Naver posts double-digit revenue, profit growth, boosted by AI-driven advertising SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s Naver Corp. reported double-digit growth in revenue and operating profit last year, supported by gains in advertising, e-commerce and fintech businesses, the company said in a regulatory filing on Friday. Consolidated revenue for 2025 rose 12.1 percent from a year earlier to 12 trillion won, while operating profit increased 11.6 percent to 2.21 trillion won. Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 10.7 percent on year to 3.2 trillion won, driven by expansion in platform advertising, commerce and fintech. Operating profit rose 12.7 percent to 610.6 billion won, resulting in an operating margin of 19.1 percent. By segment, fourth-quarter revenue totaled 1.06 trillion won for the search platform, 1.05 trillion won for commerce, 453.1 billion won for fintech, 456.7 billion won for content, and 171.8 billion won for enterprise, which includes cloud services. Platform advertising revenue increased 6.7 percent from a year earlier, helped by personalized services such as feeds and short-form clips. Commerce revenue jumped 36 percent to 1.05 trillion won, supported by continued growth of Naver’s Smart Store merchants and expansion of its global consumer-to-consumer marketplace. Fintech revenue rose 13 percent to 453.1 billion won, aided by stronger Smart Store transactions and broader adoption across external platforms. Total payment volume increased 19 percent in the quarter to 23 trillion won. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-06 08:47:17

K-Culture Boom Fuels Korean-Language Learning, With BTS Return Adding Momentum The global spread of K-culture is translating into rising interest in learning Korean, industry officials said. With the Netflix animated series “K-Pop Demon Hunters” drawing attention to the language and BTS’ return in March also anticipated, demand for Korean study is expected to grow further. Officials said the expanding reach of Korean content worldwide is naturally leading more people to seek out Korean-language learning. This year is a milestone for Hangul, marking the 580th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum, the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangul Day and the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunmaengjeongeum, the Korean Braille system. The government is pursuing projects to revisit Hangul’s history and value. With BTS’ comeback gaining momentum, expectations are rising that Korean-language study could increase sharply among K-pop fans. Interest has also climbed in the United States, boosted by the popularity of “K-Pop Demon Hunters” last year. The New York Times reported that on the language-learning app Duolingo, the number of U.S. learners studying Korean rose 22% from a year earlier. Foreign media attributed the increase in part to the show’s original soundtrack, “Golden,” which includes Korean lyrics that drew fans’ attention to the language. BTS are also cited as a leading example of the Korean-learning boom. In a 2022 blog post, Duolingo said Korean learners had been steadily increasing, reporting that from June 2021 to June 2022, the number of users learning Korean in English rose 29%. It said popular culture — especially BTS — was a major motivation for studying Korean. In 2021, BTS spoke as representatives of future generations at a special event of the U.N. General Assembly, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The seven members took turns delivering their message in Korean. Leader RM also addressed the changed status of K-pop and the Korean language in a speech at the “2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit” held in Gyeongju last year. “When BTS first went overseas 10 years ago, we never imagined that songs in Korean would work on the global stage,” he said. “But our fandom, ARMY, stayed with us beyond language, and thanks to that, we can stand here today.” Some Hangul-related groups have also cautiously voiced hopes that a BTS performance at Gwanghwamun could help highlight the value of Hangul. With debate continuing over adding another Hangul signboard at Gwanghwamun, they said showcasing Hangul’s beauty through a media facade could help broaden public support for the idea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 08:46:57

Actress Jung Si A Says She Has Lived With Father-in-Law Baek Yoon Sik for 17 Years Actress Jung Si A said she is living in the same home as her father-in-law, actor Baek Yoon Sik. Jung appeared on singer K.Will’s YouTube channel on Feb. 4 and shared an update on her life. She said that when she married actor Baek Do Bin in 2009, she moved into her in-laws’ home. “I was young then, and I didn’t have friends who were married or anyone to advise me. I just naturally moved in after getting married — it wasn’t a decision I made after thinking it through a lot,” she said. Jung said she has never lived alone with her husband, so she did not feel it was a major inconvenience. But she added that when she meets other parents these days, “there’s no one living like I do,” and that looking back, she realizes it can be more uncomfortable than for others. “Other people change clothes when they go out. I change clothes when I leave my room,” she said. “I’ve never lain down on the living room sofa to watch TV. I think my father-in-law is the same. It’s consideration within the family, so I don’t think it’s a bad thing.” She also said her father died less than a month after she gave birth to her first child, Jun Woo. “My dad gave me unconditional love, and he passed away right when I was starting to understand what parents go through,” she said. “I promised myself I would do for my father-in-law what I couldn’t do for my dad. With that in mind, I try to take better care of him and prepare things for him, but honestly it isn’t easy.” Jung said she would oppose her daughter living with her in-laws. “Living with parents isn’t easy. Beyond being parent and child, adult to adult, the direction of life you pursue is different,” she said. “I hope my daughter doesn’t have to live that way.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 08:45:00

South Korea posts record $123 billion current account surplus in 2025 SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) - South Korea’s current account surplus reached a record high last year, supported by robust semiconductor exports and rising dividend income from overseas investments, according to central bank data released on Friday. Preliminary balance-of-payments figures from the Bank of Korea showed the country recorded a $18.7 billion current account surplus in December, the largest monthly surplus on record. The surplus marked the 32nd consecutive month in positive territory and was sharply higher than November’s $12.9 billion and the $12.74 billion recorded in December a year earlier. For the full year, the current account surplus totaled $123 billion, exceeding the previous record of $105.1 billion set in 2015 and surpassing the bank’s November forecast of $115 billion. The goods account surplus widened to a record $18.85 billion in December from $14.7 billion in November. Exports rose 13.1 percent year-on-year to $71.65 billion, driven by strong shipments of semiconductors and communications devices. Non-IT items such as machinery, precision instruments and pharmaceuticals also posted gains for a second consecutive month. By destination, exports increased to Southeast Asia by 27.9 percent, to China by 10.1 percent and to the United States by 3.7 percent, while shipments to Japan dropped 7 percent. Imports rose 1.7 percent from a year earlier to $52.8 billion. Raw material imports continued to fall, down 1 percent, reflecting lower energy prices, while consumer goods imports jumped 17.9 percent, led by passenger cars and gold, marking a second straight monthly increase. The services account recorded a $3.69 billion deficit in December, widening from November’s $2.85 billion deficit and from $2.38 billion a year earlier. The travel account deficit expanded to $1.4 billion. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-06 08:18:47

White House has no specific timeline on hiking tariffs on Korean exports SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) -The White House said Thursday that there is no clear timeline for U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened tariff hike on South Korean goods, underscoring continued uncertainty over the future of the bilateral talks despite a flurry of visits by senior Seoul officials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a press briefing on Thursday said that she could not specify when Washington would raise “reciprocal” and sector-specific tariffs from 15 percent to 25 percent, as Trump warned last week. “I don’t have a timeline,” Leavitt said, adding that the White House trade team would provide updates “swiftly and promptly.” Trump last Monday warned he could restore higher tariffs on Korean autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals and other products, citing delays in South Korea’s legislative process to implement a bilateral investment agreement. Under the deal signed last November, Seoul pledged about $350 billion in U.S.-bound investments in exchange for reduced tariffs. But nearly three months later, related legislation remains stalled in the National Assembly. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the tariff hike was justified because “the Korean Legislature hasn’t enacted our Historic Trade Agreement.” Despite a series of urgent diplomatic missions, Seoul has so far failed to secure assurances despite back-to-back visits to Washington. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun raised the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan separately held talks in Washington. None produced firm commitments. At the heart of the dispute is Korea’s failure to pass a special investment bill needed to institutionalize its pledges under the agreement. Ruling and opposition parties have traded blame while delaying legislation critical to economic interests, undermining Seoul’s credibility in Washington. In contrast, Japan has moved quickly to announce large-scale U.S. investment plans under similar pressure. This political paralysis has given Washington added leverage and reinforced perceptions that Korea’s commitments lack urgency. Still, some suspect the Trump administration’s renewed tariff threat appears have driven in part by domestic political calculations, with midterm elections approaching and foreign investment touted as proof of economic strength. Returning from Washington on Thursday, Trade Minister Yeo said Seoul would continue intensive consultations to prevent immediate tariff implementation. “What matters is whether there will be a grace period after publication,” Yeo told reporters at Incheon International Airport. “There is still time for consultations.” He said the government is making “good-faith efforts” to implement the agreement and called formal tariff procedures “unnecessary.” Yeo welcomed the National Assembly’s decision to form a bipartisan committee to advance the investment bill, calling it “definitely helpful” in easing tensions. During his trip, Yeo met with U.S. Trade Representative officials and lawmakers to reaffirm Korea’s legislative commitment and address non-tariff issues, including digital regulations. 2026-02-06 07:54:52

Actor Jeong Ho Geun Says He Lost His Sister and Two Children, Lives With Regret Actor Jeong Ho Geun has spoken publicly about tragedies in his family. Jeong appeared on MBN’s “Special Report World,” which aired on Feb. 5. He said his younger sister also underwent a shamanic initiation ritual, but her health deteriorated. “She couldn’t use her back, couldn’t walk, and couldn’t even hold up her neck, so she ended up bedridden,” he said. He added that she had one kidney removed and grew steadily weaker. “She held on for 10 years, then passed away last year,” he said. Jeong said he has struggled with guilt. “I regret everything, and I feel like it’s all my fault,” he said. He said he has lived apart from his family for more than 20 years, and that his wife and their son and two daughters are now in the United States. He said his oldest daughter had pulmonary arterial hypertension and later developed heart problems. “Even if she had lived, her life wouldn’t have been long,” he said. He said he lost his first child, and that his youngest son died in his arms three days after birth. “They say you bury your child in your heart,” he said. Jeong also described how he became a shaman, saying he had been seriously ill. “I hurt all over, especially my stomach, but when I went to the hospital they said nothing was wrong,” he said. He added that he kept hearing sounds in his ears and said he began seeing and hearing things, making him wonder whether he had a mental illness.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 07:51:00

Canada's head of defense procurement to visit presidential office on submarine talks SEOUL, February 06 (AJP) -Canada's minister for state for defense procurement Stephen Fuhr will visit the presidential office to hear last-minute pitch from Seoul on the government-sponsored Korea's bid for Canada's multibillion-dollar submarine contract ahead of the final tender submission next month. Fuhr will meet with presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik whom he last met on Jan. 28, when Kang visited Canada as a special envoy of President Lee Jae Myung for defense industry cooperation. According to the presidential office, Fuhr has a crucial say in the competition after Canada created a dedicated defense procurement post under the Mark Carney administration last year. Under the CPSP, Canada plans to acquire up to 12 new 3,000-ton diesel-electric submarines. The final round has narrowed to a Korean “one-team” consortium led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai, and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Final proposals are due in March, with a preferred bidder possibly selected in the first half of the year. While in Korea, Fuhr conducted on-site inspections ahead of the final decision. He toured Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard and boarded a trial-stage submarine, praising its internal technology. He also visited HD Hyundai’s Global R&D Center in Seongnam. Before coming to Korea, Fuhr inspected facilities operated by TKMS in Germany, contender the Korean team is pitted against, in December 2025.Industry sources note that “offset” negotiations — including technology transfers, local production and industrial investment — are likely to determine the outcome, as Canada increasingly aligns with European procurement frameworks. While Ottawa's trust in Korea’s submarine technology already strong, overcoming Germany’s NATO-backed bid will depend on whether Korea can present a compelling industrial and economic package alongside its military offering. Seoul has been extra cautious in sharing the progress in the bid, given the sensitiveness of the issue. 2026-02-06 07:38:33

South Korea’s Shin Ji-a Debuts at Olympics in Figure Skating Team Event South Korea’s top women’s singles figure skater, Shin Ji-a (Sehwa Girls’ High School), will make her Olympic debut on Thursday as the figure skating team event begins. Shin is scheduled to skate the women’s singles short program in the team event at 9:35 p.m. (Korea time) at the Milan Ice Skating Arena in Italy at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. A standout since her junior days, Shin won silver at the International Skating Union (ISU) World Junior Championships four straight years from 2022 to 2025. This season, however, she has struggled somewhat in international events amid physical changes. She did not contend for medals in two ISU Grand Prix events and finished sixth at last month’s Four Continents Championships. After arriving in Milan on Wednesday, Shin said she had regained confidence. “I think I made up for it to some extent in the free skating at the Four Continents Championships, and I got my confidence back,” she said. Only 10 countries qualify for the figure skating team event based on international results. South Korea are competing for the first time since the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, but without a pairs team they will skate only men’s and women’s singles and ice dance, making a podium finish difficult. The event is expected to help athletes preparing for the individual competition get used to the arena atmosphere and ice conditions. Shin will perform her short program to Chopin’s Nocturne No. 20. Before the women’s short program, Lim Hae-na and Kwon Ye (Gyeonggi Province) will skate in the team event ice dance at 5:55 p.m. In curling mixed doubles, the South Korean pair of Kim Sun-young (Gangneung City Hall) and Jeong Young-seok (Gangwon Province Office) will play Britain in their fourth round-robin game at 10:35 p.m. at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Kim and Jeong have lost all three of their matches so far.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 06:57:00

South Korea Mixed Doubles Curlers Lose 8-5 to Switzerland for Third Straight Defeat South Korea's Kim Seon Yeong (Gangneung City Hall) and Jeong Yeong Seok (Gangwon Provincial Government) fell to 0-3 in the mixed doubles curling round-robin at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics with an 8-5 loss to Switzerland. Kim and Jeong lost their third round-robin game on Thursday (Korea time) at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, to Switzerland's Briar Schwaller and Yannick Schwaller, who are married and finished fourth at the 2024 world championships. South Korea had already dropped its first two games, losing 10-3 to Sweden and 8-4 to Italy the previous day. Ten teams are competing in mixed doubles, with each nation playing a round-robin schedule. The top four advance to the semifinals and final to decide the medals. After three games, South Korea still have round-robin matchups remaining against Britain, the Czech Republic, the United States, Estonia, Canada and Norway. Against Switzerland, South Korea led 2-1 but gave up four points in the third end to fall behind 5-2. They scored one in the fourth end and limited Switzerland to one in the fifth to stay within three. South Korea used their power play in the sixth end, but Kim's final shot did not stay in the house and they managed only two points. Trailing 6-5, Switzerland used their power play in the seventh end and scored two to extend the lead to 8-5. South Korea tried to rally in the eighth end, but Switzerland's final shot knocked out a South Korean stone, ending the comeback chance. Kim and Jeong then shook hands to close the match. Kim and Jeong are scheduled to play Britain at 10:35 p.m. on Thursday in their fourth round-robin game.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 05:33:00

Korea House Opens in Central Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics Cultural, Sports Exchange Korea House, a venue for sports diplomacy and promoting K-culture during the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026 Winter Olympics, has opened in central Milan. An opening ceremony was held Feb. 5 (local time) at Villa Necchi Campiglio in downtown Milan. The villa is a modern architectural landmark designed in the 1930s and now operates as a museum. During the Games, Korea House is set to serve as a base for cheering on South Korea’s athletes and a key site for showcasing Korean culture. Attendees included Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi Young; Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President Yoo Seung Min; Kim Jae Yeol, president of the International Skating Union, who was elected the previous day as an International Olympic Committee executive board member; Ban Ki Moon, former chair of the IOC Ethics Commission; and officials from the South Korean delegation. In remarks, Choi said it was meaningful to welcome guests to a Korea House that brings together South Korea’s tradition and modernity in a venue “alive with aesthetics and elegance.” He urged visitors to experience the country’s stories through K-culture, including music, food and clothing. Yoo said Korea House is “not just a space,” calling it a place where visitors can enjoy the diversity of Korean culture. He asked guests to spend time at Korea House and cheer for South Korean athletes. Kim, who received congratulations from Choi and Yoo on his IOC executive board election, offered congratulations on the opening on behalf of IOC President Kirsty Coventry. He expressed gratitude for South Korea’s contributions to the Olympic movement and said he hoped for continued cooperation. The opening ceremony featured a hanbok fashion show hosted by the Korea Craft & Design Foundation and a K-pop cover dance performance. Upbit, a sponsor of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, also delivered a donation to support the development of winter sports. The ministry and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee have operated Korea House since the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics. Initially used for team support, medalist interviews and sports diplomacy, it was expanded after the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics into a multipurpose cultural venue with broad participation from private and public institutions. This Korea House can be visited through advance reservations on its website or on-site registration, and it will operate through the Olympic closing day on the 22nd. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-06 03:06:00