Naver, Spotify open joint popup store in Seoul to showcase audio content partnership SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean internet giant Naver and global music streaming service Spotify have launched a two-day popup store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong to promote their content partnership. The popup store, running from Dec. 23 to 24 at XYZ SEOUL, allows Naver Plus membership subscribers to experience integrated audio content services from both platforms. Non-members can also gain access by signing up for the membership on-site. Since Nov. 27, Naver Plus membership subscribers have been able to access Spotify Premium Basic as part of their monthly subscription, enabling them to stream Spotify's extensive music library at no additional cost. The venue features multiple experience zones highlighting the integration between Naver's services and Spotify. A navigation zone demonstrates how Naver Maps can sync with Spotify to recommend playlists based on saved destinations, while a search zone allows visitors to find and play music directly through Naver's search results. The popup store also includes interactive areas where visitors can create customized eco-bags and view works by graffiti artists. A special room dedicated to South Korean boy band Stray Kids member Felix, who serves as campaign ambassador for both companies, is also available. Naver said it plans to continue online and offline promotional events to strengthen user engagement with the Naver-Spotify collaboration. 2025-12-23 17:47:53

North Korea holds grand openings of new hotels near Mt. Paektu SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - North Korea has completed five hotels in the country's tourist zone of Samjiyon near Mt. Paektu, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, its leader Kim Jong-un attended an opening ceremony along with his daughter Ju-ae last Saturday, expressing "his unshakable will to turn ..... into an innovative and highly civilized city representing the tourism culture of the country." Ju-ae accompanied her father, following her public appearance the day before at a factory opening in Sinpo, South Hamgyong Province. North Korean media released several photos of her in a black coat touring the hotel. Kim's wife Ri Sol-ju also appeared to attend, though she was less frequently featured in these photos. They suggest that the hotels feature upscale rooms and amenities, including banquet halls, saunas, and an outdoor pool, in an apparent effort to highlight year-end achievements ahead of the country's key Workers' Party congress scheduled for early next year. Separate grand opening events for the remaining four hotels were also held last weekend. North Korea has been promoting tourism to earn hard currency amid international sanctions, focusing on developing Mt. Paektu areas along with its coastal tourist zones in Wonsan and Kalma in Kangwon Province. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said, "North Korea seems to be promoting Kim's modernization drive, which now extends beyond the capital of Pyongyang to include more remote areas like Samjiyon." 2025-12-23 17:43:30

OPINION: Iteca Exhibitions marks 30 years of Uzbekistan's exhibition industry development SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The achievements of the anniversary season set an ambitious benchmark for the years ahead. In 2026, the calendar of exhibitions will expand to 22 exhibitions and 5 conferences, alongside new initiatives designed to support the domestic manufacturers, promote investment and further strengthen the key sectors of the national economy Since its establishment in 1995, Iteca Exhibitions has played a pioneering role in shaping a modern exhibition industry of the independent Uzbekistan - the industry built around international participation and aligned with the global standards. Over the past three decades, the company has introduced practices and benchmarks that mirror those of the world's leading organisers, thus securing Iteca Exhibitions a position of consistent and unquestioned leadership within the national exhibition sector. The company's journey began with its inaugural events — Tashkent International Healthcare Exibition - TIHE in 1995, and Oil & Gas Uzbekistan - OGU in 1997. Over the years, these exhibitions have grown into the landmark gatherings for the entire Central Asian region. Today, Iteca Exhibitions' portfolio features 20 events, each a flagship within its field and a trendsetter shaping the future of respective economic sectors. These events enhance Uzbekistan's presence on the global exhibition map, strengthen the country's image as a reliable business partner, and showcase the rapid momentum of its economic development. Their influence now reaches well beyond the national borders — reflected in both the scale and calibre of participating companies, as well as the consistent interest from the international and local audiences alike. UzBuild, UzFood, CAITME, TIHE, OGU and TextileExpo Uzbekistan have earned the status of national brands and enjoy strong recognition far outside the country. The exhibition industry has long been a barometer of progressive change in the country, reflecting both the professional maturity and business community's readiness to advance. Today, the market is evolving at pace: new organisers and venues are entering the field, while contemporary event formats are redefining expectations and setting higher standards for the industry as a whole. At the heart of Iteca Exhibitions' mission lies a steadfast commitment to supporting the country's economic development - a principle encapsulated in the company's slogan: "Iteca Exhibitions is proud to contribute to the growth of Uzbekistan's economy!" Over the years, the company's expertly organised exhibitions and conferences have driven positive momentum across a wide range of sectors - from security and electronics to construction, energy, and both light and heavy industries. Each event serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, building partnerships, and advancement of innovative solutions. Participant surveys show that, for many exhibiting companies Iteca Exhibitions has become a vital gateway to the Uzbek market. These events provide the direct access to buyers, distributors, professional associations and government institutions, enabling businesses to build genuine commercial relationships, sign contracts and explore future project opportunities. In 2025, Iteca Exhibitions has marked its 30th anniversary season with an exceptional programme featuring 20 international exhibitions, four major forums and 36 specialised seminars. The events welcomed 4,311 companies and brands, 251 speakers and moderators, and 3,957 delegates representing 55 countries. With a remarkable 101,160 visitors from 75 countries, the season underscored the truly international scale and enduring significance of Iteca Exhibitions' events Throughout the 2025 exhibition season, the industry professionals had their opportunity to explore the cutting-edge innovations spanning a broad spectrum of the sectors. Alongside many global leaders and renowned international brands, a strong representation of domestic manufacturers highlighted the achievements of Uzbekistan's industrial enterprises and contributed to strengthening their export capacity. A defining milestone of the 2025 season was the organisation of the exhibitions at two major venues, bringing fresh dynamism to the industry calendar and reflecting not only the scale of the events but also the growing intensity of business activity. Across these platforms, thousands of negotiations, meetings, partnerships, agreements, contracts and new project launches took place, alongside targeted sessions with suppliers and buyers — collectively generating a transaction volume of more than USD 1 billion. The exhibitors benefited from dedicated networking and business spaces, which enhanced the effectiveness of their participation and helped foster a high level of commercial trust. Since 2007, Iteca Exhibitions has been a full member of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) - the first company in Uzbekistan to receive this distinction. The international exhibitions UzBuild, OGU / Power Uzbekistan and TIHE / Beauty Uzbekistan have once again retained their UFI-approved status, reaffirming their effectiveness and significant contribution to the economic development of the host nation. The achievements of the anniversary season set an ambitious benchmark for the years ahead. In 2026, the calendar of exhibitions will expand to 22 exhibitions and 5 conferences, alongside new initiatives designed to support the domestic manufacturers, promote investment and further strengthen the key sectors of the national economy. Since its inception, Iteca Exhibitions has served as a trusted and prominent partner for businesses, government institutions and the professional community. Its consistently high organisational standards, strong participant confidence and proven event effectiveness have secured the company's position as a leader in the industry. More than simply presenting achievements, Iteca Exhibitions' events actively support the nation's economic progress, providing a platform for sustainable growth and helping to develop the skilled workforce essential to the vision of New Uzbekistan. As it concludes its 30th anniversary season, Iteca Exhibitions extends its sincere gratitude to the ministries, government agencies, industry associations, partners, exhibitors, visitors and mass media for their active engagement and continued support. Their contribution enables the company to advance a robust business infrastructure that plays a vital role in the ongoing modernisation of Uzbekistan's economy. 2025-12-23 17:37:22

Santa buses return to Busan streets SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Santa-themed buses, once a beloved winter tradition in Busan but suspended due to fire and safety concerns, are making a comeback. The Busan Bus Transport Business Association announced Sunday that 10 Santa buses will operate from December 22 through mid-January 2026, reviving the popular seasonal service that had captured citizens' hearts. 2025-12-23 17:20:56

President returns to Blue House SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The era of the Yongsan presidential office has come to an end after just 3 years and 7 months, with the president returning to the Blue House. President Lee Jae Myung is expected to begin official work at the presidential office around December 28. However, the presidential residence will not be ready until early next year due to ongoing construction work. 2025-12-23 17:20:01

Romanian envoy named chief negotiator for nuclear talks with Washington SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea's ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo has been named as the country's chief negotiator for nuclear energy-related talks with the U.S. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that Rim, appointed the previous day, will lead a task force to revise a decades-old agreement with Washington that bans South Korea from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and enriching uranium. Rim, who worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2016, is considered an expert in the fields of nuclear energy and nonproliferation. After completing his commitments in Romania, he will return to Seoul in early January to assume his new role. 2025-12-23 16:53:16

Infielder Song Sung-mun signs deal with San Diego Padres SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Infielder Song Sung-mun will play in Major League Baseball after signing a deal with the San Diego Padres. In a post on X, formerly Twitter on Monday, the Padres said Monday they signed the 29-year-old to a "four-year contract through the 2029 season." Details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is reportedly worth $15 million, including a $1 million signing bonus in two installments along with a gradual increase in salaries. Raising doubts about Song's immediate position at the club, MLB.com said, "likeliest role will be as a utility player coming off the bench -- leaving the Padres still in search of a starting first baseman." After spending many years in obscurity since his professional debut with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2015, the late bloomer has only emerged in the spotlight in recent years. 2025-12-23 16:20:03

Hyundai Motor Group extends European recovery on hybrid demand SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group continued its recovery in Europe in November, supported by solid demand for electrified vehicles, particularly hybrids. Hyundai Motor and Kia sold a combined 79,901 vehicles in Europe during the month, up 0.2 percent from a year earlier, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showed on Tuesday. Hyundai’s sales rose 3.7 percent to 41,026 units, while Kia’s deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 38,875. Their combined market share slipped 0.2 percentage points to 7.4 percent. Overall European vehicle sales increased 2.4 percent to 1,079,563 units in November. From January through November 2025, Hyundai and Kia’s cumulative European sales fell 2.6 percent from a year earlier to 959,317 vehicles. Their market share for the period stood at 7.9 percent, down 0.4 percentage points. 2025-12-23 16:08:50

Korea tightens treasury stock disclosures, lowering threshold to 1% SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) -South Korean listed companies will be required to disclose their treasury stock holdings once they exceed 1 percent of shares outstanding — down from the current 5 percent — under sweeping revisions to capital markets rules, as regulators move to strengthen shareholder protection and curb opaque share buybacks. The amendments to the enforcement decree of the Capital Markets Act were approved at a Cabinet meeting, the Financial Services Commission said Tuesday. The new rules will take effect on Dec. 30 and must be reflected in companies’ 2025 annual reports. Under the revised rules, listed firms holding treasury shares equal to at least 1 percent of total shares outstanding must disclose the size of their holdings, the purpose of holding them and future disposal plans. The disclosure frequency will double from once a year to twice a year, with companies required to attach a treasury stock report to both annual and semiannual filings. Companies will also be required to disclose a comparison between their most recently announced treasury stock plans and actual execution over the past six months. If the gap between the plan and implementation exceeds 30 percent, firms must explain the reasons in detail. Reporting requirements will also be tightened when companies decide to buy or sell treasury shares. Listed firms must file a major event report outlining the purpose, planned amount, number of shares, method and period of the transaction, and regularly disclose the status of treasury share holdings, purchases and sales in periodic filings. Companies holding treasury shares above a certain threshold must additionally disclose disposal plans in their annual reports. The FSC said it will actively apply sanctions for disclosure violations, including recommendations to dismiss executives, limits on securities issuance, administrative fines and criminal penalties. Repeated violations will face heavier punishment, it added. Beyond treasury stock, the amendments expand mandatory disclosures related to major industrial accidents. Companies will be required to include details such as the occurrence of incidents, damage, response measures and outlook in both annual and semiannual reports. Disclosure requirements for mergers and similar transactions will also be strengthened, with firms required to provide more detailed board opinion statements, including explanations given by management and specific issues discussed by directors at each board resolution. Financial authorities said the reforms are intended to foster a shareholder-value-focused corporate culture and reduce information asymmetry between controlling and minority shareholders by ensuring that material corporate actions are disclosed in a timely and transparent manner. Regulators also expect the changes to accelerate the use of treasury shares as a shareholder-return tool benefiting all investors rather than select shareholders. Treasury share buybacks and cancellations have already been on a sharp uptrend, with the value of canceled shares reaching 20.7 trillion won ($14 billion) through November 2025 — surpassing the full-year total of 13.9 trillion won recorded in 2024. 2025-12-23 16:00:32

Former Samsung researchers indicted over chip technology leak to China SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean prosecutors said on Tuesday they have indicted five former employees of Samsung Electronics for leaking core semiconductor technology to a Chinese memory chipmaker. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said five people were detained and charged with violating South Korea’s Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act and Industrial Technology Protection Act. Five others, including engineers at China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), were indicted without detention. Prosecutors said the suspects systematically transferred Samsung’s 10-nanometer-class DRAM process technology by recruiting key engineers and copying critical manufacturing data. At the time, the technology was held exclusively by Samsung, they said. CXMT later succeeded in mass-producing 10-nanometer-class DRAM in 2023 — the first in China — an achievement prosecutors said is difficult to explain through normal research and development timelines. According to prosecutors, CXMT was founded in 2016 through investment by a Chinese local government and a semiconductor design company. The company recruited a former Samsung department head as head of development shortly after its launch. Prosecutors said the researcher was tasked with securing Samsung’s proprietary 10-nanometer-class DRAM process technology and allegedly orchestrated the systematic poaching of key personnel responsible for each stage of the manufacturing process. The researcher prepared the alleged scheme in detail, including setting up a front company, frequently relocating offices and using coded communications to avoid detection, travel bans or arrest, according to the prosecutors. Another Samsung researcher allegedly copied by hand process recipe plan (PRP) information — described as critical documentation for DRAM manufacturing — before joining CXMT. Prosecutors said this enabled CXMT to obtain the full 10-nanometer-class DRAM process technology, which at the time was held exclusively by Samsung worldwide. CXMT later recruited additional Samsung personnel and began full-scale DRAM development, the prosecutors said. Prosecutors said the leaks caused significant economic damage, estimating Samsung’s 2024 revenue loss at about 5 trillion won, with broader damage potentially reaching tens of trillions of won. 2025-12-23 15:42:49