NZ envoy says clean tech offers major opportunity for South Korea–New Zealand ties SEOUL, July 04 (AJP) - New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Dawn Bennet says clean technology and renewable energy are among the most promising areas for expanding cooperation between the two countries. Speaking in an interview with Aju Press on Thursday, she pointed to the potential for joint growth in industries that are increasingly shaping the global economy. "There is a great opportunity for New Zealand and South Korea to work more closely together in the clean tech space, including renewable energy," she said. "It's an area where we see growing demand globally, and both countries have complementary strengths." Trade continues to be a core pillar of the relationship. "This year marks ten years since the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement came into effect, and we've seen real benefits on both sides," she said. "We now have kiwi fruit being grown in both countries. Jeju Island is growing a New Zealand variety, and at the same time, Korean mandarins are being exported to New Zealand. That kind of exchange reflects the complementarity and trust in our trading relationship." "South Korea is New Zealand's fifth-largest trading partner. We have a complementary trade relationship. We export a lot of food and beverages to South Korea, and we import high-quality technology and cars." She reiterated that clean tech and emerging industries hold particular promise. "There is increasing interest in expanding cooperation on emerging industries, including clean tech, which I mentioned earlier." She noted that both countries are investing heavily in innovation to meet future challenges. "South Korea is a leader in advanced manufacturing and digital technology, and New Zealand brings strengths in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and green innovation," she said. "By combining our expertise, we can help develop solutions that benefit not just our two countries, but the wider region as well." Bennet also pointed to the importance of collaboration at both the public and private levels. She said regular exchanges, joint research initiatives and partnerships between startups could help accelerate progress in areas such as energy transition, low-carbon transport and sustainable food production. The ambassador underscored that the two nations share a long history, dating back to the Korean War. "New Zealand's relationship with South Korea goes all the way back to the Korean War when New Zealand was one of the first countries to respond to the call for help to come here and fight," she said. "We sent 6,000 troops to help fight for Korea, which was quite significant at the time. New Zealand's population was only two million, so that was a big contribution." That history, she noted, laid the foundation for a strong and wide-ranging partnership. "It's a very strong and deep relationship. We have good connections across education, tourism, culture, business and even defense." One unexpected but lasting cultural connection emerged from the war as well. A traditional Māori love song called Pokarekare Ana, sung by New Zealand soldiers during their deployment, was picked up by South Korean troops and transformed into the Korean folk ballad "Yeon-ga" ("Love Song"). Today, the tune remains widely known and beloved in South Korea, reflecting a deep emotional link that outlived the battlefield. Bennet also spoke of growing ties on the people-to-people level. "We have a growing Korean community in New Zealand. Also, Korean tourists are very important for us, and the Korean language is even being taught in some of our schools now." She described South Korea as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region, citing shared democratic values and common interests. "New Zealand is part of the Indo-Pacific region and South Korea is a very important partner for us in the region. We share democratic values and a commitment to regional stability and prosperity." "We work together on issues such as climate change, non-proliferation and economic resilience," she added. "Those are very important issues for both of us." While New Zealand and South Korea are not military allies, the ambassador pointed out that defense and security cooperation remains active. "We don't have a military alliance with South Korea, but we do engage in defense exchanges and dialogue. We also participate in regional forums and support UN sanctions enforcement on North Korea." In education, South Korea remains a major partner. "We have a strong interest from Korean students in studying in New Zealand. We continue to focus on cooperation in education and youth mobility." Cultural exchanges are also an important aspect of the relationship. "We promote New Zealand through our films, food and Maori cultural events. Cultural exchange is a great way to build mutual understanding." "I feel very honored to serve in South Korea. I really enjoy Korean food and culture, and I am very grateful for the warm hospitality of the Korean people," she said. 2025-07-04 10:04:20

President Lee Jae-myung says cutting off dialogue with N. Korea is 'truly foolish' SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of diplomacy and communication with North Korea during a press conference held Thursday at the Blue House guesthouse, marking 30 days since his inauguration. "Based on solid South Korea–United States cooperation and coordination, we must work to improve relations with North Korea," Lee said. "Completely cutting off dialogue is really a foolish thing to do." When asked to elaborate on his North Korea policy, Lee said, "Dialogue, communication, and cooperation are really important." He referenced the late President Kim Dae-jung’s Sunshine Policy and added, "Even during war, diplomacy happens. You need to listen, even if you dislike what you hear." "Politics and diplomacy must be handled without emotion and approached with reason and logic," he continued. "Whether in inter-Korean relations, ruling and opposition party relations, or ideological camps, if the goal is not mutual destruction, we need to pursue a path that benefits all. We must reduce tension step by step through dialogue and communication." Lee acknowledged the current challenges in engaging the North, citing deep mistrust and hostility, but expressed cautious optimism following his administration's recent decision to suspend loudspeaker broadcasts across the border. "I was honestly concerned about whether North Korea would respond at all, or how quickly. But they responded much faster than expected. It was beyond what I had anticipated," he said. Addressing public discussions about potentially renaming the Ministry of Unification, Lee explained, "If we talk about unification now, it might be misunderstood as a call for absorption or surrender. That’s probably why there is talk of changing the ministry’s name." He added, "As written in our Constitution, we pursue peaceful unification. This does not mean absorption. Who would want to be absorbed? That would involve immense sacrifice and conflict." Lee concluded that long-term efforts grounded in mutual recognition and cooperation are essential, saying, "Despite the controversy, we need to continue dialogue and cooperation over the long haul. I've already discussed concrete measures with the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service. I will speak about the outcomes later." 2025-07-03 12:47:05

Jungkook sets new records on Spotify as Asia's top solo act SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - BTS' Jungkook is breaking new ground on Spotify, achieving chart longevity that no other Asian solo artist has reached before. "Seven," his debut solo single released in July 2023, ranked 69th on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global chart for the week of June 20 to 26. The track has now spent 102 consecutive weeks on the chart, the longest run ever for a song by an Asian solo artist. His first solo album, "GOLDEN," released in November last year, also landed on Spotify's Weekly Top Albums Global chart at No. 70 in the same period. The record has now charted for 86 weeks straight, another unmatched milestone for an Asian solo act. Despite being in a non-promotional period, Jungkook also maintained a strong presence on the platform’s Weekly Top Artists Global chart, where he has been listed for a total of 109 weeks. "Seven" previously set multiple speed records on Spotify, becoming the fastest song to hit 100 million, 900 million, 1 billion, and 1.1 billion streams. It has now surpassed 2.42 billion streams, the quickest and first track by an Asian soloist to do so. His album "GOLDEN" has accumulated over 5.7 billion streams, the most ever for an album by an Asian solo artist. Jungkook is also the first Asian solo artist to have three tracks exceed 1 billion streams each on Spotify. Those tracks are "Seven," "Left and Right," and "Standing Next to You." 2025-07-03 10:51:16

K-pop band TXT gears up for July comeback with preview of fourth studio album SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - Tomorrow X Together (TXT), often described as BTS' brother band under Hybe, is ramping up excitement for their return with a full preview of their upcoming album, "The Name Chapter: Together," released via Hybe Labels' YouTube channel at midnight Wednesday. The preview offers a glimpse of all eight tracks from the group's fourth studio album, which officially drops on July 21 at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT). The album marks the final chapter in their "Name" series and carries a message of emotional connection and shared identity. A narration at the start of the video, "So now, I’ll call your name, too," sets the tone for a story about saving each other and the world through true empathy. The lead single, "Beautiful Strangers," is a hip-hop track built on trap rhythms, blending dreamy piano lines with powerful synthesizers. The song paints a picture of personal growth supported by others, and celebrates the beauty of standing out. A member of BigHit Music’s upcoming new group, set to debut later this year, participated in its production. Other tracks include "Song of the Stars," a stadium rock anthem that appeared in a previously released concept trailer, and "Upside Down Kiss," which captures the desire to hold onto love even when facing emotional distance. For the first time in their career, TXT is including solo songs by each member on a group album. Soobin’s "Sunday Driver" delivers a breezy portrayal of quiet moments shared with someone special. Yeonjun’s "Ghost Girl" dives into the feeling of surrendering to an elusive presence. Beomgyu, who also worked on producing his track, explores fulfillment through generosity in "Take My Half." Taehyun’s "Bird of Night," which he co-wrote and composed, offers quiet reassurance to listeners navigating turbulent nights. Huening Kai rounds out the solo efforts with "Dance With You," a song that likens the desire to become more like someone to dancing together. TXT will continue to tease the album with additional track previews from July 3 to July 7. 2025-07-02 17:50:03

Hybe names new heads for Americas and APAC as global push accelerates SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, has appointed Isaac Lee as CEO and Chairman of Hybe America, expanding his current leadership role over Latin America to include the entire Western Hemisphere. The move reflects Hybe's broader push to streamline global operations and build stronger local networks in key music markets. The entertainment powerhouse that nurtured top K-pop acts such as BTS and TXT said Wednesday that Lee, who has served as Chairman of Hybe Latin America since November 2023, will also lead its North American business. He retains his role at the Latin American unit, taking full charge of both regions. Originally from Colombia, Lee is a veteran media executive who previously served as Chief Content Officer for Univision Communications and Televisa, two of the largest Spanish-language broadcasters. He also founded Exile Content, a global media company. His appointment to Hybe America comes just eight months after his recruitment as the first chairman of Hybe Latin America. Hybe America operates several major labels, including Big Machine Label Group, Quality Control Media Holdings, and HYBE x Geffen Records. Its artist roster spans multiple genres and includes names such as Justin Moore, Lil Baby, and Katseye, the K-pop girl group created with Geffen. "CEO Isaac Lee, with his proven creative vision and deep local network, is expected to expand the influence of Hybe artists across the Americas," the company said in a statement. Scooter Braun, who led Hybe America after the 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings, has stepped down from the CEO role. He will remain on the board as a senior advisor. Braun has been widely credited for helping Hybe establish a foothold in the U.S. market. Hybe also announced a leadership reshuffle in its Asia-Pacific music division. Yoo Dong-joo, formerly an executive at Kolon FnC, was named as the new head of Hybe Music Group APAC. Yoo has experience in both corporate strategy and fashion branding, having worked at Hyundai Motor Company and later launching and selling the sustainable fashion brand K.O.A. He also has a background in international development with the United Nations. Hybe said Yoo is expected to contribute to the expansion of its impact-driven business approach in Asia and beyond. Shin Young-jae, who previously led the APAC division, will now oversee a separate project focused on enhancing Hybe’s multi-home and multi-genre strategy. 2025-07-02 16:24:15

S. Korea greenlights national consumption coupon plan amid heated budget review SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - As South Korea’s National Assembly continues to deliberate the government’s proposed 30.5 trillion won ($22.5 billion) supplementary budget, lawmakers on Tuesday approved one of its most contentious items, a 13.2 trillion won plan to distribute universal consumption coupons. The decision was made as part of a broad policy review session, where ruling and opposition parties clashed over fiscal responsibility and the effectiveness of key spending proposals. The "people's recovery coupons" are designed to stimulate domestic consumption and ease the burden of rising living costs, particularly for low-income households. Every South Korean citizen will receive at least 150,000 won, with higher amounts granted based on income level and region. The second-lowest income tier will receive 300,000 won, while basic livelihood recipients will receive 400,000 won. An additional 20,000 won will go to residents in rural areas experiencing population decline. A second round of payments will provide 100,000 won to 90 percent of the population, excluding the top 10 percent based on health insurance contribution records. The total benefit per person could reach up to 520,000 won. The coupons will be distributed as regional gift certificates, prepaid cards, or points added to existing credit and debit cards. The program, a central campaign pledge of President Lee Jae-myung, became the focal point of political disagreement during the National Assembly's review of the broader supplementary budget. The ruling Democratic Party argued that the coupons would provide a timely economic boost and direct relief to struggling households and small businesses. The conservative People Power Party countered that the initiative amounted to reckless fiscal populism, warning that it would offer only short-term stimulus while increasing the national debt and shifting the burden to future generations. Democratic lawmakers pushed back by citing the comparatively low debt-to-GDP ratio of South Korea relative to other major economies, including Japan, the United States, France, and Britain. The Interior and Safety Committee approved the coupon funding through bipartisan agreement, including a revision requiring the central government to shoulder the full 13.2 trillion won cost. The National Assembly also approved six trillion won in funding for local currency vouchers under the regional gift certificate program, which passed without changes. While the consumption coupon plan has cleared a key hurdle, the rest of the 30.5 trillion won supplementary budget remains under review. Lawmakers continue to debate other major components, including a 1.4 trillion won debt-relief package for long-term delinquent borrowers, additional support for energy-efficient appliance purchases, and subsidies for cultural consumption such as movie tickets, art exhibitions, and sports events. The government expects the full supplementary budget, once passed, to raise the national GDP growth rate by 0.1 percentage points in 2025. 2025-07-01 17:26:12

Creator of 'Squid Game' responds to American spinoff rumors SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - The final moments of Netflix drama series Squid Game's highly anticipated third season have ignited speculation about an American spinoff, especially following a surprise appearance by veteran actress Cate Blanchett. But according to series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, while the cliffhanger ending was designed to leave an impression, it was not intended to launch a new franchise, at least not by the South Korean director. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published on June 30 (local time), Hwang clarified that he did not write the ending to intentionally open the door for a future installment. Still, he expressed enthusiasm for the idea of another director exploring the universe, especially if it were helmed by someone he admires. "Honestly, nothing has been said to me officially by Netflix about this. I’ve only read it in articles myself as well," he told the magazine. "I’ve always been a huge fan of David Fincher’s work, from 'Se7en, 'and I’ve loved his films. So, if he were to create an American Squid Game, I think that would be very interesting to watch. I would definitely click on it immediately after it’s released, if it were to happen." Hwang, who spoke to the magazine while promoting the third and final season of Squid Game, explained that the Blanchett cameo as a Los Angeles-based recruiter for an American-style version of the games was written for dramatic weight, not franchise building. "I didn’t end it on that note in order to deliberately leave room for further stories to happen," he said. "Gi-hun and Front Man, through these characters, the Games in South Korea have ended." In the show’s final scene, Blanchett’s character shares a cold, calculated glance with the Front Man, played by popular South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, suggesting the games may have spread beyond South Korea’s borders. While fans were quick to connect this to circulating reports about a Fincher-led American adaptation, Hwang insisted the story was about something more fundamental. "Because this story started out with me wanting to tackle issues about the limitless competition and the system that’s created in late capitalism, I wanted to leave it on a note highlighting the fact that these systems, even if one comes down, it’s not easy to dismantle the whole system. It will always repeat itself," Hwang said. In the same interview, Hwang opened up about changing the original ending, which would have seen protagonist Seong Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, survive and reunite with his daughter in the United States. "I thought the person who witnesses the American recruiter woman would be Gi-hun," he said. But as the story evolved, Hwang decided a symbolic sacrifice would deliver a more powerful message. "I thought, 'What kind of sacrifices do we need to make in the current generation for us to be able to leave the future generation with a better world?' So I wanted Gi-hun’s sacrifice to be a symbol of that." As of now, Netflix has not commented on any future developments tied to Squid Game. 2025-07-01 15:40:04

K-pop band BTS to release live album as full group reunites after military service SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - K-pop wonder BTS will drop its first-ever live album on July 18, capturing performances from their record-breaking world tour "Permission to Dance on Stage," the seven-member band's agency said Tuesday. The album features 22 tracks recorded between 2021 and 2022 in South Korea and the United States, including crowd-pleasers such as "ON," "FIRE," "DOPE," and "IDOL." BigHit Music said the release is intended to bring back the energy of the concerts shared between BTS and their global fanbase, ARMY. "We hope this album serves as a reminder of the memories made during 'BTS Permission to Dance on Stage'. We hope every moment you shared with BTS will continue to shine in your hearts," the agency said. The album comes as the group returns to the spotlight following their military service. Jin, the first BTS member to enlist, kicked off his solo fan concert tour with two performances on June 28 and 29 in Goyang, north of Seoul. He sang 18 songs over two hours, showcasing his solo work and interacting closely with fans. Special guests joined him on stage, including solo artist YENA on the first night for "Loser (feat. YENA)" and Red Velvet's Wendy the following evening for a duet of "Heart on the Window (with Wendy)." The group's full return is already stirring excitement. On June 21, the day SUGA completed his service, fans crowded the streets around HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan, near central Seoul. There was no official fan event, but the area became a gathering point. Cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants rolled out BTS-themed decorations and menus. A massive banner reading "We are Back BTS!!" was hung across the HYBE building. Life-sized posters of the seven members lined the area, and a large anniversary ad filled the underground section of Yongsan Station. Online, fans from Japan, the U.S., Brazil, and elsewhere filled social media with messages like "Our BTS is finally coming back," using hashtags such as #BTSisBack and #방탄소년단전원전역. Although all seven members have now completed their military service, BTS remained present during their absence with pre-recorded content and solo projects. Their last group release was the 2022 anthology album "Proof." HYBE said BTS will resume group activities gradually in the second half of this year. Some media outlets have speculated that a major comeback concert could be in the works for early 2026, around the time of their 13th anniversary. 2025-07-01 14:06:27

Trump may seek meeting with Kim Jong-un at Panmunjom during October APEC visit, says Victor Cha SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - United States President Donald Trump may attempt to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at Panmunjom during his expected visit to South Korea for the APEC summit in October, according to Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Speaking during a CSIS webinar held on June 30 (local time), Cha said a Trump and Kim meeting could be on the table, especially given the president's history of pursuing bold diplomatic gestures. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, to be held in South Korea later this year, may present the right moment for another high-profile encounter. Their most recent meeting took place on June 30, 2019, when Trump, then in his first term as president, crossed the military demarcation line at Panmunjom after publicly inviting Kim via Twitter. It was an impromptu event during a G20 summit stop in Japan. Although it was historic, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president entered North Korean territory, it failed to revive denuclearization talks that had collapsed earlier that year in Hanoi. Cha's remarks came amid discussion on the geopolitical aftermath of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. He said those strikes may have hardened North Korea's belief that nuclear weapons are essential for regime survival, weakening hopes for achieving "complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization" (CVID). "One of the consequences of the strike on Iran may be that CVID for North Korea is essentially over," Cha said. He explained that North Korea is likely to view its nuclear arsenal as protection against scenarios like the U.S. operation in Iran, reaffirming its commitment to the nuclear path. While it is unclear whether the strikes will open a genuine path to diplomacy, Cha suggested they may encourage Pyongyang to enter talks in hopes of avoiding similar attacks. He also noted that Washington could have new motivation to engage, especially with North Korea's growing military ties to Iran and Russia. Cha pointed to North Korea's involvement in supplying weapons and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, as well as possible assistance to Iran's missile and nuclear programs. He said this cooperation could expand under the radar, posing broader risks across multiple regions. He also noted that China's leverage over Pyongyang has diminished in the wake of the Ukraine war, while Moscow has taken a more permissive stance toward North Korea's behavior, providing North Korea greater freedom to act independently. 2025-07-01 10:47:15

Naver Cloud signs MOU with New Murabba to support Saudi Arabia's smart city ambitions SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s Naver Cloud has entered into a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba Development Company to help build a new smart city in the heart of Riyadh. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Jun. 30 by Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yu-won and New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke during the New Murabba Investment and Partnership Forum, held at the Floating Island Convention center in Seoul. Under the agreement, both sides will work together over the next three years to introduce advanced technologies into the New Murabba project. Areas of cooperation include robotics, autonomous mobility, digital construction monitoring, and cloud-based smart city platforms. As the cloud service division of South Korean tech giant Naver, Naver Cloud is expected to play a central role in laying the digital foundation for what Saudi Arabia envisions as a next-generation urban district. "New Murabba is not just building another destination. We’re creating a new way of life," Dyke said during the signing ceremony. "This is where vision meets technology, and where Saudi Arabia’s ambition for a diversified, future-ready economy becomes real." A flagship initiative of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), New Murabba is being developed as a 14-square-kilometer (5.4-square-mile) mixed-use district in central Riyadh. It is based on the "15-minute city" concept, designed so that housing, work, leisure, and essential services are all within a short walk or commute. At the center of it all is the Mukaab, a towering cube-shaped structure set to become one of the largest built environments in the world. The 400-meter-tall Mukaab will combine cultural, commercial, residential, and entertainment functions, supported by immersive digital technology and its own operating system. New Murabba is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and reposition Riyadh as a hub for global business and tourism. Once completed, the project is expected to include more than 100,000 homes, 10,000 hotel rooms, and essential services such as schools and hospitals. It will also feature a 45,000-seat stadium, one of the planned venues for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The development is projected to create over 300,000 jobs. The agreement with Naver Cloud marks a significant step in bringing international technology expertise into the project. Dyke noted that New Murabba’s complexity requires partners capable of operating at scale. "We believe that if you're going to create the most extraordinary place on the planet, you need to look at where innovation is already happening, which is why Naver is such a great fit," he said. While the focus of the day was on digital technology, attention also turned to construction. Asked whether South Korean builders were being considered as partners, Dyke said yes but declined to name specific firms due to an ongoing competitive process. "We are currently in a competitive process and expect to form consortia that bring together the world’s top capabilities, including from South Korea," he said. Major South Korean construction companies such as Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung C&T, and GS E&C have long histories of working in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Many played a key role in the Kingdom’s infrastructure boom in the 1970s and 1980s. Dyke acknowledged this legacy, adding, "South Korea already has strong relationships and a proven track record in Saudi Arabia, and we’re confident that those ties will play a role in the next chapter of Riyadh’s transformation." As for the scale of the deal with Naver Cloud, Dyke said the size and scope would be finalized during the next phase of planning. "Signing is the easy part," he said. "Now comes the hard work, getting the details right and making sure we create the most value possible for both sides." 2025-06-30 16:09:45