AJU PRESS - ASIA NEWS HUB

Journalist

Kim Dae-sik swatchsjp@ajunews.com

KAIST uses quantum computing to design porous materials like LEGO blocks SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) has become the first in the world to apply quantum computing to the design of multivariate porous materials (MTVs), opening the door to new catalysts, membranes, and energy storage materials. MTVs are materials made of molecular building blocks that can be combined in different ways, much like LEGO pieces, to create tailor-made structures. They have potential uses in gas capture, selective chemical reactions, and next-generation batteries. The problem is that the number of possible combinations grows so fast that conventional computers cannot handle all the calculations. To solve this, a team led by Kim Ji-han of KAIST's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering used a quantum computer to map out millions of possible structures. By turning the building blocks and connection points into qubits, the basic units of quantum computing, the system could quickly sort through countless possibilities at once. It is like laying out millions of LEGO houses and instantly picking the most stable design. The researchers tested their framework on four known MTV structures and confirmed that the quantum model produced the correct results. They also ran the same calculations on an IBM quantum computer, proving that the method works on real hardware. Going forward, the team plans to combine the method with machine learning to not only design structures but also predict how easy they are to synthesize, how well they absorb gases, and how they perform in energy applications. "This study is the first to use quantum computing to break through the bottleneck in designing complex multicomponent porous materials," said Kim. "The results could lead to custom-designed materials for carbon capture, selective catalysts, and advanced electrolytes, and the method can be expanded to even more complex systems in the future." Doctoral candidates Kang Shin-young and Kim Young-hoon were credited as co-first authors. The findings were published online on Aug. 22 in ACS Central Science, the journal of the American Chemical Society, under the title "Quantum Computing Based Design of Multivariate Porous Materials." The research was supported by South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT through its Mid-Career Researcher Program and Convergence Materials Program. 2025-09-09 10:41:53
[[K-Pop]] BTS' Brother band CORTIS drops teaser for 'FaSHioN' ahead of debut album release SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - CORTIS, the new boy band from BigHit Music and the label's third act following BTS and TXT, unveiled a teaser video for their follow-up track "FaSHioN" on Sunday, one day before the official release of their debut album. The clip, released September 7 on HYBE Labels' YouTube channel, features dramatic scenes set against New Zealand's snow-covered mountains, a junkyard, and city streets, punctuated by a car-crash effect designed to heighten anticipation for the full video. CORTIS, made up of Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, and Gunho, will release the full "FaSHioN" music video today at 6 p.m., alongside the album "COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES." Later in the evening, the group will hold its first release party at Korea University’s Hwajeong Gymnasium, with all tracks performed live. The event will also be livestreamed through the Weverse platform. The debut album contains six tracks, including the title song "What You Want," the rallying anthem "GO!," "FaSHioN," summer-inspired "JoyRide," and "Lullaby," a ballad about leaning on each other in uncertain times. An additional track, "What You Want (feat. Teezo Touchdown)," will be available exclusively on streaming platforms. The five members, all teenagers, took part in writing lyrics, track-making, and choreography. Every member is credited on the album, which the group says was the result of working through about 300 demos over the past two years. They also directed and contributed ideas to each of the music videos, positioning themselves as a "young creator crew" within HYBE’s BigHit Music label. 2025-09-08 15:54:46
KAIST develops new database technology that could make AI agents much smarter SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) has developed a new database system that brings together two types of databases, relational and graph, into a single, more powerful platform, the prestigious institute said Monday. The technology, called "Chimera," is expected to help create AI agents that can think more like humans by understanding not just simple facts but also complex connections between them. Relational databases are the traditional way companies have stored data, like rows and columns in a spreadsheet. Graph databases work differently: they store data as nodes and links, making them especially good at showing relationships, such as who is friends with whom, or how a buyer, product, and seller are connected. Until now, companies often had to manage these two systems separately, which created high costs, delays, and errors when combining results. Chimera solves this by completely integrating the two systems. It can process both relational and graph queries at the same time, without the usual slowdown or memory issues. This means AI programs can answer more complicated questions, such as "Who are the friends of this person's friends, and where do they work?" much faster and more accurately. In international benchmark tests, Chimera was at least four times faster, and in some cases up to 280 times faster, than existing systems. It also avoids the memory shortages and outdated data problems that earlier solutions often faced. "Data is getting more connected and complex, so the need for technology that combines graph and relational databases is growing," said Kim Min-soo, professor at KAIST's School of Computing. "Chimera addresses this need directly, and we expect it to be widely used in AI, finance, and e-commerce." The system was presented on September 1 at the VLDB international conference, one of the world's leading events for database research. It is already being applied to "AkasicDB," a new platform being released by GraphAI, a startup founded by Professor Kim. AkasicDB is designed to power next-generation AI assistants that can search and reason in real time. The study's first author was doctoral candidate Lee Geon-ho, with Jeong-ho Park of GraphAI as the second author. The project was supported by the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP) and the National Research Foundation of Korea. 2025-09-08 15:40:07
[[K-Pop]] aespa to drop sixth mini album "Rich Man" today SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - aespa will return Friday with their sixth mini album "Rich Man," scheduled for release at 1 p.m. KST (0400 GMT) across global music platforms. The record features six tracks in a range of styles, including hip hop, R&B, and pop. The title track "Rich Man" is described as a dance song driven by rough electric guitar riffs and an addictive topline, paired with shifting band sounds meant to highlight the group’s vocals and energy. Choreography for the track has been previewed as a mix of simple hand movements that are easy for fans to copy, along with more intense sequences later in the performance that showcase each member’s individuality. The music video presents aespa’s interpretation of a "Rich Man" as someone who follows their own rhythm even in the most difficult moments. According to SM Entertainment, the visuals will incorporate imagery such as car chases and rugby matches to create a dynamic and bold look. SM added that the album revolves around the slogan "I am enough as I am. I am a 'Rich Man'," with lyrics intended to deliver messages of self-confidence and self-love. Other tracks on the mini album include "Drift," with a whistled hook, "Bubble," comparing false appearances to bubbles, "Count On Me," in a hazy R&B style, "Angel #48," marked by upbeat track sounds, and "To The Girls," a mid-tempo pop cut. 2025-09-05 09:41:11
[[K-Pop]] K-pop tops Billboard's main charts for first time in five years SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - K-pop song has reclaimed the top spots on both of Billboard's main song charts, the Hot 100 singles ranking and the Billboard 200 albums chart, for the first time in about five years. The last time the feat was achieved was in December 2020 by BTS. According to the latest Billboard update on September 4, the original soundtrack of Netflix's animated film K-pop Demon Hunters held the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 with the track "Golden," marking its second consecutive week at the top. On the Billboard 200, Stray Kids' fourth full-length album KARMA entered at No. 1. The group has now debuted seven consecutive albums at the top of the chart since ODDINARY in 2022, the first act in Billboard history to do so. The last time a K-pop act topped both charts simultaneously was in 2020, when BTS led the Hot 100 with "Life Goes On" and the Billboard 200 with the accompanying album BE. The K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack also placed eight tracks on this week's Hot 100, highlighting the film's global momentum. In addition to "Golden," which has now spent three weeks at No. 1, the fictional boy band Saja Boys charted with "Your Idol" at No. 4 and "Soda Pop" at No. 5, while the girl group Huntrix entered with "How It's Done" at No. 9 and "What It Sounds Like" at No. 19. Other K-pop acts also made strong showings. Rosé and pop star Bruno Mars' duet "Apartment" debuted at No. 43, Twice's "Strategy" ranked No. 51, Stray Kids' "Ceremony" came in at No. 52, and Blackpink's "Run" landed at No. 78. 2025-09-04 17:01:08
KAIST and LG Energy Solution develop EV battery capable of charging in 12 minutes and driving 800km SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - A joint team of researchers in South Korea has developed a powerful new battery that can charge in just 12 minutes and allow electric vehicles to drive up to 800 kilometers on a single charge. This new battery's performance also lasts for over 300,000 kilometers and could help solve some of the biggest problems in the EV industry. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said on Thursday that a research team led by Professor Kim Hee-tak from KAIST's Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering worked together with South Korean battery maker LG Energy Solution through their joint lab, the Frontier Research Laboratory (FRL). Together, they created a special liquid electrolyte that makes lithium metal batteries work better, charge faster, and last longer. This new kind of battery replaces the graphite used in regular lithium-ion batteries with pure lithium metal. Lithium metal has the potential to hold more energy, but it also has a serious problem. During charging, tiny tree-shaped crystals called dendrites can grow on the battery’s surface. These dendrites can cause the battery to short-circuit, especially during fast charging, making the battery unsafe or unreliable. Until now, it has been very difficult to prevent dendrites from forming. But the KAIST-LG research team found the cause: uneven chemical reactions happening on the surface of the lithium metal. They designed a new liquid electrolyte that fixes this problem by keeping the surface reactions more balanced. This new electrolyte uses negatively charged ions that do not easily stick to lithium ions. Because of this, the battery surface stays smooth and even, which stops dendrites from forming. As a result, the battery can handle fast charging without becoming unstable or dangerous. The researchers tested their battery by charging and discharging it many times at high speed. Even at a high charging rate of 4C (which equals 8.4 milliamps per square centimeter), the battery performed well for more than 350 cycles. It was able to go from 5 percent to 70 percent charge in under 12 minutes. In another test using a high-energy design with 386 watt-hours per kilogram, the battery reached 80 percent charge in just 17 minutes over 180 cycles. "This study is a major step forward," said Professor Kim. "We were able to solve one of the toughest problems in lithium metal batteries by understanding how the surface reacts. With this, we have moved past a key barrier to using lithium metal batteries in electric vehicles." Kim Jae-young, Chief Technology Officer at LG Energy Solution, said, "Our collaboration with KAIST over the last four years through FRL is producing real results. We will continue working together to solve difficult technical challenges and lead the next generation of battery technologies." The research was published on September 3, 2025, in Nature Energy, one of the highest-ranked scientific journals in the world. The first author of the paper is Dr. Kwon Hyuk-jin, a researcher in KAIST’s Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering. This research was carried out at the Frontier Research Laboratory, a joint center created by KAIST and LG Energy Solution in 2021 to focus on next-generation lithium metal battery technologies.` 2025-09-04 15:04:07
Russian envoy underscores Soviet role in Korea's liberation at Seoul exhibition SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - The Russian Embassy in South Korea opened an exhibition in Seoul on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the liberation of the Korean Peninsula. The event, titled "Remembering the Liberation of the Korean Peninsula," is being held at Gallery Kartina and runs through September 26. Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev used his welcome remarks to highlight what he called the decisive role of the Soviet Union in Japan's defeat. "Soviet operations dismantled Japan's defense within Korea and, though the Red Army stopped at the 38th parallel under agreement with the United States, its contribution was decisive," he said. "Soviet casualties in Korea numbered over 1,900." He contrasted the Soviet campaign with the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "Unlike the bombings, which had no real military significance and caused countless civilian deaths, the Red Army crushed the largest Japanese group on the continent and destroyed its military-industrial base," he said. "It also shut down Japan's programs for mass destruction weapons, particularly biological weapons, saving millions of lives." Former South Korean Ambassador to Russia Woo Yoon-keun also spoke at the opening. "Korea's liberation was primarily the result of the Korean people's long struggle," he said. "But Russian territory was a base for our independence fighters, and the Soviet Union's role has often been minimized while the contribution of the United States has been overstated. I hope this exhibition helps set the record straight." Woo, a former Democratic Party floor leader, described the effort to strengthen ties with Russia as consistent across administrations. "From President Kim Dae-jung through Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in and now Lee Jae Myung, our governments have pursued engagement with Russia and the northern region," he said. He also noted former President Roh Tae-woo's role in opening ties, saying he respected that contribution despite being from another political camp. Calling the modest exhibition space "symbolic," Woo added, "There is a saying that when a small space is filled, blessings come. Seeing so many gathered here makes me feel that South Korea–Russia relations will also be blessed." The event takes place at a time when ties between South Korea and Russia remain strained. Seoul has joined Western sanctions over Russia's 2022 attack on Ukraine, restricting technology exports and financial flows. At the same time, Moscow continues to look eastward for partners, deepening cooperation with North Korea, including a security treaty signed in 2024 and infrastructure projects such as a road bridge across the border. Trade links remain, though they have weakened. Russia was South Korea's tenth-largest export destination before the war in Ukraine, and discussions on a bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement have been on the table since 2019. The exhibition features archival photographs, documents, and records illustrating the Soviet Union's wartime campaign in Asia and its role in dismantling Japan's colonial rule on the peninsula. 2025-09-04 13:30:27
KAIST uncovers hidden mechanism in next-generation memory technology SEOUL, September 02 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have successfully visualized, for the first time, how tiny particles inside memory devices move and interact when data is written and erased. The discovery could help make future memory chips faster, smaller, and more reliable — a major breakthrough for next-generation computing and artificial intelligence. On September 2, 2025, KAIST announced that two research teams, led by Professor Seungbum Hong and Professor Sang-Hee Ko Park of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, have figured out exactly how electrons and oxygen ions behave inside a new kind of memory called ReRAM. Their study shows that these particles move together in complex ways and that this movement directly affects how memory stores and deletes information. ReRAM stands for Resistive Random Access Memory. It is considered one of the most promising alternatives to current memory technologies because it can store data even when the power is off, has a simple structure, and operates at high speed. Unlike traditional memory chips, ReRAM uses special materials that can change their electrical resistance when a small voltage is applied. This change in resistance is what turns memory "on" and "off." Until now, scientists knew that ReRAM worked because of tiny defects called oxygen vacancies, but they did not fully understand how those defects actually caused the resistance to change. That knowledge gap made it harder to design ReRAM chips that are fast, stable, and energy-efficient. To solve this mystery, the KAIST team built a custom research tool called a “multi-modal scanning probe microscope.” This instrument combines several advanced types of microscopes into one machine. Each type looks at something different: one sees how electric current flows (C-AFM), another tracks the movement of oxygen ions (ESM), and a third detects changes in surface voltage (KPFM). Using this tool, the researchers could watch what was happening inside the memory chip in real time. They tested a thin film made of titanium dioxide (TiO2), a common material used in ReRAM, and applied tiny electrical signals to simulate how memory gets written and erased. What they saw was that electrons need open “paths” to flow through the material, and those paths depend on where the oxygen vacancies are. When more vacancies are bunched together, the paths open up and current flows easily. When the vacancies are spread out, the paths disappear and current is blocked. This directly explained how the memory turns on and off. The researchers also found something new: electrons and oxygen ions don’t just act separately. They interact in complex ways, and their movement is closely linked. This means that both types of particles must be controlled carefully to make ReRAM more stable and efficient. One important discovery was related to how memory can be “erased.” During this process, oxygen ions are pushed into the material, helping the memory stay in the "off" state longer. This insight could be key to making future ReRAM devices more reliable. "This is the first time anyone has been able to directly observe the spatial relationship between oxygen defects, ions, and electrons inside a working memory device," said Professor Hong. "Our approach can be used to study many other materials used in next-generation semiconductors, and could help open up entirely new areas of research." The first author of the paper is PhD candidate Chaewon Gong of KAIST’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The study was published on July 20, 2025, in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, a leading journal published by the American Chemical Society. The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea. 2025-09-02 15:27:12
OPINION: Kazakhstan's constitution at 30: What has been achieved? SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - When people voted in the 1995 national referendum (August 30) to adopt a new Constitution, they laid the cornerstone of modern statehood. More than just a legal charter, the Constitution of Kazakhstan is marked by its humanist focus. Article 1 declares the country a democratic, secular, legal, and social state, in which the highest values are the individual, their life, rights, and freedoms. For a country like Kazakhstan, which gained independence relatively recently, these provisions were far from mere formal declarations. They became a bedrock of domestic policy, legislative development, and state strategy in the years that followed. Experts note that the constitutional recognition of human rights was a decisive step in the transition from an administrative-command system to a modern rule-of-law state. Over nearly three decades, Kazakhstan has demonstrated a readiness to strengthen mechanisms for protecting citizens’ rights in a gradual yet consistent manner: open, institutionally formalized, and backed by international obligations. Human rights have thus acquired not only domestic significance but also become a marker of international legitimacy. Expanding Human Rights Safeguards Perhaps the most significant innovation of the reform that followed a nationwide referendum on June 5, 2022 was granting constitutional status to the Human Rights Commissioner. Ombudsman Artur Lastayev highlighted that with this decision, Kazakhstan has joined developed democracies where the activities of national human rights institutions are regulated by the Constitution and constitutional laws. "This is a sign of democratic maturity. Reforms have made human rights protections more accessible, including the right of citizens to appeal directly to the Constitutional Court," Lastayev explained. The ombudsman’s role has expanded from reviewing complaints to proactive monitoring of detention facilities, legislative initiatives, and legal education. In 2024, nearly 800 visits to prisons, detention centers, and special institutions were carried out, far exceeding previous years. Regional representatives of the ombudsman now operate nationwide. This institutional presence has fueled a surge in public trust, as annual appeals have grown from 1,800 to nearly 7,000 in just a few years. According to Lastayev, this reflects both rising legal awareness and stronger trust in institutions. Legislative proposals from the ombudsman’s office are increasingly shaping national policy. Among the most notable is the new law on combating domestic violence, written in accordance with ombudsman recommendations, which now stands as a landmark in Kazakhstan’s legal landscape. Rule of Law through Constitutional Change The Constitution has proven to be flexible, evolving in response to new challenges. The transformative change came with the referendum in June 2022, when citizens endorsed sweeping reforms aimed at democratization, judicial modernization, and the reinforcement of the principle of law and order. The judiciary was a primary beneficiary. As Chief Justice Aslambek Mergaliyev noted, according to the Constitution, everyone has the right to judicial protection of their rights and freedoms. "Therefore, it is crucial that every citizen is confident in the fairness of the court, where they can truly find both protection and truth. The rule of law in all spheres of life must become the foundation of Kazakhstan's progressive development," he said. Digitization has advanced rapidly. Over 80% of pre-trial investigations are now conducted electronically, and 90% of investigative actions are video-recorded, ensuring transparency. The Ministry of Justice has also broadened legal access through the People’s Lawyer campaign and the expansion of its online Legal Cabinet. Aspirations of the People The Constitution has proven both durable and adaptive. Nearly three decades after its adoption, it remains centered on the principle that the highest value is the individual, their rights, and their dignity. The 2022 reforms in particular cemented the idea that sovereignty belongs to the people, while anchoring the rule of law and human rights protections in the country’s political DNA. As the nation navigates the digital era and a shifting global landscape, its greatest hope lies in the Constitution’s continued role: not only as the foundation of statehood, but also as a reflection of the society’s aspirations. 2025-09-01 09:32:33
INTERVIEW: Thai envoy speaks about deepening ties on security, economy and culture SEOUL, August 31 (AJP) - Thailand and South Korea share a long friendship built on history and sacrifice. Ambassador Tanee Sangrat reminded that the foundation of trust goes back to the Korean War, when Thai troops fought alongside South Koreans. "Thailand is an old friend," he said during an interview with AJP on August 28. "Our cooperation began with sacrifice during the Korean War, and it remains the base for everything we can achieve together." Thailand was the first Asian nation to send troops to fight alongside South Korea and United Nations forces in the Korean War. Following North Korea’s invasion in June 1950, the Thai government under Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram quickly pledged support for the UN command. In total, more than 11,000 Thai soldiers rotated through the Korean Peninsula between 1950 and 1953. Over 1,200 were wounded and 136 killed in action. This early sacrifice established Thailand as one of South Korea’s staunchest partners, laying the groundwork for the diplomatic and security ties that endure today. Asked about priorities, the ambassador placed security and defense at the top. "It is vital that Thailand and the people of Korea take full advantage of our close and long-standing relationship and cooperation," he said, stressing, "We must work more closely on cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and on fighting transnational crime such as cyber scam call centers." He also pointed to existing defense industry ties. "Our most advanced ship was built in this country by Hanwha Ocean. Thailand acquired T-50 jet trainers from Korea and they are now in active use. These are concrete examples of what we can do together." On the economic front, he stressed resilience and new growth. "We should reduce risks and strengthen ties through an Economic Partnership Agreement. There are many areas of economic cooperation, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, future mobility, renewable energy, batteries, and semiconductors." For South Korean investors looking at Southeast Asia, he presented Thailand as both a market and a base. "Thailand is at the crossroads of the region. We are the main hub of Southeast Asia. With advanced highways, rail, international ports and deep seaports, we can serve as both a manufacturing base and a consumer market for high-tech industries." He listed concrete incentives. "We provide corporate income tax exemption for up to 13 years and a 50 percent reduction for up to five years. Non-tax incentives include permission to bring in skilled workers and the ability to remit funds abroad in foreign currency," Ambassador Sangrat said. The Eastern Economic Corridor is central to this pitch. "The EEC covers Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong," he said, adding, "We are building a high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. Phase three of Laem Chabang Port is already underway. The EEC has its own office and its own law to support investors." He then outlined five industries that the government prioritizes. First is bio-based industries, drawing on sugarcane and cassava for biotechnology, bioenergy, biochemicals, and biopharmaceuticals. Second is healthcare and medical services, where Thailand is already a global leader in medical tourism. Third is semiconductors and advanced technology. Fourth is digital and creative industries, with our digital economy contributing more than six percent of GDP in 2023. Fifth is electric vehicles. We produced almost 1.5 million vehicles in 2024, and we are transitioning rapidly to EVs." The conversation moved to education. "We are linking key Thai universities with Korean institutions such as KAIST and Seoul National University," he said. The envoy also revealed plans to establish permanent joint research labs and to produce PhD-level talent in AI, semiconductors, batteries, and other sectors over the next five years. "Students will also be encouraged to work on startups of their own," the ambassador said. Culture will also be central. The embassy is preparing a two-day festival in Seoul that kicks off on September 6. "Last year, more than 50,000 people joined us. This year we expect around 6,000," he said. "We will open in the morning and hold a parade in the afternoon led by Buakaw, the Muay Thai champion. The champion will collaborate with a Taekwondo team while the festival will exhibit an Innovation Zone for Thai startups, and offer free Thai massage throughout both days. The Khon masked dance and a Pattaya cultural show will highlight tradition. T-pop (Thai-pop) artists will perform for young audiences, and there will be singing and dancing competitions for Koreans and international friends." On migration issues, he acknowledged concerns. "There are more than 170,000 Thai nationals in Korea. Almost 50,000 are legal workers, but many remain undocumented," he said. "Our strategy is to reduce the number of undocumented workers and increase the number of documented workers." He pointed to cooperation with South Korean authorities. "We are working with the Ministry of Labor and the Immigration Service to improve the K-ETA process so that decisions are made before travel. Travelers should not be turned back at the airport after spending so much money to come. We also support the voluntary return program so undocumented workers can go home without penalties." The ambassador closed on a forward-looking note. "Korea is becoming a global power not only in soft power but in many industries and technologies. Thailand has grown as well. We must look more to each other for closer strategic collaboration in defense, AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, green energy, and small modular reactors—for the benefit of our people." 2025-08-31 11:59:45