INTERVIEW: Malaysia, S. Korea poised to deepen economic ties through FTA SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - As Malaysia and South Korea look ahead to the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the two countries are working closely to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could significantly strengthen their economic partnership. In an interview held at the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul on Mar. 17, Ambassador Mohd Zamruni bin Khalid called the ongoing FTA negotiations a major milestone that will shape the future of bilateral ties. "Since the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to South Korea in November last year, we have essentially reset the relationship," said Ambassador Zamruni. "We hope that the South Korean president will reciprocate the visit in the near future." During the 2023 summit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, committing to closer cooperation in trade, investment, green energy, the digital economy, and the defense industry. South Korea is currently Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner, while Malaysia ranks 12th for South Korea. Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 20 billion (2.9 trillion won) in 2023. Although that marked a slight decline from the previous year, largely due to currency fluctuations, Ambassador Zamruni voiced optimism about the FTA's impact. "We believe that once the FTA is signed, we could double or even triple that number," he said. The Malaysia–South Korea FTA is expected to complement the existing ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Agreement, which has been in place since 2010. While the ASEAN-wide deal already covers many sectors, the bilateral FTA is aimed at deepening cooperation, reducing tariffs, and expanding access in areas such as semiconductors, digital technologies, and halal products. "We have passed some major obstacles in the negotiations. Now we are fine-tuning the remaining issues," said the ambassador, adding that both countries are targeting an agreement by October or November this year. He also highlighted Malaysia's strategic role as a regional hub for ASEAN, making it an ideal gateway for Korean businesses. "Geographically, Malaysia sits right in the middle of Southeast Asia. It’s a natural hub for companies looking to expand into the region," he said. That location, combined with a pro-investment environment, has already attracted major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, which together have poured over $16 billion into Malaysia’s data centers and digital infrastructure. Semiconductors are at the center of the bilateral economic agenda. Malaysia launched its National Semiconductor Strategy in May 2024, aiming to become a global hub in the industry. "We are deeply intertwined with South Korea in the semiconductor supply chain," the ambassador noted. "We provide raw materials and components, while South Korean firms contribute advanced processing and technology. The FTA will strengthen this interdependence." Clean energy is another emerging area of collaboration. Malaysia is reviewing its legal framework to explore nuclear energy through small modular reactors (SMRs), while also pursuing partnerships in hydrogen and carbon capture. "We know many Korean companies are strong in clean energy technologies. We want to tap into that expertise," Ambassador Zamruni said. The FTA also covers halal products, where Malaysia is already a global leader in certification for food and cosmetics. The ambassador emphasized that halal is not limited to religion but also reflects high standards of cleanliness and safety. "Many South Korean companies export halal-certified products abroad, but not within South Korea. We believe there is room to expand the halal industry here," he said, pointing to SPC’s recent investment in a halal production facility in Malaysia aimed at markets in the region and the Middle East. Cultural and people-to-people ties are also helping to drive momentum in the relationship. Nearly 300,000 Malaysians visited South Korea in 2024, and the Malaysian Embassy in Seoul is preparing for more cultural events this year ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. "We want to introduce Malaysia's diverse culture to the South Korean public, especially the youth," the ambassador said. Despite global uncertainty, Ambassador Zamruni expressed confidence in South Korea’s democratic institutions and societal resilience. "I truly believe in Korea’s institutions and the strength of its people. Even in difficult times, this country has always found its way forward," he said. "Malaysia continues to look to South Korea as a brother nation and a valuable partner." As the Malaysia–South Korea FTA nears completion, both sides are signaling readiness to open a new chapter in economic and strategic cooperation. "This FTA will not only benefit our governments, but also our businesses and people. It is a foundation for future growth," the ambassador said. 2025-03-21 15:32:22

N. Korean leader examines test-launch of surface-to-air missile system SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the test-fire of the country's newly developed surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Pyongyang's state-controlled media reported Friday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim expressed gratitude toward researchers at North Korea's Missile Administration and praised the new anti-aircraft missile system. KCNA reported that the new system was evaluated to be "highly reliable," and its combat responsiveness is "superior." KCNA released photographs showing Kim sitting inside an observation room in a control tower, expressing satisfaction with the results of the missile test-launch. Other images showed missiles exploding mid-air after striking aerial targets. The state media did not disclose the location of the launch site, but South Korea's military said that North Korea launched several surface-to-air missiles toward aerial targets over the West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea, from an area near Nampo City, about 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) southwest of Pyongyang on Thursday. The missiles were fired just before the conclusion of the South Korea–United States joint military exercise "Freedom Shield," but the South Korean military made no official statement about the missiles because they were not ballistic missiles, which would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was prepared for the possibility of missile launches and took real-time counteraction after detecting the test-launch. 2025-03-21 11:03:54

Indian embassy in Seoul hosts briefing on WAVES 2025 summit SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - SEOUL – The Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea held a briefing session Wednesday to introduce the inaugural World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which aims to attract a global audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors, strengthening India’s position as a major hub for media and entertainment. WAVES 2025, scheduled to take place from May 1 to 4, in Mumbai, will showcase India’s thriving media and entertainment (M&E) sector while fostering international collaboration and investment, an Indian Embassy official said during the briefing attended by representatives from Korean media, entertainment companies, and industry professionals. During an opening speech session, the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, Amit Kumar, highlighted the growing partnership between India and Korea, emphasizing how the summit could serve as a bridge for deeper cultural and business collaborations. "Strengthening people-to-people connectivity is a key strategic priority for us, and it is indeed necessary to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of our partnership," Ambassador Kumar said. "The Republic of Korea boasts a very successful and vibrant audio-visual and entertainment sector, and we believe Korean participation at WAVES 2025 will open avenues for creative collaboration and business expansion." The summit will serve as a convergence platform for key players across various segments of the global M&E industry, including film, television, digital media, gaming, and animation. WAVES 2025 will feature a Prime Minister–CEO Roundtable, global media dialogues, exhibitions, investment forums, and cultural showcases. Sanjara Arya, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center (SVCC) in Seoul, further detailed WAVES 2025’s structure and the role Korea could play in it. "WAVES 2025 is more than a mere conversation. It is a movement that brings together policymakers, media professionals, and creative minds from all over to discuss the evolving role of media in economic growth, technological advancement, and social transformation," Arya said. "India extends its hand in partnership, inviting you all to join WAVES 2025, not just as participants, but also as co-creators of a new era in global media." The summit will focus on four main verticals: digital media, traditional media, AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, AR/VR/XR), and films & documentaries. The Indian government is also establishing the Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC) in Mumbai, offering opportunities for global collaboration in emerging media technologies. 2025-03-20 11:12:12

Türkiye's STRATCOM Public Forum Seoul Calls for Global Justice and UN Reform SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - The STRATCOM Public Forum Seoul, hosted by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday, gathered around 200 scholars, foreign diplomats, journalists, and key public figures under the theme "A Fairer World is Possible." The forum served as a platform to discuss the urgent need for global justice, multilateralism, and reform of the United Nations. Professor Fahrettin Altun, Head of Communications for the Presidency of Türkiye, delivered a video keynote speech emphasizing the necessity of rebuilding international institutions to ensure fairness and accountability. "The legitimacy and inclusiveness deficits of the United Nations are weakening its fundamental mission of ensuring peace and security," Altun said. He called for structural reforms to enhance the UN's transparency and effectiveness, aligning with Türkiye’s long-standing position that "the world is bigger than five." Sezai Tolga Şimşir, First Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Seoul, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to UN reform and a more just global system. He criticized the UN’s inefficacy in responding to conflicts, particularly in Gaza. "One thing is apparent: the UN system is not working properly and does not deliver the results enshrined in its charter. This is the case we unfortunately very bitterly witnessed in Gaza," he said. Professor Kwaak Young-hoon, President of the United Nations Association of Korea, addressed the growing challenge of disinformation and the communication crisis fueled by digital platforms. "We have problems with infotech coupled with biotech and AI. We have lots of fake news, and we have difficulty communicating," he said. Ambassador Kim Won-soo, former UN Under-Secretary-General, stressed that humanity is facing a triple crisis—climate disaster, nuclear threats, and the rapid expansion of uncontrolled technologies. "A fair world is not only possible but should be earned through our efforts. We must build a new international order that can fill the deficit left by failing global leadership," he said. The forum concluded with calls for stronger international cooperation among middle powers, including South Korea and Türkiye, to drive reforms and address global inequalities. The event provided a crucial space for diplomatic dialogue and strategic collaboration in building a more just and inclusive world. 2025-03-20 10:04:22

Number of young unemployed people reaches 1.2mln SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - The number of unemployed young people in South Korea, including those who lost their jobs, are job-seeking, or are simply staying at home without employment, reached 1.2 million last month, government data showed Saturday. Even among those who managed to find jobs, one in four were classified as short-term workers with limited working hours. According to data from Statistics Korea's National Statistics Portal (KOSIS), 269,000 people aged 15 to 29 were unemployed in February, an increase of 5,000 people (2 percent) from a year earlier. Youth unemployment had been declining for three consecutive years, falling from 416,000 in February 2021 to 295,000 in 2022 and 291,000 in 2023. However, the figure rose again in 2025 for the first time in four years, despite the overall youth population shrinking. The number of young people classified as economically inactive, meaning they are neither working nor actively seeking jobs, also increased by 15,000 from a year earlier to 4.209 million. Among them, 504,000 young people reported that they were "just resting", a record high since data collection began in 2003. The number of young people preparing for employment stood at 434,000, including 118,000 attending job training programs outside formal education institutions, while 316,000 were preparing for employment through other means. When combining unemployed individuals, those who reported "just resting," and job seekers among the economically inactive population, the total number of unemployed or inactive youth reached 1.207 million, an increase of over 70,000 from the previous year (1.134 million). Experts attribute the increase to sluggish economic growth, weak domestic demand, and downturns in the manufacturing and construction sectors, along with companies favoring experienced hires or mid-career recruits over fresh graduates. Even for those who secured employment, the situation remains challenging. A total of 936,000 young workers were employed for fewer than 36 hours per week, meaning that one in four employed young people was working in short-term or gig jobs rather than full-time positions with a standard five-day workweek. While some analysts suggest that the trend reflects a preference for work-life balance, most experts argue that a decline in quality job opportunities has forced many young people into unstable employment. The number of young workers classified as "underemployed"—those who wish to work more hours or find additional jobs—reached 121,000 in February, an increase of 12,000 from a year earlier. This is the highest level recorded in February since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when the figure stood at 152,000. These individuals are technically classified as employed in government statistics, but many hold temporary or part-time jobs, making them part of the "underemployed" workforce. Additionally, 445,000 young workers were engaged in "ultra-short-term employment," working only 1 to 17 hours per week. This group accounted for 12.5 percent of total young workers. 2025-03-16 17:50:18

78 percent of workers support reducing working hours this year SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - More than three out of four South Korean office workers believe that working hours should be reduced within the year and that a cap on overtime work should be established, survey data showed Sunday. Gapjil119, a South Korean online-based labor rights advocacy group, commissioned polling firm Global Research to conduct a survey from Dec. 2 to 11 last year, targeting 1,000 office workers aged 19 and older nationwide. The survey found that 77.9 percent of respondents agreed on the need to implement policies to reduce working hours and set an overtime limit by the end of this year. Support for these measures was relatively higher among women (81.9 percent), workers in their 30s (83.3 percent), and general employees (81.3 percent). Regarding the comprehensive wage system, in which a fixed amount of overtime pay is included in salaries regardless of actual working hours, 78.1 percent of respondents said that the government should push for a complete ban on the practice. Gapjil119 criticized the government’s recent decision to grant special exemptions allowing semiconductor research and development (R&D) personnel to work up to 64 hours per week, arguing that it could worsen overall working conditions. Kim Do-ha, a labor attorney affiliated with the group, stated, "Long working hours pose a direct threat to workers' health and safety. Reducing working hours is essential to ensure workers can maintain their health and work-life balance." 2025-03-16 13:42:39

Police launch nationwide crackdown on online drug crimes amid rising youth offenders SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - The National Police Agency announced Saturday that it will conduct a 15-week intensive crackdown on major public safety crimes, including drug trafficking and voice phishing, until Jun. 30. The National Police Agency said it will prioritize crackdown on key drug distribution channels such as online platforms, nightlife districts, and areas with high concentrations of undocumented foreigners. As part of the initiative, the existing "Dark Web and Virtual Asset Drug Investigation Teams" operating in local police agencies will be reorganized into the "Online Drug Investigation Task Force," strengthening efforts to combat drug distribution through digital networks. Authorities highlighted a concerning rise in drug-related offenses among people in their teens to 30s, noting that this group accounted for 63.4 percent of drug offenders last year, a 5.6 percentage point increase from the previous year. Starting in April, a joint government task force comprising the National Police Agency, Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Korea Coast Guard, Korea Customs Service, and Ministry of Justice will be deployed to conduct special crackdowns in nightlife areas, foreigner-dense districts, and at airports and seaports. The police also plan to focus on the illegal distribution of medical narcotics and the unauthorized cultivation of opium poppies and cannabis, which are entering their blooming and harvest seasons. Additionally, the crackdown will target voice phishing operations, with an emphasis on money laundering organizations that use foreign exchange and virtual assets to obscure financial trails. Investigators will pursue high-level criminal syndicates, applying organized crime and criminal conspiracy charges to ensure severe legal penalties. Last year, the police arrested 21,833 suspects related to voice phishing schemes and seized or blocked more than 220,000 crime-related tools, including malicious apps and fraudulent bank accounts. The authorities also noted a surge in 'account transfer-type' scams, where perpetrators exploit corporate bank accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions. This method accounted for 48 percent of phishing crimes in 2023, up 26 percentage points from the previous year. The police will continue ongoing crackdowns on illegal private loans (Nov. 1, 2023–Oct. 31, 2024) and deepfake-related sex crimes (Aug. 28, 2023–Mar. 31, 2025). Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation, stated, "Drug crimes, phishing, illegal financing, and deepfake-related offenses are serious social issues that require strong countermeasures. We will continue to implement high-intensity enforcement measures." 2025-03-16 10:31:18

Police to deploy 20,000 officers, enforce no-fly zone on impeachment ruling day SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Police will implement its highest emergency alert level on the day of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, deploying 337 riot police units and about 20,000 officers nationwide. The court’s decision follows Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a move that escalated political tensions across the country. While the exact date of the ruling has not yet been announced, legal experts predict the decision could be made within a week. The emergency order mandates full police mobilization, suspending all leave and requiring officers to remain on duty. Riot police, mobile patrol units, and detectives will be stationed at the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly, courts, law enforcement agencies, major political party offices, and media headquarters. Security measures are being intensified due to concerns over possible repeat incidents like the Jan. 19 riot at the Seoul Western District Court, where hundreds of Yoon’s supporters stormed the courthouse after a detention warrant was issued against him for insurrection. Protesters smashed windows, breached the building up to the judge’s chambers, and violently attacked police, journalists, and civilians. Security will be particularly tight around the Constitutional Court, with riot police, safety barricades, and special protection units stationed to safeguard justices and court facilities. Specialized SWAT teams will also be deployed. Seoul will be divided into eight security zones, designated as "special crime prevention areas," with 1,300 officers from mobile patrol units, 112 emergency response teams, and traffic police conducting widespread monitoring. Officers will be equipped with protective gear and crowd control devices, including capsaicin spray, in preparation for potential violent protests. Additionally, a no-fly zone for drones will be enforced around the Constitutional Court. Unauthorized drone activity will be disrupted using signal jammers and interception devices, and violators will face prosecution. All privately owned firearms stored at police stations—approximately 86,800 weapons—will be locked down from midnight before the ruling until three days after the verdict to prevent potential security threats. Authorities are also working with local governments and emergency services to prevent safety incidents, including the deployment of ambulances and potential subway non-stop operations near key protest sites. "We will take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activities such as facility destruction and violence against police officers," said acting police chief Lee Ho-young. "We are preparing for every possible scenario to ensure public order and security. We ask for the public’s cooperation." 2025-03-14 16:44:54

Air Busan fire likely caused by power bank short circuit, forensic report finds SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - A fire that broke out aboard Air Busan flight BX391 at Gimhae International Airport on Jan 28 was likely triggered by a short circuit inside a portable battery pack, also known as a power bank, according to an investigation by the National Forensic Service (NFS). The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport said Friday that forensic analysis revealed multiple traces of melted material on the remnants of a portable battery pack found in the aircraft cabin. This suggests an "insulation breakdown," where the battery’s positive and negative terminals are short-circuited, likely sparking the fire. Due to extensive damage, the exact cause of the short circuit could not be determined. However, the investigation ruled out the possibility of the fire originating from the aircraft’s wiring or onboard systems. "The battery remnants were extensively burned, making it challenging to determine the exact cause of the insulation breakdown based solely on the post-fire condition," the NFS stated in its report, adding: "No electrical abnormalities or fire-related damage were identified in the aircraft’s wiring, lighting fixtures, or circuit board remnants. This makes it highly unlikely that the fire originated from any part of the aircraft’s internal infrastructure." Investigators believe the fire started in the overhead compartment above seat 30 on the left side of the cabin. A passenger video showed flames erupting from that area, and the burnt remains of the backup battery were later found on the floor near seat 31. On Feb. 3, the ARAIB, NFS, police forensic team, and fire authorities conducted a joint investigation, collecting evidence from rows 28 to 32, including electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, and battery remnants. The materials were sent to the NFS for computed tomography (CT) scans and microscopic examinations. "Based on our findings so far, we are focusing on the likelihood that the fire was caused by the power bank and will continue our investigation accordingly," the ARAIB stated. "If we identify any necessary safety measures during the investigation, we will issue safety recommendations to the airline and other relevant parties." The agency pledged to determine the exact cause of the fire. "We will make every effort to uncover the precise cause of the incident. Further updates will be disclosed based on their potential impact on the ongoing inquiry." 2025-03-14 15:15:01

[[UPDATE]] Constitutional court dismisses impeachment of chief state auditor and prosecutors SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) -The Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed the impeachment motions against Chief State Auditor Choe Jae-hae and three prosecutors on Thursday, allowing them to return to their posts immediately. The court ruled that the impeachment charges lacked sufficient legal grounds, rejecting the National Assembly’s case against Choe, Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office chief Lee Chang-soo, and senior prosecutors Cho Sang-won and Choi Jae-hun. Choe was impeached in December for allegedly mishandling an audit into the 2022 relocation of the presidential office and conducting politically motivated inspections. The three prosecutors faced impeachment for allegedly failing to indict First Lady Kim Keon Hee in a stock manipulation case. The court’s decision, made unanimously, means all four officials will resume their duties immediately. The ruling is expected to have wider political implications, particularly as President Yoon Suk Yeol had cited the impeachment of top officials as part of his justification for declaring martial law in December. The Constitutional Court is still deliberating on Yoon’s own impeachment case, with a ruling expected in the coming days. 2025-03-13 09:31:36