Talks underway with Cambodia for repatriation of dozens of South Koreans SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Talks are underway with Cambodia to bring back about 59 South Koreans detained over alleged online job scams and other various crimes, a government task force, currently in Phnom Penh, said on Friday. The development comes after the Southeast Asian country said the previous day that the detainees including four women would be deported to Seoul in cooperation with the South Korean Embassy there. "Authorities plan to deport 59 South Korean nationals….. who have been rescued by Cambodian authorities or detained for other crimes to their country with cooperation from the embassy of South Korea," said Cambodia's National Police said in a statement. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there were initially about 63 detainees, but with several having already arrived home earlier this week, the rest are expected to return by the end of the week. Led by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah, the task force rushed to the Cambodian capital earlier this week to investigate the rising number of crimes targeting South Koreans, following recent revelations of kidnappings, human trafficking, and illegal detentions including the case of a South Korean college student who traveled to the Southeast Asian country in August after being lured by an online job scam and was later found to have been brutally tortured to death. "We are working closely with Cambodian authorities to expedite their repatriation as soon as possible," Kim said. She added that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his "deep regret" over the student's death and pledged to work toward arresting the suspects while ensuring the safety of South Koreans in Cambodia during their meeting the previous day. Thousands of people, many of them Chinese, are allegedly involved in multinational crime rings that exploit victims by forcing them to carry out online scams and phishing schemes. Crimes targeting South Koreans in Cambodia have reportedly exceeded 300 so far this year. Out of roughly 143 reported cases of individuals suspected of being kidnapped or missing, the whereabouts of about 80 South Korean citizens remain unknown. 2025-10-17 14:39:26

Daewoong Pharma in talks with Saudi government to build bio, drug production ecosystem SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - South Korea's Daewoong Pharmaceutical said Friday it has begun discussions with the Saudi Arabian government on introducing innovative drugs and developing a biotechnology ecosystem that includes research, development, and manufacturing investments. The talks reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to localize pharmaceutical production and expand its bio-manufacturing capacity as part of its broader economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030. Saudi Deputy Health Minister Khalid Alburaikan and Strategic Cooperation Director Sarah Aref recently visited Daewoong’s headquarters in Seoul, where they met with company executives to discuss collaboration opportunities. The discussions centered on drug development, clinical research, and the establishment of production facilities in the kingdom, the company said. Officials from South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute also attended the meeting. Saudi Arabia, the largest pharmaceutical market in the Middle East, was valued at about $13 billion last year and is projected to grow to $19 billion by 2030. The government has been accelerating efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and attract global investment into its bio sector. Daewoong, one of South Korea’s leading drugmakers, launched its botulinum toxin product Nabota in Saudi Arabia earlier this year and plans to introduce additional treatments, including Fexuclu for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Enblo, an SGLT-2 inhibitor for diabetes. The company said the recent discussions also covered cooperation on local clinical trials and regulatory approvals. Daewoong plans to participate in the Saudi Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh later this month and will host its global training program for medical professionals in Saudi Arabia by the end of the year. “We confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s vision for its pharmaceutical and bio industries aligns with Daewoong’s global cooperation goals,” said Park Sung-soo, the company’s chief executive. “We hope to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s bio industry and improve the quality of life for local consumers through long-term collaboration.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 14:13:00

South Korea's HD Hyundai promotes heir Chung Ki-sun to chairman SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - South Korean conglomerate HD Hyundai on Friday appointed Chung Ki-sun, the third-generation heir of the conglomerate’s founding family, as chairman, formalizing his rise to the top of the nation's largest shipbuilding group. The move marks a generational transition and a shift toward owner-led management as the company prepares for a major corporate merger. Chung, 42, was promoted from senior vice chairman, a role he assumed last year. His elevation was announced as part of the group’s 2025 executive reshuffle, which aims to streamline decision-making ahead of the planned integration of four key subsidiaries — HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, and HD Hyundai Infracore. The promotion comes as former Chairman Kwon Oh-gap steps down from management to become honorary chairman. Kwon will remain CEO until the shareholders’ meeting in March 2026, when Chung is expected to assume full control of day-to-day operations. A graduate of Yonsei University with an M.B.A. from Stanford University, Chung has held several leadership roles within the group, including head of HD Hyundai’s management support division and chief executive of HD Hyundai Marine Solutions. In the latest reshuffle, Lee Sang-kyun and Cho Young-chul were promoted to vice chairmen, with Cho slated to serve as co-chief executive alongside Chung. Kim Seong-jun was appointed CEO of HD Hyundai Marine Solutions, while Moon Jae-young will head the soon-to-be merged HD Construction Equipment business beginning Jan. 1. Kim Wan-soo of HD Hyundai Robotics was promoted to president. The appointments, which will be finalized at upcoming board and shareholder meetings, are part of what the company described as a strategic effort to position HD Hyundai as a “comprehensive heavy industry group” equipped to compete in a volatile global market. “This leadership change reflects our commitment to pioneering a new era amid a challenging global business environment,” an HD Hyundai spokesperson said. “We aim to become the world’s leading heavy industry group through innovation and collaboration between new and seasoned executives.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 14:00:54

Asian shares mixed on profit-taking after chip rally, U.S. bad loan concerns SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Asian markets opened mixed on Friday as investors weighed renewed credit market jitters in the U.S. and the region’s ongoing chip rally. In Seoul, the KOSPI slipped 0.53 percent to 3,728.50 as profit-taking set in after a bullish run to record highs. The secondary Kosdaq also traded lower. Samsung Electronics edged down 0.2 percent while SK hynix was flat, even as Taiwan’s TSMC reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. Automakers extended gains on optimism over a Korea–U.S. settlement on auto tariffs. Hyundai Motor rose 1.24 percent and Kia added 0.72 percent, supported by robust U.S. sales. Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened slightly lower amid cautious sentiment following Wall Street’s overnight decline on reports of bad loans at two U.S. banks. An adjustment by the Osaka Exchange to restore standard price limits for options trading also dampened volatility expectations. China’s Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.10 percent to 3,916.20, lifted by gains in property and energy shares after the IMF upgraded Asia’s 2025 growth outlook and highlighted China’s recovery momentum. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index opened mildly higher, supported by rebounds in tech and property stocks, though lingering U.S.–China trade tensions capped broader gains. In Taipei, the TAIEX fell 247.96 points to 27,399.91, pressured by foreign investor selling and fading enthusiasm for AI chip stocks. 2025-10-17 11:38:16

Lee Kang-in named AFC's top Asian player SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Midfielder Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was honored with an award by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Asian governing body for football said on Thursday. At an awards ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Lee was named this year's "AFC Asian International Player of the Year," awarded to the top player from an AFC member country, beating rivals like Japan's Takefusa Kubo of La Liga club Real Sociedad and Iran's Mehdi Taremi of Greece club Olympiacos. The AFC said Lee "picked up his first AFC Asian International Player of the Year..... award, following a season where he won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and also helped qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026." Lee became the third South Korean to win the award, following striker Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC, who has won it four times, and defender Kim Min-jae of Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, who received it once in 2022. Lee played 49 matches for PSG this season, scoring seven goals and helping the team win the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup, while finishing as runners-up in the FIFA Club World Cup. In Ligue 1, he scored six goals in 30 appearances. Meanwhile, the AFC "Coach of the Year" award went to Ri Song-ho, who led North Korea to victory in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Salem Aldawsari of Saudi Arabia and Japan's Hana Takahashi won the men's and women's player of the year awards. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 11:25:55

PHOTOS: Endangered cranes return SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A flock of the white-naped crane, an internationally recognized endangered species, was observed in a rice paddy in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province, on October 12. The white-naped crane is one of the world's rarest crane species, with a global population estimated to be only around 7,000 to 8,000 individuals. The cranes observed in Cheorwon are part of the eastern flyway population, which breeds in Russia and Mongolia before migrating south. South Korea's border region, particularly the area around the Demilitarized Zone in Cheorwon, is a vital wintering and staging ground for these majestic birds. While many continue their journey further south to Japan, hundreds, and sometimes thousands, spend the winter months in the wetlands and farmlands of Cheorwon and Paju of Gyeonggi Province. Estimates suggest that up to 300 white-naped cranes typically winter in the Paju and Cheorwon areas before flying north in the spring. 2025-10-17 11:05:50

Abduction scare clouds Korea's top winter travel destinations in Southeast Asia SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) -Growing reports of kidnappings and detentions involving South Koreans in Cambodia are fueling widespread anxiety among travelers, casting a shadow over Southeast Asia’s peak winter tourism season. According to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of South Korean citizens abducted or detained in Cambodia has surged from 36 cases between 2021 and 2023 to 221 in 2024, and 330 cases in just the first eight months of this year — many linked to online fraud and scam centers. Public concern deepened after the body of a 22-year-old South Korean student, who disappeared during a trip in July, was discovered near Bokor Mountain showing signs of torture. In another recent case, a 50-year-old man was kidnapped and tortured in Phnom Penh. Amid escalating fears, Seoul issued its strongest travel advisory to date. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday imposed a Level-4 “travel ban” on Kampot’s Bokor Mountain area and the border cities of Bavet and Poipet, designating them as no-travel zones. Sihanoukville was placed under Level-3 (“advisory to leave the area”), while other regions — including Phnom Penh — were categorized as Level-2 or 2.5 (“special travel advisory”). The ministry warned that citizens who defy the ban could face penalties under the Passport Law. Although Cambodia is a relatively minor destination compared with Da Nang or Phuket, the incidents have triggered broader unease across the region. Social media posts and travel forums have amplified unverified rumors of “cross-border kidnappings” in Thailand and Vietnam, prompting some Korean families to cancel trips even to destinations not covered by official warnings. Data from major travel agencies underscore Southeast Asia’s weight in Korea’s outbound tourism market. Hana Tour reported that in the fourth quarter of 2024, Southeast Asian packages accounted for 45 percent of total bookings, while Modetour saw the share exceed 58 percent in December. The region’s warm climate, affordability, and proximity have long made it a top choice for Korean travelers during winter. For now, industry players say the immediate impact on bookings remains limited. A Modetour official noted, “There are no direct flights to Siem Reap, so demand was already low. We haven’t received any cancellations.” Hana Tour echoed that sentiment, saying, “Phnom Penh is mainly a business destination. While inquiries have increased, we don’t expect mass cancellations.” Still, airlines are on alert. T’way Air, which had planned charter flights from Incheon and Busan to Siem Reap from Dec. 19 through March 2026, is monitoring conditions closely. “We have not altered our schedule yet, but changes are possible depending on developments,” a company representative said. Korean Air, meanwhile, said it would exempt cancellation fees in response to heightened safety concerns, though it has no plans to alter its seven-day-a-week flight schedule to Phnom Penh. Travel agencies are reinforcing safety protocols. The Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) said it has distributed updated safety guidelines to member companies in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. “Most of the incidents involve individual travelers. Package tours with guides remain relatively safe,” the association said. The government is also strengthening law enforcement cooperation with Phnom Penh. Earlier this week, National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak announced the launch of a Cambodia–Korea Joint Task Force to crack down on online scam syndicates and expedite support for victims. Seoul is considering providing official development assistance to bolster Cambodia’s policing capacity and expand South Korean police presence in high-risk areas. A senior tourism official said, “Crime and illegal prostitution remain issues not only in Cambodia but across Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. If such incidents persist, the region’s long-term appeal for Korean travelers could inevitably decline.” 2025-10-17 11:04:07

New military chiefs of South Korea, US hold first phone talks SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - South Korean and U.S. military chiefs spoke by phone on Friday to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) here said. JCS chief Jin Young-seung talked with his U.S. counterpart Dan Caine for the first time since assuming his post late last month. The two agreed on the importance of maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula and deterring North Korean threats through a strong alliance between the two closest allies. They also agreed to further discuss details at the upcoming Military Committee Meeting, scheduled to be held in Seoul next month. Jin is also scheduled to speak with Japanese Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura later in the day to discuss ways to enhance trilateral security cooperation between Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 10:40:57

GM's plan to close service centers reignites rumors of exit from South Korea SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - GM Korea’s plan to sell its directly operated service centers has ignited a labor dispute and stirred speculation about the automaker’s long-term commitment to South Korea. The company, a subsidiary of U.S.-based General Motors, said the decision stems from weak domestic sales and chronic financial losses. In May, GM Korea announced plans to sell nine service centers and idle land at its Bupyeong plant in Incheon — a move it has not reversed despite union opposition. Industry observers say the decision could erode consumer trust and worsen perceptions of GM’s brand reliability in South Korea, particularly as its service centers have played a vital role in handling recalls and warranty issues for Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles. The move has also revived rumors that GM may be preparing to scale back or eventually exit the South Korean market, a fear that has periodically resurfaced since the company shut down its Gunsan plant in 2018 and restructured its operations. Analysts note that reducing its direct service network could further weaken GM Korea’s capacity to maintain customer loyalty and manage quality control locally. Union leaders said they will request a three-way meeting with management and government officials in Incheon on Oct. 28 to discuss the closures. “The company is focusing solely on efficiency, ignoring workers’ livelihoods,” said Ahn Kyu-baek, head of the GM Korea union. GM Korea, however, insists it has no plans to withdraw. The company said it will maintain after-sales services through approximately 300 authorized partner repair shops nationwide. “The task force will serve as a communication channel to ease employee concerns during the sale process,” a company spokesperson said. “We aim to find reasonable solutions through cooperation with the union.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 10:23:43

Samsung Biologics shareholders approve spin-off with overwhelming support SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics Co. said on Friday its shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve a plan to spin off its investment division, with 99.9 percent backing the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting in Incheon. The approval paves the way for the creation of Samsung Epis Holdings, a pure holding company that will take over the parent's entire stake in biosimilar developer Samsung Bioepis, while Samsung Biologics will remain as the surviving entity focused on its contract development and manufacturing operations. Shares in Samsung Biologics fell 1.06 percent to 1,121,000 won as of 10:02 a.m. local time. 2025-10-17 10:11:05