President Lee hails Hangul as symbol of Korean people's power and key to global cultural rise SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea marked Hangul Day on Thursday, celebrating the 579th anniversary of the creation of the Korean alphabet that gave ordinary people the power to read, write, and express their thoughts freely. President Lee Jae Myung said Hangul embodies the spirit of popular sovereignty and equality, calling it a living symbol of democracy rooted in the wisdom of the people. "Hangul is a cultural heritage that holds the spirit and history of our people," President Lee wrote on Facebook on Thursday. "It was created so that ordinary citizens could learn it easily and use it every day. In Hangul lives the idea of democracy, equality, and the sovereignty of the people." He said 252 King Sejong Institutes in 87 countries are now spreading the Korean language and culture, and that the growing global interest in K-pop, K-drama, and Korean literature "stems from Hangul’s power to express emotions and ideas clearly, without distortion." Lee added, "The dream of South Korea becoming a true cultural powerhouse is turning into reality through Hangul, the root of our culture." Hangul was invented by King Sejong the Great in 1443 and proclaimed nationwide in 1446. The king and his scholars at the Hall of Worthies created the writing system to help commoners overcome their reliance on classical Chinese, which only the educated elite could master. The preface of the original text, known as the "Hunminjeongeum," explains that the letters were designed so the people could learn and use them easily in their daily lives. The simple and scientific structure of Hangul laid the foundation for South Korea's high literacy rate and strong intellectual tradition today. An official ceremony to mark the 579th Hangul Day was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul. About 1,200 people attended, including government officials, politicians, diplomats, and members of Hangul-related organizations. The event opened with media art and a ballet performance, followed by a reading of the original Hunminjeongeum text by Korean Language Society president Kim Ju-won and an interpretation by contemporary artist Lee Dae-in. Awards were presented to eight individuals and institutions for their contribution to promoting Hangul, including American scholar Mark Allen Peterson and the Korean School of Montreal. Prime Minister Kim Min Seok said during his speech that "the Korean language and Hangul are at the heart of K-culture." He noted that the world connects through K-pop lyrics and feels emotion through Korean dramas and films because of the language's precision and depth of expression. "Hangul is no longer a script used only by us," he said, adding that young people around the world are learning Korean to understand its music, stories, and humor. Demand for learning Hangul has surged along with the global popularity of South Korean pop culture. Kim Ju-won, president of the Korean Language Society and professor emeritus at Seoul National University, said in an interview with AJP, "Now is the best time to promote Hangul, which is gaining traction worldwide, largely thanks to the resurgence of the Korean Wave." He said many foreign fans want to understand the lyrics of BTS songs and watch Korean dramas like Netflix’s "Squid Game" without subtitles. According to data from language app Duolingo, 17 million users were learning Korean as of June 2024, a 95 percent increase over two years earlier. The King Sejong Institute reported that its number of students jumped from 740 in 2007 to more than 216,000 in 2023. The number of people taking the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) rose from 149,000 in 2010 to 275,000 in 2023. Kim emphasized that Hangul's scientific design makes it accessible to learners around the world. "Unlike the Roman alphabet, where a single letter can have multiple pronunciations, each letter in Hangeul corresponds to a specific sound," he said. "That makes it easier for learners to spell and pronounce words accurately." He also mentioned the case of the Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia, which adopted Hangul as its official writing system in 2008 for its previously unwritten native language. Kim said he hopes to extend Hangul's use to other minority groups with unwritten languages. His team at Seoul National University is analyzing more than 30 languages, including Yoruba from Nigeria and Aymaran from South America, to explore how Hangul could be adapted for their use. 2025-10-09 12:47:30

Seoul making "upmost" diplomatic efforts for release of a Korean from Israeli detention SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the utmost diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe release and return of a South Korean national aboard a Gaza-bound aid vessel detained by Israeli forces, the presidential office said Thursday. The president directed the government to carry out all possible diplomatic endeavors for the swift and safe return of the Korean citizen, identified as Kim Ah-hyun, after being briefed on the matter, according to a written statement from presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Kim was aboard one of 11 humanitarian ships bound for Gaza that were intercepted by Israeli forces on Wednesday. Israel’s foreign ministry said in a post on X that all passengers were in “good health,” had been safely transferred to an Israeli port, and were expected to be deported “promptly.” The latest flotilla, carrying food and medical supplies to the war-torn Gaza Strip, reportedly included hundreds of passengers from various countries. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), backed by the United Nations, recently confirmed that famine conditions have been observed in Gaza City — the main target of Israel’s military campaign — as a result of prolonged malnutrition during the two-year Hamas-Israeli conflict. The Korean foreign ministry said it is working closely with the Korean Embassy in Israel to ensure the “safe and fair” return of its citizen. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-09 12:02:22

Korean ramyun craze goes global as instant noodle sales hit record high SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea has been named the world's No. 2 instant noodle-consuming country, trailing only Vietnam, as global demand for the quick and spicy comfort food continues to surge and bring travelers to its shores. Once an affordable meal for busy workers, Korean ramyun has grown into a cultural export that attracts noodle lovers who are eager to experience the food they’ve seen in K-dramas and online challenges. According to the World Instant Noodles Association, the global consumption of instant noodles reached a record 123.1 billion servings in 2024, up 2.4 percent from a year earlier. Koreans ate an average of 79 servings each, totaling 4.1 billion nationwide. That puts the country eighth in total volume but second per capita, underscoring how deeply ramyun is tied to everyday life. Vietnam topped the list with 81 servings per person, followed by Thailand, Nepal, Indonesia, and Japan. The world's largest market remains China, including Hong Kong, which consumed 43.8 billion servings, or nearly 10.7 times Korea's total. Indonesia ranked second with 14.4 billion servings, followed by India, Vietnam, Japan, and the United States. Korean brands are driving much of the global boom. Samyang Foods' fiery "Buldak Ramen," also just known as "Buldak," triggered the viral "Fire Noodle Challenge," turning its spice into a global phenomenon. The company estimates that more than five billion packs have been sold worldwide and now earns about 80 percent of its revenue overseas. Nongshim, maker of Shin Ramyun, and Ottogi, known for Jin Ramyun, are expanding their reach with new production lines in Busan and the United States, and by entering more than 70 countries. According to the Korea International Trade Association, Korea's instant noodle exports reached 1.11 billion dollars (about 1.6 trillion won) between January and September this year, a 24.7 percent increase from the previous year. Annual exports are expected to exceed 1.3 billion dollars for the first time. The growing appetite for K-ramyun is now shaping travel trends. A survey by the Seoul Tourism Organization found that foreign visitors ranked Korean food as the main reason for revisiting the capital, ahead of shopping and the country’s distinct seasons. Among 500 travelers surveyed, "K-food" scored 79.5 out of 100, followed by "shopping" (73.2) and "weather and seasons" (72.9). Convenience store chains have been quick to respond. In Seoul's Hongdae area, CU's "Ramyun Library" has become a must-stop attraction, offering more than 100 types of instant noodles from Korea and abroad. Visitors can cook and eat on-site while listening to K-pop hits. Since opening in December 2024, it has sold over 150,000 packs and attracts tourists from China and Japan who often arrive by tour bus. In the busy Myeong-dong district, Nongshim's pop-up "Neoguri" shop served 400 to 500 customers a day in February this year, many stopping to take photos with the brand’s raccoon mascot outside. Similar themed stores have started appearing across Seoul’s tourist hubs, turning simple bowls of noodles into one of the country’s most recognizable cultural experiences. 2025-10-09 10:46:34

K-pop Demon Hunters take down U.S. Billboard charts and TV shows SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - The fictional K-pop idol group remains unstoppable in its reign over global music charts as Netflix’s animated sensation K-pop Demon Hunters extends its historic run on the U.S. Billboard rankings — now bolstered by viral television performances. According to Billboard on Monday (local time), the film’s original soundtrack (OST) reclaimed the top spot on both the Hot 100 singles chart and the Billboard 200 albums chart, marking its second double-crown achievement within a month. Eight tracks from the album simultaneously appeared on this week’s Hot 100. The lead single “Golden” by the virtual girl group HUNTR/X held No. 1 for the seventh consecutive week, and eighth overall, on the Hot 100. Their onscreen rivals Saja Boys also landed in the Top 10 with “Your Idol” at No. 7 and “Soda Pop” at No. 10. Other standout tracks — “How It’s Done” (No. 17), “Takedown” (No. 30), and “Free” (No. 31) — continued to dominate streaming charts. The K-pop Demon Hunters soundtrack has now stayed within the Billboard 200’s Top 10 for 15 straight weeks since debuting at No. 8. Billboard said the ranking reflects a mix of traditional album sales, streaming-equivalent albums (SEA), and track-equivalent albums (TEA). Adding to its cultural momentum, the trio of real-life artists behind HUNTR/X — EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — made their television debut on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last week, performing “Golden” in a dazzling blend of animated visuals and live choreography. The performance went viral within hours, topping YouTube’s trending music chart. Earlier this month, Saturday Night Live also featured a comedy sketch inspired by the film, in which segments of “Golden” and “Takedown” were performed live — signaling the franchise’s crossover from animation into real-world pop culture. Released earlier this year, K-pop Demon Hunters follows a K-pop girl group that battles evil spirits through music. With high-energy choreography, cinematic visuals, and distinctly Korean motifs — including a tiger mascot named Duffy and a gat-wearing magpie — the film became Netflix’s most-watched original animation, surpassing 300 million views worldwide. Cited as the most successful K-pop–inspired project to date, critics say the phenomenon redefines the boundaries between pop fandom, digital storytelling, and global music marketing — proving the enduring, universal appeal of Korea’s creative ecosystem. 2025-10-09 10:00:47

Crimes by South Koreans abroad rise 45 percent in four years: data SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Crimes committed by South Korean nationals overseas have risen sharply in recent years, climbing by about 45 percent between 2020 and 2024, according to government data. The figures are prompting renewed criticism that the Foreign Ministry has failed to respond to growing risks faced by citizens abroad. Data submitted by lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party showed that the number of South Korean nationals reported as criminal offenders to overseas South Korean embassies and consulates increased from 2,297 in 2020 to 3,321 in 2024. In the first half of this year alone, 1,876 offenders were reported, suggesting that the total for 2025 could exceed previous years. Immigration-related violations, including illegal entry, overstaying, and visa abuse, accounted for the largest share. In the first six months of this year, 796 people were charged with such offenses, representing 42.4 percent of all cases. Violent crimes also showed a steady rise. The number of South Koreans abroad accused of rape or sexual assault grew from 31 in 2020 to 74 in 2024, while murder cases more than doubled from 13 to 27 over the same period. Between 2020 and mid-2025, the highest number of offenders was recorded in China with 3,389 cases, followed by Japan with 1,743, the Philippines with 1,351, and the United States with 1,180. Nearly half of the cases in the U.S. (49 percent) involved immigration violations. The scale of the problem becomes clearer when measured against the total number of South Koreans living overseas. As of the most recent data available from the Foreign Ministry and the Overseas Koreans Agency, about 2.47 million South Korean nationals resided abroad at the end of 2022, within an estimated overseas Korean population of 7.08 million. This means around 4.8 percent of South Korea's total population of 51.75 million lives outside the country. Based on those figures, roughly 0.13 percent of South Koreans living abroad were implicated in crimes handled by diplomatic missions in 2024, up from around 0.09 percent in 2020. Although the rate may appear small, the consistent increase suggests that the rise is not due to population growth but rather to systemic issues in oversight and support for citizens overseas. Kim Gi-hyeon criticized the Foreign Ministry for what he described as an irresponsible stance, saying the ministry continues to argue that the matter is "outside its jurisdiction." He also said the government has not provided accurate data on the number of South Koreans currently residing in the United States or their visa status. Kim added that with trade and tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington still unresolved, the government should take more practical and comprehensive steps to protect South Koreans abroad. 2025-10-08 15:08:55

South Korea scrambles over EU's new steel trade curbs SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) -South Korea’s government and steelmakers are rushing to respond to the European Union’s latest protectionist move on steel imports, which adds to the heavy tariffs already imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum. The EU has issued a new set of barriers that halve import quotas and double tariffs beyond those limits, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday. Under the European Commission’s proposed tariff-rate quota (TRQ) scheme, which would replace the current safeguard mechanism, the global duty-free quota for imported steel will be cut from 30.53 million tons to 18.3 million tons, a 47 percent reduction. Imports exceeding the quota will face tariffs raised from 25 percent to 50 percent. The EU will also introduce a “melt-and-pour” standard requiring proof of the origin of steel production, aimed at blocking indirect exports through third countries. Pending legislative approval, the new TRQ system will take effect at the end of 2026 at the latest, when the current safeguards expire. Individual country quotas will be negotiated separately, affecting non-EU exporters such as South Korea, which shipped about 3.8 million tons of steel to the EU last year, 2.63 million tons under the quota and the rest via the global quota. The measure poses a double blow to Korean steel, aluminum, and downstream exporters already facing 50 percent tariffs in the U.S. market. Korea’s steel exports to the EU totaled $4.48 billion last year, nearly matching the $4.35 billion shipped to the United States, according to the Korea International Trade Association. Korean steel exports have been sliding since a 12.4 percent year-on-year drop in May, with a cumulative decline of 15.4 percent by August. The EU has pledged possible relief for countries with free trade agreements, and the Korean government plans to leverage its FTA to secure the largest possible quota share. “The EU has indicated it will consider free-trade relationships when allocating quotas,” the ministry said. Trade Minister Yeon Han-koo is expected to meet Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s executive vice president for trade, to argue Korea’s case after consultations with domestic steelmakers. The government, major producers such as POSCO and Hyundai Steel, and industry associations will convene Friday to discuss coordinated countermeasures. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-08 14:40:37

Prices of daily necessities rise faster than wages over past five years SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Data shows that the cost of living in South Korea has climbed sharply over the past five years, with food and basic consumer goods becoming noticeably more expensive while wage growth lags behind. Data released by the National Data Office on Wednesday showed that the price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages in September THIS YEAR rose 22.9 percent compared with five years earlier. The increase far exceeds the overall consumer price rise of about 14 percent during the same period. Essential items have become especially costly. Fruit prices jumped 35.2 percent, while milk, cheese, and eggs rose 30.7 percent. Bread climbed 38.5 percent, cakes 31.7 percent, and instant noodles 25.3 percent. Confectionery and sweet products also rose 27.8 percent, and coffee, tea, and cocoa were up 38.2 percent. Dining out has not been spared. The cost of restaurant meals rose 25.1 percent, pushing the broader "food and lodging" category up 24.8 percent. Analysts said rising ingredient costs and higher operating expenses have been passed directly to consumers. Other everyday expenses followed the same pattern. The category including soap, shampoo, and personal care items rose 24.1 percent, while household goods and cleaning services climbed 19.4 percent. Housing-related costs, including rent and utilities, rose 16.7 percent, and clothing and footwear increased 16.2 percent. Transportation costs, including fuel and public transit, went up 15.9 percent, while healthcare and education costs rose by smaller margins. In contrast, wages have not kept pace. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, South Korea's minimum wage has risen at an average annual rate of just over 5 percent from 2021 to 2025. The rate was 1.5 percent in 2021, 5.1 percent in 2022, 5 percent in 2023, 2.5 percent in 2024, and only 1.7 percent this year. The widening gap between rising consumer prices and slower wage growth underscores the strain on lower- and middle-income households. For many, everyday purchases such as bread, fruit, and coffee have become noticeably more expensive, leaving less room for savings or discretionary spending. 2025-10-08 14:03:18

Korean treasuries set for WGBI entry in April 2026 as planned: FTSE Russell SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - South Korean government bonds will join the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in April 2026 as scheduled, global index provider FTSE Russell confirmed Tuesday. The timeline, originally announced last year, had been revised from November 2025 to April 2026, triggering investor jitters over possible second thoughts about Korea’s sovereign credibility. The adjustment came just days after the Constitutional Court removed former President Yoon Suk Yeol from office for his brief imposition of martial law. The WGBI, which includes 25 major government bond markets, is the world’s largest bond index, tracking about $3 trillion in assets. Korea’s entry is expected to attract at least $56 billion in inflows, according to estimates by the National Pension Service, the country’s leading institutional investor. Korean bonds will be phased into the index over eight months from April to November next year, with “equal weighting” each month, FTSE Russell said. “We will work closely with the South Korean government, investors, and market infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition,” the index provider added. As of October 2025, Korean treasuries are projected to account for about 2.08 percent of the index, ranking ninth among sovereigns. The United States leads with 40.9 percent, followed by China with 10.1 percent and Japan with 9.2 percent. “This marks the final official review before Korea’s inclusion in April 2026,” the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement. “The confirmation enhances market predictability and reaffirms confidence in Korea’s fiscal and financial soundness.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-08 11:01:57

K-pop girl bands Hearts2Hearts and Babymonster to make October comebacks SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Two of South Korea's most talked-about girl groups are returning with new albums this month. Super rookie band Hearts2Hearts from SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment's Babymonster are both preparing October comebacks, drawing attention from K-pop fans worldwide. Hearts2Hearts (H2H), which debuted in February this year with the single album "The Chase," will release its first mini-album "FOCUS" on October 20. The six-track album includes the title song of the same name and the eight-member group's June single "STYLE." Ahead of the release, H2H has been promoting "Pretty Please," a collaboration with Japan's Pokémon franchise. SM Entertainment said the album will capture the group's expanding range of stage performances. "As Hearts2Hearts' first mini-album, 'FOCUS' reflects their expanding sound and confident identity," the agency said. "Fans can also expect to see their new performances, following their rising popularity at international events and South Korean university festivals." The five-member group has gained notice for their choreography, youthful energy, and strong vocals. As SM's newest girl group, they are viewed as continuing the label’s pop-centered production style seen in acts like Red Velvet and Aespa. Ten days before H2H's comeback, YG Entertainment’s Babymonster will release its second mini-album "WE GO UP" on October 10. The album includes four tracks, led by the title song "We Go Up," a hip-hop-based track with strong rhythm, and "Psycho," known for its catchy melody. According to YG Entertainment, Babymonster's new album marks their first project since completing a 20-city world tour. "After their tour, Babymonster are returning with stronger stage experience and a more mature sound," the agency said. Babymonster, which officially debuted on April 1, 2024, with the EP "Babymons7er" and lead single "Sheesh," is YG’s first girl group since BLACKPINK. The six-member band gained early global attention through their YouTube pre-debut series and topped iTunes charts in several countries following their debut. 2025-10-08 10:57:26

Discount stores crowd Korea's $5 billion health supplement market SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - The race for South Korea’s fast-growing health and dietary supplement market is intensifying as bargain retailers and convenience stores challenge traditional drugstores for a share of a wellness-driven, aging society where eight out of 10 households regularly take preventive supplements. According to Expert Market Research, Korea’s health supplement market was valued at $5.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent, reaching $9 billion by 2034. A separate survey by the Korea Health Supplements Association found 81.2 percent of Korean households purchased health supplements in 2023. The surge in both online and offline distribution channels to meet this demand is reshaping the market structure. Daiso and convenience store chains are entering the space with low-cost, easy-access options, while the Korean Pharmaceutical Association is partnering with major drugmakers to develop pharmacy-exclusive products. ] Daiso, a popular budget franchise, has teamed up with domestic drugmakers such as Daewoong Pharmaceutical, which released 26 products priced between 3,000 and 5,000 won ($3.5) for a month’s supply. Jongkundang Health also introduced its competitively priced probiotics “Lactofit Gold” line. “We offer a variety of products like vitamins and probiotics, mostly priced at 3,000 or 5,000 won,” a Daiso official said. Convenience stores are likewise expanding their shelves. Dong-A Pharmaceutical launched its “Cellparex Baro” line exclusively through CU stores, targeting single-person households with five- to ten-day packs. “We aim to provide products that address modern health concerns with immediacy and convenience,” a Dong-A representative said. The industry is closely watching how the market evolves in the latter half of the year as low-price, convenience-driven products go head-to-head with pharmacy-exclusive, trust-based brands. In response to Daiso’s push, the Korean Pharmaceutical Association signed MOUs with Yuhan Corporation and Dong-A Pharmaceutical to co-develop affordable supplements sold exclusively through pharmacies. Eight new Yuhan-made products are due by year-end, and Dong-A’s lineup will debut in October. With online availability expanding rapidly, experts are also warning of potential misuse. “With increased accessibility, improper guidance could lead to overuse or misuse,” an industry insider said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-08 09:12:57