Journalist
Saijino
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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New catalyst design boosts hydrogen efficiency while cutting costs SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - Researchers in South Korea have developed a new structure for catalysts that significantly reduces the amount of expensive precious metals required for hydrogen production and fuel cells. A team led by Professor Cho Eun-ae from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on January 21 that they have successfully created ultra-thin nanosheets that outperform traditional particle-based catalysts. Catalysts are essential for splitting water to create hydrogen and for generating electricity in fuel cells. However, the industry relies heavily on iridium and platinum, rare metals that are prohibitively expensive and prone to degradation over time. Current commercial catalysts use these metals in the form of small particles, which often clump together, reducing their effectiveness and limiting their lifespan. To address this, the research team abandoned the traditional granular form in favor of a sheet-like structure. By flattening the catalyst material into ultra-thin layers—thousands of times thinner than a human hair—the researchers created a structure that exposes much more surface area to the chemical reaction. This allows the system to generate more hydrogen or electricity using a smaller amount of precious metal. The new structure also solved a longstanding engineering challenge regarding support materials. Titanium oxide is a durable and inexpensive material, but it is rarely used to support catalysts because it does not conduct electricity well. The researchers found that when the new nanosheets are layered over titanium oxide, the sheets themselves connect to form a conductive path. This allows the stable titanium oxide to support the catalyst without impeding the flow of electricity. When applied to water electrolysis for hydrogen production, the new iridium nanosheet catalyst improved production speed by 38 percent compared to commercial catalysts. It achieved this performance while reducing the amount of iridium used by 65 percent. The system remained stable for over 1,000 hours under high-load conditions similar to industrial settings. The team applied the same design strategy to fuel cells using a platinum-copper alloy. The resulting catalyst demonstrated high durability and efficiency. In fuel cell tests, the platinum-copper nanosheets showed a 13-fold increase in performance per mass of platinum compared to commercial options. The fuel cell performance increased by roughly 2.3 times. Furthermore, the catalyst maintained 65 percent of its initial performance even after a rigorous durability test of 50,000 cycles, proving it to be far more durable than existing alternatives. This was achieved while reducing platinum usage by 60 percent. "We have presented a new catalyst structure that can simultaneously improve hydrogen production and fuel cell performance while using significantly less expensive precious metals," said Professor Cho Eun-ae. "This research will be a turning point in lowering the cost of hydrogen energy and accelerating commercialization." The research was supported by the Energy Human Resources Development Program of the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning, and the Nano and Material Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea. (Paper information) Journal: ACS Nano (Impact Factor: 16.0) Title: Ultrathin Iridium Nanosheets on Titanium Oxide for High-Efficiency and Durable Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c15659 (Paper information) Journal: Nano Letters (Impact Factor: 9.6) Title: Ultrathin PtCu Nanosheets: A New Frontier in Highly Efficient and Durable Catalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04848 2026-01-21 14:43:32 -
Seoul honors Turkish General Tahsin Yazıcı as first global war hero under new program SEOUL, January 21 (AJP) - The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs held a ceremony on Tuesday to honor Brigadier General Tahsin Yazıcı, the Korean War commander of the Turkish Brigade, as the "Korean War Hero of the Month" for January 2026. The Turkish Brigade, known by the code name "North Star" (Kuzey Yıldızı), arrived in the port city of Busan on October 17, 1950. Attached to the U.S. IX Corps, the brigade quickly earned a reputation for ferocity and resilience. Turkish soldiers were particularly noted for their effectiveness in close-quarters combat and their willingness to hold defensive lines against numerically superior forces, playing a pivotal role in protecting United Nations flanks during critical withdrawals. Yazıcı was selected as the first international recipient of the ministry's newly expanded recognition program. While the "Korean War Hero of the Month" initiative has operated since 2011, it previously focused primarily on domestic veterans. Starting in January 2026, the ministry broadened the scope to select two individuals each month—one from the South Korean military and one from United Nations forces—to better publicize the contributions of the international community. The commemoration took place at the Turkish Embassy in Seoul, where Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yun-jin presented a memorial plaque to Turkish Ambassador to South Korea Salih Murat Tamer. During the ceremony, Vice Minister Kang emphasized that the recognition carried weight beyond a single commander. "While we are honoring General Yazıcı as the hero for January, this is intended to express our gratitude to the entire Turkish contingent that fought in the Korean War, not just one individual," Kang said. "The government will never forget the sacrifices of the Turkish veterans." Military historians credit Yazıcı with a critical delaying action against Chinese forces during the Battle of Wawon (Kunuri) in November 1950. When the U.S. 8th Army faced encirclement by a large-scale Chinese offensive in South Pyongan Province, Yazıcı made the independent decision—despite a lack of communication with higher command—to establish a defensive line. This action prevented the destruction of the allied flank and allowed U.S. forces to withdraw to safety. His leadership was further demonstrated during the Battle of Kumyangjang-ni in January 1951. In the area of present-day Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the Turkish Brigade engaged in hand-to-hand combat using bayonets to defeat a Chinese force estimated to be three times their size. The victory is widely regarded as a psychological turning point that dispelled the "invincible" image of the Chinese military among UN troops. In his address, Kang highlighted the humanitarian legacy left by Yazıcı and his troops, specifically the establishment of the "Ankara School" and orphanage in Suwon in 1952. "Even as the war was nearing its end, they created the Ankara School to care for and educate children, sharing beautiful humanity," Kang said. "It makes me realize where the term 'blood brothers' truly comes from." Kang also announced a new bilateral initiative discussed with Ambassador Tamer. The ministry plans to collaborate with the Turkish government to formally review and preserve historical records related to the Ankara School, ensuring the story depicted in the movie "Ayla" is preserved. Ambassador Tamer stated that the relationship between the two nations has evolved beyond a temporary military alliance into a "brotherhood" built on shared sacrifice. "The friendship between Türkiye and the Republic of Korea goes beyond military cooperation established on the battlefields," Tamer said. "It has transformed into a strong, multi-dimensional strategic partnership built on sacrifice, resilience, and shared ideals." Born in Monastir in 1892, Yazıcı was a veteran of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence. Before his deployment to South Korea, he was a pioneer in the Turkish military who established the army's first armored tank unit in 1934. He was known among his troops for his "fatherly compassion" and his willingness to remain on the firing line during combat. Yazıcı retired as a major general in 1952 and served as a member of the Turkish parliament before his death in 1971. 2026-01-21 08:29:14 -
Uzbekistan president calls for results-oriented diplomatic shift SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for a fundamental restructuring of the country's diplomatic missions on January 15, urging ambassadors to pivot from traditional political representation to aggressive economic advocacy and the protection of citizens abroad. Speaking at an expanded meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mirziyoyev said the shifting geopolitical landscape and increasing threats to state sovereignty require a "new generation" of diplomats capable of delivering concrete outcomes rather than just managing relations. "In the current environment, an ambassador is not just a person who conducts political dialogue," Mirziyoyev said. "An ambassador is a state representative who attracts investment and technologies, opens new export markets, launches transport and logistics corridors... and, most importantly, protects the rights of our citizens." The president emphasized that future performance evaluations for heads of diplomatic missions will rely on specific key performance indicators. These include the volume of export revenues generated from their host countries, the growth of tourist flows to Uzbekistan, and the effective organization of legal labor migration. Reviewing the previous year, Mirziyoyev noted that 2025 was productive for Uzbekistan's foreign policy. Foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion for the first time, with exports reaching $33.5 billion and foreign investment topping $43 billion. The country also established strategic partnerships with 11 additional nations, bringing the total to 19. Despite these figures, the president criticized the underutilization of existing potential. He pointed to the failure to secure available international funding, estimating that better coordination between ministries and embassies could have attracted an additional $200 million to $300 million in grants last year. Mirziyoyev also highlighted the negative impact of rising logistics costs on the competitiveness of domestic products. He instructed diplomats to work on diversifying transit routes and optimizing supply chains, particularly to reduce transportation costs for goods entering European markets. The meeting also addressed the welfare of Uzbek citizens working abroad. Mirziyoyev directed embassy staff to abandon "office diplomacy" and establish direct dialogue with compatriots, ensuring qualified legal assistance is available for labor migrants. To formalize these shifts, the president announced the need to update the Concept of Foreign Policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The revised document will reflect long-term goals in economic diplomacy, security, transport logistics, and climate issues. "The time has come for a new generation of diplomats – those who achieve concrete results and firmly defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena," Mirziyoyev said. To recognize effective service under these new standards, the president proposed the establishment of a new state award, the title of "Honored Diplomat of the Republic of Uzbekistan." 2026-01-20 17:39:48 -
Blockchain operator Sign estimates 2026 to be turning point for institutional asset tokenization SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Sign, a blockchain infrastructure provider, released a market analysis Tuesday projecting that 2026 will serve as a pivotal year for Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, forecasting a shift from experimental pilots to full-scale institutional integration. The company stated that the digital asset sector is currently undergoing a structural transition. While recent years have focused on technical proof-of-concepts, Sign’s outlook suggests the coming year will see traditional financial institutions begin utilizing blockchain infrastructure for core operations rather than just speculative investment. In its analysis, Sign highlighted industry data projecting the market for tokenized assets could reach 18.9 trillion U.S. dollars by 2033. The firm attributed this growth potential to increasing regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions and a growing demand for on-chain capital efficiency among asset managers. To support this projected influx of institutional activity, Sign announced it intends to expand its proprietary "Sign Chain." The company positions this Layer 1 blockchain as a specialized network designed to handle the rigorous compliance, identity verification, and data privacy requirements of regulated assets—features often lacking in general-purpose public networks. A central component of the company's 2026 roadmap involves government-level partnerships to establish sovereign digital infrastructure. Sign referenced its ongoing collaboration with the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic to develop systems for a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and the "Digital SOM." The company frames this project as a test case for how blockchain can digitize administrative and financial processes at a national level. The report also identified stablecoins as a critical driver for the 2026 outlook. Sign noted that stablecoin settlement volume recently exceeded 46 trillion dollars, interpreting this as evidence that the market is ready for programmable, on-chain currency solutions that can interface seamlessly with traditional banking systems. Addressing the technical barriers to this adoption, Sign stated it is prioritizing "omnichain" connectivity. This approach aims to allow assets to move fluidly between incompatible blockchain networks, removing the technical silos that have previously fragmented liquidity and deterred institutional users. Company executives indicated that Sign plans to roll out additional tokenization services and infrastructure updates in the coming months to align with these anticipated market shifts. 2026-01-20 11:18:36 -
S. Korea, Italy agree to boost cooperation on AI and semiconductors SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on Monday to strengthen supply chain stability and industrial ties, focusing on semiconductors and artificial intelligence. During a summit at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, the two leaders oversaw the signing of three memorandums of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, disaster response, and cultural exchange. The meeting marked the first official visit by an Italian prime minister to South Korea in 19 years. The centerpiece of the summit was an agreement to expand business collaboration in the semiconductor sector. Under the terms of the memorandum, Seoul and Rome committed to sharing supply chain data and linking public and private networks to foster development in AI and other advanced industries. Lee described the partnership as a strategic fit between Italy’s scientific tradition and South Korea’s technological manufacturing base. "If Italy's traditional strengths as a science powerhouse combine with the core DNA of South Korea as a technology powerhouse, the two countries can create significant synergy," Lee said in his opening remarks. He noted that bilateral cooperation was already growing in aerospace and defense, adding that the potential for the relationship felt "limitless." Meloni emphasized that despite the geographic distance, the two nations were aligned on key issues, including critical minerals and energy security. "I have always viewed President Lee's pragmatic approach very positively and respect it," Meloni said. She expressed hope that the visit would establish a framework for regular political dialogue to address international crises. The leaders also discussed expanding cultural and personnel exchanges. Meloni noted South Korea's growing influence in soft power, remarking that her daughter is a fan of K-pop. Other than the technology agreements, the two governments signed a memorandum on civil protection to share policies on disaster management. A separate agreement between South Korea's Korea Heritage Service and the Italian Ministry of Culture established protocols for sharing data on heritage management and preventing the illegal trafficking of cultural properties. Lee also thanked Italy for its historical support, specifically citing the medical units Rome dispatched during the 1950~53 Korean War. 2026-01-19 14:00:50 -
S. Korea and Egypt sign declaration to launch economic partnership talks SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - South Korea and Egypt have officially launched a push for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming to establish the North African nation as a bridge for South Korean goods entering Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo signed a joint declaration with his Egyptian counterpart, Hassan El Khatib, in Cairo on Sunday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said the agreement formalizes the intent to negotiate a deal that goes beyond simple tariff reduction to include broader economic cooperation. The two nations have been laying the groundwork since 2022, following a memorandum of understanding and a joint feasibility study. The decision to move toward a formal deal was reached during a summit last November. A key focus of Yeo's visit was the potential for South Korean firms to gain preferential access to the U.S. market. During a meeting with Gamal El-Dein, chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Yeo highlighted the advantages of the Qualifying Industrial Zones (QIZ) agreement. Under this arrangement, goods produced in specific Egyptian zones with a required amount of Israeli input can be exported to the United States duty-free. "By leveraging the QIZ agreement, the Suez Canal Economic Zone can serve as a new production base for South Korean companies to export to the United States under preferential conditions," Yeo said. To facilitate this, Yeo proposed a regular consultative channel between the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and the Suez authority. He also inspected the Sokhna Industrial Zone and Sokhna Port—the largest of the special zone's industrial hubs—to check logistics and infrastructure. Yeo later met with representatives of South Korean companies operating in Egypt to discuss regulatory hurdles and financial support. "We intend to proceed with speed from the start of CEPA negotiations to their final conclusion," Yeo said. The ministry stated it would publish an investment guidebook based on the visit to assist firms entering the market. 2026-01-18 17:43:47 -
South Korea begins deployment of 'monster' Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - South Korea has begun deploying the Hyunmoo-5, a high-power ballistic missile capable of penetrating deep underground bunkers, to operational units, military sources said Sunday. The weapon, dubbed the "monster missile" for its massive eight-ton warhead, is a centerpiece of Seoul's strategy to neutralize the North Korean leadership in the event of a conflict. According to sources, the rollout to field units began late last year and is scheduled for completion within the term of the Lee Jae-myung administration. The Hyunmoo-5 serves as the core asset for the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) plan. This strategy forms one pillar of the nation's "three-axis" defense system, which also includes the "Kill Chain" preemptive strike platform and the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. While the Hyunmoo-5 is now entering service, military authorities are already advancing classified programs for next-generation surface-to-surface missiles. Often referred to unofficially as "Hyunmoo-6" or "Hyunmoo-7," these future systems aim to extend range and enhance warhead penetration capabilities beyond the current arsenal. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, speaking in an interview last October, outlined the strategic logic behind massing such heavy conventional firepower. "We will improve performance in areas such as destructive power and accuracy for high-power missiles like the Hyunmoo-5 and next-generation models," Ahn said. "By securing a sufficient quantity necessary for an overwhelming response, we will realize a 'balance of terror' commensurate with North Korea's nuclear threat." Ahn noted that the sheer kinetic energy of these weapons allows them to serve as a conventional deterrent against nuclear arms. "Missile experts judge that if approximately 15 to 20 high-power missiles impact a target, they exert destructive power exceeding that of a nuclear weapon," Ahn said. "The Hyunmoo-5 is capable of achieving a balance of terror comparable to nuclear weapons." The military reportedly plans to stockpile hundreds of these high-yield missiles to solidify its retaliatory capabilities against Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal. 2026-01-18 17:17:36 -
SURVEY: 78% of S. Korean workers fear AI will worsen inequality SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - An overwhelming majority of South Korean office workers are worried that the spread of artificial intelligence will deepen inequality and widen the wealth gap. Gapjil 119, a civic group campaigning against workplace abuse, released the results Sunday of a survey conducted on 1,000 office workers nationwide. The poll, carried out by Global Research last October, highlights a stark level of anxiety regarding the impact of AI on the labor market. According to the findings, 77.9 percent of respondents said they were concerned that AI adoption would lead to greater inequality in the labor market and a polarization of wealth. Nearly half of the workers surveyed, 48.2 percent, believe AI will eventually replace their own jobs. This anxiety was most acute among younger generations. Workers in their 20s were the most pessimistic, with 58.1 percent predicting their roles would be taken over by technology. This figure dropped slightly with age, with 49.1 percent of those in their 30s, 47.3 percent in their 40s, and 43.2 percent in their 50s expressing similar fears. When asked about the timing of this shift, 41.1 percent of respondents predicted it would happen in "more than five years," while 36.3 percent expected the change to come within "three to five years." These concerns appear grounded in reality, as South Korea has recently recorded the world's fastest growth in AI adoption. According to the "Global AI Adoption Report" released by Microsoft earlier this month, the percentage of the South Korean working-age population using generative AI tools jumped to 30.7 percent in late 2025, up from 25.9 percent just six months prior. This 4.8 percentage point increase was the largest recorded among all nations surveyed, propelling South Korea seven spots up the global rankings to 18th place. The report noted that the country has become the second-largest market for paid ChatGPT subscriptions globally, driven by improved Korean language capabilities in newer models and aggressive government-led digital initiatives. Faced with this rapid shift, the survey pointed to a strong demand for government intervention. A significant 83.3 percent of respondents said social safety nets must be strengthened to prepare for the potential fallout. Additionally, 70 percent supported the idea that companies profiting from AI should be taxed to support the public. "It is urgent to predict the negative impact AI and automation technology will have on jobs and to prepare practical protection mechanisms in advance," said Lee Jin-ah, a labor attorney at Gapjil 119. "Discussions on protecting social members must proceed at the same speed and weight as the development of the technology itself." 2026-01-18 13:02:51 -
KAIST proposes global 'bridge' alliance to break US-China grip on AI SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - A consortium of international researchers has called for a new alliance of mid-sized nations to challenge the overwhelming dominance of the United States and China in artificial intelligence. The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) released a policy report Sunday titled "A Blueprint for Multinational Advanced AI Development." The document, co-authored with scholars from the University of Oxford, Canada's Mila institute, and Germany's RWTH Aachen University, argues that countries like South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Canada must pool their resources to secure technological independence. The report paints a stark picture of the current landscape, noting that approximately 90 percent of the world's AI computing capacity is concentrated in the United States and China. The authors warn that this imbalance effectively blocks other nations from developing "frontier" AI models on their own, forcing them into a state of technological dependency on a handful of superpowers and Big Tech firms. To counter this, the researchers propose a "Bridge Power" coalition. The strategy targets nations that have advanced digital infrastructure and research talent but lack the massive capital and energy resources of the two global hegemons. The report specifically identifies South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Singapore as key candidates for this bloc. "In an environment where geopolitical competition is intensifying, solidarity among 'AI Bridge Power' nations is essential to maintain competitiveness and responsible AI development," said Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award laureate and co-author of the report. The blueprint suggests modeling this cooperation after CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Instead of particle physics, the proposed body would focus on sharing the heavy burden of AI infrastructure. Member nations would pool computing resources, establish protocols for cross-border data training, and create a shared system for research talent to move freely between countries. According to the report, this approach would allow member nations to build high-level AI models that reflect their own languages and cultural values, rather than relying on systems imported from Silicon Valley or Beijing. Park Kyung-ryul, a KAIST professor who led the initiative, said the proposal offers a "realistic alternative path" for nations caught in the crossfire of the current tech war. He noted that such an alliance could help these countries assert leadership in ethical AI governance by presenting a united front on global challenges. The findings were the result of a collaboration between computer scientists, economists, and legal experts from institutions including the Future Society and the Paris Peace Forum. 2026-01-18 12:00:00 -
Luxury hotels and retailers target 'rite rush' as S, Koreans outsource ancestral duties SEOUL, January 18 (AJP) - As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches next month, luxury hotels and major retailers in South Korea are aggressively targeting a niche but rapidly growing market: the "to-go" ancestral rite table. The hospitality industry is capitalizing on a significant cultural shift where families are increasingly willing to pay a premium to outsource the labor-intensive cooking required for the holiday, turning a domestic duty into an affordable service. The ritual, known as "Charye," is a traditional Confucian memorial service held on the morning of the Lunar New Year. Families gather to set a table laden with specific offerings—including meats, fruits, vegetables, and rice cakes—to honor deceased ancestors and seek their blessing for the household's health and prosperity. While deeply rooted in Korean culture, the practice requires days of meticulous cooking and preparation, a responsibility that has traditionally fallen heavily on the women of the household. Recognizing the growing fatigue with these demands, major establishments, including JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, and The Plaza, have rolled out "Charye To-Go" packages for the upcoming holiday. According to industry reports released Sunday, these sets range in price from approximately 200,000 won ($135) to 600,000 won and offer complete rite tables featuring dozens of required dishes such as "jeon" (pan-fried delicacies), "galbijjim" (braised short ribs), and dried fish, all prepared by professional chefs. The trend has evolved beyond simple convenience to include "star power" marketing. This year, the influence of the hit Netflix cooking competition "Culinary Class Wars" has reached the ritual table, with Mayfield Hotel Seoul launching a premium "Sechan" set overseen by head chef Lee Keum-hee, a contestant from the show's second season. Retailers noted that while sales of these packages dipped slightly after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has stabilized and is now driven by a loyal customer base seeking to balance tradition with modern lifestyles. This commercialization of the rite is a direct response to the growing economic and social burden of the tradition. Data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation indicates that South Korean families must spend an average of 380,000 won at supermarkets to prepare a single Charye table, a cost that continues to rise annually due to inflation. This combination of labor intensity and rising food prices has soured public sentiment toward the ritual, leading many to seek alternatives or abandon the practice altogether. A survey conducted by Sungkyunkwan, the country's oldest Confucian institute, revealed that approximately 56 percent of South Koreans plan to stop holding memorial rites entirely. Respondents cited the "burden of food preparation" and the belief that the practice is "outdated" as primary reasons for opting out. For those unwilling to completely abandon their heritage, the hotel-made rite table has emerged as a compromise, allowing families to maintain the ceremonial form without the kitchen stress. 2026-01-18 10:38:48