Journalist
Arthur I. Cyr
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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Iran and US reach preliminary agreement on negotiation principles in Geneva SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - Iran and the United States have reached a comprehensive agreement on the basic principles for future negotiations following indirect talks held at the Omani Embassy in Geneva, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea said Thursday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, described this second round of discussions as more serious than previous sessions, noting they took place within a constructive and practical atmosphere. The meetings serve as a critical step in addressing long-standing friction between the two nations regarding nuclear and diplomatic issues. The talks were facilitated by Omani mediation to provide a neutral ground for the two delegations to communicate. Both parties have started drafting a transition agreement and agreed to coordinate the schedule for the next round of meetings following a formal exchange of texts. Despite the progress, officials emphasized that additional efforts are required to resolve remaining points of contention. The diplomatic track was further detailed in a telephone conversation between Professor Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The two officials reviewed the status of the indirect negotiations and exchanged views on the essential requirements for establishing a consistent negotiating framework. Director General Grossi provided a positive assessment of the Geneva talks and affirmed the agency's readiness to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives. During a keynote speech at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Professor Seyed Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that nuclear weapons represent the most significant threat to humanity. He clarified that the nuclear program of Iran is based entirely on peaceful objectives and stated that nuclear weapons hold no place in the national security doctrine of the country. The foreign minister further stressed the importance of maintaining the technical and neutral character of the IAEA. He committed to continued constructive cooperation with the agency within the framework of legal obligations to ensure a sustainable and balanced agreement that secures the rights of the Iranian people. Iran maintains that it will pursue goal-oriented and result-driven diplomacy to achieve practical outcomes through these sustained diplomatic efforts. 2026-02-19 19:38:31 -
EU open to mediate if North Korean POWs in Ukraine seek defection SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) -The European Union expressed readiness to help facilitate the return of North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine and called for closer cooperation with South Korea on security and sanctions, according to a senior EU diplomat Thursday. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, said the EU was willing to assist if requested on the issue of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russia. “Of course, they should not have been there in the first place, because this is an illegal war,” he said, referring to North Korean troops deployed to support Russia. “But I understand the humanitarian concern.” "We'll see how we can be helpful," he said, during a press briefing at the EU delegation office in central Seoul, as he expects the issue to be raised during his meetings in Seoul. Two North Korean soldiers captured in the Kursk region have previously expressed their intention to defect to South Korea through handwritten letters delivered to civic groups. Skoog also criticized Russia’s continued attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly energy facilities, saying Moscow was attempting to undermine public morale. “Unfortunately, Russia does not seem willing to seriously engage in peace efforts,” he said, adding that the EU, the United States and Ukraine had presented proposals aimed at ending the war. He stressed that the EU would continue pressing Russia through sanctions and diplomatic pressure while increasing support for Ukraine. “This is a peace effort, not a war effort,” he said. “We are asking partners to keep up the pressure on Russia and maintain support for Ukraine.” Skoog said Europe was being forced to take greater responsibility for its own security, partly due to what he described as reduced U.S. commitment to defending the continent. “We are stepping up the defense of our own countries and Europe,” he said, adding that this shift was reshaping EU foreign and security policy. He described the world as entering a period of “geopolitical disorder,” four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and said that strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries was now central to Europe’s strategy. Korea, he said, is among the EU’s closest strategic partners in this effort. “We consider Korea one of our most important partners in defending the multilateral system and the rules-based order,” Skoog said. He said discussions in Seoul would cover cooperation in cybersecurity, hybrid threats, maritime security, supply chain resilience and energy security. Europe, he added, is seeking to reduce dependence on external powers for critical resources and infrastructure. “We have seen how energy and raw materials can be weaponized,” he said, citing China and Russia. “We are trying to make ourselves less dependent on such practices.” Skoog also pointed to growing European interest in South Korean defense products as EU member states sharply expand military spending. “Many European countries believe Korea has very impressive capabilities,” he said. “There is strong interest in purchasing arms and defense systems from Korea.” He said the defense market in Europe was “huge” as governments raise budgets and seek advanced technologies not readily available within the continent. While emphasizing that the EU is not a military alliance like NATO, Skoog said Brussels is encouraging member states to “spend more and better” on security. He also rejected concerns that Europe is turning inward economically. “Europe is not protectionist,” he said. “We are negotiating free trade agreements like never before, and most products enter our market with no tariffs.” Skoog said Western sanctions were having a growing impact on Russia’s economy, noting that Moscow was depleting financial reserves. However, he acknowledged that the measures had not yet altered the Kremlin’s strategic calculations. “Sanctions are working, but they are still not enough,” he said. “We need to do more.” He called on partner countries, including South Korea, to help monitor and enforce sanctions more effectively, particularly against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to evade restrictions on oil and trade. He also urged closer cooperation on implementing United Nations sanctions against North Korea. “We have learned a lot about monitoring and stopping Russia’s shadow fleet,” he said. “There is more we can do together to ensure that North Korea is not helping to feed the Russian war machine.” During his visit, Skoog is scheduled to hold a Korea-EU high-level political dialogue with Vice Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hye and meet with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Unification Minister Chung Dong-young to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation. 2026-02-19 14:44:47 -
Ukraine War in 5th Year: Seoul urged to take "pragmatic" postwar posture *Editor's Note: As Russia's invasion of Ukraine nears its fifth year, AJP reviews how the war began, how it has evolved, and where it is heading — and asks the most urgent question of all: will it end? The third installment examines a practical post-war strategy for Seoul. SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - When Vladimir Putin recently spoke of "positive capital" in ties with Seoul while receiving the credentials of South Korea's new ambassador, Lee Seok-bae, last month the phrase carried more strategic weight than diplomatic courtesy. It was, according to Park Byong-hwan, director of the Eurasian Strategic Studies Institute and a former senior diplomat in Moscow, a signal Seoul should not ignore as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year. "Putin's language was cold and realist," Park said in an interview. "He was reminding Seoul that the window for pragmatic re-engagement is slowly opening. But our bureaucracy remains trapped in a defensive crouch." Since Russia's invasion in 2022, South Korea has aligned closely with U.S.-led sanctions, a stance that has coincided with Moscow's growing reliance on North Korea for arms and manpower. Relations further deteriorated after Seoul became an indirect supplier of artillery shells to Kyiv via the United States, prompting Russia to designate South Korea an "unfriendly nation." Park argued that Seoul has gone beyond what its alliance obligations require. "We failed to distinguish between necessary sanctions and unnecessary hostility," he said. "The result has been little security gain and substantial economic damage." Russian ambassador to Seoul Georgy Zinoviev echoed Putin's earlier narrative in a separate meeting with reporters in Seoul on Wednesday. "We have a lot of positive capital in our interaction with the Republic of Korea that has been wasted in many ways, but we count on the restoration of relations with the Republic of Korea." Trade losses and corporate retreat The economic cost has been tangible. According to the Korea Customs Service, South Korean exports to Russia more than halved, falling from nearly $10 billion in 2021 to $4.52 billion in 2024. New vehicle exports plunged from $2.5 billion to $589 million. Against this backdrop, Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia which used to be the largest foreign car brand in Russia allowed a buyback option on their former Russian manufacturing plant to expire in January, effectively ending hopes of an early return. Operations at the facility were suspended in March 2022 following sweeping Western sanctions that disrupted logistics and payments. Hyundai sold the plant in 2024 at a symbolic price, retaining a repurchase option that was quietly abandoned as political risks mounted. "Major corporations can absorb such losses," Park said. "Small and mid-sized exporters cannot." Zinoviev pointed out: "Major Korean producers were forced to leave because the government of the Republic of Korea introduced sanction restrictions against Russia on exports. Now the list of these restrictions has reached 1,402 positions, including semiconductors, cars, components, and electronics." "The glass can be half empty or half full. I would like to see practical steps that would make exchanges between our citizens more convenient, as I believe this would meet the interests of both Russians and Koreans," he added. The cost of over-compliance Park also was critical of Seoul's expansive export controls, which now cover consumer goods such as used vehicles and home appliances. "These measures have no military impact," he said. "Russia sources substitutes elsewhere, mainly from China and India. We are not weakening Moscow's war effort. We are strangling our own businesses." He argued that South Korea's approach has been more restrictive than that of several G7 peers, leaving it with little strategic flexibility as the conflict drags on. Japan, for example, has maintained energy interests in Russia while publicly condemning the war. Seoul, by contrast, has largely withdrawn. A shifting geopolitical landscape Park saw the emerging postwar order as increasingly multipolar. "Unlike China, Russia has no territorial ambitions on the Korean Peninsula," he said. "Historically, Moscow has been receptive to peaceful unification led by Seoul because of the economic benefits." He contended that Washington's growing interest in managing down the Ukraine conflict could eventually open space for recalibrated relations. "As the U.S. explores diplomatic exits, South Korea should position itself as a constructive partner, not a passive follower," Park said. Complementary strengths At a structural level, Park described the Korea-Russia relationship as fundamentally complementary: Russia's strength in basic science and resources paired with South Korea's manufacturing and commercialization capacity. "Much of this cooperation already exists quietly in the private sector," he noted. "Korean firms continue to rely on Russian scientific talent in advanced research." He also pointed to Russia's role as a nearby supplier of energy and food resources—an increasingly valuable asset amid global supply-chain fragmentation. "Geographically, Russia is at our doorstep," he said. "Strategically, that matters." The Arctic connection This logic extends to logistics. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to dispatch a trial container vessel from Busan to Rotterdam via the Arctic this September, testing the commercial viability of the Northern Sea Route. But Park warned that such ambitions depend on workable ties with Moscow. "You cannot use the Northern Sea Route without Russia," he said. "They control permits, icebreakers and safety systems. That is geographic reality." The Russian ambassador agreed; "To any person who glances at the map, it is perfectly clear that one needs to interact with Russia. If the Korean side wants to use the Northern Sea Route, it probably can start a corresponding dialogue with Russia." 2026-02-12 07:35:10 -
Uzbekistan and Türkiye align youth policies to boost technological and regional cooperation SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Turkey have expanded significantly in recent years, with youth policy emerging as a primary focus of the diplomatic agenda. This cooperation, initiated by the leaders of both nations, has moved beyond domestic social measures to become a formal component of interstate relations involving trade, education, and innovation. The shift toward a systematic approach was highlighted during the fifth meeting of the Ministers of Youth and Sports of the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, held on September 20, 2021, in Tashkent. During this summit, officials reached agreements to coordinate youth exchange programs and joint platforms, leading to a practical exchange in August 2022 where Uzbek youth visited Istanbul and Konya to establish social and professional ties. Technological cooperation has also become a cornerstone of the partnership. A delegation from the Youth Affairs Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the Teknofest Azerbaijan festival in May 2022. This was followed by Uzbekistan's first national pavilion at the Teknofest aerospace and technology festival in Samsun later that year. The pavilion featured 20 innovative projects developed by young Uzbek inventors and engineers. Further economic integration occurred during the Uzbekistan – Turkey Youth Business Forum held in Istanbul in December 2022. The event brought together more than 200 entrepreneurs and resulted in the signing of cooperation agreements worth 351,000 US dollars. To sustain this momentum, a memorandum was signed in 2025 to establish the Bilim Tashkent center, a facility dedicated to developing technological skills among youth in the Uzbek capital. The partnership also includes a strong humanitarian and volunteer component. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) worked with Uzbek youth to distribute food aid across the country. This volunteer cooperation continued during the recovery efforts following the 2023 earthquake in southeastern Turkey, where youth structures from both nations coordinated on-the-ground support. Institutional ties are set to strengthen further as the city of Khiva takes on the status of Youth Capital of the Turkic World in 2026. The project will include a young leaders and entrepreneurs forum and an international youth festival. Additionally, Samarkand and Bukhara are slated to become sister youth cities with the Turkish cities of Antalya and Ordu to foster regional connections. This evolving cooperation system integrates youth exchange, technological innovation, and humanitarian activity into a long-term strategy aimed at developing human capital and strengthening ties between the two societies. 2026-02-11 21:54:42 -
Bamin founder Kim Bong-jin delivers commencement address at Kookmin University graduation SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Kookmin University held its Spring 2026 commencement ceremony on February 11, where Kim Bong-jin, the founder of the food delivery platform Bamin and current CEO of Grande Clip, delivered the congratulatory address to graduating students. Kim Bong-jin, an alumnus of the Kookmin University Graduate School of Design, is recognized as a pioneering entrepreneur who combined design sensibilities with business strategy. He founded Woowa Brothers in 2010 and launched Bamin, which transformed the South Korean delivery market. The platform has recorded 6.5 billion cumulative orders and 153 trillion won in total transaction value, becoming a primary service in daily South Korean life. University officials stated that Kim Bong-jin was selected as the speaker because of his track record in identifying market problems and executing solutions through rapid experimentation. The university also cited his ongoing commitment to social contribution and support for the cultural and design sectors as an exemplary model of entrepreneurship for the graduates. Kookmin University President Jeong Seung-ryeol said the address aligned with the school's 80th anniversary slogan, "Make the Rule, Break the Rule." He noted that the experiences of an alumnus who created new standards and opened new paths would provide graduates with a broader perspective as they enter society. During the ceremony, Kookmin University awarded degrees to 2,225 undergraduate students, 801 master's degree recipients, and 147 doctoral graduates. While the university focuses on internal development and alumni success, it continues to maintain strong ties with other major institutions and industrial partners in South Korea to bolster its design and engineering programs. The event concluded with the formal conferral of degrees to the graduating class of 2025. 2026-02-11 10:12:56 -
Iranian envoy highlights longstanding friendship, shared future between Tehran and Seoul SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - Iran's ambassador to South Korea emphasized the enduring friendship between Tehran and Seoul and expressed hopes for deeper cooperation as the two countries look ahead, speaking at a reception marking the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution in Seoul on Tuesday. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea hosted the event at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul, attended by about 300 guests from diplomatic, academic and business circles. "In the field of bilateral relations, Iran and Korea share deep ties grounded in a long history and longstanding friendship, which provide an important foundation for the two countries to envision a brighter future together," Ambassador Saeed Koozechi said in commemorative remarks. Marking the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, Koozechi acknowledged challenges affecting economic engagement while pointing to continued diplomatic dialogue. "Although the unjust and unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States have placed a heavy burden on our economic cooperation, the two rounds of policy consultations held between our Foreign Ministries in 2025 clearly demonstrate both sides' commitment to preserving and further strengthening our bilateral ties," he said. The ambassador also pointed to Iran's development trajectory in science and industry. "In the field of science and technology, Iran's capacity for knowledge production has continued to grow, marked by significant achievements in advanced technologies and healthcare, as well as the expansion of knowledge-based enterprises," he said, adding that progress has continued "despite unjust sanctions and a challenging international environment." On foreign policy, he described Iran as pursuing "dynamic diplomatic engagement and strategic cooperation based on a balanced approach," supporting dialogue and multilateral cooperation. Iran and South Korea have maintained diplomatic engagement across political and economic constraints, including periods shaped by Western sanctions on Tehran. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seoul moved to facilitate humanitarian trade channels and medical support mechanisms, including medicine shipments, medical equipment exports and vaccine-related cooperation conducted under sanctions-exempt frameworks. 2026-02-11 09:50:50 -
18-year-old wins S. Korea's first female snowboard Olympic bronze SEOUL, February 10 (AJP) - High school student Yu Seung-eun has made history on Monday (local time) as the first South Korean woman to stand on an Olympic snowboarding podium, capturing a bronze medal in the big air event during her debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 18-year-old recorded a combined score of 171.00 points at Livigno Snow Park, finishing behind gold medalist Japan's Murase Kokomo and silver medalist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott from New Zealand. Her performance secured South Korea's second snowboarding medal of these Games, following a silver by Kim Sang-kyum in the men's parallel giant slalom on Sunday. South Korea is a relative newcomer to the international snowboarding scene compared to traditional winter sports powers in North America and Europe. While snowboarding made its Olympic debut in 1998, South Korea did not win its first medal in the sport until Lee Sang-ho took silver in the parallel giant slalom at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Yu's bronze represents the nation's first-ever Olympic medal in a freestyle snowboarding discipline. During the February 10 final, which aggregates the two highest scores from three attempts, Yu executed a backside triple cork 1440 mute grab on her opening run for 87.75 points. She moved into a temporary lead during the second round by landing a frontside triple cork 1440 Indy grab, which earned 83.25 points. Despite a fall on her final attempt that resulted in a score of 20.75 points, the strength of her first two runs kept her in third place. "My coach told me not to worry about the other athletes and just focus on my own performance, so I didn't even know I was in medal contention," Yu said. "It's an honor just to compete under the South Korean flag." Seongbok High School student Yu Seung-eun arrived in Italy as a medal prospect after becoming the first South Korean to earn a silver medal at a Big Air World Cup in Colorado last December. The women's big air final featured 12 athletes, with Yu's technical consistency marking a milestone for South Korea's winter sports program. 2026-02-10 08:28:14 -
BTS Comeback D-40: Police to deploy task force as Seoul concert expected to draw 260,000 SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - Seoul police are bracing for a massive influx of up to 260,000 people next month as K-pop band BTS returns to the stage for a high-profile comeback performance in the heart of the capital. Park Jeong-bo, commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, announced Monday that a dedicated task force led by the deputy commissioner for public safety has been established to manage the event. During a regular press briefing, the commissioner said every department within the force is currently focused on securing the venue. The concert, "BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG," is set for March 21 at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT) at Gwanghwamun Square. The event marks the first time the full group will perform together in nearly four years since completing their mandatory military service. Gwanghwamun Square serves as the historical and political center of South Korea. Situated at the northern end of Sejong-ro, the site is home to the statues of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and serves as the gateway to Gyeongbokgung Palace. The square has long been a focal point for South Korean public life, hosting everything from the 2002 World Cup street cheering to the 2016 candlelight vigils. Police estimate that 230,000 people could pack the area between the main stage and Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung Palace located about 700 meters (0.5 miles) south of the square. If crowds spill over toward Sungnyemun, South Korea's "Great South Gate" and National Treasure No. 1, situated another 600 meters further south, the total could climb to 260,000, based on a density of two people per square meter. While the square has a formal capacity of about 34,000 for seated events, its open layout and connection to major boulevards allow for significantly higher numbers. To maintain order, authorities will divide the area into four major zones and 15 sub-sections, each overseen by a police superintendent. Security efforts will extend beyond crowd control to include 13 violent crime teams from nine local stations and specialized anti-terrorism units tasked with conducting explosives sweeps. "We are preparing with all-out measures so that citizens can watch the performance safely," Park said. The agency's cyber unit is also tracking online threats and illegal activities, including the use of macro programs to manipulate ticket sales and scams involving fraudulent accommodation bookings. While the event organizer, Hybe, has hired 3,500 private safety personnel, Park noted that police may request more staff depending on the turnout. The concert follows the March 20 release of the group's new album, also titled "ARIRANG," and will be streamed globally on Netflix. 2026-02-09 16:20:20 -
KAIST Professor receives AIBN Medal for translational research SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - Lee Sang-yeop, a distinguished professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and vice president of research at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology was awarded the Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Translational Research Award in Brisbane, Australia, on February 3, the South Korean institute said in a statement on Monday. The Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Medal is a prestigious global recognition reserved for scientists who bridge the gap between academic discovery and industrial application. Unlike traditional academic honors that prioritize citation volume, this award evaluates a researcher’s impact on technology dissemination, international cooperation, and social value. Sue Harrison, the University of Queensland’s deputy vice-chancellor of research, personally delivered the medal to Professor Lee. Professor Lee has spent more than three decades at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) leading the development of systems metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. His career includes the publication of 798 academic papers and the filing of 868 patents. Beyond his individual research, AIBN credited Professor Lee with playing a foundational role in shaping the institute’s research strategy during its formative years between 2006 and 2007. The collaboration between Professor Lee and Australian researchers began with sugar-based bio-manufacturing and evolved into high-impact projects involving sustainable aviation fuel and waste gas fermentation. This partnership eventually expanded into a global network including the University of California, Berkeley, and industry leaders such as Amyris, LanzaTech, and SkyNRG. These efforts helped establish the University of Queensland as a premier research hub for bio-manufacturing in Australia. Professor Lee currently holds international memberships in the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society in the United Kingdom, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He also previously served as co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biotechnology. "This AIBN Medal is more than a personal achievement; it is the culmination of long-standing cooperation between KAIST, the University of Queensland, and researchers across South Korea and Australia," Professor Lee said. "It proves that systems metabolic engineering and synthetic biology can provide tangible solutions for sustainable industry and global social issues." KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung noted that the award reflects the university’s commitment to research that moves beyond the laboratory. He stated that the institution will continue to prioritize global partnerships that translate biotechnological breakthroughs into real-world value. Although Professor Lee was named the inaugural recipient of the AIBN Medal in 2016, the formal ceremony was delayed by nearly a decade due to scheduling conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026-02-09 13:46:30 -
BTS Comeback D-40: Free tickets for Gwanghwamun Square show SEOUL, February 09 (AJP) - BTS will open free ticket reservations for their upcoming outdoor comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square starting February 23. According to an announcement posted to the fan platform Weverse on Monday, the group has finalized the entry process for "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG," a massive event marking their return as a full seven-member unit. The ticketing is split into two categories to accommodate both the general public and dedicated fans. General admission tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through the online platform Nol Ticket at 8:00 p.m. on February 23. These seats are free and open to anyone without prerequisite conditions. Specific booking instructions are scheduled to be released at noon on February 20 via Weverse and Nol Ticket. Official fans, known as ARMY, can also participate in a global raffle through Weverse. This draw is open to Weverse membership holders who purchase the group's fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," during the designated application period. Further details regarding the raffle entries will be published on February 10. The performance, set for 8:00 p.m. on March 21 in the heart of Seoul, represents a major milestone as the group's first full-scale appearance following a long hiatus. Netflix will collaborate on the event to provide a exclusive live stream to over 190 countries and regions, marking the first time the streaming giant has broadcast a live performance for a solo musical act. In tandem with the concert, the group will launch "BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL," a city-wide festival running from March 20 to April 12. The project will transform various locations across South Korea's capital with interactive media content and large-scale art installations that blend the group's music with the urban environment. 2026-02-09 11:29:07