Journalist
Kim Dae-sik
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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INTERVIEW: German envoy reflects on 140 years of ties, calls for deeper green and human connections SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - German Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Georg Wilfried Schmidt underscored the depth and resilience of the bilateral relationship as the two countries marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2024. Speaking to AJP in Seoul on Mar. 20, Ambassador Schmidt reflected on shared history, mutual values, economic and cultural partnerships, and the future potential for green cooperation. "When I came here as ambassador in 2023, I was already familiar with Korea," he said. "My first visit was in 1987, and I’ve been impressed by how deeply connected our two countries have become since then." He described the current state of relations as broad and robust, rooted in people-to-people ties. "You don't achieve this with 10 or 20 years," he said. "The foundation is our people-to-people contacts." Germany and Korea share democratic values, support multilateralism, and rely on international rules-based systems as middle powers. "We also need an open trading system. We are not sitting on mountains of oil or rare earths. We need to buy materials from anywhere, process them, and then sell," he explained. "That’s why we share not just values, but also economic foundations." South Korea remains Germany’s most important trading partner in Asia after China and Japan. Ambassador Schmidt encouraged South Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in Germany and the European Union, especially in sectors like green energy, batteries, applied information technology (IT), and defense. "With the changes in European defense policy, the South Korean defense industry might look at Europe from a very different perspective," he said, adding: "They have many strengths." The ambassador noted that Germany welcomes South Korean investors. "Trade is not just about a deficit or a surplus,” he said, emphasizing partnership over balance sheets. "We would be very happy if South Korean companies also see Germany and the EU as a lock-in for growth and development." Human exchange continues to be a strong pillar of the bilateral relationship. From South Korean miners and nurses who supported Germany’s postwar rebuilding efforts to modern football stars and K-pop entertainers, individuals have long built bridges between the two countries. "Football player Cha Boom’s arrival in Frankfurt in the 1970s was quite a sensation," he recalled. "Today, Kim Min-jae has a huge following in Germany. Football players and entertainers are more powerful ambassadors than we can ever be." The ambassador also pointed to growing cultural curiosity between the two countries. "K-music, K-pop, and K-drama attract many Germans, while German culture, from classical music to techno clubs, draws South Korean interest," he said. His team even held an event at a techno club in Seoul to showcase a lesser-known side of German culture. "Germany is much more than classical music," he said, smiling. He highlighted active student exchanges and university partnerships, noting that the embassy supports networking platforms for German students in South Korea. "At the end of the day, these things work well if you have committed individuals on both sides," he said. "Even my small hometown, Freiburg, has a city partnership with Suwon." On climate and sustainability, Schmidt emphasized the importance of green cooperation. "We must break the idea that you either go green or go for growth," he said. "You can do both if market prices send the right signals." He pointed to initiatives like carbon pricing, hydrogen development, and green steel production as key areas for transformation. "Steel production is responsible for a huge amount of emissions. If South Korea manages to shift to green steel, that is a game changer." He also noted Germany’s designation as a "climate embassy" and shared plans for climate-related events, policy dialogue, and global cooperation. "Everybody is talking about wars, but climate change is the real challenge to our security." Reflecting on South Korea’s domestic political climate, the ambassador praised the country’s democratic maturity. "It’s impressive that the demonstrations, despite bitter controversies, have remained largely peaceful," he said. "This country achieved both economic development and political liberalization, which is remarkable." Schmidt emphasized the need to preserve democracy amid rising global polarization. "What is worrying is how we agree to disagree. Social media traps people in echo chambers. Public broadcasters have a responsibility to air different sides of the story," he said. "Once you go deep down in polarization, it’s dangerous for democracy." Schmidt expressed hope for more collaborative events and cross-cultural dialogue, inviting creativity in how the two nations engage. “Let’s find something that people don’t already know about Germany. That’s how we build new bridges.” 2025-03-25 10:17:29 -
Constitutional Court rejects impeachment of Prime Minister Han SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, ruling that although the motion was procedurally valid, the alleged violations did not justify his removal from office. In its ruling, the court stated that Han's actions could not be considered a grave breach of the law serious enough to deprive him of public trust. With the decision, Han returns to office 87 days after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion on Dec. 27, 2024. He also resumes his duties as acting president, following the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol under separate impeachment proceedings. A key issue in the case was whether the vote threshold for impeachment should follow the standard for a president or a cabinet member. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik applied the 151-vote threshold used for cabinet officials, rather than the 200 votes required for presidential impeachment, even though Han was serving as acting president at the time. The court backed the Assembly’s interpretation, stating there was no procedural flaw. "An acting president is not a newly created position under the Constitution or law, but merely a temporary executor of predetermined duties," the court said. "Therefore, the voting requirement for impeachment must be based on the original status of the official, which in this case is the prime minister." Of the eight justices involved in the decision, five voted to reject the motion, one supported impeachment, and two called for dismissal on procedural grounds. Among the five who voted to reject, four found that Han did violate the Constitution and relevant laws by withholding the appointment of Constitutional Court justices recommended by the National Assembly. However, they concluded the violation was not serious enough to warrant removal, saying it was not sufficient to find that he had "betrayed the trust of the people." The impeachment motion, brought by the Democratic Party and other opposition lawmakers, accused Han of complicity, tolerance, or negligence in connection to President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged insurrection through the December 3 martial law declaration. It also pointed to Han's refusal to appoint three Constitutional Court justices nominated by the Assembly, his avoidance of appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the martial law case, his rejection of a special counsel bill involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee, and his alleged attempt to jointly govern with former ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon. This marks the first final ruling by a constitutional body on a high-ranking official tied to the Dec. 3 martial law controversy. The decision is expected to influence the court’s upcoming verdict in the impeachment trial of President Yoon. 2025-03-24 10:24:20 -
INTERVIEW: Malaysia, S. Korea poised to deepen economic ties through FTA SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - As Malaysia and South Korea look ahead to the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the two countries are working closely to finalize a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that could significantly strengthen their economic partnership. In an interview held at the Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul on Mar. 17, Ambassador Mohd Zamruni bin Khalid called the ongoing FTA negotiations a major milestone that will shape the future of bilateral ties. "Since the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to South Korea in November last year, we have essentially reset the relationship," said Ambassador Zamruni. "We hope that the South Korean president will reciprocate the visit in the near future." During the 2023 summit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, committing to closer cooperation in trade, investment, green energy, the digital economy, and the defense industry. South Korea is currently Malaysia’s eighth-largest trading partner, while Malaysia ranks 12th for South Korea. Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 20 billion (2.9 trillion won) in 2023. Although that marked a slight decline from the previous year, largely due to currency fluctuations, Ambassador Zamruni voiced optimism about the FTA's impact. "We believe that once the FTA is signed, we could double or even triple that number," he said. The Malaysia–South Korea FTA is expected to complement the existing ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Agreement, which has been in place since 2010. While the ASEAN-wide deal already covers many sectors, the bilateral FTA is aimed at deepening cooperation, reducing tariffs, and expanding access in areas such as semiconductors, digital technologies, and halal products. "We have passed some major obstacles in the negotiations. Now we are fine-tuning the remaining issues," said the ambassador, adding that both countries are targeting an agreement by October or November this year. He also highlighted Malaysia's strategic role as a regional hub for ASEAN, making it an ideal gateway for Korean businesses. "Geographically, Malaysia sits right in the middle of Southeast Asia. It’s a natural hub for companies looking to expand into the region," he said. That location, combined with a pro-investment environment, has already attracted major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, which together have poured over $16 billion into Malaysia’s data centers and digital infrastructure. Semiconductors are at the center of the bilateral economic agenda. Malaysia launched its National Semiconductor Strategy in May 2024, aiming to become a global hub in the industry. "We are deeply intertwined with South Korea in the semiconductor supply chain," the ambassador noted. "We provide raw materials and components, while South Korean firms contribute advanced processing and technology. The FTA will strengthen this interdependence." Clean energy is another emerging area of collaboration. Malaysia is reviewing its legal framework to explore nuclear energy through small modular reactors (SMRs), while also pursuing partnerships in hydrogen and carbon capture. "We know many Korean companies are strong in clean energy technologies. We want to tap into that expertise," Ambassador Zamruni said. The FTA also covers halal products, where Malaysia is already a global leader in certification for food and cosmetics. The ambassador emphasized that halal is not limited to religion but also reflects high standards of cleanliness and safety. "Many South Korean companies export halal-certified products abroad, but not within South Korea. We believe there is room to expand the halal industry here," he said, pointing to SPC’s recent investment in a halal production facility in Malaysia aimed at markets in the region and the Middle East. Cultural and people-to-people ties are also helping to drive momentum in the relationship. Nearly 300,000 Malaysians visited South Korea in 2024, and the Malaysian Embassy in Seoul is preparing for more cultural events this year ahead of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026. "We want to introduce Malaysia's diverse culture to the South Korean public, especially the youth," the ambassador said. Despite global uncertainty, Ambassador Zamruni expressed confidence in South Korea’s democratic institutions and societal resilience. "I truly believe in Korea’s institutions and the strength of its people. Even in difficult times, this country has always found its way forward," he said. "Malaysia continues to look to South Korea as a brother nation and a valuable partner." As the Malaysia–South Korea FTA nears completion, both sides are signaling readiness to open a new chapter in economic and strategic cooperation. "This FTA will not only benefit our governments, but also our businesses and people. It is a foundation for future growth," the ambassador said. 2025-03-21 15:32:22 -
N. Korean leader examines test-launch of surface-to-air missile system SEOUL, March 21 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected the test-fire of the country's newly developed surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Pyongyang's state-controlled media reported Friday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim expressed gratitude toward researchers at North Korea's Missile Administration and praised the new anti-aircraft missile system. KCNA reported that the new system was evaluated to be "highly reliable," and its combat responsiveness is "superior." KCNA released photographs showing Kim sitting inside an observation room in a control tower, expressing satisfaction with the results of the missile test-launch. Other images showed missiles exploding mid-air after striking aerial targets. The state media did not disclose the location of the launch site, but South Korea's military said that North Korea launched several surface-to-air missiles toward aerial targets over the West Sea, also known as the Yellow Sea, from an area near Nampo City, about 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) southwest of Pyongyang on Thursday. The missiles were fired just before the conclusion of the South Korea–United States joint military exercise "Freedom Shield," but the South Korean military made no official statement about the missiles because they were not ballistic missiles, which would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military was prepared for the possibility of missile launches and took real-time counteraction after detecting the test-launch. 2025-03-21 11:03:54 -
Indian embassy in Seoul hosts briefing on WAVES 2025 summit SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - SEOUL – The Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea held a briefing session Wednesday to introduce the inaugural World Audio-Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, which aims to attract a global audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors, strengthening India’s position as a major hub for media and entertainment. WAVES 2025, scheduled to take place from May 1 to 4, in Mumbai, will showcase India’s thriving media and entertainment (M&E) sector while fostering international collaboration and investment, an Indian Embassy official said during the briefing attended by representatives from Korean media, entertainment companies, and industry professionals. During an opening speech session, the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, Amit Kumar, highlighted the growing partnership between India and Korea, emphasizing how the summit could serve as a bridge for deeper cultural and business collaborations. "Strengthening people-to-people connectivity is a key strategic priority for us, and it is indeed necessary to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of our partnership," Ambassador Kumar said. "The Republic of Korea boasts a very successful and vibrant audio-visual and entertainment sector, and we believe Korean participation at WAVES 2025 will open avenues for creative collaboration and business expansion." The summit will serve as a convergence platform for key players across various segments of the global M&E industry, including film, television, digital media, gaming, and animation. WAVES 2025 will feature a Prime Minister–CEO Roundtable, global media dialogues, exhibitions, investment forums, and cultural showcases. Sanjara Arya, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center (SVCC) in Seoul, further detailed WAVES 2025’s structure and the role Korea could play in it. "WAVES 2025 is more than a mere conversation. It is a movement that brings together policymakers, media professionals, and creative minds from all over to discuss the evolving role of media in economic growth, technological advancement, and social transformation," Arya said. "India extends its hand in partnership, inviting you all to join WAVES 2025, not just as participants, but also as co-creators of a new era in global media." The summit will focus on four main verticals: digital media, traditional media, AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, AR/VR/XR), and films & documentaries. The Indian government is also establishing the Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC) in Mumbai, offering opportunities for global collaboration in emerging media technologies. 2025-03-20 11:12:12 -
Türkiye's STRATCOM Public Forum Seoul Calls for Global Justice and UN Reform SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - The STRATCOM Public Forum Seoul, hosted by the Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul on Wednesday, gathered around 200 scholars, foreign diplomats, journalists, and key public figures under the theme "A Fairer World is Possible." The forum served as a platform to discuss the urgent need for global justice, multilateralism, and reform of the United Nations. Professor Fahrettin Altun, Head of Communications for the Presidency of Türkiye, delivered a video keynote speech emphasizing the necessity of rebuilding international institutions to ensure fairness and accountability. "The legitimacy and inclusiveness deficits of the United Nations are weakening its fundamental mission of ensuring peace and security," Altun said. He called for structural reforms to enhance the UN's transparency and effectiveness, aligning with Türkiye’s long-standing position that "the world is bigger than five." Sezai Tolga Şimşir, First Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Seoul, reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to UN reform and a more just global system. He criticized the UN’s inefficacy in responding to conflicts, particularly in Gaza. "One thing is apparent: the UN system is not working properly and does not deliver the results enshrined in its charter. This is the case we unfortunately very bitterly witnessed in Gaza," he said. Professor Kwaak Young-hoon, President of the United Nations Association of Korea, addressed the growing challenge of disinformation and the communication crisis fueled by digital platforms. "We have problems with infotech coupled with biotech and AI. We have lots of fake news, and we have difficulty communicating," he said. Ambassador Kim Won-soo, former UN Under-Secretary-General, stressed that humanity is facing a triple crisis—climate disaster, nuclear threats, and the rapid expansion of uncontrolled technologies. "A fair world is not only possible but should be earned through our efforts. We must build a new international order that can fill the deficit left by failing global leadership," he said. The forum concluded with calls for stronger international cooperation among middle powers, including South Korea and Türkiye, to drive reforms and address global inequalities. The event provided a crucial space for diplomatic dialogue and strategic collaboration in building a more just and inclusive world. 2025-03-20 10:04:22 -
Number of young unemployed people reaches 1.2mln SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - The number of unemployed young people in South Korea, including those who lost their jobs, are job-seeking, or are simply staying at home without employment, reached 1.2 million last month, government data showed Saturday. Even among those who managed to find jobs, one in four were classified as short-term workers with limited working hours. According to data from Statistics Korea's National Statistics Portal (KOSIS), 269,000 people aged 15 to 29 were unemployed in February, an increase of 5,000 people (2 percent) from a year earlier. Youth unemployment had been declining for three consecutive years, falling from 416,000 in February 2021 to 295,000 in 2022 and 291,000 in 2023. However, the figure rose again in 2025 for the first time in four years, despite the overall youth population shrinking. The number of young people classified as economically inactive, meaning they are neither working nor actively seeking jobs, also increased by 15,000 from a year earlier to 4.209 million. Among them, 504,000 young people reported that they were "just resting", a record high since data collection began in 2003. The number of young people preparing for employment stood at 434,000, including 118,000 attending job training programs outside formal education institutions, while 316,000 were preparing for employment through other means. When combining unemployed individuals, those who reported "just resting," and job seekers among the economically inactive population, the total number of unemployed or inactive youth reached 1.207 million, an increase of over 70,000 from the previous year (1.134 million). Experts attribute the increase to sluggish economic growth, weak domestic demand, and downturns in the manufacturing and construction sectors, along with companies favoring experienced hires or mid-career recruits over fresh graduates. Even for those who secured employment, the situation remains challenging. A total of 936,000 young workers were employed for fewer than 36 hours per week, meaning that one in four employed young people was working in short-term or gig jobs rather than full-time positions with a standard five-day workweek. While some analysts suggest that the trend reflects a preference for work-life balance, most experts argue that a decline in quality job opportunities has forced many young people into unstable employment. The number of young workers classified as "underemployed"—those who wish to work more hours or find additional jobs—reached 121,000 in February, an increase of 12,000 from a year earlier. This is the highest level recorded in February since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when the figure stood at 152,000. These individuals are technically classified as employed in government statistics, but many hold temporary or part-time jobs, making them part of the "underemployed" workforce. Additionally, 445,000 young workers were engaged in "ultra-short-term employment," working only 1 to 17 hours per week. This group accounted for 12.5 percent of total young workers. 2025-03-16 17:50:18 -
78 percent of workers support reducing working hours this year SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - More than three out of four South Korean office workers believe that working hours should be reduced within the year and that a cap on overtime work should be established, survey data showed Sunday. Gapjil119, a South Korean online-based labor rights advocacy group, commissioned polling firm Global Research to conduct a survey from Dec. 2 to 11 last year, targeting 1,000 office workers aged 19 and older nationwide. The survey found that 77.9 percent of respondents agreed on the need to implement policies to reduce working hours and set an overtime limit by the end of this year. Support for these measures was relatively higher among women (81.9 percent), workers in their 30s (83.3 percent), and general employees (81.3 percent). Regarding the comprehensive wage system, in which a fixed amount of overtime pay is included in salaries regardless of actual working hours, 78.1 percent of respondents said that the government should push for a complete ban on the practice. Gapjil119 criticized the government’s recent decision to grant special exemptions allowing semiconductor research and development (R&D) personnel to work up to 64 hours per week, arguing that it could worsen overall working conditions. Kim Do-ha, a labor attorney affiliated with the group, stated, "Long working hours pose a direct threat to workers' health and safety. Reducing working hours is essential to ensure workers can maintain their health and work-life balance." 2025-03-16 13:42:39 -
Police launch nationwide crackdown on online drug crimes amid rising youth offenders SEOUL, March 16 (AJP) - The National Police Agency announced Saturday that it will conduct a 15-week intensive crackdown on major public safety crimes, including drug trafficking and voice phishing, until Jun. 30. The National Police Agency said it will prioritize crackdown on key drug distribution channels such as online platforms, nightlife districts, and areas with high concentrations of undocumented foreigners. As part of the initiative, the existing "Dark Web and Virtual Asset Drug Investigation Teams" operating in local police agencies will be reorganized into the "Online Drug Investigation Task Force," strengthening efforts to combat drug distribution through digital networks. Authorities highlighted a concerning rise in drug-related offenses among people in their teens to 30s, noting that this group accounted for 63.4 percent of drug offenders last year, a 5.6 percentage point increase from the previous year. Starting in April, a joint government task force comprising the National Police Agency, Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Korea Coast Guard, Korea Customs Service, and Ministry of Justice will be deployed to conduct special crackdowns in nightlife areas, foreigner-dense districts, and at airports and seaports. The police also plan to focus on the illegal distribution of medical narcotics and the unauthorized cultivation of opium poppies and cannabis, which are entering their blooming and harvest seasons. Additionally, the crackdown will target voice phishing operations, with an emphasis on money laundering organizations that use foreign exchange and virtual assets to obscure financial trails. Investigators will pursue high-level criminal syndicates, applying organized crime and criminal conspiracy charges to ensure severe legal penalties. Last year, the police arrested 21,833 suspects related to voice phishing schemes and seized or blocked more than 220,000 crime-related tools, including malicious apps and fraudulent bank accounts. The authorities also noted a surge in 'account transfer-type' scams, where perpetrators exploit corporate bank accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions. This method accounted for 48 percent of phishing crimes in 2023, up 26 percentage points from the previous year. The police will continue ongoing crackdowns on illegal private loans (Nov. 1, 2023–Oct. 31, 2024) and deepfake-related sex crimes (Aug. 28, 2023–Mar. 31, 2025). Woo Jong-soo, head of the National Office of Investigation, stated, "Drug crimes, phishing, illegal financing, and deepfake-related offenses are serious social issues that require strong countermeasures. We will continue to implement high-intensity enforcement measures." 2025-03-16 10:31:18 -
Police to deploy 20,000 officers, enforce no-fly zone on impeachment ruling day SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Police will implement its highest emergency alert level on the day of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, deploying 337 riot police units and about 20,000 officers nationwide. The court’s decision follows Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, a move that escalated political tensions across the country. While the exact date of the ruling has not yet been announced, legal experts predict the decision could be made within a week. The emergency order mandates full police mobilization, suspending all leave and requiring officers to remain on duty. Riot police, mobile patrol units, and detectives will be stationed at the Constitutional Court, the National Assembly, courts, law enforcement agencies, major political party offices, and media headquarters. Security measures are being intensified due to concerns over possible repeat incidents like the Jan. 19 riot at the Seoul Western District Court, where hundreds of Yoon’s supporters stormed the courthouse after a detention warrant was issued against him for insurrection. Protesters smashed windows, breached the building up to the judge’s chambers, and violently attacked police, journalists, and civilians. Security will be particularly tight around the Constitutional Court, with riot police, safety barricades, and special protection units stationed to safeguard justices and court facilities. Specialized SWAT teams will also be deployed. Seoul will be divided into eight security zones, designated as "special crime prevention areas," with 1,300 officers from mobile patrol units, 112 emergency response teams, and traffic police conducting widespread monitoring. Officers will be equipped with protective gear and crowd control devices, including capsaicin spray, in preparation for potential violent protests. Additionally, a no-fly zone for drones will be enforced around the Constitutional Court. Unauthorized drone activity will be disrupted using signal jammers and interception devices, and violators will face prosecution. All privately owned firearms stored at police stations—approximately 86,800 weapons—will be locked down from midnight before the ruling until three days after the verdict to prevent potential security threats. Authorities are also working with local governments and emergency services to prevent safety incidents, including the deployment of ambulances and potential subway non-stop operations near key protest sites. "We will take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activities such as facility destruction and violence against police officers," said acting police chief Lee Ho-young. "We are preparing for every possible scenario to ensure public order and security. We ask for the public’s cooperation." 2025-03-14 16:44:54