South Korea set to face Brazil in friendly in Seoul SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - South Korea is set to face Brazil in a friendly match in Seoul on Friday night. Led by Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national team, ranked 23rd in the latest FIFA rankings, will take on the sixth-ranked team at 8:00 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Past statistics show that South Korea has struggled against the South American powerhouse, winning just once in eight encounters. Their most recent match ended in a 4-1 defeat in the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Friday's match would be momentous s captain Son Heung-min could set a new record for the most international appearances by a South Korean player, surpassing the current record of 136 matches held jointly by former players and coaches Cha Bum-kun and Hong Myung-bo. At a press conference the previous day, Son expressed gratitude for his 15-year career with the national team, saying, "It's an honor to stand alongside legends like Hong and Cha. Facing Brazil on the field would be a joy." Hong praised Son's dedication, saying, "Son has consistently performed at his best despite a demanding schedule in Europe. I hope he breaks all my records." The match will be broadcast on TV Chosun, tvN, and Coupang Play. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-10 16:16:19

North Korea likely to show off latest weapons at nighttime military parade SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - North Korea is expected to hold a military parade on Friday night to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the renegade country's Workers' Party. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea is currently conducting rehearsals indicating the parade is likely to be a nighttime event. North Korea is expected to showcase its latest weapons and military arsenal including intercontinental ballistic missiles, although it remains to be seen as they are still covered with tarps. Since October 2020, North Korea has held all seven of its military parades at night. The JCS said rain is forecast for later in the day, which could disrupt aerial displays but not the parade itself. Earlier in the day, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported that its leader Kim Jong-un vowed to turn his country into the "best socialist paradise in the world" during an event at a multi-purpose stadium in Pyongyang the previous day. "I will surely turn this country into a more affluent and beautiful land and into the best socialist paradise in the world," KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Li Qiang, China's premier and second-ranking leader, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia's Security Council and a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm attended the event, which was followed by fireworks and a mass calisthenics performance. 2025-10-10 15:24:03

Fines imposed on Apple, Google remain unpaid amid regulatory lapses SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Global tech companies such as Apple and Google have avoided fines totaling 63 billion won (about US$47 million) for nearly two years in South Korea, as authorities have failed to enforce the penalties. According to data submitted to lawmaker Choi Soo-jin of the main opposition People Power Party from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the watchdog slapped fines on both companies in October 2023 for forcing in-app payment systems, overcharging domestic developers, and other breaches of relevant laws. But the KCC has been unable to collect the fines, as a slew of controversies and disputes involving former head Lee Jin-sook hindered the process, and its recent restructuring is likely to cause further delays. "Failing to take proper action in a timely manner has resulted in no changes to business practices. Imposing fines is necessary to curb excessive fees and monopolistic practices while protecting both developers and consumers," Choi said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-10 14:36:40

Stock markets open higher after weeklong Chuseok holiday SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - South Korean stock markets opened sharply higher on Friday after a weeklong break for the country's biggest Chuseok holiday. The benchmark KOSPI opened at 3,598.11, up 1.38 percent, while the junior Kosdaq rose 0.54 percent to 858.86. Within just several minutes of trading, the KOSPI climbed to 3,606.86, reaching the 3,600 level for the first time. Before the holiday that began last Friday, the KOSPI closed at a record high of 3,549.21 on Oct. 2. While South Korean stock markets were closed, U.S. stocks rose, led by artificial intelligence-related shares, which seemed to boost Friday's strong opening here. By around 9:00 a.m., Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, the market's two largest companies, were trading at 93,900 won ($66.13) and 425,500 won ($299.65), posting solid gains. But the won opened at 1,423.8 to the greenback, down 23.8 won from the previous session, its weakest level in roughly five months since May 14 when it fell to 1,421.3. During the holiday, the won traded around 1,420 in the offshore non-deliverable forward (NDF) market, continuing its decline. The weakening won appears to stem from ongoing uncertainty over U.S. tariff-related investment projects. The yen also tumbled, sliding to an eight-month low of around 153 per dollar, after Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party picked far-right winger Sanae Takaichi as its new leader over the weekend, making her likely to become the island country's first female prime minister. Takaichi is expected to continue the expansionary policies of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who pursued large-scale quantitative easing and increased fiscal spending under his monetary approach known as "Abenomics." 2025-10-10 11:11:18

Hyundai Motor's hydrogen truck included among TIME magazine's 'best inventions' this year SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor's hydrogen electric truck has been named one of TIME magazine's "Best Inventions" for this year, the automaker said on Friday. The Xcient is an autonomous hydrogen-electric truck developed in collaboration with PlusAI, an American autonomous driving technology company based in California. The vehicle combines Hyundai's hydrogen platform with PlusAI's Level 4 self-driving software, SuperDrive. As the world's first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell, heavy-duty truck, it is equipped with a 350 kW motor, a 180 kW fuel cell stack, and a 72 kWh high-voltage battery. Since its launch in 2020, it has been sold in major global markets including Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S., achieving a cumulative mileage of 15 million kilometers. In the U.S., it has been tested at Hyundai's plants and logistics hubs in Georgia and northern California. Hyundai expects the Xcient to drive the popularity of hydrogen trucks and spur infrastructure development, thanks to its fast charging, long range, and zero emissions. "Our collaboration with PlusAI to build a sustainable long-haul freight ecosystem has led to the Xcient's recognition by TIME," said Park Cheol-yeon, a Hyundai executive. The U.S. magazine annually recognizes innovations that make "the world better, smarter, and more fun." This year's list features 300 "groundbreaking inventions," evaluated on key factors such as "originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-10 10:13:04

Subway breakdown in Seoul causes delays for commuters on first day back after Chuseok SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - A subway train in Seoul broke down Friday morning, disrupting service for nearly an hour and causing delays for commuters returning to work on the first day after the week-long Chuseok holiday. According to operator Seoul Metro, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. between Banghwa and Myeongil stations on subway line No. 5, causing delays of approximately 50 minutes. The exact cause of the breakdown is under investigation. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-10 09:18:20

Foreign reserves rise for fourth consecutive month SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - South Korea's foreign reserves rose by about $6 billion in September, extending their growth streak for the fourth consecutive month since June. According to data released by the Bank of Korea on Thursday, the reserves stood at $422.02 billion at the end of September, up $5.73 billion from the previous month. A Bank of Korea official attributed the increase to higher investment returns and a rise in foreign currency deposits at financial institutions. Breaking down the reserves, securities such as government and corporate bonds increased by $12.25 billion to $378.42 billion. Deposits fell by $6.47 billion to $18.54 billion. Special drawing rights (SDRs), an international reserve asset held with the International Monetary Fund, remained unchanged at $15.78 billion, while gold holdings also stayed steady at $4.79 billion. As of the end of August, South Korea ranked 10th in the world in terms of foreign reserves, with China leading at $3.32 trillion, followed by Japan, Switzerland, India, Russia, Taiwan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-10 08:55:49

Pyongyang readies party anniversary with show of arms and socialist unity SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) -Buoyed by high-profile summits with Chinese and Russian leaders, North Korea is set to mark the 80th anniversary of its ruling Communist party on Friday with a grand display of its latest weaponry and the presence of dignitaries from fellow socialist nations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday, making the highest-level visit from Beijing since 2019 to attend the anniversary celebrations of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Li is leading a Chinese delegation at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the North Korean government, according to Xinhua News Agency. He was received by North Korean Premier Kim Tok Hun and other senior officials at an official welcoming ceremony that included an inspection of a guard of honor. “China and North Korea are socialist neighbors with deep traditional ties. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, our relations have gained new vitality,” Li said. Russia, which has strengthened military ties with Pyongyang after North Korea sent combat troops and ammunition to support its war against Ukraine, dispatched Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. The Russian delegation also includes Vladimir Vasilyev, leader of the United Russia party in the State Duma, and Vladimir Yakushev, the party’s secretary general. Other members are Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Primorsky Krai — reflecting expanding economic cooperation with North Korea. North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade on the eve of the anniversary, though plans may be adjusted due to rain in the forecast. Other foreign dignitaries include Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-09 16:05:49

North Korean leader calls for internal purge ahead of ruling party anniversary SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to root out acts that damage the authority of the Workers' Party of Korea, warning that such behavior must be "identified and eliminated." His remarks came on Wednesday, a day before the 80th anniversary of the party’s founding, during a visit to the Party Founding Museum in Pyongyang. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said the party's longevity — the longest in the history of socialist movements — stems from its commitment to ideological and leadership unity. "The fundamental secret to our Party's long rule lies in directing everything toward ensuring the unity of its thought and leadership," he said. Kim said the WPK had strengthened itself through a series of internal "self-purification" campaigns, including "the struggle against factions" that began after the Korean War. He said those movements allowed the party to become "a more combative and leading political organization." He also called for tighter discipline among officials. "We must identify and eliminate all elements and acts that damage the Party's leadership authority," Kim said, stressing the need to establish "strict discipline and a healthy climate of order" within the organization. He urged senior cadres to wipe out "ignorance, incompetence, irresponsibility, self-protection, formalism, expediency, and abuses of power" that harm socialism and the people's trust. Kim added that officials carry "a very heavy and important responsibility" in what he described as a new stage of national development. "When we look at our ideals and goals, we must change at a much faster speed than now," he said. "We must boldly and devotedly transform every field, every sector, and every region within the next ten years." KCNA called Kim’s remarks a "significant and immortal revolutionary program" that sets the direction for the next decade of party and state policy. 2025-10-09 15:26:56

KAIST-incubated startup exports epilepsy drug technology worth $528 million SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - A startup founded by KAIST professor Lee Jung-ho has licensed out an experimental RNA-based drug for hard-to-treat epilepsy in a deal valued at about 750 billion won ($529 million), the university said Thursday. Sovargen, co-founded by Lee and biotech entrepreneur Park Chul-won, signed an exclusive option agreement with Italy's Angelini Pharma for global development and commercialization of a first-in-class antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy aimed at intractable epilepsy. The deal includes upfront, milestone, and potential royalty payments worth about 550 million dollars in total. Angelini Pharma will handle development and commercialization, while Sovargen retains certain rights in parts of Asia, excluding South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The licensed compound, code-named SVG105, targets mutations in the mTOR gene, known to play a key role in severe epilepsy that does not respond to existing drugs. Lee's research team at KAIST earlier identified that acquired mutations in brain stem cells—called brain somatic mutations—can trigger intractable epilepsy and malignant brain tumors. The discovery was published in Nature in 2015 and Nature Medicine in 2018. After that, Lee teamed up with Sovargen CEO Park Chul-won to develop RNA-based therapies that could suppress those mutations. The agreement marks one of the few cases in South Korea where basic academic research has led to a global technology transfer for a new drug. "This achievement was made possible entirely by the strength of South Korean science, from identifying the cause of disease to developing a new therapy and exporting the technology globally," said Sovargen senior researcher Park Sang-min, a KAIST graduate. Lee said KAIST's research environment made such progress possible. "While most medical schools focus on patient care, KAIST promotes innovation and industrialization. That allowed us to achieve both fundamental discoveries and successful technology transfer," he said. KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said the outcome reflects the school's goal of bridging basic science and industry. "This is a representative example of how our philosophy of moving 'from basic to industry' has taken shape in medical science. KAIST will continue to drive innovation that contributes to human health and the future bioindustry," he said. Experts say the deal gives new hope to patients who have run out of treatment options and shows that South Korea's biomedical research and startups are gaining ground on the global stage. 2025-10-09 14:13:46