S. Korean military notifies N. Korea about unintentional gun discharge at front-line guard post SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - South Korea’s military has notified its North Korean counterpart about an unintentional gun discharge at a front-line guard post last week. The military said it immediately used loudspeakers to notify North Korean soldiers that the discharge was accidental. The accidental machine gun discharge occurred at a front-line guard post (GP) along the central section of the border, military authorities confirmed on Sunday. According to the South Korean military, the incident took place around 6 a.m. on Apr. 23 at a GP operated by a unit stationed in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. A soldier on guard duty accidentally fired a single live round from a K6 machine gun while conducting a weapons check. The bullet penetrated the post’s protective shield and was fired in the direction of the North. However, the military believes that the projectile’s velocity decreased after breaking through the barrier and that the round ultimately landed within South Korean territory. Immediately after the incident, South Korean forces issued a broadcast message to North Korea to explain that the gunfire was accidental. A military official stated, "There have been no unusual movements detected from the North Korean military following the accidental discharge." 2025-04-27 14:53:46

Voice phishing scams cause over 300bln won damage in 1Q 2025 SEOUL, April 27 (AJP) - Voice phishing crimes in South Korea have surged in the first three months of this year, with damages more than doubling compared to the same period last year. The National Police Agency urged the public Sunday to be extra cautious. Between January and March this year, police recorded 5,878 cases of voice phishing, up 17 percent from the same period in 2024. Losses totaled 311.6 billion won ($216.5 million), about 2.2 times higher than a year earlier. The average amount stolen per case also jumped sharply, reaching 53 million won. Crimes involving scammers posing as government agencies made up 51 percent of all cases. Victims in their 50s and older accounted for 53 percent of the total, a reflection of how digital scams are increasingly targeting older age groups. That share has been growing steadily, from 32 percent in 2023, to 47 percent last year. The police said that while scammers use various tricks, many of the scams begin the same way -- by getting victims to install a malicious app on their smartphones. Once installed, these apps steal personal information, which criminals then use to impersonate public institutions and pressure victims into compliance. In one common tactic, scammers convince victims they have been implicated in an identity theft case. Victims are then instructed to buy a new phone and install a so-called “security app,” which is actually malware allowing remote access. Other scams involve sending unsolicited credit cards and urging recipients to contact fake consumer protection centers. Again, a ploy to install malicious apps. Scammers also use bait text messages with fake notices about funeral announcements, traffic fines, health check-up results, or overseas card payments. These messages often contain links designed to trick users into downloading malware. The police investigators said the fake websites and apps were extremely sophisticated. They were able to steal basic personal information such as name, phone number, device model, and telecom carrier, while also recording calls, remotely controlling devices, and tracking victims’ real-time locations. Also, criminals hijacked about 80 phone numbers legitimately used by the Financial Supervisory Service, prosecutors, and police. This allowed scam calls to appear on victims' phones as if they were coming from trusted institutions. This was made possible by what authorities describe as “forced receive” and “forced dial” apps—malicious tools that intercept incoming and outgoing calls without the user’s knowledge. 2025-04-27 10:25:36

Seoul Central Masjid reopens after months-long restoration SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - The Seoul Central Masjid reopened its doors on Friday, following a major six-month restoration that brought new life to South Korea’s largest Islamic place of worship. The ceremony took place at the masjid in Itaewon and drew community members, diplomats, and representatives from both South Korea and Türkiye. The renovation, backed by the Turkish government, was carried out with the help of master artisans from Türkiye. Traditional tiles, calligraphy, and marblework were installed to reflect the distinctive design and atmosphere of Turkish mosques. Much of the interior, including the prayer halls and dome, was transformed with Turkish decorative techniques like Çini tilework and Nakkaş painting. Turkish Ambassador to South Korea Salih Murat Tamer called the masjid "a symbol not only of faith, but of shared values. Solidarity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.” He said the mosque would continue to serve as “a space of knowledge and community for anyone seeking to understand Islam.” Mahmut Özdemir, General Manager of Foreign Relations at the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye, stressed the longstanding ties between Türkiye and the Korean Muslim Federation (KMF). “This project is a reflection of our shared commitment to supporting Islamic life and preserving cultural heritage,” he said. He noted that the renovation had been completed in four phases between July 2024 and February 2025, with contributions from Turkish Airlines and the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation. Originally built in 1976, the Seoul Central Masjid has long served as a gathering place for Muslims in Korea and visitors from abroad. The total cost reached 487,000 dollars, of which Türkiye covered $207,000 and the KMF contributed $280,000. 2025-04-25 14:02:16

INTERVIEW: Farmtastica CEO brings smart farming vision to Latin America's urban centers SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - For Maricruz Larrea, CEO of Chilean smart farm Startup Farmtastica, farming does not involve long stretches of countryside. With the startup’s technology, crops can be grown inside closets, rooms, and small spaces. “We’re not just growing leafy greens, We’re building a more sustainable, localized food supply chain,” Larrea, the CEO and co-founder of Farmtastica, a Chilean startup focused on controlled environment agriculture, told AJP during an interview at the Global Startup Center in the southern Seoul district of Gangnam on Apr. 23. Farmtastica was launched in 2021 with the support of Start-Up Chile, the world’s first public accelerator for startups. Created by the Chilean government in 2010, the program has helped more than 3,000 startups from over 100 countries with equity-free funding, mentorship, and access to international networks. Larrea credits the program for helping get Farmtastica off the ground. “That first grant allowed us to build a small lab, in my co-founder’s closet, actually,” she recalled with a smile. “From there, we launched pilots with partners like Walmart and started delivering freshly harvested vegetables straight from the farm to stores.” At the core of Farmtastica’s model is a simple idea: bring food production to the places where people live and shop. The company builds modular farms that fit into urban spaces, inside supermarkets, restaurants, even shopping malls. These compact farms grow produce on-site, eliminating the need for long-haul transport and cold storage, two major causes of food waste. “Over 30 percent of vegetables produced globally never get eaten,” Larrea said. “Our system allows you to harvest where you buy,” she said. Farmtastica’s indoor farms use just 5 percent of the water required for conventional agriculture and reduce carbon emissions by up to 95 percent. They don’t use pesticides and generate almost no packaging waste. The company recently opened Latin America’s first in-mall smart farm in Santiago, where customers can watch the produce grow behind glass and pick it themselves. “We’re giving people a completely new experience,” she said. The model is now expanding beyond Chile. Farmtastica is building a new farm for the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, which will be installed at its headquarters in Costa Rica. Larrea believes this marks the beginning of a regional expansion. “Our goal is to have a Farmtastica unit in every major city in Latin America,” she said. “Food insecurity is growing, especially in the Caribbean and Central America. Urban farming has to be part of the answer.” What sets Farmtastica apart, according to Larrea, is that all of its technology was developed in-house. “We didn’t buy a turnkey system,” she said. “It took longer and came with more risk, but now we’re able to scale on our terms.” She emphasized that automation only makes sense if it’s cost-effective. “There’s no point in growing the world’s most beautiful lettuce if no one can afford to buy it.” During her time in South Korea, Larrea visited several smart farming sites, including one inside a subway station, and attended the launch of a new indoor agriculture project. She said she sees strong potential for collaboration between South Korean and Latin American startups in this space. “There’s a lot of innovation happening in Korea,” she said. “I’d love to work with local smart farming companies and learn from what they’re doing.” Larrea believes Farmtastica’s approach could help draw younger generations back to agriculture, not to the fields, but to technology. “Our systems don’t require agronomy degrees. They’re simple to operate and tech-driven,” she said. “This could make farming more attractive to people who’ve never considered it before.” When asked about Farmtastica's main goal, her answer was immediate: “To be present in every major Latin American city. That’s the goal. And to keep growing. Literally and figuratively.” 2025-04-24 16:25:03

INTERVIEW: Start-Up Chile CEO says real startups solve real problems through technology Javiera Araneda, CEO of Start-Up Chile, speaks during an interview with AJP at the Global Startup Center on Apr. 23. AJP Han Jun-gu SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - To Javiera Araneda, CEO of Start-Up Chile, a startup isn't just a trendy business idea or a sleek new app. At its core, she says, a real startup is about purpose—and that purpose starts with solving a problem. “In our view, a startup should be tech-based,” Araneda said in an interview with AJP at a startup pitching and networking event held in southern Seoul on Wednesday, hosted by the Embassy of Chile in the Republic of Korea. “But more than just using technology, the technology needs to sit at the heart of what the company is trying to do. It should be the tool that delivers value, and addresses a problem that actually needs solving.” Araneda was in South Korea leading a delegation from Start-Up Chile, one of the world’s pioneering public accelerator programs. Founded in 2010 by the Chilean government, the Santiago-based initiative was a bold experiment at the time. The initiative offers equity-free public funding, not only to local startups but to founders from around the world. “It was a little crazy,” she said, “but it worked.” Fifteen years on, the program has backed over 3,000 startups and supported more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from 100-plus countries. Its alumni include four unicorns and dozens of companies that have made their mark across Latin America. Today, Start-Up Chile runs three main tracks -- Build, Ignite, and Growth -- designed for early-stage to scaling companies. Selected startups receive non-dilutive grants of up to 80,000 U.S. dollars, along with co-working space, mentorship, and access to a wide network of corporate partners and investors. When asked what separates startups that survive from those that don’t, Araneda didn’t hesitate. “It comes down to the team,” she said. “Ideas are easy. What matters is execution. How the team delivers, how closely they stay connected to their users, and whether they’re solving something that truly matters.” She recalled hearing a successful founder once say, “You want your customer’s hair to be on fire. That’s the kind of urgency your product should address.” Building something polished is fine, she added, but not before confirming that someone actually needs it. As part of her trip to Seoul, Araneda met with South Korean startup founders and government representatives to discuss potential collaborations. South Korean startups, she noted, are already making inroads in the Latin American market through Start-Up Chile. “We’re fully open in terms of industries,” she said. “We’ve seen shifts over the years—fintech and blockchain had a big wave, then edtech and healthtech during COVID. More recently, biotech and climate-focused startups have been on the rise. What matters most is whether there’s a meaningful fit with the Chilean or Latin American market.” Startups don’t need a Chilean office to apply, she added. “You can apply from Korea, no problem. If you’re selected, we just ask that someone from the team comes to Chile for the program. We’ll help you get set up, and yes, we support branch establishment.” The accelerator also runs a dedicated program to support women entrepreneurs. Its “Female Founder Factor” initiative aims to close gender gaps in tech and startup leadership. In the Build program, at least half of the selected teams must be women-led. “We want to highlight these stories and build a strong, global network,” Araneda said. Asked why Chile should matter to South Korean entrepreneurs, she replied, “We’re a small country, but we’re open, connected, and very startup-friendly. We’re a great place to pilot, scale, and expand into Latin America. Our programs are in English, and the community is incredibly diverse. You don’t need to speak Spanish to start.” Start-Up Chile’s latest global call for applications is open through May 9. “If you’re a Korean founder thinking globally, this could be the opportunity you’re looking for,” Araneda said. 2025-04-24 14:33:29

World-OKTA to hold Andong expo as planned, hoping to spark recovery after wildfires SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - Despite recent wildfire damage in North Gyeongsang Province, the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) has decided to move forward with its annual global convention and business expo in Andong later this month. The 26th World-OKTA Leaders Convention and 2025 Korea Business Expo Andong (2025 KBEA) will run from Apr. 28 to May 1, drawing over 2,000 participants from Korea and abroad. The decision to proceed was made after careful deliberation in light of the region’s losses, with organizers emphasizing the role of the event in supporting local recovery. “We are committed to creating a wave of healing,” World-OKTA said in a statement, describing the gathering as a step toward rebuilding rather than a moment of pause. Last month’s wildfires hit several areas in North Gyeongsang Province, including Andong, Yecheon, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Uljin. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, visitor numbers to key sites in these five cities dropped by 18 percent year-on-year in March alone. Local governments have since launched emergency campaigns such as “Hope Travel Promotion” and “Hope for Andong,” aiming to bring back tourists and revive the economy. Public-private cooperation is being encouraged, and World-OKTA’s decision to stick with Andong as the host city is seen as a welcome boost. The group hopes the expo can serve three goals at once: helping with wildfire recovery, supporting the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized Korean companies, and driving economic activity in the region. With thousands of guests expected, organizers anticipate a ripple effect across lodging, dining, transport, and tourism sectors. This year’s expo will feature more than 240 domestic companies and roughly 1,000 overseas Korean entrepreneurs and buyers. Export consultations and product showcases are expected to help local firms connect with new markets abroad. To ensure the benefits reach the local economy directly, World-OKTA is changing how it runs the event. Instead of a single official dinner, guests will dine at restaurants across the city, including in Andong’s historic Hahoe Village. All attendees will also receive local vouchers to encourage spending in neighborhood businesses. A fundraising campaign for wildfire victims is also underway. Donations collected from World-OKTA members around the world will be delivered during a special ceremony at the event. There are also plans for a tree-planting event, dubbed the “Hope Tree Planting,” to help restore the forests lost in the fire. The saplings donated during the event will be planted in consultation with Andong City, and the reforested area is expected to be named “OKTA Forest.” Organizers hope the space will stand as a living symbol of resilience, community, and a shared future for the global Korean business network. 2025-04-24 11:03:04

Start-Up Chile CEO promotes collaboration with S. Korean startups at Seoul event SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - Start-Up Chile CEO Javiera Araneda called for deeper cooperation between Chile and South Korea in building a global startup ecosystem on Wednesday during a pitching and networking event held in the southern Seoul district of Gangnam. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Chile in the Republic of Korea at the Global Startup Center, brought together about 60 participants, including startup founders and entrepreneurs from South Korea and other countries. The session was part of Araneda’s four-day visit to South Korea aimed at fostering cross-border innovation partnerships. “Latin America is a huge market. With over 650 million people across 20 countries, it’s a region full of problems looking for solutions, and you are the solution makers,” Araneda said during her keynote presentation. She introduced Start-Up Chile as “the first public acceleration program in the world,” founded by the Chilean government in 2010 to support tech-based startups, both domestic and international. Araneda described the program as “an experiment that really paid off,” citing recognition such as being named the top accelerator in Latin America and ranking in the global top 10 in 2018. “We attract and accelerate startups so they can have high impact. We want to help you get from point A to point B as fast as possible,” she said. Start-Up Chile currently offers three programs -- Build, Ignite, and Growth -- tailored to startups at various stages of development. These include equity-free public grants ranging from 16,000 to 80,000 U.S. dollars, as well as co-working spaces, expert mentorship, and corporate connections. Araneda highlighted Chile’s strategic advantages for South Korean startups looking to expand globally. “Chile is a small but highly connected country. It’s a perfect pilot market and a bridge to the rest of Latin America,” she said. “We have strong government support, great digital infrastructure, and multiple global trade agreements. It’s easy to do business there.” She also pointed out the growing presence of South Korean startups in the program’s portfolio, stating, “Chile is the most represented nationality, of course, but it’s followed directly by Korean startups. So, we are beginning to connect with the South Korean market in earnest.” The CEO also presented Start-Up Chile’s “Female Founder Factor” initiative, which promotes gender equity in tech entrepreneurship. “We want to create role models and success stories. At least 50 percent of selected startups in our Build program must be female-founded,” she said. Participants also heard from Ms. Maricruz Larrea, CEO of Farmtastica, a Chilean smart farming startup currently expanding its business in Asia. Both leaders encouraged Korean founders to apply to Start-Up Chile’s open call, which runs until May 9. “Start-Up Chile is for entrepreneurs who think globally,” Araneda emphasized. “We don’t care where you come from. Only where you’re going.” 2025-04-24 09:51:32

North Korean and Russian youth hold friendship gathering in Pyongyang SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - A joint friendship event between young people from North Korea and Russia was held at the Central Youth Hall in Pyongyang on Sunday, North Korea’s state-controlled media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported Monday. The gathering, designed to strengthen cultural ties and solidarity between the two countries, was attended by Mun Chol, chairman of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, North Korean university students in Pyongyang, and a visiting delegation from the United Russia Youth Guards, led by Anton Zemidov, chairman of the group’s Coordinating Council. According to KCNA, Mun Chol praised what he described as the Russian people’s resistance to hostile forces and expressed support for Russia's leadership under President Vladimir Putin. He said that youth from both countries would remain “true comrades and comrades-in-arms,” citing the close relationship between the leaders of North Korea and Russia. Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, Zemidov expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown during their visit and conveyed admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing him as a strong and dedicated leader. He also thanked North Korea for its support of Russia’s international positions and pledged that Russian youth would stand in solidarity with their North Korean counterparts in opposing Western influence. The event also featured a cultural performance by North Korea’s youth art troupe, including renditions of Russian songs. Participants from both countries joined in group dances and musical performances, wrapping up the event in a festive atmosphere aimed at deepening youth-level ties. 2025-04-21 17:14:02

Seoul court permits limited filming of Yoon's second insurrection hearing SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court at 10:00 a.m. Monday, for the second hearing in his trial on charges of leading an insurrection, marking the first time the public has seen him seated in the defendant’s chair. Photographs and video footage of Yoon in court were released following the hearing, after the Seoul Central District Court approved limited media coverage. The court cited “the high level of national interest” in the case, despite Yoon’s opposition to the filming. Media were allowed to record from designated areas prior to the start of proceedings, though live broadcasting remains prohibited. The case centers on the so-called “December 3 Martial Law” incident, in which Yoon declared a military-backed emergency decree. On Dec. 3, 2024, he cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” as justification for the order. The decree was enforced with the deployment of 1,580 troops, 107 military vehicles, 12 Black Hawk helicopters, and more than 9,000 rounds of live ammunition. Despite the show of force, 190 lawmakers entered the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift martial law just hours later. Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and officially removed from office on Apr. 4, 2025. He now faces trial for insurrection and abuse of power in what has become one of the most significant legal cases in South Korea’s modern history. As during his first appearance, Yoon avoided the main courthouse entrance. The Seoul High Court authorized him to use the underground parking lot, and he was escorted from his residence in Seocho District, located a short distance from the court. 2025-04-21 09:43:09

India, S. Korea celebrate culinary traditions with joint cooking event SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - The Embassy of India in Seoul and the Korean Food Promotion Institute (KFPI) co-hosted a cooking demonstration session on Thursday, highlighting the shared cultural values of India and South Korea through food. Held at the KFPI headquarters in Seoul, the event featured dishes from both countries, with Indian Chef Neeraj Bisht preparing Chole Bhature, a popular Indian chickpea curry and fluffy bread menu, and Korean Chef Oh Seung-ahn presenting Gang Doenjang, fermented bean paste simmered with chopped vegetables, with Vegetable Rice Wrap. In his opening remarks, Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar emphasized the deeper meaning of culinary exchange. “Food is much more than sustenance. It connects cultures, tells stories, and fosters unity,” he said. “Today, we bring together the vibrant flavors of India and Korea, with our esteemed chefs each presenting a signature dish, offering a glimpse into our rich culinary traditions.” Ambassador Kumar encouraged attendees to engage with both cuisines beyond the event. “As our chefs guide us through their craft, we invite you to savor the aromas, observe the techniques, and appreciate the cultural significance of these dishes,” he said. “I hope this demonstration will inspire you to explore the beauty of Indian and Korean cuisines in your own kitchens.” Participants included members of the diplomatic community and international organizations such as the Seoul International Women’s Association. The event is part of ongoing collaboration between the Indian Embassy and KFPI, following similar joint programs in 2023. 2025-04-18 17:08:16