South Korea, Japan urged to boost semiconductor, battery, AI cooperation SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - Sohn Kyung-shik, chairman of the Korea Employers Federation, on Thursday called for cooperation between South Korean and Japanese companies in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries and artificial intelligence, citing mounting geopolitical risks and global supply-chain realignments. Speaking at a meeting in Seoul with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima, Sohn said the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties in 2025 presents a key opportunity to deepen economic collaboration. “Next year marks a significant moment to open a new chapter in Korea–Japan relations,” Sohn said. “With both countries facing geopolitical rivalry, supply-chain restructuring, climate change and demographic pressures, these challenges must be addressed together.” He said that, in uncertain global conditions, “close neighbors like South Korea and Japan" should join forces to secure future growth engines, adding that deeper corporate partnerships in next-generation technologies would allow the two economies to drive innovation and remain competitive globally. Business cooperation between the two countries has been expanding in fields such as semiconductors, hydrogen mobility and other advanced technology sectors, with Japanese investment in South Korea also on the rise. Sohn urged both governments to foster a business environment conducive to free investment and corporate expansion. He also highlighted the positive reception of a special fast-track immigration lane introduced for citizens of both countries during June’s 60th anniversary events, calling for the measure to be made permanent. Ambassador Mizushima said strengthening economic ties would yield mutual benefits despite global uncertainties. “Our geographical proximity and shared values create opportunities to maximize complementary strengths,” he said. The Korea Employers Federation has held regular meetings with the Japanese ambassador since 2020 to enhance bilateral business cooperation and support Japanese firms operating in South Korea. This year’s meeting brought together leading South Korean business representatives and Japanese officials. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 14:02:04

North Korean leader makes 'important conclusion' ahead of party congress SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made an "important conclusion" at this week's plenary meeting, state media reported on Thursday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim "made an important conclusion on the agenda items” that were "discussed at the first-day sitting of the plenary meeting," which began earlier this week in preparation for the Workers' Party's key congress scheduled for early next year. But KCNA did not specify what that would mean. Kim also "reviewed the major successes achieved" this year, while assessing budgets and plans for next year, at the year-end meeting, which is often held over several days in mid-December to prepare for the Workers' Party's key congress in the coming year. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 13:47:23

Asian markets respond lukewarmly to Fed's widely expected rate cut SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - Asian markets reacted lukewarmly to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s widely expected rate cut on Thursday, underscoring lingering uncertainty over the future path of U.S. interest rates. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI gained 0.7 percent to 4,162.51 and the KOSDAQ advanced 0.3 percent to 937.79 as of 9:40 a.m. As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee lowered the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.50–3.75 percent overnight. With the December move largely priced in, investors shifted their focus to the Fed’s forward guidance and comments from Chair Jerome Powell. Han Ji-young, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities, said the outcome was “less hawkish than the market feared.” Powell indicated that the current rate is near the upper end of the Fed’s estimate of a neutral range, a remark investors took as leaving room for further cuts. In Seoul, Samsung Electronics rose 1.5 percent to 109,600 won ($74.6), while SK hynix edged down 0.5 percent to 584,000 won. Other gainers included Samsung Biologics, up 1 percent to 1,681,000 won; Hyundai Motor, up 1 percent to 305,500 won; Kia, up 0.8 percent to 124,400 won; Doosan Enerbility, up 1.2 percent to 77,700 won; KB Financial, up 1.8 percent to 126,700 won; Celltrion, up 1.4 percent to 188,300 won; and Samsung C&T, up 2.6 percent to 254,000 won. On the downside, LG Energy Solution fell 0.4 percent to 439,750 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries slipped 0.5 percent to 568,000 won, and Hanwha Aerospace declined 1.3 percent to 911,000 won. The KOSDAQ index advanced, but its three largest constituents by market capitalization all declined. Altigen, the largest, fell 0.7 percent to 453,500 won; EcoProBM, the second largest, dropped 1.8 percent to 176,200 won; and ABL Bio, the third largest, slipped 0.5 percent to 202,000 won. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 inched up 0.1 percent to 50,645.57. Among major stocks by market capitalization, Toyota, the largest, rose 0.6 percent to 3,134 yen ($20). Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, the second largest, added 0.2 percent to 2,473.5 yen; Hitachi, the fifth largest, rose 0.2 percent to 4,897 yen; Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, the sixth largest, gained 0.8 percent to 4,898 yen; Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo and the seventh largest, was up 0.3 percent to 56,260 yen; Advantest, the eighth largest, climbed 3.9 percent to 20,935 yen; and Itochu, the tenth largest, advanced 1.4 percent to 9,669 yen. Sony Group, the third largest, slipped 0.5 percent to 4,161 yen. SoftBank Group, the fourth largest, dropped 5.1 percent to 17,710 yen, while Tokyo Electron, the ninth largest, fell 1 percent to 32,800 yen. China’s Shanghai Composite Index inched down 0.02 percent, or 0.67 points, to 3,899.83. 2025-12-11 11:39:08

US House passes annual defense bill maintaining current USFK troop levels SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a defense bill that includes a provision prohibiting a unilateral reduction of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is passed annually by Congress to set defense policy, allocate funding priorities, and provide guidance on key security matters, was approved in a decisive 312-112 vote. The bill, which allocates a record US$901 billion in defense and security for the upcoming fiscal year, will take effect from October this year through September next year, once President Donald Trump signs it following the Senate's approval. It includes a clause preventing the use of defense funds to reduce U.S. troop levels in South Korea below the current 28,500 U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) personnel without congressional approval. The bill also restricts the use of funds for any amendments to the agreed transfer of wartime operational control between the two allies, though changes or objections can be raised within 60 days, provided they align with the interests of both countries. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 11:01:43

KT, Samsung prove performance of AI-driven telecom network, paving way for 6G SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - South Korean telecom company KT said Thursday it has successfully tested its artificial intelligence–based Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) technology on a commercial mobile network, marking a key step toward next-generation 6G communications. Developed jointly with Samsung Electronics, the AI-RAN system analyzes real-time data exchanged between base stations and user devices to optimize radio settings on an individual basis — a sharp departure from conventional network configurations that apply uniform parameters across cell areas. The companies began co-developing the technology in 2023 and recently expanded collaboration with Nvidia to accelerate GPU-based optimization and large-scale data processing. The live-network validation took place in Seongnam, south of Seoul, in an environment involving roughly 18,000 daily users. KT said the AI-RAN reduced dropped calls during handovers between base stations and improved service quality for users with similar mobility patterns, boosting overall network efficiency. By continuously analyzing indicators such as signal strength and quality variations, the AI-RAN predicts potential disruptions and adapts settings per user in real time. The approach is designed to maintain stable connectivity and enhance perceived quality in dense urban areas, where interference and mobility frequently degrade performance. “This achievement confirms AI’s potential to transform user experiences in real networks,” said Jung Jin-kook, head of Samsung Research’s Next-Generation Communication Research Center. “We will keep advancing these technologies to lead future communications.” Lee Jong-sik, head of KT’s Future Network Research Center, said the results highlight a shift from provider-centric to user-centric network operations. “We aim to secure core 6G technologies and further enhance customer value through continued collaboration with Samsung,” he said. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 10:57:49

Major offshore wind farm comes online, boosting Korea's clean energy push SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - SK Innovation E&S said Thursday it has completed Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm 1, the country’s largest privately financed offshore wind project, marking a milestone for South Korea’s efforts to expand renewable energy and meet its carbon-neutrality targets. A completion ceremony was held in Sinan, attended by Climate and Energy Minister Kim Sung-hwan, South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Young-rok and SK Innovation E&S President Lee Jong-soo. The fixed-bottom wind farm, located about 9 kilometers northwest of Sinan’s Jaeun Island, has an installed capacity of 96 megawatts. Equipped with 10 9.6MW turbines, it is expected to generate roughly 300 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually — enough to power around 90,000 households — and cut carbon emissions by an estimated 240,000 tons per year compared with coal-fired generation, the company said. The project began in 2020 as a joint venture between SK Innovation E&S and Denmark-based Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). It secured major permits in 2022, started construction in March 2023 and entered commercial operation in May 2025. Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm 1 is the first renewable-energy project in South Korea to use non-recourse project financing, a structure that industry officials say could pave the way for greater private-sector participation in large-scale clean-energy developments. Its completion is expected to accelerate progress on an 8.2GW offshore wind complex planned near Imja Island — billed as the world’s largest — which aims for full operation by 2035. SK Innovation E&S and CIP plan to break ground on additional phases from 2027, targeting a combined 900MW capacity by 2031. “The completion of Jeonnam Offshore Wind Farm 1 is a meaningful step for the domestic offshore wind industry, contributing to carbon neutrality and strengthening regional cooperation,” said Lee Jong-soo, president of SK Innovation E&S. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 10:16:50

Seoul raises market watch after Fed rate cut SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) -South Korea’s deputy chiefs of fiscal, monetary and financial policy convened an emergency macro-financial meeting Thursday, after the U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) delivered its third consecutive interest rate cut and signaled only limited easing ahead. The meeting — held via conference call — brought together Lee Hyoung-il, vice minister of economy and finance; Yoo Sang-dae, deputy governor of the Bank of Korea; Kwon Dae-young, vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission; and Lee Se-hoon, senior deputy governor of the Financial Supervisory Service. The officials reviewed immediate market reactions and discussed potential spillovers to Korea’s financial system. The usual post-Fed positive response was restrained. As of 10:00 a.m. Thursday, the KOSPI was up 0.6 percent to 4,161.14, while the KOSDAQ gained 0.5 percent to 939.33, extending a modest relief rally after the Fed’s decision. The won weakened 0.5 won to 1,467 per dollar, reversing earlier gains as foreign exchange volatility persisted. Officials noted that domestic stock markets remain broadly stable, but pointed to concerns over rising government bond yields and heightened swings in the foreign exchange market — vulnerabilities that could intensify under diverging global monetary conditions. The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday reduced its benchmark federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing the upper bound to 3.75 percent, the lowest level in more than three years. The move completes three consecutive cuts since September, totaling 75 basis points of easing. Despite the latest cut, the Fed signaled caution about the path ahead. In its quarterly projections, FOMC officials penciled in just one rate cut in 2026, suggesting the central bank wants clearer evidence of easing inflation and labor market slowdown before resuming substantial policy accommodation. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said policymakers are “well positioned to wait and see how the economy evolves,” citing delayed employment and inflation data caused by the recent U.S. government shutdown. Private payroll data from ADP showed employers shed 32,000 jobs in November, underlining cooling momentum in the labor market. Global markets broadly expected the cut, but took note of the Fed’s downward revision to inflation forecasts and upward revision to growth expectations. U.S. Treasury yields fell and the dollar weakened following the announcement. Korean policymakers highlighted a growing policy divergence: while the U.S. appears set to continue gradual easing, Japan is approaching a rate hike, a rare tightening move for the Bank of Japan. This split among major central banks, they warned, could generate volatility across global asset classes, capital flows and exchange rates. Participants agreed the Korean economy is entering a phase where external shocks can transmit more quickly, requiring a reinforced monitoring regime. Vice Minister Lee emphasized the need to maintain a 24-hour joint monitoring system across fiscal, monetary and supervisory authorities. He called for “swift, coordinated responses” to any instability in financial or foreign exchange markets, underscoring Korea’s commitment to pre-emptive risk management. 2025-12-11 10:09:57

Oceans Minister offers to step down amid bribery allegations SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo resigned on Thursday, just a few days after allegations emerged that he accepted bribes from the powerful Unification Church, better known as the Moonies. The church is suspected of bribing a slew of lawmakers from both the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to allegedly secure various favors including its long-pursued dream of constructing an underwater tunnel between South Korea and Japan. Speaking at Incheon International Airport upon his arrival from an overseas trip, Chun said, "Stepping down is the right thing to do as a public official." But Chun, one of close aides of President Lee Jae Myung, denied all the allegations, calling them "groundless," and stressed that the "government should not be shaken." "This will be clarified through investigations," he added. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 10:08:09

HD Hyundai Infracore's hydrogen engines recognized at global expo SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Infracore’s hydrogen engines, the HX12 and HX22, were named “Best Pick” at the World Hydrogen Expo (WHE) 2025 Best Product Media Awards, the company said Thursday. The awards were decided by a panel of automotive journalists who assessed products displayed at the expo for innovation, technical competitiveness and commercialization potential. HD Hyundai Infracore’s HX12, an 11-liter hydrogen internal combustion engine for vehicles and power generation, was recognized for a second consecutive year and is scheduled for mass production next year. The newly unveiled HX22, billed as the world’s largest 22-liter hydrogen engine, features a V12 layout with a maximum output of 600 kW (816 horsepower) and continuous output of 477 kW (649 hp), a level of power the company said could cover the annual electricity needs of about 200 households. Judges cited its scalability and efficiency. The four-day WHE 2025 event drew about 25,000 visitors from 26 countries and featured 279 companies and institutions. Alongside the exhibition, the event hosted technical conferences, business matchmaking sessions and industry forums, reinforcing its role as an emerging global platform for the hydrogen economy. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 09:42:24

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace showcases locally built K9 artillery in Egypt SEOUL, December 11 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace showcased its K9 self-propelled howitzers at the Egypt International Defense and Security Exhibition (EDEX 2025) in Cairo, drawing strong interest from regional visitors, the company said Thursday. The firm operated a joint exhibition space with Egypt’s Ministry of Defense, displaying the K9 howitzer alongside ground and guided weapon systems. The biennial exhibition, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, drew more than 450 companies and over 40,000 visitors. In 2022, Hanwha Aerospace secured a package export agreement with Egypt worth about 2 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion), covering K9 self-propelled howitzers, K10 ammunition resupply vehicles and K11 command armored vehicles. At this year’s exhibition, six K9 units and associated K10 and K11 vehicles were displayed outdoors. The systems, scheduled for delivery to the Egyptian military in the first quarter of next year, are adapted for desert operations with specialized coatings and enhanced dust-protection features. Hanwha is manufacturing the K9 in Egypt with performance specifications matching systems produced in South Korea. Following delays linked to German engine supply, the company localized engine production to reduce supply-chain risk. South Korean engineers are supporting local facilities with assembly, welding and machining to stabilize production. The company plans to gradually expand local manufacturing of core components to deepen long-term industrial cooperation. Building on the K9 program, Hanwha aims to accelerate its expansion across the Middle East and North Africa defense markets. Other systems on display included the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher, coastal defense missiles, a 40mm unmanned air defense system, L-SAM long-range surface-to-air interceptors and naval platforms, including submarines. “The Egyptian people take great pride in producing the K9 locally through technological cooperation with South Korea,” said Sung Il, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Middle East and Africa division. “We aim to expand into broader regional markets through this partnership.” * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-12-11 09:24:56