APEC Week: from RM to hanbok, K-culture competes for global spotlight SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Iconic K-pop star G-Dragon has set the tone for this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju with a playful 75-second promotional video featuring President Lee Jae Myung as a runway marshaller guiding arriving aircraft. Another K-pop figurehead, BTS leader RM, will carry the cultural baton, delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit before executives from 21 member economies, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. K-pop's prominent presence underscores how deeply it has become embedded in Korea's modern identity — now taking center stage on a platform once reserved for politics and trade. Alongside it, other arms of Korean soft power — food, beauty, and arts — are orchestrating a full-scale showcase for visiting global dignitaries. K-Food: from dinner table to global branding A royal feast with a contemporary twist, inspired by the Netflix hit "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," will be curated by Korean-American chef Edward Lee, famed for his Netflix show "Culinary Class Wars," in partnership with chefs from Lotte Hotel. Beyond the banquet hall, food brands are vying for exposure. CJ CheilJedang will offer Bibigo cup rice, tteokbokki, and seaweed snacks at the APEC media center and delegate lodgings, while Nongshim is supplying 10,000 servings of Shin Ramyun in collaboration with Netflix's animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," complete with on-site tasting booths. Lotte GRS will serve Angel-in-us Coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the outdoor K-Food Zone, joined by Lotte Wellfood and Lotte Chilsung with Pepero, Chilsung Cider, and Icis water. OB Beer, exclusive sponsor of the CEO Summit, will pour Cass Fresh, Cass Zero, and Cass Lemon Squeeze from a rooftop booth at the Gyeongju Arts Center. Other local favorites include Whoo Ullim Water by LG H&H, Kyochon fried chicken, hy's Helicobacter Project Will probiotic drink, and Paris Baguette desserts like gotgam pound cake and seoritae castella. Food trucks from Kyochon Chicken, Cheongnyeon Dabang, and Okdongsik will circle the main venues to serve delegates a taste of Korea on the go. K-Beauty: tradition meets technology K-Beauty — a byword for innovation and refinement — will take over a hall at Hwangnyongwon, where LG Household & Health Care will exhibit its royal skincare line The History of Whoo Hwanyu, complemented by a live lacquerware demonstration by artisan Son Dae-hyun. Amorepacific will stage makeup shows and interactive experiences, while APR Corp. provides its Booster Pro device to international delegates. Makeup artist brand Jung Saem Mool introduces AI-powered iris color analysis for personalized beauty, and Gumi University hosts hands-on sessions under its K-Aesthetic program. Olive Young joins in with APEC-themed promotions at its Gyeongju stores, offering discounts and complimentary cleansers. Guests at Lahan Select Gyeongju will receive exclusive sample kits. Local fashion label Matin Kim, chosen as an official APEC partner, will distribute custom wallets and tote bags. The Korea Tourism Organization has also connected its Visit Korea platform to APEC's official site and opened a K-Goods Pop-Up at Gyeongju Station featuring souvenirs such as wine stoppers and "K-gat" ornaments — modern tributes to the traditional Korean hat made famous again through "KPop Demon Hunters." K-Arts: heritage in the global spotlight As night falls, Gyeongju — famed for its ethereal lighting — transforms into a living museum. The Hanbok Fashion Show will light up Woljeong Bridge under the theme "Mystery of a Thousand Years, Fly to Tomorrow." The show will weave together Korea's five heritage pillars — Hanbok, Hansik, Hanok, Hanji, and Hangeul — with AI-enhanced designs and Shilla-inspired royal costumes to show how tradition evolves into innovation. At the National Museum of Gyeongju, the exhibition "Silla Gold Crowns: Power and Prestige" brings together all six royal crowns of Silla for the first time, alongside gold belts and ornaments that reveal the era's artistry and hierarchy. Meanwhile, at Gyeongju Expo Park, the National Jeongdong Theater Troupe will stage "Pure Heart," a digital reinterpretation of the folktale Simcheongjeon, blending classic storytelling with cutting-edge media to celebrate devotion and modern creativity alike. 2025-10-27 16:45:45

APEC Week: Beyond Trump and Xi, APEC leaders bring diverse agenda SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju this week, global attention is fixed on the expected encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But away from the media spotlight, many of the region's other leaders are arriving with their own priorities — from digital transformation and green energy to demographic change and inclusive growth. According to APEC, this year's discussions will center on the three pillars of "Connect, Innovate, and Prosper," building on ongoing work to strengthen digital transformation, respond to demographic shifts, and promote sustainable development. The Gyeongju meetings are also expected to explore ways to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, small business support, and the creative economy. This year's summit is being held under the theme "Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper." South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agenda is designed to address "the social and economic shifts brought by technology and aging populations" while fostering innovation and inclusive development across the region. Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is expected to focus on the challenges of an aging society and labor shortages, issues that Japan has been confronting for years. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is likely to emphasize digital connectivity and regional supply-chain resilience, continuing Singapore's long-standing role as a bridge for economic cooperation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently promoted the formalization of informal economies, echoing APEC's goal of making growth more inclusive. From Latin America, Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, is attending her first major multilateral meeting since taking office, with an emphasis on sustainable energy and green transition. Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Peru's President Dina Boluarte are also in attendance, maintaining Latin America's active participation in APEC policy discussions. In a statement to Aju Press, the Peruvian Embassy in Seoul said on Monday that Peru "fully shares the principles and values of APEC, particularly the promotion of trade and investment liberalization," adding that it continues to advance the priorities it set during its 2024 chairmanship — including the use of clean hydrogen, reducing food loss and waste, and supporting the transition of small and medium-sized enterprises from the informal to the formal economy. The embassy also said it "commends Korea's focus on demographic change, artificial intelligence, and cultural and creative industries," underscoring both countries' efforts to make APEC more relevant to everyday citizens. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is traveling to South Korea after visiting Malaysia, said in an October 22 statement published on the Beehive, the official website of the New Zealand Government, that his goal is to "deepen relationships with regional leaders and unlock new opportunities for New Zealand." He described the Indo-Pacific as "the world's most economically dynamic region with nine of our top ten trading partners" and said that building effective partnerships across it "is a top priority for this government." Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is expected to push for closer cooperation on infrastructure and energy transition, while Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is likely to focus on green technology and free trade — both recurring themes in Canberra's regional agenda. 2025-10-27 16:39:03

HD Hyundai chairman signals possible US shipyard acquisition SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun said Monday the company is considering acquiring a shipyard in the United States, signaling a more assertive global expansion strategy under his new leadership. “We are well-prepared for U.S.-Korea shipbuilding collaboration and are considering acquiring a U.S. shipyard,” Chung told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit’s Future Tech Forum in Gyeongju. His participation in the forum marked his first public appearance since taking over as chairman on Oct. 17, succeeding HD Hyundai’s professional management system and ushering in a third generation of family leadership. Chung said the proposed acquisition would align with the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) project, a Korea-U.S. joint initiative aimed at bolstering cooperation in advanced shipbuilding and defense technologies. Chung also addressed speculation about a possible visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to HD Hyundai’s shipyard in Ulsan this week, saying, “Nothing is decided yet, but it could happen anytime.” At the keynote address, Chung said, since assuming the chairmanship, he has focused on uniting the group’s workforce and advancing innovation across its business units. He called for a “global innovation alliance” to leverage artificial intelligence for sustainable shipping, digital manufacturing, and the broader maritime industry. Highlighting HD Hyundai’s technological capabilities, Chung noted that its subsidiary Avikus became the world’s first company to achieve autonomous navigation across the Pacific Ocean three years ago — a milestone he said is reshaping the future of marine operations. The company, he added, is addressing skilled labor shortages by developing “smart shipyards” equipped with advanced robotics and plans to introduce humanoid robots in the near future. The Future Tech Forum, part of the APEC CEO Summit, gathered global business leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss trends shaping the next generation of industries. HD Hyundai opened the forum, which features sessions on shipbuilding, defense, retail, artificial intelligence, digital assets, and future energy through Oct. 30. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 15:58:10

Global AI Frontier Symposium brings together world leaders in Seoul SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - KAIST said Monday that the National AI Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Global AI Frontier Lab jointly hosted the "Global AI Frontier Symposium 2025" at Seoul Dragon City, drawing more than 500 participants from academia, industry, and government. The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP). Vice Prime Minister and Science and ICT Minister Baek Kyung-hoon attended the opening ceremony, along with IITP President Hong Jin-bae and other officials from South Korea and abroad. Two keynote speakers headlined the morning session: Yann LeCun, Turing Award laureate and professor at New York University, and Choi Ye-jin, professor at Stanford University and senior director at NVIDIA. LeCun spoke on the governance of AI research and the need for international cooperation, while Choi discussed how generative AI could evolve beyond existing scaling laws. Researchers from South Korea, the United States, Japan, France, and the United Arab Emirates presented their latest work and shared ideas for building stronger international research networks. The National AI Research Lab, led by Director Kim Ki-eung, and the Global AI Frontier Lab, co-directed by LeCun and Cho Kyung-hyun, unveiled key research outcomes from the past year. In his opening remarks, Minister Baek said that he hopes South Korea will move beyond being a strong technology nation to becoming a global leader in AI innovation. He called on the two labs to continue expanding international cooperation and nurturing a broader research ecosystem. The symposium featured two sessions. The first, titled "Foundations of Next-Generation AI," was chaired by KAIST Professor Yang Eun-ho and included presentations from Takeuchi Ichiro of RIKEN, Kam Tae-eui of Yonsei University, Park No-seong of KAIST, Lee Jae-ho of POSTECH, and Kartek Alahari of INRIA. The discussions focused on reliability frameworks, scientific foundation models, scaling limitations, and data-driven AI research. Running in parallel, the "Physical AI for Real-World Autonomy" session was chaired by POSTECH Professor Cho Min-su and explored topics such as self-supervised learning, reinforcement learning fairness, 3D vision models, and embodied agents. Speakers included Jean Ponce of ENS-PSL, Shim Hyun-jung of KAIST, and Ivan Laptev of MBZUAI. Industry experts from NAVER Cloud and POSCO Holdings joined panel discussions to explore how these research findings could be applied in real-world settings and lead to stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Kim Ki-eung, director of the National AI Research Lab, said the symposium was an important opportunity to showcase the past year's achievements and strengthen the foundation for international cooperation. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the National AI Research Lab serves as a central platform linking South Korea's AI research to the global stage, adding that KAIST will continue connecting academia, industry, and government through AI-driven innovation. Established in October 2024 with support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and IITP, the National AI Research Lab is South Korea's largest AI research consortium. It brings together 45 professors and about 150 student researchers from KAIST, Korea University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH, in collaboration with 12 Korean companies and 14 overseas institutions. The Lab also works with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seocho District to build a global AI ecosystem. Around 20 foreign researchers stay in South Korea for extended research programs, and the Lab regularly invites global experts to share the latest advances in AI. It has recently expanded its network by signing an MOU with Japan’s RIKEN and holding talks with AI institutions in Singapore to strengthen cooperation in AI governance and research. 2025-10-27 15:57:47

Ferry service along Han River to resume next week after monthlong inspection SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - A ferry service on the Han River, which was suspended just 10 days after its bombastic launch, will resume next week following a monthlong inspection, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Monday. Starting Nov. 1, the service will begin at 9 a.m., two hours earlier than before, and run until 9:37 p.m., offering 16 daily trips at 90-minute intervals. According to the city, more than 300 trial runs without passengers were conducted to enhance service quality and ensure safety. To prevent any service interruptions due to technical glitches or malfunctions, backup vessels will be on standby. Come spring, when the cold winter season recedes, service will increase to 32 trips a day, including express routes for commuters running every 15 minutes during the morning rush hours from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., connecting seven major stops from Magok in western Seoul, north of the Han River, to Jamsil in southern Seoul. Fares remain unchanged at 3,000 Korean won (about US$ 2.10) for adults, 1,800 won for teenagers, and 1,100 won for children. Alternatively, users can purchase a pre-paid card for an additional 5,000 won, which allows unlimited rides. More detailed information including any changes in schedules and operating hours, seat availability, and weather-related cancellations can be checked on traffic and navigation apps such as Naver Map and Kakao Map. City official Park Jin-young said, "We will continue working to improve service and safety, making it a reliable public transportation option for citizens." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 15:27:38

South Korea, Inter-American Development Bank plan AI cooperation hub SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korea and the Inter-American Development Bank have agreed to establish a cooperation hub focused on artificial intelligence, part of a broader effort to deepen economic and technological partnerships between South Korea and Latin America. The agreement came during the seventh Korea–Latin America Business Summit in Seoul, where Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. The two leaders signed a letter of intent outlining plans for collaboration in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and energy. Under the new framework, South Korea and the IDB will jointly develop an AI cooperation hub aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange and helping Korean companies expand into Latin American markets. Koo said the initiative would serve as a platform for linking Korean technological expertise with regional development opportunities. Goldfajn congratulated South Korea on the 20th anniversary of its accession to the IDB and thanked Seoul for its continued support of Latin America’s development. The two sides also agreed to strengthen efforts to expand the presence of Korean professionals within the IDB. Goldfajn emphasized the importance of attracting more Korean talent to the institution, citing ongoing initiatives such as internship programs and a Korean-language website to increase engagement. Officials said the partnership reflects a growing convergence between South Korea’s technological ambitions and Latin America’s push to modernize key industries, marking a new phase in a two-decade relationship that has evolved from development aid to strategic collaboration. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:56:28

BTS's RM to speak at APEC CEO Summit this week SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - RM, the leader of K-pop juggernaut BTS, will deliver a keynote speech at the CEO Summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju this week. Although specific details remain under wraps, he is scheduled to speak for about 10 minutes on Wednesday, focusing on the country's soft power and how cultural creativity can nurture local industries. Over 1,700 global business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun, are expected to converge in the historic city to discuss the latest developments in technology as well as major global issues from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to energy and culture. RM previously spoke at the United Nations' General Assembly in 2018 as a global youth representative and delivered a message of hope during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, garnering international attention. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:33:23

South Korea, Saudi Arabia deepen ties in shipbuilding, automobiles, AI under Vision 2030 SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korea and Saudi Arabia agreed on Monday to expand cooperation across a range of industries — including shipbuilding, automobiles, and artificial intelligence — as the two nations seek to strengthen ties aligned with Riyadh’s Vision 2030 initiative. Moon Shin-hak, South Korea’s deputy minister of trade, industry and energy, met with Abdullah bin Ali Al-Ahmari, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of industry and mineral resources, in Seoul to discuss joint projects and support for South Korean companies operating in the kingdom. The talks followed the fifth Korea-Saudi Vision 2030 Committee meeting held in September, where the two sides reviewed progress on flagship cooperation projects. During Monday’s meeting, Moon highlighted South Korean companies’ role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals — particularly in industrial diversification and technology development — and called for continued support from the Saudi government. Both countries agreed to strengthen collaboration on major industrial projects, including the International Maritime Industries (IMI) shipyard in the King Salman Maritime Complex and Hyundai Motor’s assembly plant in King Abdullah City. They also discussed advancing eco-friendly ship technologies and developing hydrogen infrastructure for next-generation vehicles. Moon proposed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, including semiconductor development, data centers, and smart manufacturing systems. He also suggested joint initiatives in emerging fields such as digital twins, cloud computing, and robotics. Al-Ahmari welcomed the proposals, saying Riyadh viewed South Korea as a key partner in building high-tech industries and sustainable manufacturing capacity. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:27:14

Korea-France Space Forum highlights growing partnership in space exploration SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Government officials, scientists, and industry leaders from South Korea and France gathered in Seoul on Monday for the fifth Korea-France Space Forum, underscoring the two nations’ expanding collaboration in space exploration and technology. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel, the forum brought together representatives from the Korea Space Agency and France’s National Centre for Space Studies, known as CNES, as well as executives from major aerospace companies and research institutions. The event featured presentations on national space strategies and panel discussions on strategic autonomy, reusable launch vehicles, and the future of commercial space services. Discussions centered on how the two countries can strengthen cooperation in areas such as next-generation orbital systems, satellite operations, and space security. In the session on strategic space autonomy, experts from both sides explored developments in reusable launch vehicle technologies and examined how private companies could contribute to government-led space security efforts. France, a leading member of the European Space Agency, is regarded as a global leader in space transportation and satellite navigation. South Korea, which recently launched its national space agency, is accelerating its push to develop independent launch capabilities and expand international partnerships. “The Korea-France Space Forum offers an important platform for dialogue and collaboration,” said Lionel Suchet, chief operating officer of CNES. “Our two nations have complementary expertise, and this exchange helps us move forward together in the new era of space development.” Yoon Young-bin, head of the Korea Space Agency, said the forum would “help lay the groundwork for joint research, technology exchange, and innovative industrial partnerships.” The forum concluded with the signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two agencies, setting the stage for deeper collaboration in exploration, satellite technology, and the commercial space sector. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:02:58

Kevin Kim appointed acting US envoy to Seoul SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Kevin Kim, a senior official in the U.S. State Department, "has been appointed Chargé d'Affaires, ad interim," the U.S. Embassy in Seoul said in press release on Monday. Kim "previously served as senior bureau official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and deputy assistant secretary for Japan, Korea, and Mongolia," it said, adding that he will work with embassy staff and the South Korean government to enhance "mutual interests and shared values" as well as Washington's "ironclad commitment" to the biliteral alliance. It also shared that the department expressed its "deep gratitude" to outgoing Acting Ambassador Joseph Yoon for his "leadership and dedication in advancing the Unites States' interests." Kim, like his predecessor, is of Korean descent and handled North Korea-related affairs at the department from 2018 to 2020, assisting then-Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun. It seems unusual that another acting ambassador will assume the role, given that the post is meant to be filled temporarily until a formal envoy is appointed, which requires Senate confirmation and takes several months. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 14:01:33