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

Kazakhstan celebrates launch of new direct flight from Incheon to Shymkent SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - The launch of a new direct flight between Shymkent and Incheon was celebrated at an event in Seoul on Thursday. Co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul and SCAT Airlines, the event brought together experts from the aviation and travel industry, diplomats, and other distinguished guests, offering them a valuable chance to learn about the southern Kazakh city amid deepening bilateral ties with Seoul. Kazakhstan Ambassador to Seoul Nurgali Arystanov said, "This will be a historic day for our relationship and people-to-people exchanges." Arystanov highlighted Shymkent's importance as part of Kazakhstan's "golden triangle" along with Astana and Almaty, which already have regular flights to Seoul. He said the new direct flight marks a significant step forward in bilateral exchanges. Arystanov also explained Kazakhstan's 30-day visa-free program for South Korean travelers as part of efforts to boost tourism and urged tour agencies to offer attractive travel packages. He then proposed a tour program featuring Kazakhstan's key attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas. SCAT Airlines' branch manager Andrey Tsygankov proudly said, "SCAT Airlines has been flying since 1997. We've carried over 50 million passengers with more than two million choosing us each year." "Shymkent isn't just Kazakhstan's third-largest city. It's a rapidly growing southern hub with over 1.2 million people," he said, expressing hope that the new flight would further boost exchanges between the two countries. "It has always been famous for its amazing kebabs, but now it is also becoming known as an aviation hub," he added. 2025-05-15 17:53:16

Forum highlights AI being pushed into daily life SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life, marking a shift from early-stage development to practical applications, industry leaders said at a technology forum in Seoul on Thursday. At the 3rd Mega AI Forum, held at the Korea Exchange building in Yeouido, Seoul, government officials and corporate executives convened to examine the growing role of software robots and agent AI in society. The event was hosted by Aju Business Daily under the theme, “SW Robots: Breathing Life into Agent AI.” Speakers emphasized that AI is evolving beyond technical innovation, taking on increasingly personal and emotional roles in users' lives. “AI technology development extends beyond mere technical advancement,” said Lim Gyu-jin, chief executive of Aju Business Daily, in his opening remarks. “It has the power to amplify human creativity and productivity while redefining daily routines and societal values.” Among the prominent attendees were former Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho, Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Jeong-hoon, and Choi Hyung-du of the ruling People Power Party. Second Vice Minister of Science and ICT Kang Do-hyun also delivered remarks, urging all sectors to embrace AI’s transformative potential. “We have entered an era that demands complete transformation,” Kang said. “I hope all sectors will rise to the challenge, with South Korea continuing to lead in the global AI industry.” In a keynote address, Lee Se-young, chief executive of Wrtn Technologies, described agent AI as “all methods and means by which humanity utilizes AI.” He predicted a future where personalized AI assistants will engage in emotional exchanges and support individual decision-making. Executives from Kakao Mobility, SK Telecom, and Krafton presented their latest AI-driven services. Chang Sung-wook, senior vice president at Kakao Mobility, projected a convergence of agent AI with physical AI in areas such as autonomous driving and robotics. Yoon Hyun-sang, vice president of SK Telecom’s AI business division, said that future business models will be driven by AI that adapts to users, rather than requiring users to adapt to the technology. Meanwhile, Sung June-sig, head of Krafton’s applied deep learning department, unveiled generative AI tools currently being deployed in the company’s early-access simulation game inZoi. The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled “Korean Agent AI and Physical AI,” moderated by former Minister Lee. Participants included Seoul National University professor Yoon Sung-roh, KAIST professor Choi Jae-sik, Saltlux CEO Lee Kyung-il, and Wrtn Technologies co-founder Kim Tae-ho. The panelists addressed critical issues such as data privacy in AI training, the transition from virtual to physical AI, and the role of government in fostering innovation. 2025-05-15 17:49:04

PHOTOS: Steam, spice and history in Namdaemun Market's Galchi Golmok SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - On a warm weekday afternoon in late spring, the labyrinthine corridors of Namdaemun Market remain as lively as ever. Tucked amid its maze of narrow passageways and densely packed storefronts lies a culinary enclave devoted to a single dish: braised hairtail fish. The cluster of small restaurants is devoted entirely to the preparation of spicy hairtail stew. The roots of Galchi Golmok (Hairtail Alley) stretch back to the late 1980s, when a handful of merchants began offering the stew at modest prices. Word of its bold flavors — and its generous portions — spread quickly, bolstered by glowing features on local television. By the early 1990s, the alley had become a destination in its own right. Visitors arriving from the market entrance near Namdaemun Gate are greeted by a yellow sign bearing the image of a smiling, chef-hatted hairtail — the unofficial mascot of the alley. Just beyond, a dim corridor opens up, barely lit save for a string of overhead fixtures and the soft glow of restaurant signs. The scent of the place announces itself before anything else: rich, red broth simmering with chili and garlic, the smoky aroma of grilled fish, and the comforting smell of steamed eggs. Many of the restaurants station their cooking operations outside, creating a kind of open-air kitchen effect that pulls passersby in. Inside, tables are closely set and meals arrive bubbling hot. There is little ceremony — just the hum of conversation, clinking of spoons, and the occasional hiss from a stew pot. In a city where new food trends surface by the week, this alley stands as a quiet reminder of enduring tastes — and the power of tradition to draw a crowd, even on an ordinary afternoon. 2025-05-15 17:04:17

PPP candidate apologizes for martial law debacle to sway voters ahead of presidential election SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday apologized for disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim said he "sincerely apologizes" for the debacle, calling it "inappropriate." "Even if the Constitution grants a president the authority to declare martial law, it is inappropriate except in cases of a national crisis or emergencies beyond the control of police authorities," Kim told reporters. Kim, who unexpectedly emerged as the conservative candidate mainly because of his initial support for Yoon, added that if he had known about Yoon's Dec. 3 overnight gambit in advance, he would have tried to stop it. Expressing concerns over the economic fallout from the debacle, he also sought to console citizens, saying, "Many small business owners have been hit hard by declining sales." With the snap June 3 presidential election less than a month away, Kim's apology came in an apparent move to rally support from voters, as front-runner Lee Jae-myung of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) maintains a big lead in most polls. When asked whether Yoon should leave the party, Kim said it would be a decision for the impeached president to make. However, calls for his departure are likely to grow among PPP lawmakers if Kim he continues to struggle to close the gap with Lee in voter support. 2025-05-15 16:20:59

Samsung Electronics collaborates on boy band RIIZE's debut album 'ODYSSEY' SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has joined forces with RIIZE, a rising K-pop group under SM Entertainment, to promote the band's debut album, “Odyssey." The partnership includes the production of a 40-minute premiere video — unveiled Wednesday on the international fan platform Weverse — that features all 10 tracks from the upcoming album, set for release on May 19. The video weaves together coming-of-age narratives with appearances by several of Samsung’s newest products, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Galaxy Ring, the Music Frame, and the BESPOKE AI hybrid refrigerator. RIIZE, a six-member boy band that debuted in 2023, has garnered a global following with songs that explore youth, ambition, and personal growth. In the premiere video, those themes are paired with Samsung’s brand messaging around innovation and aspiration, portraying what the company described as “growing together and realizing dreams.” The collaboration also includes a series of short-form videos that will roll out on RIIZE’s official Instagram account beginning May 22. These clips will spotlight the group’s use of Samsung’s Galaxy AI features. Samsung launched a K-pop artist support initiative last year as part of an effort to bolster South Korea’s cultural influence abroad while positioning its products within that expanding global narrative. The initiative continues to grow through partnerships with both domestic and international talent. “We hope RIIZE, as brand ambassador, will help amplify our message of realizing dreams together,” said Park Jung-mi, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Global Marketing Office. “At Samsung, we aim to support our customers’ aspirations through the power of AI and innovation.” 2025-05-15 15:52:02

PHOTOS: Teachers' Day SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea observes May 15 as Teachers' Day, a nationally designated occasion intended to cultivate a societal ethos of respect for educators' authority and appreciation for their service. The annual commemoration aims to bolster morale among the teaching profession and elevate their social status. Across the nation's schools, it is customary for students to present their teachers with carnations as a tangible expression of their gratitude. 2025-05-15 15:46:44

Kim Moon-soo pushes nuclear option, calls for tighter U.S. alliance Editor's Note: This article is the first in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo is drawing a firm line in South Korea’s snap election, positioning himself as a staunch advocate of military strength and nuclear deterrence. Representing the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Kim has made clear that his foreign and security policy will be grounded in a stronger alliance with the United States, and a long-term vision for South Korea to acquire its own nuclear capability. As tensions with North Korea persist and questions grow over regional stability, Kim has argued that Seoul can no longer rely solely on American protection. One of his key proposals is to revise the U.S.–ROK Mutual Defense Treaty to explicitly include a clause that guarantees protection in the event of a nuclear attack. He also wants U.S. strategic assets, such as bombers and submarines, deployed in South Korea at a level approaching permanent presence. In a recent televised debate, Kim took his stance a step further, suggesting that South Korea and the U.S. jointly develop nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons. These submarines, he said, could patrol near the Korean Peninsula until Pyongyang agrees to dismantle its nuclear arsenal. A joint declaration outlining this strategy, he added, would be a clear signal of resolve. But the most controversial part of his platform is the idea that South Korea should build up its own nuclear capability. Kim has called for amending the U.S.–South Korea nuclear cooperation agreement to allow uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing, technologies that would bring Seoul closer to becoming a latent nuclear power, similar to Japan. He also said South Korea should accumulate the technical expertise to design nuclear weapons, if necessary. He hasn’t ruled out the reintroduction of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons to the region, either. One option he raised was deploying them in Guam with the understanding that they would serve South Korea’s defense. Kim also floated the idea of a NATO-style nuclear sharing arrangement with the United States. While his policy on North Korea leans heavily on deterrence, Kim has shown little interest in engagement or dialogue with Pyongyang. Instead, he’s focused on improving defense infrastructure and boosting military morale. His pledges include restoring military bonus points for veterans, enhancing food and living conditions for enlisted troops, and repositioning military service as a professional advantage rather than a disruption. On the diplomatic front, Kim wants to pursue a wide-ranging investment pact with the U.S. that spans defense, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy. He has also vowed to meet with the U.S. president immediately upon taking office and to cultivate a new generation of 100,000 trade specialists. Free trade agreements with India and Middle Eastern countries are also part of his agenda. Kim’s positions have sparked concern among some experts, who warn that a move toward indigenous nuclear weapons could isolate South Korea and provoke regional instability. Still, his message is clear. In a world of shifting alliances and growing threats, he believes strength is the only reliable safeguard. “Peace doesn’t come from hoping for the best,” he said. “It comes from power.” 2025-05-15 14:57:45

Tour programs to Panmunjom to resume on limited basis this week SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - A tour program to the truce village of Panmunjom and nearby areas is set to resume later this week after a halt of about a year and a half, the Unification Ministry said Thursday. But the program remains restricted, allowing access only to selected groups of visitors on a limited basis. About 20 government officials and executives from state-run companies are scheduled to visit there this Friday, becoming the first group to take part in the revived program as part of an education course run by the ministry. Located in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), Panmunjom has long stood as a tense symbol of division between the two Koreas. The tour was suspended in July 2023 after a U.S. soldier abruptly crossed into the North during a visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA). It partially resumed several months later, only to be halted again amid heightened military tensions with the North in December that year. As requests for tours have been pouring in from foreigners, war veterans, and others, the ministry has decided to allow limited access, with the possibility of fully resuming once safety measures are in place. 2025-05-15 14:33:10

Hyundai Motor to build first Middle East factory, eyes Saudi as regional hub SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor has begun construction on its first automobile manufacturing plant in the Middle East, part of a strategic push to establish Saudi Arabia as a central base for regional operations. The facility, named Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East, is being built in King Abdullah City, within the King Salman Automotive Cluster. Groundbreaking took place Wednesday, with the start of production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The plant is a joint venture between Hyundai Motor, which holds a 30 percent stake, and Saudi Arabia’s powerful Public Investment Fund, which controls the remaining 70 percent. The move signals Hyundai’s ambition to deepen its presence in the region, where vehicle sales are expected to exceed 3 million annually by 2030. Last year, Hyundai sold 840,000 vehicles in Saudi Arabia alone, which represented roughly 34 percent of the Middle Eastern market. “With this factory, we are driving change forward and paving the way for a new industrial future in the region,” said Park Wong-yun, vice president and CEO of the joint venture, in remarks at the ceremony. “The facility will become a platform for growth and industrial excellence in the heart of the kingdom.” The plant will have the capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles per year and will manufacture both internal combustion engine and electric models. Hyundai officials said the initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — a sweeping plan to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on fossil fuels and diversify its economy through industrial development and sustainability. As part of that effort, Saudi Arabia aims to produce 500,000 electric vehicles annually by 2030 and convert more than 30 percent of the vehicles in its capital, Riyadh, to electric. The broader Gulf region has also shown momentum in EV adoption. Qatar has set a goal of 10 percent EV usage by 2030, and the United Arab Emirates saw electric vehicle imports rise from $100 million in 2019 to $1.39 billion in 2022, a 14-fold increase. The expansion comes amid renewed diplomatic and commercial engagement between the United States and key Gulf states. U.S. President Donald Trump — on his first overseas trip since returning to office — arrived in the region this week, with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. 2025-05-15 13:44:40