PHOTOS: Fire at historic Seoul temple extinguished SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - A fire that broke out Tuesday within the revered Jogyesa Temple compound in central Seoul was extinguished without any reported casualties, authorities said. The blaze originated in the international conference hall on the second floor of the Korean Buddhism History and Culture Memorial Hall, a building adjacent to the main temple. Firefighters brought the flames under control approximately 90 minutes after they began. Around 142 personnel and 35 fire vehicles were deployed to the scene to combat the fire. Crucially, the swift response prevented the fire from spreading to the temple itself and the nearby Central Buddhist Museum, which houses a significant collection of cultural artifacts. Fire authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started from sparks emanating from a ceiling air conditioner. 2025-06-10 15:15:47

South Korea set to face Kuwait in final Asian qualifier after securing World Cup berth SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - South Korea is set to face Kuwait in a home match in Seoul on Tuesday evening, which serves as the final round of Asian qualifiers for next year's FIFA World Cup. After beating Iraq 2-0 in an away match last week, the country has already secured its berth for the quadrennial event, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. next summer. Grouped with Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and Palestine, South Korea has secured 19 points from five wins and four draws to advance to the next round as the top finisher, along with second-ranked Jordan, which has earned 16 points with four wins, four draws and one loss. Head coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to experiment with a lineup of younger players to test their skills in Tuesday's match, as the country's advancement to the tournament round won't be affected even if it loses to Kuwait, which has been eliminated after finishing at the bottom of the group with five draws and four losses. "With the match being held in Seoul, South Korean footballers are in high spirits," Hong said, vowing to wrap up the final match with a win. However, Captain Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur, who only warmed the bench in last Thursday's match against Iraq due to a lingering foot injury from April, is unlikely to be in the starting lineup again. In an apparent sign of that, midfielder Lee Jae-sung, wearing the captain's armband instead, attended a press event in Paju, Gyeonggi Province the previous day along with Hong. "Son looks fit enough to play, though it remains to be seen whether he can last the full 90 minutes," Hong said. 2025-06-10 15:00:52

Musinsa aims to be gateway for Korean fashion abroad SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - South Korean fashion platform Musinsa on Tuesday unveiled an ambitious international expansion strategy, aiming to position itself as the leading conduit for domestic fashion brands seeking global markets. At a press briefing held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, CEO Park Jun-mo said the time is ripe for Korean fashion to capitalize on the global popularity of Korean culture. He noted that despite the international success of K-pop, television dramas, and beauty products, Korean fashion has yet to achieve comparable recognition. “Now is the moment for Korean fashion to make its mark globally,” Park said. “We intend to be the platform that bridges that gap.” Musinsa’s global store, launched in 2022, is now active in 13 countries and is expected to expand to 14 by the end of the year. The company reported an average annual growth rate of 260 percent in its overseas business, with over 2,000 brands listed and 3 million monthly active users as of April. The company’s Japan subsidiary, established in 2021, has been a standout performer. Musinsa said brand sales there grew 17-fold between 2021 and 2024, signaling robust regional demand for Korean fashion. Building on that momentum, Musinsa plans to open physical stores in Japan and China in late 2025 and early 2026, respectively. To accelerate its expansion, the company is forging partnerships with established regional players, including Zozo in Japan, Anta in China, Central Group in Thailand, and Sharaf Retail in the United Arab Emirates. “We want to work with the best partners in each region — those who understand their markets better than anyone,” Park said. To support Korean brands entering foreign markets, Musinsa will roll out a Fulfillment Service in August. The platform will offer end-to-end international logistics, including customs and last-mile delivery, allowing brands to sell globally with minimal friction. In key markets like Japan, the service will deploy inventory in advance, cutting shipping times from one week to as little as one to two days. “Brands should focus on what they do best — creating great products and stories — while we handle everything else,” Park said. Musinsa has set a target of reaching 3 trillion won (approximately $2.2 billion) in global transaction volume by 2030, underscoring its long-term commitment to becoming a central player in the international fashion landscape. 2025-06-10 14:39:55

President Lee to meet corporate leaders this week SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung is set to hold his first meeting with the heads of largest conglomerates this week. The meetings are expected to take place Thursday or Friday at the presidential office in Yongsan, ahead of Lee’s departure for the Group of Seven summit in Canada, scheduled for June 15 to 17. The agenda is expected to focus on current economic challenges and the administration’s policy priorities. According to business people briefed on the plans, the president will sit down with leaders of South Korea’s five largest conglomerates — Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, LG and Lotte — as well as the heads of six major economic organizations, including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea Employers Federation. Among the expected attendees are Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin. President Lee, who campaigned on pro-growth economic policies, has made no secret of his intention to court the business community. “Companies are at the center of reviving the economy,” he said during his campaign, adding, “The era when the government leads economic and industrial issues has already passed.” Since taking office, Lee has moved quickly to set his economic agenda. His first administrative act was to launch an emergency economic review task force. He is also preparing for bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, expected on the sidelines of the G7 summit, with tariffs and trade relations on the table. The upcoming meeting with South Korea’s top corporate leaders signal Lee’s determination to align his administration closely with the private sector and to take a pragmatic approach to economic governance in a challenging global environment. 2025-06-10 14:34:01

Bank of Korea sounds alarm as won-backed stablecoin momentum builds SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - As interest in won-denominated stablecoins intensifies, the Bank of Korea is cautioning that a premature rollout could jeopardize the nation’s monetary stability. Central bank officials say that without carefully designed regulations, stablecoins could pose systemic risks and weaken the South Korean currency's status as legal tender. In response, the Bank of Korea will host a high-profile conference on July 1 to address the implications of stablecoin adoption and outline possible countermeasures. While the bank is expected to acknowledge the growing inevitability of stablecoins in the global financial landscape, it will stress the importance of a measured approach rooted in financial stability concerns. “Won stablecoins are currency substitutes, and if non-bank institutions issue them freely, it could significantly undermine monetary policy effectiveness,” said BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong during a press briefing on May 29. Stablecoins — digital assets typically pegged to traditional fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar or euro — are increasingly viewed as tools for faster, lower-cost payments with reduced volatility. Yet their adoption in South Korea remains tentative, with policymakers weighing risks and potential frameworks Market interest spiked earlier this month after Kim Yong-beom, policy chief of the presidential office, floated the idea of a “Korean-style” model that would allow private financial institutions and fintech firms to issue won-backed stablecoins, alongside banks. However, significant legal hurdles remain. Experts say the launch of a functional won-denominated stablecoin would likely require extensive amendments to a web of financial statutes. Analysts expect the Bank of Korea to maintain its cautious stance until a unified regulatory approach emerges among government agencies and ruling party lawmakers. 2025-06-10 14:26:34

Photographer condemns 'Rooftop Koreans' meme by Trump Jr. as offensive, unauthorized SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist is speaking out against Donald Trump Jr. for the unauthorized use of his photo from the 1992 Los Angeles riots — a move critics say distorts history and inflames racial tensions. Hyungwon Kang, a former photo editor for the Los Angeles Times, said Trump Jr. posted one of his most recognizable photographs on social media without his permission with the caption, “Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!” In a direct comment on Trump Jr.'s post, Kang wrote, "That's my picture that you are using without my permission. You're using the photo out of context." "Please take it down," Kang said. Kang, currently staying in Korea, told AJP that he is consulting with lawyers in the U.S. about possible legal action over the misuse of his copyrighted image, saying he finds it extremely offensive to see his photograph used out of context, without permission. “Using my 1992 news photo to portray current immigration protests as unlawful, and to fuel racial tension, is a gross misrepresentation and runs contrary to American values," he said. Kang's photo, taken during the 1992 riots, shows a Korean-American man on a rooftop loading a firearm — a stark image of the self-defense efforts by Korean-American business owners during a period when law enforcement largely withdrew from Koreatown. The image has since become a symbol of resilience in the Korean-American community, but its repurposing by Trump Jr. has drawn widespread criticism. On June 9, Trump Jr. shared this image on his X (formerly Twitter) account in response to ongoing protests in Los Angeles against aggressive immigration enforcement. The Korean community in Los Angeles also condemned Trump Jr.’s post. “As the son of an incumbent U.S. president and an influencer with 15 million followers, his actions could have serious repercussions during this tense period,” the organization said in a statement. “We strongly urge that the trauma of the Korean-American community not be exploited for any purpose.” 2025-06-10 11:42:57

Firefighters extinguish blaze near Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - A fire that broke out at a building next to Jogyesa Temple in central Seoul on Tuesday morning was fully extinguished about two hours later. According to firefighters, the blaze started at around 10:20 a.m. and was put out around noon. About 300 people were evacuated, and over 30 artifacts on display at the building were moved to the nearby National Palace Museum of Korea due to concerns over possible damage. No casualties have been reported so far. Fire authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire. 2025-06-10 11:23:33

Doosan Enerbility signs $650 million deal to build gas-fired power plant in Vietnam SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - South Korean energy company Doosan Enerbility has secured a contract valued at approximately 900 billion Korean won, or $650 million, to build a major gas-fired power plant in southern Vietnam, in partnership with the state-owned Petrovietnam. The agreement, signed on June 6 in Hanoi, marks one of the largest foreign energy infrastructure deals in Vietnam this year. The project involves construction of a combined cycle gas turbine power plant, located roughly 180 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. With a planned generation capacity of 1,155 megawatts, the facility is expected to come online in 2028 and play a critical role in bolstering electricity supply across southern Vietnam, particularly in the industrial hub of Can Tho. Doosan will lead the project in a consortium with Vietnam-based engineering firm PECC2, taking charge of equipment supply, construction, and integrated commissioning. The deal is Doosan Enerbility’s fifth overseas gas turbine contract in 2025, bringing its total value of international projects this year to approximately 4.3 trillion won, or $3.1 billion. Earlier contracts include a peaking power unit in Qatar signed in February, and three major projects in Saudi Arabia inked in March. “Our track record in Vietnam’s power sector has been a key factor in securing this contract,” said Lee Hyun-ho, head of Doosan’s Plant EPC Business Group. “With Vietnam targeting 37.4 gigawatts of gas-fired generation capacity by 2030, we are committed to further expanding our presence in this fast-growing market.” 2025-06-10 10:33:43

President Lee invites public to help select top government officials SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has invited Tuesday South Koreans to help select key members of his new administration, opening a one-week nomination period for senior government posts including ministers, vice ministers, and heads of public institutions. The initiative announced on Jun. 10 is part of the president’s broader push to build what he calls a “citizen-led government.” The public can submit recommendations through a dedicated website run by the Ministry of Personnel Management. South Koreans can also make recommendations through Lee’s official social media accounts and email. In a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, Lee wrote, “True democracy begins when the people become the owners, actively participating and driving change. I now ask you to choose the workers who will truly lead the Republic of Korea.” Lee explained that the campaign will display a shift in how power is exercised, saying it marks a “meaningful first step” towards giving citizens a direct role in shaping national leadership. Recommended candidates will be filed into a database and screened by the presidential office’s personnel vetting team. The process includes both internal and public review. Those deemed suitable will move on to formal appointment procedures. Lee emphasized the importance of uncovering talent from all corners of society. “Please help identify individuals who have quietly devoted themselves to public service and are ready to lead with integrity and competence,” he said. He also pledged transparency and fairness throughout the process, adding that the aim is to select people who live up to the public’s expectations. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung described the program as part of the administration’s core philosophy. “We’re launching the ‘Real Workers Project,’ a system to back the principle of a citizen-led government,” Kang said during a briefing. “The Lee administration will do its utmost to identify individuals who serve the people, through a transparent and fair process.” 2025-06-10 10:22:30

Shinsegae scion to debut in K-pop group SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - Moon Seo-yoon, the eldest daughter of Shinsegae International President Chung Yoo-kyung and a scion of one of South Korea’s most prominent retail dynasties, is set to debut as a K-pop idol later this month. Moon, 22, will perform under the stage name Annie as a member of ALLDAY PROJECT, a five-member co-ed group managed by The Black Label, a prominent music agency known for representing artists such as Taeyang of Big Bang and Rose of Blackpink. The group is scheduled to debut on June 23, the company announced via social media. The move marks a rare entry of a high-profile business heir into South Korea’s intensely competitive entertainment industry. Moon is the granddaughter of Lee Myung-hee, the chairwoman of Shinsegae Group, one of South Korea’s largest retail conglomerates, and the niece of Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin. Her father, Moon Sung-wook, holds several executive posts within Shinsegae affiliates. ALLDAY PROJECT is The Black Label’s second group following the recent debut of the boy band MEOVV. Alongside Annie, the lineup includes members known by the stage names Tarzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. The group’s music is being produced by Teddy, a former member of 1TYM and the producer behind numerous hits for Big Bang and Blackpink. Born in 2002, Moon is currently a student at Columbia University in New York and does not presently hold equity in Shinsegae Group. Prior to her entertainment debut, she had already cultivated a modest public profile as an influencer, with more than 70,000 followers on Instagram. Speculation about Moon’s potential debut had circulated for months, fueled in part by images posted online showing her training alongside aspiring idols affiliated with The Black Label. Some of those trainees would go on to debut in MEOVV, leading to rumors that Moon’s own debut plans had been postponed or shelved. 2025-06-09 17:12:26