Hotels in flurry of preparations ahead of APEC summit in Gyeongju SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea comes just around the corner, accommodation arrangements for leaders and heads of state have become a point of contention. With both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend, the historic city of Gyeongju is drawing attention as it prepares to host the multilateral gathering from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Recently, Hotel Shilla asked customers to cancel reservations during the period around the summit, suggesting that Xi might stay there during his visit to Seoul and possibly meet with Trump. In mid-September, China reportedly inquired with the hotel about making a booking. Initially it was expected that the two leaders would stay at separate hotels during the summit, with Trump at Grand Hyatt in Seoul and Hilton in Gyeongju, and Xi considering Hotel Shilla in Seoul and Kolon Hotel in Gyeongju. But Hotel Shilla later resumed bookings during the period, suggesting possible disagreement in arranging talks between Trump and Xi. There have been talks of a possible trilateral meeting between the leaders of South Korea, China and the U.S. in Seoul on the sidelines of the APEC summit, but it now remains uncertain as Xi is likely to stay only in Gyeongju. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Details about Xi's itinerary here are not finalized," and merely said it supports diplomatic exchanges among APEC members. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-01 17:02:48

Samsung Elec's watershed tri-fold display to share APEC spotlight SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics will seize the global stage of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea to unveil the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Tentatively named the Galaxy G Fold, the device features a 9.96-inch infolding display, up to 16 gigabytes of RAM, and as much as 1 terabyte of storage, according to market sources. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and comes with a 200-megapixel main camera, alongside telephoto and ultrawide lenses. The battery capacity is estimated at under 5,000 milliamp-hours—smaller than Huawei’s Mate XT launched in September with a 5,600 milliamp-hour cell—as Samsung opted for thinness over size. The phone supports “Split Trio” multitasking, enabling three apps to run simultaneously, and introduces a revamped cover screen mirroring function. Initial shipment is expected at about 50,000 units, with a limited rollout in South Korea and China later this year. Pricing is likely to hover near $3,000, well above current foldables, though Samsung has yet to confirm final details. The debut comes as Samsung’s chip and smartphone leadership faces mounting competition at home and abroad. By aligning its showcase with APEC—where U.S. and Chinese leaders will gather alongside tech executives from Nvidia and OpenAI—Samsung is blending its traditional Galaxy Unpacked strategy with high-level diplomacy. Rivals are also stepping up in the foldables race. Huawei unveiled its second-generation Mate XT last month, while Motorola and Oppo have launched new models this year. Xiaomi is preparing another flip design for release later in 2025. Market reaction so far has been mixed. Enthusiasts on Reddit praised multitasking upgrades but voiced concerns over battery life and the hefty price tag, noting foldables remain a niche compared with mainstream smartphones. 2025-10-01 16:57:36

From BTS to global idol incubator: HYBE's next chapter Editor's Note: This article is the 38th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - HYBE, the Korean entertainment powerhouse behind BTS, has become a defining force in the global music industry. What began as Big Hit Music under founder Bang Si-hyuk has grown into a multi-label empire that not only produces K-pop superstars but also manages an expanding portfolio of international talent. HYBE's story begins with Bang, a former JYP Entertainment producer nicknamed "Hitman" Bang for his hit-making record. In 2005, he launched Big Hit Music with the vision of nurturing artists who could tell authentic stories through music. That philosophy culminated in the debut of BTS in 2013, a group that distinguished itself by addressing social issues and the struggles of youth in its lyrics while showcasing the polished performances of Korea's idol system. Though BTS did not achieve instant stardom, their 2015 release "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1" propelled them to prominence and transformed Big Hit Music from a little-known agency into a rising K-pop force. A global empire under HYBE In 2021, Bang rebranded the company as HYBE under the mission "We believe in music." Big Hit Music remains a core label, now joined by Pledis Entertainment (Seventeen), Source Music (LE SSERAFIM), and ADOR (NewJeans), among others. With BTS on a two-year hiatus for mandatory military service, HYBE has used the time to broaden its global reach, exporting its distinctive idol training and fan engagement model. "HYBE will lead the paradigm of the global music industry, continuing to create innovations that connect artists and fans," said CEO Lee Jae-sang. "We will optimize our artist portfolio both in Korea and abroad, strengthen our presence in the global music market, and pursue sustainable long-term growth." In Japan, HYBE launched &TEAM through the "&Audition" project. In the U.S., it debuted KATSEYE, a girl group formed through a global audition program that has already posted strong streaming numbers and is preparing for its first world tour. Similar ventures are underway in Latin America and China, while a new Indian headquarters plans nationwide auditions to tap into the country's 1.46 billion population. This "glocalization" strategy aims to blend HYBE's proven K-pop system with local cultural identities. Financial strain without BTS Still, the absence of BTS has weighed on HYBE's bottom line. In the second quarter of 2025, the company reported record revenue of 705.6 billion won ($520 million), up 10.2 percent year-on-year, with operating profit rising 29.4 percent to 65.9 billion won. Yet in 2024, despite posting its highest-ever annual revenue of 2.2 trillion won ($1.6 billion), operating profit tumbled 38 percent to 184.8 billion won, squeezed by BTS's hiatus and heavy investments in KATSEYE and HYBE Latin America. Comeback hopes fuel investor confidence The anticipated return of BTS is already lifting investor sentiment. HYBE shares closed at 268,000 won on Wednesday, up nearly 58 percent from 170,100 won a year earlier, and 14 percent higher than six months ago. Analysts attribute the rally to both the group's looming comeback and early signs of success from HYBE's localized groups. Industry watchers expect the return of BTS to spark record-breaking tours and album sales, potentially surpassing even the group's past milestones. The comeback is widely seen as a watershed moment for both HYBE and the global K-pop industry. "I remain optimistic about HYBE's stock outlook for next year," said Kim Min-young, media analyst at Meritz Securities. "Next year will be when results start to show in the numbers." 2025-10-01 16:57:23

PHOTOS: October brings burst of color to Korea's landscapes SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The Korean Peninsula is undergoing a dramatic seasonal transition, as October ushers in the full splendor of autumn. Across South Korea, the landscapes are beginning to transform, with mountains and fields now donning the brilliant, kaleidoscopic hues of fall foliage and late-season flowers. This annual display of natural beauty coincides with a palpable sense of anticipation among the public. Excitement is building nationwide as people prepare for the long Chuseok holiday. For many Koreans, the vibrant shift in the scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for the approaching festive break, marking a time for reflection, travel, and traditional gatherings. 2025-10-01 16:48:52

Korean shipbuilders out to defend LNG dominance as orders revive SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Korean shipbuilders have dominated the global orderbook for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers this year, securing 14 out of 16 new orders and leaving none for Chinese rivals despite an overall market slowdown. The global LNG market has long been split between Korea and China, with Korea’s lead appearing at risk until last year. But Korean yards have pulled ahead again in 2025, buoyed by shifts in demand and trade policies. China’s slowdown is partly explained by new U.S. protectionist fees and weaker orders from Qatar, a major client for Chinese builders. Beginning October 14, the U.S. Trade Representative will impose a $50-per-net-tonnage fee on Chinese-built, -operated, or -flagged vessels docking in U.S. ports. Safety concerns have also weighed on Chinese yards. In 2023, the CESI Qingdao, an LNG carrier built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, suffered a generator failure at an Australian terminal, disrupting operations. The broader shipbuilding market contracted in the first half, with global order volume falling 55 percent year-on-year. Orders for LNG carriers plunged 83 percent to 1.05 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT). But momentum has shifted in the second half, with major energy companies preparing fresh investments. Australian producer Woodside Energy is in talks with shipyards on 16 to 20 LNG carriers, while U.S. firm Sempra has approved a $14 billion LNG project that could generate up to 20 carrier orders. Korean shipbuilders are already seeing results. Hanwha Ocean announced a $251 million order from a North American shipowner this week and forecast stronger earnings for the rest of the year. “Hanwha Ocean is positioned to substantially build up its capacity to construct LNG carriers in the United States by securing unparalleled technology and supply dominance,” said Oh Jun-ho, an analyst at Stunning Value Research, predicting the company could achieve 1 trillion won ($710 million) in operating profit this year. Samsung Heavy Industries also struck an optimistic tone, noting that “LNG carrier orders will remain robust as the Trump administration resumes export approvals for non-FTA countries and new final investment decisions accelerate.” 2025-10-01 16:21:56

Trump open to Kim talks "without preconditions" as North Korea intensifies outreach SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The White House said on September 30 that U.S. President Donald Trump remains open to talking with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "without any preconditions," a move that has fueled speculation about renewed summitry when Trump travels to South Korea later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Responding to a question about whether Trump might seek a meeting with Kim during his visit to the southeastern city of Gyeongju on October 31~November 1, a White House official said: "President Trump remains open to talking with Kim Jong-un without any preconditions. U.S. policy on North Korea has not changed." The official also highlighted that Trump’s earlier meetings with Kim "stabilized the Korean Peninsula." It is the first time in Trump's second term that Washington has publicly stated it does not require conditions for renewed dialogue. The announcement comes as Pyongyang has taken a noticeably warmer line toward Washington. On September 21, Kim told the Supreme People's Assembly that he saw no future for unification with South Korea, calling it a "U.S.-dependent colony," but added he was open to talks with the United States if Washington set aside its denuclearization demand. His remarks underscored a clear split in Pyongyang’s approach: shutting the door on inter-Korean dialogue while signaling potential space for engagement with Washington. That message was reinforced days later when Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking North Korea's first speech at the annual forum in seven years. He declared that Pyongyang would "never give up nuclear weapons under any circumstances" but said it was ready to cooperate with countries that treated it "in a friendly way." Alongside these statements, Pyongyang has accelerated its diplomacy with Beijing and Moscow. Earlier in September, Kim traveled to Beijing for China’s 80th Victory Day parade, where he appeared on Tiananmen Square with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He then held his first one-on-one summit with Xi in nearly seven years, with both sides declaring their ties "unshakable." North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui stayed behind in China afterward for additional talks. Trump, meanwhile, has not hidden his interest in returning to personal diplomacy with Kim. During his first term, the two leaders met three times — in Singapore in June 2018, in Hanoi in February 2019, and at Panmunjom in June 2019. Trump has repeatedly expressed that he remembers those encounters positively, and Kim himself recently said he had a "good" memory of Trump. 2025-10-01 16:16:39

INTERVIEW: Global Cybersecurity Forum speakers warn of Korea's vulnerability to cyberattacks and crimes SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - South Korea’s position as one of the world’s most digitalized societies also makes it highly vulnerable to cyberattacks and crimes, warned guest speakers at the Global Cybersecurity Forum. "Traditional defenses like fences and soldiers are no longer sufficient. Cyber resilience must be treated as a core part of national security, not an afterthought," said Heidi Crebo-Rediker, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, in an interview with AJP via Zoom. Mary Aiken, the world’s first cyberpsychologist who joined separately to discuss cyber themes, expressed concern about the surge in AI-assisted frauds and victim shaming in Korea. "When AI is used to make deepfakes and emails that are practically indistinguishable from legitimate ones, even highly vigilant individuals can be deceived," Aiken said. The two have been invited to the Global Cybersecurity Forum, hosted by Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority, which begins Wednesday for a two-day run. Launched in 2020 during the kingdom’s G20 presidency, the annual forum has become a key platform for international cooperation and knowledge-sharing on global cyber challenges. "Governments have a big role to play in ensuring that technology — one of Korea’s national jewels — is protected," she said, pointing out that innovators tend to focus on developing cutting-edge technologies while neglecting vulnerabilities such as intellectual property protection. Crebo-Rediker, who served as the first chief economist at the U.S. State Department under President Barack Obama, underscored the importance of treating cybersecurity as a competitiveness and security agenda. Korea’s pride as a digital powerhouse was bruised by a string of major hacking and data breach incidents involving top wireless carriers and credit-card issuer Lotte Card. Most recently, hundreds of public electronic services were disrupted after a fire broke out at a government data center. "You are not alone — the U.S. has also faced many cyberattacks on financial institutions, telecoms, and critical infrastructure, mainly from China and North Korea," she added, noting that "Korea should coordinate with the U.S., Japan, and European countries to share intelligence." Stressing the need for inter-government cooperation, she suggested joint R&D investment between Korea and the U.S., creation of early warning systems, and development of resilient supply chains. "Cybersecurity cannot be contained within one country. It requires global collaboration," she said. Mary Aiken, an Irish pioneer in the field of cyberpsychology who advised the FBI, Interpol, and the White House, emphasized the demoralizing impact of cyber abuses on the human mind. "Cyber fraud schemes exploit human characteristics around judgment, decision-making, biases, and trust in authority cues. For example, an email may look like it’s from your bank manager or boss, creating urgency to act immediately." She cautioned that victim shaming only worsens the impact. "It intensifies trauma, discourages reporting, and reinforces the false belief that cyber fraud results from individual weakness rather than systemic vulnerabilities," she said. "From a cyber behavioral science perspective, this creates a dangerous cycle." Protecting victims, she added, is not just about "compassion" but is essential to strengthening "national cyber resilience." She too called for government intervention and actions to protect young people from online dangers, recommending early school digital literacy and empathy training, targeted cyberpsychological interventions for at-risk youth and counseling, and stronger family and community-level support systems. 2025-10-01 16:16:22

Ex-foreign minister to assume role as South Korea's new envoy to US this weekend SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - Former Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is set to assume her post as South Korea's ambassador to the U.S. later this week, becoming the country's first female envoy to Washington. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said that Kang, who served as foreign minister under former President Moon Jae-in, will take on the ambassadorial role on Oct. 4. Kang previously led New York-based think tank Asia Society, which fosters relations between the U.S. and Asian countries. Appointed as South Korea's first female foreign minister in 2017, she served until February 2021, playing a role in the North Korea–U.S. dialogue between 2018 and 2019. Her appointment as South Korea's envoy to Washington comes as talks between the U.S. and North Korea are anticipated to resume amid U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed rapprochement with Pyongyang. A graduate of Yonsei University who later earned a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Massachusetts, Kang began her career as an English presenter at terrestrial broadcaster KBS and also served as an interpreter for late former President Kim Dae-jung. Kang's extensive experience also includes several roles at the United Nations, establishing her as an expert in multilateral diplomacy. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-01 16:15:18

Entropy plays to the Korean beat in Seongsu's hip mecca SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Seongsu-dong, the capital of trendiness in Seoul brimming with warehouse galleries, hep cafes, and fashion-forward crowd, has been drawing international brands to pilot their newest products on Korea’s style-savvy consumers. Entropy Makeup was the latest to join the wave, opening its first standalone pop-up store at LECT in Seongsu last weekend. The two-week event spotlights the brand's new Slide Up Dough Cheek blush, a retro slide-phone–inspired design co-developed with creator Kim Sumi, also known as the spouse of Dynamic Duo rapper Gaeko. The launch drew influencers, models, and hip-hop fans alike. “The space is well-decorated, and seeing the products displayed at the event felt different from just looking at package designs,” said Eva, a beauty YouTuber with 740,000 subscribers. “Entropy's charm is very trendy and distinctive. The brand's unique concept stands out.” “We are strongly pushing our global strategy, which is designed for those who have already experienced our brand. As we mark four years since our first pop-up, we wanted to give something back to the customers who have supported us," said Sohee Park, CEO of Entropy. "We will pursue the same path globally. Many overseas buyers have discovered Entropy on their own, and we plan to hold events worldwide for them,” Park added. When asked if consumers should expect more global moves, Baek replied confidently: “Of course.” Agency model Kim Gyu-han, in his twenties, agreed the format elevated the experience. “I’m often invited to these types of events, but today’s performance element made it much more interesting,” he said. True to Seongsu’s hip-hop credentials, rapper Locco also made an appearance, to the delight of fans. “I couldn’t help but scream,” said Rosina K, 21, from Ukraine. “I’ve never seen this kind of concert happen inside a beauty store—it was refreshing.” The event even drew passersby. Karina, 22, from Singapore, and Shin Yi, 24, from Malaysia, said they noticed the store while shopping. “I’ve seen TikToks of their swatches, so it was fun to see them up close,” Karina said. Marking Entropy’s fourth anniversary, the pop-up runs through Oct. 14. ALX Design, an interior arm of Leferi, led the design, construction, and on-site operations, styling the venue around a “DIY beauty mood” concept with hands-on programs for visitors. 2025-10-01 16:15:17

GM brings Super Cruise hands-free driving system to South Korea SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - General Motors on Wednesday introduced its hands-free driver assistance system, Super Cruise, to South Korea, expanding the technology beyond North America and China. The system, which allows hands-free driving under certain conditions, features automatic lane changes and driver monitoring to ensure motorists keep their eyes on the road. In South Korea, it will be available on more than 23,000 kilometers of highways and major roads. To adapt the technology to local conditions, GM created high-definition digital maps of South Korean roads, using LiDAR-based lane mapping to account for sharp curves, bus lanes and construction zones. The system will first be offered in Cadillac models released this year. Super Cruise has logged about 877 million kilometers of driving in North America, where it operates on more than 970,000 kilometers of roads. GM touts the mileage as evidence of the system’s safety record and reliability. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-01 15:41:23