Kazakhstan promotes business opportunities at investment blitz in Seoul SEOUL, May 21 (AJP) - An investment blitz promoting business opportunities in Kazakhstan was held in central Seoul on Wednesday. Hosted by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the event brought together diplomats, business experts, and representatives from around 50 companies here seeking to strengthen bilateral ties with the Central Asian country. Through panel discussions and presentations, the event highlighted how the AIFC helps and supports them in making inroads into this "peaceful country with its active multi-vector foreign policy, dynamic economy, and vibrant civil society." Kazakh Ambassador to Seoul Nurgali Arystanov said, "As of 2024, South Korea is among Kazakhstan's top 10 trading partners and also its third-largest investor," adding that there are already around 800 joint ventures in partnership with South Korean companies including Hyundai, Kia, POSCO and Samsung. Citing many successfully implemented projects between the two countries, he further elaborated, "Kazakhstan accounts for 75 percent of all foreign investments in Central Asia. Over the past 20 years, the gross inflow of direct investments from Korea to Kazakhstan amounted to about $10.8 billion." He also emphasized Kazakhstan's geographical advantage in doing business. "The shortest routes from Europe to Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia pass through our country," he said. "I hope today's event will encourage further engagement with Kazakhstan." Currently, more than 3,900 companies from over 80 countries including South Korea, are affiliated with the AIFC, which plays a key role in attracting investors and assisting with legal and regulatory matters. As its role continues to grow, the AIFC has established itself as a leading business hub in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, contributing to Kazakhstan's economic growth. 2025-05-21 15:47:00

Massive fire at Kumho Tire factory fully contained at last SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) - A massive fire at a tire-manufacturing plant in southwestern South Korea was fully extinguished on Tuesday, nearly three days after it first broke out over the weekend. According to fire authorities, the blaze started early Saturday morning at Kumho Tire's factory in Gwangju, forcing about 400 workers to evacuate and leaving three people injured including two firefighters. Some 1,236 cases of damage have been reported so far by residents near the factory, with nearly half or 603 cases involving symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Although the main fire was extinguished on Sunday, firefighters faced difficulties putting out lingering flames due to highly flammable materials like raw rubber and chemicals stored at the factory. As much as 65 percent of the factory's equipment was severely damaged, with production unlikely to resume for several months. The fire is suspected to have been caused by sparks from an industrial electric oven at the factory, but a thorough investigation into the exact cause will require more time, with police looking into possible negligence or breaches of safety regulations. 2025-05-20 17:30:43

Presidential candidates to clash again in televised debate later this week SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - With just two weeks or so left until next month's presidential election, four presidential hopefuls are set to clash once again in another televised debate later this week. During their first televised debate hosted by election watchdog National Election Commission last Sunday, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), Lee Jun-seok of the minor centrist Reform Party, and Kwon Young-kook of the minor progressive Democratic Labor Party debated a wide range of topics with a focus on economic issues. Discussions included responses to the U.S.' sweeping tariff policy, the extension of the retirement age amid an aging population, a reduction in the workweek, the development of nuclear energy and other natural resources, and the fostering of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced industries. But they clashed on most issues and criticized each other over differing views, rather than presenting policies with future vision and clear objectives. They are scheduled to meet again this Friday to discuss social policies before wrapping up their series of debates slated for next Tuesday, which will focus on political issues. Meanwhile, two independent candidates – former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and businessman-turned politician Song Jin-ho – are scheduled to hold their own separate debate on Monday night. The June 3 snap election comes after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling early last month to impeach disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle late last year. 2025-05-19 14:22:17

Tajik State Pedagogical University deepens partnership with Jeonbuk National University SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - A meeting to strengthen educational cooperation between a Tajik university and a university in southwestern South Korea took place last week. The event was attended by representatives from both institutions, including Rector of the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni and President of Jeonbuk National University Yang O-Bong. The representatives expressed their commitment to expanding academic exchanges, including student and faculty programs, joint conferences, and guest lectures. They also considered opportunities for establishing joint programs, such as dual-degree offerings. Several Tajik students are already participating in exchange programs at Jeonbuk National University, and the two institutions agreed to significantly increase these exchanges in the coming years. Plans were also made to establish a Korean Language Learning Center at the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after S. Ayni, to enhance language education and cultural understanding. Tajik Ambassador to Seoul Salohiddin Kirom emphasized the importance of these exchanges and expressed hope for deeper cooperation. "I believe educational exchanges with Jeonbuk National University will boost interest among Tajik students in learning Korean and continuing their education in Korea." 2025-05-17 17:39:04

Tajikistan and S.Korea expand partnership in geoscience cooperation SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - An agreement to strengthen geological cooperation between Tajikistan and South Korea was signed in Seoul during the International Forum on Important Minerals (INFOCM 2025) last week. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Tajikistan’s Main Department of Geology and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. The two countries agreed to collaborate on geological mapping, exploration of strategic minerals, and assessment of geological hazards. Tajik Ambassador to Seoul Salohiddin Kirom said, "INFOCM 2025 was an important opportunity for international cooperation. This agreement marks a meaningful step in strengthening our partnership in mineral resources." The partnership aims to advance scientific research and improve the expertise of geoscience specialists from both countries. 2025-05-17 16:42:39

Massive blaze at tire factory in Gwangju might last one week SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - A fire broke out at a tire manufacturing factory in a southwestern city on Saturday morning and could take a week to fully extinguish. The blaze began at a facility mixing raw rubber and chemicals at the Kumho Tire plant in Gwangju. Early investigations suggest an unknown spark ignited nearby flammable materials, quickly spreading the fire to adjacent buildings. About 400 employees immediately evacuated, but a worker in his 20s sustained a leg fracture and was briefly trapped inside before being rescued. Two firefighters were also injured. Due to concerns about further structural collapse, firefighters withdrew temporarily, shifting their strategy to aerial water drops using helicopters. Officials noted large amounts of flammable substances, including around 20 tons of raw rubber, could prolong firefighting efforts for several days. Firefighters are using foam spraying systems and helicopters to draw water from nearby rivers. However, low water pressure and limited supply have complicated firefighting efforts, prompting local residents to limit their water use. The company has suspended all operations at the Gwangju plant until the fire is fully under control. 2025-05-17 14:23:17

Former S. Korean President Yoon exits ruling party PPP SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said his resignation from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Saturday, a decision that comes just weeks before the upcoming snap presidential election. Yoon joined the PPP in July 2021, becoming its presidential nominee and securing the presidency under the party's banner. Despite his impeachment over his botched martial law debacle last year, he remained with the party until Saturday’s decision. In a statement shared on social media, Yoon explained that his decision to leave the PPP aims to provide a more favorable environment for the party’s current presidential nominee, Kim Moon-soo. Yoon said this would enable Kim to "compete more effectively against" opponents. “I am stepping away from the party, but my dedication to the PPP and the country remains the same,” Yoon emphasized. Yoon’s resignation seemingly follows growing internal pressure from PPP members who publicly urged him to step down. Party insiders expressed concern that Yoon’s continued presence was hampering efforts to expand voter support beyond conservative voters and appeal to moderate voters. It is widely believed that Yoon's decision to exit the party is strategically aimed at boosting Kim’s campaign, given his stagnant support around 30 percent. Kim significantly trails Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and Lee Jun-seok of the centrist New Reform Party. Yoon called on PPP supporters to rally around Kim, underscoring the critical importance of voter unity and turnout to ensure the party’s success in the presidential election. 2025-05-17 13:52:17

Pyongyang criticizes US counterterrorism non-cooperation listing SEOUL, May 17 (AJP) -North Korea criticized the United States on Saturday for a "political provocation" after being re-designated as an "uncooperative state in combating terrorism," warning this would escalate "irreconcilable hostility" between the two countries. North Korea's state-run news media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that North Korea's Foreign Ministry described the annual designation as a "unilateral and malicious designating campaign." KCNA added that the anti-terrorism measures promoted by the U.S. serve as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs and overthrow their social systems, making those designated states targets of "hostile policy and military threat," actions it labeled as "the most heinous state-sponsored terrorism." Pyongyang emphasized, "no one has asked the U.S. to lead international anti-terrorist efforts, nor has anyone invested it with such power." Citing international laws adopted by the UN General Assembly, North Korea argued that U.S. actions amounted to "the most serious political violence as well as state-level terrorism." North Korea vowed to take "effective and proper measures" against attempts to "impair and violate the dignity, sovereign rights and security interests" of the country. On Tuesday, the U.S. State Department listed North Korea, Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela as countries not fully cooperating with U.S. anti-terrorism efforts, restricting defense-related exports. North Korea has remained on this list continuously since 1997 and was separately re-designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in November 2017. 2025-05-17 10:06:56

INTERVIEW: Outgoing chief reflects on how Tokyo's Korean Cultural Center builds bridges between neighboring countries SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - At the heart of Tokyo, Japan, there's a dedicated space where locals can explore and immerse themselves in South Korea's history and culture. Located at the corner of Shinjuku, a bustling district in the capital known for its characteristic alleys lined with shops, clubs and restaurants, the Korean Cultural Center was founded in 1979 as the first of its kind overseas. Since then, it has served as a major hub for raising awareness of South Korea, a close yet distant neighbor, while promoting mutual understanding to strengthen bilateral relations. In an interview with the AJP last month, Gong Hyeong-sik, who spearheaded the center from late 2021 until recently, looked back on his time there. Establishing such a center in Tokyo as a starting point for promoting the country globally was a meaningful first step, not just because of its geographic proximity to Seoul, but primarily due to the strong cultural bond shared by the two countries. The immense popularity of K-pop and South Korean dramas in the neighboring island country is indeed a testament to how deeply the two countries are culturally connected and intertwined. Japanese people's deep affinity for South Korean dramas, in particular, seems to be enduring. "Their subjects and themes often resonate with many Japanese, who find a sense of familiarity rooted in similar cultural values shared across Asian countries despite the complexities of history," Gong explained. It is no surprise that many of the center's previous events were inspired by megahit drama series such as the 2002 hit "Winter Sonata," starring Bae Yong-joon, which sparked what has now come to be known as the Korean Wave, and the 2019 series "Crash Landing on You," starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, who later became a real-life couple. For example, concerts featuring the soundtracks of hit drama series, screenings, up-close fan-meet events with the stars of the shows, and other activities often drew great attention, attracting hordes of enthusiastic Japanese fans with tickets selling out within just a few days. All these events and programs not only offer them a chance to meet with their favorite stars, but also provide opportunities to learn more about Korean culture. Gong, nevertheless, pointed out that despite many cultural similarities, some differences between the two countries do exist, and that is why the center keeps this in mind when planning events or interacting with Japanese people. These differences are particularly evident in the ways they communicate or express themselves. "Mostly reserved and temperate, Japanese people often tend to speak indirectly rather than giving a clear affirmative answer, which may sometimes be misunderstood by some South Koreans," he said. "It usually takes time to get close to Japanese people, who highly value their privacy, so it's better not to rush things when developing relationships," he advised, adding, "Gradually building trust works best." Gong said he made every efforts to bridge these differences and gaps by carefully designing the center's various programs to expand mutual understanding. Among them was a tour program to historical sites and ancient temples, which was well received by participants. "Many participants, who toured ancient temples and museums preserving historical relics and artifacts such as traditional Korean paper, antique candlesticks, and musical instruments brought by royal envoys centuries ago expressed their satisfaction, saying they learned a lot from the tour," Gong recalled. "Their positive response and feedback made us feel proud and fulfilled, as we believe we played a role in bridging the two countries," he added. Gong wrapped up the interview by stressing, "Although I'm leaving my post, I'm confident that the friendship between the two countries, built through the efforts and achievements of the center, will persist and grow into the future." 2025-05-16 12:14:45

Kazakhstan celebrates launch of new direct flight from Incheon to Shymkent SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - The launch of a new direct flight between Shymkent and Incheon was celebrated at an event in Seoul on Thursday. Co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul and SCAT Airlines, the event brought together experts from the aviation and travel industry, diplomats, and other distinguished guests, offering them a valuable chance to learn about the southern Kazakh city amid deepening bilateral ties with Seoul. Kazakhstan Ambassador to Seoul Nurgali Arystanov said, "This will be a historic day for our relationship and people-to-people exchanges." Arystanov highlighted Shymkent's importance as part of Kazakhstan's "golden triangle" along with Astana and Almaty, which already have regular flights to Seoul. He said the new direct flight marks a significant step forward in bilateral exchanges. Arystanov also explained Kazakhstan's 30-day visa-free program for South Korean travelers as part of efforts to boost tourism and urged tour agencies to offer attractive travel packages. He then proposed a tour program featuring Kazakhstan's key attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas. SCAT Airlines' branch manager Andrey Tsygankov proudly said, "SCAT Airlines has been flying since 1997. We've carried over 50 million passengers with more than two million choosing us each year." "Shymkent isn't just Kazakhstan's third-largest city. It's a rapidly growing southern hub with over 1.2 million people," he said, expressing hope that the new flight would further boost exchanges between the two countries. "It has always been famous for its amazing kebabs, but now it is also becoming known as an aviation hub," he added. 2025-05-15 17:53:16