IAA Korea, Clebus team up to digitize art through NFTs SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - IAA Korea, the Korean branch of the International Association of Art (IAA), has signed a partnership with NFT technology company Clebus to push the art industry into the digital era and expand the global reach of K-art. The agreement marks a rare collaboration between a traditional fine arts institution and a blockchain firm, signaling a growing recognition of NFT technology in the global art world. The signing ceremony took place on September 24 in Seoul’s Jongno district. IAA Korea and Clebus agreed to work together to develop new business models for both the domestic and international art markets. Their plan covers not only painting and sculpture but also illustration, animation, and accessory design, transforming these into NFT-based content for exhibition, sale, and rental. IAA Korea President Lee Kwang-soo, who also serves as a board member of the IAA headquarters in Paris, said he expects the partnership to serve as "an important turning point for the global art market." The two sides plan to focus on creating an NFT-linked art trading platform while developing joint revenue models such as pre- and post-purchase arrangements and consignment sales. IAA Korea has invited Clebus to the IAA World General Assembly set for October 29 and is preparing to extend the partnership to the IAA’s Paris headquarters to strengthen global cooperation. One of the most eye-catching outcomes of the agreement is that Clebus’s art characters have been designated as official mascots of the IAA. It is an unusual move for a K-character to represent an international art organization, and both sides see it as a key step toward promoting K-art on the global stage. Clebus said it hopes the two characters will "grow into globally beloved K-characters, following the success of 'Kpop Demon Hunters.'" Founded in 2019, Clebus is a technology firm that has expanded into blockchain services. Since 2022, the company has provided NFT certification and membership platforms to luxury brands such as Hansung Motor, an official Mercedes-Benz dealer in South Korea, demonstrating its technical expertise and market experience. The collaboration between IAA Korea’s international network and Clebus’s NFT technology is expected to accelerate the digital transformation of South Korea’s art scene and open new opportunities for K-art in global markets. 2025-10-13 17:44:01

Sookmyung startup Labincube brings Nobel-winning material into everyday use SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - A startup from Sookmyung Women's University has brought a Nobel Prize-winning scientific material into people’s daily lives. Labincube, founded by Professor Choi Kyung-min from the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, became the first company to use Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials in consumer products such as air purifiers and cosmetic fillers. Professor Choi previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of UC Berkeley Professor Omar Yaghi, one of this year's Nobel Prize winners in chemistry. Building on that connection, Labincube, a subsidiary of Sookmyung’s technology holdings company, signed a technical advisory agreement with Professor Yaghi and succeeded in commercializing MOF-based products in 2024 for the first time anywhere in the world. MOFs are porous materials that can selectively trap or separate specific molecules through tiny openings. They have mainly been used in fields like petrochemicals and semiconductors, but Labincube found a way to adapt them for consumer use, expanding their reach into home appliances, beauty products, and biotechnology. In the home appliance sector, the company worked with LG Electronics to apply MOF materials to air purifiers that remove harmful gases and odors more effectively. In the beauty field, it incorporates MOFs into fillers and skin boosters to improve product stability and performance. Labincube is also developing environmental products that remove moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, as well as bio-materials that could replace antibiotics and antihistamines. The company’s progress led to its selection for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' "Baby Unicorn" program this year, which supports promising early-stage startups. Shin Ji-young, head of Sookmyung's Office of Industry-Academic Cooperation, said the achievement shows how the university's startup system can link world-class scientific research with technologies that improve daily life. She noted that as Sookmyung approaches its 120th anniversary in 2026, it is continuing to evolve as a research-driven university that connects basic science with practical innovation. Professor Choi said that Nobel-winning science often feels distant from everyday experience, but MOF technology is different. It is already being used in air purifiers and bio-materials, he said, adding that it is meaningful that a South Korean university startup was the first in the world to make this possible. 2025-10-13 17:25:29

KAIST launches nationwide campaign to share failures on International Day of Failure SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - KAIST has launched a national campaign inviting people to share their everyday mistakes to mark the International Day of Failure on October 13, highlighting the idea that failure is the starting point of innovation and challenge. "Failure should not be feared. A culture that accepts it is the basis of creativity and progress," said KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung. "Even for just one day, I hope everyone will recall a small failure they experienced and share it with others. That moment can become the starting point for a new challenge." The International Day of Failure began in 2010 when students at Finland's Aalto University started a movement built on the message, "Failure is part of challenge. Let's respect it." The idea gained wide support during Finland's economic slump following Nokia's decline and later spread to Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Since establishing the Institute for Failure Studies in 2021, KAIST has seen a visible shift in how its members view setbacks. A survey conducted in December 2024 showed that 73.9 percent of KAIST members said the university encourages new challenges, more than double the national average of 35.6 percent. Fifty-two percent said KAIST is tolerant toward failure, compared with 20.5 percent in South Korean society. More than 80 percent of respondents said the institute's programs had helped improve resilience and flexibility. To encourage participation, Lee shared a personal story on social media about being turned down while seeking donations. "One of the key duties of a university president is fundraising. I often meet potential donors, but most of them say no. Each time I walk away, the back of my head burns with embarrassment," he wrote. "Still, I take a break, then meet someone new the next day. My job is a series of failures, but I have decided not to feel ashamed of them. I believe it might give courage to those who hesitate to try something themselves." The Institute for Failure Studies also released simple ideas for people to join the campaign, such as sharing "today's failure" with family or friends, posting short stories online, or turning mistakes into memes. Director Cho Sung-ho said even small acts of openness can shift people's views about failure. "Just talking lightly about failure can change the way people see it. KAIST members show twice the level of acceptance toward failure compared with the general public because of this culture," he said. Since its founding, the institute has organized programs such as the Failed Project Showcase, failure essay contests, and the Failure Photovoice exhibition to encourage open discussion about mistakes. It has conducted a biennial survey since 2022 to track changes in awareness. This year, the institute plans to expand its activities nationwide. One new initiative, the AI×Failure Idea Contest, invites university students to present creative ways to learn from mistakes. The top ten teams will present their ideas at the Failure Conference to be held at KAIST on November 7. Lee said KAIST will continue to promote a culture that reflects on and shares failure as a part of everyday life. 2025-10-13 08:25:57

North Korean leader calls for internal purge ahead of ruling party anniversary SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to root out acts that damage the authority of the Workers' Party of Korea, warning that such behavior must be "identified and eliminated." His remarks came on Wednesday, a day before the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding, during a visit to the Party Founding Museum in Pyongyang. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said the party's longevity — the longest in the history of socialist movements — stems from its commitment to ideological and leadership unity. "The fundamental secret to our Party's long rule lies in directing everything toward ensuring the unity of its thought and leadership," he said. Kim said the WPK had strengthened itself through a series of internal "self-purification" campaigns, including "the struggle against factions" that began after the Korean War. He said those movements allowed the party to become "a more combative and leading political organization." He also called for tighter discipline among officials. "We must identify and eliminate all elements and acts that damage the Party's leadership authority," Kim said, stressing the need to establish "strict discipline and a healthy climate of order" within the organization. He urged senior cadres to wipe out "ignorance, incompetence, irresponsibility, self-protection, formalism, expediency, and abuses of power" that harm socialism and the people's trust. Kim added that officials carry "a very heavy and important responsibility" in what he described as a new stage of national development. "When we look at our ideals and goals, we must change at a much faster speed than now," he said. "We must boldly and devotedly transform every field, every sector, and every region within the next ten years." KCNA called Kim’s remarks a "significant and immortal revolutionary program" that sets the direction for the next decade of party and state policy. 2025-10-09 15:26:56

KAIST-incubated startup exports epilepsy drug technology worth $528 million SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - A startup founded by KAIST professor Lee Jung-ho has licensed out an experimental RNA-based drug for hard-to-treat epilepsy in a deal valued at about 750 billion won ($529 million), the university said Thursday. Sovargen, co-founded by Lee and biotech entrepreneur Park Chul-won, signed an exclusive option agreement with Italy's Angelini Pharma for global development and commercialization of a first-in-class antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy aimed at intractable epilepsy. The deal includes upfront, milestone, and potential royalty payments worth about 550 million dollars in total. Angelini Pharma will handle development and commercialization, while Sovargen retains certain rights in parts of Asia, excluding South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The licensed compound, code-named SVG105, targets mutations in the mTOR gene, known to play a key role in severe epilepsy that does not respond to existing drugs. Lee's research team at KAIST earlier identified that acquired mutations in brain stem cells—called brain somatic mutations—can trigger intractable epilepsy and malignant brain tumors. The discovery was published in Nature in 2015 and Nature Medicine in 2018. After that, Lee teamed up with Sovargen CEO Park Chul-won to develop RNA-based therapies that could suppress those mutations. The agreement marks one of the few cases in South Korea where basic academic research has led to a global technology transfer for a new drug. "This achievement was made possible entirely by the strength of South Korean science, from identifying the cause of disease to developing a new therapy and exporting the technology globally," said Sovargen senior researcher Park Sang-min, a KAIST graduate. Lee said KAIST's research environment made such progress possible. "While most medical schools focus on patient care, KAIST promotes innovation and industrialization. That allowed us to achieve both fundamental discoveries and successful technology transfer," he said. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the outcome reflects the school's goal of bridging basic science and industry. "This is a representative example of how our philosophy of moving 'from basic to industry' has taken shape in medical science. KAIST will continue to drive innovation that contributes to human health and the future bioindustry," he said. Experts say the deal gives new hope to patients who have run out of treatment options and shows that South Korea's biomedical research and startups are gaining ground on the global stage. 2025-10-09 14:13:46

President Lee hails Hangul as symbol of Korean people's power and key to global cultural rise SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea marked Hangul Day on Thursday, celebrating the 579th anniversary of the creation of the Korean alphabet that gave ordinary people the power to read, write, and express their thoughts freely. President Lee Jae Myung said Hangul embodies the spirit of popular sovereignty and equality, calling it a living symbol of democracy rooted in the wisdom of the people. "Hangul is a cultural heritage that holds the spirit and history of our people," President Lee wrote on Facebook on Thursday. "It was created so that ordinary citizens could learn it easily and use it every day. In Hangul lives the idea of democracy, equality, and the sovereignty of the people." He said 252 King Sejong Institutes in 87 countries are now spreading the Korean language and culture, and that the growing global interest in K-pop, K-drama, and Korean literature "stems from Hangul’s power to express emotions and ideas clearly, without distortion." Lee added, "The dream of South Korea becoming a true cultural powerhouse is turning into reality through Hangul, the root of our culture." Hangul was invented by King Sejong the Great in 1443 and proclaimed nationwide in 1446. The king and his scholars at the Hall of Worthies created the writing system to help commoners overcome their reliance on classical Chinese, which only the educated elite could master. The preface of the original text, known as the "Hunminjeongeum," explains that the letters were designed so the people could learn and use them easily in their daily lives. The simple and scientific structure of Hangul laid the foundation for South Korea's high literacy rate and strong intellectual tradition today. An official ceremony to mark the 579th Hangul Day was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. About 1,200 people attended, including government officials, politicians, diplomats, and members of Hangul-related organizations. The event opened with media art and a ballet performance, followed by a reading of the original Hunminjeongeum text by Korean Language Society president Kim Ju-won and an interpretation by contemporary artist Lee Dae-in. Awards were presented to eight individuals and institutions for their contribution to promoting Hangul, including American scholar Mark Allen Peterson and the Korean School of Montreal. Prime Minister Kim Min Seok said during his speech that "the Korean language and Hangul are at the heart of K-culture." He noted that the world connects through K-pop lyrics and feels emotion through Korean dramas and films because of the language's precision and depth of expression. "Hangul is no longer a script used only by us," he said, adding that young people around the world are learning Korean to understand its music, stories, and humor. Demand for learning Hangul has surged along with the global popularity of South Korean pop culture. Kim Ju-won, president of the Korean Language Society and professor emeritus at Seoul National University, said in an interview with AJP, "Now is the best time to promote Hangul, which is gaining traction worldwide, largely thanks to the resurgence of the Korean Wave." He said many foreign fans want to understand the lyrics of BTS songs and watch Korean dramas like Netflix’s "Squid Game" without subtitles. According to data from language app Duolingo, 17 million users were learning Korean as of June 2024, a 95 percent increase over two years earlier. The King Sejong Institute reported that its number of students jumped from 740 in 2007 to more than 216,000 in 2023. The number of people taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) rose from 149,000 in 2010 to 275,000 in 2023. Kim emphasized that Hangul's scientific design makes it accessible to learners around the world. "Unlike the Roman alphabet, where a single letter can have multiple pronunciations, each letter in Hangeul corresponds to a specific sound," he said. "That makes it easier for learners to spell and pronounce words accurately." He also mentioned the case of the Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia, which adopted Hangul as its official writing system in 2008 for its previously unwritten native language. Kim said he hopes to extend Hangul's use to other minority groups with unwritten languages. His team at Seoul National University is analyzing more than 30 languages, including Yoruba from Nigeria and Aymaran from South America, to explore how Hangul could be adapted for their use. 2025-10-09 12:47:30

Korean ramyun craze goes global as instant noodle sales hit record high SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea has been named the world's No. 2 instant noodle-consuming country, trailing only Vietnam, as global demand for the quick and spicy comfort food continues to surge and bring travelers to its shores. Once an affordable meal for busy workers, Korean ramyun has grown into a cultural export that attracts noodle lovers who are eager to experience the food they’ve seen in K-dramas and online challenges. According to the World Instant Noodles Association, the global consumption of instant noodles reached a record 123.1 billion servings in 2024, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier. Koreans ate an average of 79 servings each, totaling 4.1 billion nationwide. That puts the country eighth in total volume but second per capita, underscoring how deeply ramyun is tied to everyday life. Vietnam topped the list with 81 servings per person, followed by Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Japan. The world's largest market remains China, including Hong Kong, which consumed 43.8 billion servings, or nearly 10.7 times Korea's total. Indonesia ranked second with 14.4 billion servings, followed by India, Vietnam, Japan, and the United States. Korean brands are driving much of the global boom. Samyang Foods' fiery "Buldak Ramen," also just known as "Buldak," triggered the viral "Fire Noodle Challenge," turning its spice into a global phenomenon. The company estimates that more than five billion packs have been sold worldwide and now earns about 80 percent of its revenue overseas. Nongshim, maker of Shin Ramyun, and Ottogi, known for Jin Ramyun, are expanding their reach with new production lines in Busan and the United States, and by entering more than 70 countries. According to the Korea International Trade Association, Korea's instant noodle exports reached 1.11 billion dollars (about 1.6 trillion won) between January and September this year, a 24.7 percent increase from the previous year. Annual exports are expected to exceed 1.3 billion dollars for the first time. The growing appetite for K-ramyun is now shaping travel trends. A survey by the Seoul Tourism Organization found that foreign visitors ranked Korean food as the main reason for revisiting the capital, ahead of shopping and the country’s distinct seasons. Among 500 travelers surveyed, "K-food" scored 79.5 out of 100, followed by "shopping" (73.2) and "weather and seasons" (72.9). Convenience store chains have been quick to respond. In Seoul's Hongdae area, CU's "Ramyun Library" has become a must-stop attraction, offering more than 100 types of instant noodles from Korea and abroad. Visitors can cook and eat on-site while listening to K-pop hits. Since opening in December 2024, it has sold over 150,000 packs and attracts tourists from China and Japan who often arrive by tour bus. In the busy Myeong-dong district, Nongshim's pop-up "Neoguri" shop served 400 to 500 customers a day in February this year, many stopping to take photos with the brand’s raccoon mascot outside. Similar themed stores have started appearing across Seoul’s tourist hubs, turning simple bowls of noodles into one of the country’s most recognizable cultural experiences. 2025-10-09 10:46:34

Crimes by South Koreans abroad rise 45 percent in four years: data SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Crimes committed by South Korean nationals overseas have risen sharply in recent years, climbing by about 45 percent between 2020 and 2024, according to government data. The figures are prompting renewed criticism that the Foreign Ministry has failed to respond to growing risks faced by citizens abroad. Data submitted by lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party showed that the number of South Korean nationals reported as criminal offenders to overseas South Korean embassies and consulates increased from 2,297 in 2020 to 3,321 in 2024. In the first half of this year alone, 1,876 offenders were reported, suggesting that the total for 2025 could exceed previous years. Immigration-related violations, including illegal entry, overstaying, and visa abuse, accounted for the largest share. In the first six months of this year, 796 people were charged with such offenses, representing 42.4 percent of all cases. Violent crimes also showed a steady rise. The number of South Koreans abroad accused of rape or sexual assault grew from 31 in 2020 to 74 in 2024, while murder cases more than doubled from 13 to 27 over the same period. Between 2020 and mid-2025, the highest number of offenders was recorded in China with 3,389 cases, followed by Japan with 1,743, the Philippines with 1,351, and the United States with 1,180. Nearly half of the cases in the U.S. (49 percent) involved immigration violations. The scale of the problem becomes clearer when measured against the total number of South Koreans living overseas. As of the most recent data available from the Foreign Ministry and the Overseas Koreans Agency, about 2.47 million South Korean nationals resided abroad at the end of 2022, within an estimated overseas Korean population of 7.08 million. This means around 4.8 percent of South Korea's total population of 51.75 million lives outside the country. Based on those figures, roughly 0.13 percent of South Koreans living abroad were implicated in crimes handled by diplomatic missions in 2024, up from around 0.09 percent in 2020. Although the rate may appear small, the consistent increase suggests that the rise is not due to population growth but rather to systemic issues in oversight and support for citizens overseas. Kim Gi-hyeon criticized the Foreign Ministry for what he described as an irresponsible stance, saying the ministry continues to argue that the matter is "outside its jurisdiction." He also said the government has not provided accurate data on the number of South Koreans currently residing in the United States or their visa status. Kim added that with trade and tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington still unresolved, the government should take more practical and comprehensive steps to protect South Koreans abroad. 2025-10-08 15:08:55

Prices of daily necessities rise faster than wages over past five years SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Data shows that the cost of living in South Korea has climbed sharply over the past five years, with food and basic consumer goods becoming noticeably more expensive while wage growth lags behind. Data released by the National Data Office on Wednesday showed that the price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages in September THIS YEAR rose 22.9 percent compared with five years earlier. The increase far exceeds the overall consumer price rise of about 14 percent during the same period. Essential items have become especially costly. Fruit prices jumped 35.2 percent, while milk, cheese, and eggs rose 30.7 percent. Bread climbed 38.5 percent, cakes 31.7 percent, and instant noodles 25.3 percent. Confectionery and sweet products also rose 27.8 percent, and coffee, tea, and cocoa were up 38.2 percent. Dining out has not been spared. The cost of restaurant meals rose 25.1 percent, pushing the broader "food and lodging" category up 24.8 percent. Analysts said rising ingredient costs and higher operating expenses have been passed directly to consumers. Other everyday expenses followed the same pattern. The category including soap, shampoo, and personal care items rose 24.1 percent, while household goods and cleaning services climbed 19.4 percent. Housing-related costs, including rent and utilities, rose 16.7 percent, and clothing and footwear increased 16.2 percent. Transportation costs, including fuel and public transit, went up 15.9 percent, while healthcare and education costs rose by smaller margins. In contrast, wages have not kept pace. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, South Korea's minimum wage has risen at an average annual rate of just over 5 percent from 2021 to 2025. The rate was 1.5 percent in 2021, 5.1 percent in 2022, 5 percent in 2023, 2.5 percent in 2024, and only 1.7 percent this year. The widening gap between rising consumer prices and slower wage growth underscores the strain on lower- and middle-income households. For many, everyday purchases such as bread, fruit, and coffee have become noticeably more expensive, leaving less room for savings or discretionary spending. 2025-10-08 14:03:18

K-pop girl bands Hearts2Hearts and Babymonster to make October comebacks SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Two of South Korea's most talked-about girl groups are returning with new albums this month. Super rookie band Hearts2Hearts from SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment's Babymonster are both preparing October comebacks, drawing attention from K-pop fans worldwide. Hearts2Hearts (H2H), which debuted in February this year with the single album "The Chase," will release its first mini-album "FOCUS" on October 20. The six-track album includes the title song of the same name and the eight-member group's June single "STYLE." Ahead of the release, H2H has been promoting "Pretty Please," a collaboration with Japan's Pokémon franchise. SM Entertainment said the album will capture the group's expanding range of stage performances. "As Hearts2Hearts' first mini-album, 'FOCUS' reflects their expanding sound and confident identity," the agency said. "Fans can also expect to see their new performances, following their rising popularity at international events and South Korean university festivals." The five-member group has gained notice for their choreography, youthful energy, and strong vocals. As SM's newest girl group, they are viewed as continuing the label’s pop-centered production style seen in acts like Red Velvet and Aespa. Ten days before H2H's comeback, YG Entertainment’s Babymonster will release its second mini-album "WE GO UP" on October 10. The album includes four tracks, led by the title song "We Go Up," a hip-hop-based track with strong rhythm, and "Psycho," known for its catchy melody. According to YG Entertainment, Babymonster's new album marks their first project since completing a 20-city world tour. "After their tour, Babymonster are returning with stronger stage experience and a more mature sound," the agency said. Babymonster, which officially debuted on April 1, 2024, with the EP "Babymons7er" and lead single "Sheesh," is YG’s first girl group since BLACKPINK. The six-member band gained early global attention through their YouTube pre-debut series and topped iTunes charts in several countries following their debut. 2025-10-08 10:57:26