Journalist

박세진
Kim Dae-sik
  • President Lee hails Hangul as symbol of Korean peoples power and key to global cultural rise
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • Chinas No. 2 official to visit Pyongyang for party anniversary as Xi skips trip
    China's No. 2 official to visit Pyongyang for party anniversary as Xi skips trip SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Although Chinese President Xi Jinping will not visit North Korea this week, Beijing's decision to send Premier Li Qiang — the country's No. 2 official — to Pyongyang for the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea is being seen as a clear sign of strengthening ties between the two neighbors. The move marks a noticeable upgrade from the 2015 celebrations, when China sent Liu Yunshan, then fifth in the Communist Party hierarchy. Both North Korean and Chinese state media confirmed on Monday that Li will lead a senior delegation of party and government officials to Pyongyang from October 9 to 11. North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the visit, made at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean government, will be an "official goodwill visit." China's Foreign Ministry said Li will attend the anniversary celebrations and meet senior North Korean officials during his stay. His trip will be the highest-level Chinese presence in Pyongyang since Xi's own state visit in 2019, signaling Beijing's renewed willingness to show support for North Korea while avoiding a personal appearance by Xi himself. The decision to send Li reflects a visible warming of relations between Beijing and Pyongyang after several years of limited contact. Kim Jong-un's visit to Beijing in early September for China's "Victory Day" military parade — his first trip to China in five years — helped reopen high-level dialogue between the two sides. Speculation about a possible Xi visit had circulated for weeks after North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing late last month. The two officials agreed to deepen cooperation following Kim's attendance at the Chinese parade, which many analysts viewed as a symbolic step toward restoring ties. Xi is expected to travel to Gyeongju, South Korea, later this month to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he is likely to hold his first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since the start of Trump's second term. Other socialist nations are also sending senior representatives to Pyongyang for the October 10 anniversary. Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith are expected to attend, while Russia will send Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of its Security Council and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. 2025-10-07 14:29:19
  • Hwang You-min rises to world No. 33 after Hawaii LPGA win
    Hwang You-min rises to world No. 33 after Hawaii LPGA win SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - South Korean female golfer Hwang You-min climbed to 33rd in the world rankings after capturing her first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour title at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii, securing a direct entry to the U.S.-based circuit. In the latest Women's World Golf Rankings released Tuesday, Hwang jumped 20 spots from 53rd to 33rd following her victory at Hoakalei Country Club in Oahu on Sunday. The 22-year-old carded a final-round 5-under 67 to finish at 17-under 271 overall, edging out compatriot Kim Hyo-joo and becoming the sixth South Korean player to win on the LPGA Tour this year. The win, achieved through a sponsor’s invitation from her main backer Lotte, earned her $450,000 in prize money and a full LPGA Tour membership. Under LPGA rules, Hwang can either begin her U.S. career immediately or defer her status until the start of the 2026 season. Before her breakout in Hawaii, Hwang had already established herself as one of the most promising players on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. She joined the KLPGA in 2023 and captured two titles within her first two seasons. Known for her calm temperament and precise iron play, she quickly built a reputation as one of the most consistent young players on tour. Born in 2003, Hwang began playing golf as a child and represented South Korea internationally as an amateur before turning professional. Her strong fundamentals and level-headed style have drawn comparisons to veteran Kim Hyo-joo, who finished runner-up at the same event. The Lotte Championship victory also boosted the global standing of South Korean golf, which continues to be a dominant force in women’s golf. Kim Hyo-joo moved up one place to eighth in the world rankings, Yoo Hae-ran stayed at 13th, and Ko Jin-young climbed three spots to 18th. Kim Min-sol, who won last week’s KLPGA Dongbu Construction–Korea Land & Housing Championship, rose 43 places to 75th. Hwang’s path now mirrors that of several South Korean players who made their names on the LPGA Tour, including Pak Se-ri, Park In-bee, and Shin Ji-yai. 2025-10-07 12:13:17
  • Kang Kyung-hwa takes post as South Korean ambassador to Washington, vows stronger alliance
    Kang Kyung-hwa takes post as South Korean ambassador to Washington, vows stronger alliance SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Kang Kyung-hwa, South Korea's new ambassador to the United States and former foreign minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, began her first day of official duties on Monday (local time), pledging to reinforce the South Korea–U.S. alliance through what she called "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest." At her inauguration ceremony held at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Kang said the Lee Jae Myung government will continue to uphold a people-centered approach to diplomacy. "Our government is a people-sovereignty administration that places citizens at the center of all policies, pursuing democracy, common sense, and pragmatism to improve people's lives," she said. "That philosophy will also carry over to diplomacy." Kang said South Korea will pursue a flexible and practical foreign policy to respond to growing global challenges. "There are many complex challenges in the world, but our government will respond swiftly through pragmatic diplomacy that puts national interests first. At the core of that diplomacy lies the South Korea–U.S. alliance," she said. She emphasized that the alliance has evolved over the past seven decades from a traditional military partnership into what she described as a "comprehensive strategic alliance" built on three main pillars: security, economy, and advanced technology. "We will continue to build on that foundation and strengthen it further," she said. Kang, who served as South Korea's first female foreign minister from 2017 to 2021, is known for her negotiation skills and steady, principled approach to diplomacy. Her appointment to Washington is seen as a signal that the Lee administration is seeking to stabilize ties with Washington through experienced leadership as regional dynamics shift ahead of major international summits. Earlier in the day, Kang visited the White House Guest House, where she met Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol at the U.S. State Department, and presented a copy of her credentials — a process completed just two days after her arrival in Washington on October 4, which the embassy described as unusually swift. Kang said she intends to serve as "a bridge of communication" between the two governments ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit at the end of the month. "As ambassador on the front line of South Korea–U.S. diplomacy, I will do my utmost to ensure that the relationship continues to move forward in all areas, including President Trump's upcoming visit," she said. Crowley congratulated Kang on her appointment and said Washington would "make every effort to coordinate closely on all bilateral issues, including preparations for President Trump's visit." The South Korean Embassy said the prompt delivery of credentials underscored both the significance and urgency of Kang's appointment, highlighting Seoul's commitment to close coordination with Washington ahead of key diplomatic events this month. 2025-10-07 10:07:07
  • Hit anime K-pop Demon Hunters drives surge in resale of related items up global traffic
    Hit anime 'K-pop Demon Hunters' drives surge in resale of related items up global traffic SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters is fueling a rush in South Korea’s secondhand market. Action figures, badges, and other show-themed goods are moving quickly on resale platforms as fans look for items tied to the animation's tiger and magpie characters. Released in June, the animation follows a K-pop idol group that secretly fights demons in Seoul. It blended mythology, music, and action and built major buzz. It became the first South Korea–themed Netflix title to pass 300 million cumulative views, and its soundtrack song "Golden" held the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for seven straight weeks. According to industry data provided by secondhand trading platform Bunjang, listings tagged with "magpie and tiger" on the popular ecommerce platform rose 357 percent between June 20 and September 29 compared with the previous three months, while total transaction value increased 164 percent. Items using the tiger-and-magpie motif, which draws on traditional folk art, have been especially active. During the same period, transactions using the keyword "National Museum of Korea" increased by one thousand percent, and total sales rose by 573 percent. The museum's magpie-and-tiger badges and related items have sold out at times, sending buyers to secondhand channels. Beyond the domestic rush for show-linked goods, Bunjang's cross-border activity has also climbed. Bunjang's data shows its overseas service, Bunjang Global, topped two million monthly active users by mid-September and is on track to exceed 2.2 million by month’s end, about five times higher than the 430,000 users recorded a year earlier. In the first half of the year, total transaction value rose 333 percent from a year earlier, while the number of transactions increased 345 percent. Much of the recent demand comes from overseas buyers seeking K-pop photo cards, limited-edition collectibles, and handmade items with traditional patterns seen in K-pop Demon Hunters. 2025-10-06 13:07:14
  • Kazakh traditional fashion show celebrates Central Asia–Korea friendship
    Kazakh traditional fashion show celebrates Central Asia–Korea friendship SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - A traditional fashion show featuring Central Asian designs was recently held in Seoul on September 30 to mark the Central Asia–Korea Friendship Day, offering a colorful display of the region's heritage and creativity, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said. The event, organized by the Central Asia–Korea Friendship Association, brought together diplomats, artists, and business representatives. In his welcoming remarks, Kazakh Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov noted the continued growth of cultural ties between Central Asia and South Korea and outlined parts of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent State-of-the-Nation Address. The ambassador emphasized Kazakhstan's plans to create a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and to expand advanced technologies in the creative industry. He also highlighted the upcoming presentation of the Alatau City project in South Korea, describing it as a key initiative for smart city development, green innovation, and tourism. Association President Lee Ok Ryun said the diverse traditions and music of Central Asian countries have found a strong resonance with South Korean audiences and help promote better understanding between the regions. The fashion segment featured Kazakhstan's "Tarbiya" brand, which presented a collection of traditional costumes infused with modern elements. The designs drew warm responses from the audience and reflected the growing interest in Central Asia's rich cultural identity. 2025-10-06 12:38:40