Presidential candidates to face off in first televised debate this weekend SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - With just a few weeks remaining until next month's presidential election, four presidential hopefuls are set to face off in a televised debate scheduled for this weekend. In their first debate hosted by election watchdog National Election Commission slated for Sunday, Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) will present their visions and discuss ways to revive the struggling economy while boosting the country's ultra-low birthrate. Lee Jun-seok of the minor centrist Reform Party (RP) and Kwon Young-kook of the minor progressive Democratic Labor Party will also take part in the debate. They are scheduled to hold two additional debates in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the DP candidate has secured a solid lead over his rivals, garnering over 50-percent support, according to a nationwide survey of over 1,000 voters conducted earlier this week and released by pollster Gallup Korea on Friday. The lawyer-turned-politician, who garnered the most support among voters in their 40s, led the race with 51 percent, surpassing the 50-percent level for the first time. He was followed by Kim at a distant 29 percent, and the youngest presidential candidate from the RP, who turned 40 in March, making him eligible for presidential candidacy, with just eight percent. About 12 percent of respondents remain undecided. In terms of party preference, some 48 percent of respondents favored the DP, while 30 percent supported the PPP. The June 3 snap election comes after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling early last month to impeach disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle late last year. 2025-05-16 17:05:06

Lotte Mart enters Singapore market through FairPrice partnership SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Lotte Mart has entered the Singapore market through a strategic partnership with FairPrice, the city state’s largest retailer. The company opened its first store in the country this week, adopting a shop-in-shop format within the FairPrice Extra outlet at VivoCity, one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls. The launch marks Lotte Mart’s first expansion into a new Southeast Asian market in 17 years, following its entry into Vietnam and Indonesia in 2008. Company executives said the move reflects a broader effort to establish Singapore as a strategic hub for regional operations. An opening ceremony held Thursday was attended by Kang Sung-hyun, chief executive of Lotte Mart and Lotte Super, Shin Yu-yeol, who leads the Future Growth Division at Lotte Holdings, and Vipul Chawla, CEO of FairPrice Group. “This is a meaningful step for us,” Kang said. “With our overseas business expertise, we aim to firmly establish ourselves in Singapore while promoting K-food and positioning the market as an export base for our private-label products across Southeast Asia.” The venture also marks Lotte Mart’s first use of a shop-in-shop model in its international operations — a strategy that allows the brand to leverage FairPrice’s extensive logistics infrastructure and consumer base to generate stable revenue streams. As part of the rollout, Lotte Mart will distribute around 100 private-label products across more than 100 FairPrice outlets. The products will be available throughout the city state, benefiting from FairPrice’s expansive retail footprint. 2025-05-16 15:33:18

PHOTOS: Remembering King Sejong the Great SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, whose reign saw the creation of Hangeul, the nation’s indigenous alphabet, and significant advancements across economic, social, cultural, and military spheres, was honored on Thursday in the first national commemoration of his birthday. May 15 was designated a national commemorative day last November. King Sejong is widely revered by South Koreans today, often mentioned alongside the famed Admiral Yi Sun-sin as one of the country's most esteemed historical figures. The government marked the occasion with a ceremony held at Gyeongbokgung Palace. The event featured performances, exhibitions, and interactive displays intended to highlight King Sejong’s enduring legacy and pay tribute to his guiding principles of public welfare, independence and pragmatism. 2025-05-16 15:27:30

Korea's top companies see 17% increase in first quarter operating profits SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest corporations reported a sharp rise in operating profits in the first quarter of 2025, buoyed by a resurgence in the IT electronics sector, according to data released Friday by corporate tracker CEO Score. Among the nation’s top 500 companies, operating profits rose 17.1 percent year-over-year, climbing to 60.96 trillion won (approximately $44.6 billion) from 52.07 trillion won during the same period in 2024. The findings are based on earnings from 342 firms that submitted quarterly results. Overall sales increased 3.8 percent to 814.60 trillion won. SK hynix led the surge, recording an operating profit of 7.44 trillion won — a dramatic jump from 2.89 trillion won a year earlier — amid a rebound in semiconductor demand. Samsung Electronics ranked second with 6.69 trillion won in operating profit, while Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Hyundai Motor, and Kia followed with 3.75 trillion won, 3.63 trillion won, and 3.01 trillion won, respectively. The performance marks a notable turnaround for SK hynix, which also posted the largest year-on-year increase in operating profit, adding 4.55 trillion won. KEPCO followed with a 2.45 trillion won gain, while Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Hanwha, and Hanwha Aerospace also reported significant improvements. However, not all sectors shared in the recovery. Samsung SDI posted the largest operating loss at 4.34 trillion won, as the battery manufacturer faced mounting production costs and weaker demand. Other major losses came from L&F (-1.40 trillion won), Lotte Chemical (-1.27 trillion won), SK Energy (-1.26 trillion won), and HD Hyundai Chemical (-1.19 trillion won). The petrochemical industry was particularly hard hit. Five of the 10 companies with the largest declines in operating profit belonged to the sector, reflecting global headwinds including weakening demand, shrinking refining margins, and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. 2025-05-16 14:41:05

Trade ministers from South Korea, US hold tariff-related talks in Jeju SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Trade ministers from South Korea and the United States are continuing talks to narrow differences during a series of meetings on the sidelines of the preparatory gathering for this fall's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which wraps up in Jeju on Friday. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun is holding talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over Washington's proposed 25-percent reciprocal tariffs on South Korean exports, following working-level discussions between the two countries earlier in the week. Friday's agenda includes negotiations on the U.S.' steep tariffs on automobiles and steel, as part of broader talks aimed at reaching a packaged deal by July 8, the day U.S. President Donald Trump's 90-day tariff suspension is set to expire. South Korea is apparently pushing for trade exemptions in exchange for expanded cooperation in the shipbuilding and energy sectors. Meanwhile, Greer met with the CEOs of several South Korean shipbuilders including HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean, reportedly discussing tariff-related issues and cooperation. Chinese trade envoy Li Chenggang has also been on the southern resort island, holding one-on-one trade talks with senior U.S. officials. The two-day preparatory gathering, attended by representatives from 21 member countries and senior officials from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), is being held ahead of this year's APEC summit, which is scheduled to take place in late October in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. 2025-05-16 13:51:21

INTERVIEW: Outgoing chief reflects on how Tokyo's Korean Cultural Center builds bridges between neighboring countries SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - At the heart of Tokyo, Japan, there's a dedicated space where locals can explore and immerse themselves in South Korea's history and culture. Located at the corner of Shinjuku, a bustling district in the capital known for its characteristic alleys lined with shops, clubs and restaurants, the Korean Cultural Center was founded in 1979 as the first of its kind overseas. Since then, it has served as a major hub for raising awareness of South Korea, a close yet distant neighbor, while promoting mutual understanding to strengthen bilateral relations. In an interview with the AJP last month, Gong Hyeong-sik, who spearheaded the center from late 2021 until recently, looked back on his time there. Establishing such a center in Tokyo as a starting point for promoting the country globally was a meaningful first step, not just because of its geographic proximity to Seoul, but primarily due to the strong cultural bond shared by the two countries. The immense popularity of K-pop and South Korean dramas in the neighboring island country is indeed a testament to how deeply the two countries are culturally connected and intertwined. Japanese people's deep affinity for South Korean dramas, in particular, seems to be enduring. "Their subjects and themes often resonate with many Japanese, who find a sense of familiarity rooted in similar cultural values shared across Asian countries despite the complexities of history," Gong explained. It is no surprise that many of the center's previous events were inspired by megahit drama series such as the 2002 hit "Winter Sonata," starring Bae Yong-joon, which sparked what has now come to be known as the Korean Wave, and the 2019 series "Crash Landing on You," starring Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, who later became a real-life couple. For example, concerts featuring the soundtracks of hit drama series, screenings, up-close fan-meet events with the stars of the shows, and other activities often drew great attention, attracting hordes of enthusiastic Japanese fans with tickets selling out within just a few days. All these events and programs not only offer them a chance to meet with their favorite stars, but also provide opportunities to learn more about Korean culture. Gong, nevertheless, pointed out that despite many cultural similarities, some differences between the two countries do exist, and that is why the center keeps this in mind when planning events or interacting with Japanese people. These differences are particularly evident in the ways they communicate or express themselves. "Mostly reserved and temperate, Japanese people often tend to speak indirectly rather than giving a clear affirmative answer, which may sometimes be misunderstood by some South Koreans," he said. "It usually takes time to get close to Japanese people, who highly value their privacy, so it's better not to rush things when developing relationships," he advised, adding, "Gradually building trust works best." Gong said he made every efforts to bridge these differences and gaps by carefully designing the center's various programs to expand mutual understanding. Among them was a tour program to historical sites and ancient temples, which was well received by participants. "Many participants, who toured ancient temples and museums preserving historical relics and artifacts such as traditional Korean paper, antique candlesticks, and musical instruments brought by royal envoys centuries ago expressed their satisfaction, saying they learned a lot from the tour," Gong recalled. "Their positive response and feedback made us feel proud and fulfilled, as we believe we played a role in bridging the two countries," he added. Gong wrapped up the interview by stressing, "Although I'm leaving my post, I'm confident that the friendship between the two countries, built through the efforts and achievements of the center, will persist and grow into the future." 2025-05-16 12:14:45

Presidential candidates vow to expand high-speed underground rail nationwide SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Two leading contenders in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election have pledged to extend the country’s high-speed underground commuter rail system far beyond the capital, positioning rapid transit as a central campaign promise. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party both unveiled plans to expand the Great Train Express (GTX) system, a high-speed undergroun rail network in the Seoul metropolitan area. Each candidate has incorporated nationwide rail expansion into their 10-point policy platforms, aiming to connect distant regions through a system modeled after the GTX system. Both candidates argue that extending rapid transit to five major regions across the country would help disperse the concentration of economic and social activity around Seoul, a longstanding concern in South Korea’s regional development policy. Lee’s proposal focuses on expanding service in the Seoul area and to the southeast region, Daegu-North Gyeongsang, the central region, and Honam. He also pledged timely completion of the GTX-A, B, and C lines, with potential extensions reaching outer metropolitan areas and Gangwon Province. New routes, labeled GTX-D, E, and F, would be developed in phases. Kim, similarly, has framed a “country connected by GTX” as a key policy pillar. His plan envisions an express rail network linking five major metropolitan areas, continuing a trend toward megacity integration championed by the Yoon administration in early 2024. Their shared emphasis on high-speed rail reflects growing bipartisan support for addressing urban-rural divides. Currently, disparities in transit access between the capital and outlying regions are stark. The Seoul area operates 11 metropolitan rail lines, including the GTX-A. By contrast, non-metropolitan regions are served by just two lines, both connecting Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Rail accounts for 27.1 percent of intercity travel in the capital region, compared with only 0.4 percent in Gwangju-South Jeolla, and under 10 percent in most other regions. Still, the ambitious expansion faces significant financial and logistical challenges. Building rapid transit lines costs approximately 71.2 billion won per kilometer — more than double the cost of metropolitan roads and over 10 times that of Bus Rapid Transit systems. The first three GTX lines alone carry a projected price tag of nearly 12 trillion won. Experts remain cautious. A Korea Transport Institute survey of 15 transportation scholars cited “insufficient railway demand in provincial areas” as the foremost concern. As rural populations decline, critics warn that costly infrastructure may not be sustainable. Professor Lee Su-beom of the University of Seoul noted that rail systems face steep operational costs, particularly in energy use, and predicted inevitable deficits without stronger government subsidies. To make nationwide expansion viable, the institute concluded, central government support would need to rise by at least 10 percentage points to compensate for declining contributions from local governments. 2025-05-16 10:58:00

US extends ban on travel to North Korea for another year SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - The U.S. has extended its travel ban on North Korea for another year. In a notice on the Federal Register on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State said, "All U.S. passports shall remain invalid for travel to, in, or through unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State." The department said it "has determined there continues to be serious risk to U.S. citizens and nationals of arrest and long-term detention constituting imminent danger to their physical safety." The extension of the travel restriction to the reclusive country, which will now remain in effect until August next year, comes as the current ban is set to expire on Aug. 31. The ban was first implemented in September 2017 following the death of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was imprisoned and tortured in North Korea in 2016 on an unclear charge of subversion. He died a year later after being released in a vegetative state. The ban has been renewed annually since then. 2025-05-16 10:47:56

Lee Jae-myung calls for pragmatic diplomacy and phased peace with North Korea Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares for a pivotal snap election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is putting forward a foreign and security policy that contrasts sharply with his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo. At the center of Lee’s approach is a push for pragmatic diplomacy, a gradual shift toward peace on the Korean Peninsula, and a more balanced engagement with the world’s major powers. Lee has repeatedly emphasized that diplomacy should serve the national interest and adapt to the realities of a changing global order. While reaffirming the importance of the United States–South Korea alliance, he has cautioned against an overly one-sided approach. Instead, he argues for broadening South Korea’s diplomatic reach to include more strategic cooperation with China, Japan, and Russia. His so-called “New Asia Strategy” aims to restructure past outreach efforts like the Moon Jae-in administration’s New Southern and New Northern Policies to better fit current geopolitical dynamics. Lee also advocates for closer ties with the Global South, pointing to emerging nations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America as important diplomatic and economic partners. This multipolar approach, he says, is necessary for securing South Korea’s long-term strategic autonomy. On North Korea, Lee has called for a shift away from confrontation and toward phased engagement. His campaign envisions a gradual easing of military tensions, the restoration of inter-Korean dialogue, and the pursuit of denuclearization in step-by-step stages. He has pledged to pursue humanitarian exchanges such as family reunions and to resume cooperation projects aimed at building mutual trust. Although Lee has not ruled out a strong national defense posture, he has rejected calls for tactical nuclear weapons or independent nuclear armament. Instead, he supports enhancing missile defense systems and maintaining deterrence through conventional capabilities within the framework of the U.S.–South Korea alliance. In terms of defense reform, Lee is proposing a hybrid conscription system, what he calls a “selective volunteer service.” Under his plan, men who must fulfil their conscripted military service could choose between short-term conscription and longer-term professional service as non-commissioned officers or military specialists. The goal, according to Lee, is to improve military efficiency and offer young people meaningful career paths. He has also pledged to expand the defense industry’s global competitiveness by setting up a dedicated export control tower and holding regular defense export strategy meetings led by the president. Lee’s foreign policy vision centers on what he calls “realistic diplomacy based on national interest.” In a recent televised debate, he noted that even long-standing allies like the U, S. are turning inward with protectionist policies, arguing that South Korea needs to act in its own best interest while maintaining strong ties. He pledged to launch an emergency task force on trade negotiations and to take a more proactive role in managing tensions with Washington on economic issues. “The U.S.–South Korea alliance remains a pillar of our diplomacy,” Lee said, “but we can’t afford to follow unilaterally. We need to manage relations with all major powers, including China, Russia, and even North Korea, practically and carefully.” While many experts question the feasibility of reviving inter-Korean cooperation under current conditions, Lee maintains that diplomacy and gradual engagement are South Korea’s best path forward. 2025-05-16 10:37:25

Lip products lead charge in K-beauty innovation Editor's Note: This is the third article in our series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - In the ever-evolving world of Korean beauty, or K-beauty, few items command as much attention as lip products. From the glossy aisles of Olive Young — the nation’s ubiquitous health and beauty chain — to social media feeds around the globe, Korean lipsticks and tints have earned cult status, thanks to their innovative formulas, thoughtful color ranges, and accessible price points. Unlike global bestseller lists, which often skew toward the most promoted or exported products, a closer look at what Korean consumers actually reach for reveals a different story — one that international shoppers would do well to pay attention to. The enduring popularity of lip products in South Korea can be traced to both practicality and aesthetic transformation. Lips, unlike the rest of the skin, lack sebaceous glands and therefore require external hydration. At the same time, lip color remains one of the most cost-effective ways to change an entire look with a single swipe — a fact not lost on celebrities like Hailey Bieber, whose Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment became an overnight success, or Kylie Jenner, whose Lip Kits continue to dominate the U.S. market. Korean lip products, however, are distinguished not just by celebrity influence, but by a commitment to innovation. Brands have rapidly evolved beyond their earlier, more limited palettes — once shaped by a relatively homogeneous population — to embrace a wider spectrum of skin tones and personal style preferences. A growing interest in personal color theory and a shift toward more inclusive beauty standards have helped fuel this transformation. One standout is 3CE’s Shine Reflector, a lip gloss launched in March 2023 that quickly sold out nationwide. Its high-shine finish and rich color payoff have made it a favorite both online and in stores, bolstered by a collaboration with YouTuber Minsco. “Nowadays, many people are looking for this when they are in need of a shiny lip,” said an Olive Young spokesperson. The shade "Opal Shower" in particular, which works well layered over other colors, has become a top pick for travelers seeking versatile, space-saving beauty products. For those looking to streamline their beauty routines while abroad, the Shine Reflector offers a practical one-step solution — gloss and pigment in a single tube. It’s also well-suited to Seoul’s photogenic urban landscape, where an impactful lip can elevate a travel snapshot from casual to chic. Meanwhile, Peripera’s Ink Mood Glowy Tint, also released in 2023, has expanded to more than 30 shades, a boon for those navigating their “seasonal color type” or seeking hues that suit deeper skin tones. The brand is known for its affordability and trend-sensitive releases, though its habit of retiring shades quickly can frustrate loyal users. A word to the wise: if you find a color you love, consider buying backups. Less prominent but equally worthy of note is Colorgram’s Tanghulu Tangle Tint, a product with a more discreet retail presence but a loyal following. Launched by ABLE C&C — the company behind Missha — the brand targets Gen Z consumers with smaller, more portable packaging. While its shade range is narrower, the formula’s adhesive yet featherweight texture offers impressive shine in a single coat, making it ideal for quick touch-ups and budget-friendly gifting. Then there’s Romand’s Glasting Color Gloss, a line that captured the glossy-lip zeitgeist with standout shades like 01 Peony Ballet and 02 Nutty Vague. Both strike a delicate balance: shiny but not sticky, saturated but wearable. “Peony Ballet has such a pretty color,” said Kyu, a woman in her 20s living in Seoul. “For someone with dry lips and excess dead skin, Romand’s gloss is thick but not too runny, so it doesn’t flow and has a nice adhering feeling to the lips.” These are not the lip products that typically dominate international bestseller lists — which often reflect marketing reach more than local popularity. Instead, they represent a cross-section of what Korean shoppers genuinely value: well-formulated, aesthetically compelling, and often ahead of the trend curve. For international tourists, a visit to Olive Young offers more than just a retail stop — it’s an entry point into a beauty culture that blends innovation with accessibility. These lip products, each with their own story, serve as small but meaningful souvenirs: a swipe of gloss, a pop of tint, and a reminder of why Korean beauty continues to captivate the world. 2025-05-16 10:20:02