that “Korea and Japan currently lack a high-level bilateral trade agreement,” calling for renewed discussions on more advanced bilateral or multilateral frameworks. Kim also stressed the need for “greater consistency in Seoul’s Japan policy” and encouraged progress on joint declarations and future high-level exchanges. 2025-11-19 17:24:05

INTERVIEW: Sookmyung Women's University builds global footprint in pharmaceutical science SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Sookmyung Women’s University’s College of Pharmacy has emerged as one of South Korea’s most active incubators of medical and pharmaceutical R&D, expanding its global footprint and highlighting the strength of female scientific leadership in the country. In an interview with AJP, Dean Jeon Ra-ok said the college’s competitiveness "comes from its history, and the networks and research foundation that history has built." A central marker of that strength is the college’s back-to-back selection for the Medical Research Center (MRC) program — one of Korea’s most competitive national grants in medical and pharmaceutical science. Only a handful of pharmacy schools nationwide qualify. Sookmyung’s project, built around its Muscle and Sebum Research Center, receives roughly 1.5 billion won (about $1.1 million) per year. "MRC selection is one of the highest research recognitions a pharmacy school can receive," Jeon said. "Being chosen twice in a row reflects not the achievement of one professor but the collective capacity of our entire research team." The long-running program, she added, connects undergraduate internships with graduate-level research and requires "many years of accumulated infrastructure and collaboration." This year, the college also secured a spot in the newly expanded Glocal Lab program, another major government initiative that provides funding on a similar scale. The program mandates global partnerships, and Jeon said the college already collaborates with Princeton University, the University of Massachusetts, and Ghent University in Belgium. "This is not symbolic," she said. "We co-design research and verify results together. Our selection shows that the school has both regional influence and global expansion potential." Alumni have become another pillar of Sookmyung’s rise. Since its founding in 1953, just after the Korean War, the college has produced graduates who now hold mid- to senior-level positions across healthcare and pharmaceuticals. "If you gathered only our graduates, you could form an entire market ecosystem," Jeon said. Among its most distinguished alumnae is Chung Hee-sun, a forensic scientist who served as the inaugural president of the National Forensic Service. Renowned for her work in drug analysis, toxicology, and forensic science, Chung frequently returns to campus for special lectures. Jeon noted that the number of pharmacy-trained professionals in the forensic field has declined, and that Chung "actively encourages more pharmacy graduates to enter." In the pharmacy profession, Kwon Young-hee, president of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and the first woman to head the century-old organization, is also a Sookmyung graduate. She has pushed to redefine pharmacists as public health professionals and is advocating for generic-name prescriptions, which allow patients to choose among products containing the same active ingredients. The pharmaceutical distribution sector is shaped by another alumna, Cho Sun-hae, co-founder and chairwoman of Geo-Young, Korea’s largest drug distributor with annual sales of around 4 trillion won. She has long supported student and alumni initiatives. In biotechnology, Professor Bae Gyu-un founded Animusquare, a muscle-research-based startup now in discussions with Merck over a Phase II clinical-stage technology. Jeon summarized the college’s strengths as "history, research, and network." Founded in a time of national hardship, the school was one of Korea’s earliest pharmacy programs. "Our long history gives the institution stability and credibility," she said. "When you have stability, you have the confidence to take on new challenges." Reflecting that philosophy, the college recently overhauled its curriculum to include biopharmaceuticals, data science, and bioinformatics — fields expected to define the next era of health care. Faculty expansion has further reinforced the academic structure. "Pharmacy is a professional discipline, but it is also an area where innovation is essential," Jeon said. "I hope our students grow into innovators who can take bold steps forward on a strong foundation." 2025-11-18 16:30:36

Swedish embassy to spotlight this year's Nobel prize achievements SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - A symposium spotlighting this year’s Nobel Prize laureates and their academic achievements will be held in Seoul on Monday, bringing together scholars and researchers from Korea and Sweden. Hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in Seoul and supported by the Sweden-Korea Education, Research, and Innovation Collaboration (SKERIC) and the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST), the event aims to promote academic exchange while honoring the legacy of Alfred Nobel. SKERIC, a joint initiative run by eight major universities in both countries, supports young researchers and emerging innovators, helping them build international networks and strengthen their ability to address global challenges. The symposium will take place at Korea University at 2 p.m., where leading figures from both nations will gather for lectures and discussions. Experts from Korean and Swedish universities will speak on key themes from the 2025 Nobel Prizes — including physiology or medicine, chemistry, physics, economics and literature — while exploring ways to deepen cooperation in higher education, research and innovation. Established under the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Prize is widely considered one of the world’s most prestigious honors. Funded by Nobel’s estate built through his invention of dynamite, the prizes have been awarded since 1901 in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. “The Nobel Prize is about courage — the courage to push knowledge forward,” Swedish Ambassador to Seoul Karl-Olof Andersson said. “This symposium reflects the enduring friendship between Sweden and Korea, grounded in a mutual commitment to education, innovation, democracy and truth,” he added. 2025-11-13 12:45:58

France and Korea to celebrate 140 years of ties with nationwide events SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - A yearlong celebration marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea will take place across both countries in 2026. France and Korea have long maintained a comprehensive partnership, engaging closely in diplomacy, defense, economy, science, and technology. The upcoming anniversary will commemorate more than a century of partnership and friendship while showcasing a shared vision for the future. A wide range of commemorative events will be led by the French Embassy in Seoul in collaboration with about 100 French and Korean partner institutions. The programs, spanning politics, defense, trade, science and technology, culture, education, sports, and tourism, will reflect the full scope of bilateral cooperation throughout the year. Highlights include high-level visits, a strategic dialogue between foreign ministers, an official anniversary ceremony, and a memorial honoring French veterans of the Korean War. Events will take place nationwide, including in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Suwon, Jeonju, and Bucheon, with more than 100 programs planned across 20 cities. In France, the Korean Embassy and the Korean Cultural Center in Paris will jointly organize exhibitions, concerts, and other events celebrating the anniversary. "The 140th anniversary will be a landmark occasion to further expand cooperation in every field — from economy and science to culture, education," said French Ambassador to Seoul Philippe Bertoux. "We are preparing nationwide events that will not only commemorate 140 years of friendship but also strengthen our ties for the future," Bertoux added. 2025-11-12 16:38:50

Korea's KakaoTalk admits to feed pratfall and will return to original format by December SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - KakaoTalk, bowing to massive backlash and acknowledging the failure of its largest redesign to date, will restore its original interface by the end of the year after a clumsy attempt to introduce an Instagram-like picture feed to a platform used by virtually all South Koreans. A KakaoTalk spokesperson told AJP on Thursday that the company is "working to restore the original layout by year-end" in response to negative "user feedback," meaning the arbitrary photo feed will be removed from the main page and offered only as an optional feature. Asked why the feed had been placed on the main screen in the first place, the spokesperson said that "some users wanted an easier way to view friends' updates without tapping each profile," but conceded that "the redesign did not meet broader user expectations." At a company event in September 2025, Kakao announced plans to evolve into an AI-powered "super app," integrating multiple services into a single platform. On September 23, it rolled out a sweeping update that replaced the traditional "Friends" tab with a social media–style feed, automatically displaying friends' profile updates and status messages. The redesign, widely seen as an attempt to push KakaoTalk toward a social-media model, sparked widespread complaints from users who found the new format confusing, intrusive, and misaligned with how the app is used in everyday life — from business communication to money transfers. Unlike WhatsApp, LINE, or WeChat, which open directly to chat lists, KakaoTalk's feed-first interface broke from global norms and alienated long-time users. According to IGAWorks' Mobile Index, the app's average monthly usage time per user fell from 700.17 minutes in September to 677.85 minutes in October, a decline of about 22 minutes. The figure also marked a drop from the third-quarter average of 694.82 minutes. A separate online survey of 1,000 users aged 20 to 60 by the Korea Press Foundation's Media Research Center showed that 91 percent felt "uncomfortable being exposed to less-close acquaintances." Only about 20 percent found the new format convenient for checking updates or interacting through likes and comments, while nearly 80 percent said they wanted to return to the previous version. The company declined to specify the financial cost of the redesign and rollback, saying that "it is difficult to measure, as updates occur monthly and costs are mixed." The episode underscores how even dominant platforms can stumble when they misread consumer needs. 2025-11-12 16:18:20

Underperformance of KRW exposes fragility of economy overly exposed to USD and chips SEOUL, November 10 (AJP) - South Koreans involved in trade settlements or overseas spending may need to brace for the U.S. dollar staying above 1,400 won for an extended period, as structural vulnerabilities in the Korean economy and a strong preference for dollar-denominated assets continue to undermine the local currency. The dollar eased to 1,451.50 won on Monday after briefly topping 1,460 late last week — its highest since last April when the country grappled with the presidential impeachment process and tariff threats that escalated under U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite a broadly steady greenback, the Korean won lost nearly 2 percent last week, marking the steepest decline among major currencies. The dollar index edged up just 0.15 percent. The euro strengthened 0.23 percent against the dollar, the yen 0.33 percent, and the pound 0.11 percent. Even currencies that weakened — the Swiss franc (-0.10%), Swedish krona (-0.42%) and Canadian dollar (-0.14%) — fell far less than the won. The immediate catalyst for the won’s sharp slide was heavy foreign selling of Korean equities. Overseas investors offloaded 7.26 trillion won ($5.2 billion) worth of shares on the Korea Exchange between Nov. 3 and 7 — the largest weekly net outflow on record. The amount exceeded the entire October outflow of 5.34 trillion won and almost erased September’s 7.44 trillion won net inflow. The Kospi, which had broken above 4,200 earlier this month, quickly reversed as foreigners dumped chipmakers amid renewed concerns over an AI-driven overvaluation. The selloff added further downside pressure on the won. Another source of structural depreciation is Koreans’ powerful appetite for overseas securities. Between January and September, Korean residents invested $99.85 billion in foreign stocks and bonds — more than triple the $29.65 billion that foreigners poured into Korean securities. Although Korea posted a large current account surplus of $82.77 billion in the first nine months, outbound net assets — driven by direct and portfolio investment — reached $80.99 billion, nearly offsetting the surplus. The promise of government-driven direct investments in the U.S., capped at $20 billion annually as part of a bilateral trade deal, means further outflow. “It’s the substantial outflow of dollars for financial investment,” said Kwon Ah-min, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities. “That’s the only clear direct explanation, given that current-account and capital-market conditions are otherwise favorable.” She added: “The dollar globally is softening, the yuan is strong, and trade conditions are favorable — yet the dollar-won rate hasn’t dropped. That tells the story.” Kwon said a move toward the 1,500 level cannot be ruled out, though it is unlikely this year. “When the rate hit 1,485 earlier this year, Treasury yields were at 4.5 percent and tariff risk was higher. Now yields are more stable and the Fed tone is relatively dovish.” She noted that authorities would likely prevent a break above 1,500, using National Pension Service hedging bands around 1,470–1,480 and conducting smoothing operations if needed. Market consensus is divided on whether the pair will test 1,500 — but most agree that a return below 1,400 will be difficult. The forex market has stabilized somewhat on expectations that the 40-day U.S. federal government shutdown — the longest in history — may soon end. But the relief is likely temporary, analysts say, because the won’s fragility is rooted in Korea’s over-reliance on semiconductor exports and susceptibility to U.S.-driven tariff and policy risks. “It’s no longer a situation that can be controlled by domestic factors,” said Cho Yong-ku, an analyst at Shinyoung Securities. “Stabilization depends on the dollar index easing and foreign funds returning.” Cho added that a Fed rate cut, if it comes, could slow the pace of depreciation, but would not resolve structural vulnerabilities. 2025-11-10 16:05:25

Regional dialogue in Seoul seeks stronger security cooperation SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - A two-day regional dialogue aimed at strengthening security governance and exploring long-term policy cooperation in East Asia was held in central Seoul from Thursday, bringing together experts and scholars from across the region. Co-hosted by the Seoul-based International Policy Studies Institute (IPSI) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the dialogue brought together security scholars, policy experts, and researchers from Taiwan, Japan, China, and Singapore to discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. DCAF, founded in 2000 in Geneva, works to help countries develop security and justice systems that are both effective and accountable. The organization supports security sector reform, or SSR, projects around the world and took part in the Seoul dialogue to foster regional partnerships and share expertise with East Asian counterparts. Discussions centered on strengthening regional cooperation in East Asia to address evolving security challenges, including climate change, maritime disputes, and other nontraditional threats. Participants underscored the importance of joint action and more robust information-sharing to reinforce stability and resilience across the region. The first day focused on Korea's military education system and looked at how Japan and Taiwan have reformed their officer training programs. A follow-up discussion at the Korea Military Academy examined ways to strengthen transparency and accountability in military leadership across the region. On Friday, participants turned to practical steps for closer cooperation, such as launching joint research, organizing policy workshops, and expanding exchange programs to build a more stable and sustainable framework for security governance in East Asia. Several international experts also joined the discussions online. "We hope to build lasting connections among partners in East Asia and provide a platform where they can exchange ideas, learn from each other, and promote good governance in the security sector," said Dr. Albrecht Schnabel, Head of the Asia-Pacific Unit at DCAF, highlighting the organization's commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative regional network. 2025-11-07 23:59:25

Korea's growing multicultural families test social readiness for diversity SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - Interracial marriage in South Korea, once largely associated with aging rural bachelors seeking younger spouses from Southeast Asia, has evolved as cross-border unions expand into Europe and North America — underscoring the need for a more systematic framework for addressing depopulation and building an inclusive society. Government data show that one out of every 20 babies born in Korea last year was part of a multicultural family, and both marriages and births involving foreign spouses are on the rise. Interracial marriages surpassed 21,000 in 2024, the highest in five years, and babies born to such families increased for the first time in 12 years. “The rise reflects a rebound in international marriages held back during the COVID-19 period and a more foreign-friendly living environment,” an official from the statistics office said. Stories of multicultural households are also becoming more visible in everyday media. On YouTube, the Korean–British couple behind the channel “Jin and Hattie” has amassed 9.8 million subscribers, while Indian TV personality Abhishek ‘Lucky’ Gupta and German broadcaster Daniel Lindemann — both of whom rose to fame on JTBC’s Abnormal Summit — have drawn additional attention after marrying Korean women. The demographic makeup of these marriages offers additional clues. Unions between Korean men and foreign women accounted for 71.2 percent of all international marriages last year, followed by marriages between Korean women and foreign men at 18.2 percent, and marriages between naturalized Koreans at 10.6 percent. Vietnam remains the most common nationality among foreign wives at 26.8 percent, while the United States led among foreign husbands at 7 percent. Despite the rise in marriages, interracial divorces fell slightly to 7,992 cases last year — a 2 percent decline — suggesting improvements in regulation, support systems, and cultural awareness. The share of multicultural divorces in all divorces remained steady at 8.8 percent. Birth trends also signal a notable shift. The number of babies born to multiracial families reached 13,416 in 2024, up 10.4 percent from the previous year, marking their first rebound since 2012 and accounting for 5.6 percent of all newborns. Yet parenting remains the biggest challenge for these couples. According to the 2024 National Survey on Multicultural Families, more than 70 percent of multicultural households reported difficulties raising children. Families with preschool-age children pointed to having “no one to help when the child is sick,” while parents of school-age children cited financial burdens. Although awareness of government programs is relatively high, participation remains low. While 83.4 percent of single-parent multicultural families knew about child support subsidies, only 40.2 percent received them, largely due to language barriers and bureaucratic hurdles. Such challenges often surface in popular culture. A recent TV program featuring a Canadian mother in Korea showed how her young child, fluent in Korean, struggled to communicate with her because of her limited language skills. The episode resonated widely, highlighting the cultural and emotional strain that can arise in everyday family life. Despite these obstacles, outcomes for multicultural children are improving. The college enrollment rate for students from multicultural families rose to 61.9 percent, up sharply from 40.5 percent three years earlier. With more than 1.12 million residents now living in multicultural households — over 5 percent of the population — Korea’s demographic profile is undergoing a structural transformation. As the country debates long-term solutions to low birthrates and labor shortages, multicultural families are emerging as an increasingly vital part of its social future. 2025-11-07 16:45:42

Ramyeon now spans hundreds of varieties, but the classic spicy still gets the last gulp SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Ramyeon, Korea’s signature instant noodle, sits at the forefront of the K-food boom, even being marketed vigorously through K-Pop Demon Hunters as its varieties keep evolving with a widening global footprint. The range now spans hundreds of flavors and formats — from trendy mala and truffle to butter-soy and black-garlic blends — though the original spicy profile remains the undisputed classic. Korea’s agri-food exports surpassed $10 billion (about 14 trillion won) this year, marking the earliest-ever point at which the milestone was reached, according to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT). The United States is the largest consumer at $1.72 billion, up 15.3 percent from a year earlier. Europe grew 15.8 percent to $772 million, followed by GCC countries at $296 million (up 9.6 percent) and the CIS at $461 million (up 5.6 percent). Among export categories, ramyeon led the surge, bolstered by explosive demand in the U.S. and Europe. Ramyeon exports soared 24.7 percent to $1.116 billion. Seaweed exports increased 14.1 percent to $877 million, while kimchi exports rose 3.2 percent to $125 million. Grape exports jumped 45.2 percent to $35 million. The proliferation of Korean restaurants worldwide — propelled by the global boom in K-content — also boosted sauce exports by 9.2 percent to $315 million. For many foreign visitors, tasting ramyeon has become a must-do Korean experience. Convenience stores have reported sharp spikes in sales following the resumption of visa-free group tours for Chinese visitors in late September. Between Sept. 29 and Oct. 12, sales to Chinese tourists at around 20 GS25 stores in Myeong-dong and Seongsu surged 111 percent compared to the previous two weeks. CU stores in Myeong-dong and Hongdae saw an 89 percent rise, while 7-Eleven branches in Myeong-dong reported a 50 percent increase. Buldak-bokkeum-myeon and Shin Ramyun were the top sellers, often stocked prominently at store entrances. The buying frenzy has been amplified by Xiaohongshu, China’s Instagram-like platform, where viral videos on must-buy Korean convenience-store items and travel shopping lists have shaped consumer behavior. Shopping habits once guided by tour agencies are increasingly molded by online micro-trends. Korean ramyeon has also transformed into an experience-based attraction. The rise of 'Ramyun Library' stores — where customers can choose noodles and cook them on-site — has made the ramyeon aisle a tourism hotspot. CU opened its first 'Ramyun Library' in Hongdae in 2023 and has since expanded the model to 55 stores nationwide. According to BGF Retail, ramyeon sales at these locations rose 153.8 percent year-on-year between January and September. Courtney from Canada, visiting Seoul with friends, said she was surprised by the novelty. "It’s like a whole experience here. Back home we don’t have machines that let you cook noodles right in the store," she said. Sophie from Austria said social media influenced her trip. "I first learned about Korean ramyeon on TikTok, and it’s what brought me to Seoul. Korean noodles are thicker and saucier than others. Buldak Ramyeon is my favorite," she said. A CU part-timer in his 20s said spicy varieties dominate tourist purchases. "Buldak and Buldak Carbonara are the most popular. Foreign visitors really love Korean-style spicy noodles," he said. 2025-11-06 17:49:29

INTERVIEW: UAE, Korea deepening hydrogen and CCS partnership as they look beyond nuclear SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - The governments of the United Arab Emirates and South Korea are engaged in "high-level discussions" on joint hydrogen production and hydrogen logistics for future transportation and supply, according to a senior UAE energy official. His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), said hydrogen will play a central role in both countries' long-term decarbonization strategies. "Hydrogen has enormous potential for the future, especially in the near term. I see blue hydrogen playing a major role initially, and as production scales up, green hydrogen will come into the picture over the next decade or so," he said in an exclusive video interview with AJP during ADIPEC 2025, which opened Monday in Abu Dhabi. The UAE, backed by abundant natural gas and expanding renewable energy assets, aims to become a major global producer of hydrogen and derivatives such as ammonia. With strong sunlight, the country is also well positioned to scale up production of green hydrogen through solar-based power. Al-Olama said there is "significant potential for cooperation not only with the Korean government but also with the private sector," emphasizing that Korea remains one of the UAE's most trusted partners in energy development. Decarbonization through carbon capture and storage is another area where Abu Dhabi is looking for Korean expertise in what its top officials called the "post-Barakah era," referring to cooperation beyond the landmark Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Built with South Korean technology, Barakah is the Middle East's first commercial nuclear facility. Its first reactor began operation in 2020, and all four units were running by 2024, marking South Korea's first nuclear export and a milestone in the UAE's broader agenda to reduce dependence on oil and reach net-zero emissions. "The UAE already has extensive experience in capturing emissions from steel plants and refineries and then storing or reusing them in our oil and gas fields," he said. "These proven cases provide a valuable foundation for joint technology development with Korea." He noted that Korea's strengths in carbon-neutral technologies, combined with the UAE's industrial base, could accelerate the development of a regional low-carbon energy ecosystem. Al-Olama did not elaborate on specific ventures currently under review or name potential corporate partners, but noted that Korean companies are likely to be considered with priority, given the strong foundation of trust and proven partnership established through the Barakah project. "We have already seen the success of this partnership through the Barakah Nuclear Plant, and I believe there will be many more joint achievements in the future," he said. During the APEC Summit in Korea last week, President Lee Jae-Myung met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, calling the 2009 Barakah contract a "turning point" in bilateral relations. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1980, the UAE and Korea have expanded cooperation across energy, construction, and industrial technology, and Al-Olama said the relationship is now branching into new areas of innovation and sustainability. Water management is emerging as another field of bilateral partnership. Al-Olama said the Ministry is working closely with K-water to explore the deployment of AI-based systems to reduce non-revenue water—losses caused by leaks across the national pipeline network. The goal is to apply detection models that can identify weak points earlier and significantly raise the efficiency of water infrastructure. "We are learning from Korea's successful examples of AI applications in infrastructure management and are adopting many of those practices in the UAE," he said. He added that there is active dialogue and concrete progress underway between K-water and UAE's utility providers. Al-Olama described the evolving UAE–Korea energy partnership as a strategic alliance moving beyond individual engineering projects toward broader technological cooperation. He said combining the two countries' capabilities in AI, hydrogen, carbon capture, and water technology could offer a new model for global energy transition. The official also encouraged more Korean firms to pay attention not only to ADIPEC but also to the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, an initiative launched by the UAE government. "Energy is essential for economic growth and prosperity, but we must manage it intelligently to achieve the right impact," he said. This year's ADIPEC, one of the world's largest energy conferences, hosted more than 2,250 exhibitors, including major Korean companies such as Samsung E&A. The event served as a global platform for setting the next direction of the energy industry as it moves toward cleaner, smarter systems. Al-Olama highlighted that the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance gathers governments, private companies, financiers, and NGOs on a single platform. "Korea has many companies with the expertise and technologies to enhance energy efficiency, and these companies can help industries in the UAE and around the world become more energy-efficient," he said. 2025-11-04 17:34:59