KAIST develops flexible ultrasound sensor that can diagnose and treat without surgery SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - KAIST researchers have developed a new flexible ultrasound sensor that can both capture medical images and deliver noninvasive therapy without the need for surgery or external beamforming. The breakthrough could open new possibilities for wearable medical devices and home-based treatment systems. The team led by Professor Hyunjoo Lee of the KAIST School of Electrical Engineering announced on November 12 that it has created a flex-to-rigid (FTR) capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) using a semiconductor-based MEMS process. The device can freely adjust its curvature to match the contours of the human body while maintaining high output performance, making it suitable for both diagnosis and treatment. At the core of the design is a low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) inserted inside the sensor. When an electrical current is applied, the alloy melts, allowing the transducer to reshape; once cooled, it solidifies and retains the desired curvature. This mechanism enables the device to form precise ultrasonic focus points without any electronic beam steering, ensuring stable imaging and stimulation even under repeated bending. Unlike conventional polymer-based CMUTs, which often produce weak acoustic output and lose focus due to low stiffness, KAIST’s FTR structure combines a rigid silicon base with flexible elastomer bridges. The result is a highly durable, adaptable sensor that retains its electrical and acoustic stability even after multiple deformations. In laboratory tests, the output power reached levels equivalent to or higher than low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a therapeutic ultrasound used to stimulate nerves and organs without damaging tissue. When applied to animal models, the sensor successfully delivered noninvasive stimulation to the spleen, reducing inflammation and improving movement in arthritic mice. Professor Lee said the technology could play a key role in future wearable and home medical systems, enabling real-time diagnosis and treatment without surgical intervention. “By integrating the flexibility of wearable devices with the precision of high-performance ultrasound, we’re moving closer to truly personalized, hands-free healthcare,” she said. The research, co-led by Dr. Sangmok Lee and Ph.D. candidate Xiaojia Liang as first authors, was published online in npj Flexible Electronics on October 23 under the title “Flexible ultrasound transducer array with statically adjustable curvature for anti-inflammatory treatment.” 2025-11-12 14:52:47

Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings invests in livestock distribution startup Pink Packer SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings has completed a seed investment in Pink Packer Co., a global livestock distribution tech startup. The investment was made through the "Seoul Campus Town University Startup Private Investment Association," jointly established by Sookmyung Women's University, Kookmin University, and Sogang University. Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings is the entity that manages the university's startup investment and commercialization programs. It supports university-based ventures and represents Sookmyung Women's University in collaborative initiatives such as the Seoul Campus Town project, bridging academic research with entrepreneurial growth. Pink Packer specializes in connecting meat supply and demand between countries using AI-based matching technology. By analyzing data on lesser-preferred livestock parts by region, the company helps optimize logistics and reduce food waste, transforming undervalued resources into high-value products in line with ESG principles. In 2025, Pink Packer was selected by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as one of the global top 10 startups, earning international recognition. The company, which joined the Sookmyung University Campus Town earlier this year, has built a foundation for growth through technical collaboration with Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings. Through this partnership, Pink Packer plans to enhance its platform and use the new investment to expand into overseas markets and validate its business model globally. Jung Jin, CEO of Pink Packer, said, "This investment marks the beginning of our full-scale effort to innovate data-driven livestock distribution and build a global model that combines sustainability with profitability." Shin Ji-young, CEO of Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings and professor at the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, noted, "Discovering and nurturing companies with innovation and global scalability is a key task for the startup ecosystem. Sookmyung Women's University Technology Holdings plays a unique role by connecting corporate discovery, technology collaboration, and investment attraction, and Pink Packer is a strong example of this effort." 2025-11-11 14:57:21

KAIST–Johns Hopkins team uncovers how cancer cells choose their own moving path SEOUL, November 10 (AJP) - KAIST researchers, working with Johns Hopkins University, have discovered how cells determine their direction of movement without any external signals, a finding that reveals the internal logic of cancer metastasis, immune responses, and tissue development. The study, led by Professor Won Do Heo from the KAIST Department of Biological Sciences and Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, together with Professor Gabsang Lee of Johns Hopkins University, identified an intrinsic "self-driving mechanism" that enables cells to decide which way to move. The results were published in Nature Communications on October 31. To achieve this, the team developed a new imaging method called INSPECT (INtracellular Separation of Protein Engineered Condensation Technique) — a system that visualizes protein interactions inside living cells. Using INSPECT, they uncovered how specific combinations of signaling proteins dictate whether a cell moves straight ahead or turns in a new direction. Their work focused on Rho GTPases — the Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA proteins that control cell polarity and motility. The researchers found that these proteins do far more than divide a cell into front and rear sections. Instead, they form dynamic partnerships that act like a built-in navigation system. For instance, the Cdc42–FMNL complex drives linear motion, while the Rac1–ROCK pairing governs turning behavior. INSPECT recreates a process known as phase separation, allowing scientists to see how proteins cluster and interact. By tagging proteins with ferritin and fluorescent DsRed, the team visualized condensate droplets forming as proteins bound to one another. Among 285 tested pairs, 139 were confirmed to interact in living cells. When the team slightly altered one amino acid in Rac1 — preventing it from binding properly to its "steering handle" protein ROCK — cells lost their ability to turn and moved only in straight lines. Normal cells, by contrast, formed curved "arc stress fibers" that allowed them to pivot sharply when changing direction. Additional experiments showed that while normal cells adjusted their speed in response to environmental cues, the modified Rac1F37W cells moved at a constant rate regardless of surroundings. This demonstrated that the Rac–ROCK axis finely tunes how cells sense and adapt to external environments. Professor Heo said, "Our findings show that cell movement is not random but governed by an intrinsic program coordinated by Rho signaling proteins and their partners. INSPECT provides a powerful new tool for visualizing protein interactions in real time and will accelerate research on cancer metastasis, neural migration, and immune cell movement." The paper's authors include Heeyoung Lee, Sangkyu Lee, Yeji Seo, Dongsan Kim, Yohan Oh, Juae Jin, Bobae Hyeon, Younghyun Han, Hyunjun Kim, Yong Jin Lee, Ho Min Kim, Gabsang Lee, Kwang-Hyun Cho, and Won Do Heo. 2025-11-10 11:21:13

Azerbaijani ambassador calls for lasting peace at Victory Day reception in Seoul SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul hosted a Victory Day reception on Thursday to commemorate the country's 2020 Patriotic War. The event, held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, brought together around 100 guests, including foreign diplomats, South Korean government officials, business representatives, scholars, and members of the media. Azerbaijani Ambassador to South Korea Ramin Hasanov said the day marked the end of long-standing injustice and the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. He noted that the victory liberated about 20 percent of the country's territory that had been under occupation for decades and reaffirmed its sovereignty in line with international law. The 2020 conflict, known in Azerbaijan as the Patriotic War, was a six-week confrontation between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region and nearby areas. The fighting ended in November 2020 under a Russia-brokered ceasefire, with Azerbaijan regaining control of much of the territory it lost in the early 1990s. Since then, the two countries have been engaged in talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive peace treaty and finalizing their border. In August 2025, they announced a framework peace agreement during negotiations in Washington, pledging mutual recognition of territorial integrity and regional cooperation. Although tensions remain, both sides have publicly expressed their intention to pursue peace through diplomacy. Ambassador Hasanov said 2025 has been declared Azerbaijan's "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" and described the Washington peace agreement as a turning point for the region. He added that Azerbaijan and Armenia had jointly appealed for the closure of the OSCE Minsk Group, which had long mediated negotiations, saying the decision reflected both countries' readiness to handle talks directly. He also spoke about reconstruction in the liberated areas under Azerbaijan's Great Return Program, noting that more than 50,000 people have already resettled in newly rebuilt towns and villages. He said the development plan includes green energy infrastructure to create sustainable living conditions for returning residents. Addressing humanitarian issues, Ambassador Hasanov called for cooperation in providing accurate landmine maps and determining the fate of thousands of Azerbaijanis who went missing during earlier conflicts. He said reconciliation and coexistence would require continued goodwill and mutual confidence-building efforts. "Achieving lasting peace is not merely an act of goodwill but a duty toward all people in the region," he said, emphasizing Azerbaijan's commitment to stability and security through peaceful means. Ambassador Hasanov ended his speech on a cultural note, describing music as "a universal language that connects hearts and souls." He introduced a joint performance by Azerbaijani and Korean musicians featuring works by Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the Azerbaijani composer born in Shusha, calling the performance symbolic of peace and national revival. Guests later viewed a short film reflecting on the meaning of Victory Day, followed by the musical performance. The evening continued in a cordial atmosphere. 2025-11-07 15:30:09

South Korea, U.S. reaffirm support for nuclear submarine plan SEOUL, November 04 (AJP) - Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed plans to move ahead with South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program and other key alliance issues during the 57th Security Consultative Meeting held Tuesday at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan. The two discussed follow-up measures from last month's summit between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Gyeongju, where Trump approved South Korea's plan to develop a nuclear-powered submarine. At a joint press conference after the meeting, Hegseth said that Washington "fully supports" the initiative and confirmed that Trump's authorization remains valid. "President Trump wants America's allies to strengthen their own defense capabilities," he said. "South Korea represents a model ally in that regard, and we will actively support this effort while coordinating closely with related agencies such as the State Department and the Department of Energy." He added that both sides would continue to discuss the program in good faith and expressed confidence that it would lead to a positive outcome. Hegseth also noted South Korea's "world-class shipbuilding capabilities," saying the U.S. government hopes to expand cooperation beyond submarines to surface and combat vessels as well. Asked whether South Korea plans to pursue nuclear weapons, Ahn replied, "There will never be nuclear weapons development in the Republic of Korea." He emphasized that South Korea, as a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, "cannot and will not possess nuclear arms," calling denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula an "unshakable commitment." The ministers also reviewed progress on the transfer of wartime operational control, a long-standing alliance issue. South Korea has completed its Full Operational Capability assessment, and verification procedures are underway. Both sides exchanged views on the timeline for completing the transition. Ahn briefed Hegseth on Seoul's plan to raise defense spending, and Hegseth welcomed the move, saying he was encouraged by South Korea's decision to invest more in missile and cybersecurity capabilities. The two also discussed the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea. When asked whether U.S. troops could be deployed in the event of a Taiwan Strait crisis, Hegseth stressed that Washington remains committed to maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula while ensuring regional readiness. He added that South Korea would take the lead in conventional defense against North Korea while continuing close coordination with the United States. The Security Consultative Meeting, the highest-level defense coordination forum between the two countries, is held alternately in Seoul and Washington each year. Officials said this year's joint statement will be released after both governments finalize the fact sheet on security and trade issues from the Lee-Trump summit. 2025-11-04 17:52:01

POST-APEC: Seoul plays wise and practical in balancing role among global powers SEOUL, November 03 (AJP) -South Korea emerged from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit with more than ceremonial optics, securing substantive outcomes from both Washington and Beijing while helping revive multilateral cooperation on shared challenges ranging from artificial intelligence to demographic headwinds. The two-day summit of 21 economies adopted the Gyeongju Declaration, reaffirming APEC’s pillars of trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation. The statement also reflected Seoul’s priorities as host, highlighting artificial intelligence, demographic transition, and cultural industries as areas for expanded regional collaboration. President Lee Jae Myung, in his first major test as host of a multinational gathering, moved swiftly to lock in key gains from the United States. During U.S. President Donald Trump’s brief stop in Gyeongju ahead of the formal APEC agenda, the two leaders reached a long-sought settlement on a $350 billion investment and trade package that will lower U.S. tariffs on Korean automobiles from 25 percent to 15 percent. The framework consists of $200 billion in cash investments and $150 billion in shipbuilding projects linked to the Make America Shipbuilding Great Again initiative. Unlike Japan’s agreement signed a day earlier in Tokyo, which front-loads government-led financing, Seoul’s package spreads out spending over several years with a cap of $20 billion annually to prevent currency-market volatility. According to a presidential aide, the structure ensures “commercial rationality” through an equal sharing of returns until the principal is fully recovered, with adjustments possible if the investment is not recouped within 20 years. In one of the most unexpected gestures of the week, Trump endorsed Seoul’s ambition to develop a nuclear-powered submarine, calling it a symbol of “stronger-than-ever” ties. The vessel is slated to be built at Philly Shipyard, acquired last year by South Korea’s Hanwha Group. The U.S. has previously shared nuclear submarine technology only with Britain and Australia, making the concession particularly significant. The concessions came with their share of political theatre. Trump received a replica of an ancient Silla gold crown and the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest honor—gestures some U.S. media mocked as ill-timed amid domestic criticism of “king-like” symbolism surrounding Trump. Still, the pageantry helped secure tangible gains for Seoul and a comparatively more flexible deal than Japan’s $550 billion agreement. With Trump’s departure, Seoul shifted quickly to its other high-stakes guest: Chinese President Xi Jinping, making his first visit to South Korea in 11 years. President Lee pressed Xi to play a more active role in urging North Korea back to dialogue, arguing that stability on the peninsula is foundational for regional prosperity. Xi said China would continue efforts to “promote peace and stability,” though Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s appeal as a “daydream,” according to Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho. The two countries signed agreements to expand their free trade pact, cooperate on combating online scams, and renew a 70-trillion-won ($49 billion) currency swap that had recently lapsed. Xi also reiterated China’s call for “genuine multilateralism” and proposed establishing a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to coordinate global AI governance. On the sidelines, Lee held his first meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, supply-chain resilience, and emerging technologies, while expanding dialogue on artificial intelligence and demographic challenges—core themes of this year’s APEC agenda. Both reaffirmed the importance of trilateral coordination with the United States in maintaining regional stability, even as Seoul and Tokyo pursue separate investment frameworks with Washington. The Gyeongju Declaration reaffirmed member economies’ commitment to the Putrajaya Vision 2040, a roadmap for open, predictable, and rules-based trade. While acknowledging “significant challenges” to the global system, the statement omitted the phrase “free and open trade” at Washington’s request. Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on demographic risks and responsible AI development, noting the technology’s potential as both a growth engine and a source of social disruption. 2025-11-03 16:08:29

Sign unveils vision for 'digital sovereignty' through national blockchain infrastructure SEOUL, November 02 (AJP) - Blockchain technology is moving beyond individual and corporate applications to become the foundation of digital sovereignty at the national level. Amid this shift, global blockchain company Sign is drawing attention for presenting a new framework for state-led blockchain governance. During Korea Blockchain Week held in Seoul last month, Sign released a new white paper titled "Sovereign Infrastructure for Global Nations (S.I.G.N.)." The paper outlines how blockchain governance can evolve from its original decentralization philosophy into a "Sovereign Governance Architecture" — a system that supports national digital infrastructure while maintaining both autonomy and legitimacy. At the center of the proposal is the "Double Chain Architecture," a structure combining two blockchain layers. The first, called the Sovereign Public Chain, is designed for public administration, fiscal management, and policy execution. The second, the Privacy Permissioned Chain, is tailored for secure data handling and financial operations. Sign emphasized that a national blockchain must combine transparency, autonomy, and legal oversight. "A state-led blockchain should not simply serve as a distributed ledger," the company said, "but as a governance infrastructure that enables digital sovereignty." On October 24, Sign signed an agreement with the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan to begin a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project known as "Digital SOM." The system will serve roughly 7.2 million citizens and link to the local stablecoin "KGST." The initiative represents a dual digital currency framework, combining a government-backed CBDC with a private stablecoin. It is expected to improve efficiency in domestic payments, tax collection, and welfare distribution while upgrading cross-border settlement systems. Industry observers said Sign's infrastructure could go beyond digital payments to accelerate the digital transformation of public sectors such as taxation and social welfare. On October 27, YZi Labs — a cryptocurrency investment firm rebranded from Binance Labs — announced a 25.5 million-dollar strategic investment in Sign. The funding round also included global investors such as IDG Capital. Sign said it plans to use the new capital to advance the development of sovereign blockchain infrastructure for governments around the world. YZi Labs manages more than 10 billion dollars in assets globally and has invested in over 300 projects across 25 countries in sectors including Web3, AI, and biotechnology. The latest investment follows an initial round made in December 2024 and is intended to accelerate blockchain adoption in public systems, combining digital sovereignty with real-world utility. "Sign is turning blockchain into everyday infrastructure," said Dana H., an investment partner at YZi Labs. "Its move from users to enterprises and now to national-level applications will set a new standard for digital sovereignty and public infrastructure." Sign plans to work with BNB Chain to build a Sovereign Blockchain Application Platform for governments and public institutions. CEO and co-founder Xin Yan said, "The crypto industry is rich in technology but poor in adoption. Sign aims to build national digital infrastructures — such as currency systems and verifiable proofs — that make blockchain part of everyday life." The company is currently partnering with government agencies in Thailand, South Korea, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with a ten-year plan to help countries develop their own digital currency and identity systems. Industry experts describe Sign’s approach as a sign of how blockchain is evolving from a philosophy of decentralization into a tool for national governance and public infrastructure. 2025-11-02 09:56:03

Chile's President Boric urges deeper partnership with South Korea beyond trade SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Thursday called for a broader partnership with South Korea that extends beyond trade and investment, emphasizing shared democratic values, culture, and innovation as the foundation for future cooperation. Speaking at the Korea-Chile Business Forum at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Boric said he had traveled nearly 35 hours from Santiago to attend, calling the visit a symbol. "Despite the 18,000 kilometers that separate us, we still feel close," the president said. "What unites us is not only trade or investment, but the human acts that shape culture," he said. "The bonds that last between nations are those that go beyond money and bring encounters of spirit." He reflected on the parallels between South Korea and Chile's democratic transitions in the late 1980s, noting that Chile had closely followed Korea's experience during that time. "You had your democratic elections in 1987, and we held our plebiscite to recover democracy in 1988. Even from afar, we felt connected to your struggle and your example," he said. Boric also spoke about the growing cultural exchange between the two countries, particularly through the spread of Korean pop culture among younger Chileans. "Everywhere I go in Chile, children hand me photos of Korean artists," he said. "It may seem trivial, but I am convinced it is not, because the ties that endure are those that touch people's spirits." The president praised South Korea's rise as a global technology and cultural leader, describing it as an inspiration for Chile's own transformation. "You have shown the world that through education and innovation, a nation can change its destiny," he said. "Chile is beginning to walk that path, especially in innovation and technology, but we still have much to learn." Boric highlighted opportunities for Korean companies to take part in Chile's transition toward clean energy and sustainable industries. He pointed to Chile's leadership in copper production, lithium reserves, and renewable energy development, saying, "We are producing green hydrogen at globally competitive prices, and we are consolidating our position as a digital hub in Latin America. We want Korean companies to participate actively in these new engines of growth." He also underlined Chile's institutional stability and commitment to democracy as a key factor for investors. "Chile is not a perfect country," he said, "but for more than 35 years we have maintained a firm conviction that democracy, institutions, and respect for human rights are the way to build a more equal nation." The Korea-Chile Business Forum was co-hosted by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Chilean Embassy in Seoul, ProChile, and InvestChile. About 200 participants, including government officials and business leaders from both sides, attended the event, held during President Boric's visit to South Korea for the APEC Leaders' Week meetings. KITA Chairman Yoon Jin-sik noted in his opening remarks that the Korea-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 2004, was Korea's first FTA and Chile's first with an Asian country. "Over the past 20 years, bilateral trade has more than tripled," Yoon said. "Our cooperation has expanded into lithium, renewable energy, and climate change response. This forum will help deepen our partnership and identify new opportunities for collaboration." Ignacio Fernández, Director General of ProChile, called Korea "a strategic partner of more than six decades" and emphasized Chile's trade network as a gateway to the wider region. "When you trade with Chile, you are not only working with 20 million Chileans," he said. "You are also reaching a platform that connects you to over 600 million Latin Americans." The event included business roundtables on investment and agriculture, where participants discussed cooperation in green energy, food trade, and agricultural technology. KITA also signed memoranda of understanding with ProChile and InvestChile to strengthen cooperation networks and promote joint projects between the two countries. 2025-10-30 15:00:13

Türkiye and South Korea reaffirm 'blood brotherhood' at Republic Day reception SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - The Embassy of Türkiye in the Republic of Korea hosted a reception on Wednesday to mark the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic, celebrating the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and South Korea — a relationship born of shared sacrifice during the Korean War. The event, held at the Ambassador Pullman Hotel in Seoul, brought together around 300 guests, including diplomats, government officials, scholars, media representatives, and business leaders. Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer and Mrs. Tamer welcomed attendees to the Turkish National Day reception, which reflected both pride in the past and confidence in the future. "It is a great honor and joy to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye together with you tonight," Ambassador Tamer said in his opening remarks. "On this meaningful occasion, we proudly remember the enduring legacy of the Republic of Türkiye and the deep friendship we share with the people of the Republic of Korea." He paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and highlighted Türkiye's continued progress under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "Today, in line with the visionary goals set by the Great Atatürk and under the esteemed leadership of our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we are advancing with steadfast determination into the Century of Türkiye," he said. Ambassador Tamer also underlined the growing economic partnership between the two nations. "The trade volume between our countries has surpassed 11 billion US dollars, and we believe this is only the beginning," he said. "More mutual investments and new projects in renewable and peaceful nuclear energy will carry our cooperation to new heights." Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yoon-jin delivered a congratulatory address, emphasizing the historic bond between the two countries. "Korea and Türkiye are brothers that share blood," she said. "Seventy-five years ago, when South Korea was in crisis during the Korean War, Türkiye sent over 21,000 brave soldiers — the fourth largest among the 22 participating nations. The Korean people will never forget their noble sacrifice." Kang recalled her visit to Atatürk's mausoleum in Ankara and shared her memory of meeting Ayla, the Korean War orphan whose story inspired the 2017 Turkish film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "Even though she has left us, the love between Sergeant Süleyman and Ayla still lives in the hearts of Koreans," she said. The story of Sergeant Süleyman Dilbirliği and the orphaned Korean girl later known as Ayla remains one of the most moving symbols of the Türkiye–South Korea friendship. During the Korean War, Dilbirliği found the five-year-old child alone and freezing on the battlefield near Waegwan in 1950. He took her to his unit, cared for her like a daughter, and named her Ayla, meaning "moonlight" in Turkish. Though they were separated when he returned home after the war, the two reunited more than six decades later in 2010, a moment that touched hearts in both countries and was later immortalized in the film Ayla: The Daughter of War. "We sincerely support the bright future of our brother nation Türkiye," Kang added. "South Korea will continue to work closely with Türkiye in the fields of economy, culture, and defense, and together we will uphold the values of freedom, peace, and human rights." The reception concluded with a performance by K-pop duo HoonDoo and a dinner attended by guests from across the diplomatic and business communities. 2025-10-30 10:08:44

Czech National Day reception marks 35 years of ties with South Korea SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - A reception celebrating the Independent Czechoslovak State Day was held Monday evening at a hotel in central Seoul, drawing some 250 guests from the diplomatic, business, academic, and media communities. Hosted by H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to South Korea, and Mrs. Andrea Jančárková, the event marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The evening opened with a performance by the Severáček Choir from the Czech Republic, setting a warm tone before the official speeches. Ambassador Jančárek welcomed guests and called the year a milestone in bilateral relations. "These anniversaries remind us how far our two nations have come together and how strong and dynamic our relationship has become," he said. He highlighted growing cooperation across politics, economy, and culture, as well as a recent meeting between Presidents Petr Pavel and Yoon Suk Yeol in New York. He also noted the signing of an agreement to build two nuclear power units in Dukovany, calling it a "historic accomplishment" that will strengthen energy security and expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, e-mobility, defense, and nuclear technology. Vice Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Sin-hak delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the South Korean government. "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, South Korea and Czechia have steadily expanded cooperation, elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership in 2015," he said. Moon described the Dukovany nuclear power project as the largest investment in Czech history, expressing confidence in its success. He added that both countries are exploring new areas of collaboration, including robotics, next-generation vehicles, and batteries, and are pursuing an industrial cooperation center to promote joint research and talent exchange. He also emphasized the shared democratic values of the two nations and recalled Czech support for Korea’s independence movement in the early 20th century. Ambassador Jančárek closed by thanking the partners and supporters of the event. "I believe the near future will bring us only positive news, and I look forward to further cooperation and friendship between Czechia and South Korea," he said. 2025-10-28 10:43:08