INTERVIEW: Start-Up Chile CEO says real startups solve real problems through technology Javiera Araneda, CEO of Start-Up Chile, speaks during an interview with AJP at the Global Startup Center on Apr. 23. AJP Han Jun-gu SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - To Javiera Araneda, CEO of Start-Up Chile, a startup isn't just a trendy business idea or a sleek new app. At its core, she says, a real startup is about purpose—and that purpose starts with solving a problem. “In our view, a startup should be tech-based,” Araneda said in an interview with AJP at a startup pitching and networking event held in southern Seoul on Wednesday, hosted by the Embassy of Chile in the Republic of Korea. “But more than just using technology, the technology needs to sit at the heart of what the company is trying to do. It should be the tool that delivers value, and addresses a problem that actually needs solving.” Araneda was in South Korea leading a delegation from Start-Up Chile, one of the world’s pioneering public accelerator programs. Founded in 2010 by the Chilean government, the Santiago-based initiative was a bold experiment at the time. The initiative offers equity-free public funding, not only to local startups but to founders from around the world. “It was a little crazy,” she said, “but it worked.” Fifteen years on, the program has backed over 3,000 startups and supported more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from 100-plus countries. Its alumni include four unicorns and dozens of companies that have made their mark across Latin America. Today, Start-Up Chile runs three main tracks -- Build, Ignite, and Growth -- designed for early-stage to scaling companies. Selected startups receive non-dilutive grants of up to 80,000 U.S. dollars, along with co-working space, mentorship, and access to a wide network of corporate partners and investors. When asked what separates startups that survive from those that don’t, Araneda didn’t hesitate. “It comes down to the team,” she said. “Ideas are easy. What matters is execution. How the team delivers, how closely they stay connected to their users, and whether they’re solving something that truly matters.” She recalled hearing a successful founder once say, “You want your customer’s hair to be on fire. That’s the kind of urgency your product should address.” Building something polished is fine, she added, but not before confirming that someone actually needs it. As part of her trip to Seoul, Araneda met with South Korean startup founders and government representatives to discuss potential collaborations. South Korean startups, she noted, are already making inroads in the Latin American market through Start-Up Chile. “We’re fully open in terms of industries,” she said. “We’ve seen shifts over the years—fintech and blockchain had a big wave, then edtech and healthtech during COVID. More recently, biotech and climate-focused startups have been on the rise. What matters most is whether there’s a meaningful fit with the Chilean or Latin American market.” Startups don’t need a Chilean office to apply, she added. “You can apply from Korea, no problem. If you’re selected, we just ask that someone from the team comes to Chile for the program. We’ll help you get set up, and yes, we support branch establishment.” The accelerator also runs a dedicated program to support women entrepreneurs. Its “Female Founder Factor” initiative aims to close gender gaps in tech and startup leadership. In the Build program, at least half of the selected teams must be women-led. “We want to highlight these stories and build a strong, global network,” Araneda said. Asked why Chile should matter to South Korean entrepreneurs, she replied, “We’re a small country, but we’re open, connected, and very startup-friendly. We’re a great place to pilot, scale, and expand into Latin America. Our programs are in English, and the community is incredibly diverse. You don’t need to speak Spanish to start.” Start-Up Chile’s latest global call for applications is open through May 9. “If you’re a Korean founder thinking globally, this could be the opportunity you’re looking for,” Araneda said. 2025-04-24 14:33:29

World-OKTA to hold Andong expo as planned, hoping to spark recovery after wildfires SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - Despite recent wildfire damage in North Gyeongsang Province, the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) has decided to move forward with its annual global convention and business expo in Andong later this month. The 26th World-OKTA Leaders Convention and 2025 Korea Business Expo Andong (2025 KBEA) will run from Apr. 28 to May 1, drawing over 2,000 participants from Korea and abroad. The decision to proceed was made after careful deliberation in light of the region’s losses, with organizers emphasizing the role of the event in supporting local recovery. “We are committed to creating a wave of healing,” World-OKTA said in a statement, describing the gathering as a step toward rebuilding rather than a moment of pause. Last month’s wildfires hit several areas in North Gyeongsang Province, including Andong, Yecheon, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Uljin. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, visitor numbers to key sites in these five cities dropped by 18 percent year-on-year in March alone. Local governments have since launched emergency campaigns such as “Hope Travel Promotion” and “Hope for Andong,” aiming to bring back tourists and revive the economy. Public-private cooperation is being encouraged, and World-OKTA’s decision to stick with Andong as the host city is seen as a welcome boost. The group hopes the expo can serve three goals at once: helping with wildfire recovery, supporting the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized Korean companies, and driving economic activity in the region. With thousands of guests expected, organizers anticipate a ripple effect across lodging, dining, transport, and tourism sectors. This year’s expo will feature more than 240 domestic companies and roughly 1,000 overseas Korean entrepreneurs and buyers. Export consultations and product showcases are expected to help local firms connect with new markets abroad. To ensure the benefits reach the local economy directly, World-OKTA is changing how it runs the event. Instead of a single official dinner, guests will dine at restaurants across the city, including in Andong’s historic Hahoe Village. All attendees will also receive local vouchers to encourage spending in neighborhood businesses. A fundraising campaign for wildfire victims is also underway. Donations collected from World-OKTA members around the world will be delivered during a special ceremony at the event. There are also plans for a tree-planting event, dubbed the “Hope Tree Planting,” to help restore the forests lost in the fire. The saplings donated during the event will be planted in consultation with Andong City, and the reforested area is expected to be named “OKTA Forest.” Organizers hope the space will stand as a living symbol of resilience, community, and a shared future for the global Korean business network. 2025-04-24 11:03:04

Start-Up Chile CEO promotes collaboration with S. Korean startups at Seoul event SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - Start-Up Chile CEO Javiera Araneda called for deeper cooperation between Chile and South Korea in building a global startup ecosystem on Wednesday during a pitching and networking event held in the southern Seoul district of Gangnam. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Chile in the Republic of Korea at the Global Startup Center, brought together about 60 participants, including startup founders and entrepreneurs from South Korea and other countries. The session was part of Araneda’s four-day visit to South Korea aimed at fostering cross-border innovation partnerships. “Latin America is a huge market. With over 650 million people across 20 countries, it’s a region full of problems looking for solutions, and you are the solution makers,” Araneda said during her keynote presentation. She introduced Start-Up Chile as “the first public acceleration program in the world,” founded by the Chilean government in 2010 to support tech-based startups, both domestic and international. Araneda described the program as “an experiment that really paid off,” citing recognition such as being named the top accelerator in Latin America and ranking in the global top 10 in 2018. “We attract and accelerate startups so they can have high impact. We want to help you get from point A to point B as fast as possible,” she said. Start-Up Chile currently offers three programs -- Build, Ignite, and Growth -- tailored to startups at various stages of development. These include equity-free public grants ranging from 16,000 to 80,000 U.S. dollars, as well as co-working spaces, expert mentorship, and corporate connections. Araneda highlighted Chile’s strategic advantages for South Korean startups looking to expand globally. “Chile is a small but highly connected country. It’s a perfect pilot market and a bridge to the rest of Latin America,” she said. “We have strong government support, great digital infrastructure, and multiple global trade agreements. It’s easy to do business there.” She also pointed out the growing presence of South Korean startups in the program’s portfolio, stating, “Chile is the most represented nationality, of course, but it’s followed directly by Korean startups. So, we are beginning to connect with the South Korean market in earnest.” The CEO also presented Start-Up Chile’s “Female Founder Factor” initiative, which promotes gender equity in tech entrepreneurship. “We want to create role models and success stories. At least 50 percent of selected startups in our Build program must be female-founded,” she said. Participants also heard from Ms. Maricruz Larrea, CEO of Farmtastica, a Chilean smart farming startup currently expanding its business in Asia. Both leaders encouraged Korean founders to apply to Start-Up Chile’s open call, which runs until May 9. “Start-Up Chile is for entrepreneurs who think globally,” Araneda emphasized. “We don’t care where you come from. Only where you’re going.” 2025-04-24 09:51:32

North Korean and Russian youth hold friendship gathering in Pyongyang SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - A joint friendship event between young people from North Korea and Russia was held at the Central Youth Hall in Pyongyang on Sunday, North Korea’s state-controlled media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported Monday. The gathering, designed to strengthen cultural ties and solidarity between the two countries, was attended by Mun Chol, chairman of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, North Korean university students in Pyongyang, and a visiting delegation from the United Russia Youth Guards, led by Anton Zemidov, chairman of the group’s Coordinating Council. According to KCNA, Mun Chol praised what he described as the Russian people’s resistance to hostile forces and expressed support for Russia's leadership under President Vladimir Putin. He said that youth from both countries would remain “true comrades and comrades-in-arms,” citing the close relationship between the leaders of North Korea and Russia. Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, Zemidov expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown during their visit and conveyed admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing him as a strong and dedicated leader. He also thanked North Korea for its support of Russia’s international positions and pledged that Russian youth would stand in solidarity with their North Korean counterparts in opposing Western influence. The event also featured a cultural performance by North Korea’s youth art troupe, including renditions of Russian songs. Participants from both countries joined in group dances and musical performances, wrapping up the event in a festive atmosphere aimed at deepening youth-level ties. 2025-04-21 17:14:02

Seoul court permits limited filming of Yoon's second insurrection hearing SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court at 10:00 a.m. Monday, for the second hearing in his trial on charges of leading an insurrection, marking the first time the public has seen him seated in the defendant’s chair. Photographs and video footage of Yoon in court were released following the hearing, after the Seoul Central District Court approved limited media coverage. The court cited “the high level of national interest” in the case, despite Yoon’s opposition to the filming. Media were allowed to record from designated areas prior to the start of proceedings, though live broadcasting remains prohibited. The case centers on the so-called “December 3 Martial Law” incident, in which Yoon declared a military-backed emergency decree. On Dec. 3, 2024, he cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” as justification for the order. The decree was enforced with the deployment of 1,580 troops, 107 military vehicles, 12 Black Hawk helicopters, and more than 9,000 rounds of live ammunition. Despite the show of force, 190 lawmakers entered the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift martial law just hours later. Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and officially removed from office on Apr. 4, 2025. He now faces trial for insurrection and abuse of power in what has become one of the most significant legal cases in South Korea’s modern history. As during his first appearance, Yoon avoided the main courthouse entrance. The Seoul High Court authorized him to use the underground parking lot, and he was escorted from his residence in Seocho District, located a short distance from the court. 2025-04-21 09:43:09

India, S. Korea celebrate culinary traditions with joint cooking event SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in Seoul and the Korean Food Promotion Institute (KFPI) co-hosted a cooking demonstration session on Thursday, highlighting the shared cultural values of India and South Korea through food. Held at the KFPI headquarters in Seoul, the event featured dishes from both countries, with Indian Chef Neeraj Bisht preparing Chole Bhature, a popular Indian chickpea curry and fluffy bread menu, and Korean Chef Oh Seung-ahn presenting Gang Doenjang, fermented bean paste simmered with chopped vegetables, with Vegetable Rice Wrap. In his opening remarks, Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar emphasized the deeper meaning of culinary exchange. “Food is much more than sustenance. It connects cultures, tells stories, and fosters unity,” he said. “Today, we bring together the vibrant flavors of India and Korea, with our esteemed chefs each presenting a signature dish, offering a glimpse into our rich culinary traditions.” Ambassador Kumar encouraged attendees to engage with both cuisines beyond the event. “As our chefs guide us through their craft, we invite you to savor the aromas, observe the techniques, and appreciate the cultural significance of these dishes,” he said. “I hope this demonstration will inspire you to explore the beauty of Indian and Korean cuisines in your own kitchens.” Participants included members of the diplomatic community and international organizations such as the Seoul International Women’s Association. The event is part of ongoing collaboration between the Indian Embassy and KFPI, following similar joint programs in 2023. 2025-04-18 17:08:16

Han Duck-soo sees split public opinion amid rising support for Lee Jae-myung SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo is facing divided public opinion over his job performance, according to a new Gallup Korea poll released Friday. The survey found that 41 percent of respondents believe Han is doing well in his role, while 50 percent said he is not. Nine percent reserved judgment. Han received strong backing from supporters of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), with 88 percent offering a positive evaluation. In contrast, 90 percent of Democratic Party (DP) supporters viewed his performance negatively. Among politically unaffiliated respondents, 37 percent rated his performance favorably, while 32 percent were critical and 31 percent withheld opinion. The survey also measured public preference for future political leadership. Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender from the DP, received 38 percent support, his highest rating to date. Lee maintained a comfortable lead over other figures, with former Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo, former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, and Acting President Han each polling at 7 percent. Former justice minister Han Dong-hoon followed with 6 percent, and Reform Party lawmaker Lee Jun-seok received 2 percent. About 26 percent of respondents did not name a preferred figure. Gallup noted that Lee’s popularity has steadily increased since mid-December, when his ratings began exceeding the 30 percent range. Among DP supporters, 82 percent backed Lee. Ideologically, Lee dominated among progressives with 74 percent support and led among centrists at 40 percent. Support among conservatives was more fragmented. Han Duck-soo led with 17 percent, followed by Hong at 15 percent and Kim at 14 percent. Lee also topped regional rankings. He received 66 percent support in Gwangju and the Jeolla region, 32 percent in Seoul, and 27 percent in the Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang area. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, he was tied with Hong at 19 percent. The poll was conducted by Gallup Korea from Apr. 15 to 17 among 1,000 adults nationwide. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. Full details are available on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission’s website. 2025-04-18 14:35:44

Lee Jae-myung outlines regional pledges ahead of first televised debate SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a leading presidential contender from the Democratic Party (DP), pledged Friday to relocate the ocean ministry to the southern port city of Busan to strengthen South Korea’s maritime competitiveness. Through a social media post, Lee said he would move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan to make the city “the undisputed center of South Korea’s maritime leadership” and to ensure “field-oriented policymaking.” He also vowed to relocate public institutions related to shipping and logistics, establish a specialized maritime court, and provide customized financial support for regional industries, startups, and manufacturers in the southeastern part of the country. For the Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, Lee promised to create an industrial belt focused on battery production and build a cluster for next-generation auto parts. He also pledged to promote a bio industry belt in the region and turn it into a national hub for biotech and vaccine development. Later in the evening, Lee is scheduled to join fellow candidates Kim Kyung-soo, former South Gyeongsang Governor, and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon in the DP’s first televised presidential primary debate. The 80-minute broadcast will feature a broad policy discussion on domestic politics, the economy, foreign affairs, and national security. It will offer candidates an early opportunity to contrast their visions ahead of the June 3 election. Lee enters the race as the clear frontrunner. According to a National Barometer Survey released Thursday, Lee received 45 percent support in hypothetical three-way matchups against rival conservatives, including former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, and former justice minister Han Dong-hoon. In terms of overall presidential suitability, Lee led with 39 percent, far ahead of other contenders, each polling in the single digits. 2025-04-18 10:29:37

Lee Jae-myung leads in three-way race with 45 percent support SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a presidential contender from the Democratic Party (DP), is currently leading by a wide margin in hypothetical three-way matchups for South Korea’s next June 3 presidential election, according to a new poll released Thursday. The National Barometer Survey (NBS) shows that Lee received 45 percent support in all three matchups tested. In a virtual race against former labor minister Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) and Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, Lee recorded 45 percent support, while Kim trailed with 22 percent and Lee Jun-seok followed with 9 percent. In another scenario, where former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo was the conservative candidate, Lee maintained 45 percent, while Hong received 24 percent and Lee Jun-seok 7 percent. In a third matchup against former justice minister Han Dong-hoon and Lee Jun-seok, Lee again led with 45 percent, with Han at 17 percent and Lee Jun-seok at 8 percent. When asked more broadly about presidential suitability, Lee remained the top choice with 39 percent support. He was followed by Hong Joon-pyo and Kim Moon-soo at 8 percent each, Han Dong-hoon at 6 percent, and both lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Lee Jun-seok at 3 percent. Among DP supporters and the Rebuilding Korea Party, Lee’s support was overwhelming, standing at 83 percent and 73 percent respectively. Within the PPP base, preferences were more divided. Hong Joon-pyo garnered 23 percent support, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 21 percent and Han Dong-hoon at 18 percent. The survey also reflected a growing public desire for a change in government. Fifty-four percent of respondents said they believe a new party should take power in the next presidential election, up six percentage points from the previous week. Only 33 percent said they wanted the current ruling party to stay in office, down four points. According to the NBS, the percentage of respondents calling for a change in government is now at its highest level since the beginning of the year. The survey was conducted jointly by Embrain Public, Kstat Research, Korea Research, and Hankook Research from April 14 to 16, with responses from 1,001 South Korean adults aged 18 and over. 2025-04-17 16:03:06

Pyongyang condemns US and S. Korea's joint aerial exercise involving supersonic bomber SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - North Korea’s defense ministry has condemned Wednesday the United States and South Korea for rolling out a joint aerial drill involving B1-B supersonic heavy bombers on the previous day. “The U.S. reckless bluffing military demonstration is a futile act of increasing the security threat to its mainland only,” Pyongyang’s state-controlled Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday, citing a press statement released by North Korea’s defense ministry. According to South Korea’s military, the exercise aimed to enhance the regular visibility of U.S. extended deterrence, with participation from South Korea’s F-35A and F-16 fighter jets, as well as U.S. F-16s. North Korea expressed strong discomfort over the presence of the B-1b bomber flying in South Korea’s airspace. The B-1B Lancer is a U.S. long-range, supersonic heavy bomber capable of carrying the largest conventional payload of guided and unguided munitions in the Air Force inventory. It combines high speed, maneuverability, and low-level penetration capabilities, making it a key asset for global strike missions. “The continuous appearance of B-1B serves as an occasion of highlighting once again the fact that the U.S. and its vassal forces are the only ones that unilaterally escalates the military tension nowadays while inciting the hostile atmosphere of confrontation in the Korean peninsula,” KCNA reported. Pyongyang strongly warned that the U.S. military action poses a serious danger to the sovereignty of North Korea and will “exercise the overwhelming deterrence and continue to make the U.S. recognize that its unannounced deployment of strategic means is a reckless and unnecessary abuse of strength, and get the U.S. realize by itself that the higher the level of provocation against the DPRK is, the greater the level of danger returning to the U.S. will be.” 2025-04-17 14:27:50