10 percent of patients wait average of 17.5 days to be hospitalized: Survey SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - A government survey showed Monday that one in ten patients in South Korea waited an average of 17.5 days to be admitted to a hospital last year, marking a nearly four-day increase compared to the year before. The spike in wait times comes amid a shortage of doctors at major university hospitals, where medical residents and interns have collectively resigned in protest of the government’s plan to increase the medical school admission quota significantly. The reform, aimed at addressing the country’s long-term physician shortage, has triggered strong resistance from the medical community, leading to service disruptions and delays in patient admissions. In a survey conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs at the request of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, found that prolonged wait times for hospitalization reached their highest level since the survey began in 2017. The survey was based on face-to-face interviews with 14,681 people carried out between July 22 and September 27, 2024. According to the results, 90.2 percent of patients were admitted either on the same day or on their preferred date -- up slightly from 89.4 percent in 2023. However, the remaining 9.8 percent who were unable to be admitted as scheduled waited an average of 17.5 days, compared to 13.6 days the previous year. Among them, 69.2 percent waited more than 10 days. Outpatient care was more accessible. A total of 99.6 percent of patients were able to receive outpatient services on the same day or on a date of their choosing. Only 0.4 percent had to wait, with an average delay of 11.4 days. Of those, nearly 20 percent waited over 30 days—mostly for appointments at major tertiary hospitals. For outpatient visits, the average waiting time after registration was 16.7 minutes, and the average consultation time was 7 minutes. A majority of respondents, 61.1 percent, said their consultation lasted between 1 and 5 minutes. 2025-04-02 14:59:14

Justice Ministry considers long-term residency for Indonesian fisherman who rescued elderly from wildfire SEOUL, April 02 (AJP) - South Korea’s Ministry of Justice announced Monday that it is reviewing the possibility of granting long-term residency to Sugianto, a 31-year-old Indonesian national who helped rescue elderly residents during a deadly wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province in late March. The ministry said it is considering offering Sugianto an F-2 visa, a long-term residency status that can be granted to individuals who have made special contributions to South Korea. Sugianto was widely praised after risking his life to help evacuate residents during the massive wildfire that broke out on Mar. 25 in Uiseong County and rapidly spread to coastal villages in Yeongdeok. The fire, driven by strong winds and dry weather, destroyed hundreds of hectares of forest and forced the evacuation of thousands. According to reports from the emergency headquarters, Sugianto -- an Indonesian fisherman working and living in Yeongdeok -- carried elderly residents on his back to safety. As the flames approached the coastal village, he guided several people to a breakwater roughly 300 meters away, helping them escape the deadly blaze. Video clips and eyewitness accounts of his actions quickly circulated online, drawing public admiration and calls for official recognition. Local residents reportedly described Sugianto as calm, selfless, and decisive at a moment when many were panicked. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that it is reviewing Sugianto’s eligibility for the F-2 visa as a case of exceptional public service. “The long-term residency status is granted by the Minister of Justice to individuals who have made a special contribution to the Republic of Korea or promoted the public good,” the ministry said in a statement. The wildfire, one of the worst in the region’s recent history, was fully extinguished after several days. Authorities are continuing damage assessments and discussions over compensation and prevention measures. 2025-04-02 09:49:06

Former lawmaker Jang Je-won found dead amid sexual assault probe SEOUL, April 01 (AJP) - Former People Power Party lawmaker Jang Je-won, who was under police investigation for sexual assault allegations, was found dead at about 11:40 p.m. on Monday, police reported Tuesday. According to the police, Jang was found dead at around 11:40 p.m. at a studio apartment in Seoul’s eastern district of Gangdong. A note believed to have been written by Jang was found at the scene. Police suspect Jang took his own life and are investigating the exact circumstances of his death. Jang had been under police investigation after being accused of quasi-rape resulting in injury in a complaint filed by his former secretary. The alleged incident occurred in November 2015 when Jang was serving as vice president of a university in Busan. Jang had consistently denied the allegations, stating that there was no truth to the secretary’s claims. He reportedly continued to deny all charges during his police questioning on Mar. 28. However, the former secretary’s legal representatives submitted new evidence to police on Monday and released a video claimed to have been recorded in a hotel room in Seoul’s southern Gangnam District at the time of the incident. The footage allegedly shows Jang calling out the former secretary’s name and instructing her to bring him water, followed by scenes of him pulling her back and attempting unwanted physical contact. A male voice, believed to be Jang’s, can be heard in the video. The former secretary and her legal representatives had scheduled a press conference at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to explain the details of the complaint. With the suspect now deceased, the police investigation is expected to conclude with "no right of prosecution." “This will need to be reviewed internally, so it’s difficult to provide a definitive answer at this moment,” a police official told reporters. Jang served as a lawmaker in the 18th, 20th, and 21st National Assemblies and was considered a key figure in the pro-Yoon faction, having served as chief of staff to President Yoon Suk Yeol during his transition period. He did not run in the upcoming 22nd general election. 2025-04-01 07:55:56

Indian Embassy and Seoul City plant trees to deepen India–S. Korea friendship SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, held a tree-planting event under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (“One Tree in the Name of Mother”) campaign at Boramae Park in western Seoul on March 28, 2025. The event also commemorated Arbor Day in South Korea, a day aimed at preserving forests and expanding urban green space. The ceremony was held at the India–Korea Friendship Garden, where Ambassador Amit Kumar and Deputy Mayor of Seoul Kim Byung-min joined members of the Indian diaspora to plant twenty-five plum and red plum trees. The garden was originally established in 2021 to celebrate the longstanding ties between India and South Korea and has since served as a site for cultural and environmental cooperation. The “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative was launched by Prime Minister Modi on World Environment Day in 2024 and encourages people to plant trees in honor of their mothers and Mother Earth. The Seoul event marked one of the first official activities for the campaign held outside of India. Ambassador Kumar and Deputy Seoul Mayor Kim, alongside Dongjak-gu Mayor Park Il-ha and other officials, took part in the commemorative tree-planting ceremony organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. 2025-03-31 16:52:29

INTERVIEW: ISTARI bets on S. Korea in global cyber push SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - As cybersecurity threats grow more complex and tightly interwoven with economic, political, and technological forces, experts are calling on organizations to rethink their strategies. Among them is Rashmy Chatterjee, CEO of ISTARI — a global cybersecurity firm founded by Singapore's state-owned investment company Temasek in 2020. With operations in the United States, Europe, and Singapore, ISTARI is dedicated to helping enterprises build long-term cyber resilience in a world where digital disruption and geopolitical instability go hand in hand. Chatterjee brings a uniquely accomplished background to her role. She was the first female engineer in the Indian Navy, where she served as Deputy Director of Naval Design and was honored by the President of India for her pioneering work in naval engineering. After transitioning into the tech sector, she spent over two decades at IBM, ultimately becoming global sales leader for IBM Security and Chief Marketing Officer for IBM North America. Today, as CEO of ISTARI, she leads with a strong emphasis on client-centricity, innovation, and inclusive leadership. Her leadership arrives at a critical moment. The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 warns that 60 percent of organizations are adjusting their cyber strategies in response to rising geopolitical tensions, supply chain threats, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence. At the same time, Gartner has highlighted resilience, performance, and agility as key priorities for cybersecurity programs in 2025 — principles closely aligned with ISTARI's own philosophy. In a written interview with AJP, conducted on Mar. 31, Chatterjee discussed ISTARI's growing interest in South Korea, the impact of AI-driven threats, and the importance of nurturing resilient cyber leaders. "South Korea’s large digital and information technology (IT) landscape makes it an attractive market for ISTARI," Chatterjee said. "We focus on critical areas such as operational technology (OT) security, supply chain risk management, and modern security operations centers (SOC). Given South Korea’s prominent role in global manufacturing and production, these areas are particularly relevant," the ISTARI CEO explained. ISTARI has already established partnerships with companies such as Ensign InfoSecurity, Asia’s largest pure-play cybersecurity firm, and Claroty, a leader in OT security. "We believe in 'Collective Power,'" she added. "Relying solely on one vendor can increase risk. Our approach is to integrate strengths across our ecosystem to help clients build more resilient operations." The company is also open to collaboration with local institutions. "We would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with organisations like the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). Forming strong partnerships with policymakers, practitioners, and innovators is key to driving collective resilience." Chatterjee noted that South Korean enterprises face several pressing cybersecurity challenges. "OT security is a primary concern, especially with systems that operate across legacy and cloud-native environments. Supply chain risks and data governance, particularly as geopolitics influence technology decisions, are also major concerns." ISTARI champions a holistic, long-term model of cybersecurity. "We view cybersecurity as a business challenge, not just a technical issue. Improving cyber resilience is a journey. We customize our solutions based on each client’s risk appetite and mission criticality, and we invest in cybersecurity startups to stay ahead with adaptable, cutting-edge solutions." This mindset is increasingly vital as AI becomes a double-edged sword in the cyber world. "AI can automate and scale threats, increasing the likelihood of successful breaches," Chatterjee said. "But on the defense side, it can reduce costs, improve return on investment, and help detect and respond to threats like ransomware in real-time." ISTARI’s advisory team is actively engaged in helping clients navigate both the risks and opportunities of AI. "Our Advisory team is deeply engaged in helping organizations secure AI systems while harnessing AI to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses." Beyond technology, ISTARI invests in people. Its Navigator program, developed in partnership with the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School, is designed to train the next generation of cyber leaders. "We’d be keen to bring this to the South Korean market," said Chatterjee. Her leadership philosophy has been shaped by a wide-ranging career spanning the military, technology, and global business. "Working in defense taught me discipline and teamwork. IBM taught me the interconnectedness of business functions. My global career has shown me the value of diverse talent and inclusive leadership," she said. Reflecting on her transition from naval engineering to cybersecurity, Chatterjee explained, "Curiosity. I wanted to understand how technology solutions are built and delivered. IBM helped me see the critical role of innovation, academia, and partnerships. I moved into cybersecurity when IBM launched its security division and saw the opportunity to grow that business in Asia and beyond." A longtime advocate for women in technology, she encourages others to pursue leadership confidently. "Don’t be intimidated by the technical jargon or the traditionally male-dominated nature of the industry. Diverse perspectives are essential in securing the digital world." As ISTARI prepares for the year ahead, it is prioritizing six key areas: Operational Technology Security, Supply Chain Security, Optimized SOCs, Data-Driven Governance, Crisis Preparedness, and Risk-Based Resilience. When asked about the most defining moment of her career, Chatterjee pointed to the creation of ISTARI itself. "Founding ISTARI has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. It was my dream to build a business that prioritizes client success over vendor interests — one that believes in long-term relationships and delivers advice, technology, and skills holistically." As cyber risks evolve and intensify, Chatterjee’s conviction remains steady: "Cybersecurity is not just about building the brakes — it’s about enabling organizations to scale with confidence." 2025-03-31 10:47:04

Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung acquitted in election law violation appeal SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party and a leading presidential contender, cleared a major legal obstacle on Wednesday after being acquitted in an appeals trial for violating the Public Official Election Act. The Seoul High Court overturned a lower court ruling that had sentenced Lee to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for allegedly spreading false information during the 2021 presidential primary. Lee served as mayor of Seongnam from 2010 to 2018, a period marked by major urban development projects, including the controversial Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong developments. His time in office has drawn ongoing political and legal scrutiny, especially as he emerged as a national political figure. The case focused on Lee's remarks that he did not know the late Kim Moon-ki, a former senior official at the Seongnam Development Corporation, and his claim that a land-use change involving the Korea Food Research Institute in Baekhyeon-dong was carried out under pressure from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Prosecutors argued that Lee's 2021 comment was a deliberate attempt to deny his past association with Kim. But the court disagreed, finding that the statement did not amount to a denial of personal interaction. "The court found that the remark was a brief and clear expression of Lee's perception, not a claim about specific actions or relationships that could be deemed as false," the judges said. "Because it did not pertain to concrete conduct, it does not fall under the crime of spreading false information." The ruling comes at a politically sensitive time, as Lee is widely seen as the most viable presidential candidate for the opposition if the Constitutional Court upholds the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. 2025-03-26 16:15:26

Asia-Pacific Financial Forum explores financial strategies amid rising global polarization SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The 2025 Asia-Pacific Financial Forum, hosted by Aju News Corporation, took place on Mar. 26 at the Westin Josun Hotel in Seoul, under the theme of "Second Presidency of Trump: Financial crises and opportunities in an era of global polarization." The forum brought together government officials, financial regulators, corporate leaders, and scholars to examine the shifting global economic landscape and its implications for South Korea. Kwak Young-kil, Chairman of Aju News Corporation, opened the forum with a message of resilience. "Though South Korea is enduring growing pains, I personally believe these trials are the foundation for a new leap forward," he said. Emphasizing the forum’s relevance, he added, "Finance is the lifeblood of industry. When it circulates well, industries bloom, and citizens enjoy stability in their economic lives." Maurice Obstfeld, former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), delivered the keynote address, warning of heightened risks facing South Korea and the broader global economy. "The world has become an even more dangerous place," he said, citing a mix of domestic political divisions, demographic challenges, and international security threats. He noted that South Korea faces "four linked problems" that are both "domestic and international, economic and political." These include political polarization, demographic decline, rising inequality, and external economic shocks. "There is inequality between manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, between large firms and small and medium enterprises," he said, warning that these disparities contribute to social division and weaken economic resilience. Obstfeld addressed the potential fallout from U.S. trade policy under Trump’s second term. "This degree of uncertainty is unprecedented," he said. "What is bad news for the U.S. economy is bad news for everyone’s economy. South Korea is particularly vulnerable to U.S. tariffs." He pointed to Korea’s large trade surplus with the U.S.—much of it in the auto sector—as a likely target of scrutiny. "This is bound to attract the attention of the Trump administration, and not in a particularly positive way," he said, adding that "U.S. tariffs probably will harm both spending and output, leaving the net effect on the trade deficit unclear." He also warned of possible pressure on the South Korean currency. "When tariffs fail, the U.S. is likely to turn decisively toward a weakening of the dollar, which would imply a strengthening of the won and of all other currencies," he said. "This is a somewhat fanciful prospect but could still provide fertile ground for international disagreement." Despite the sobering outlook, Obstfeld expressed cautious optimism about South Korea’s ability to navigate the turbulence. "There are a range of policies that could make the South Korean economy more resilient—worker training, skilled immigration, paid family leave, and more inclusive productivity growth," he said. He encouraged deeper regional cooperation, particularly through multilateral frameworks. "South Korea should look at cooperating even more closely with regional neighbors," he said. "Joining the CPTPP and other multilateral trade bodies could enhance resilience." The forum featured lectures and panel discussions on topics ranging from the future of Korea’s capital markets to investment strategies in a strong dollar and high-interest rate era, as well as the role of virtual assets under the Trump administration. Senior officials, economists, and industry leaders shared insights on how to adapt to the new global financial reality. Held annually, the Asia-Pacific Financial Forum continues to serve as a crucial platform for confronting the challenges of global finance and charting a path forward for Korea and the broader region. 2025-03-26 11:11:28

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