South Korea's LIG Nex1 seeks to localize chips for AESA, SAR radar systems SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1 has launched a project to develop key semiconductors for active electronically scanned array (AESA) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems using fully domestic technology. The company said it signed agreements on Nov. 28 with the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute to co-develop X-band common monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and front-end module platforms for AESA radar, as well as broadband MMIC and front-end module platforms for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) SAR systems. The AESA radar semiconductors will serve as essential components for multifunction radars, fighter aircraft, stealth UAVs and wideband radar platforms. The joint program aims to produce compact, high-performance chips capable of meeting next-generation weapon system requirements. Defense-grade semiconductors are core elements for radar, precision-guided weapons and battlefield communications. South Korea currently depends heavily on foreign suppliers, raising concerns over potential vulnerabilities in the event of global supply chain disruptions. LIG Nex1 is already developing an air-cooled AESA radar for overseas markets. Successful localization of radar semiconductors would ensure a stable component base for upcoming high-performance AESA radar programs spearheaded by the Defense Science Research Institute. The initiative is seen as a significant step toward bolstering technological self-reliance in radar and broader defense systems, the company said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-05 17:22:26

Korea's CJ picks safe site for first U.S. Olive Young store to test offline popularity of K-beauty SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - CJ is taking a measured approach as it prepares to plant the Olive Young flag in the world’s largest beauty market, selecting Pasadena, California, as the location for its first U.S. store — a choice driven by demographic safety, retail compatibility and the growing appeal of Korean skincare across America’s diverse consumer base. “Pasadena is not far from downtown LA, has a relatively high share of high-income residents and a retail district that fits fashion and beauty retail well,” an Olive Young official said. “It is also less congested than some other areas, which made it an attractive location for our first store.” Whether Olive Young — now the definitive gateway to K-beauty for foreign tourists in Korea — can scale across California will hinge on the May 2026 opening of the Pasadena store. The U.S. strategy will center on skincare, reflecting both global sales trends and enduring perceptions of K-beauty, the official added. “Skincare has a significantly larger weight than makeup in terms of sales and market size globally.” K-beauty’s selling point remains its disciplined ritualism. The official noted that international consumers often associate Korean skincare with the “seven-step routine,” even if most Koreans no longer practice such elaborate regimens. Educating U.S. consumers on Korean-style makeup preparation will also be part of the playbook. “For example, skincare pads used before makeup are still not widely known or commonly used in the U.S. Explaining such routines is part of our approach to introducing K-beauty.” While both skincare and makeup will be carried, the merchandising mix is expected to broadly mirror Olive Young’s Korea operations, with skincare at the core. The retailer is currently coordinating with about 400 beauty brands — consistent with its earlier disclosures — and does not expect major adjustments before launch. Marketing initiatives are still being finalized. The Pasadena store is also a strategic step to build Olive Young’s brand presence in the U.S., where awareness remains limited despite its status in Korea as a “must-visit” stop for foreign visitors. Competing against entrenched players such as Sephora, however, will require a more pragmatic layout. Unlike Olive Young N Seongsu in Seoul, which emphasizes immersive experiences and interactive merchandising, the Pasadena location will prioritize clarity over theatrics. “This will not be an experiential flagship like our Seongsu store,” the official said. “The goal is to present products and brands clearly and give consumers a better understanding of K-beauty.” The company’s cautious but calculated approach reflects both opportunity and risk: the K-beauty boom is cresting globally, but converting online and tourist-driven enthusiasm into sustained brick-and-mortar success will depend heavily on how Pasadena performs. 2025-12-05 17:10:02

Quiet flight from Coupang after data breach deepens pain for small vendors SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Fallout from Coupang’s massive data breach is widening beyond consumers to tens of thousands of small vendors across South Korea who rely on the e-commerce giant as a primary sales channel and livelihood. The National Assembly Science and ICT Committee has scheduled another hearing on Dec. 17 to examine a growing number of complaints against Coupang, including difficulties in canceling subscriptions or discontinuing platform use. Lawmakers say the scale and sensitivity of the data leak — which affected nearly all of Coupang’s 34 million users — warrant continued scrutiny. Market researcher IGAWorks showed that Coupang’s daily active users, which had hovered around 18 million before the breach, slipped to 17.8 million but have so far remained above the 17 million mark. Instead of a mass exodus, industry data suggest a “silent boycott”: customers reducing their use of Coupang for daily shopping or avoiding Coupang Eats for food delivery due to loss of trust. That shift has delivered a sharp blow to vendors and dining partners. A café owner in Gwangju said delivery orders via Coupang Eats “dropped to zero,” with daily sales falling more than 20 percent from a week earlier. A seafood company selling primarily through Coupang reported a more than 30 percent slide in revenue. According to Coupang’s internal “Impact Report 2025,” released in September, the company serviced around 230,000 small businesses as of 2023 — roughly 75 percent of all its vendors — generating a combined 12 trillion won ($8.2 billion) in annual transactions. The data leak now exposes them to a double shock: plunging sales and anxiety over potential compromise of business information. “I’m massively anxious. I changed all my business account passwords, but it feels like they’ve already been stolen,” said the owner of a Korean beef stew shop in downtown Seoul. “Coupang Eats accounts for a large proportion of my orders, so even if I want to quit, I can’t. It used to be about 50–50 between Baemin and Coupang Eats, but now it’s closer to 45–55 because more customers use Coupang Eats.” Holding up a text alert from the platform, she added, “Coupang said a delivery address was leaked. I panicked. I deleted my personal account, but I can’t delete my business account — how else can I run my shop?” A Coupang executive, speaking anonymously to AJP, said vendor information is stored in a separate system that “shows no abnormal signs,” and stressed that partner data remains protected. Other shop owners said Coupang Eats’ appeal makes it difficult to exit despite safety concerns. “Customers prefer Coupang. Baemin assigns riders through its system, which takes more time. Coupang uses individual drivers, so deliveries are faster,” said one operator. Coupang Eats has expanded rapidly this year, leveraging its ultra-fast delivery model and free deliveries for Coupang subscribers. It held a 37.6 percent market share in the food-delivery sector, trailing No. 1 Baemin’s 56.7 percent. “We live in a paradox,” said Lee Joong-seon, secretary-general of the National Franchise Owners Association. “Even when sales are high, small business owners make little profit because of the massive commission fees charged by platforms like Coupang and Baemin. When sales are low, life gets harder. Either way, we lose. And now, after the Coupang data leak, it feels like insult upon injury.” The Korean Federation of Micro Enterprises said it plans to collect vendor complaints and prepare for collective legal action if needed, according to member Ryu Pil-seon. Meanwhile, consumer frustrations continue to mount. On Coupang’s PC version, account deletion requires a six-step process, including personal-information verification and a mandatory survey — a design critics say reflects the broader difficulty of disengaging from the platform even amid a crisis of confidence. 2025-12-05 16:58:48

Asian stocks mostly gain while Nikkei slips on interest rate concerns SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - Asian stock markets closed mixed on Friday, with most bourses, including South Korea's, posting gains, while Japan slipped amid uncertainty over its benchmark interest rate. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI closed at 4,096.13, up 1.68 percentage points from the previous session. Foreign investors buoyed the market with net purchases of stocks worth 770.7 billion Korean won ($524 million). The inflow appears to be driven by investors seeking other opportunities amid rising uncertainty over Japan's monetary policy. Institutions led the rally with net purchases of 1.2 trillion won, while retail investors took profits by selling 1.94 trillion won. The won strengthened against the greenback, trading at 1,470, lifted by foreign capital inflows into the market. The hottest stock on the KOSPI was Hyundai Motor, which surged a whopping 11.11 percent to 315,000 won, recording a new high. The surge appears to reflect relief over a 15-percent tariff being retroactively applied after Seoul and Washington finalized their trade talks, along with expectations of accelerated development of in-house autonomous driving technologies. LG Electronics also continued its upward trend, closing 5.17 percent higher at 99,700 won, reflecting strong investor confidence in its next-generation growth strategies including its Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) initiative and automotive electronics business. Samsung Electronics closed 3.14 percent higher at 108,400 won, approaching the 110,000-won mark, while SK hynix edged up just 0.37 percent to 544,000 won. The junior KOSDAQ, after briefly surpassing 5 trillion won in mid-day trading on hopes for Seoul's market stimulus, instead closed 0.55 percent lower at 924.74. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 1.03 percent to 50,503, pressured by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda's comments the previous day hinting at a cautious approach to raising interest rates. Major stocks fell across the board, with Toyota dropping 2.71 percent to 3,019 yen ($19.53) and Sony sliding 2.24 percent to 4,320 yen. Chip-related stocks mostly declined, with Advantest falling 2.22 percent to 20,235 yen and Tokyo Electron dropping 2.54 percent to 32,960 yen. But semiconductor circuit board maker Ibiden surged 6.77 percent to 12,695 yen. Taiwan's TAIEX closed 0.67 percent higher at 27,980.89. TSMC performed well, closing 1.04 percent higher at 1,460 Taiwan dollars ($46.68). MediaTek also closed 1.42 percent higher at 1,425 Taiwan dollars. With the Shanghai Composite Index trading 0.66 percent higher at 3,900 as the end of trading, Chinese markets rallied on expectations of economic stimulus measures, supported by selective buying in technology stocks. Chinese markets rallied on stimulus expectations and selective tech stock buying, with the Shanghai Composite Index closing about 0.66 percent higher at 3,900. The SZSE Component rose 0.98 percent to close at 13,133 and CATL also gained 1.48 percent to finish at 389 yuan ($55.01). In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index gained 0.47 percent to 26,059, with Xiaomi climbing 2 percent to HK$42.82 ($5.50) amid strong buying in the tech sector. 2025-12-05 16:56:36

Low pay for AI talent is driving skilled workers overseas, BOK warns SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea offers the lowest wage premiums for artificial intelligence specialists among major advanced economies, placing the country at a disadvantage in the global battle for high-tech talent, the Bank of Korea said in a report released Friday. The analysis, presented at a seminar co-hosted with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for upgrading compensation systems and research environments to meet international standards. Using data from LinkedIn profiles compiled by Revelio Labs, the report estimated South Korea had about 57,000 AI-skilled workers last year — more than double the 27,000 recorded in 2010 but far behind the United States (780,000), the United Kingdom (110,000) and France (70,000). South Korean AI professionals earned only a 6 percent wage premium over non-AI workers, compared with 25 percent in the U.S. and 18 percent in Canada. Wage premiums were higher in specialized fields such as pattern recognition and neuroscience, but remained low in core areas such as deep learning and machine learning. The weak premium has contributed to a persistent talent drain. Except for 2020, South Korea recorded a net outflow of AI professionals every year from 2010 to 2024. Last year, about 11,000 South Korean AI specialists were working overseas, including 6,300 in the U.S. “The high rate of overseas employment among workers facing low domestic wage premiums suggests a clear link between compensation and international mobility,” said Oh Sam-il, one of the report’s authors. “South Korea is losing ground in the global competition for AI talent.” Oh said rigid wage structures and intense global competition are suppressing domestic premiums. He urged the government and companies to focus on improving career development pathways and offering competitive compensation packages to retain and attract top-tier AI professionals. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-05 16:28:36

OPINION: Massive data breaches expose urgent need for stronger security and accountability SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - In early 2026, a man received a phone call from an unknown caller who appeared to know every detail about him, including his home address, online habits, and shopping patterns. This incident shows how phishing has evolved from random attacks to highly targeted schemes that exploit detailed personal information. Massive data breaches have affected millions in South Korea, involving major companies such as Coupang and SK Telecom. Similar incidents in the public sector are also on the rise, with more than 100 cases reported last year alone. Despite South Korea's technological prowess, personal data remains highly vulnerable. The maximum compensation for data breaches is usually around 100,000 Korean won per person, regardless of the extent of data leaked, as proving corporate negligence is quite challenging for victims, leading to limited accountability. The maximum compensation for data breaches is usually around 100,000 Korean won per person, regardless of the extent of the data leaked, because victims often struggle to prove corporate negligence, resulting in limited accountability. Although fines and penalties have increased recently, most victims are barely compensated. Companies often treat such breaches as a cost of doing business and face only administrative orders, with fines flowing to state coffers rather than victims. To address this issue, punitive damages must be effectively implemented. Current stringent requirements for proving intent or negligence make it difficult for individuals to succeed in lawsuits, which are particularly unsuitable for cases like large-scale data breaches. Legal systems must evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing era. Coupang's latest data leak exposes serious gaps in security measures and legal compliance, even as companies continue to accumulate vast amounts of sensitive personal information. It is not just about preventing hacking or data leaks, it is about ensuring that companies invest in security measures and provide adequate compensation. Without these changes, data breaches will continue. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI. 2025-12-05 16:03:04

SK's battery recycling technology published in international journal SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea's SK Innovation said Friday its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling technology has been published in the international journal Separation and Purification Technology. The company said conventional recycling processes for LFP batteries have struggled with environmental and cost burdens, including byproduct treatment and wastewater generation. Its newly developed method uses only water, carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide to selectively extract high-purity lithium carbonate, eliminating the need for harsher chemicals. SK Innovation described the process as an eco-friendly solution that overcomes long-standing challenges in LFP recycling. The company expects the technology to support the broader battery ecosystem by reducing environmental impact while enabling more efficient resource recovery. SK On, SK Innovation’s battery-making unit, is preparing to manufacture pouch-type LFP cells for EVs and energy storage system applications. As LFP adoption accelerates, industry officials say securing stable recycling channels — particularly for lithium recovery — has become a critical element of supply-chain resilience and cost competitiveness. “This achievement surpasses the limitations of existing battery recycling methods and is a key technology for sustainable battery market growth,” said Kim Pil-seok, head of SK Innovation’s Environmental Science and Technology Institute. “By stably recovering high-purity lithium carbonate, we aim to mitigate lithium supply risks and expand collaboration with domestic and international battery makers and recyclers.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-05 16:01:29

PHOTOS: Snow-covered Hallasan SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Snowfall that began in the mountainous areas of Jeju on December 4 left Baengnokdam and the 1,100-meter plateau covered in white by the morning of December 5. 2025-12-05 15:48:32

PHOTOS: Seoul turns white after the season's first snow SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Seoul woke up white after an overnight snowfall that began during the evening commute. The city saw its first snow of 2025 last night — two weeks later than average and eight days later than last year. Streets whitened quickly as cars crawled through Gwanghwamun and people walked with their shoulders tucked in against the cold. Snowfall reached 1 to 3 centimeters per hour, with bursts of more than 5 centimeters, coating palace roofs and drifting through the lights of the city. In just a short time, the first snow carried Seoul fully into winter. A heavy-snow alert was issued, and emergency warnings were sent across Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Some areas saw more than 5 centimeters an hour, leading to traffic delays and icy roads. Many people slipped on frozen sidewalks, and cars slowed through streets where snow removal could not keep up. Morning temperatures fell to minus 6 degrees Celsius, turning much of the snow into packed ice. Even so, many stepped outside to enjoy the white scenery, choosing to face the cold to take in the first snow of the season. 2025-12-05 15:30:59

PHOTOS: Seoul's royal shrine caught in clash between history and modernization SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - On a frigid day in early December, a profound silence settles over the Jongmyo Shrine in the heart of Seoul, broken only by the crunch of footsteps on the stone paths. Though a steady stream of tourists, drawn by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, still visits, the ancient royal sanctuary has been swept into a very modern controversy: a pitched battle over redevelopment and the city's skyline. The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s proposal to ease height restrictions in the adjacent Sewoon Commercial District has pitted preservationists against developers, making this solemn space for the spirit tablets of Joseon Dynasty royalty the frontline in a debate about South Korea's future. The stakes are immense: is Seoul willing to sacrifice a 600-year-old traditional scenic axis — the view lines stretching to Bugaksan and Namsan — for the sake of urban revitalization? For international visitors, Jongmyo is best known for the Jongmyo Jerye (Royal Ancestral Rite) and Jeryeak (Ritual Music), a performance tradition recognized globally. Yet, the shrine's true weight — its symbolic status in a Confucian-rooted nation — is often underappreciated. Founded in 1395, Jongmyo was not merely a memorial; it was the spiritual anchor of the Joseon royal legitimacy. Protecting this house of spirits was synonymous with guarding the nation's destiny. Its main hall, the Jeongjeon, stands as one of the world's longest single wooden structures, an architectural marvel whose restrained, simple lines perfectly capture the aesthetic principles of Joseon architecture. The entire precinct, with its forests and sacred stone walkways, remains a profound sanctuary. The current flashpoint lies where history and the metropolis converge. Advocates for development argue that relaxing height limits is essential to inject life into the aging Sewoon district. Preservationists counter that new high-rises will irrevocably harm the sanctuary's sightlines, desecrating a vital piece of the nation's heritage. The collision of a rapidly modernizing city and its deep historical roots is a problem unique to Seoul, and it’s now centered on the distance between Jongmyo and the Sewoon district. Despite enduring wars and fires across six centuries, the Jeongjeon architecture and the ancestral rites persist. Even though the dynasty vanished, the Jerye ceremonies continue today, held every May and November. As the colorful spectacle of K-Pop and K-dramas spreads globally, the world's fascination with South Korean culture only deepens. That global interest provides a timely opportunity to turn attention to Jongmyo from which modern Korean identity sprang. Jongmyo is a place of powerful, resonant silence, where the deep current of Joseon’s time still flows, challenging the city to remember its past. 2025-12-05 15:26:38