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

KOSPI breaks 4,000 for first time in 45 yrs, Nikkei also at historic high SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - Korean and Japanese stock markets celebrated historic milestones Monday, with both the KOSPI and Nikkei breaking past symbolic thresholds for the first time in their histories. The KOSPI jumped 2.3 percent to 4,032.49 around midday, topping the 4,000 mark for the first time in its 45-year history. Bellwethers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix led the charge, each hitting record levels — 100,000 won ($70) and 500,000 won, respectively. Advancers outnumbered decliners 595 to 282, with institutional investors net buying nearly 600 billion won, while retail investors offloaded about 485 billion won to take profits from recent rallies. The surge drew international attention after The Wall Street Journal cited Korea as one of this year’s best-performing markets, with the KOSPI’s 64-percent rise far outpacing other major indices — the MSCI All Country World ex-USA Index gained about 26 percent, the S&P 500 15 percent, Germany’s DAX 22 percent, Japan’s Nikkei 225 24 percent, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 18 percent. Petrochemical and battery shares extended their red-hot run, with Isu Chemical hitting the daily upper limit with a 30-percent surge, and EcoPro soaring 12 percent by midday. The KOSDAQ also advanced 1.8 percent to 899.05, nearing the 900 mark for only the second time since its first-ever breach 19 months ago. “Foreign investors are returning to the Korean market in full force, drawn by attractive valuations and strong earnings momentum,” said Lee Jae-hyun, analyst at Mirae Asset Securities. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 surged 2.1 percent to 50,230.45, marking the first time Japan’s premier stock index has crossed the 50,000 threshold. The rally followed a U.S.-China trade framework deal reached over the weekend in Kuala Lumpur and growing expectations of another U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut at the upcoming policy meeting. Sentiment was further boosted by anticipation of bilateral talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week in Seoul. Elsewhere in Asia, China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.5 percent to 3,890, Taiwan’s TAIEX rose 0.7 percent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 0.9 percent. 2025-10-27 11:55:35

Korean crypto platforms under scrutiny for ties to sanctioned Cambodian exchange SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges have been drawn into a widening money-laundering network tied to North Korean hackers, with transactions flowing through a Cambodian exchange under U.S. sanctions surging nearly 1,400-fold in a year, government data show. According to figures submitted to lawmakers by the Financial Supervisory Service, the total volume of cryptocurrency traded between South Korea’s five largest exchanges — Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX — and Cambodia’s Huiwon Guarantee reached 12.8 billion won, or about $9.2 million, last year. That marks a dramatic rise from just 9.22 million won in 2023. Huiwon Group, which operates the Cambodian exchange, has been identified by U.S. and British authorities as a transnational criminal organization involved in online scams and money laundering for North Korea’s Lazarus Group, a hacking collective accused of stealing billions of dollars in cryptocurrency. Bithumb accounted for the vast majority of the transactions, with its dealings with Huiwon soaring from 9.22 million won in 2023 to 12.4 billion won last year, and another 2.1 billion won recorded by May this year. Upbit, the nation’s largest exchange, also saw a sharp increase, from zero in 2023 to 360 million won in 2024. Nearly all of the funds — about 99.9 percent — were traded in Tether, or USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar that has become a preferred vehicle for illicit cross-border transfers due to its liquidity and relative anonymity. South Korean exchanges have come under criticism for failing to act swiftly after the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on Huiwon Group earlier this year. Despite the designation, several platforms reportedly continued processing related transactions for months. Bithumb only moved to block transactions on May 2 — one day after the sanctions announcement. “The sharp rise in stablecoin transactions between South Korea and Cambodia demands serious scrutiny,” Rep. Lee Yang-soo of the main opposition People Power Party, said Monday. “Financial authorities must strengthen oversight to prevent domestic platforms from becoming conduits for laundering by foreign crime organizations.” The Financial Supervisory Service has not yet commented publicly on whether it plans to investigate the exchanges involved. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-27 11:14:57

'Sticking points' still remain in trade negotiations with US ahead of Trump visit, Lee says SEOUL, October 27 (AJP) - South Korea remains "stuck on key points" over the details of the country's investment pledge to the U.S., President Lee Jae Myung said in an interview with Bloomberg conducted last Friday and released on Monday. The pledge was part of a broader trade deal last July, in which Seoul agreed to invest US$350 billion in the U.S. in return for lowering reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, but the two sides have remained deadlocked over how to fund the massive investment, with negotiations stalled since then. "The method of investment, the amount of investment, the timeline and how we will share the losses and divide the dividends - all of these remain sticking points," Lee said. "The U.S. will of course try to maximize its interests, but it mustn't be to the extent that causes catastrophic consequences for South Korea." But he added, "The discussion is ongoing, and there are some differences of opinion, but the delay does not necessarily mean that this is a failure," further elaborating that the two allies "will be able to reach a rational result that is acceptable to all sides and this is what has to be done." Lee's comments come as he is set to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju later this week, suggesting that the two sides may not be able to resolve their differences in time to finalize the deal. 2025-10-27 11:06:25