Trump open to Kim talks "without preconditions" as North Korea intensifies outreach SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The White House said on September 30 that U.S. President Donald Trump remains open to talking with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "without any preconditions," a move that has fueled speculation about renewed summitry when Trump travels to South Korea later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Responding to a question about whether Trump might seek a meeting with Kim during his visit to the southeastern city of Gyeongju on October 31~November 1, a White House official said: "President Trump remains open to talking with Kim Jong-un without any preconditions. U.S. policy on North Korea has not changed." The official also highlighted that Trump’s earlier meetings with Kim "stabilized the Korean Peninsula." It is the first time in Trump's second term that Washington has publicly stated it does not require conditions for renewed dialogue. The announcement comes as Pyongyang has taken a noticeably warmer line toward Washington. On September 21, Kim told the Supreme People's Assembly that he saw no future for unification with South Korea, calling it a "U.S.-dependent colony," but added he was open to talks with the United States if Washington set aside its denuclearization demand. His remarks underscored a clear split in Pyongyang’s approach: shutting the door on inter-Korean dialogue while signaling potential space for engagement with Washington. That message was reinforced days later when Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking North Korea's first speech at the annual forum in seven years. He declared that Pyongyang would "never give up nuclear weapons under any circumstances" but said it was ready to cooperate with countries that treated it "in a friendly way." Alongside these statements, Pyongyang has accelerated its diplomacy with Beijing and Moscow. Earlier in September, Kim traveled to Beijing for China’s 80th Victory Day parade, where he appeared on Tiananmen Square with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He then held his first one-on-one summit with Xi in nearly seven years, with both sides declaring their ties "unshakable." North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui stayed behind in China afterward for additional talks. Trump, meanwhile, has not hidden his interest in returning to personal diplomacy with Kim. During his first term, the two leaders met three times — in Singapore in June 2018, in Hanoi in February 2019, and at Panmunjom in June 2019. Trump has repeatedly expressed that he remembers those encounters positively, and Kim himself recently said he had a "good" memory of Trump. 2025-10-01 16:16:39

Korea shrugs off Trump's tariff threat on foreign-made films SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea's film industry officials and legal experts largely brush off U.S. President Donald Trump's latest threat about slapping tariffs on movies filmed outside the American soil. Speaking on Monday, Trump said his administration would levy "100 percent tariffs" on films that were not fully produced within the United States, repeating a proposal he first raised in May. South Korea's national film agency, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), told AJP, the measure, even if enforced, would likely have little impact on Korea's film industry. "In 2024, Korea's film industry revenue from theaters, TV video-on-demand, and overseas sales totaled about 1.4 trillion won ($997.3 million). Exports accounted for only 4 percent, or about 57.1 billion won, and U.S. exports were just 0.4 percent, around 5.7 billion won," KOFIC said. It added that because the U.S. share is so small, "the overall effect on Korea's film industry is expected to be limited." KOFIC also noted that Hollywood itself might feel the brunt of such a policy. "Large studio projects often rely on overseas filming to benefit from foreign location incentives and reduce costs," it said. With studios now transferring raw footage through high-speed cloud systems instead of physical reels or hard drives, the agency questioned whether tariffs could even be applied in today's digital environment. Korea's film and drama industry has built a strong presence on the global stage. International hits such as the Netflix series "Squid Game," the historical zombie thriller "Kingdom," and the romantic period drama "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" have shown Korea's strength in television, while films like "Parasite," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020, and blockbusters such as "Train to Busan" have cemented Korean cinema's international reputation. Even so, KOFIC warned that a drawn-out tariff dispute could still have side effects. Less access to the U.S. market might make joint productions harder and reduce opportunities for distribution. Importers could also hesitate to bring Korean titles into the U.S. "This could slightly slow down Korea's global expansion in film, even if the direct financial impact remains small," KOFIC said. Legal experts in Seoul are also skeptical about the plan. Attorney Kim Ji-hee, a lawyer at the Seoul-based firm ELPS, told AJP the measure lacks clear legal grounds and workable criteria. "There is no solid legal basis for such a tariff, and the criteria for determining what counts as a foreign-made film remain ambiguous," she said. Kim explained that U.S. courts have long treated film as part of the cultural sector, tied closely to freedom of expression and usually excluded from emergency trade measures. "Even if Washington tries to push ahead, the ambiguity of the target and the standards would open the door to serious legal challenges," she added. Kim also pointed to the practical problems of valuing and taxing digital content. "In the past, customs authorities could impose tariffs on physical media like reels or tapes. But now, when raw footage is transmitted digitally and screenings rely on encrypted files, it is unclear how a tariff could be calculated or enforced," she said. 2025-09-30 17:36:37

KAIST robots move from labs to shipyards and city streets SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - On September 30, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that two robotics startups spun out of its labs are taking their machines into the real world, from climbing the steel walls of shipyards to walking among crowds in Seoul's Gangnam district. One of the startups, DIDEN Robotics, was founded in March 2024 by four researchers trained in KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering. The company's main product is a four-legged robot called "DIDEN 30." With magnetic feet and a leg design inspired by animals, it can cling to steel walls and ceilings, tackling dangerous jobs in shipbuilding where humans struggle to reach. Last month, DIDEN 30 completed field tests at Samsung Heavy Industries. The robot managed to climb over dense steel reinforcements and perform welding, proving it could handle real shipyard conditions. The team is now refining it to squeeze through narrow "access holes" inside ships. By late 2026, they expect it to be ready for large-scale tasks like welding, inspection, and painting. Work has also begun on a two-legged model, "DIDEN Walker," aimed at complex operations in confined shipyard spaces. The company's AI platform, "DIDEN World," is another core strength. It allows the robot to practice in virtual simulations before being deployed, speeding up learning and reducing trial-and-error in the real world. DIDEN is also improving its 3D vision technology with multiple cameras, aiming to achieve full autonomous walking by 2026. Beyond Samsung Heavy Industries, it is already collaborating with HD Hyundai Samho, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. The second startup, URobotics, was formed by three researchers from KAIST's School of Electrical Engineering. Its focus is on humanoid robots that can walk on their own without external sensors. In a recently released video, one of its robots walked naturally through busy streets in Gangnam, drawing attention for its stable movements in real traffic and crowds. The secret lies in a "blind walking controller." Unlike most robots that depend on cameras or laser sensors, URobotics' system uses only internal signals. This allows the robot to "imagine" the ground beneath its feet, walking steadily day or night, in rain or shine, across slopes, stairs, and curbs. The technology first gained recognition when the KAIST team beat MIT to win the legged robot competition at the 2023 International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Yoo Byung-ho, CEO of URobotics, said, "This demonstration is the first step toward fully autonomous walking humanoids. We want to turn KAIST research into technology that works in industry." Hyeon-min Bae, head of KAIST's Startup Incubator, said the school will keep supporting robotics ventures from their early days. KAIST President Kwang-hyung Lee added that these achievements show how university research can move quickly into real-world industries, helping strengthen South Korea's role in global robotics. 2025-09-30 13:57:23

'Sarang' festival returns for 11th year, celebrating India–Korea friendship SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - The word "sarang" carries two meanings: in Korean, it means "love," and in Hindi it conveys "colorful and diversity." Organizers of the annual Festival of India in Korea said Monday that the dual meaning reflects the event's role as a bridge of friendship and cultural understanding between India and South Korea. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on September 29, Nishi Kant Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'affaires at the Indian Embassy, said the festival had become a symbol of enduring ties between the two countries. "This occasion not only marks a significant milestone celebrating a decade of vibrant cultural exchange under the Sarang framework, but it also reaffirms the enduring friendship and deep-rooted cultural ties between India and the Republic of Korea," Singh said. Singh noted that both countries maintain a "special strategic partnership" that was elevated during meetings earlier this year. He cited discussions between President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June, as well as visits by senior envoys, as proof of the expanding agenda. "Our two countries are working closely on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues," Singh said. The chargé d'affaires stressed that people-to-people ties remain central to the festival. "At the heart of the Sarang Festival lies the objective of keeping people-to-people connections. We believe that such bonds serve as a foundation for a more vibrant and enduring partnership between the two countries," he said. This year's edition will highlight Kathakali, a classical dance from the southern state of Kerala known for elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup and expressive gestures. A troupe led by renowned artist Shyamjith Kiran will perform at Ewha Womans University's Samsung Hall on October 14, with additional stops in Seoul, Gunsan, Busan, Nami Island and Buyeo. Workshops for Korean dance enthusiasts will also be offered. The program will include the 13th Indian Film Festival, screening seven films with Korean subtitles across multiple cities in November. The embassy will also showcase contemporary art collaborations and culinary events as part of the wider Sarang calendar. Launched in 2015, the Sarang Festival has grown into the embassy's flagship cultural program, introducing Indian music, dance, cinema, food, and art to audiences across South Korea. Singh reminded reporters that all events are free and open to the public. "The purpose of having a culture center here is to connect Koreans with Indian culture. Sarang is open for our Korean friends. We would be more than happy to see them there," he said. 2025-09-29 17:14:22

Korea Legacy Committee marks 10 years of tackling elderly poverty with anniversary gala SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The Korea Legacy Committee (KLC) will mark its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on October 25. The event will reflect on the group’s work over the past decade while pointing to the continuing problem of elderly poverty in South Korea. Founded in 2015, KLC is a nonprofit set up to confront the country’s high elderly poverty rate through direct services, community programs, and youth engagement. Based in Seoul and operating also in Incheon and Chuncheon, the organization has provided hundreds of thousands of meals while building connections between younger and older generations. One of its main efforts is Legacy Kitchen, which now produces more than 1,000 meals a month. The model goes beyond food distribution. Volunteers check in with recipients by phone, help with housing needs, and provide care services when required. A central feature of the group’s work is its reliance on young volunteers. Every weekend, students and young professionals prepare meals, manage deliveries, and spend time with elderly participants. The approach has been credited with helping younger South Koreans see social responsibility as something personal rather than abstract. Nearly half of the country’s elderly population still lives in poverty, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). KLC says that reality underscores the need for sustained programs. “Ten years ago, we couldn’t accept that elderly citizens in one of the world’s most prosperous nations were going hungry,” the organization’s leadership said. “Today, we’ve proven that young people, when given meaningful opportunities to serve, can create lasting change. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recommitting to the work ahead.” The October event will bring together supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries, highlighting personal stories behind the statistics and the role of food security in preserving dignity and community. 2025-09-25 14:38:59

KAIST turns 3D printing upside down to make custom brain chip SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have developed a new way to build custom 3D brain chips that could change how scientists study the brain and treat neurological diseases. Traditional brain chips, used to study nerve cells grown outside the body, are usually built with semiconductor processes. These methods are expensive and flat in design, which makes it hard to create realistic 3D structures. Even with newer 3D printing methods, the process still follows the same order as chipmaking: lay down conductive materials first, then add insulation, then open electrode spots. That meant the design freedom was still limited. KAIST said in a press release on Thursday that the team, led by Professor Nam Yoon-ki in the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, decided to do the opposite. They first used a 3D printer to create a hollow skeleton made of insulating material. Inside this skeleton, they designed tiny tunnels. Instead of trying to fill those tunnels with metal lines manually, they allowed electrically conductive ink to flow in naturally through capillary action, like water soaking into a sponge. This simple switch created a scaffold packed with microelectrodes arranged in complex 3D patterns. The new platform can make chips in many shapes, such as probe-style, cube-like, or modular versions. It also works with different conductive materials, including graphite, conductive polymers, and silver nanoparticles. Because of this flexibility, the chips can capture nerve signals from multiple directions at once, letting researchers study how brain cells connect and interact in much greater detail. The technology could be used to explore the roots of brain diseases, to design cell-based biosensors, or even to advance bio-computing, which tries to use living cells to process information. “This study shows how combining 3D printing with capillary action can give researchers much more freedom in making brain chips,” Nam said. “We expect it will help both basic neuroscience and applied fields like drug testing and bio-computing.” The first author of the study is Dr. Yoon Dong-jo, also from KAIST. The results were published online in Advanced Functional Materials on June 25. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea through its Mid-Career Researcher Program and Global Research Laboratory Program. 2025-09-25 14:10:18

Busan Museum to showcase Shakespeare First Folio and Harry Potter first edition in special exhibition SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The Busan Museum, located in South Korea's second-largest city, will open a major international exchange exhibition, "Writers Revealed: From Shakespeare to 500 Years of Literature and Art," on September 30, bringing together rare treasures from the canon of English literature. The show will run until January 18, 2026. The exhibition features 140 works spanning five centuries, including portraits of 78 celebrated authors, handwritten manuscripts, letters, and first editions. Among the highlights is the Shakespeare First Folio, the playwright's first collected volume of plays, which will be showcased in South Korea for the first time. Only about 230 copies of the First Folio remain in existence worldwide. First published in 1623, it contains many of Shakespeare's greatest works, such as "Macbeth" and "Twelfth Night." Other rare items on display include Shakespeare's only lifetime portrait, a first edition of "Pride and Prejudice," a poetry collection published under pseudonyms by the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens' handwritten manuscript of "Great Expectations," Arthur Conan Doyle's original manuscript of "The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger," letters by Oscar Wilde, and a Harry Potter first edition containing J.K. Rowling's notes. More recent works will also be featured, including the manuscript of the 2019 Booker Prize-winning novel "Girl, Woman, Other" by Bernardine Evaristo. The museum said the exhibition is designed to provide a multifaceted look at the lives and creative journeys of the writers behind some of the most enduring works in the world of literature. Busan Museum Director Jeong Eun-woo said the exhibition represents "a meaningful opportunity to encounter the great writers of world literature in one place." 2025-09-25 11:11:51

Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Xi Jinping in message through domestic newspaper SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with China, sending a reply letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping that was published on the front page of Rodong Sinmun on Tuesday. The letter was written in response to Xi’s earlier congratulatory message marking the 77th anniversary of North Korea’s founding. In the official English version of the message, provided by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim wrote: "I express thanks to comrade general secretary for sending warm congratulations and sincere wishes on the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the DPRK." He recalled his recent visit to Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war against Japan and World War II, saying: "I could feel well enough the invariable support and special friendly feelings of the Chinese Party, government and people towards our Party, government and people." Kim pledged that "it is the steadfast stand of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to further strengthen and develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and China as required by the times." He added that both countries would "more vigorously promote the development of the DPRK-China friendly relations in the common struggle for accomplishing the socialist cause and thus provide the peoples of the two countries with greater welfare." Rodong Sinmun's coverage carries particular weight. While the KCNA is the regime’s outlet for international audiences, Rodong is the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ Party and is directed at the domestic readership. By placing Kim’s letter prominently on its front page, the leadership signaled to the North Korean public that the alliance with China is strong and remains a source of legitimacy and pride. The relationship between China and North Korea has long swung between cooperation and tension. Beijing backed international sanctions in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons tests, which created friction in the mid-2010s. But starting in 2018, the relationship warmed again as Kim and Xi met several times ahead of Kim’s high-profile summits with then U.S. President Donald Trump. The pandemic later stalled such exchanges, with North Korea sealing its borders for several years, but renewed contacts since 2024 have steadily restored ties. Kim's Beijing trip earlier this month was his first overseas journey since the COVID-19 lockdowns. His summit with Xi was the first in nearly seven years, and both sides declared their ties "unshakable." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its official readout of the meeting on September 5, avoided mentioning denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a notable departure from Beijing’s past position. The omission pointed to a recalibration in how China now presents its relationship with Pyongyang. The timing of this renewed closeness comes as regional dynamics grow more complicated. Since taking office for his second term in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a tougher stance toward both North Korea and China. The U.S. State Department, in a September 4 press briefing, criticized Kim's participation in the Beijing parade, describing it as a move that "emboldens authoritarian alliances." South Korea has taken a more restrained line, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula while monitoring the closer ties between its northern neighbor and Beijing. The renewed emphasis on ties with Beijing comes just two days after Kim’s address at the Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang on Sunday. In that speech, he signaled openness to talks with Washington if the United States dropped its denuclearization demand, while firmly rejecting any dialogue or unification with South Korea, which he dismissed as a "U.S.-dependent colony." 2025-09-23 13:59:14

Turkish President Erdoğan urges global recognition of Palestine SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Tuesday the Palestinian cause has become "a global issue," pointing to growing recognition of Palestine and widespread public support. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, he said, "In Europe, in Asia, in the Americas, in Africa, we are witnessing people chanting 'Free Palestine' on streets, on social media, or in the press more than ever before now." Erdoğan praised the recent recognition of Palestine by several countries, including some members of the UN Security Council, calling those acknowledgments "extremely significant and historic steps." France formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 22, joining nations such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. About eighty percent of UN member states now recognize Palestine. The Turkish president urged that recognition be followed by action: ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. "We wish we could see President Abbas of Palestine among us here today. Nevertheless, I find it extremely valuable that all the participants speaking today are also serving as the voice of the Palestinian people," he said. The speech came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel -- killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages -- Israel has responded with sustained air, sea, and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. More than sixty-five thousand Palestinians have reportedly died, many civilians, and large swaths of Gaza have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Displacement is widespread; famine and shortages of necessities have been widely reported. Clinics, hospitals, water, and electricity systems have been damaged. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have intensified ground operations in Gaza City. On September 20, at least sixty Palestinians were killed in assaults on underground shafts and booby-trapped tunnels, according to health authorities in Gaza. Displaced civilians are said to be caught in the crossfire, with housing blocks destroyed and limited safe routes remaining. Two hospitals have stopped operations due to nearby bombings and extensive damage, while aid access has become increasingly difficult. These new phases of the offensive deepen concerns for civilian safety. Israel has strongly opposed the latest wave of recognition, arguing that such moves reward terror and undermine its security. Israeli leaders have warned of diplomatic and legal responses, including maintaining or expanding settlement activity. Some countries that have not recognized Palestine remain cautious, tying recognition to commitments to non-violence and political reform. Erdoğan said the worldwide showing of support reflects a shift in public opinion that cannot be ignored. "Participation in this hall is the most important proof of this," he said. 2025-09-23 10:36:46

Kazakh minister strengthens science and education ties during Seoul visit SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek wrapped up a two-day visit to South Korea on September 11, focusing on expanding cooperation in science, technology, and higher education, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said. While in Seoul, Nurbek met with South Korean officials and university leaders to deepen collaboration and create more opportunities for students and researchers. In talks with Bae Kyung-hoon, Minister of Science and ICT, both sides agreed to work toward advancing partnerships in science, technology, and innovation. Nurbek also met Acting Education Minister Choi Eun-ok, where the discussion centered on building on the AI School project run by Seoul National University of Science and Technology at Korkyt Ata University in Kazakhstan. They agreed that student exchanges should be expanded to strengthen people-to-people links. At Sungkyunkwan University, Nurbek sat down with President Yoo Ji-beom to talk about dual-degree programs developed with Satbayev University. The initiative is designed to give Kazakh students broader access to advanced education. The two sides also looked at ways to increase SKKU’s engagement with Kazakh institutions. Cooperation with Seoul Cyber University took another step forward, with both sides agreeing to expand work with Q University. During his campus visit, the Kazakh delegation paid respects at a bust of Abai, the 19th-century Kazakh poet, and visited a dedicated Kazakh room. The two institutions also signed a memorandum of understanding. At KAIST, Nurbek held talks with President Lee Kwang Hyung on cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and start-up incubation. They discussed the creation of joint laboratories and new exchange programs as Kazakhstan seeks to build capacity in advanced technology. Nurbek also met with Lee Dae-hee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment Corporation, to explore ways of drawing Korean venture capital into Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem. Co-investment and collaboration to support start-ups were identified as priority areas. At Seoul National University of Science and Technology, he held talks with President Kim Dong Hwan on future cooperation. 2025-09-22 15:39:17