Police raid e-commerce giant Coupang's Seoul offices in data breach probe SEOUL, December 09 (AJP) - Implying full-scale government scrutiny, South Korean police on Tuesday raided Coupang’s Seoul offices over the massive data breach that exposed the personal information of an estimated 33.7 million accounts. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Division began the search-and-seizure at around 11 a.m. at Coupang’s offices in Songpa-gu. A 17-member investigative team, led by a superintendent-level chief, was deployed to confiscate internal documents and server logs believed to be linked to the breach. The move suggests authorities are examining potential security negligence by the e-commerce giant. Police officials said the seizure was necessary to determine the full scope of the incident and track how the breach unfolded. Legal and public pressure on Coupang has mounted as consumer confidence deteriorates rapidly. Data from IGAWorks MobileIndex shows that Coupang’s daily active user count has dropped by more than 2.04 million since the company disclosed the breach, sliding into the mid-15-million range as of December 6. Analysts note that many users appear to have left the platform after checking whether their accounts were affected. The investigation, which began after Coupang filed an initial report on November 18, is increasingly centered on a former Chinese employee identified by the company as the primary suspect. Police, however, emphasize that the inquiry remains wide-ranging and that conclusions will depend on digital forensics and internal record analysis. Given the scale of Coupang’s systems, the raid is expected to continue beyond a single day to process the extensive volume of data. Authorities said no secondary crimes, such as phishing attempts or home break-ins, have been confirmed so far using the exposed information. The forced judicial intervention underscores the severity of the governance lapses facing South Korea’s dominant online retailer, as investigators probe not only the breach itself but the safeguards that failed to prevent it. 2025-12-09 14:11:52

KAIST researchers develop water spray purifier capable of removing dust without filters SEOUL, December 08 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on December 8 that developers had created a novel air purification technology capable of removing 99.9% of fine dust without the use of filters, mechanical pumps, or noise, while emitting zero ozone. The research team, led by Department of Materials Science and Engineering Professor Kim Il-Doo and Department of Mechanical Engineering Professor Lee Seung-Seop, successfully created a "self-pumping water electrospray" device. The system combines ultra-low power consumption with high-efficiency particulate removal, addressing the limitations of traditional HEPA filters and electrostatic precipitators. Conventional air purifiers rely heavily on High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which require regular replacement and significant energy to force air through dense material. Alternatively, existing electrostatic purifiers often generate ozone—a harmful respiratory irritant—as a byproduct of corona discharge. The KAIST team’s innovation circumvents these issues by utilizing "water electrospray" technology, which generates microscopic, electrically charged water droplets to trap dust particles in the air. According to the researchers, the core of the innovation lies in the integration of Professor Lee’s "ozone-free water electrospray" and Professor Kim’s "hygroscopic nanofiber" technology. The system features a unique "self-pumping" mechanism where water is drawn up through a nanofiber wick and polymer microchannels via capillary action, eliminating the need for a mechanical pump. In laboratory tests conducted in a 0.1 m³ chamber, the device successfully removed 99.9% of particulate matter ranging from PM0.3 to PM10 within 20 minutes. Notably, it eliminated 97% of PM0.3—particles less than 0.3 micrometers in diameter, which are notoriously difficult for standard filters to capture—in just five minutes. The system demonstrated high stability, operating continuously for 50 hours without performance degradation. It is also exceptionally energy-efficient, consuming only 1.3 Watts of power—roughly half the energy required by a standard HEPA purifier and less than a smartphone charger. Water consumption was recorded at less than 0.4 milliliters per hour. Crucially, the team confirmed the device produces no detectable ozone, maintaining a safe indoor environment while filtering pollutants. The technology is currently being commercialized through A2US Co., Ltd., a faculty startup founded by Professor Lee Seung-Seop. The company has already been recognized with an Innovation Award ahead of CES 2025. A2US plans to release a portable air purifier based on this technology in 2026. The commercial unit is expected to handle not only fine dust but also odors and airborne pathogens. Research findings were published on November 14 in Advanced Functional Materials, a leading international journal in the field of materials science, under the title "Self-pumped Hygroscopic Nanofiber Emitter for Ozone-free Water Electrospray-based Air Purification." The study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the KAIST-MIT Future Energy Research Center. 2025-12-08 17:57:21

As U.S. and China drop denuclearization language, Seoul downplays shift SEOUL, December 08 (AJP) - The United States and China have both subtly or explicitly backed away from the long-held principle of "complete denuclearization" of North Korea, yet Seoul appears largely unconcerned — a stance that is raising alarms among security watchers. Analysts say the shift is not abrupt but rather an unmistakable acknowledgment of a transformed strategic landscape. North Korea is now a constitutionally protected nuclear-armed state; the United States is drifting toward a more transactional alliance centered on burden-sharing; China has effectively deprioritized denuclearization; and Russia has deepened military cooperation with Pyongyang, including missile transfers. Against this backdrop, Seoul remains committed to a framework designed for a very different era — one in which denuclearization seemed at least theoretically possible, major powers worked in loose alignment, and North Korea still engaged in negotiations. Dr. Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute's Center for Korean Peninsula Strategy, said recent signals from Washington and Beijing represent not a policy reversal but a public recognition of this structural shift. "North Korea is developing multiple-warhead ICBMs and a strategic nuclear submarine. Expecting Pyongyang to give up nuclear weapons at this stage is unrealistic," he told AJP in a phone interview Monday, stressing that any meaningful window for rollback "closed long ago." Washington's new National Security Strategy, released last week, reflects that recalibration. The document makes no mention of North Korea and drops the familiar phrase "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," instead focusing on deterring China and maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. It also excludes the term "extended deterrence," a shift many interpret as a sign that allies are expected to shoulder more of their own defense burdens. China has also moved further from the denuclearization agenda. Since March 2024, Beijing has omitted the term from its external statements and again avoided it in its September summit readout with Pyongyang. For the first time in nearly two decades, China removed "complete denuclearization" from its arms-control white paper. Russia, meanwhile, has strengthened military ties with North Korea, trading weapons and technology in ways that further undercut the conditions that once sustained a denuclearization framework. Despite these changes, the South Korean government maintains that nothing fundamental has changed. National Security Director Wi Sung-lac on Sunday downplayed the meaning of the NSS language, telling reporters that the omission of North Korea stemmed from structural choices in drafting rather than reduced American interest. "There is no need to view this as meaning the U.S. has no interest in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue or in resuming U.S.–North Korea dialogue," he said. Wi explained that the NSS was organized around an "America First" framework, with detailed regional content expected in subordinate documents. He added that Seoul has "strengthened its international connections" with neighboring countries and intends to build on that groundwork to reopen dialogue with Pyongyang. Asked whether joint military exercises might be adjusted as part of that effort, Wi said "many possible cards" exist, but stressed the government is "not directly considering reduction of joint drills." Speculation about a shift in Seoul's own phrasing emerged after President Lee Jae Myung used the term "a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula" during a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul on Dec.2. At a briefing Monday, Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yoon Min-ho clarified that "a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula" and "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" carry the same meaning. He added that South Korea will continue working with key countries toward denuclearization, regardless of how other governments frame the issue in their internal documents. Cheong of Sejong argues that Seoul's current framework is increasingly misaligned with the strategic environment. "If North Korea has made clear it will never give up nuclear weapons, then a policy that depends on asking Pyongyang to do so will not lead to dialogue," he said. He believes South Korea should adopt a deterrence-centered approach while leaving room for negotiations built on a balance of power rather than expectations of disarmament. One option he highlighted is building nuclear latency comparable to Japan's — strengthening industrial and technological capacity to enable rapid nuclear armament if circumstances require it. With full state mobilization, he estimated, weaponization could be technically achievable in about a year. He also pointed to the recent U.S.–South Korea agreement allowing reprocessing and enrichment of used nuclear fuel, which enhances low-enriched uranium capability and reduces barriers to future high enrichment. 2025-12-08 17:09:28

South Korea and Türkiye to explore common path based on historic ties in Seoul SEOUL, December 08 (AJP) - South Korea and Türkiye will convene a high-level strategic forum in Seoul on Dec. 15 to reflect on their historical ties and chart a roadmap for future comprehensive cooperation across next-generation industries and agenda on the momentum of the 75th year of the outbreak of the Korean War, where Turkey had been second only to Americans in arriving in the country to defend South Korea. Hosted jointly by the Embassy of Türkiye in the Republic of Korea and the Korea University Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) International Policy Forum, the event — titled "Türkiye Meetings" — will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Korea University's International Studies Hall, compromised of panel and separate high-level discussions among senior government officials, policy specialists, think tank scholars, and innovation leaders of the two countries. Marking what officials describe as a relationship rooted in "friendship, fraternity and brotherhood," the program opens with a photo exhibition tracing the evolution of Türkiye–Korea ties — from Türkiye's participation in the Korean War and Cold War-era solidarity to the launch of the strategic partnership in 2012 and the countries' present-day geopolitical alignment. The main forum features a panel discussion and seminar joined by leading figures from both countries' diplomatic and academic communities, including Prof. Ferhat Pirinççi, Deputy Director of Communications, Presidential Communications Directorate of Türkiye, Prof. Kim Byungki, Board Chair, Korea University GSIS International Policy Forum, Dr. Hong Hyun-ik, former Chancellor, Korea Diplomatic Academy, Prof. Nam Sung-wook, former Director, Institute for National Security Strategy, Prof. Kılıç Buğra Kanat, Executive Advisor and Professor, SETA Foundation, Prof. Murat Yeşiltaş, Professor of Geopolitics, Ankara Social Sciences University and SETA Director of Foreign Policy Studies, and Prof. Kadir Üstün, SETA Washington DC Chair The lineup reflects a shared intention to situate bilateral relations within a broader strategic context shaped by regional security demands, shifting global alliances, and accelerating technological change. President Lee Jae Myung visited Ankara on Nov. 24 for summit talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the country as "brotherly nation" for sending more than 20,000 soldiers soon after the North Korean invasion in 1950, even as the two countries lacked diplomatic relations at the time. The two summits signed memorandums of understandings on cooperation in nuclear energy, road infrastructure, defense capabilities, biotechnology cooperation, and AI and digital infrastructure. Erdoğan invited "vast and untapped potential" for cooperation across advanced industries" while Lee highlighted Türkiye’s role in mediating Middle East tensions and its relevance to stability on the Korean Peninsula. The event is additionally linked to commemorations organized through the Turkish Cultural Center of Ankara to mark Turkish Language Diaspora Day on December 15, reinforcing the cultural dimension of Türkiye's engagement with Korea. A special gala exhibition and seminar component is being prepared by the Embassy in Seoul, the Presidential Directorate of Strategic Communications, and the SETA Foundation to honor both President Erdoğan and President Lee's state-level exchanges. Founded in 2005, SETA (Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research) is Türkiye's leading non-profit think tank, conducting research across domestic and foreign policy, security, economy, law, society, media, energy, and technology. It is also involved in cultivating future policy researchers through training programs and seminars. 2025-12-08 13:48:37

SingCham Korea hosts year-end celebration marking 50 years of Singapore–South Korea ties SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - SingCham Korea brought together about 150 guests on December 5 for its year-end celebration, "The Golden Ticket," held at Floating Island's Vista Hall in Seoul. The event gathered members of the Singaporean community, South Korean partners, business leaders, and diplomats to mark the close of the year and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and South Korea. The evening opened with welcome remarks from SingCham Korea CEO Justin Yong, who highlighted the presence of Singapore's Ambassador to South Korea, Wong Kaijun. "We are deeply honored to have His Excellency Ambassador Wong Kaijun," Yong said, noting the ambassador's role since arriving earlier in the year. He announced that Wong had accepted SingCham's invitation to continue serving as its honorary patron. "We look forward to working closely with you and the embassy," he said. Yong reflected on the significance of 2025, describing it as "fifty great and golden years of friendship and collaboration" between the two countries. He pointed to last month's meeting between Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the APEC Summit, where both sides elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership built on five pillars. "This new chapter is going to open exciting opportunities for innovation, trade, talent exchange and deeper business ties," Yong said. He also described SingCham Korea's growth over recent years. "We did not start with big numbers, we didn't start with big resources," he said. "But we shared the same spirit that has shaped the Singapore–Korea partnership — the spirit to connect, to build and to grow." Yong thanked SingCham's board members, volunteers, and sponsors for supporting the organization's activities. Singapore's Ambassador Wong Kai Jiun followed with remarks linking the event's theme to the idea of opportunity. "When I think of a 'golden ticket,' I recall a book that I used to read as a child," he said, referring to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." He noted that the story's theme of opportunity and adventure paralleled the business community's experiences in Korea. "Tonight, I believe that SingCham Korea is also celebrating something similar — the opportunities that have brought all of you together." The ambassador underscored the deepening ties between Singapore and South Korea. "It has been fifty great and golden years of friendship and collaboration," he said. He noted that the Singapore–Korea Free Trade Agreement, South Korea's first FTA with an Asian country, laid the foundation for today's economic cooperation. "In the last five years Singapore's investments in the ROK have doubled, while the ROK's investments in Singapore have grown by 70 percent," he said. The ambassador also emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges. "These exchanges lay a very firm foundation for all the different areas of cooperation," he said, adding that SingCham Korea "serves as a bridge between businesses in Korea and Singapore, fostering partnerships, opening doors and creating new possibilities." Guests from Singapore, South Korea and other countries joined the celebration, which featured performances, networking sessions and a program recognizing the contributions of the chamber's volunteers and partners. As the evening concluded, the ambassador encouraged attendees to carry the night's theme into the coming year. "Let us hold on to the story of the golden ticket," he said. "May we see the opportunities before us, enjoy the adventures together, and see our dreams come true." 2025-12-07 23:03:41

Experts point to trust and perception as key hurdles in South Korea–China relations SEOUL, December 07 (AJP) - A media forum held in Seoul on December 5 brought together senior officials, diplomats, and scholars to assess the direction of South Korea–China relations following the recent summit between the two leaders. Participants broadly agreed that the biggest bottlenecks in bilateral ties are declining trust and widening perception gaps, compounded by intensifying U.S.–China competition. The event, titled "Future Outlook of Bilateral Relations and the Role of the Media after the South Korea–China Summit," was co-hosted by Aju Daily and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at China Construction Bank's Seoul headquarters. Aju Daily President Yang Kyu-hyun, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Hak-young of the Democratic Party, Representative Kim Geon of the People Power Party, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Jeong Ui-hye of South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing were among those in attendance, along with figures from business and academia. Shin Bong-seop, former Consul General in Shenyang and now a professor at Kwangwoon University, opened the first session with an analysis of how South Korea's foreign policy structure is shifting under prolonged U.S.–China strategic rivalry. He argued that the long-used formula of "security with the United States and the economy with China" has heightened structural risks, adding that security, technology, and supply-chain issues need to be managed separately. He suggested restructuring cooperation with China around so-called "blue-zone" areas such as climate, public health, food security, and small- and medium-sized enterprises, where political risk remains relatively low. Meng Guoxin, Seoul bureau chief for People's Daily, delivered the second presentation. He noted the significance of the summit, the first state visit and first in-person meeting between the leaders in five years, calling South Korea and China "partners that cannot be separated." He said the summit laid out four key directions for future ties: stronger strategic communication, economic cooperation in emerging industries, broader cultural and youth exchanges, and deeper coordination in international forums. Meng added that despite the high level of interdependence in the economic and industrial supply chain, anti-China sentiment and online misinformation in South Korea are real obstacles to stability, underscoring the media's responsibility to provide fact-based reporting. During the first session's panel discussion, Kwangwoon University Professor Kim Hee-gyo and Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies visiting professor Hwang Jae-joon, who also serves as a policy adviser to the Democratic Research Institute, described the bilateral structure as a mix of security competition, economic dependence, technological rivalry, and volatile public opinion. They stressed the need to manage domestic sentiment alongside strategic realism in foreign policy. The second session examined the role of the media and opportunities for media-sector cooperation. Lee Seok-woo, international affairs editor at Financial News, said the South Korea–China summit centered on practical, people-focused cooperation in areas such as financial-crime prevention, currency-swap discussions, follow-up negotiations to the bilateral free-trade agreement, and expanded person-to-person exchanges. He also noted that structural limitations remain in issues such as North Korea and China's restrictions on Korean cultural content. Lee warned that distorted information and hate-driven narratives circulating online continue to shape public attitudes in both countries, creating what he described as a long-term bottleneck in bilateral ties. Noh Seong-hae, Seoul bureau chief for China Media Group (CMG), outlined areas where South Korean and Chinese media could strengthen cooperation, including improving communication of national policies, easing misunderstandings, and expanding cultural and academic exchanges. He pointed to political sensitivities, rapidly shifting online sentiment, the spread of false information, and gaps in information access as major challenges. Noh proposed building a sustained cooperation platform grounded in trust and accuracy, suggesting joint reporting projects, co-produced programs, regular briefings, fact-checking partnerships, youth-reporter exchanges, and collaboration on video and AI-based content. He added that a phased roadmap — from expanding joint reporting to developing co-branded content — could help broaden cultural and economic engagement and improve public understanding in both countries. In the final discussion, former JTBC Beijing correspondent Park Sung-hoon, now with the investigative team at JoongAng Ilbo, and KBS producer Jeong Yong-jae drew on their reporting experience in China to highlight practical challenges in covering bilateral issues. Both noted that consistent reporting on youth exchanges and everyday cooperation can help improve public perceptions. Throughout the forum, speakers shared the view that South Korea–China relations now reflect overlapping dynamics: security tensions, economic interdependence, technological competition, and cooperation in daily life. Participants emphasized that for the positive momentum created by the recent summit to continue, sustained media-to-media engagement will be essential. 2025-12-07 22:52:25

KITA forecasts record exports for South Korea this year SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea's exports are on track to top $700 billion for the first time in history, with the recovery expected to continue into 2026, according to a report released on Dec. 5 by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). KITA's Institute for International Trade said exports are projected to rise 3.0 percent this year to $704 billion, while imports are expected to slip 0.3 percent to $630 billion. That would leave the country with a trade surplus of $74 billion. Semiconductors and shipbuilding are the main drivers behind the record performance. Chip exports have climbed sharply on growing demand for AI-related components such as high-bandwidth memory, paired with limited global production capacity that has pushed up prices. Shipments of vessels are also set to increase more than 22 percent as high-value LNG carriers ordered in 2022 and 2023 are delivered. Automobile exports, which were hit earlier in the year by increased U.S. tariffs, are expected to grow 1.6 percent as South Korea shifts more shipments to Europe and other non-U.S. markets. KITA said exports to the United States rebounded in November with a 13.7 percent increase, helped by expectations of tariff reductions following recent bilateral negotiations. Steel and petroleum products, however, are expected to remain weak through the end of the year due to higher duties and falling crude prices. For 2026, KITA projects that exports will continue on a positive track, increasing 1.0 percent to $711 billion. Imports are forecast to edge up 0.5 percent to $633 billion, keeping the trade balance in surplus. Information-technology products are expected to lead next year's growth. Semiconductor exports are forecast to rise 5.9 percent as AI-related demand remains strong. SSD exports are expected to increase 10.4 percent on the back of expanding enterprise-level storage needs. Wireless communication devices are projected to grow 5.4 percent as foldable smartphones gain ground and memory-chip prices rise. Display exports are likely to post a small gain as OLED panels continue to expand in IT devices and premium smartphones. Other sectors face a more challenging outlook. Automobile exports may fall 1.0 percent due to base effects and gradual expansion of U.S. local production. Petroleum products are projected to decline 13.3 percent as crude prices settle in the mid-50-dollar range. Petrochemical exports are expected to drop 6.1 percent amid continued global oversupply, while steel exports may fall 2.0 percent under ongoing U.S. tariffs and subdued demand. KITA said next year's import trends will largely reflect weaker energy prices, though higher imports of semiconductor components and manufacturing equipment could offset some of the reduction. 2025-12-05 13:44:25

KAIST professor Choi Won-ho receives top plasma engineering prize SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology said on December 5 that Professor Choi Won-ho of the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering has received the K-T Rie Award at the Asian-European Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering, known as AEPSE 2025, one of the leading global gatherings in applied plasma science and engineering. The K-T Rie Award is presented every two years to an international researcher who has made notable contributions to applied plasma science. The prize was established in 2015 in honor of Kyong Tschong Rie, a Korean-born plasma surface engineering scholar who worked in Germany. The Asian-European Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (AEPSE) brings together researchers from the Asian Joint Committee for Applied Plasma Surface Engineering (AJC-APSE) and the European Joint Committee for Plasma Ion Surface Engineering (EJC/PISE). Held biennially, it serves as a major forum for sharing advances in plasma surface engineering across Asia and Europe. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said Professor Choi has earned international recognition for research that clarifies the physical and chemical processes occurring at plasma–liquid interfaces. His team developed a plasma imaging diagnostics technique that observes the generation of reactive species and energy transfer in real time, helping to identify the core mechanisms behind interfacial reactions. Choi has also translated basic research into commercial applications. He helped establish Plasmapp, a low-temperature plasma technology company now listed on KOSDAQ. The company develops plasma sterilizers and bio-plasma products. In the space sector, he and his students created Cosmo Bee, a startup focused on plasma-based electric propulsion. Its work contributed to a cube satellite equipped with a plasma Hall thruster that flew on the fourth launch of the Nuri rocket. Choi has additionally spent a decade on the science and technology advisory committee of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in Cadarache, France. He has also served on editorial boards and organizing committees of several international journals and conferences in the field. "It is an honor to receive the K-T Rie Award, which signifies renewed recognition of Korea's competitiveness in plasma research," Choi said. He added that KAIST's environment for interdisciplinary work has supported his progress and that he plans to continue expanding plasma science and its applications. 2025-12-05 09:36:20

Thailand marks National Day in Seoul with tribute to late Queen SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Thailand's ambassador to South Korea emphasized Bangkok's commitment to a more active global role and deeper cooperation with Seoul during a National Day reception held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 3. The event, hosted in the Crystal Ballroom, brought together about 300 diplomats, scholars, media members and business leaders, according to organizers. Before the formal program began, guests observed a one-minute moment of silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who passed away on October 24. Ambassador Tanee Sangrat opened his remarks by noting that Thailand's National Day marks four occasions: the National Day of the Kingdom, the birthday anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand's Father's Day and World Soil Day. "Thailand's National Day is a celebration of four important occasions," he said, highlighting the late king's contribution to sustainable soil and water management. Sangrat also paid tribute to the Queen Mother. "Her Majesty was revered for her tireless work and lifelong dedication to improving the welfare of her people," he said. "Her Majesty's benevolence and grace will forever remain in the hearts of all Thais and will remain one of the guiding lights for us." He said the government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to pursue "a proactive and forward-looking diplomacy," adding that Thailand hopes to restore its "visibility on the global radar screen" while strengthening ties with South Korea. He described the relationship as "a multi-faceted and future-oriented strategic partnership." Sangrat pointed to senior-level exchanges during South Korea's year as the APEC host economy. "Prime Minister Anutin and President Lee Jae-myung met on the sidelines of APEC and reaffirmed their shared commitment to forging ever closer political, security and economic cooperation," he said, including efforts to speed up negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Turning to cultural and social ties, he highlighted the Sawasdee Seoul 2025 Thai Festival, which drew more than 100,000 visitors in October, and noted the Thai community in South Korea has grown to over 170,000. He said newly formed community groups, including the Thai Women's Council and the Thai Cultural Council, will play a role in strengthening cultural collaboration. The ambassador also outlined economic priorities, saying Thailand aims to raise bilateral trade from 15 billion to 30 billion US dollars and promote two-way investment. He cited this year's Ignite Thailand-Korea Business Forums in Seoul and Bangkok, as well as emerging academic partnerships in STEM and innovation involving institutions such as KAIST. (These details were stated by the ambassador.) South Korea's Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young, attending as guest of honor, described Thailand as "a treasured friend that stood with the Republic of Korea during the Korean War." He said the two countries have maintained 67 years of diplomatic relations, adding that "last year alone, over two million citizens from both countries visited each other." Chung also called Thailand "a crucial partner in strengthening cooperation between Korea and ASEAN." Addressing regional security, he said the Lee Jae-myung administration is "doing its utmost to open a new era of peaceful co-existence on the Korean Peninsula," adding that Seoul looks to Thailand and ASEAN "to encourage North Korea's participation in the international community." He closed with a toast to the guests: "To the friendship and prosperity of our two nations, and to even closer cooperation in the future." 2025-12-04 15:50:51

Travel guidebook event highlights Kazakhstan as 'blue ocean' for Korean tourists SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's ambassador in Seoul said tourism is emerging as a new bridge between his country and South Korea, speaking at a book launch held at Lotte Hotel Seoul on December 3 for the travel guide "Travel Kazakhstan" by author Seo Byung-yong. "It's a delight for me to be in front of such a wonderful audience, the true friends of Kazakhstan and the wonderful partners who are always here to support us," Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov told guests at the Garnet Suite on the hotel's 37th floor. The audience included diplomats, officials from the travel industry and business leaders, according to event organizers. Holding up the newly published guide, Arystanov said the book arrived at a moment of deepening ties. "This book is not just yet another book. It's yet another built bridge between our two countries," he said. He noted that more than 1,800 South Korean companies now operate in Kazakhstan and pointed to roughly 20 weekly direct flights connecting the two countries. (The flight frequency figure was stated by the ambassador at the event.) He also referred to Kazakhstan as "the country in the heart of Central Asia," highlighting next year's planned C5+K summit that will bring the presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan together with the South Korean president. "Central Asia is a beautiful region, beautiful food, beautiful cultures," he said, encouraging South Koreans to explore the wider region as well. Arystanov ended his speech by reciting the Korean proverb "seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times," adding that books can "open many doors, spark many dreams and bring our two nations even closer." Seo, who has written guidebooks for a decade, traced how his latest project took shape. His earlier titles on Moscow, Saint Petersburg, the Trans-Siberian Railway and Georgia had all focused on places that lacked detailed Korean-language guides at the time. He said the same gap existed for Kazakhstan. The author walked the audience through the structure of the new book, which covers Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktau and Ush-Tobe, along with sample itineraries that combine Kazakhstan with Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. He also pointed to the cover design, which uses yellow typography inspired by the Kazakh flag. "The blue represents the sky and water, the sun stands for abundance and the golden eagle symbolizes future flight," Seo said, adding that the cover image was provided by the Kazakhstan Embassy. A large portion of his talk focused on why he believes Kazakhstan will appeal to South Korean travelers. He listed seven points he said make the country "a blue ocean" for the travel market. The first was flight access. "There are so many direct flights now, with Air Astana, Asiana Airlines, Eastar and SCAT operating around 20 flights a week," Seo said. "This is a huge advantage when you design products or decide where to go." Second, he highlighted visa-free entry. "You do not need a visa for 30 days. If you have a passport, you can fly tomorrow," he said. Third, he argued that the perceived distance is misleading. "The flight to Almaty is about six and a half hours. Bangkok is around six hours, so it is not far at all," he said. His next points focused on scenery and food. Seo described Kazakhstan as "an Asian country that still feels exotic," pointing to places such as the rock formations and coastal desert around Aktau. At the same time, he said travelers rarely struggle with meals. "There are rice dishes, noodle dishes and plenty of meat," he said. "I don't think many people suffer because of the food." His sixth point centered on history, especially the legacy of ethnic Koreans who were deported to Central Asia in the 1930s. "For people interested in the history of Koreans abroad, Ush-Tobe and other sites linked to Koryoin history are very meaningful places," he said. Finally, he mentioned local attitudes and Kazakhstan's policy focus on tourism. "There is almost no discrimination, and the level of friendliness toward Koreans is something you have to experience yourself," he said, noting that Korean convenience store chains and food brands have been expanding in Almaty. (Expansion of Korean brands was mentioned by Seo at the event.) Seo said he hoped the book would be useful for independent travelers, pointing to sections covering local transport, currency, ride-hailing apps, SIM cards and practical travel tips. "We live in an era when more than 30 million South Koreans travel abroad each year," he said. "If this book can help turn curiosity about Kazakhstan into actual journeys, then I think it has done its job." 2025-12-04 15:24:13