Journalist

박세진
Park Sae-jin
  • Former South Korean prime minister Lee Hong-koo dies at 92
    Former South Korean prime minister Lee Hong-koo dies at 92 SEOUL, May 05 (AJP) - Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo, a prominent scholar-statesman who led the government during the mid-1990s and managed critical diplomatic ties with the United States, died on May 5. He was 92. Lee served as a rare bridge between academia and high-level politics, holding senior positions under both conservative and liberal administrations. His career spanned several pivotal moments in modern South Korean history, including the 1997~1998 Asian financial crisis. Born in 1934, Lee graduated from the Seoul National University College of Law before pursuing further studies in the United States. He earned a doctorate in political science from Yale University and returned to South Korea in 1968 to serve as a professor at his alma mater. His transition to public service began in 1988 when he was appointed as the Minister of National Unification. He later served as a special advisor to the president and as the ambassador to the United Kingdom before being named the 28th prime minister in 1994 under President Kim Young-sam. In 1998, under the liberal Kim Dae-jung administration, Lee took the post of ambassador to the United States. He is credited with stabilizing the bilateral relationship during the height of the economic turmoil commonly referred to in South Korea as the IMF crisis. After returning from Washington in 2000, Lee joined the JoongAng Ilbo as an advisor. He remained an active public voice through a regular column where he provided insights on inter-Korean relations and domestic political affairs. Lee is survived by his wife, Park Han-ok, his son Lee Hyun-woo, and his daughters Lee So-young and Lee Min-young. The family includes daughter-in-law Hwang Ji-young and son-in-law Lee Kang-ho. A funeral service will be held at the Seoul Asan Hospital until May 8, followed by burial at the Cheonan Memorial Park. 2026-05-05 11:39:37
  • South Korea confirms HMM NAMU crew safety after Hormuz blast
    South Korea confirms HMM NAMU crew safety after Hormuz blast SEOUL, May 05 (AJP) - South Korea has confirmed Tuesday that all 24 crew members of the HMM NAMU are safe and the onboard fire has been extinguished following an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz. The confirmation allows the government to transition from an emergency rescue operation to a technical investigation into the cause of the damage. The HMM NAMU, a vessel operated by the flagship carrier HMM, suffered the explosion at 8:40 pm (1140 GMT) on Monday near the United Arab Emirates. The ship is currently stationary and inoperable, requiring a tugboat for transport to a nearby port for a full damage assessment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported at 9:49 am on Tuesday that the crew consists of six South Korean nationals and 18 foreign sailors. While the fire has been suppressed, the ministry noted that the ship cannot navigate under its own power and the exact cause of the blast remains unknown. Government authorities are currently seeking available tugboats to move the vessel to a secure location. A specific towing schedule has not yet been determined as officials evaluate the logistics of the recovery and the current conditions of the regional waterway. Following the blast, Donald Trump claimed on the Truth Social platform that Iran was responsible and urged South Korea to join a military mission called Project Freedom. South Korean officials have maintained a cautious stance, stating that a formal determination will follow a physical inspection at a dock. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries remain in constant communication with regional missions in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai. 2026-05-05 10:12:09
  • Trump pressures South Korea to join Project Freedom after ship explosion in Hormuz Strait
    Trump pressures South Korea to join Project Freedom after ship explosion in Hormuz Strait SEOUL, May 05 (AJP) - Following a mysterious explosion on a South Korean cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the United States' President Donald Trump has publicly pressured South Korea to deploy military forces to a U.S.-led maritime mission "Project Freedom" in the Hormuz Strait. Trump directly linked the safety of commercial shipping to participation in the naval mission, while explicitly attributing the explosion to an Iranian attack. The incident marks the first time a South Korean vessel has sustained physical damage since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, forcing Seoul into a difficult diplomatic position between its primary ally and its energy security interests. While the South Korean government remains cautious in its assessment, Trump's immediate assignment of blame narrows the window for the investigative deliberation typically preferred by South Korean officials. The HMM NAMU, a cargo ship operated by HMM, suffered an explosion and subsequent fire at approximately 8:40 p.m. (1140 GMT) on May 4, while navigating waters near the United Arab Emirates (UAE). HMM, formerly known as Hyundai Merchant Marine, is the flagship carrier of South Korea and serves as a critical link in the country's export-driven economy. No casualties were reported among the crew members, and South Korean diplomats in the UAE and Dubai have contacted the shipping company to ensure the safety of the sailors. The vessel was operating in the strategic Strait of Hormuz when the blast occurred, an area that serves as a transit point for a significant portion of South Korea's oil imports. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump stated that Iran has taken shots at unrelated nations, including the South Korean cargo ship. He suggested it is time for South Korea to join the mission, noting that United States forces had already engaged and destroyed seven Iranian fast boats that were obstructing movement in the strait. The South Korean government held an emergency meeting at midnight on Tuesday to discuss the protection of its citizens. Kim Jin-ah, the second vice foreign minister, expressed deep concern over the incident but emphasized that the government is still investigating the exact cause and the possibility of a targeted strike. The call for military involvement comes amid a pattern of Trump targeting allies who decline to support U.S.-led security initiatives. He recently imposed tariff increases and proposed troop reductions for Germany after its government refused to join similar naval operations, a precedent that weighs heavily on the current deliberations in Seoul. The U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine are scheduled to hold a news conference on Monday morning to discuss the engagement. 2026-05-05 08:25:52
  • South Korean film My Name wins Audience Award at Italian festival
    South Korean film 'My Name' wins Audience Award at Italian festival SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - South Korean film "My Name," directed by Chung Ji-young and centering on the 1948 Jeju 4.3 massacre, won the Audience Award at the Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy on Monday, the film's distributor Let's Films said. The victory at Europe's largest festival dedicated to Asian cinema suggests that South Korean historical narratives are gaining universal resonance through popular vote. The Audience Award is determined by direct ballots from attendees at the Nuovo Giovanni Theater. This marks a significant moment for a film dealing with specific domestic trauma to receive direct validation from an international audience. Production company Let's Films said the movie tells the story of 18-year-old Shin Woo-bin and his mother, Yeom Hye-ran, as they navigate the legacy of the incident. Since its April 15 release, the film has attracted 191,000 viewers in South Korea while maintaining grassroots momentum through organized relay screenings. The Jeju 4.3 Incident refers to a series of uprisings and subsequent brutal suppressions on Jeju Island, currently one of South Korea's favorite getaway destinations, between 1948 and 1954. According to the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation, the military and police campaign resulted in the death of an estimated 30,000 people, representing roughly 10 percent of the island's population at the time. Historical records from the National Institute of Korean History show that the Northwest Youth League, a right-wing paramilitary group, carried out many of the most severe atrocities against civilians. The group was primarily composed of Christian refugees who had fled the northern region of the peninsula to escape communist persecution. Driven by extreme anti-communist sentiment and a sense of displacement, members of the Northwest Youth League engaged in widespread extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture. Their presence on the island was often characterized by a lack of oversight, leading to indiscriminate violence against those suspected of leftist sympathies. Let's Films stated that the international recognition in Udine highlights the potential for South Korean cinema to facilitate global understanding of human rights issues. The film continues to play in South Korean theaters as civic groups host additional screenings to maintain public awareness. 2026-05-04 17:06:20
  • South Korea online shopping hits record as travel demand defies fuel surcharges
    South Korea online shopping hits record as travel demand defies fuel surcharges SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - South Korea's online shopping transactions hit an all-time monthly high in March as travelers booked spring holidays despite soaring fuel costs driven by the Middle East conflict. Data from Statistics Korea showed monthly transactions reached 25.6 trillion won, marking the first time the figure has surpassed 25 trillion won since tracking began in 2017. Total volume grew 13.3 percent compared to the same period last year. Travel and transport services served as the primary engine for growth, surging 21.7 percent to 3.3 trillion won. Surge comes as South Koreans prepare for the peak travel window in May, which includes major public holidays for Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday. Demand for air travel has remained price-inelastic despite a sharp rise in jet fuel surcharges. Costs spiked following geopolitical volatility involving Iran, which heightened concerns over oil supply stability in the Persian Gulf. South Korean carriers adjust international fuel surcharges monthly based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark. Recent regional instability pushed these surcharges higher, but travelers have opted to secure tickets early to hedge against further price increases. Total online transactions for the first quarter of the year reached 72.2 trillion won, up 9.2 percent from 2023. Beyond travel, the sector saw significant gains in automotive supplies and telecommunications equipment. Overseas direct sales also expanded 24.4 percent to 1.1 trillion won in the first quarter. Cosmetics and K-pop-related merchandise, including albums and video content, drove the bulk of international demand. China remained the largest partner for cross-border e-commerce. Online purchases by South Koreans from Chinese platforms totaled 1.2 trillion won during first three months of year. 2026-05-04 16:39:09
  • South Korea legalizes credit card issuance for minors
    South Korea legalizes credit card issuance for minors SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - South Korea officially authorized the issuance of credit cards to minors aged 12 and older on Monday, institutionalizing a digital payment system that reflects the country’s rapid transition toward a cashless economy. The measure, which took effect May 4, replaces a temporary pilot program with a permanent legal framework under the Specialized Credit Financial Business Act. The regulatory shift aims to eliminate the widespread but technically prohibited practice of children using their parents’ credit cards, so-called "Um-ka (mother's card)" for daily purchases. Financial authorities expect the formalization of youth spending to improve transaction safety, simplify loss-reporting procedures, and foster early financial literacy under parental oversight. Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Lee Eok-weon oversaw the implementation of amendments designed to increase the predictability of financial administration. The commission stated that the change provides a legal basis for "family cards" while expanding the business scope for credit finance companies. Under the new rules, monthly credit limits for minors are set at a default of 100,000 won ($68). Parents may increase this threshold to 500,000 won if they provide explicit consent during the application process. Usage is restricted to essential sectors including convenience stores, stationery shops, cram schools, and hospitals. The cards are strictly blocked at nightlife venues and gambling establishments to ensure funds are used for daily necessities and educational purposes. The update also lowered the age floor for debit card issuance to 7 years old, down from 12. While debit cards were not previously restricted by law, South Korean banks had synchronized issuance with the minimum age for deferred-payment transportation features. To address rising public transit costs, the monthly limit for these deferred transportation payments was doubled to 100,000 won. This allows elementary school students to pay for commutes digitally as cash usage continues to decline across South Korea. "Institutionalizing these services provides higher predictability for administrative actions and expands the business scope for credit finance companies," The FSC head said. The commission also modernized merchant registration by allowing non-face-to-face verification through mobile applications. This replaces the previous requirement for recruiters to visit business sites in person to confirm that a merchant is actively operating. South Korea’s move mirrors international trends such as the "Credit Piggybank" concept in the United States, where some banks allow minors to use cards to build independent credit histories. Unlike the American model, which focuses on building individual scores, the South Korean system bills expenditures directly to the parents’ account and credit records. The FSC intends to continue identifying regulatory tasks that reflect on-site demand to improve convenience for both small business owners and financial consumers. 2026-05-04 15:46:28
  • K-pop girl band aespa prepares for second full-length album with pre-release single WDA
    K-pop girl band aespa prepares for second full-length album with pre-release single 'WDA' SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - South Korean girl group aespa will release a pre-release single titled Whole Different Animal on May 11. The track serves as the initial signal for the rollout of the group's second full-length album. The release strategy replicates a successful formula used during the campaign for their first studio album. The group's previous pre-release track Supernova recorded top positions on major music charts in South Korea and established strong momentum for the subsequent album launch. Whole Different Animal will be available on major music streaming platforms at 6 PM (0900 GMT) on May 11. A music video for the single will premiere simultaneously on the SMTOWN YouTube channel. Promotional teaser images released Monday depict a narrative shift within the group's fictional worldview. The visuals titled The Creature show a new entity born from chaos and the group members in a state of tension. The upcoming second full-length album, titled LEMONADE, features ten tracks spanning various musical genres. According to the group's social media channels, this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for their overarching storytelling narrative. The full version of the album LEMONADE is scheduled for release at 1 PM on May 29. 2026-05-04 15:06:36
  • Agency apologizes for G-Dragon racial slur attire
    Agency apologizes for G-Dragon racial slur attire SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - K-pop star G-Dragon's agency has issued an official apology Monday after the Big Bang member performed in a stage outfit containing a Dutch racial slur. The incident in Macau has renewed concerns regarding the South Korean entertainment industry's frequent lack of cultural and linguistic verification in fashion. Styling choices in K-pop often derive from a focus on visual aesthetics that ignores the social or historical weight of foreign fashion graphics. This recurring phenomenon highlights a gap between the global reach of South Korean artists and the localized expertise of their management teams. Controversy erupted following the "Macau K-SPARK" event on Saturday, where the 37-year-old appeared wearing a t-shirt featuring the phrase "RONNY, EEN GEILE NEGER JONGEN." The Dutch text includes sexual terminology and "neger," a derogatory term for Black people. Global fans launched immediate criticism on social media platforms after images of the performance circulated. Critics argued that such a high-profile artist, who serves as a global fashion icon, should be subject to more rigorous styling reviews. "We sincerely apologize for the fact that the artist's performance costume included phrases that were inappropriate in a social and cultural context," Galaxy Corporation said in a statement released May 4. The agency acknowledged the importance of "meticulous cultural sensitivity and responsible review" in the aftermath of the backlash. It pledged to overhaul internal verification procedures for all styling and artist activities to prevent future oversights. Similar incidents have taken place previously, as South Korean labels frequently prioritize the visual appeal of Western-style graphics without confirming their meanings. This fashion-related ignorance remains a significant risk for artists acting as international cultural representatives. Galaxy Corporation stated it will implement more cautious standards to ensure the diverse cultural backgrounds and values of global fans are respected. The firm expressed regret for the "disappointment and concern" caused to the international audience. 2026-05-04 14:59:58
  • KFA confirms North Korean female soccer club visit for AFC finals in Suwon
    KFA confirms North Korean female soccer club visit for AFC finals in Suwon SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - The Korea Football Association confirmed Monday that North Korean women's soccer club Naegohyang (meaning "my hometown" in Korean) will visit Suwon, south of Seoul, for the Asian Football Confederation Women's Champions League finals. The visit marks the first time a North Korean athletic delegation has entered South Korea in eight years. According to South Korea's football governing body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) informed South Korean officials of the North Korean team's participation on May 1. The move ends a long hiatus in cross-border sports exchange following a period of active cooperation in 2018 that included unified teams and joint athletic entries. Naegohyang qualified for the tournament finals after winning the 2023~2024 North Korean top-flight league title. The team will face Suwon FC Women in a semi-final match scheduled for May 20 at Suwon Sports Complex. The visiting delegation includes 39 individuals, consisting of 27 players and 12 staff members, according to the Ministry of Unification. Naegohyang is a corporate-style club founded in Pyongyang in 2012 and receives sponsorship from a consumer goods company. The squad is led by Ri Yu-il, who previously served as head coach for the North Korean national women's team. The team demonstrated a dominant performance in the qualifying rounds, scoring 23 goals without conceding. Naegohyang advanced through the group stage with two wins and one loss, including a 3-0 victory over Suwon FC. They secured a place in the final four by defeating Ho Chi Minh 3-0 in the quarter-final round. The Korea Football Association won the bid to host the tournament finals in January after Suwon FC successfully advanced to the knockout stages. The winner of the semi-final match will face either Melbourne City or Tokyo Verdy in the championship match on May 23. 2026-05-04 14:12:08
  • BTS album Arirang maintains top five presence on Billboard 200 for sixth week
    BTS album Arirang maintains top five presence on Billboard 200 for sixth week SEOUL, May 04 (AJP) - K-pop band BTS extended its run on the United States music charts as its fifth studio album, Arirang, remained in the top five of Billboard 200 for its sixth consecutive week. The release continues to draw engagement from physical sales and digital streaming. Most high-profile albums typically see sharp consumption declines after initial debut weeks. The album moved 56,000 equivalent album units for the week ending May 3, according to Billboard. Data represents a one-spot decline from the previous week, and places a record at number 5. Billboard 200 measures overall consumption by combining traditional retail sales with units generated from digital track downloads and audio streaming. Arirang has set several benchmarks for South Korean music since its March release. It became the first K-pop album to spend three consecutive weeks at number 1. Full chart rankings are scheduled for update on the official Billboard website on Tuesday. 2026-05-04 09:59:04