North Korea begins repairs on damaged destroyer after failed launch SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - North Korea has begun restoring a newly developed warship that was severely damaged during its launch ceremony last week, according to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Sunday. The 5,000-ton-class destroyer sustained major damage on May 21 at the northeastern port of Chongjin. During the launch event, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the warship’s stern reportedly detached from its transport cradle and tipped to one side, partially submerging in seawater. Kim was said to have reacted with visible anger, calling the failed launch a critical and unacceptable accident. He reportedly ordered military authorities to complete full restoration of the vessel by the end of June. KCNA stated that restoration work is underway “according to schedule” under the technical guidance of a team of experts, with efforts currently focused on stabilizing the ship’s balance. The report also noted that Ri Hyong-son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department of the ruling Workers’ Party, has been summoned and detained in connection with the incident. 2025-05-26 11:02:36

India and South Korea come together to mark 11th International Day of Yoga SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - In Seoul on May 22, the Embassy of India and the Korea Yoga Association hosted a joint press conference to announce plans for this year’s 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025), which also marks a decade since the first global celebration of the event in 2015. The main celebration will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, one of South Korea’s most iconic public spaces. About 1,000 participants are expected to gather under this year’s slogan, "Discover Your AURA," and the theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." Organizers estimate that approximately 10 million South Koreans have practiced yoga at least once. Additional yoga programs are scheduled throughout June in Jeju, Busan, and Nami Island. Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar opened the briefing by reflecting on yoga’s long history and its expanding role in modern life. "Yoga is not just a physical exercise, it is a holistic approach to wellbeing," he said. "It encompasses various practices, including asanas or postures, pranayama or breathing techniques, and meditation." He reminded the audience that yoga has been practiced in India for over 3,000 years and gained global recognition when it was added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list in 2016, following the UN’s adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. "Yoga offers us a sanctuary, a space where we can reconnect with ourselves and find peace," the ambassador said, highlighting its relevance in addressing lifestyle-related diseases and its increasing role in preventive healthcare frameworks. Ambassador Kumar thanked the Korea Yoga Association, local governments, sponsors, and institutions including the India Center at Busan University of Foreign Studies for their collaboration. He also expressed appreciation to Miss Lee Geum-hee, a well-known broadcaster who was appointed as the promotional ambassador for this year’s event, and yoga instructor Moon Jeong-hye, who will lead the main yoga session in Seoul. Lee, who served as the master of ceremonies at last year’s rain-soaked IDY event at COEX, recalled being deeply moved by the determination of the participants. "I will never forget that scene," she said. "So many yoga practitioners stayed until the end, soaking wet but completely focused." That experience, she said, inspired her to accept the role of ambassador for IDY 2025. "I want people to discover yoga like fans discover their favorite idols, so no one misses out," she said. Lee also praised the dedication of the organizers and shared her hope that yoga in Korea can grow beyond a wellness trend. "These days, K-pop, K-drama, and K-food are all making waves around the world. I hope ‘K-Yoga’ can join that list," she said. "We have enough content, enough practitioners, and enough instructors." She added with a smile, "If there's a role I can play, I’ll do my best, starting with improving my English." 2025-05-23 16:46:13

INTERVIEW: Georgian envoy hails South Korea trade deal as milestone for deeper ties SEOUL, May 23 (AJP) - Georgian Ambassador to South Korea Tarash Papaskua sees the new Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Georgia and South Korea as a turning point in bilateral relations. In an interview with Aju Press on May 19, he described the agreement as a "new generation agreement" and praised the speed and spirit of cooperation behind its conclusion. "The negotiations on this agreement were concluded in just seven months, from start to finish," he said. "That’s quite fast, and it was only possible thanks to the true spirit of partnership and a fast-track approach from both sides." He expressed gratitude to South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, calling the negotiation process "very focused, mobilized and determined." Described as "FTA+," the EPA eliminates tariffs on nearly all goods while expanding cooperation in renewable energy, e-commerce, environmental sustainability, digital economy, and intellectual property rights. "Essentially, the agreement will provide for a comprehensive institutional framework," the ambassador said. "Almost 95 percent of the goods will be tariff-free." With legal procedures and translations now underway, the agreement is expected to open new markets for Georgian products in South Korea, such as Kvevri (amber) wines, mineral water, fruits, nuts, and industrial goods. "It shows and demonstrates the willingness of governments to cooperate and to address issues, to facilitate and promote joint ventures," he added. Georgia is undergoing a long-term economic transition. Once heavily reliant on traditional manufacturing, the country is now shifting toward services, tourism, and information technology. Ambassador Papaskua said this transformation has accelerated since the early 2000s, when the country began comprehensive reforms to modernize institutions, reduce corruption, and create a more open business climate. As Georgia prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on May 26, the ambassador reflected on the country’s difficult journey to statehood. "On 31 March 1991, 99.08 percent of the population provided an unequivocal, positive answer to the question of restoring independence based on the 1918 declaration," he said. "Today we continue to still face this challenge of territorial integrity," he noted, referring to Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali. "But Georgia has managed to transform into a modern democratic state," Papaskua said, adding: "I would like to express deep gratitude to the Republic of Korea, as well as all our friends and partners for their continued support of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders." With 46 free trade agreements in place, including with the European Union and China, Georgia is positioning itself as a strategic hub between Europe and Asia. "Georgia is at the heart of a dynamic transit and logistics juncture that bridges Europe and Asia," he said, highlighting the country’s access to a 2.3 billion consumer market. Infrastructure is key to this ambition. Projects include a deep-sea port, a new airport, and a 1,195-kilometer (742 miles) submarine cable under the Black Sea to transmit both renewable energy and data to Europe. "The feasibility studies have been completed," he said, adding that South Korean companies have already been consulted. Energy cooperation is one of the most promising areas. "If I really would have to choose the most promising sector, that would definitely be energy, especially renewable energy," he said. He also pointed to logistics and advanced technologies as natural fits for South Korean companies. "Georgia has been very open, but we understand that it takes time, in a global environment where you have so much turbulence." While current trade and investment figures remain limited, Ambassador Papaskua stressed that the potential is far greater. "Current figures, either in trade or investments, are far from the real potential of both economies and this is something that we need to work on." Tourism is one area where momentum is building. The number of South Korean visitors to Georgia nearly tripled in 2024, and charter flights operated by Hanjin Travel and Korean Air will increase to eight this year. "We are seeing a positive trajectory," he said. Georgia will also participate in the Seoul International Travel Fair in June to further promote itself to South Korean travelers. The embassy is actively promoting the country’s tourism and culture through events in South Korea. "These events aim to showcase Georgia’s rich culture, history, and unique offerings, strengthening the people-to-people connections between our two nations." Interest in academic and cultural exchanges is also rising. "South Korea is becoming increasingly popular among young Georgians. They actively learn Korean language and culture, and many are already studying at South Korean universities." Georgian students have received scholarships from the Woojung and Elim Foundations, and several university-level MoUs are being developed. The embassy is working to establish a Sejong Institute in Tbilisi and hopes to eventually host a formal South Korean Cultural Center. "Even though our countries are far apart, our cultures share many similarities," he said. From Oct. 22 to 23, Georgia will host the 5th International Tbilisi Silk Road Forum under the theme "Invest in Connectivity – Grow in Stability." The event is expected to draw over 2,000 delegates from more than 60 countries. "Naturally, we hope to see strong participation from such an economic powerhouse as South Korea," Ambassador Papaskua said. Another sign of growing ties came in November 2024, when South Korea elevated the status of its embassy in Tbilisi. "This is a significant milestone that underscores the strengthening of diplomatic relations between our two countries," he said. "We look forward to deepening political dialogue and economic cooperation, facilitating cultural exchanges and thereby further solidifying our bilateral ties." Ambassador Papaskua said that his goal is to raise cooperation to a "qualitatively new level." He listed tourism, education, innovation, and cultural exchange as top priorities. "I believe that relations between Georgia and the Republic of Korea will continue to grow stronger," he said. "Both parties are motivated to deepen this value-based partnership in the coming years." 2025-05-23 15:16:49

New Zealand Embassy in Seoul and EAAFP celebrate World Migratory Bird Day SEOUL, May 22 (AJP) - A small seabird that flies thousands of kilometers each year received the spotlight in Seoul this week, as the New Zealand Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted a reception on Tuesday to mark World Migratory Bird Day. The event, jointly organized by the embassy and the East-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) was held at the ambassador’s residence bringing together diplomats, scientists, and civil society to highlight the shared responsibility of protecting migratory bird habitats. The East Asian–Australasian Flyway spans 22 countries, linking ecosystems from Alaska to New Zealand. Along this vast route, the Korean peninsula serves as a vital stopover. In her opening speech, New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Dawn Bennet spoke about the kuaka, the bar-tailed godwit, and the ancient connection it symbolizes between New Zealand and the Korean Peninsula. The kuaka, revered in Māori culture, completes one of the longest known migratory flights in the animal kingdom, traveling from Alaska to New Zealand in a non-stop journey spanning 11,000 kilometers (6,835 miles). “According to Māori tradition, it was the flight of the kuaka that actually prompted the discovery of our country by ancient Polynesian explorers as they sailed through the Pacific Ocean,” said the ambassador. “They set sail southwards as well, following the kuaka toward the land beyond the horizon.” The birds’ return trip in March takes them along the western and southern coasts of Korea, where they rest and refuel in tidal flats, areas now under threat from development, climate change, and habitat loss. “The kuaka and other migratory birds provide a poignant reminder of the connections between our countries,” Bennet said. “Those connections span biodiversity and ecosystems as well as the trade, cultural and people-to-people links that we often talk about in diplomacy.” Jennifer George, Chief Executive of EAAFP, compared the Yellow Sea to Seoul Station, a busy transit hub where migratory birds converge before continuing their flight to breeding grounds. “They need to stop here for two months on their way north,” she said, warning that without protected wetlands, many birds won’t survive the journey. George illustrated the stakes with the story about a godwit with a tag name “ZRM” that arrived in Korea exhausted and died before completing its migration. Researchers found ZRM’s leg near the mud flats in the southwestern area of the Korean Peninsula. “It is a quiet and a very powerful reminder of everything that they have to go through on that journey,” she said. But not all stories end in loss. George also spoke of “AJD,” a godwit that has made the same journey for 17 years and has become something of a local legend in his New Zealand hometown. Children write about him in school, local leaders track his movements, and indigenous communities consider him part of their stewardship. “He's a local hero,” she said. “He's part of their story. He's part of their guardianship.” George challenged guests from universities, local government, and international organizations to consider what role they could play in supporting the ecosystems birds depend on. “What small thing can you do?” she asked. 2025-05-22 11:13:28

US, South Korea, Japan hold trilateral secretariat meeting in Washington SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) - The United States, South Korea, and Japan have convened a Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat Managing Board meeting in Washington, D.C. on Monday (local time), the U.S. Department of State announced. The Department of State said in a statement that the meeting was led by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kevin Kim, South Korean Deputy Director-General for North American Affairs Yi Won-woo, and Japanese Deputy Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Okochi Akihiro. The Trilateral Coordinating Secretariat was officially launched in November last year to support systematic trilateral cooperation among the three countries. Through the meeting, the board members reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to advancing trilateral cooperation and discussed progress on existing initiatives, the Department of State said. The meeting highlighted the importance of institutionalizing collaboration across economic, security, and people-to-people domains. Participants reviewed recent developments and discussed next steps to improve coordination, enhance information sharing, and strengthen joint responses to regional and global challenges. The Managing Board also reiterated support for the Secretariat’s role in implementing trilateral outcomes and maintaining momentum on priority efforts. 2025-05-20 14:45:26

Lee targets key swing regions as Kim highlights welfare issues in Seoul campaign push SEOUL, May 20 (AJP) - With just two weeks left until South Korea’s snap presidential election on Jun. 3, Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo are stepping up their campaigns in the capital region on Tuesday, each appealing to core and swing voters with contrasting schedules. The election was called after former president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and removed from office for abuse of power. On Dec. 3 last year, Yoon declared martial law, citing threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements.” The Constitutional Court ruled on Apr. 4 that the action violated the Constitution, prompting an early vote to select his successor. Lee will begin the day by holding virtual meetings with South Koreans living overseas to encourage participation in absentee voting, which opened this week. The former human rights lawyer is scheduled to visit Seoul’s satellite cities -- Uijeongbu, Goyang, Gimpo, and Paju -- in the northern part of Gyeonggi Province, regions considered crucial in shaping the outcome of the race. On Wednesday, he will continue his capital-area tour with a visit to the western port city of Incheon. Lee’s itinerary underscores his campaign’s focus on the Seoul metropolitan area, which accounts for nearly half of the national electorate. His team views the greater capital region as the decisive battleground and is ramping up direct voter engagement in the final stretch. Former labor minister Kim Moon-soo is delivering a different message, one centered on social welfare and cultural policy. On Tuesday morning, Kim will meet with representatives from the Korean Federation of Artistic and Cultural Organizations in Yangcheon District, where he plans to pledge stronger support for the arts and sign a policy agreement with local artists. Later in the day, Kim is scheduled to visit Namboo Market in Seoul’s Gangseo District to meet merchants and check grocery prices. He will then head to Yeongdeungpo District, where he plans to visit a densely packed shantytown to hear directly from residents living in vulnerable housing conditions. His campaign says he will use the visit to highlight the need for stronger protections and better living standards for the urban poor. 2025-05-20 11:11:20

Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo offer different visions for constitutional reform SEOUL, May 19 (AJP) - With South Korea heading to the polls on Jun. 3 for a snap presidential election, constitutional reform has emerged as a key dividing line between the two leading candidates, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Both agree the Constitution needs to change, but their proposals reflect fundamentally different priorities and political philosophies. The snap election was triggered by the impeachment and removal of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on Dec. 3 last year. Yoon cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” to justify his actions, including the deployment of troops to block the National Assembly and restrictions on civil liberties. The Constitutional Court ruled on Apr. 4 that Yoon had abused his power and violated the Constitution, ending his presidency and setting the stage for the upcoming vote. Through a social media post on May 18, Lee Jae-myung said that he supports a four-year presidency, paired with reforms aimed at reinforcing democratic checks and balances. He stressed that any amendment would not apply to the sitting president. “Under our Constitution, amendments do not apply to the president in office at the time of the revision,” he said. Under current law, South Korean presidents serve a single five-year term. Civic groups have long pushed for a two-term system, arguing that one term is too short to carry out long-term policy agendas. But Lee maintains that the focus should not be on extending presidential power. “Now is not the time to debate term limits,” he said during a press event on Sunday. “What we need are clear safeguards that make it impossible for a president to abuse power like Yoon Suk Yeol did, whether through martial law or violating civil rights.” Lee also expressed regret over missing the opportunity to advance reform during the current election cycle, pointing to delays in revising the national referendum law. “We missed the moment,” he said. “But now is the time for each candidate to clearly present their constitutional reform plans so the next president can act quickly to begin discussions and prepare the groundwork for the ‘Seventh Republic.’” Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister and the PPP nominee, is calling for more radical change. In a written statement released the same day, Kim proposed shortening the next president’s term to three years to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections. “To make bold political reform possible, I propose reducing the term of the president elected in this race to three years,” he said. Kim supports moving to a four-year two-term presidency as well, but his plan goes further. He is calling for the abolition of presidential immunity, the elimination of legal protections for lawmakers, and the introduction of a public recall system for National Assembly members. He also emphasized the need for politically neutral appointments to the judiciary. While Kim welcomed Lee’s overall support for reform, he voiced skepticism about Lee’s intentions. “He must clarify whether the phrase ‘two-term presidency’ includes the possibility of long-term rule,” Kim said. “And given his past flip-flopping on constitutional reform, it’s time to put it in writing. I propose we sign a formal agreement on the reforms immediately.” 2025-05-19 11:18:28

K-pop boy band BoyNextDoor's new album hits 1mln sales in five days SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BoyNextDoor’s latest mini album "No Genre" has surpassed one million in sales just five days after its release, setting a new record for the group. According to Hanteo Chart on May 18, the album, which dropped on May 13, recorded a total of 1,074,316 copies sold as of the previous day. The figure marks a sharp rise from their previous release "19.99," which sold 759,156 copies in its first week and became a million-seller about six weeks later. The group’s agency, KOZ Entertainment, expressed confidence that the momentum will continue. "As the group continues to perform on music shows and live stages, we expect album sales to keep increasing," the agency said. No Genre has also made a strong impact overseas. It topped Japan’s Oricon daily album chart for two days in a row and saw both the title track and other songs enter the “rising chart” on China’s largest music streaming platform, QQ Music. BoyNextDoor is currently promoting the title track "I Feel Good" through appearances on various music programs. 2025-05-18 17:46:03

BTS' Jin thanks fans, debuts new solo track at album showcase SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - BTS member Jin expressed heartfelt thanks to fans and premiered songs from his new solo album during an offline event held Saturday in Seoul, his agency Big Hit Music said Sunday. The 32-year-old hosted the event in Seongsu, a trendy neighborhood in eastern Seoul, to celebrate the release of his second solo mini album “Echo.” He performed three tracks, including the title song "Don’t Say You Love Me." "The support from fans has truly stayed with me. It left a lasting impression in my heart. I was genuinely happy," Jin told the crowd. "Because of ARMY, I’m able to be a singer, make music, and stand on stage. I’m just really thankful you're here." He also gave a glimpse of his upcoming solo fan concert tour, set for June 28 and 29 at the auxiliary stadium of Goyang Sports Complex. "I plan to keep it light and fun, without getting too caught up in formalities," he said. The fan meeting event was broadcast live via Weverse and TikTok Live, reaching fans worldwide. Upon release, "Don’t Say You Love Me" recorded 3.62 million streams on Spotify, debuting at No. 9 on the platform’s Daily Top Songs Global chart. It also topped Japan’s Oricon Daily Digital Singles Ranking. 2025-05-18 16:34:24

State institute KAIST partners with Naver to develop app for autistic children SEOUL, May 18 (AJP) - South Korea's leading science and technology institute, KAIST, has joined hands with Naver Cloud AI Lab to develop a smartphone application designed to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) communicate more effectively with their parents. KAIST announced on Sunday that the newly developed app, called “AAcess Talk,” was created through a collaboration between its research team and the artificial intelligence lab under Naver, the country’s largest web portal operator. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. Some individuals with ASD experience difficulty in verbal communication, and a small number show signs of minimally verbal autism (MVA), making it difficult for them to express their thoughts through speech. Children with ASD often rely on illustrated word cards to communicate with their parents. However, these cards often fall short of conveying the child’s emotions or real-time interests, limiting the depth of interaction. To address this issue, the KAIST team developed an AI-based system that operates on tablet PCs and suggests appropriate communication cards in real time. The app allows children to initiate and end conversations and even ask their parents for opinions, offering a more dynamic and personalized form of interaction. “Creating an environment where children can express their own voices is the most important thing,” said Professor Hong Hwa-jung, who led the KAIST research team. “We will continue to develop UX-based technologies and practical tools to support social minorities.” The research was recently honored with a Best Paper Award at the ACM CHI 2025, a leading conference on human-computer interaction held in Yokohama, Japan. 2025-05-18 15:29:33