Snap to launch lighter, smarter AR glasses next year SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is making a renewed bet on hardware with the announcement of a next-generation pair of augmented reality smart glasses, known simply as “Specs.” Set to launch in 2026, the new device represents a shift in strategy for the social media company, which has previously released AR glasses under the “Spectacles” brand, primarily targeting developers and creators. This latest iteration, however, is designed for everyday consumers — with a focus on seamless integration of augmented reality into daily life. Smaller, lighter, and more interactive than their predecessors, the Specs will project digital content directly into the user’s field of view through transparent lenses, blending immersive overlays with the real world in real time. Unlike earlier versions, the upcoming Specs will run on Snap’s proprietary Snap OS and offer advanced AI features. In a notable expansion of its platform, Snap said developers will be able to build applications using both OpenAI’s GPT models and Google’s Gemini AI, enabling a broader range of capabilities — from conversational assistants to immersive AR games. Snap has not disclosed a final retail price or specific release date. However, it confirmed the consumer launch will build on its 2024 developer edition, which was made available via a $99-per-month leasing program over 12 months. 2025-06-12 14:19:09

Government to confront climbing grocery costs in meeting with industry groups SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Kim Min-seok, President Lee Jae-myung's nominee for prime minister, is set to hold talks on Friday with representatives from the nation’s food and restaurant sectors as the government confronts growing public frustration over rising consumer prices. According to officials familiar with the issue, the meeting will take place in Seoul and will include representatives from the Korea Food Industry Association, the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The discussions come amid heightened political and public scrutiny over food costs, particularly for everyday staples. On Tuesday, Kim told reporters that concerns over lunch prices and basic groceries are “deeply felt by the working population,” echoing remarks made earlier this week by President Lee. “President Lee’s recent visit to the market and his comments on food and ramen prices were not offhanded,” Kim said. “He understands the pain that rising daily costs inflict on workers.” On Monday, during an emergency economic task force meeting, President Lee publicly questioned why the price of a packet of instant noodles — a common and affordable meal for many — has climbed to nearly 2,000 won, or about $1.45. His comments underscored the administration’s concerns over persistent price pressures, despite a broader easing in inflation. While South Korea’s overall consumer inflation fell into the 1 percent range last month — the first such dip in five months — processed food prices continued to rise, marking a 4 percent increase for the second consecutive month. Dining-out costs also remained elevated. Combined, the two categories contributed 0.81 percentage points to last month’s 1.9 percent overall inflation rate — accounting for nearly half of the total. Roughly 60 food and restaurant firms have raised prices over the past six months, prompting accusations that the sector has taken advantage of political uncertainty following the December martial law crisis to quietly push through price hikes. Industry representatives are expected to argue that the increases were driven by unavoidable cost pressures, particularly from global raw material prices. Some companies had postponed adjustments last year under government pressure, insiders say, and profit margins in the food sector remain relatively thin compared to other industries. The outcome of Friday’s meeting may offer early clues about how the new administration plans to navigate the delicate balance between market forces and political accountability. 2025-06-12 14:13:55

President vows to end stock manipulation, warns 'one-strike-out' under new rules SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has declared a crackdown on illegal stock trading, pledging to restore trust in South Korea's capital markets through stronger oversight and strict penalties. During a meeting held at the Korea Exchange on Wednesday, the president warned that illegal profits in the market would not be tolerated under his administration. "If you try to play games in the South Korean stock market, you will lose everything," Lee said, adding: "If someone breaks the law and makes money, Lee urged improvements to surveillance systems to detect new forms of market abuse and called for more staff to accelerate investigations. He also proposed freezing suspicious accounts and introducing a "one-strike-out" rule to deal decisively with major offenders. Since Lee’s inauguration last week, the KOSPI has surged 5.81 percent, reflecting investor optimism. Lee cited this momentum as a reason to act boldly: "To build a vibrant capital market, we must ensure it’s fair and transparent." He also laid out a broader vision to revitalize the market, describing it as a key driver of economic growth. "If we make the stock market a viable alternative to real estate investment, it will help people earn income and support businesses." In a Facebook post later that evening, Lee reiterated his determination: "We will no longer allow anyone to profit through illegal means. If they do, they will be made to repay much more and face real consequences." Lee also floated the idea of encouraging dividend payouts through tax incentives, saying he would explore ways to reward firms with fair shareholder practices without hurting public finances. 2025-06-12 14:07:41

Cheong Wa Dae swarmed by visitors ahead of closure for renovation as Lee prepares to move in SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - The former presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul has been swamped by visitors, ahead of its impending closure for renovation, as President Lee Jae-myung prepares to move into the compound. The number of visitors to Cheong Wa Dae began surging before and after the June 3 presidential election, amid anticipation that it might be their last chance to visit before it closes again, prompting many to flock there. According to the Cheong Wa Dae Foundation, about 90,000 people visited in December last year, but the number suddenly surged to roughly 260,000 in April, shortly after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling to impeach former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. The figure then swelled to 428,000 last month alone, surpassing the combined tally of 413,516 for 2023 and 2024. As of early this month, the cumulative number of visitors since Cheong Wa Dae was first opened to the public in May 2022 stood at around 7.83 million including more than 900,000 foreign tourists. Nestled in the sylvan foothills of Mt. Bukak and surrounded by splendid gardens, the palatial compound was often seen as a symbol of excessive presidential power, with its secluded location creating the impression that presidents were distant from the public both physically and in other ways. That led Yoon to open the compound to the public on his first day in office and to hastily relocate his office to a nondescript government building in Yongsan. Public access to the compound will be suspended from Aug. 1 to enhance security and overhaul facilities ahead of Lee's move-in. Since his inauguration on June 4, Lee has been temporarily using his predecessor's office in Yongsan. Those who plan to visit are advised to hurry, as bookings fill up quickly. Reservations can be made online up to four weeks in advance, but all available slots are currently fully booked until early next month. However a limited number of on-site admissions are still available for seniors, foreign tourists, and individuals with disabilities. 2025-06-12 11:03:36

Hyundai Steel halts operations at Pohang plant amid falling demand SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Hyundai Steel has indefinitely suspended operations at its Pohang Plant No. 2, one of South Korea’s key production hubs for steel H-beams, citing deteriorating market conditions and a complete lack of production orders. The shutdown, which took effect on June 7, marks a significant retrenchment for the nation’s second-largest steelmaker. The Pohang facility had already been operating under a reduced two-shift system since late 2024 in response to weakening demand. A brief, two-day restart on June 9 and 10 at the request of the labor union failed to alter the company's course, and full suspension resumed on June 11. A labor-management council meeting scheduled for June 12 is expected to focus on the plant’s future. “We plan to proceed with future developments such as the operational suspension through smooth dialogue with the labor union,” a Hyundai Steel spokesperson said. The company had previously considered permanently closing the plant in 2024 but retreated following strong opposition from labor groups. Instead, it opted to scale back operations. Since then, however, a prolonged slump in global steel demand and sluggish domestic consumption have forced the company to take more aggressive action. Hyundai Steel has begun restructuring efforts that include a voluntary retirement program for technical staff at the Pohang complex. It is also moving to divest non-core operations, including the planned sale of its heavy machinery division located at Pohang Plant No. 1. The company’s financial performance has mirrored its operational struggles. Operating profit fell 60.6 percent in 2024 to 314.4 billion won (approximately $232 million), with consecutive operating losses reported in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. External pressures have compounded Hyundai Steel’s challenges. The Trump administration has reinstated tariffs on imported steel, intensifying headwinds for Korean exports. In response, the company is shifting its strategic focus to North America. It recently announced plans to build a $5.8 billion electric arc furnace facility in Louisiana, a move designed to mitigate trade frictions and capitalize on local demand in the United States. 2025-06-12 10:08:21

Military halts loudspeaker broadcasts along border SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - South Korea suspended its loudspeaker broadcasts along the heavily armed border with North Korea on Wednesday. The halt came about a year after the South Korean military resumed propaganda broadcasts in June last year, in response to a series of North Korean provocations including its bizarre campaign of sending trash-filled balloons toward the South. The latest move also came shortly after the Unification Ministry earlier this week urged North Korean defectors and other activist groups to stop sending leaflets to the North. President Lee Jae-myung, who was sworn in last week, had pledged during his election campaign to halt psychological warfare campaigns as part of efforts to ease tensions between the two Koreas and improve frayed relations with Pyongyang. The latest measures suggest a shift in stance toward North Korea, though broadcasts could resume at any time. 2025-06-11 17:26:14

Two pilots eject as South Korean fighter jet veers off runway during takeoff in Alaska SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - A South Korean KF-16 fighter jet participating in U.S.-led multinational drills in Alaska was damaged during takeoff, Air Force authorities said on Wednesday. But two pilots aboard were confirmed safe as they managed to eject themselves from the double-seat jet when it veered off the runway at Eielson Air Force Base. According to a military source, the two pilots are "safe" and have been reportedly transferred to a nearby hospital there. While the extent of the damage has yet to be determined, the South Korean military is working with the U.S. to identify the exact cause of the incident and assess the damage. Launched in 1975, the annual Red Flag exercise involves the U.S. and its allied air forces in intensive simulated training to enhance combat readiness. South Korea has been participating in the exercise since 2013, with the Air Force deploying about a dozen aircraft this year including KF-16 fighter jets and multi-purpose aerial refueling tankers. 2025-06-11 16:12:41

Xiaomi to open its first offline store in Korea SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi will open its first offline retail store in South Korea later this month, the company said on Wednesday. Branded as the “Mi Store,” the retail space will be located on the second floor of the IFC Mall in Yeouido, Seoul. The store is designed to be more than a traditional retail outlet, offering product experience zones and on-site customer support services. The move signals Xiaomi’s broader ambitions in the South Korean market, where it has steadily expanded its presence since formally establishing a local subsidiary earlier this year. The company has also worked to shorten the time lag between its global product rollouts and local launches. “Xiaomi continues to focus on extending technological innovation into everyday experiences,” said Johnny Wu, chief executive of Xiaomi Korea, in a statement. “We hope Korean consumers will gain a more intuitive feel for Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem and strengthen their relationship with the brand.” In conjunction with the store opening, Xiaomi is also showcasing its latest range of products — including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, televisions, robotic vacuum cleaners and other IoT devices — at the Smart Tech Korea 2025 exhibition, which runs through June 13 at COEX in Seoul. 2025-06-11 15:13:14

OpenAI's top strategist returns to Seoul as Lee ramps up 100 tln won AI push SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - Just a week after President Lee Jae-myung took office, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon is back in Seoul. His second visit in less than three weeks signals more than a passing interest -- OpenAI is clearly watching Korea’s AI ambitions with growing seriousness. Kwon is expected to spend Jun. 12 meeting with South Korean corporate partners, continuing the momentum from his late-May visit, when he announced OpenAI’s formal entry into the Korean market. That trip marked the start of a deeper push into Asia-Pacific, with South Korea chosen as the first stop. Now, the return visit comes against the backdrop of a new government eager to lead in AI. President Lee has made no secret of where he’s headed. His administration is pledging a massive 100 trillion won ($72.9 billion) to develop South Korea into one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses. On Jun. 6, just two days after taking office, Lee reorganized the presidential office to include senior positions focused on AI and economic growth, signaling a policy shift that puts advanced technology at the core of his national strategy. Kwon, for his part, was quick to offer congratulations. On Jun. 4, the day Lee was inaugurated, he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), voicing strong support for the new administration’s AI vision. While Kwon won’t meet with government officials during this visit, because Lee’s AI policy chief has yet to be appointed, he is expected to sit down with a number of major South Korean firms. "OpenAI views Korea as an important partner," an OpenAI official said, adding that the potential for collaboration with South Korean businesses is high. That collaboration is already taking shape. In February, OpenAI signed a strategic partnership with South Korea’s web service giant Kakao to co-develop AI products, with the first results expected later this year. It has also inked deals with major game publisher Krafton and mobile carrier SK Telecom and announced plans with the Korea Development Bank to support data center development and startup investment. The company recently began recruiting for six new roles in its Seoul office. 2025-06-11 15:12:37

INTERVIEW: How one gamer turned his passion into global console hit SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - For Lee Jun-ho, it all began with tears. He was a middle school student, clutching a controller as the final scene of Shining Force, a turn-based tactical role-playing game, played out on the screen. "I remember tears streaming down my face as the ending unfolded," he recalled. That moment of revelation would eventually lead Lee to the heart of South Korea's gaming industry. Today, he serves as the creative director behind The First Berserker: Khazan, an action RPG from Neople, a subsidiary of Nexon. Released in March, the game shot to second place on Steam's global top sellers chart on its debut day, marking a bold entry into a global market typically dominated by American and Japanese console giants. Lee's unlikely journey into game development began during long nights playing Warcraft III. A fellow player — a game developer — noticed his strategic precision and invited him to join his company. It was Lee's first step into the industry. South Korea is better known for its booming mobile and PC game sectors, which together account for nearly 85 percent of the country’s gaming revenue. Console gaming, by contrast, is a relatively minor player — representing just 4.9 percent of the domestic market. In 2023, the Korean console market totaled roughly $827 million, compared to $26.6 billion in the United States and $3.7 billion in Japan. Yet Neople chose to break convention with Khazan, its first console-focused, single-player package game. The studio, best known for its Dungeon & Fighter franchise, sought to reimagine that universe for a new platform and audience. "None of us had ever made a single-player console game before," Lee said. "We had to learn everything from scratch — through iteration, testing, and countless hours of trial and error." The result is a third-person RPG that distills the Dungeon & Fighter series' frenetic action into a tightly choreographed solo experience. Critics have praised its demanding combat and visceral mechanics. IGN highlighted the game's "exhilaration in executing split-second guards and dodges to escape relentless attacks." For Lee, crafting the game's action sequences was both a technical and artistic pursuit. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as martial arts films and classic arcade titles, he immersed himself in the choreography of movement. "I studied directors featured at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival — how they talked about timing, rhythm, impact," Lee said. "I analyzed their creative processes the same way I analyzed games." Lee's obsession with detail is matched by his belief in the importance of hands-on experience. Around 2010, as he surveyed the landscape of over 2,000 gaming companies in Korea, he asked himself how he could stand apart. His answer: become a creator who had lived, played, and deeply understood games. "There are three kinds of people in game development," he said. "Those who've made games, those with direct or indirect experience, and those with neither. I believe only the first two can make something truly exceptional." Lee's analytical approach extends to games he didn't create. He breaks down Tekken 3, the iconic fighting game, into elements like control mechanics, psychological interplay, and performance feedback. Every small design decision, he argues, must be in service of player experience. As for the future, Lee hopes to continue expanding the Dungeon & Fighter intellectual property into new genres and formats. He sees Khazan as a foundation — not just for Neople, but for Korean console gaming more broadly. "I'll never forget the moment I saw someone buying Khazan in an offline game store on launch day," he said. "It reminded me that this game had to be made like it was my last — with nothing held back. If I'm lucky enough to make another, I’ll aim even higher." 2025-06-11 15:03:28