New Zealand Embassy marks 10 years of free trade deal with South Korea SEOUL, July 16 (AJP) - SEOUL — The New Zealand Embassy in South Korea on Tuesday released a video series to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, highlighting a decade of growing trade and cooperation between the two countries. The embassy said that the agreement, which came into force in 2015, has more than doubled trade between South Korea and New Zealand. Today, South Korea stands as New Zealand’s fifth-largest trading partner, and the deal continues to provide real, measurable benefits and new opportunities for exporters. Recent developments include New Zealand gaining access to the South Korean market for blueberries and dairy products. In return, South Korea has been granted approval to export mandarins to New Zealand. The embassy described these outcomes as clear examples of how the agreement remains active and mutually beneficial. Both governments have also agreed to explore a potential upgrade of the agreement. According to the embassy, South Korea’s capabilities in technology and manufacturing, combined with New Zealand’s expertise in food and beverage, sustainability, and education, offer strong potential for deeper cooperation. To mark the anniversary, the embassy produced a three-part video series. It features Ambassador Dawn Bennet in a segment on Korean food and New Zealand wine pairings with chef Keewuk Lee, a kapa haka performance by the Hiwa Crew at the National Museum of Korea, and a visit to Seoul National University that highlights the importance of educational exchange between the two nations. "This video series is a celebration of the vibrant and evolving partnership between New Zealand and Korea," Ambassador Bennet said. "Through food, culture, and education, we’re telling the story of a relationship that goes beyond trade, one built on shared values, mutual respect, and a growing connection between our people." 2025-07-16 13:41:47

NewJeans' producer Min Hee-jin cleared of criminal charges, HYBE to appeal SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) -South Korea's police have cleared former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of breach of trust allegations filed by HYBE, the parent company behind K-pop girl group NewJeans. The Yongsan Police Station said Tuesday that after more than a year of investigation, the case would not be forwarded to prosecutors. HYBE filed the complaint in April 2024, accusing Min of attempting to take control of ADOR by colluding with outside investors and bypassing the internal decision-making process. At the time, HYBE held an 80 percent stake in the label, which Min had led since its launch. Min's legal team welcomed the police decision, stating, "After more than a year of investigation, police have found no grounds for criminal suspicion. Both the breach of trust and embezzlement allegations have been dismissed." HYBE responded that it would formally appeal the decision. The company pointed to a recent ruling by the Seoul High Court which stated that Min had “intentionally destroyed the integrated structure that was the premise of the exclusive contract,” referring to the internal governance and contractual foundation of ADOR and NewJeans. The legal dispute began with HYBE’s audit of ADOR in early 2024, which quickly escalated into a public power struggle between the two sides. Following the fallout, the five members of NewJeans attempted to terminate their contracts and began operating under the name "NJZ." The move was not authorized by ADOR. In June 2025, the Seoul High Court issued an injunction in favor of ADOR, blocking the members from promoting independently or using the NJZ name. The court reaffirmed that the group remains legally bound to ADOR and imposed penalties of up to one billion won, about $725,000, per violation. Although the police decision relieves Min of criminal responsibility, HYBE maintains that her actions caused structural harm to the company and continues to seek further legal review. The company says the police ruling does not reflect more recent developments that have come to light during civil proceedings. 2025-07-15 16:33:51

SHINee's Onew to release second full-length album "PERCENT" SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - K-pop group SHINee member Onew will return to the music scene with the release of his second full-length album, "PERCENT," dropping Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT). The album arrives five months after his January mini-album "CONNECTION." According to his agency, SM Entertainment, the title track "ANIMALS" captures the moment when instinct takes control. The song features a refined bass line, acoustic guitar, synths, and sound effects that mimic animal calls. Rather than repeating the same structure, Onew develops a narrative that creates tension and movement throughout the track. The music video, which will be released alongside the album, visualizes this theme by showing instinct awakening and reason giving way. Onew said he hopes listeners will feel free to follow their instincts and enjoy moments of joy, “even if only under a full moon.” "PERCENT" includes a variety of songs that reflect different moods and themes. The opening track "Silky" embraces rest and laziness, while "Caffeine" uses unusual harmonies to express a sense of addiction. "Marshmallow" describes the feeling of falling in love, and "Confidence" symbolically captures Onew’s emotional rhythm in uncertain times. The track "오래 OKㅋ" offers comfort with a light, humorous tone. Other songs include "Far Away," which contrasts sharp sounds to express a desire to escape confusion, and "MAD," which explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup. The track "PERCENT (%)" experiments with sound to portray a wide emotional range, while "Epilogue" focuses on a sincere, vocal-driven narrative. The album closes with "Happy Birthday," a song about hope and gratitude. Onew has described "PERCENT" as a personal story of being emptied, filled, and shaped by interaction with the world. He said, “No one can reach 100 percent alone, but even imperfect beings are beautiful in their own way.” He participated in the overall production of the album, showing his artistic growth. To celebrate the release, a pop-up store titled "ONEW 2ND ALBUM 'PERCENT' POP-UP STORE" has opened at the first floor open stage of Shinsegae Gangnam. The space features interactive displays and fan events designed around the album’s concept. 2025-07-15 14:15:26

NCT DREAM marks 9th anniversary with time travel-themed album 'Go Back To The Future' SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - As NCT DREAM approaches its 9th anniversary, the group is making a comeback with its fifth full-length album, "Go Back To The Future," built around the concept of time travel. The album was officially introduced during a press conference on Monday at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. The seven-member group, including Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung, explores the past, present, and future in a narrative that connects their beginnings in 2016 to their current identity in 2025 and a distant future they call the "Absolute Present." To fully realize the time travel theme, they received official approval to pay homage to the film "Back to the Future" from Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, combining familiar visuals like hoverboards with NCT DREAM's own symbols. "It is an album with double title tracks. It consists of nine songs and carries a theme of time travel," Mark explained. "We, the quirky seven members of NCT DREAM, accidentally discover a time machine, which is a hoverboard. As NCT DREAM, known for our storytelling, we included many fun elements in the album revolving around time." "BTTF" (Back To The Future), one of the title tracks, reflects on the idea of understanding a regret-free past while facing choices that can change the future. Jeno described the song as intense and central to the album’s message. Renjun added, "All the time in the past has accumulated to create the current NCT DREAM. Some lyrics recur like a slogan, capturing our shining selves from the past, present, and future." The group also nodded to their origins by wearing the same pajamas from their debut music video in the "BTTF" video, recreating those early scenes. "It conveys the message that the 'us' back then has led to the 'us' now," they said. The second title track, "CHILLER," shifts the focus to enjoying the present with confidence. Chenle noted, "It is a song that follows 'BTTF.' It carries a message of enjoying my most radiant self just as I am. The word 'CHILLER' itself conveys a sense of leisure." Jaemin added that it was recorded in a relaxed but sincere atmosphere to match the lyrics' tone. This is the first time NCT DREAM has selected two title tracks. "Rather than deciding to have double title tracks from the planning stage, we both loved them so much that we ended up going with double title tracks," Chenle explained. The album also includes "I LIKE IT," "DREAM TEAM," and "Interlude: Back to Our PARADISE," as well as ballads like "My Rain Shower ('Bout You)," "When the Summer Wind Blows (That Summer)," and "Dawn Star (Miss Me)." "Beautiful Sailing" closes the album, reflecting on their journey and hinting at what lies ahead. Ahead of the release, NCT DREAM held a three-day concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, drawing 60,000 fans and setting a new group record. "If those who attended the performances feel that they made the right choice to see an NCT DREAM concert, that brings me great fulfillment," Jaemin said. Jisung reflected on their near-decade-long career, saying, "I feel pride in being a team that can hold a concert at Gocheok Dome." Haechan added, "Even though we are approaching the 9th anniversary, we will show a passion as if it's just our 9th day since debut." NCT DREAM said their main goal is to deliver the album’s message clearly. "While each of us may have various new dreams, I believe that achieving the dream we initially had is valuable," Mark said. "Instead of dreaming different dreams, we want to carry the message, even if the form differs." "Go Back To The Future" was released on Jul. 14 at 6 p.m. on major music platforms and is also available as a physical album. 2025-07-14 15:14:10

BigHit to debut new BTS' brother band next month SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - BigHit Music, home to BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), said Monday that it will debut a new five-member boy band on Aug. 18. This will be the label's first rookie group since TXT, which debuted in 2019. The new act features Martin, James, Juhoon, Sunghyun, and Gunho. All are teenagers and will work together as a creative unit without being limited to fixed roles. BigHit described them as a "young creator crew" who writes music, choreographs, and produces visuals on their own terms. "With a completely new and original sensibility, they will showcase their creative talent through lyrics, composition, performance, and videography based on their own stories," the company said. Martin and James have already been involved in producing TXT's "Deja Vu" and "Miracle," and ILLIT's "Magnetic." James also contributed to the choreography for "Deja Vu," "Magnetic," "Cherish," and "Tick-Tack." Details such as the group's name will be revealed later. 2025-07-14 10:02:42

Kazakhstan showcases exports at Korea Import Fair 2025 in Seoul SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - Kazakhstan highlighted its national products and services at the Korea Import Fair 2025, held in Seoul from July 7 to 9, as part of efforts to deepen trade relations with South Korea. The Kazakhstan Embassy in the Republic of Korea said that the event was hosted by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), with support from South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). More than 200 companies from 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa participated. Kazakhstan's booth featured services from national carriers Air Astana and Scat Airlines, along with consumer goods such as Maximus products and chocolate by Lotte Rakhat. The booth attracted several hundred visitors, and a number of South Korean companies expressed interest in possible cooperation with Kazakh businesses. In her opening remarks, KOIMA Chairperson Youn Young-mi stressed the importance of expanding imports from friendly countries. "This exhibition gives foreign companies a unique opportunity to present their products in Korea and connect with potential partners," she said. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to South Korea Nurgali Arystanov toured the exhibition alongside Youn and National Assembly member Seo Il-jun. The three visited the Kazakh display and exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade. In 2024, trade volume between Kazakhstan and South Korea reached 3.1 billion US dollars, making South Korea one of Kazakhstan's top ten trading partners. 2025-07-13 17:44:33

KAIST team develops microbe for efficient, eco-friendly lutein production SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a safe, high-yield microbial strain capable of producing lutein more efficiently than conventional methods. The new approach provides an eco-friendly and scalable alternative to plant or algae-based extraction, which is often slow, costly, and difficult to industrialize. KAIST said in a statement on July 13, that the study led by Distinguished Professor Lee Sang -yup of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering was published in the journal Nature Synthesis on July 4. It demonstrates the potential of microbial metabolic engineering to mass-produce valuable health-related compounds using sustainable processes. Lutein is an antioxidant known for its benefits to eye health, particularly in preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It is typically extracted from marigolds or microalgae, but these sources present limitations, including low yield and seasonal variability. To overcome these challenges, the KAIST team focused on Corynebacterium glutamicum, a microorganism widely recognized as safe for food and pharmaceutical use. By modifying the strain's internal metabolic pathways and applying a technique known as electron channeling, the researchers accelerated the chemical reactions needed to produce lutein. By optimizing enzyme arrangement and enhancing electron transfer, they achieved a production rate of 1.78 grams per liter in just 54 hours. That translates to an average of 32.88 milligrams per liter per hour, significantly outperforming conventional extraction methods. "This research overcomes the production bottlenecks in microbial lutein synthesis and establishes a competitive, eco-friendly process," said Eun Hyun-min, a doctoral student and co-first author of the paper. "We expect this to help accelerate the practical use of microbial platforms for producing various natural compounds." The team used glucose, a common and renewable sugar source, to feed the microbe. This not only enhances production efficiency but also supports a more sustainable manufacturing process. The researchers also employed spatial enzyme engineering techniques, arranging enzymes in close proximity within the cell to boost reaction speed and output. "Microbial metabolic engineering is emerging as a next-generation strategy that goes beyond traditional plant-based or chemical synthesis," said Professor Lee. "We will continue researching ways to produce high-value natural substances more efficiently using microorganisms." The work was funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT as part of a national initiative to develop next-generation bio-refinery technologies. The technology is expected to be commercialized by SilicoBio, a startup founded by Professor Lee. 2025-07-13 15:42:51

N. Korean leader meets Russian foreign minister, reaffirms deepening ties with Moscow SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday in Wonsan, reinforcing a growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow amid heightened global tensions, Pyongyang's state media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Sunday. Lavrov's visit, which followed the second foreign ministerial strategic dialogue between the two countries, was marked by a show of unity on key international and regional issues. During the meeting, Kim said North Korea and Russia "share the same views on all strategic issues," describing their relationship as having reached a "high strategic level." Before the meeting, Kim was briefed on the outcome of Lavrov’s talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. He expressed confidence that the "coordinated and harmonious diplomatic stands" of the two countries would contribute positively to peace and security in the region and beyond. Kim also voiced full support for Russia’s handling of the war in Ukraine. "We are ready to unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis," he said. Lavrov, delivering a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed Moscow's commitment to strengthening "strategic and tactical cooperation" with North Korea and deepening coordination on the global stage. Although neither side announced a new summit, Russian media reported that Lavrov conveyed Putin’s message expressing hope for a direct meeting with Kim "in the very near future." The Russian president had extended an invitation during his visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. North Korean state media also released a joint statement on the second strategic dialogue, which reaffirmed the two governments' commitment to their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Both sides agreed to implement its provisions "faithfully" and continue developing what they called a long-term strategic alliance. Russia also made its position clear on the Korean Peninsula, rejecting any attempts to undermine North Korea’s status and expressing "unwavering support" for Pyongyang's efforts to protect its sovereignty and national security. The two countries signed a bilateral exchange plan for 2026 and 2027 and agreed to hold further high-level meetings. While the details were not made public, experts believe discussions may have included military cooperation, tourism initiatives, and energy support. Lavrov was welcomed at a banquet held at the newly reopened Songdowon Hotel in the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. The event is seen as part of North Korea’s push to attract Russian tourists and rebuild economic links with its longtime ally. 2025-07-13 10:44:04

Daboseong Gallery unveils additional imperial and aristocratic treasures from China SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - During the expert appraisal event held on July 8 (Tuesday) and 9 at Daboseong Gallery in Gyeonun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, a new selection of previously unpublished Chinese relics believed to have been used by members of the imperial family or aristocracy was unveiled. ◆ Ru ware celadon-glazed vase with gilt-rimmed mouth from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋汝窑天青釉金口纸槌瓶) This Ru ware celadon-glazed vase from the Northern Song period (960 to 1127) is one of the few surviving examples from Ru kilns, one of the five great kilns of the era. With its narrow, elongated neck, angular shoulders, and flat base, the vase resembles the shape of a paper mallet. Hence the name "paper mallet vase" (zhichui ping). The mouth is accented with a layer of gilt. Its refined form and gilded rim suggest it was used by members of the royal family or aristocracy. The entire surface is coated in a sky-blue celadon glaze (tianqingyou), creating a soft, luminous tone with rich depth. Delicate crackle patterns, or crazing, naturally formed on the surface. Ru ware was produced exclusively by imperial order during the reign of Emperor Huizong. It is extremely rare, making it a highly valued artifact. ◆ Lidded jar with blue-and-white underglaze red cloud and dragon chasing pearl motif from the late Yuan to early Ming period (元末明初 青花釉里红云龙戏珠纹有盖壶) This lidded jar features a dynamic image of a three-clawed dragon flying through auspicious clouds, chasing a flaming pearl surrounded by fiery waves. The sides of the lid are adorned with plum blossom branches. The top is fitted with a bold animal-shaped handle. A rod-like decorative element appears to pierce through the lid, and three loops attached to the shoulder allow the lid to be secured. These features add to the vessel’s uniqueness. The jar’s rare lid shape, elaborate adornments, harmonious proportions, and majestic dragon motif suggest it was likely used by emperors or aristocrats. ◆ Ru ware covered tea or wine cup with lotus-shaped saucer from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋汝窑盖盏及花形托) This artifact consists of a lidded cup and lotus-petal-shaped saucer, produced at the Ru kilns during the Northern Song period. Believed to have been used for tea or wine offerings, it displays the classic elegance of Ru ware. It has refined proportions, soft celadon glaze, and fine surface crazing. The exterior is covered in a light bluish-green glaze, with naturally formed crackles spreading across the surface. This creates a tranquil beauty and sense of depth. The faintly glowing glaze reveals the finely prepared clay body beneath, showcasing Ru ware’s high-temperature firing technique and purified material quality. As a rare complete set reflecting royal taste, this piece is thought to have served as a funerary item for imperial or noble families. ◆ Blue-and-white incense burner in the shape of a deer with iron-painted details from the Ming Xuande period (明宣德青花铁绘鹿形香炉) This deer-shaped porcelain incense burner was produced during the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty (1426 to 1435). It demonstrates the harmony of blue-and-white and iron-painted decoration. A small lidded opening with a handle is set on the deer’s back, allowing incense to be placed inside. When in use, the smoke emerges from the deer’s nose, mouth, and back. This enhances both the practical function of the incense burner and its sculptural form. Notably, this piece has been preserved in its entirety. It is believed to have been used as a funerary item for royalty or aristocracy. In Chinese culture, the word for deer (lu) is a homonym for lu, meaning official salary or emolument. It symbolizes wealth and high status. When paired with depictions of immortals or the elixir of life, the deer also becomes a symbol of longevity. ◆ Ding ware bowl with lotus petal rim and molded frog and lotus motif from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋定窑贴花荷叶口大碗) This large bowl from the Ding kilns of the Northern Song Dynasty is a fine example of high-quality white porcelain. Its striking shape and intricate molded decorations immediately attract attention. The bowl’s rim is formed in the wavy mouth (boshuangkou) style, a classic Chinese ceramic form with evenly spaced undulating curves. The most notable feature is the interior decoration at the bottom. It includes two frogs and a lotus blossom. In Chinese symbolism, the lotus stands for purity and the frog represents fertility. These motifs reflect the aesthetic preferences of Song-era aristocrats. This bowl exemplifies the elegance of Song white porcelain. With its rare wave-shaped mouth and depiction of a lotus pond scene inside, it is considered a unique court or noble artifact. No comparable examples have been discovered to date. 2025-07-11 10:42:52

Rare Chinese relics unveiled at Daboseong Gallery appraisal session with top experts SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - Daboseong Gallery in South Korea has once again opened its doors to reveal a selection of Chinese antiquities rarely seen by the public, even in China itself. For the third year running, the gallery invited top Chinese appraisal experts to assess items from its vast collection, believed to be one of the most extensive private holdings of rare Chinese artifacts in Asia. The appraisal session, held on July 9, was led by Professor Lee Jung-soon of Chung-Ang University's Graduate School of International Studies. Invited to the gallery were Xuan Jiaxin, vice president of the Shanghai Calligraphers Association, and Chen Ketao, executive vice president of the Shanghai Collectors Association. The two spent the day examining a series of previously undisclosed Chinese relics, including calligraphy, porcelain, jade ornaments, and Neolithic artifacts. At the center of this year’s review was a Geumnisagyeong, a Buddhist scripture copied in gold ink on indigo-dyed paper by Zhao Mengfu (1254~1322), one of the most influential figures in Chinese calligraphy. The manuscript is a transcription of the Mahāvaipulya Complete Enlightenment Sūtra (Da Fangguang Yuanjue Xiuxiuluo Liaoyi Jing), written in two long scrolls. The upper scroll measures 33 centimeters by 11.46 meters, and the lower one 33 centimeters by 11 meters. Both are stored folded in a 35-by-13.5-centimeter box. At the end of the lower scroll is written: "延祐二年春月三寶弟子趙孟頫敬書", which translates as "Respectfully written by Zhao Mengfu, disciple of the Three Jewels, in the spring of the second year of Yanyou," referring to the year 1315. Zhao Mengfu, known for his mastery of all major Chinese scripts, including seal, clerical, regular, and cursive, was a towering figure in the Yuan Dynasty. His writing style, referred to as Songxue-ti or Zhao-ti, was widely admired not just in China but also in South Korea and Japan. His influence was especially visible during the early Joseon period, when his calligraphy gained widespread popularity. Beyond calligraphy, Zhao was also a painter, poet, and central figure in the artistic revival movement that promoted a return to Tang and Northern Song aesthetics. The Yuanjue Sutra is a central Mahayana Buddhist scripture, presenting a dialogue between the Buddha and twelve bodhisattvas. It lays out the doctrine of Great Perfect Enlightenment and emphasizes the innate Buddha-nature of all living beings. In South Korea, the text remains an important guide in Buddhist practice. Regarding the scripture, Xuan Jiaxin commented, "It’s the first time I’ve seen this piece, so it’s difficult to assign a price." He noted, however, that a similar work by Zhao had once fetched 30 billion won at auction in China. Chen Ketao also evaluated several significant ceramic works, calling them exceptional pieces that could start at several hundred million to several billion won at auction. Among them were a Northern Song Ru ware celadon vase with a gilt rim, a covered Ru ware bowl with a lotus-shaped saucer, a Ding ware bowl decorated with lotus motifs, a late Yuan to early Ming blue-and-white jar with underglaze red cloud-and-dragon designs, and a Xuande-era incense burner in the shape of a deer, painted in cobalt blue and iron red. The team also assessed several jade ornaments associated with the Hongshan culture, including the yuzhulong, a pig-dragon figure carved from jade. The Hongshan culture, which thrived 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, is often referred to as the beginning of Chinese civilization. Most of its relics were excavated from tombs and are considered key to understanding early spiritual practices in the region. Daboseong Gallery began its expert appraisal series in 2022. Last year, the gallery invited Wu Shaohua, adviser to the China Collectors Association, along with Xuan and Chen, to examine its holdings. In July 2023, three more experts, Ye Peilan of the China Cultural Relics Society, Yu Hui from Beijing’s Palace Museum, and Gu Fang from the China Collectors Association, visited South Korea and reviewed over 70 pieces, including paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy. That visit included the appraisal of an eight-meter painting attributed to Song Dynasty artist Shi Ke, as well as a lotus ewer from the Song period, a Yuan blue-and-red phoenix vase, a Ming blue-and-white dragon jar, and a Qing cloisonné lotus vase. The Shi Ke painting, like Zhao’s scripture this year, was described as being too rare to price. At the time, Xuan Jiaxin remarked that a comparable work by Northern Song calligrapher Huang Tingjian had sold at auction in Japan for 250 million yuan, or around 47.7 billion won. Kim Jong-choon, chairman of Daboseong Gallery, said, "This is the third year we’ve invited Chinese experts to evaluate our collection, and each time, the value of our holdings has been affirmed." He added, "We’re creating a platform for cultural exchange through these appraisals and discussions. And with many relics still unreleased to the public, this work will continue." 2025-07-10 13:50:08