Czech National Day reception marks 35 years of ties with South Korea SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - A reception celebrating the Independent Czechoslovak State Day was held Monday evening at a hotel in central Seoul, drawing some 250 guests from the diplomatic, business, academic, and media communities. Hosted by H.E. Ivan Jančárek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to South Korea, and Mrs. Andrea Jančárková, the event marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The evening opened with a performance by the Severáček Choir from the Czech Republic, setting a warm tone before the official speeches. Ambassador Jančárek welcomed guests and called the year a milestone in bilateral relations. "These anniversaries remind us how far our two nations have come together and how strong and dynamic our relationship has become," he said. He highlighted growing cooperation across politics, economy, and culture, as well as a recent meeting between Presidents Petr Pavel and Yoon Suk Yeol in New York. He also noted the signing of an agreement to build two nuclear power units in Dukovany, calling it a "historic accomplishment" that will strengthen energy security and expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, e-mobility, defense, and nuclear technology. Vice Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy Moon Sin-hak delivered a congratulatory address on behalf of the South Korean government. "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, South Korea and Czechia have steadily expanded cooperation, elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership in 2015," he said. Moon described the Dukovany nuclear power project as the largest investment in Czech history, expressing confidence in its success. He added that both countries are exploring new areas of collaboration, including robotics, next-generation vehicles, and batteries, and are pursuing an industrial cooperation center to promote joint research and talent exchange. He also emphasized the shared democratic values of the two nations and recalled Czech support for Korea’s independence movement in the early 20th century. Ambassador Jančárek closed by thanking the partners and supporters of the event. "I believe the near future will bring us only positive news, and I look forward to further cooperation and friendship between Czechia and South Korea," he said. 2025-10-28 10:43:08

PHOTOS: Divers capture underwater beauty of Jeju in photo contest SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - The Jeju Underwater Photography Championship, a four-day contest held in the waters off Jeju Island, recently concluded its fifth annual event from October 16 to 19. The competition is widely regarded as South Korea's largest and most authoritative underwater photography event. Approximately 150 scuba divers and underwater photography enthusiasts participated, showcasing their skills beneath the surface. A panel of esteemed photography experts judged the submissions, selecting a grand prize winner and the TOP 10 entries. The grand prize was awarded to Yang Chung-hong for his photography capturing a striking moment of a group of lionfish lying in wait for their prey. 2025-10-28 10:40:53

Countdown begins as global leaders set to converge in Gyeongju for APEC summit SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - The countdown to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit has begun, with leaders from 21 member economies set to converge in South Korea's historic city of Gyeongju this week. According to diplomatic sources, participants from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and the U.S. will gather ahead of the summit's opening on Friday. Among them were U.S. President Donald Trump, making his first visit since beginning his second, non-consecutive term earlier this year, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose visit is his first in about 11 years. Also attending is Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office last week, along with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Chilean President Gabriel Boric will be the only Latin American leader at the multilateral gathering. Chile was the first Latin American country to sign a free trade agreement with South Korea. Leaders from Hong Kong, Russia, and Taiwan will skip the summit, with representatives attending on their behalf. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 10:24:58

South Korean barbecue chain Myeongryun Jinsagalbi expands across Southeast Asia SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - South Korea’s leading charcoal-grilled rib franchise, Myeongryun Jinsagalbi, said Tuesday it has established a local subsidiary in the Philippines, betting on Southeast Asia to turn “K-barbecue” into a global brand. Through a master franchise agreement, it opened eight restaurants there as of October 2025, including one directly operated outlet. The move reflects a deeper commitment to managing brand quality and adapting to local tastes. On Oct. 16, the first directly operated restaurant opened in the Philippines, marking what the company described as a key milestone in its overseas expansion. In Thailand, Myeongryun Jinsagalbi currently operates six outlets under a master franchise agreement, with two more under construction. The company is also negotiating a joint venture with a major Thai retailer, with final terms expected by the end of October. In Malaysia, the company’s first location inside Kuala Lumpur’s 1Mont Kiara Mall has established a strong foothold, leading to plans to expand into premium residential neighborhoods. The brand has also entered Vietnam, China, Laos, and Indonesia, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing Korean dining chains in Asia. Myeongryun Jinsagalbi’s strategy centers on local adaptation without sacrificing Korean authenticity. In Thailand, for instance, the company has introduced spicy sauces and localized desserts to appeal to younger diners, while in the Philippines, spacious layouts and self-service bars have made the brand a popular destination for families. Founded in 2017 with its first outlet in Yongin, south of Seoul, Myeongryun Jinsagolbi has expanded rapidly to more than 550 domestic locations. The company plans to open 100 stores across 10 Southeast Asian countries by 2026, with longer-term ambitions to enter the Americas and the Middle East. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 10:11:37

BMW vehicles to adopt Kakao unit's voice AI system SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - Kakao’s artificial intelligence model, Kanana, is set to make its global debut through a partnership with BMW. DK Techin, Kakao’s IT service subsidiary, said Tuesday that it had signed an agreement with BMW Group to develop a Korean-language voice AI system for the German automaker’s vehicles. The signing took place at DK Techin’s headquarters in Seongnam, south of Seoul. Under the partnership, BMW’s upcoming models will feature Kanana-powered voice recognition technology, allowing drivers to control a range of functions and access in-car services through natural conversation. The collaboration represents Kanana’s first step into global markets and a key milestone in Kakao’s broader AI ambitions. The companies plan to develop an AI-driven vehicle control system that will eventually incorporate large language model–based generative AI, enhancing both the precision of vehicle commands and the quality of infotainment services. The integration aims to deliver a more intuitive and personalized driving experience for BMW customers. “We plan to combine our expertise in vehicle control systems with Kanana’s AI capabilities to implement a next-generation automotive intelligence platform,” said Lee Won-joo, chief executive of DK Techin. “Through this collaboration, we aim to elevate BMW’s customer experience and brand satisfaction.” The partnership underscores a growing trend among automakers turning to tech firms to strengthen in-car AI and digital ecosystems. For Kakao, best known for its popular messaging platform and expanding AI portfolio, the deal with BMW represents a crucial test of its ability to compete on the global stage. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 09:59:24

Putin meets North Korean foreign minister, hails progress in ties SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that relations with Pyongyang are moving forward as planned during a meeting in Moscow with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, the Kremlin said Monday. Conveying his warm regards to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, he said, "Everything is going according to plan." Choe thanked Putin for taking the time to meet with her and mentioned that she had heard his summit with Kim in Beijing early last month was held in a warm atmosphere, which Putin confirmed as a success. After shaking hands with Sin Hong-chol, North Korea's ambassador to Russia, Putin headed to a closed-door meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov in attendance. While details of their discussions were not disclosed, they may have discussed Kim's possible visit to Russia, as Putin had previously invited him to Moscow during their summit in Pyongyang in June last year and asked him again to visit the Kremlin while they were in Beijing in September. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 09:36:58

OPINION: South Korea's defense rise owes debt to Russia SEOUL, October 28 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung recently declared that South Korea aims to become the world’s fourth-largest defense exporter by 2030 — a bold vision reflecting the country’s growing role in the global arms market. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, South Korea ranked 10th in defense sales in 2023. Its share of global arms exports surged from 1 percent in 2012–2016 to 2.8 percent in 2017–2021 on average. That ascent was no accident. South Korea’s defense industry was born out of necessity in the early 1970s, after the withdrawal of a U.S. Army division exposed the country’s vulnerability. Yet what began as a survival strategy has become one of the most dynamic defense sectors in the world — and its trajectory owes more to Russian cooperation than many in Seoul care to admit. In the 1990s, under a project known as Bulgom (or “Brown Bear”), South Korea acquired Russian weapons and technology, including T-80U tanks and BMP-3 armored vehicles. At the time, these deals were seen as practical exchanges — part of broader efforts to normalize ties after the Cold War. But the technical knowledge gained from those purchases proved transformative. The K2 Black Panther tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer — now pillars of South Korea’s defense exports — owe much to those early collaborations. A second wave of cooperation followed in the early 2000s, when South Korea obtained Metis-M anti-tank missiles and other systems. Those technologies would later inform the development of the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet and the KM-SAM Cheongung air defense system, products now attracting global attention. Russia also played an unexpected role in South Korea’s entry into space. Through joint work on the KSLV-1, or Naro, launched between 2004 and 2013, South Korean engineers gained vital experience in rocket technology. That partnership paved the way for the nation’s first fully domestic launch vehicle, the KSLV-2, known as Nuri. Critics often view such projects as evidence of technological dependence. Yet it was precisely Russia’s willingness to transfer missile and propulsion technology — something the United States, constrained by international regimes, was reluctant to do — that allowed South Korea to accelerate its aerospace ambitions. Today, “K-Defense” has become a global brand. South Korean tanks, howitzers and missile systems are in high demand, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshaped the global arms market. European nations like Poland and Romania, seeking reliable suppliers outside the United States, have turned to Seoul. So have Middle Eastern buyers such as Saudi Arabia, drawn by the combination of affordability, quality and speed of delivery. Still, South Korea’s strategic mindset remains shaped by Cold War instincts — a lens through which Russia is often viewed as a threat rather than a former partner. This narrow perspective risks overlooking a historical truth: Russia played an indispensable role in building the technological foundation of South Korea’s defense and aerospace industries. Recognizing that contribution need not mean aligning politically with Moscow, but rather acknowledging that pragmatic cooperation has, at times, served the national interest. As South Korea looks to climb further up the global defense ladder, it would do well to remember the lessons of its own history — that progress often comes not only from alliances of ideology, but from partnerships of opportunity. About the author Park Byung-hwan holds a law degree from Korea University and received diplomatic training at Oxford University. He is a former deputy ambassador to Uzbekistan and Russia, a former consul general in Irkutsk, and currently serves as director of the Eurasia Strategy Institute and visiting professor at Sangmyung University. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-28 09:14:59

Korea's Q3 GDP adds stronger than expected 1.2% on quarter, sentiment weakens ] Seoul, October 28 (AJP) -South Korea’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter, expanding 1.2 percent on quarter on the back of a rebound in capital investment and a modest recovery in consumer spending, according to preliminary data from the Bank of Korea on Tuesday. The stronger-than-expected growth — up from 0.7 percent in the second quarter and following a 0.2 percent contraction in the first — was largely driven by renewed capital spending in semiconductors and shipbuilding, alongside higher household consumption supported by two rounds of government stimulus vouchers. On year-on-year basis, GDP grew 1.7 percent, compared with 0.6 percent in the second quarter and zero growth in the first, keeping the country on track to meet the central bank's 0.9 percent annual growth target for 2025. Consumer spending rose 1.3 percent, accelerating from a 0.5 percent gain in the previous quarter, while capital investment jumped 2.4 percent, reversing from contractions of 2.1 percent and 0.4 percent in the second and first quarters, respectively. Exports increased 1.5 percent, slowing from a 4.5 percent gain in the second quarter, reflecting how record outbound shipments were concentrated in chips while other items faced headwinds from renewed U.S. tariff measures. The better-than-expected GDP headline number was broadly ignored by the financial markets as they looked forward. The KOSPI retreated 1 percent in early Tuesday session as institutions took profit after a near 10-percent surge from an almost uninterrupted two-week rally. The Korean won slipped 1.4 versus the U.S. dollar to 1,434.9. The fourth-quarter outlook remains jittery as concerns over housing market and trade uncertainties weighed over consumer and business confidence. The Composite Consumer Sentiment Index for October edged down 0.3 points to 109.8, signaling softer optimism as worries mount over high home prices and fragile trade conditions, according to BOK's separate release on Tuesday. While most sub-indices stayed stable — current living conditions at 96, living-conditions outlook at 100, household income outlook at 102, and spending outlook at 110 — the future economic outlook fell three points to 94. “The prolonged South Korea–U.S. trade negotiations and renewed U.S.–China tensions have dampened overall sentiment,” said Lee Hye-young, head of the Bank’s economic sentiment survey team. The housing price outlook index was up 10 points to 122, the highest since October 2021, amid steep apartment gains in the Seoul metropolitan area. The interest-rate outlook rose two points to 95, reflecting concerns about exchange-rate volatility and real-estate inflation. Expected inflation for the next year ticked up 0.1 percentage point to 2.6 percent, while perceived inflation over the past year remained unchanged at 3.0 percent. Corporate sentiment also remained downbeat. The Business Sentiment Index for November, released by the Federation of Korean Industries, came in at 94.8, marking the 44th consecutive month below the neutral 100 threshold since April 2022. Manufacturing sentiment at 96.8 stayed flat, while non-manufacturing at 92.8 fell three points, pulling down the overall index. Within manufacturing, general machinery and equipment at 120.0 and textiles and apparel at 107.1 showed upbeat expectations, while food and beverages and automobiles were neutral at 100. Sectors such as pharmaceuticals projected further declines. Among service sectors, information and communications at 112.5, professional services at 106.7, and utilities at 105.3 maintained positive outlooks, but transportation and warehousing at 80.8 dragged overall sentiment lower. “Increased foreign exchange volatility and global supply chain instability are aggravating business difficulties,” said Lee Sang-ho, head of the FKI’s economic and industrial division. Regardless of the relief in the third quarter, Korea is expected to end the year at its weakest growth since the pandemic outbreak year and perform worst among key Asian players. 2025-10-28 08:40:33

World Korean business leaders gather in Incheon for economic summit INCHEON, October 27 (AJP) - About 2,000 Korean business leaders from around the globe convened in Incheon for a four-day economic summit aimed at strengthening commercial ties between overseas Korean entrepreneurs and domestic firms. The 2025 Korea Business Expo Incheon opened Monday at Songdo, south of Incheon, drawing about 1,500 Korean businesspeople from abroad and 500 domestic participants including corporate executives and government officials. The four-day convention, running through Oct. 30, marks the largest international economic event since the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) established its headquarters in the port city. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok welcomed the delegates, highlighting the city's strategic position as a hub for Korean business networks. "Incheon, equipped with world-class airport and port facilities along with cutting-edge industrial infrastructure, will serve as the epicenter of Korean economic activity and the launching pad for K-business globalization," Yoo said at the opening ceremony. The mayor called on participants, including officials from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and several lawmakers, to forge sustainable partnerships that would enable small and medium-sized enterprises to expand overseas. The Incheon government is leveraging the event to bolster its image as an international business destination. Officials set up promotional booths showcasing the city's industrial capabilities and organized tours of advanced technology companies and global campus facilities for participants. A trade fair featuring 400 domestic companies, including 85 from Incheon, will run from Tuesday through Wednesday at the venue. The exhibitors will showcase products to overseas Korean business owners seeking new commercial opportunities. Inside Halls 1 and 2, Korean sellers were setting up booths, with items varying from cosmetics to heavy equipment for construction. "We already have buyers from ASEAN countries and the Middle East, but we hope to widen the spectrum even further," said Katherine Sung, CEO of foot care cosmetics firm Pedi:all. The convention's program also includes sessions on trade cooperation, investment briefings, a global startup competition and cultural performances. When asked how the convention may overlap with the APEC Summit during a private press conference on the sidelines by AJP, Park Jong-bum, chairman of the World-OKTA, acknowledged concerns but expressed optimism about potential synergies. "Many members live abroad, and several attendees are participating in both APEC and our convention. We expect a multiplier effect," Park said. 2025-10-27 20:30:12

INTERVIEW: Mysterious Hungarian bomb maker in Korean independence fight to come alive in upcoming book by ex-Hungarian envoy SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - A Western engineer aiding Korean independence fighters in assembling bombs against imperial Japan sounds like a scene from historical fiction. But former Hungarian ambassador to South Korea Mózes Csoma found that it was real — and is preparing a book on the remarkable story of a Hungarian who joined Korea’s struggle for independence. "As a historian, I find deep meaning in the story of someone who fought for another people’s freedom," said Csoma, now dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and head of Korean Studies at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary. "It is symbolic and meaningful that a Hungarian once helped Korea in its fight for independence." Csoma, who had long studied Korean studies, founded Hungary’s first Department of Korean Studies at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in 2008 before becoming Hungary’s ambassador to South Korea in 2018. After completing his term, he established another Korean Studies program at Károli University. "About ten years ago, while researching North Korean students who studied in Hungary in the 1950s, I found a fascinating record," he recalled. "Some of those students who studied in Hungary after the Korean War helped Hungarian university students during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. They had wartime experience and taught locals how to handle weapons." That discovery inspired him to explore deeper historical ties between the two nations. His research soon focused on Magyar — a mysterious Hungarian volunteer believed to have joined Korean independence fighters in China during the 1920s. Magyar’s name appears in several documents and cultural references, sparking debate over whether he was a real person or a fictional symbol of solidarity. The figure even appears briefly in Kim Jee-woon’s 2016 film 'The Age of Shadows,' portrayed as a foreign engineer and skilled bomb maker aiding the Korean resistance. Though long assumed to be a fictional homage, Csoma's research suggests the character was based on a real historical figure. "'Magyar' normally refers to 'Hungarian,' but it is also a common Hungarian surname, so I began to suspect it was actually the name of a real person," Csoma said. "While reviewing Hungarian archives, I found records of a man named Gábor József Magyar that perfectly matched Magyar's story — that was the decisive clue." One of the earliest written references to Magyar appears in Yaksan and the Uiyeoldan (1947) by modernist writer and independence activist Park Tae-won, which became a key source in confirming Magyar's existence. By tracing his travel routes from Mongolia to Beijing and Shanghai, Csoma found records that align with the 1923 Jongno bombing incident — one of the most significant attacks carried out by Korean independence fighters. "I later found an original document showing that he returned from China to Mongolia, an unusual move for a war prisoner," Csoma said. "There are also records suggesting he traveled with independence activist Lee Tae-jun, implying he may have gone back to assist him." His forthcoming book will also unveil new findings about Magyar's later life — not directly tied to Korea's independence struggle but revealing the arc of a man whose life bridged continents and causes. Csoma's own path to Korea began with curiosity. "Korea's history impressed me deeply," he said. Like Hungary, it has existed between powerful neighbors yet managed to preserve its sovereignty and identity." He began studying Korean under Professor Gábor Osváth, who had studied in North Korea in the 1970s. "My first Korean teacher spoke with a North Korean accent," Csoma said, smiling. "So naturally, I learned Korean that way too." Beyond his historical work, Csoma is regarded as one of Europe's leading scholars on North Korea. During his ambassadorship, he was also accredited to Pyongyang and visited the North four times. "The social atmosphere in North Korea reminded me of Romania under Nicolae Ceaușescu, where I once traveled with my family in the 1980s — strong control, personality cult, a closed economy," he said. "Because of that, North Korea didn't feel unfamiliar to me." He recalled presenting his diplomatic credentials in 2019 to Kim Yong-nam, then President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. "At the end of one meeting, a North Korean official smiled and said, 'Comrade Ambassador, your Korean is excellent — but not quite our Korean. Next time, please learn our version and teach it to the South Koreans.' It made me laugh," Csoma said. When asked about access to research materials, he admitted it remains difficult. "Official archives in North Korea are closed, and many records have disappeared. Ironically, South Korea now holds more material on the North than the country itself," he said. Having studied both Koreas, Csoma sees similarities beneath the division. "The systems are different, but the people are the same," he said. "Their tone, gestures, humor — they overlap. Talking with people in Pyongyang sometimes felt like talking to South Koreans." The Department of Korean Studies he leads is expanding quickly — from 40 students at its launch in May 2023 to around 80 today, with its first graduates expected in 2027. Csoma teaches courses on topics such as comparative popular culture of North and South Korea in the 20th century, exploring films, music, and television as reflections of shared history. He plans to establish a master's program in Korean Studies by 2027 and turn Károli University into a leading hub for Korean studies in Central Europe. "That is my mission," he said. "By combining my experience as a diplomat and scholar," Csoma said, "I hope to deepen the friendship between our nations — and help future generations build on it." 2025-10-27 19:09:36