South Korea, US to hold first working group talks on visa issues this week SEOUL, September 28 (AJP) - The first meeting of a working group between South Korea and the United States to address visa issues, which came to prominence after the large-scale detention of South Korean workers by US immigration authorities, is scheduled to take place on Sept. 30 (local time) in Washington D.C., South Korean diplomatic sources said Sunday. The meeting comes 26 days after 317 South Korean nationals were detained while working at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant in Georgia. The working group will be jointly led by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. The US delegation is also expected to include officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Commerce. The group is tasked with resolving visa problems for Koreans connected to major U.S. investments, with discussions expected to focus initially on clarifying the permitted scope of work under the B1 business visa, a non-immigrant visa for short-term business activities. In addition, the two sides plan to review the establishment of a separate visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul dedicated to processing applications for Korean businesspeople involved in U.S. investment. The South Korean government is expected to push for the creation of a separate visa category for Korean companies through the working group. Beyond merely clarifying B1 visa guidelines, discussions will reportedly explore creating a new, appropriate visa for Korean personnel who need to stay in the U.S. for several months to manage factory installation, personnel training, and other essential duties. There will also be discussions on pursuing legislation — potentially with the U.S. Congress — to establish a separate visa quota specifically for highly skilled Korean professionals, the sources said. 2025-09-28 14:21:00

Fire at data center traced to aged battery, potential human error SEOUL, September 28 (AJP) - The massive administrative network disruption in South Korea, caused by a fire at the National Information Resources Service headquarters in Daejeon, Friday night, is being linked to a lithium-ion battery for an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that was in use for over a year past its recommended 10-year lifespan. As officials have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, the focus is falling on the potential role of both the aging hardware and possible workplace mistakes during a planned equipment transfer. The UPS lithium-ion battery that ignited the blaze in the NIRS server room on Sept. 26 was originally supplied and installed in August 2014. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety confirmed that the battery, reportedly built with cells from LG Energy Solution, had exceeded its 10-year functional life. "Using such batteries past their recommended lifespan can lead to quality defects and increase the risk of accidents," said an industry source. Neither the ministry nor NIRS has offered a clear explanation as to why the aging battery was still in operation. Authorities initially explained that the fire broke out in one disconnected battery while 13 workers were moving the UPS units from the 5th-floor server room to the basement. The incident occurred during the third of four planned relocation attempts, with the first two having been completed without issue. However, a conflicting account from an industry source suggests that the fire may have been caused by "human error" during the relocation. This theory posits that an electrical short circuit occurred when cables were disconnected before the battery's power was properly shut off — a critical safety step in the relocation process. 2025-09-28 10:43:05

Data center fire causes public services meltdown in South Korea SEOUL, September 28 (AJP) - A fire at a state-run data center in central South Korea triggered a massive network outage that left government services crippled and disrupted daily life for millions over the weekend, officials said. The blaze broke out Friday evening when a lithium-ion battery exploded inside the National Information Resources Service in Daejeon, about 100 miles south of Seoul, according to police and fire officials. The government preemptively shut down 647 online systems, including the country’s mobile identification app, as servers overheated and humidity controls failed, Vice Interior Minister Kim Min-jae told reporters. Of those systems, 436 serve the public directly while 211 are used internally by government officials — nearly a third of the government’s online infrastructure. The fire, which burned for 22 hours before being extinguished Saturday, left behind a tangle of disabled servers and frayed public trust. The shutdown rippled through daily life in a country that prides itself on its digital efficiency. Citizens reported being unable to pay with debit cards issued by Korea Post or transfer funds through postal accounts. Others were unable to retrieve essential certificates, such as family records or residency documents, needed for everything from schooling to real estate transactions. Even emergency services were affected. The 119 rescue system’s location-tracking function, which pinpoints distressed callers, was knocked offline. Commuters who normally rely on digital ID for discounted fares on buses, trains, or planes were told to carry physical identification instead. “We apologize for causing great inconvenience to the public by delaying civil applications and the issuance of certificates,” Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said. The government has promised swift repairs, with officials racing to restore critical functions such as postal and financial services. Tax filing deadlines and document submissions will be postponed until systems are operational again, and citizens have been advised to visit offices in person where possible. Authorities said the risk of permanent data loss was minimal because the facility operates a four-stage backup system. Still, police and fire investigators are working to determine the precise cause of the blaze and assess the full extent of the damage. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued a public apology on Saturday, while President Lee Jae Myung convened an emergency meeting on Sunday. “President Lee called for the urgency of restoring critical government services that have been disrupted by the incident,” presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo Jung said. “Lee told officials to concentrate all capabilities on the swift restoration and operation of government systems." 2025-09-28 10:22:58

Seoul to enshrine 'right to be forgotten' as AI deepfake crimes persist SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - South Korea is moving to include the "right to be forgotten" as a core privacy protection for youths targeted by deepfake pornography as AI-generated sexual crimes proliferate. The Personal Information Protection Commission this week announced new measures to safeguard personal data in the AI era. These include giving minors the right to demand deletion of online posts made during adolescence and barring individuals with criminal records from sensitive roles such as CCTV monitoring. The initiative reflects widening gaps in victim protection as generative AI tools become increasingly accessible on platforms including Google's Gemini. A presidential committee is working to establish a legal basis for victims to demand removal of AI-synthesized content. Deepfakes—digitally altered images or videos that make a person appear to be someone else—are being weaponized in non-consensual sexual material and disinformation. Despite government crackdowns, takedown orders for deepfake sex crime videos continue to climb, according to data from the Korea Communications Standards Commission cited by ruling People Power Party lawmaker Park Chung-kwon. Public alarm spiked last year after explicit AI-generated images of women and girls flooded platforms such as Telegram, triggering rare police investigations. Yet enforcement remains weak: of 964 deepfake-related sex crime cases reported between January and October 2024, Seoul police made only 23 arrests. Lawmakers are advancing parallel bills. On Sept. 11, Democratic Party legislator Huh Young introduced an amendment to sexual assault laws, warning that "the rapid advancement of AI technology has made it possible for anyone to create human images indistinguishable from reality, but this technology is being misused to produce fake sexual content that causes shame and disgust, emerging as a serious social problem." His proposal would criminalize AI-generated sexual content regardless of whether it depicts a real individual, closing a major loophole. But AI developers warn the draft is overly broad and risks stifling legitimate innovation. Experts say cheap, user-friendly AI services are fueling abuse. "As AI services get cheaper through market competition, more users are piling in—and among them, malicious users are growing," said Park Un-il, professor of AI utilization and data science at Sungkyunkwan University. "Deepfake pornography is becoming disturbingly common nowadays." Recent incidents highlight that ease of access. Incheon police on Thursday reported investigating a high school student accused of using AI to superimpose sexual images onto photos of four classmates and sharing them online. Advocates say such cases underscore the need for enforceable "forgetting rights," since traditional policing cannot keep pace with the speed and scale of AI content. "It's not the technology that should be blamed—it's the people misusing it," Park added. "AI is still in its infancy, and most content lacks copyright protection because responsibility is hard to assign. Korea needs expert teams to craft precise regulations for generative AI." 2025-09-26 17:05:39

Naver-Upbit tie-up may fuel Korea's won-pegged stablecoin initiative SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - A tie-up between Korean internet giant Naver and Dunamu, operator of the world’s fourth-largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, is widely expected to accelerate the country’s ambition to launch a won-based stablecoin ecosystem. Naver on Thursday confirmed a stock-swap deal with Dunamu is under way, noting that stablecoins are among several ventures under discussion between the two firms, though nothing has been finalized. Analysts see stablecoins as a key driver behind the partnership. The two companies are expected to build digital financial infrastructure by combining Naver’s vast platform ecosystem with Dunamu’s blockchain expertise. Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to maintain a fixed value, usually pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar. For example, a stablecoin tied to $1 keeps its value stable because the issuer holds $1 in reserve for every token issued. The ruling Democratic Party has already proposed a bill to promote stablecoins pegged to the Korean won. Under such a model, Dunamu could issue tokens that would be accepted for payments across Naver’s platforms, including its Naver Pay app. This would not only expand usage but also help Naver cut credit card transaction fees. Potential revenue streams include collateralized lending, foreign exchange remittances, and cross-border payments, while management of deposit reserves could generate additional profits. Although Naver has expanded its platform business in Japan and Southeast Asia, it has lacked a clear edge in global finance. By linking up with Dunamu, Naver could enter overseas payment and remittance markets using blockchain and crypto infrastructure. The partnership could pave the way for a Korean fintech model capable of competing with global players like PayPal, Stripe, and Coinbase. “We need to pay attention to Naver Financial’s corporate value, given that synergies can be created through collaboration between the nation’s leading fintech company and top cryptocurrency exchange,” said Oh Dong-hwan, a researcher at Samsung Securities. 2025-09-26 16:28:43

Trump's Tylenol vitriol upsets Korean moms-to-be, Seoul backs safety SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump's comments linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism have rattled some expectant mothers in South Korea, sparking anxiety and anger, while Korean health authorities firmly denied any scientific connection. At a White House press conference Monday, Trump said he would direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to restrict acetaminophen-based medicines such as Tylenol during pregnancy, except in cases of severe need such as high fever. He cited statistics showing autism prevalence in the U.S. has risen nearly fourfold since 2000, urging pregnant women and children to avoid the drug altogether. Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, rejected the claim, stressing that scientific studies have found no causal link between acetaminophen and autism. In Korea, the remarks unsettled some mothers-to-be. "I've taken two Tylenol tablets recently," said Ryu Ji-yeon, 31, who is in her 31st week of pregnancy. "I'm a little nervous after hearing the report, even though the authorities say it is safe." Others expressed frustration. "Pregnant women already endure constant pain and take Tylenol only when it's truly necessary, but such uncertain claims make mothers feel guilty," said Ko Hye-ri, also 31 weeks pregnant. "Some may even avoid taking it despite having a high fever, which could pose greater risks to the baby." For many, however, the news barely registered. "I've taken Tylenol for headaches but didn't feel concerned," said Choi Young-hee, 35, in her 32nd week. "It's basically the only pain reliever available in pregnancy, and I've read experts saying there's no link to autism." Several other women echoed that view, noting they trusted doctors' guidance and that untreated pain or fever could be more harmful than the medication itself. Tylenol, some said, is practically seen as the "pregnancy medicine." Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on Thursday reiterated that acetaminophen can be used safely during pregnancy under medical supervision. It stressed there is no evidence linking the drug to autism, while recommending that daily intake stay below 4,000 milligrams and be guided by a physician's advice. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association and the World Health Organization have both emphasized that acetaminophen is a well-established, safe option for pregnant women when used appropriately. Autism diagnoses have also risen in Korea. Government data show the number of registered individuals with autism spectrum disorders rose nearly 40 percent, from about 26,700 in 2018 to more than 37,000 in 2022. Experts note the increase may reflect not only actual growth in cases but also broader diagnostic criteria and more families registering for government support. More recent data have yet to be released. 2025-09-26 16:25:03

South Korea to send special envoy to Egypt to mark 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - Park Beom-gye, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, will visit Egypt next week as a special envoy, presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said in a press release. His visit from Sept. 20 to Oct. 2 comes in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Cairo. Park will meet with key figures and officials in Egypt to further strengthen bilateral relations while explaining South Korea's foreign policies and discussing ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors between the two countries. He will also deliver a personal letter from President Lee Jae Myung to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-26 15:19:04

HYBE revs up global idol pipeline as BTS comeback nears SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) -HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse behind global superstar BTS, is accelerating its international expansion with region-specific idol franchises as it sets the stage for BTS’s long-awaited group comeback next year. Latin America is the next market to host a HYBE-incubated idol group, following rollouts in Japan, the U.S., and China. The company also announced it will open a new outpost in Mumbai, India, this year — its fifth overseas base — to tap the world’s largest population and second-largest music streaming market. “India is the fifth unit outside of Korea. Along with BTS’s full-group comeback, we see this pivotal to strengthen both our market reach and long-term growth potential,” a senior HYBE official told AJP. India, with a population of 1.46 billion and 185 million music streaming users, presents a major opportunity. Mumbai, often dubbed the country’s cultural and entertainment hub, is home to Bollywood and a thriving arts scene, making it a strategic launchpad. HYBE India plans regional auditions, localized training systems, and support for existing artists under the label. Beyond music, HYBE is also broadening its cultural footprint through film. HYBE America and Paramount Pictures began filming their first co-produced K-pop feature in Seoul this week. The film, slated for release in February 2027, follows a Korean American girl chasing her dream of joining a next-generation K-pop group via a televised audition. Korean American actress Yoo Ji-young, known for KPop Demon Hunters, and singer-actor Eric Nam will voice the leads, with Benson Lee directing and Eileen Shim writing the screenplay. Despite a turbulent year marked by scandals involving founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk and a high-profile fallout with chart-topping girl group NewJeans, HYBE shares have risen 40 percent on robust earnings. Analysts expect momentum to accelerate with BTS’s return. “I remain optimistic about HYBE’s stock outlook for next year,” said Kim Min-young, a media analyst at Meritz Securities. “If the standout success of HYBE’s U.S.-based girl group Katseye can be replicated in new localized franchises, the results could be significant.” Katseye will kick off its world tour later this year, while BTS’s comeback in 2026 is expected to drive strong financial results for the agency. 2025-09-26 14:46:23

South Korea appoints new envoy to Tokyo ahead of outgoing Japanese PM's visit next week SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - Former envoy to Viet Nam Lee Hyuk has been appointed as South Korea's new ambassador to Tokyo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. Born in 1958, Lee graduated from Korea University with a degree in economics before joining the ministry along with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. The seasoned diplomat with deep expertise in Japanese affairs also served in ambassadorial posts in the Philippines and Viet Nam. The appointment was made just ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's upcoming meeting with outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is scheduled to visit the country's southern port city of Busan next week. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-26 14:36:46

Korean fintech rushes to Vietnam's crypto market amid regulatory easing SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) -With a young, tech-savvy population, strong investment inflows, and government-backed pilot frameworks, Vietnam is increasingly being seen as an ideal springboard for Korean exchanges and fintech firms seeking growth beyond saturated domestic markets. As Upbit, Bithumb, and BDACS jostle for early-mover advantage, Vietnam’s regulatory sandbox may well determine the next phase of Korea’s digital finance ambitions in Southeast Asia. According to Chainalysis, investment capital flowing into Vietnam’s blockchain sector from 2023 to 2024 is expected to exceed $105 billion, with estimated profits of $1.2 billion. A separate report by Triple-A, a Singapore-licensed crypto payment provider, noted that more than 17 million Vietnamese (17% of the population) own digital assets, far above the global average of around 7%. For three consecutive years, Vietnam has ranked among the world’s top five nations for cryptocurrency adoption. The momentum received a major boost with Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, which greenlighted a five-year pilot program for digital asset exchanges starting Sept. 9, 2025. If no replacement law is introduced, the framework will remain in effect thereafter. The resolution outlines participation for service providers, issuers, investors — both domestic and foreign — under guiding principles of caution, transparency, safety, and efficiency. At a training session hosted in August by the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association (VBA), officials said five local institutions — SSI Securities, Techcom Securities, VIX Securities, MB Bank, and VP Bank — are expected to secure pilot licenses. Under such backdrop, Dunamu, operator of Korea’s largest crypto exchange Upbit, signed an MOU with MB Bank on Aug. 12 during the Vietnam–Korea Economic Forum, coinciding with General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Seoul. Under the deal, Dunamu will support MB in building a licensed exchange, developing legal frameworks, investor protection systems, and training professionals. “More than 20 million people own cryptocurrencies here, with annual trading volume topping $8 trillion and blockchain capital ranking in the global top five,” said Oh Kyung-seok, CEO of Dunamu. “Vietnam has massive potential. Combined with Upbit’s model, we can help shape a trusted digital financial infrastructure.” While Dunamu has previously attempted overseas expansion via Upbit APAC, regulatory hurdles restricted full-scale investment. Current branches in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand operate as local partnerships, with Korea providing branding and technology. Analysts believe the MB Bank partnership is a stepping stone for deeper penetration into Vietnam. Rival exchange Bithumb, Korea’s second-largest, is also eyeing Vietnam’s pilot program. The firm recently struck a global cooperation deal with U.S.-based fintech World Liberty Financial (WLF), co-founded by two sons of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Although Bithumb publicly stated it has “no official information” on its Vietnam entry, financial sector sources said the company has been preparing for months to establish a joint venture or equity partnership, in line with Vietnam’s cap on foreign ownership at 49%. Blockchain fintech BDACS, which partnered with Woori Bank to issue the KRW1 stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Korean won, also announced plans to enter Vietnam. On Sept. 23, BDACS signed a strategic deal with IDGX, a subsidiary of IDG Capital Vietnam, to build international-standard infrastructure for trading and custody. The project — expected to launch within the year under Vietnam’s regulatory sandbox — will integrate exchanges, custody services, and payment systems, creating a digital asset financial hub. 2025-09-26 14:16:40