South Korea-US tariff negotiations intensify as July deadline approaches with specific American demands SEOUL, June 28 (AJP) - South Korea and the United States engaged in detailed tariff negotiations from Jun. 22 to 27 in Washington DC, with American officials presenting specific demands ranging from beef import regulations to participation in Alaska's liquefied natural gas projects, government sources said on Saturday. The third round of technical discussions between Trade Minister Yeo Han-gu and US counterparts comes as the Jul. 8 deadline for mutual tariff relief approaches, marking a critical juncture for the Lee Jae-myung administration's first major trade negotiations with Washington. American negotiators outlined concrete requirements for addressing what they characterize as trade barriers, including relaxing South Korea's 30-month age limit on beef imports and removing restrictions on Google's precision mapping data exports. US officials argued that reducing Korea's trade surplus requires eliminating such non-tariff barriers while expanding purchases of American goods and services. The demands represent a more detailed version of issues previously raised in annual trade barrier reports, with particular emphasis on agricultural and digital sector reforms. Korean negotiators emphasized the unfairness of imposing 25 percent mutual tariffs on a country that maintains virtually tariff-free trade through existing free trade agreements, arguing that minimizing tariffs on interconnected supply chain items like steel and automobiles would actually support America's manufacturing renaissance goals. While expressing willingness to engage constructively on information technology and manufacturing standards, Korean officials highlighted that South Korea already serves as America's largest beef import market, seeking to address what they termed misunderstandings about existing trade relationships. The White House separately requested Korean participation in Alaska's LNG development project, with Energy Council Chairman Doug Burgum meeting Minister Yeo to discuss what officials described as President Trump's priority energy initiative. A senior government official noted that among various American energy projects, the Alaska LNG development represents the administration's singular focus, though participation would require careful evaluation given the project's commercial risks and scale. The negotiations face a critical decision point in July, with the US indicating possible deadline extensions until September for countries presenting favorable proposals while maintaining pressure on others to conclude talks promptly. Trade experts suggest that resolving the 25 percent tariffs crucial to Korea's trade-dependent economy will require high-level political decisions on which American demands to accommodate, with the outcome likely determined through eventual summit-level discussions between the two countries' leaders. 2025-06-28 17:35:46

Samsung Electronics surpasses 10,000 GWh renewable energy usage in 2024, introduces first domestic PPA contracts SEOUL, June 28 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics' renewable energy consumption exceeded 10,000 gigawatt-hours for the first time in 2024, reaching 10,069 GWh and representing an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year, the company reported on Friday. The milestone was disclosed in Samsung's 2025 Sustainability Management Report, which detailed the company's environmental, social and governance performance alongside its expanding commitment to clean energy adoption across global operations. The company's renewable energy conversion rate improved to 31.4 percent in 2024, up from 31.0 percent in 2023 and 30.7 percent in 2022, demonstrating steady progress toward its carbon neutrality targets. The Device Experience division achieved a 93.4 percent renewable energy conversion rate, while the Device Solutions semiconductor division reached 24.8 percent. Samsung also introduced its first domestic power purchase agreements for solar energy, marking a significant expansion of its renewable energy infrastructure. Samsung established multiple PPA contracts throughout 2024 to accelerate renewable energy adoption. The DX division completed 5.8 megawatt solar PPA facilities at manufacturing sites in Gwangju and Gumi in March, with an additional 10 MW contract signed for the Gwangju facility in February 2025. The DS division secured 115 MW of solar PPA contracts for domestic operations in June and signed a 10-year agreement with Korea Water Resources Corporation for 254 MW from the Sihwa Lake tidal power plant. The company also reported energy efficiency improvements across its product lineup, with seven representative models showing 31.5 percent reduced power consumption compared to 2019 models with equivalent specifications and performance. Samsung's domestic workforce reached a record high of 125,297 employees by the end of 2024, an increase of approximately 4,500 from 2023, while total global headcount declined to 262,647 due to overseas workforce reductions. The achievements support Samsung's environmental strategy announced in September 2022, targeting carbon neutrality for the DX division by 2030 and company-wide carbon neutrality by 2050. 2025-06-28 16:06:11

Special prosecutor to question former President Yoon over martial law case on Saturday SEOUL, June 28 (AJP) - Special prosecutor Jo Eun-seok questioned former President Yoon Suk-yeol on Saturday as a suspect in connection with the Dec. 3 martial law declaration and related charges, after Yoon arrived at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office through the main entrance at 9:55 AM. The questioning marks the first time the former leader has been investigated at the prosecution office where he once worked for over two decades, coming 16 days after the special prosecutor's office launched its investigation into allegations of insurrection and foreign exchange violations. Yoon appeared as a suspect facing charges of obstruction of official duties and abuse of authority under the Presidential Security Service Act. The charges include allegedly instructing his security detail to prevent his arrest during a January warrant execution attempt and ordering the deletion of information from encrypted phones used by former military commanders following the martial law declaration on Dec. 7, 2024. Yoon declined to answer reporters' questions about why he chose not to use the underground parking garage or whether he would exercise his right to remain silent, entering the building directly with his lawyers Song Jin-ho and Chae Myung-sung. Despite initial requests from Yoon's legal team to arrive privately through an underground parking garage to avoid media exposure, the former president ultimately complied with prosecutors' requirements for a public appearance through the main entrance. The special prosecutor's office had maintained that previous presidents who faced investigation all appeared before cameras, citing precedents involving former presidents Roh Moo-hyun, Lee Myung-bak, and Park Geun-hye who all had their prosecution appearances publicly documented. The special prosecutor's investigation has proceeded rapidly since its establishment on Jun. 12, moving faster than two other special prosecutor offices launched simultaneously. The office has already secured additional indictments to extend detention periods for key figures including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and is pursuing arrest procedures for former military intelligence commanders. Following Friday's questioning, prosecutors will determine whether to conduct additional investigations or proceed with formal custody procedures for the former president. 2025-06-28 10:23:53

Lee pledges proper compensation for sacrifices of war veterans and other victims SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung invited some 160 war veterans, decorated individuals, heroes and other guests to a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday. Among the attendees were the surviving families of those who lost their lives in a 2002 naval skirmish in the West Sea, as well as victims of North Korea's sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan in March 2010 and its shelling of Yeonpyeong Island several months later. During the luncheon which was held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950–53 Korean War, Lee expressed his gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices in defense of the country, which have enabled ordinary people to "live in peace and freedom today." He also offered sympathy for their suffering and honored each by calling them by name, pledging "the highest level of recognition." He added, "Those who sacrifice their lives for the country deserve proper compensation and respect," emphasizing, "We will do our utmost to ensure that none of you feel neglected or unrecognized." 2025-06-27 17:11:30

Apple's EU fee cuts spotlight South Korea's unfulfilled promise to curb app store 'commission abuse' SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - Electronics giant Apple's decision to slash app store fees in Europe is putting fresh pressure on South Korea's government to deliver on President Lee Jae Myung's campaign promise to tackle what critics call "commission abuse" by big tech platforms. The iPhone maker announced sweeping changes to its European app store policies on Thursday, cutting maximum commission rates from 30 percent to 15 percent and allowing developers to promote alternative payment methods under pressure from EU regulators. The move has highlighted the contrast with South Korea, where Google and Apple continue charging up to 30 percent commission despite the country's pioneering 2022 law banning mandatory in-app payments. "We will supplement the mandatory in-app payment prohibition law to improve global equity in app markets," the ruling Democratic Party said in the presidential election promises, but concrete action has yet to materialize. A 2024 survey by the Korea Communications Commission and the Korea Internet & Security Agency found that 70.4 percent of app developers still consider excessive fees their biggest problem, far outweighing concerns about unclear revenue settlements or limited payment options. The in-app purchase tyranny is leading to several protests, with the Korean Publishers Association filing class action lawsuits against Apple last month for its overcharging on web-based novels and comics. The association revealed that the fees even follow to paperback books if purchased through Apple applications. Numbers are growing by the day, as law group We the People reported on June 6, the number of domestic IT firms willing to join in on class action lawsuits against Apple for its excessive fees have spiked through 100, the groups condemning the monopoly of the smartphone maker. Industry observers say the EU's success in forcing Apple's hand could provide a roadmap for South Korean regulators seeking to extract similar concessions from platform giants. 2025-06-27 16:26:34

Musinsa'high-end concept store sees 60 percent surge in foreign customer sales in first half SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - Foreign customer transactions at Musinsa Empty Seongsu, the high-end fashion concept store operated by South Korean fashion platform Musinsa, surged 61 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the company announced on Friday. International visitors now account for approximately 56 percent of total offline sales at the Seongsu location, Seoul's iconic hipster district, highlighting the store as a must-visit fashion destination for global tourists. The dramatic increase in foreign customer traffic reflects Musinsa Empty's growing reputation as a destination for experimental designer brands from both South Korea and abroad. Analysis of offline sales data from January to June 23 shows foreign customers generating more than half of the total revenue, with the actual figure potentially higher when considering visitors who did not claim tax refunds. The store's location in the fashion and entertainment district, near Seoungsu Station Exit 3, has made it easily accessible to foreign tourists exploring the area's industrial-chic shopping scene. Exclusive collaborations and pop-up stores have been key drivers attracting foreign customers to the concept store. Notable brands, including Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Marine Serre, and Grouse, have used Musinsa Empty as a platform to reach Korean and international audiences. Korean designer brand Stand Oil's exclusive collection and pop-up store collaboration with Musinsa Empty drew particular attention, with foreign tourists comprising more than half of the customers during the pop-up period. The store continues expanding its international appeal through strategic brand partnerships and exclusive releases. Musinsa Empty is currently featuring a collaboration between South Korean designer brand Ojos and Hunter through July 3, with customers purchasing rain boots at the pop-up store being offered complimentary rain ponchos on a first-come basis. The collaboration launch has generated significant interest, with long queues of customers waiting outside the Seongsu store. A Musinsa representative told AJP that social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, have been crucial in spreading the word about the store among international visitors. "Foreign customers often discover us through social media, and our standalone building location near Exit 3 makes us naturally visible to tourists," the representative explained. The official noted that while specific nationality breakdowns for Musinsa Empty aren't available, overall Musinsa store data shows customers from approximately 100 countries, with Chinese and Japanese visitors leading Asian customer segments, while American and European visitors are also increasing. "Foreign customers now represent about half of our Seongsu store customers, and this trend continues growing," the representative added, emphasizing the store's role as a platform for discovering and nurturing niche fashion brands both domestically and internationally. 2025-06-27 16:23:46

AI dispatch system helps food deliverymen avoid motor accidents: Study SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - A study has found that an artificial intelligence-based logistics system developed by Woowa Youths, the logistics unit of food delivery giant Woowa Brothers, has significantly reduced motor accident rates among its delivery workers. The findings were presented this week at an international academic conference in Cyprus, the company said Friday. The research was unveiled on Wednesday at Statistical Challenges in E-Commerce Research (SCER 2025), a major global forum focused on data science and digital platform research. It was led by Professor Kyung Na-kyung of the National University of Singapore and examined the effectiveness of Woowa’s AI-assisted dispatch system, which was introduced in 2020. The system has since become a central tool for assigning delivery orders. Unlike the previous “battle call” method, in which delivery workers had to compete for orders via their phones, the AI-based system now recommends deliveries based on each worker’s location, route, and real-time conditions. This allows workers to concentrate more on the road and reduces the need to check their phones while driving. The study compared delivery performance data from before and after the system's introduction. It found that overall accident rates dropped by more than 64 percent, while accidents caused by driver error fell by nearly 86 percent. The impact was particularly pronounced among new delivery workers with less than six months of experience. In this group, total accidents decreased by over 93 percent, and at-fault accidents were reduced by 130 percent. In addition to safety gains, the study found that average monthly earnings rose by 7.4 percent overall, and by 9.3 percent among new delivery workers, suggesting the system also contributes to improved income levels. "This is a solid example of how AI can make gig work not just more efficient, but also safer," Professor Kyung said in a press release. "And since new delivery workers saw the biggest benefits, it also shows how digital tools can help build stronger support systems in today’s platform economy." Woowa Youths said the results align with what the company has observed in practice and reaffirm its commitment to building smarter, safer systems. "Delivery worker safety is our top priority," company spokesperson told AJP on Friday. "With these results in hand, we’re more committed than ever to improving the delivery environment." 2025-06-27 15:37:08

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong awaits Supreme Court ruling on merger case next month SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong will receive a Supreme Court ruling on Jul. 17 regarding charges related to the 2015 merger between Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries. Lee was acquitted of all 19 charges in an appeals court ruling in February, maintaining his innocence in a case that has lasted nearly five years since prosecutors first filed charges in September 2020. The case centers on the 2015 merger that combined Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries at a ratio of one Cheil Industries share for every three Samsung C&T shares. Prosecutors alleged the merger ratio was deliberately structured to benefit Lee's management succession at the expense of minority shareholders, arguing the terms unfairly favored Lee's consolidation of control over the Samsung Group conglomerate. Both the initial trial court in February 2024 and the appeals court ruled in Lee's favor, finding insufficient evidence to support the prosecution's claims. The courts specifically rejected evidence obtained from 18 terabytes of backup server data seized from Samsung Biologics and Samsung Bioepis, ruling that the digital evidence and additional materials submitted during the appeals process lacked legal admissibility. The case now proceeds to the Supreme Court's Third Division, presided over by Justice Oh Seok-jun, following the prosecution's final appeal. The July 17 ruling will mark the conclusion of a legal battle that began when Lee and other Samsung executives were indicted four years and 10 months ago, potentially ending one of South Korea's most closely watched corporate governance cases. 2025-06-27 15:02:03

Xiaomi to launch flagship smartphone in South Korea as it challenges Samsung on home turf SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi is to launch its flagship "Xiaomi 15" smartphone during the grand opening of its very first offline store Mi Store in South Korea on Saturday, as the Chinese elctronics giant takes a bold step into the notorious South Korean market often dubbed “graveyard of foreign smartphone brands” where Samsung maintains its strong grip, with Apple capturing the hearts of young consumers. Along with the flagship smartphone, the Beijing-based company also unveiled its new foldable phone on Thursday, "the Mix Flip 2," as it seeks to penetrate Samsung's stronghold in the premium smartphone lineup held tight by the traditional bar-shaped Galaxy S25 series and foldable Galaxy Z Fold 6. "Through the Mi Store opening, we hope domestic consumers can intuitively experience Xiaomi's technology and brand," said Johnny Woo, chief of Xiaomi Korea, adding that the company plans to expand its ecosystem from smartphones to smart home products nationwide. Beyond flagship devices, Xiaomi is also targeting the budget market with its Poco M7 Pro 5G smartphone priced in the 200,000 won (US$147.4) range, expanding its assault across multiple price points. The strategy highlights a stark contrast between Xiaomi's global prowess and its struggle in South Korea. Market research firm Canalys ranked Xiaomi third globally with a 14 percent share in the first quarter, trailing Samsung's 20 percent and Apple's 19 percent. In wearables, Xiaomi commands the top spot with 19 percent of the global market, demonstrating its technological capabilities beyond smartphones. However, the company's performance in South Korea tells a different story. Industry data shows Xiaomi held less than 1 percent of the local smartphone market in the first quarter of 2025, with daily sales reportedly failing to reach even a single unit from time to time. In contrast, Samsung held 60 percent of the South Korean smartphone market in the fourth quarter of 2024, Apple following with 39 percent. Even its executive Johnny Woo brings expertise in global production strategy and supply chain optimization rather than marketing, having built his career primarily in emerging markets including India, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt. Meanwhile, analysts cite security concerns over Chinese products and low brand loyalty as major obstacles, while the failure of foreign brands, including Nokia, HTC, Motorola and BlackBerry serves as a cautionary tale. 2025-06-27 14:59:48

US Senate passes resolution commemorating Korean War anniversary SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - The U.S. on Thursday adopted a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, reaffirming its alliance with South Korea. According to U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, the Senate unanimously passed the resolution coinciding with the anniversary, which recognizes "important lessons from the war, particularly the imperative of maintaining military readiness in defense of the United States and its allies." The resolution "honors the bravery, sacrifice, and service of the United Armed Forces and allies who fought to depend" of South Korea and defines the country as a "vital treaty ally and linchpin of peace, security, trade, and democratic values for Northeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region." Sullivan, who co-proposed the resolution along with Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, urged that the Korean War be remembered as a "noble war" rather than a "forgotten war," stressing the importance of honoring "the brave Americans who fought, died, and sacrificed to keep another country free," referring to South Korea as one of its "strongest allies today." The two Koreas technically remain at war since the hostilities of the 1950 war ended with an armistice three years later. 2025-06-27 14:20:23