Samsung C&T secures key US certification in nuclear reactor design SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Samsung C&T said Tuesday its construction division had obtained a coveted nuclear design certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a step that could strengthen the South Korean company’s hand in the fast-growing market for small modular reactors. The certification, known as ASME-N, covers nuclear piping system design and is widely regarded as a benchmark for safety and quality in the nuclear industry. It verifies a company’s ability to design, manufacture and install nuclear equipment, and is required for entry into some markets, including the United States. Samsung C&T already holds two related accreditations — ASME-NA, for nuclear equipment installation, and ASME-NPT, for component manufacturing. Together with the newly awarded ASME-N, the company says it has rounded out its credentials in the nuclear engineering, procurement and construction sector. “The ASME-N certification will enhance our position in the SMR market,” said Koo Won-seok, head of the company’s nuclear business division. “We aim to increase technical reliability and competitiveness in the rapidly growing SMR field.” Samsung C&T has been involved in nuclear projects at home and abroad, including the Uljin and Shin-Wolsong reactors in South Korea and the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. More recently, it has partnered with global engineering firms such as NuScale, Fluor and Sargent & Lundy on Romania’s small modular reactor project. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 14:35:33

Incheon Airport expects record number of travelers during long Chuseok holiday SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Some 2.45 million travelers are expected to depart from or arrive in South Korea during the upcoming Chuseok holiday which begins later this week, the Incheon International Airport Corporation said on Tuesday. The airport's busiest day is anticipated to be Wednesday, the first day of the weeklong holiday, with around 239,000 travelers, probably surpassing the previous record of 234,171 set on Aug. 4, 2019, as the total number of inbound and outbound travelers is projected to rise 11.5 percent from last year. Departures are expected to peak on the same day, with 129,000 passengers, while arrivals are forecast to be highest on Oct. 12 with 124,000. To ease congestion during the holiday period, the airport plans several measures including extra X-ray scanners, additional check-in counters, and more security staff and information personnel. Lee Hak-jae, the airport's president, said, "With the highest number of travelers expected this Chuseok, we will work closely with relevant agencies and airlines to provide safe and convenient services." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 14:15:26

ADB holds South Korea's 2025 growth outlook at 0.8 percent SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s economy is expected to grow 0.8 percent this year, the Asian Development Bank said Tuesday, leaving its July projection unchanged as government stimulus measures help counter sluggish exports and a cooling property market. In its September Asian Development Outlook, the bank reiterated that fiscal and monetary easing should support a modest recovery in the second half of 2025. The bank had cut its April forecast of 1.5 percent growth for South Korea to 0.8 percent in July, citing weaker construction activity and falling overseas demand. The ADP said South Korea's economic growth in 2026 is projected at 1.6 percent, with inflation holding steady at 1.9 percent this year and next. Across the Asia-Pacific region, the bank nudged its 2025 forecast upward to 4.8 percent, 0.1 percentage point higher than in July, as stimulus policies are expected to blunt the impact of U.S. tariff increases and other trade frictions. Still, the ADB warned that exports would likely contract in 2026, trimming its regional growth projection to 4.5 percent. The region’s inflation outlook softened for this year, to 1.7 percent from 2 percent, as oil and food prices decline. Consumer prices are expected to rise by 2.1 percent in 2026, the bank said, unchanged from its earlier forecast. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 14:04:15

KAIST robots move from labs to shipyards and city streets SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - On September 30, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced that two robotics startups spun out of its labs are taking their machines into the real world, from climbing the steel walls of shipyards to walking among crowds in Seoul's Gangnam district. One of the startups, DIDEN Robotics, was founded in March 2024 by four researchers trained in KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering. The company's main product is a four-legged robot called "DIDEN 30." With magnetic feet and a leg design inspired by animals, it can cling to steel walls and ceilings, tackling dangerous jobs in shipbuilding where humans struggle to reach. Last month, DIDEN 30 completed field tests at Samsung Heavy Industries. The robot managed to climb over dense steel reinforcements and perform welding, proving it could handle real shipyard conditions. The team is now refining it to squeeze through narrow "access holes" inside ships. By late 2026, they expect it to be ready for large-scale tasks like welding, inspection, and painting. Work has also begun on a two-legged model, "DIDEN Walker," aimed at complex operations in confined shipyard spaces. The company's AI platform, "DIDEN World," is another core strength. It allows the robot to practice in virtual simulations before being deployed, speeding up learning and reducing trial-and-error in the real world. DIDEN is also improving its 3D vision technology with multiple cameras, aiming to achieve full autonomous walking by 2026. Beyond Samsung Heavy Industries, it is already collaborating with HD Hyundai Samho, Hanwha Ocean, and HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering. The second startup, URobotics, was formed by three researchers from KAIST's School of Electrical Engineering. Its focus is on humanoid robots that can walk on their own without external sensors. In a recently released video, one of its robots walked naturally through busy streets in Gangnam, drawing attention for its stable movements in real traffic and crowds. The secret lies in a "blind walking controller." Unlike most robots that depend on cameras or laser sensors, URobotics' system uses only internal signals. This allows the robot to "imagine" the ground beneath its feet, walking steadily day or night, in rain or shine, across slopes, stairs, and curbs. The technology first gained recognition when the KAIST team beat MIT to win the legged robot competition at the 2023 International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Yoo Byung-ho, CEO of URobotics, said, "This demonstration is the first step toward fully autonomous walking humanoids. We want to turn KAIST research into technology that works in industry." Hyeon-min Bae, head of KAIST's Startup Incubator, said the school will keep supporting robotics ventures from their early days. KAIST President Kwang-hyung Lee added that these achievements show how university research can move quickly into real-world industries, helping strengthen South Korea's role in global robotics. 2025-09-30 13:57:23

LG Electronics pushes ahead with delayed India IPO, seeking fresh cash flow SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Tuesday it will complete the long-awaited listing of its Indian unit by year’s end, in a move aimed at both raising funds and positioning the company as a household name in one of its most dynamic markets. The company’s board approved the sale of a 15 percent stake in the Indian unit, or more than 101 million shares, and intends to file final documents with India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, in the coming weeks, company officials said Tuesday. Pricing details and the timing of the sale will be determined once regulators give the green light. The offering, which will not involve issuing new shares, ensures that all proceeds return to LG’s headquarters in Seoul. Analysts said the move could strengthen the company’s financial position at a time when consumer electronics demand has softened globally. IBK Securities noted that while the final quarter of the year is usually a slow period, the IPO is likely to improve cash flow, and Moody’s has flagged the deal as a potential boost to LG’s credit profile. The initiative has been led by Chief Executive Cho Joo-wan, who has pushed to elevate LG’s brand identity in India. “LG’s brand is highly regarded in India, and we aim to become a beloved national brand,” he told shareholders in March. LG began laying the groundwork for the offering late last year and received preliminary approval from the Indian regulator in March, though the listing was delayed by market volatility. The IPO, expected to be one of the largest by a consumer electronics company in India, is projected to raise about 115 billion rupees, or $1.8 billion. Global corporations from Whirlpool to Nestle have tapped India’s capital markets in recent years to fuel local growth. For LG, India has become a critical battleground for sales of appliances, televisions and smartphones, as the country’s middle class expands and competition with local and Chinese brands intensifies. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 13:52:21

TRAVEL: Putrajaya – where modern Malaysia's administrative heart beats KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 (AJP) - Rising from what were once rubber and oil palm plantations, Putrajaya stands as a testament to Malaysia's ambitious modernization. The 4,931-hectare garden city, transformed from former plantations, became Malaysia's federal administrative capital after officially established in 1999. Now just 26 years young, the city prepares to host ASEAN meetings throughout 2025 under Malaysia's chairmanship. Named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Putrajaya derives from Sanskrit – "putra" meaning "son" and "jaya" meaning "victory." The Prime Minister's office moved here in 1999, and today all governmental organizations except the Defense and Public Amenities ministries operate from this meticulously planned district. From atop the hill, Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister's office complex, watches over ministerial buildings that stand just a sidewalk apart. Below Perdana Putra lies Dataran Putra (Putra Square), a 300-meter circular plaza featuring concentric star patterns. The national flag flies from a towering flagpole, surrounded by flags of all 14 Malaysian states. The square's 11 segments form pointed stars symbolizing the original states at independence, while the central fountain represents unity. Distinguished by its magnificent rose-tinted granite dome, Putra Mosque glows pink in the Malaysian sun and accommodates 15,000 worshippers. Its design draws from famous Islamic architecture – the basement wall echoes Casablanca's King Hassan Mosque, while the minaret recalls Baghdad's Sheikh Omar Mosque. Non-Muslim visitors must follow a separate entrance route, with women required to wear provided red robes that completely cover their clothing. Across the governmental landscape stands the revolutionary Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, known as the "Iron Mosque." Built with 6,000 tons of reinforced steel comprising 70 percent of its structure, it accommodates 24,000 worshippers in an area twice that of Putra Mosque. Breaking from tradition, it features no minaret but employs cutting-edge Gas District Cooling technology and natural ventilation through steel lattice screens, eliminating the need for fans or air conditioning. 2025-09-30 13:50:36

[[South Korea-Japan Ties]] K-wave sweeps Osaka Expo and Koreatown Editor’s Note: Aju Business Daily is publishing a special series to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan. The series reflects on the renewed relationship between the two neighbors. SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Visitors queued for hours to enter the Korean Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, featuring K-pop stars and entertainment, as it has turned into one of the hottest draws during the world fair running from April to October. "There is no official ranking, but the Korean section stands only next to Japan, the United Stets, France, and Italy in popularity," said Park Young-hwan, director of the Korean Pavilion, noting daily visitors, largely families and young people, have surged from 10,000 to 15,000 amid fever around the KPop Demon Hunters to top 2 million so far this month. The expo closes on Oct. 13. Korean dishes were the first to be sold out at the Expo food court. The renewed K-wave is visible beyond the fairgrounds, from the Tsuruhashi Station to Shin-Okubo, the Koreatown in Shinjuku's Ikuno ward. Fans of Korean culture and food fill the neighborhood packed with Korean stores and eateries including well-known Korean franchise names like Nene Chicken and Jaws Tteobokki. Within a 500-meter radius of Shin-Okubo Station, visitors can find a variety of Korean cultural products. Popular items include tteokbokki, chicken, kimbap, and kimchi pork belly, alongside trendier treats like yogurt ice cream and spicy hot dogs. The 'Jongno' hot dog shop and 'Gwangjang Market' restaurant, known for raw beef and octopus dishes, often demand long waiting. Most visitors are women in their 20s to 40s, drawn by K-pop and sweets. "Trying Korean style is a fad for my age, said Airi, 25, giggling with her friend Sukimo, 23. Local merchants say customers have grown more sophisticated, able to distinguish between different brands of seaweed and rice cakes and less needing shop assistance. According to the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association, Korean-run shops in Shin-Okubo more than tripled from 396 in 2017 to 1,485 this year. The surge in consumer traffic has sent property values soaring, with commercial properties now fetching 850 to 880 million yen per 3.3 square meters, two to three times higher than in 2020. An S Real Estate representative, who has been in doing business in the town for 20 years, said landlords have become selective about tenants with soaring demand for ground-floor retail spaces. Commercial properties yield annual returns of 6.5% to 9%. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 11:02:03

First lady skips official engagements due to ear-related illness SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - First Lady Kim Hea Kyung is not accompanying President Lee Jae-myung to his summit with outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Busan on Tuesday. In a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, presidential physician Park Sang-min said that Kim "suffered sudden dizziness last night" and was diagnosed with otolithiasis, an inner ear condition that causes vertigo. "She got much better but still experiences dizziness, so she will rest for a few days," Park said. He added that vertigo often requires maintaining a stable lifestyle and avoiding sudden head movements even after treatment, meaning that she will skip official events for a while. Kim was initially scheduled to meet Yoshiko Ishiba, the wife of the Japanese leader, for a spousal event as part of the summit. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 10:41:17

INTERVIEW: S. Korea invests in rural resilience as climate extremes worsen SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - South Korean farmers are feeling the intensifying pressures of climate change, from searing heat to destructive rains. Few know this better than Kim In-jung, the newly appointed head of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, who says the task before him is nothing less than safeguarding the nation’s food supply. “We are all experiencing the effects of climate change,” Kim said in an interview on Sept. 22. “This summer, the national average temperature was 27.7 degrees Celsius, the highest on record. Some areas faced extreme rainfall, while others endured drought. Our urgent task is to ensure farmers can work safely and efficiently.” The country has endured both ends of the climate spectrum in recent months. From Aug. 30 to Sept. 22, a severe drought led to the first-ever national disaster declaration in Gangneung, a coastal city on the east. Just weeks earlier, torrential rains inundated parts of the central Chungcheong region, causing extensive damage. Such swings, Kim warned, are likely to become more common. Since taking office in May, he has focused on preparing for extreme weather — inspecting reservoirs, reinforcing safety systems and expanding water storage. Reservoir upgrades and the wider use of groundwater dams, which are less vulnerable to weather shifts, are central to his plans. Five such dams now supply 120,000 tons of water daily, and the corporation hopes to expand that network to 39 sites. But South Korea’s challenges go beyond water. Food self-sufficiency remains stubbornly low: while overall agricultural self-sufficiency stood at 49 percent in 2023, the country produces little of its own wheat and corn. Kim argues that building a stronger production base for non-rice crops, along with better irrigation and drainage systems, is essential for food sovereignty. The aging farm population adds urgency. More than half of South Korea’s farm operators are now over 70. To attract younger farmers, the corporation is developing programs to provide land, greenhouse rentals and housing, easing barriers to entry for a new generation. Kim said safety is another pressing concern. A majority of the country’s reservoirs are rated in poor condition, yet only about 50 are repaired each year. Ahead of this summer’s heavy rains, the corporation preemptively lowered reservoir levels to create space for 1.2 billion tons of water and cleared thousands of kilometers of drainage channels. A joint emergency response system operated more than 3,400 reservoirs and 1,000 pumping stations. Kim, a nearly 30-year veteran of agricultural and rural development policy, also wants to modernize the corporation itself — from management culture to workplace safety. Initiatives now include mandatory two-person teams, smart monitoring devices and worker-led risk assessments. “We must create a workplace free of industrial accidents,” he said. Longer term, the corporation is turning to rural revitalization. Under the Rural Restructuring Act, enacted last year, it is backing projects to reimagine rural areas with investments in renewable energy and community development. For Kim, the mission is clear: adapting to climate change, strengthening food security and keeping farmers safe. “We cannot stop the weather from changing,” he said. “But we can prepare for it, and we can protect those who put food on our tables.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 10:37:22

HD Hyundai Heavy begins overhaul of US Navy ship in Ulsan The U.S. Navy's Alan Shepard supply vessel/ HD Hyundai Heavy Industries SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has begun maintenance work on the U.S. Navy’s supply vessel USNS Alan Shepard, a contract that underscores the growing role of South Korean shipyards in servicing American military assets in Asia. The 41,000-ton vessel, part of the Navy’s 7th Fleet, has arrived at Yeompo Pier near Ulsan for a scheduled overhaul, the company said Monday. The ship, which measures 210 meters in length and 32 meters in width, will undergo safety equipment checks, tank servicing and other inspections, with work expected to be completed by the end of the year. The deal was secured in August and is among the most recent in a series of maintenance, repair and overhaul — known as MRO — projects that HD Hyundai has taken on for the U.S. Navy. Since 2022, the company has also operated a logistics support center in the Philippines, handling similar contracts for vessels delivered there. The shipbuilder is positioning itself more aggressively in the defense sector as it prepares for a merger with HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The consolidation would allow HD Hyundai to expand its capacity for international naval projects by combining Ulsan’s heavy industrial expertise with Mipo’s facilities and docks. “We are committed to delivering successful MRO services to ensure the satisfaction of our client, the U.S. Navy, leveraging our advanced technology and expertise,” said Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai’s special ship division. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-30 10:20:01