Journalist
Kim Dae-sik
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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Kim Jong-un reaffirms closer ties with Xi Jinping in message through domestic newspaper SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with China, sending a reply letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping that was published on the front page of Rodong Sinmun on Tuesday. The letter was written in response to Xi’s earlier congratulatory message marking the 77th anniversary of North Korea’s founding. In the official English version of the message, provided by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim wrote: "I express thanks to comrade general secretary for sending warm congratulations and sincere wishes on the occasion of the 77th founding anniversary of the DPRK." He recalled his recent visit to Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the end of the war against Japan and World War II, saying: "I could feel well enough the invariable support and special friendly feelings of the Chinese Party, government and people towards our Party, government and people." Kim pledged that "it is the steadfast stand of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to further strengthen and develop the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and China as required by the times." He added that both countries would "more vigorously promote the development of the DPRK-China friendly relations in the common struggle for accomplishing the socialist cause and thus provide the peoples of the two countries with greater welfare." Rodong Sinmun's coverage carries particular weight. While the KCNA is the regime’s outlet for international audiences, Rodong is the official newspaper of the ruling Workers’ Party and is directed at the domestic readership. By placing Kim’s letter prominently on its front page, the leadership signaled to the North Korean public that the alliance with China is strong and remains a source of legitimacy and pride. The relationship between China and North Korea has long swung between cooperation and tension. Beijing backed international sanctions in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons tests, which created friction in the mid-2010s. But starting in 2018, the relationship warmed again as Kim and Xi met several times ahead of Kim’s high-profile summits with then U.S. President Donald Trump. The pandemic later stalled such exchanges, with North Korea sealing its borders for several years, but renewed contacts since 2024 have steadily restored ties. Kim's Beijing trip earlier this month was his first overseas journey since the COVID-19 lockdowns. His summit with Xi was the first in nearly seven years, and both sides declared their ties "unshakable." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its official readout of the meeting on September 5, avoided mentioning denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, a notable departure from Beijing’s past position. The omission pointed to a recalibration in how China now presents its relationship with Pyongyang. The timing of this renewed closeness comes as regional dynamics grow more complicated. Since taking office for his second term in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a tougher stance toward both North Korea and China. The U.S. State Department, in a September 4 press briefing, criticized Kim's participation in the Beijing parade, describing it as a move that "emboldens authoritarian alliances." South Korea has taken a more restrained line, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula while monitoring the closer ties between its northern neighbor and Beijing. The renewed emphasis on ties with Beijing comes just two days after Kim’s address at the Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang on Sunday. In that speech, he signaled openness to talks with Washington if the United States dropped its denuclearization demand, while firmly rejecting any dialogue or unification with South Korea, which he dismissed as a "U.S.-dependent colony." 2025-09-23 13:59:14 -
Turkish President Erdoğan urges global recognition of Palestine SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Tuesday the Palestinian cause has become "a global issue," pointing to growing recognition of Palestine and widespread public support. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York, he said, "In Europe, in Asia, in the Americas, in Africa, we are witnessing people chanting 'Free Palestine' on streets, on social media, or in the press more than ever before now." Erdoğan praised the recent recognition of Palestine by several countries, including some members of the UN Security Council, calling those acknowledgments "extremely significant and historic steps." France formally recognized the State of Palestine on September 22, joining nations such as Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal. About eighty percent of UN member states now recognize Palestine. The Turkish president urged that recognition be followed by action: ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. "We wish we could see President Abbas of Palestine among us here today. Nevertheless, I find it extremely valuable that all the participants speaking today are also serving as the voice of the Palestinian people," he said. The speech came as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel -- killing about 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages -- Israel has responded with sustained air, sea, and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. More than sixty-five thousand Palestinians have reportedly died, many civilians, and large swaths of Gaza have been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Displacement is widespread; famine and shortages of necessities have been widely reported. Clinics, hospitals, water, and electricity systems have been damaged. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have intensified ground operations in Gaza City. On September 20, at least sixty Palestinians were killed in assaults on underground shafts and booby-trapped tunnels, according to health authorities in Gaza. Displaced civilians are said to be caught in the crossfire, with housing blocks destroyed and limited safe routes remaining. Two hospitals have stopped operations due to nearby bombings and extensive damage, while aid access has become increasingly difficult. These new phases of the offensive deepen concerns for civilian safety. Israel has strongly opposed the latest wave of recognition, arguing that such moves reward terror and undermine its security. Israeli leaders have warned of diplomatic and legal responses, including maintaining or expanding settlement activity. Some countries that have not recognized Palestine remain cautious, tying recognition to commitments to non-violence and political reform. Erdoğan said the worldwide showing of support reflects a shift in public opinion that cannot be ignored. "Participation in this hall is the most important proof of this," he said. 2025-09-23 10:36:46 -
Kazakh minister strengthens science and education ties during Seoul visit SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek wrapped up a two-day visit to South Korea on September 11, focusing on expanding cooperation in science, technology, and higher education, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said. While in Seoul, Nurbek met with South Korean officials and university leaders to deepen collaboration and create more opportunities for students and researchers. In talks with Bae Kyung-hoon, Minister of Science and ICT, both sides agreed to work toward advancing partnerships in science, technology, and innovation. Nurbek also met Acting Education Minister Choi Eun-ok, where the discussion centered on building on the AI School project run by Seoul National University of Science and Technology at Korkyt Ata University in Kazakhstan. They agreed that student exchanges should be expanded to strengthen people-to-people links. At Sungkyunkwan University, Nurbek sat down with President Yoo Ji-beom to talk about dual-degree programs developed with Satbayev University. The initiative is designed to give Kazakh students broader access to advanced education. The two sides also looked at ways to increase SKKU’s engagement with Kazakh institutions. Cooperation with Seoul Cyber University took another step forward, with both sides agreeing to expand work with Q University. During his campus visit, the Kazakh delegation paid respects at a bust of Abai, the 19th-century Kazakh poet, and visited a dedicated Kazakh room. The two institutions also signed a memorandum of understanding. At KAIST, Nurbek held talks with President Lee Kwang Hyung on cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and start-up incubation. They discussed the creation of joint laboratories and new exchange programs as Kazakhstan seeks to build capacity in advanced technology. Nurbek also met with Lee Dae-hee, CEO of Korea Venture Investment Corporation, to explore ways of drawing Korean venture capital into Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem. Co-investment and collaboration to support start-ups were identified as priority areas. At Seoul National University of Science and Technology, he held talks with President Kim Dong Hwan on future cooperation. 2025-09-22 15:39:17 -
KAIST combines AI and light-based brain control to fight Parkinson's disease SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) has announced a new way to detect and treat Parkinson's disease earlier, using artificial intelligence and light to study and control brain signals. The work was led by Professor Heo Won-do of KAIST's Department of Biological Sciences. Professor Kim Dae-soo of KAIST’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Director Lee Chang-joon of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) also took part in the project. Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that gets worse over time. It causes symptoms such as shaking, stiff muscles, slow movement, and trouble with balance. Famous figures like Mohammad Ali and Michael J. Fox have lived with it for years. Doctors often cannot detect it early because the first changes in the brain are too small for regular tests to catch. Current drugs that target brain signals also have limited success. The KAIST-led team tried something different. They studied mice engineered to develop Parkinson's-like symptoms. Using several cameras and artificial intelligence, they tracked more than 340 types of body movement, such as walking patterns, hand and foot motions, and tremors. The AI system turned this complex information into one score, called the "Parkinson’s behavior index." This score revealed early signs of Parkinson’s disease just two weeks after symptoms began. It was more accurate than older motor function tests. The most telling clues were uneven movement between left and right limbs, shorter walking steps, posture changes, and chest tremors. To prove that the index was specific to Parkinson’s and not just general motor problems, the team tested it on mice with ALS, another disease that affects movement. Those mice did not show the same score, confirming that the new system really points to Parkinson's-specific changes. For treatment, the researchers turned to a technique called optogenetics, which uses light to control the activity of brain cells. Their method, called optoRET, shone light on certain brain cells linked to dopamine, the chemical heavily affected by Parkinson’s disease. In the mouse experiments, this treatment improved walking, made limb movements smoother, and reduced tremors. The best results came when the light was used every other day. "This study is the first in the world to bring AI-based behavior analysis and optogenetics together in one framework for Parkinson’s," said Professor Heo. "It provides a foundation for new therapies that can be customized for each patient." The findings were published on August 21 in Nature Communications. KAIST researcher Hyun Bo-bae was the first author. She is now continuing related research at McLean Hospital, part of Harvard Medical School, with support from South Korea’s Korea Health Industry Development Institute. The project was supported by KAIST’s Global Singularity Research Program, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the National Research Foundation of Korea, IBS, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. 2025-09-22 15:07:39 -
Kim Jong-un signals openness to US talks while rejecting S. Korea as partner SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - In a speech delivered at the Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang on Sunday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said he could meet with the United States if Washington abandoned its insistence on denuclearization, while ruling out dialogue or unification with South Korea, "I still personally have good memories of President Trump," Kim said, according to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 22. "If the United States casts off its obsession with denuclearization and seeks genuine peaceful coexistence on the basis of reality, then there is no reason why we cannot face them." Kim paired that conditional outreach with a strong rejection of any negotiations on giving up nuclear arms. "The world already knows what happens after a country is disarmed and stripped of its nuclear deterrent. We will never lay down our weapons," he said, warning that North Korea's deterrence has a "second mission" of nuclear retaliation if its "first mission" of preventing war fails. While signaling a potential path to U.S. dialogue, Kim dismissed South Korea altogether. He called the South a "U.S.-dependent colony" and declared that "reunification is unnecessary." He said, "We will never think of unifying with a country that entrusts its politics and defense to foreign powers." He also criticized President Lee Jae Myung's three-step denuclearization proposal as a "copy of predecessors' failed ideas," and indicated plans to codify in law that North and South Korea are "two different states." Seoul responded with caution. Unification Ministry Spokesperson Koo Byung-sam stressed that South Korea has no intention of seeking an aggressive approach toward the North. "The government respects the North's system and will not pursue any form of absorption unification, nor does it intend to engage in hostile acts," Koo told reporters on Monday. He added that the administration would focus on easing tensions and rebuilding trust "with a long-term perspective," while supporting dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang aimed at stabilizing peace. Koo declined to speculate on whether Kim's remarks could open the door to talks with the U.S. on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November, where President Donald Trump is expected to visit South Korea. "We will not make early predictions," he said. 2025-09-22 13:39:04 -
Kyung Hee University hosts 44th Peace BAR Festival to mark UN International Day of Peace SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Kyung Hee University System is hosting its 44th Peace BAR Festival from Sept. 19 to 20, bringing together global leaders and intellectuals to address humanity's challenges under the theme "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics." The festival, announced by the university system led by Chancellor Choue In-won, commemorates the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which was originally proposed by the university's founder, the late Dr. Choue Young-seek. The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the International Day of Peace at its 36th session on Nov. 30, 1981, initially observed on the third Tuesday of September and since 2001 on Sept. 21. The assembly also declared 1986 as the International Year of Peace. This year's event takes place at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Hall and other venues on the Seoul campus, with the university designating Sept. 15 to 20 as "International Day of Peace Week" featuring diverse related activities. The commemorative ceremony on Sept. 19 explores pathways to peace and coexistence in an era marked by unprecedented challenges. Chancellor Choue will deliver a commemorative address titled "The Moment of Chaos: A Quest for Holistic Engagement," reflecting on contemporary crises and future prospects while proposing new conceptualizations of peace. Professor Naomi Oreskes of Harvard University will follow with a keynote speech titled "From Global to Planetary Society: A New Pathway Toward Human Civilizations." Her address emphasizes the need for a planetary transition to move beyond current global crises. A special panel discussion, "The Moment of Chaos: The Future of Planetary Politics," will bring together Chancellor Choue, Professor Oreskes, and Professor G. John Ikenberry of Princeton University, who also serves as Global Eminence scholar at Kyung Hee University. The panel will examine current crises facing humanity and explore the paradigm shifts in politics and civilization required to address them. The afternoon session features the Havel Dialogue, highlighting the spirit of Václav Havel, an iconic symbol of Czech democracy. The session, "Revisiting the Havel Spirit for Civic Values and Engagement," includes leading international scholars such as Tomáš Sedláček, Director of the Havel Library. A subsequent roundtable discussion titled "Breakthrough or Breakdown: Planetary Consciousness and Transformative Politics" gathers leading global intellectuals and practitioners to explore humanity's trajectory at this crossroads of civilizational transition. The discussion aims to envision new forms of global solidarity. Notable speakers include Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first woman Prime Minister and founding member of The Elders—a globally respected leadership group and the first recipient of the Miwon Peace Prize last year—alongside Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of the Club of Rome. On Sept. 20, the festival continues with a colloquium and Youth Peace Forum addressing "Climate Justice and Intergenerational Justice: A Road Toward Planetary Citizenship." These sessions foster dialogue on the vision for a planetary society with younger generations, recognizing their crucial role in shaping future solutions. The week-long celebration includes various parallel events designed to engage different segments of society. These include commemorative activities for civil society and students, a digital short-form contest co-hosted by Kyung Hee University-affiliated institutions, global citizenship booths, and a Humanitas writing contest. "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics represents our effort to address the complex challenges facing humanity while fostering innovative approaches to peace and coexistence," the university said. The event's focus on planetary consciousness and transformative politics reflects growing recognition that traditional approaches to global governance may be insufficient for addressing interconnected crises ranging from climate change to social inequality. Through its multi-day program bringing together diverse voices from academia, politics, and civil society, the festival aims to contribute meaningful insights and actionable pathways toward a more peaceful and sustainable future. The 44th Peace BAR Festival continues Kyung Hee University's longstanding commitment to peace education and global cooperation, building on the legacy established by its founder's successful proposal to the United Nations over four decades ago. 2025-09-19 14:06:53 -
Turkish ambassador underscores friendship at Seoul screening of war film Ayla SEOUL, September 18 (AJP) - Turkish Ambassador to South Korea Salih Murat Tamer underscored the enduring friendship between the two countries at a special screening of the film "Ayla: The Daughter of War" on September 17. "Watching the film Ayla together here in Seoul is not just an opportunity to enjoy a movie. It is a special occasion to reaffirm the brotherly bond forged during the Korean War," he said in his welcome remarks. He added, "The people of Türkiye will forever remember Ayla, who lives on in our hearts as one of the most beautiful symbols of Turkish–Korean friendship." The screening was part of the 7th Diplomacy Week, themed "Connecting the World Together," organized by the Korea Foundation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The weeklong event is designed to showcase public diplomacy in practice, highlighting food, arts, culture, and international exchange to strengthen goodwill toward South Korea. "Ayla: The Daughter of War," directed by Can Ulkay, is a 2017 Turkish production based on a true story from the Korean War. It tells the story of a Turkish sergeant who found a young Korean girl on the battlefield in 1950. Naming her Ayla, he cared for her during the war, forming a bond that endured even after the two were separated. Decades later, the soldier and Ayla reunited in an emotional meeting that became widely known as a symbol of Turkish–Korean friendship. Türkiye is recognized by South Koreans as a "brother country" and its people as "blood brothers." Such recognition grew during the Korean War, when Türkiye deployed 21,212 soldiers to the Korean Peninsula. More than 900 Turkish troops lost their lives, and 462 are buried at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in the southern port city of Busan. The two nations established official diplomatic ties in 1957, and the wartime sacrifice left a deep imprint on South Korean public memory. Ambassador Tamer reflected on this shared history and the values it represents. "Through this film, we are reminded that friendship, solidarity, and compassion are universal values that transcend borders," he said. "These ties do not belong only to the past, but continue to shape the cooperation and goodwill between our countries today." 2025-09-18 12:14:03 -
KAIST develops AI to predict dangerous crowd surges more accurately SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) has developed an artificial intelligence system that can predict when and where dangerous crowd crushes may occur, raising hopes for preventing disasters such as the Itaewon tragedy that occurred in 2022. The research, announced on September 17, was led by Professor Lee Jae-gil of KAIST's School of Computing. The study also involved contributions from Professor Yoon Soo-sik of Korea University and Professor Song Hwan-joon of KAIST's Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Doctoral students Nam Young-eun and Na Ji-hye of KAIST were among the lead authors. The team presented their findings in August at KDD 2025, one of the world’s top conferences in artificial intelligence and data science. Professor Lee's team sought to create an AI that could catch the early signs of such crowd disasters. Existing methods often focus only on one factor, such as how many people are currently in a space or how they are moving between areas. The new model combines both. The researchers introduced a technique called bi-modal learning, which analyzes node data (how many people are in a given location) and edge data (how people are moving between locations) at the same time. To improve accuracy, they added three-dimensional contrastive learning, which allows the AI to capture both spatial relationships and how those relationships shift over time. This approach makes it possible to spot situations that single-factor models might miss. For example, if one alley is not yet overcrowded but nearby areas are steadily sending more people into it, the AI can flag the location as high-risk before it becomes critical. To test their system, the researchers built six real-world datasets. These included subway ridership in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu, traffic flow in New York, and COVID-19 case records from South Korea and New York. Across all tests, their model outperformed 16 leading prediction methods. In some cases, it achieved a maximum of 76.1 percent greater accuracy, measured by mean squared error, a standard benchmark for predictive reliability. "This research shows the importance of developing technology that can have a real social impact," said Professor Lee. "We hope it will contribute to managing large crowds at festivals and events, reducing urban traffic congestion, and even slowing the spread of infectious diseases." The study was presented at the ACM SIGKDD Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD 2025). 2025-09-17 11:22:30 -
Lee vows practical diplomacy with US, China, Japan, and Russia SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that South Korea will pursue "practical diplomacy centered on national interest" to improve relations with the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Lee outlined the first of five foreign policy tasks under his administration, emphasizing that South Korea must navigate its diplomacy based on pragmatic choices rather than ideology. "We will move beyond rigid thinking and focus on advancing cooperation with the four major powers to protect and expand our national interest," he said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The president highlighted that the strategic environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula is changing rapidly, with heightened tensions in Northeast Asia and shifting global supply chains. He said South Korea must strengthen relations with each of the four powers in ways that ensure balance and resilience. Lee noted that ties with the U.S remain the cornerstone of South Korea's security, particularly in deterring threats from North Korea. He also pointed to the depth of economic interdependence with China, which accounts for roughly one quarter of South Korea's exports. Relations with Japan have recently gained momentum. In late August, Lee held his first full bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, where the two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and agreed to expand collaboration in areas such as hydrogen, ammonia, and artificial intelligence. Relations with Russia remain complicated, particularly since South Korea joined international sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. Still, the government views Moscow as an important factor in regional stability. At a reception in Seoul last week marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev said, "Despite many difficulties, there are still possibilities for Russia and South Korea to restore practical and mutually beneficial cooperation." His remarks were widely seen as a signal that Moscow is open to improving ties under the new administration. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul briefed the Cabinet on the ministry's plan to advance this task, which includes holding regular high-level talks with Washington, Beijing, Tokyo, and Moscow and expanding platforms for dialogue on both security and economic issues. The ministry said the broader aim is to strengthen South Korea's voice in shaping regional order and to ensure that diplomacy serves the country's long-term prosperity and security. 2025-09-16 18:14:33 -
S. Korea mulls renaming term for N. Korean defectors as integration deepens SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the government is studying the possibility of changing the widely used Korean term "Talbukmin" (탈북민, translated as defector) to refer to North Korean arrivals, reflecting a shift in perceptions as more North Korean-born residents take active roles in society. According to the Ministry of Unification on Tuesday, Chung's remarks were made during his opening speech session of the Gyeonggi-region Unification Plus Center on Monday. The minister noted that the word Talbukmin carries a negative connotation. "The word that North Korean arrivals dislike the most is 'Tal' (탈, translated roughly as 'to exit'), and the words Tal and Talbuk (탈북, to exit from the North) sound very unpleasant. That is why the ministry has commissioned research to find an alternative name. Right now, 'Bukhyangmin' seems to be the most supported option." The term "Bukhyangmin" translates roughly as "people whose hometown is in the North." The ministry signed a research contract last month with the Association for North Korean Studies to study alternatives and will publish the results in November. The research will consider whether to formally revise the legal term Talbukmin as defined in South Korea's settlement law or to promote a softer everyday expression instead. The debate comes against the backdrop of how North Korean-born residents have become far more visible and integrated in South Korean society. Twenty years ago, defectors were often regarded with curiosity, and even ten years ago, they were seen as exceptions. Today, they are present across multiple fields, from YouTube influencers and business leaders to public servants and politicians. One of the most prominent is Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected in 2016 and later became a South Korean lawmaker. Thae, who had served as North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, won a parliamentary seat in 2020 as a member of the conservative People Power Party. His career underscored how those once described only as defectors are now shaping South Korea's own political discourse.. The trend is supported by data. According to the Unification Ministry, more than 33,000 North Korean defectors have resettled in South Korea since the 1990s. Women account for about 72 percent of new arrivals. Annual entries peaked in the mid-2000s at over 2,000, but the numbers nosedived after 2012 and fell even more sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, when border closures between North Korea and China nearly halted defections. Only 229 people entered in 2020, dropping to 63 in 2021 and 67 in 2022. Although arrivals remain at record lows, the community as a whole has grown large enough to push for shifts in terminology and perception. Public sentiment also points in that direction. A 2023 Korea Institute for National Unification survey found that 58.9 percent of defectors themselves supported changing the legal terminology. Past attempts at alternatives, such as the term "saeteomin" (new settlers), failed to gain traction in daily usage, but the debate over names continues as part of broader efforts to promote social inclusion. 2025-09-16 16:10:46