As energy demands soar, Korea turns to small modular reactors SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - As global electricity demand rises at an unprecedented pace — fueled by the growth of artificial intelligence, data centers, and high-performance computing — nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence. At the center of this renewed interest are small modular reactors, or SMRs, a next-generation nuclear technology that is gaining traction across the globe. South Korea, long a major player in nuclear energy, is now moving decisively to claim a stake in this emerging market. Unlike traditional gigawatt-scale nuclear power plants, SMRs are designed to be compact, factory-fabricated, and easier to install. Typically generating 300 megawatts or less, these modular reactors require less land, offer greater construction flexibility, and are engineered with passive safety features that mitigate the risks of accidents — even in the event of a power outage. These attributes have positioned SMRs as promising solutions for regions with limited grid infrastructure or geographic constraints, including remote islands, military installations, and offshore facilities. They are also seen as a way to modernize national grids without the lengthy timelines and high capital costs associated with conventional nuclear projects. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Russia are already jostling for leadership in the SMR sector. South Korea, for its part, is ramping up its policy and industrial efforts in earnest. On June 12, the National Assembly passed the Special Act on Promoting the Development and Support of SMR Technology, creating the country’s first dedicated legal framework for the advancement and deployment of SMRs. The legislation marks a turning point for Korea’s nuclear sector, which has often faced criticism for regulatory inertia despite its engineering prowess. While implementation details remain pending, industry experts say the new framework provides long-overdue clarity for stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Even before the law’s passage, Korean firms had begun investing in SMR partnerships abroad. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Doosan Enerbility, and SK Inc. are collaborating to localize components for U.S.-based NuScale’s SMR technology. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has also developed its own 100-megawatt-class SMR design, known as SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor), aimed at dual-use applications such as electricity generation and desalination. While not yet deployed domestically, the SMART reactor has drawn interest from countries including Saudi Arabia and remains Korea’s most advanced indigenous platform. Beyond the nuclear sector, a growing number of Korean companies in steel, materials, and power systems are aligning with SMR development, suggesting the beginnings of a national industrial ecosystem. One of the most pressing obstacles facing SMR deployment is access to High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), a specialized fuel enriched up to 19.75 percent U-235. While HALEU offers advantages such as longer operational cycles and higher power density, it also poses significant regulatory and geopolitical challenges due to its proximity to weapons-grade enrichment levels. At present, the only commercial supplier of HALEU is Centrus Energy in the United States. Although Russia has production capabilities, sanctions and strained diplomatic relations preclude cooperation. South Korea currently lacks domestic HALEU enrichment facilities and is exploring partnerships with the United States, France, and Canada to secure future supply. Some SMR designs require only a single HALEU load for over a decade of operation, but such fuel remains tightly controlled under international nonproliferation agreements. Developing a reliable and transparent HALEU supply chain is now considered a strategic imperative for countries investing in next-generation nuclear infrastructure. South Korea’s embrace of SMRs comes amid broader efforts to redefine energy security in a post-carbon world. The country aims to secure demonstration sites by 2026 and begin construction of its first SMR unit by 2027. However, details regarding project locations and concrete fuel acquisition plans have yet to be made public. 2025-06-17 09:48:46

G20 nations discuss stronger EPR cooperation for circular economy SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - G20 member states and international organizations gathered on Jun. 10 for a high-level webinar to examine global cooperation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, a cornerstone policy tool for advancing the circular economy. The webinar, held under the G20 Resource Efficiency Dialogue (RED), was hosted by South Africa, the 2024 G20 presidency, and organized by the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG). The session focused on sharing lessons and challenges in EPR policy design and implementation across countries. The closed-door event was not open to the general public, ensuring more focused and specialized dialogue among officials and experts. EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, places legal responsibility on manufacturers for the post-consumer stage of products. By encouraging recycling and sustainable waste management, the system supports key goals in carbon neutrality, ESG performance, and the broader shift to resource-efficient economies. The discussion highlighted EPR’s relevance in packaging, electronics, and batteries—sectors facing new regulatory demands amid rapid growth in online commerce. Three panel sessions explored key areas, international EPR adoption and lessons learned, the experience of operating Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and regulatory approaches to e-commerce and digital sales channels. Speakers included officials and experts from the OECD, India, China, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina. In the second session, moderated by attorney Park Sang-yeol of ELPS, a Seoul-based law firm specializing in ESG advisory, panelists from India, South Africa, and Argentina shared insights on building PROs, public-private cooperation models, and operational challenges. Park, who served as legal advisor to Korea’s Ministry of Environment for 16 years, provided expert commentary on EPR’s evolution and its future in both domestic and international contexts. The event went beyond information sharing, laying groundwork for deeper G20 policy collaboration, bilateral technical exchanges, and joint research initiatives. Participants also raised the possibility of forming a global EPR framework with shared standards. 2025-06-16 17:53:50

Lee embarks on first overseas trip to Canada for G7 summit SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday left for Canada along with first lady Kim Hye-kyung to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit. This marks his first overseas trip since taking office earlier this month, making him the fastest among South Korean presidents to do so, unlike his predecessors who usually spent two to three months settling in before traveling abroad. The G7 summit brings together leaders of the G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. — along with leaders invited by host country Canada. South Korea is among the invitees, along with Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Ukraine. By attending the three-day summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, which runs through Tuesday, Lee is set to make his debut in multilateral diplomacy less than two weeks into his single five-year term, as he is expected to hold one-on-one meetings with leaders of major countries on the sidelines of the summit. Anticipation is particularly growing for bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump amid his sweeping tariff policies, as well as with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A trilateral summit involving the three leaders is also being discussed, though it has yet to be confirmed. Another possible meeting could be held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is expected to attend the summit. "Preparations are underway in case the two leaders meet," an official from the presidential office said. The official added, "The summit would have symbolic importance in signaling Seoul's return to the global stage after a period of political turmoil," referring to a roughly six-month diplomatic vacuum following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year. Lee is also scheduled to deliver a speech on diversifying global energy supply chains and linking them with artificial intelligence during a session of the summit. 2025-06-16 17:07:43

PHOTOS: 2025 Seoul royal palaces international walk SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Roughly 1,600 people gathered in Seoul on Saturday for the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk, hosted by Aju News Corporation and AJP. The 6.3-kilometer route guided participants through some of the capital’s most iconic royal sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace. Among the walkers were about 700 foreign nationals from countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, France, Russia, Canada, and the United States, alongside around 900 Korean participants. The event offered a chance to experience the architectural elegance and rich history of the Joseon-era palaces, while enjoying a scenic and healthy walk through central Seoul. 2025-06-16 16:31:23

ENHYPEN's latest album on course for another Billboard 200 top-10 entry SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - K-pop boy band ENHYPEN's latest album is poised to debut at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart later this week, marking their fifth consecutive top-10 entry on the American chart. Billboard, which makes preliminary calculations based on album sales in the U.S. , streaming, and online downloads, said on Sunday that "Desire: Unleash" by the septet is on the verge of becoming their "fifth top 10" on the chart for the week ending June 21, with over 100,000 copies already sold. Released on June 5, their sixth mini-album, which ranks just behind country pop singer Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem" and American rapper Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter VI" on the chart, contains eight tracks, mostly upbeat dance songs. ENHYPEN's latest five albums including their previous one "Romance: Untold" have all made the top 10 of the chart so far, proving their growing presence in the global music scene. 2025-06-16 16:05:14

Peru and S. Korea mark International Potato Day in Pyeongchang SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - The Peruvian Embassy in Seoul and the Highland Agriculture Research Institute (HARI), operated by the Rural Development Administration, joined hands to celebrate the first International Potato Day on May 30 at HARI's headquarters in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The Peruvian Embassy said in a statement on Jun. 13 that the event, marking a United Nations-recognized day established in 2023, brought together diplomats, scientists, and researchers from both countries to share knowledge and deepen cooperation on potato research and food security. HARI, home to nearly 100 researchers, develops highland crop technologies, including hydroponic systems and disease-resistant potato varieties. During the visit, participants toured the facility and learned about its mission to support sustainable agriculture. A tasting session followed, featuring classic Peruvian potato dishes such as "papa a la huancaína," "causa," and "empanadas," offering guests a glimpse into Peru's culinary traditions. "This celebration allowed Peru and Korea to strengthen ties regarding potato research, explore possibilities for scientific and academic exchange, and promote the benefits of potato consumption," said Peruvian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Paul Duclos. "We are committed to continuing to promote this valuable product as a bridge of understanding and cooperation between our nations." Peru, known as the birthplace of the potato, is home to more than 4,000 varieties and ancient preservation methods like chuño and tocosh. Its agricultural legacy continues through institutions like the International Potato Center (CIP), headquartered in Lima. The CIP supports research in over 20 countries, focusing on nutrition, sustainable business, and climate resilience. 2025-06-16 16:04:59

Korea Zinc sends first shipment of antimony to US SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Korea Zinc, South Korea’s sole producer of antimony, a mineral deemed critical for national defense, has shipped its first direct export of the material to the United States, according to the company officials on Monday. Roughly 20 metric tons of antimony were recently loaded onto a cargo vessel bound for Baltimore, Maryland, marking a significant milestone in Washington’s efforts to diversify sources of critical minerals and reduce its reliance on China. The shipment, arranged as a spot transaction, is expected to arrive next month and be distributed through local importers to approximately 10 American companies, including several major defense contractors, the sources said. “South Korean exports of antimony to the U.S. will play an important role in diversifying supply chains away from their original dependence on China,” said Park So-young, a senior researcher at the Korea International Trade Association. The move comes as the United States seeks to secure more resilient supply chains for strategic materials. Last year, more than 60 percent of America’s antimony imports originated from China, which imposed export controls on the mineral and other critical materials in August. Korea Zinc aims to export about 100 tons of antimony to the United States this year. Beginning in 2025, the company expects to ramp up shipments to more than 240 tons annually, with plans for monthly deliveries of 20 tons. Antimony is a key component in a range of military and high-tech applications. It is used in armor-piercing ammunition, semiconductors, submarine ballast systems, and aerospace technologies. The mineral is also essential in the production of infrared components for the missile warning systems on F-35 fighter jets. 2025-06-16 15:17:01

PHOTOS: From lavender hues to golden canola, country enjoys floral flourish SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - Across South Korea, flower fields are bursting into vibrant bloom, drawing visitors eager to soak in the seasonal beauty. In Donghae, a coastal gem in Gangwon Province, the annual lavender festival has just commenced, painting vast stretches of land in hues of purple. The festival will continue through July 22, offering a fragrant escape from urban life. Further south, in Suwon, a farm has become an unexpected early spectacle, with cosmos flowers — typically a late-summer bloom — already in full, delicate splendor. This early arrival has created a unique visual treat for those seeking out nature's early offerings. Meanwhile, on Jeju Island, vast fields of white buckwheat flowers are creating a breathtaking tableau, transforming the landscape into a canvas of pristine white. The sight is a testament to the island's diverse agricultural and natural beauty. And back in Gangwon Province, yellow canola flowers have reached their peak, blanketing fields in a brilliant, golden carpet, signaling the height of spring's vibrant display. 2025-06-16 15:14:30

Korean gaming group condemns Tencent's reported Nexon takeover bid SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - A South Korean gaming industry association on Monday strongly condemned a reported bid by Chinese technology giant Tencent to acquire Nexon, one of South Korea’s largest game developers, calling the move a threat to the country’s “industrial sovereignty” and urging the government to intervene. In a statement, the Korea Game Society criticized what it described as “systematic domination attempts” by foreign entities to gain control over strategic sectors of the South Korean economy. The group said the deal, if realized, would represent more than a corporate transaction, warning it could amount to an erosion of national autonomy in the digital economy. “This matter represents a national security issue that the government cannot remain neutral about,” the association said. “This is not merely a transaction between private companies, but an organized attempt to control the Republic of Korea's key industries.” The criticism follows a June 12 report by Bloomberg, which cited sources familiar with the matter as saying Tencent Holdings was exploring a potential $15 billion acquisition of Nexon to bolster its global gaming portfolio. According to the report, Tencent had approached the family of the late Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju to discuss a possible deal. The gaming association urged the South Korean government to formally classify the video game industry as a “national strategic sector” and to establish legal safeguards to prevent foreign takeovers of domestic firms. Neither Tencent nor NXC, Nexon’s holding company, have publicly commented on the reports. In a brief statement to AJP, Nexon said it had “no official position or confirmable information” on the matter. Separately, a Tencent representative, speaking anonymously to a Chinese technology outlet on June 13, reportedly denied that the company was engaged in acquisition talks with the founder’s family or reviewing any deal involving Nexon. 2025-06-16 15:13:45

US tariffs on steel-based appliances rattle key industry players of South Korea SEOUL, June 16 (AJP) - South Korean manufacturers are facing mounting trade pressures as the United States escalates its protectionist policies under the Trump administration. In a fresh blow to exporters, the U.S. will impose new 50 percent tariffs on home appliances made from steel derivatives starting June 23, expanding a web of duties that now encompasses everything from industrial metals to consumer goods — and potentially, automobiles. Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, two of South Korea’s largest home appliance producers, are scrambling to adjust. Efforts to pivot supply chains toward American steel have proved difficult, executives say, citing both logistical hurdles and cost concerns. The tariff expansion builds on measures first introduced in March, when the White House began steadily broadening levies on steel, aluminum, and related products. Industry officials warn that using U.S.-sourced materials to avoid the new penalties could erode profit margins and expose sensitive information. “Sharing steel and aluminum content data for tariff calculations raises significant trade secret concerns,” one official said. The impact is already visible in trade data. According to the Korea International Trade Association, exports of refrigerators to the United States plummeted 35.3 percent year-over-year in the first four months of 2025, falling to $415.8 million. Shipments of washing machines and similar appliances declined 17 percent to $175.8 million over the same period. The uncertainty has also spread to South Korea’s auto sector. On June 12, President Trump signaled that the existing 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles could be raised further. South Korean car exports to the U.S. fell 32 percent in May from a year earlier to $1.84 billion, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Hyundai Motor Group saw its U.S. sales growth slow sharply to 6.7 percent in May from 16.3 percent in April. Currency fluctuations have added another layer of complexity. The won has strengthened in recent weeks, with the exchange rate falling from the 1,400 range in April to the 1,300s last month — undermining the price competitiveness of Korean exports. To mitigate the fallout, Hyundai is seeking to diversify beyond the U.S. market. The company sold 138,000 vehicles in China between January and April, an 11.8 percent increase over the same period in 2024. 2025-06-16 14:28:11