Daboseong Gallery unveils additional imperial and aristocratic treasures from China SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - During the expert appraisal event held on July 8 (Tuesday) and 9 at Daboseong Gallery in Gyeonun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, a new selection of previously unpublished Chinese relics believed to have been used by members of the imperial family or aristocracy was unveiled. ◆ Ru ware celadon-glazed vase with gilt-rimmed mouth from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋汝窑天青釉金口纸槌瓶) This Ru ware celadon-glazed vase from the Northern Song period (960 to 1127) is one of the few surviving examples from Ru kilns, one of the five great kilns of the era. With its narrow, elongated neck, angular shoulders, and flat base, the vase resembles the shape of a paper mallet. Hence the name "paper mallet vase" (zhichui ping). The mouth is accented with a layer of gilt. Its refined form and gilded rim suggest it was used by members of the royal family or aristocracy. The entire surface is coated in a sky-blue celadon glaze (tianqingyou), creating a soft, luminous tone with rich depth. Delicate crackle patterns, or crazing, naturally formed on the surface. Ru ware was produced exclusively by imperial order during the reign of Emperor Huizong. It is extremely rare, making it a highly valued artifact. ◆ Lidded jar with blue-and-white underglaze red cloud and dragon chasing pearl motif from the late Yuan to early Ming period (元末明初 青花釉里红云龙戏珠纹有盖壶) This lidded jar features a dynamic image of a three-clawed dragon flying through auspicious clouds, chasing a flaming pearl surrounded by fiery waves. The sides of the lid are adorned with plum blossom branches. The top is fitted with a bold animal-shaped handle. A rod-like decorative element appears to pierce through the lid, and three loops attached to the shoulder allow the lid to be secured. These features add to the vessel’s uniqueness. The jar’s rare lid shape, elaborate adornments, harmonious proportions, and majestic dragon motif suggest it was likely used by emperors or aristocrats. ◆ Ru ware covered tea or wine cup with lotus-shaped saucer from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋汝窑盖盏及花形托) This artifact consists of a lidded cup and lotus-petal-shaped saucer, produced at the Ru kilns during the Northern Song period. Believed to have been used for tea or wine offerings, it displays the classic elegance of Ru ware. It has refined proportions, soft celadon glaze, and fine surface crazing. The exterior is covered in a light bluish-green glaze, with naturally formed crackles spreading across the surface. This creates a tranquil beauty and sense of depth. The faintly glowing glaze reveals the finely prepared clay body beneath, showcasing Ru ware’s high-temperature firing technique and purified material quality. As a rare complete set reflecting royal taste, this piece is thought to have served as a funerary item for imperial or noble families. ◆ Blue-and-white incense burner in the shape of a deer with iron-painted details from the Ming Xuande period (明宣德青花铁绘鹿形香炉) This deer-shaped porcelain incense burner was produced during the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty (1426 to 1435). It demonstrates the harmony of blue-and-white and iron-painted decoration. A small lidded opening with a handle is set on the deer’s back, allowing incense to be placed inside. When in use, the smoke emerges from the deer’s nose, mouth, and back. This enhances both the practical function of the incense burner and its sculptural form. Notably, this piece has been preserved in its entirety. It is believed to have been used as a funerary item for royalty or aristocracy. In Chinese culture, the word for deer (lu) is a homonym for lu, meaning official salary or emolument. It symbolizes wealth and high status. When paired with depictions of immortals or the elixir of life, the deer also becomes a symbol of longevity. ◆ Ding ware bowl with lotus petal rim and molded frog and lotus motif from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋定窑贴花荷叶口大碗) This large bowl from the Ding kilns of the Northern Song Dynasty is a fine example of high-quality white porcelain. Its striking shape and intricate molded decorations immediately attract attention. The bowl’s rim is formed in the wavy mouth (boshuangkou) style, a classic Chinese ceramic form with evenly spaced undulating curves. The most notable feature is the interior decoration at the bottom. It includes two frogs and a lotus blossom. In Chinese symbolism, the lotus stands for purity and the frog represents fertility. These motifs reflect the aesthetic preferences of Song-era aristocrats. This bowl exemplifies the elegance of Song white porcelain. With its rare wave-shaped mouth and depiction of a lotus pond scene inside, it is considered a unique court or noble artifact. No comparable examples have been discovered to date. 2025-07-11 10:42:52

Rare Chinese relics unveiled at Daboseong Gallery appraisal session with top experts SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - Daboseong Gallery in South Korea has once again opened its doors to reveal a selection of Chinese antiquities rarely seen by the public, even in China itself. For the third year running, the gallery invited top Chinese appraisal experts to assess items from its vast collection, believed to be one of the most extensive private holdings of rare Chinese artifacts in Asia. The appraisal session, held on July 9, was led by Professor Lee Jung-soon of Chung-Ang University's Graduate School of International Studies. Invited to the gallery were Xuan Jiaxin, vice president of the Shanghai Calligraphers Association, and Chen Ketao, executive vice president of the Shanghai Collectors Association. The two spent the day examining a series of previously undisclosed Chinese relics, including calligraphy, porcelain, jade ornaments, and Neolithic artifacts. At the center of this year’s review was a Geumnisagyeong, a Buddhist scripture copied in gold ink on indigo-dyed paper by Zhao Mengfu (1254~1322), one of the most influential figures in Chinese calligraphy. The manuscript is a transcription of the Mahāvaipulya Complete Enlightenment Sūtra (Da Fangguang Yuanjue Xiuxiuluo Liaoyi Jing), written in two long scrolls. The upper scroll measures 33 centimeters by 11.46 meters, and the lower one 33 centimeters by 11 meters. Both are stored folded in a 35-by-13.5-centimeter box. At the end of the lower scroll is written: "延祐二年春月三寶弟子趙孟頫敬書", which translates as "Respectfully written by Zhao Mengfu, disciple of the Three Jewels, in the spring of the second year of Yanyou," referring to the year 1315. Zhao Mengfu, known for his mastery of all major Chinese scripts, including seal, clerical, regular, and cursive, was a towering figure in the Yuan Dynasty. His writing style, referred to as Songxue-ti or Zhao-ti, was widely admired not just in China but also in South Korea and Japan. His influence was especially visible during the early Joseon period, when his calligraphy gained widespread popularity. Beyond calligraphy, Zhao was also a painter, poet, and central figure in the artistic revival movement that promoted a return to Tang and Northern Song aesthetics. The Yuanjue Sutra is a central Mahayana Buddhist scripture, presenting a dialogue between the Buddha and twelve bodhisattvas. It lays out the doctrine of Great Perfect Enlightenment and emphasizes the innate Buddha-nature of all living beings. In South Korea, the text remains an important guide in Buddhist practice. Regarding the scripture, Xuan Jiaxin commented, "It’s the first time I’ve seen this piece, so it’s difficult to assign a price." He noted, however, that a similar work by Zhao had once fetched 30 billion won at auction in China. Chen Ketao also evaluated several significant ceramic works, calling them exceptional pieces that could start at several hundred million to several billion won at auction. Among them were a Northern Song Ru ware celadon vase with a gilt rim, a covered Ru ware bowl with a lotus-shaped saucer, a Ding ware bowl decorated with lotus motifs, a late Yuan to early Ming blue-and-white jar with underglaze red cloud-and-dragon designs, and a Xuande-era incense burner in the shape of a deer, painted in cobalt blue and iron red. The team also assessed several jade ornaments associated with the Hongshan culture, including the yuzhulong, a pig-dragon figure carved from jade. The Hongshan culture, which thrived 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, is often referred to as the beginning of Chinese civilization. Most of its relics were excavated from tombs and are considered key to understanding early spiritual practices in the region. Daboseong Gallery began its expert appraisal series in 2022. Last year, the gallery invited Wu Shaohua, adviser to the China Collectors Association, along with Xuan and Chen, to examine its holdings. In July 2023, three more experts, Ye Peilan of the China Cultural Relics Society, Yu Hui from Beijing’s Palace Museum, and Gu Fang from the China Collectors Association, visited South Korea and reviewed over 70 pieces, including paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy. That visit included the appraisal of an eight-meter painting attributed to Song Dynasty artist Shi Ke, as well as a lotus ewer from the Song period, a Yuan blue-and-red phoenix vase, a Ming blue-and-white dragon jar, and a Qing cloisonné lotus vase. The Shi Ke painting, like Zhao’s scripture this year, was described as being too rare to price. At the time, Xuan Jiaxin remarked that a comparable work by Northern Song calligrapher Huang Tingjian had sold at auction in Japan for 250 million yuan, or around 47.7 billion won. Kim Jong-choon, chairman of Daboseong Gallery, said, "This is the third year we’ve invited Chinese experts to evaluate our collection, and each time, the value of our holdings has been affirmed." He added, "We’re creating a platform for cultural exchange through these appraisals and discussions. And with many relics still unreleased to the public, this work will continue." 2025-07-10 13:50:08

Bank of China supports Korea Eximbank's first Hong Kong dollar bond issuance SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - Bank of China has assisted the Export-Import Bank of Korea in issuing its first Hong Kong dollar-denominated public bond, known as a Wanthang bond. It is the first time the Bank of China has underwritten a bond for a South Korean policy bank. The bank served as settlement and clearing agent, joint lead manager and bookrunner, and handled the cross-currency swap transaction. Korea Eximbank’s bond is the fourth Wanthang bond to be issued globally, following those by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and the Asian Development Bank. It is the first of its kind from a sovereign policy financial institution and also the first issued by a South Korean entity. The three-year bond, totaling 2.4 billion Hong Kong dollars, was priced at 2.969 percent. The order book reached a peak of 8.7 billion Hong Kong dollars, representing 3.625 times oversubscription. According to the Bank of China, this set a new record for demand among Wanthang bond issuances. Korea Eximbank is one of South Korea’s most active issuers in global debt markets. Its entry into the Hong Kong dollar public bond market is seen as a signal of increasing diversification and investor confidence. "We are honored to support our client in expanding its international funding footprint," said Bank of China. The bank noted that its Seoul branch worked closely with the professional team at Bank of China Hong Kong, reflecting its global operations and cross-border execution capabilities. South Korea is a major economy in the Asia-Pacific region, with an open and well-regulated financial market. Cross-border investment and financing cooperation between China and South Korea has continued to grow, supported by strong institutional frameworks and capital market depth. Bank of China stated that it would continue to work with South Korean clients, offering a broader range of financial services by leveraging its global network and cross-border support infrastructure. 2025-07-09 20:11:05

Translator Kim Jung-ah completes decade-long Dostoevsky translation project SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - Translator Kim Jung-ah held a press conference in central Seoul on Monday to announce the publication of her Korean translation of "The Brothers Karamazov." With its release, she completed solo Korean translations of four major novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky, "Crime and Punishment," "The Idiot," "Demons," and "The Brothers Karamazov." The project took more than ten years from start to finish. Kim is the first South Korean translator known to have completed full-length translations of all four works on her own. The total page count exceeds 6,600. Speaking to AJP, Kim said, "He's been the compass of my life. I've lived the last ten years as if we were connected by an umbilical cord." She began with "Notes from Underground" around 2010, but started focusing on the major novels in 2018. Kim holds degrees from Seoul National University and Illinois State University, and also runs the fashion brand Space Nool. She did most of her translation work in the early morning hours, often beginning at 2 a.m. and continuing until just before heading to the office. "'The Brothers Karamazov' drained me emotionally," she said. "There were nights I sobbed while translating certain passages. But it was in those moments I felt closest to Dostoevsky's view of humanity, not as fallen or broken, but as compassionate beings capable of redemption." The physical toll was significant. During work on "The Idiot," she began translating while standing due to chronic back pain. "At one point, a doctor told me not to cry during work," she said. "But how do you read 'Karamazov' and not cry?" One of her priorities was to correct what she identified as more than one hundred mistranslations in earlier Korean editions. "I wanted to stitch the Korean version together with care, as if I were repairing a beloved's sweater," she said. "I tried to offer something qualitatively different." The books are now available in standard paperback editions. "The Brothers Karamazov" has also been released in a special leather-bound edition, limited to 300 copies. Kim refers to Dostoevsky as "Teacher Do" and considers herself his lifelong student. "He's the most human of all writers. Fully ninety percent of my life was shaped by him," she said. She has been nominated for Russia's Pushkin Medal, an award that recognizes individuals who promote Russian literature and culture abroad. 2025-07-09 19:26:54

Foreign language media association celebrates 10 years of connecting South Korea with the world SEOUL, July 09 (AJP) - The Foreign Language Newspaper Association of Korea marked its 10th anniversary on July 8 with a ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul. Lawmakers, diplomats, media executives, and business leaders gathered to reflect on the press's evolving role in a time of global tension and rapid change. Established in 2015, the association brings together South Korea's major foreign-language news outlets. Over the past decade, it has helped deliver the country's political, economic, and cultural stories to a global audience through multilingual journalism. Choi Jin-young, chairman of the association and CEO of Herald Media Group, which publishes The Korea Herald and Herald Economy, opened the event by stressing that journalism must move beyond simply relaying facts. "Media does not exist just to pass along the news," Choi said. "We connect. We shed light. We create empathy. Journalism is what keeps democracy alive." He said the association's mission is not only to share South Korea's story with the world but also to make global developments relatable for domestic readers. "Our job is to turn global issues in peace, culture, technology, and diplomacy into stories that matter to our readers here," he added. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, who was unable to attend in person due to parliamentary commitments, sent a video message. In his remarks, he praised the association for helping promote the country's creative diversity and for narrowing the distance between nations through journalism. "You are a vital part of the Korean media landscape, realizing the values of creativity, diversity, and inclusion," Woo said. "The National Assembly also recognizes the importance of open communication with the global community, and we will do our part to help South Korea play a greater role in the world." Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing also addressed the gathering. While thanking the association's member publications for their efforts, he voiced concern over some portrayals of China in South Korean media. "If China is reviewed through a distorted analysis, or if Korean media uncritically echo narratives like the so-called China collapse or China threat, it risks misleading the public and damaging bilateral cooperation," Dai said. He highlighted that more than 7 million people traveled between China and South Korea last year, with over 1,200 direct flights operating weekly. Encouraging greater exchange, he said, "We welcome Korean reporters to visit China, whether to conduct interviews, attend events, or simply explore. We hope you are coming back with a fuller, more detailed and more authentic picture of China." The event included lawmakers from across party lines, senior presidential aides, ambassadors, and executives from major South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung and Hyundai. Speakers repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of the media in an age of disinformation and political division. Choi also thanked veteran journalists and founding members who helped establish the association. Among those recognized were Kwak Young-kil, Chairman of Aju News Corporation, Oh Young-jin, President of The Korea Times, and Yang Ki-hyun, a media executive of Joongang Daily. 2025-07-09 15:37:18

KAIST president urges action for South Korea to join AI's global top three SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung on Monday called for South Korea to take bold steps to become one of the world's three leading artificial intelligence powers, stressing the urgency of building a fully independent AI ecosystem. Speaking at a national science and technology policy forum held in Seoul on Monday, Lee laid out a wide-ranging strategy that ties AI development to national infrastructure, education, semiconductors, and global alliances. "We are one of only four countries in the world with our own internet portal," Lee said. "We lead in semiconductors. That means we have the groundwork to become one of the world’s top three AI powers. But we have to move, now." Lee said AI should be treated not just as a tool but as a structural backbone of the next era. He warned of the risks of relying on foreign platforms, especially in sensitive areas like national defense and public education. "If a child asks an AI whether Dokdo is Korean territory, and the answer depends on who is asking, that's not just a problem of misinformation. That's a national vulnerability," he said. He emphasized that South Korea must build its own base models using domestic data and languages. At the same time, it must align development in AI hardware such as semiconductors. "AI and semiconductors must now be seen as one problem," he said. "It’s not just about building chips faster or smaller. It’s about understanding what kinds of thinking we want machines to do." Lee also criticized the current heavy reliance on data centers, calling it unsustainable. He predicted a shift toward personal AI systems running on mobile devices. "Right now, everyone is rushing to build massive data centers. But soon, people will want AI that lives in their own phones, in their own hands," he said. He noted South Korea’s unique position, with domestic tech platforms like Naver, Kakao, and Coupang, which allow the country to build a distinct digital ecosystem. "Countries like Germany, France, and Japan all rely on Google. But we have our own," he said. Looking at the geopolitical picture, Lee suggested South Korea could partner with Southeast Asian and Arab countries to form a third major force in the global AI race. The United States and China currently dominate. "If we join forces with the Arab world and ASEAN, we can shape our own rules and markets. The technology is here, and the capital is there," he said. At KAIST, Lee said the school is moving quickly to respond. "We’ve launched a new AI mathematics department and are expanding AI education across the board," he said. He pointed to a program that pairs graduate students with professors to help transition into AI-led research. He also spoke about the potential of AI to address structural problems in South Korea’s economy, including low productivity and a shrinking workforce. "AI can double efficiency, which is like cutting labor costs in half," Lee said. "If we integrate AI into manufacturing and infrastructure, it will not only boost productivity but help offset the effects of population decline." On the concern that AI could increase unemployment, Lee said the focus should be on transformation. "If we embrace AI in the right way, it will create more jobs, not fewer," he said. Lee urged closer collaboration between public research institutes and universities. He said both sectors must move faster. "We have to get on this wave now," he said. 2025-07-08 18:33:06

N. Korea steps up tribute efforts ahead of Kim Il-sung's 31st death anniversary SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - North Korea is ramping up memorial activities ahead of the 31st anniversary of founding leader Kim Il-sung's death on July 8, with state media reinforcing his legacy and ideological vision. In a two-page article titled "Only for the people, relying on the people," published by the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Monday, Kim was hailed as a "peerless great man" whose life was guided by the principle of Iminwi Cheon, or "the people are heaven." "The long years of revolutionary leadership by our leader were marked by not a single deviation in line or a single practical error," the paper claimed. It attributed North Korea's continued path of success to Kim's lifelong devotion to serving the people and leading based on their strength. The article emphasized Kim’s oft-repeated maxim, calling it his lifelong creed: "From the day I embarked on the road of revolution until today, I have always regarded the people as the sky and served them accordingly. I have carried out the revolution by relying on the people's strength." Current leader Kim Jong-un was also praised in the article as the rightful heir of this legacy, continuing what the paper described as the "sacred journey of service for the people" and realizing the dreams of his predecessors. "The people's dignity and glory will shine endlessly, and all their dreams and ideals will unfold into a brilliant reality under the wise leadership of our respected General Secretary," the article stated. North Korea has long used major anniversaries to reinforce the ruling family's personality cult and the legitimacy of its hereditary power structure. By linking Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un as an unbroken chain of perfect leadership, the regime seeks to justify its three-generation dynastic rule. In the lead-up to the anniversary, various memorial events have taken place. On Saturday, a student and youth virtue recital was held at the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren's Palace in Pyongyang, according to Rodong Sinmun. The same day, members of foreign organizations and the Kim Il-sung–Kim Jong-il Foundation board sent floral tributes to the bronze statues of the two former leaders at Mansu Hill. Earlier events included a women’s gathering on July 4 at the Women's Hall, where members of the Korean Democratic Women's Union praised Kim Il-sung's leadership during the Korean War. On July 3, a workers' virtue recital session was held at the Central Workers’ Hall, featuring a recitation of the narrative poem "Our Eternal Leader, Comrade Kim Il-sung." Such ceremonies have become an annual tradition, designed to promote collective mourning and reinforce loyalty to the state. This year, no large-scale commemorations are expected, as it is not a major milestone year. North Korea typically reserves more elaborate events for anniversaries ending in five or zero. Last year, marking the 30th anniversary, Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay tribute to both his grandfather and father, Kim Jong-il. Similar visits took place in 2014 and 2019. He is not expected to make a public appearance this year unless the regime chooses otherwise. 2025-07-07 13:47:34

KAIST researchers develop flexible micro-OLED brain implant for precision neural treatment SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - South Korea's prominent research institute Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced Sunday the development of a new flexible brain implant that uses micro organic light-emitting diodes (micro-OLEDs) to stimulate neurons with light. The device is expected to offer a safer and more precise tool for treating hard-to-cure brain disorders through a method known as optogenetics. Optogenetics involves sending light into specific areas of the brain to activate neurons that have been engineered to respond to certain wavelengths. Until now, delivering light deep into the brain has required the use of rigid fiber-optic cables, which can damage soft neural tissue and limit precision. The new micro-OLED implant, developed by Professors Choi Kyung-Cheol and Lee Hyun-Ju's team, offers a flexible, biocompatible alternative that can be inserted into the brain with minimal tissue disruption. "By focusing on detailed integration processes and improving the implant’s biocompatibility, we aimed to demonstrate that high-resolution and flexible micro-OLEDs could work effectively inside the body," said Dr. Lee So-min, the lead author of the study. The implant contains eight micro-OLEDs, each of which can be controlled separately. These emit light at a wavelength of 470 nanometers, delivering more than 1 milliwatt per square millimeter, which is considered a high level for neural stimulation. A structural layer known as the pixel define layer prevents electrical interference between the light sources and allows them to operate independently. One of the main technical hurdles was protecting the sensitive electronics from moisture inside the body. The research team used a thin film encapsulation method, applying alternating layers of aluminum oxide and parylene-C, both known for their stability and safety in medical settings. This protective layer achieved a water vapor transmission rate of 2.66×10⁻⁵ grams per square meter per day, allowing the device to remain functional for more than 10 years inside the body. The implant’s total width ranges from 260 to 600 micrometers, narrow enough to insert into the brain without the help of external guides like needles or shuttle devices. The team also controlled the stress and thickness of the internal layers to ensure that the device remains flexible even after long-term use. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation of South Korea and published online on March 26 in Advanced Functional Materials. It was later selected as the journal’s cover story for the July issue. 2025-07-06 14:32:44

France looks to deepen IP cooperation with S. Korea in film and media SEOUL, July 04 (AJP) - France is pushing for stronger cooperation with South Korea in the area of intellectual property rights, particularly in film and media, as the rapid rise of generative AI and global content platforms continues to disrupt traditional frameworks. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the French Embassy in Seoul on Friday, Gaëtan Bruel, the President of the French National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC), underlined the urgency of protecting creative rights in both countries. "South Korea and France are two nations that deeply value their cultural identity and creative freedom," said Bruel. "By working together on frameworks that protect intellectual property, we can ensure that creators are not only respected but fairly compensated." Bruel is in South Korea from July 4 to 8 to attend the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN). The visit reflects a shared interest in developing joint production networks, expanding content distribution, and addressing legal and policy challenges tied to emerging technologies. He is also scheduled to speak at an international conference on July 6 at the Bucheon Art Center, where AI’s impact on the content industry will be a key focus. He pointed to the need for updated legal tools to manage issues such as piracy, fair compensation, and the ownership of AI-generated material. "We need to rethink how copyright frameworks can remain robust in the face of generative AI," he said. Founded in 1946, the CNC operates under France’s Ministry of Culture with an independent budget. It plays a central role in supporting filmmakers and audiovisual creators, while regulating and coordinating policies to ensure balanced development across the French content industry. Before assuming his current role in February 2025, Bruel served as chief of staff to France’s minister of culture and previously held senior posts in the foreign and defense ministries. From 2019 to 2023, he was cultural counselor at the French Embassy in Washington, where he launched the Villa Albertine artist residency program and opened a CNC-backed office in Hollywood to promote French content in the United States. France sees South Korea as a natural partner in this area, pointing to similarities in domestic content support, strong theatrical networks, and the international reach of cultural exports. Both countries have also worked to maintain creator-centered policies in the face of global industry shifts. During the visit, France is expected to explore deeper cooperation with South Korea in areas such as co-production, cross-border content distribution, and rights protection for creators. Discussions are also expected to include corporate social responsibility practices that could apply across the media sector. 2025-07-04 17:52:25

KAIST and King Saud University partner to develop open-source AI model SEOUL, July 04 (AJP) - South Korea's prominent research institute Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) and Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University (KSU) have agreed to work together on building an open-source artificial intelligence platform, offering an alternative to the current dominance of the United States and China in the global AI landscape. The two universities held a meeting on Jul. 3 at the KAIST campus in Seoul. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung and KSU President Abdulla Al-Salman discussed a range of joint initiatives, including AI research, digital platform development, student and faculty exchanges, and a dual graduate degree program. A key focus will be the creation of a joint AI research center to develop open AI models with real-world applications. The collaboration reflects a shared interest in promoting what President Lee described as a "Tripartite Platform Strategy," a vision for a more cooperative and open AI framework that does not rely on the existing digital power structures led by the U.S. and China. "Under Saudi Vision 2030, we are driving innovation in science and technology through new leadership, openness, and strategic investment," said President Al-Salman. "This partnership with KAIST will serve as a critical foundation for building a competitive AI ecosystem in the Middle East." President Lee said, "By combining Saudi Arabia's leadership, market, and investment capacity with KAIST's technological innovation and the rich talent pools from both countries, we will significantly contribute to diversifying the global AI ecosystem." Saudi Arabia brings strong capital and digital infrastructure to the table. South Korea offers expertise in semiconductors, core AI technologies, applied research, and education. Both sides see the partnership as a way to expand access to AI development beyond the current two-pole system. The two leaders said their goal is to develop independent AI models that will allow countries across the MENA region, Southeast Asia, and beyond to take part in a more inclusive innovation environment. KAIST and KSU plan to formalize their agreement through a memorandum of understanding. They also plan to move ahead with projects such as the joint research center and talent development programs. The partnership was launched through the Korea Foundation's Distinguished Guests Invitation Program, supported by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Founded in 1957, King Saud University is Saudi Arabia's first national university and has built a strong reputation in areas including artificial intelligence, energy, and biotechnology. KAIST is South Korea's top science and engineering university and is recognized for its leadership in innovation, AI, and advanced research. 2025-07-04 13:10:14