Korea's birth growth streak hits 13 mos, gains skewed to capital and better-off SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Korea's birth tally has grown for 13 consecutive months, offering a rare silver lining in the country's demographic crisis as more young people show willingness to marry and have children. But experts warn the rebound is heavily concentrated in Seoul and the capital region — and largely confined to better-off couples. According to Statistics Korea, 21,803 babies were born in July, up 1,223 or 5.9 percent from a year earlier and the largest July tally since 2021. From January to July, births totaled 147,804 — a 7.2 percent increase year-on-year, marking the sharpest rise since records began in 1981. Marriages also jumped, with 20,394 couples tying the knot in July, up 8.4 percent from a year earlier and the highest for the month since 2016. The rebound is partly attributed to the so-called "Echo Generation," born between 1991 and 1995, who are now entering their early 30s, traditionally viewed as the prime family-forming years. It also reflects a modest shift in women's attitudes toward childbirth. A government survey of 2,800 people nationwide aged 25–49, conducted August 20–27, showed that 37.2 percent of childless women aged 25–29 said they intend to have children — up from 26.4 percent a year earlier. Among women already with children, 40 percent said they were willing to have another child, nearly 20 percentage points higher than last year. Yet the gains remain uneven. In July alone, 10,477 babies were born in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province — nearly half of the nationwide total. From January to July, the capital region accounted for 70,771 births out of 147,804, again just under 50 percent. With more than half of Koreans in their 20s and 30s now living in the capital area, Seoul continues to hold a demographic edge while widening the gap with provincial regions. Experts caution that structural obstacles — including high housing prices, soaring private education costs, and difficulties women face balancing careers after childbirth — remain firmly in place. "Before concluding that women's attitudes toward marriage and childbirth are really shifting, we need to check whether survey questions were consistent across years," said Kim Cheong-seok, sociology professor at Dongguk University. "If the wording changed, results could be distorted. Broad values like 'marriage is essential' differ greatly from specific intentions such as 'I plan to have children.'" Lee Joo-hee, sociology professor at Ewha Womans University, echoed skepticism. "I don't view the slight rise in birth intentions as a sign of a fundamental shift. The core barriers — costs of private education, and the challenge for women to sustain careers after childbirth — remain intact." She added that income-based disparities in childbirth are still severe. "The improvements are mostly among higher-income groups, while lower-income households are effectively giving up on having children," Lee said. 2025-09-25 16:02:15

Seoul claims progress in wartime command transfer talk with US SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Seoul claims it has made substantial strides in latest round of negotiation with Washington on the transfer of U.S. wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. The 27th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD), a regular consultative meeting between the two defense ministries, was held in Seoul on Sept. 23-24, in which, the ministry said that the two have made "significant progress" toward meeting the conditions for the transfer, a campaign promise of President Lee Jae Myung to complete within his five-year term. Wartime operational control determines who commands the combined military force if a war breaks out. A change is seen as more than a military procedure. It is widely viewed as a matter of national sovereignty, who ultimately commands the South Korean military in a crisis. South Korea remains one of the few countries whose wartime command authority lies with another nation. The arrangement dates back to 1950, when then-President Rhee Syng-man handed command authority to the U.S.-led UN Command at the outbreak of the Korean War. Peacetime control was restored in 1994, but wartime control has remained in U.S. hands. "Back in the 1950s, South Korea depended on U.S. support for survival, but today the country has the strength to defend itself," said Shin Seung-ki, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). Under the bilateral agreement, the handover is tied to three conditions: South Korea has to demonstrate the military capability to lead the alliance, the two sides have to jointly respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and the regional security environment on the peninsula has to be stable enough to support the change. Progress is reviewed in stages. Seoul has already cleared the initial assessment and is now in the full operational capability stage, with one final review left before the full handover. Experts are divided on Korea's readiness. Some think Seoul still relies heavily on U.S. intelligence and surveillance to counter North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal, while others believe South Korea's military has advanced far beyond what it was in the past, according to Shin. President Lee has made OPCON transfer as a core national agenda, vowing to strengthen defense posture while maintaining a robust alliance with the U.S. His timing may be favorable, as U.S. President Donald Trump has called allies to take on more security responsibilities. But the U.S.'s stance is unclear. While Seoul's defense ministry highlighted "significant progress" in its summary of the KIDD meeting, the phrase was absent from the joint press release with Washington. This has prompted speculation about differences in perception, though officials insist it simply reflected brevity, not disagreement. The debate over wartime command has stretched for decades. In 2006, the Roh Moo-hyun administration agreed with the Bush administration to complete the transfer by 2012. The timeline was later delayed by the Lee Myung-bak government to 2015, and then the Park Geun-hye administration eventually shifted to a conditions-based approach rather than setting a fixed timeline – an approach that has continued ever since. 2025-09-25 15:58:23

Suicide Becomes Leading Cause of Death for Koreans from Teens to 40s SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) -Suicide has become the leading cause of death among South Koreans from their teens through their 40s, with self-inflicted deaths overtaking cancer among people in their 40s for the first time since records began in 1983, according to a government report released Wednesday. The Statistics Korea data showed suicides accounted for 26.0 percent of deaths among those in their 40s in 2024, surpassing cancer at 24.5 percent. The total number of suicide deaths reached 14,872 last year, the highest since 2011 and up 6.4 percent from a year earlier. The suicide rate rose to 29.1 per 100,000 people — also the highest since 2011. Men were more than twice as likely to take their own lives as women, with rates of 41.8 versus 16.6 per 100,000. South Korea’s suicide rate stands out sharply on the global stage, with an OECD-standardized rate of 26.2 per 100,000 — more than double the OECD average of 10.8. Suicides among younger groups also climbed. Among teenagers, suicides accounted for 48.2 percent of all deaths, up from 46.1 percent a year earlier. In the 30s age group, the share rose to 44.4 percent from 40.2 percent. Overall deaths in Korea increased 1.7 percent last year to 358,569, reversing a pandemic-era decline. The daily average was 980 deaths. More than half (54.1 percent) were aged 80 or older, reflecting the country’s fast-aging demographics. Cancer remained the top cause of death overall, responsible for nearly one in four fatalities (24.8 percent). The cancer mortality rate stood at 174.3 per 100,000, led by lung cancer (38.0), liver cancer (20.4), colorectal cancer (19.0), pancreatic cancer (16.0), and stomach cancer (14.1). Deaths from prostate cancer (+9.7 percent), esophageal cancer (+9.0 percent), and pancreatic cancer (+6.7 percent) rose sharply year-on-year. 2025-09-25 15:31:12

HMM races toward net-zero as privatization battle looms Editor's Note: This article is the 37th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - South Korea's state-run sea carrier HMM is betting big on clean fuel, digitalized fleet management, and business diversification as it navigates a turbulent freight cycle and an uncertain privatization push. On Sept. 12, HMM signed a 10-year transportation contract with Brazil's mining giant Vale worth 430 billion won ($310 million), its second major deal with the company this year. The agreement, running from 2026 to 2036, will deploy five vessels to ship iron ore, building on a 636 billion won deal inked in May. The back-to-back contracts highlight HMM's pivot beyond everyday container shipping toward bulk cargo, a strategy that has cushioned volatility in freight markets while making the company more attractive as an acquisition target. Shipping tailwinds, market headwinds South Korea's shipbuilding industry is bracing for an earlier-than-expected super cycle, driven by record orders for LNG carriers and floating production facilities. The government's proposed Korea-U.S. shipbuilding partnership, dubbed the "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)" initiative, is further boosting sentiment. But freight oversupply clouds the outlook. "Shipping fares had a brief spike in May after tariff suspensions between the U.S. and China, but rates are now trending downward," said Choi Ji-yun, analyst at Yuanta Securities Korea. "With backlogs now covering more than 30 percent of the global container fleet, supply is overwhelming demand. Freight rates will remain under pressure, and HMM cannot avoid the impact." Despite market headwinds, HMM is pressing ahead with its modernization program. The company is scheduled to take delivery of seven methanol-powered 9,000-TEU container ships between late 2025 and mid-2026. "Since 2020, all newly built vessels have been designed as smart ships," an HMM spokesperson said. "Roughly 10,000 sensors on each ship transmit real-time data to our integrated operations center, enabling safe voyage planning and big-data analysis for fuel and route optimization." Existing ships are also being retrofitted with digital systems as part of a broader push for efficiency and carbon reduction. HMM has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 — five years ahead of the global maritime industry's 2050 goal. In September 2024, it announced a 14.4 trillion won ($10.4 billion) investment plan through 2030, with 60 percent earmarked for green initiatives such as alternative fuels and electrification. The company is exploring ammonia and hydrogen as next-generation fuel sources. It is also expanding its bulk fleet, with 13 new carriers entering service in stages — including seven car and truck carriers, four multipurpose ships, and two MR tankers. Strategic acquisitions of second-hand vessels are also under review. From state rescue to national champion Founded in 1976 as Asia Merchant Marine, the company began with just three crude carriers before rebranding as Hyundai Merchant Marine in 1983. After rapid expansion, HMM was hit hard by the global financial crisis and eventually fell under state control in 2016 when the Korea Development Bank (KDB) became the largest shareholder. In 2017, HMM absorbed assets from bankrupt rival Hanjin Shipping, cementing its position as Korea's flagship carrier. It rebranded as HMM in 2020. Ownership, however, remains unsettled. A 2023 privatization bid collapsed after food-to-shipping conglomerate Harim Group withdrew. Once HMM completes its 2.2 trillion won stock buyback this month, state shareholders KDB and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation will hold just over 30 percent, opening the door to a new auction. POSCO Group has emerged as a likely contender. Industry watchers say the steelmaker would benefit from a dedicated shipping arm to secure stable transport of iron ore and coal. "HMM's growing pivot toward bulk shipping aligns naturally with POSCO's raw material needs," said Jang Woon-jae, professor of maritime transportation science at Mokpo National University. "But private shareholders must recognize that HMM's large vessels are obliged to operate even when demand is weak — volatility is built into the business." As HMM pushes toward a green future while its ownership remains up for grabs, the company finds itself straddling two identities: a vital national strategic asset and a prize in Korea's evolving industrial landscape. 2025-09-25 15:13:26

Kuwait revives delayed housing project with South Korean partner SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - South Korea’s state-run Land and Housing Corporation said Friday that work has resumed on a long-delayed housing development in Kuwait, reviving one of the Middle East’s largest urban projects. The development of Abdullah New City, located about 30 kilometers west of Kuwait City, is designed to provide 43,000 homes across 6.44 million square meters of desert land. The project, which carries an estimated budget of 23.6 trillion won, or about $17 billion, is scheduled for completion by 2045. The Land and Housing Corporation, known as LH, secured the project management contract last year and is currently advancing a pilot complex of 550 housing units on a 490,000-square-meter site. The project had been stalled for years by pandemic disruptions and regulatory hurdles before restarting in late 2023. The revival of the Abdullah New City initiative has opened the door for South Korean companies to expand their footprint in Kuwait. On Sept. 22, Hanmi Global, a Seoul-based project management firm, secured three additional contracts worth 31 billion won from Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare. LH is also exploring partnerships with Samsung Electronics to introduce smart home technologies and with Isu Chemical to develop climate-resilient vertical farms within the city. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 15:12:02

Another K-pop themed movie set for release early next year SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Another K-pop themed movie has begun filming after finalizing its cast, following the success of Netflix's South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters," talent mill HYBE's U.S. branch said on Thursday. Produced by HYBE in collaboration with Paramount Pictures, the film stars singer-songwriter Eric Nam and Yoo Ji-young, an American actress of Korean descent known for her roles in American drama "Expats" on Amazon Prime Video as well as "KPop Demon Hunters." American actor and comedian Tony Revolori and Gia Kim, a Korean-born actress who spent most of her childhood in Hong Kong, had already joined the cast earlier this month. Set for release in mid-February next year, the film will be shot entirely in Seoul and surrounding areas including Incheon and Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province. It revolves around a Korean-American girl who dreams of joining a K-pop girl group and travels to Seoul for a TV audition show, despite opposition from her parents. 2025-09-25 14:57:44

Korea Legacy Committee marks 10 years of tackling elderly poverty with anniversary gala SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The Korea Legacy Committee (KLC) will mark its 10th anniversary with a gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on October 25. The event will reflect on the group’s work over the past decade while pointing to the continuing problem of elderly poverty in South Korea. Founded in 2015, KLC is a nonprofit set up to confront the country’s high elderly poverty rate through direct services, community programs, and youth engagement. Based in Seoul and operating also in Incheon and Chuncheon, the organization has provided hundreds of thousands of meals while building connections between younger and older generations. One of its main efforts is Legacy Kitchen, which now produces more than 1,000 meals a month. The model goes beyond food distribution. Volunteers check in with recipients by phone, help with housing needs, and provide care services when required. A central feature of the group’s work is its reliance on young volunteers. Every weekend, students and young professionals prepare meals, manage deliveries, and spend time with elderly participants. The approach has been credited with helping younger South Koreans see social responsibility as something personal rather than abstract. Nearly half of the country’s elderly population still lives in poverty, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). KLC says that reality underscores the need for sustained programs. “Ten years ago, we couldn’t accept that elderly citizens in one of the world’s most prosperous nations were going hungry,” the organization’s leadership said. “Today, we’ve proven that young people, when given meaningful opportunities to serve, can create lasting change. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s about recommitting to the work ahead.” The October event will bring together supporters, volunteers, and beneficiaries, highlighting personal stories behind the statistics and the role of food security in preserving dignity and community. 2025-09-25 14:38:59

HD Hyundai discusses shipbuilding cooperation with Saudi Arabia SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - HD Hyundai is expanding its cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the shipbuilding sector, strengthening ties through joint ventures and technology partnerships tied to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. The company said Thursday its vice chairman, Jeong Ki-seon, met with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Seoul to discuss the progress of a joint shipyard and engine plant under construction in Saudi Arabia. The talks also covered plans to establish a supply chain for shipbuilding materials. The meeting was attended by Sulaiman Al-Babtain, chief executive of Sofon, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned shipbuilding company, and Joo Won-ho, head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ special ship division. Discussions included possible cooperation on naval projects. A roundtable followed to explore broader investment and collaboration in shipbuilding, company officials said. Saudi Arabia has made the development of a domestic shipbuilding industry a priority under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy, and it has actively sought investment and expertise from South Korean companies. HD Hyundai is building the IMI Shipyard and Makin Engine Plant at the King Salman Shipyard Complex in Jubail, with full operations expected in 2026 and 2027. When completed, the facilities will include three large docks, four giant cranes and seven berths, with the capacity to build up to 40 ships a year. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 14:26:33

India's information minister meets Krafton executives in Seoul SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - India’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Logesh Rajendran Murugan, visited Krafton’s headquarters in Seoul on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Indian central government minister to the South Korean game publisher. Krafton said Thursday the meeting highlighted India’s importance as a strategic market and provided an opportunity to discuss policy cooperation and business collaboration. Murugan, who also serves as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, acknowledged Krafton’s role in India’s gaming industry through investments and the success of Battlegrounds Mobile India. The talks covered Krafton’s expansion in India, its investments in startups and the Indian government’s approach to the gaming sector. Participants included Krafton Chief Executive Kim Chang-han and Son Hyun-il, head of the company’s India operations. Murugan expressed appreciation for Krafton’s contribution to India’s gaming ecosystem and noted potential areas for cooperation in education, technology and media. Kim said in a statement that the discussion was “meaningful” and reaffirmed Krafton’s commitment to the Indian market. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 14:16:49

KAIST turns 3D printing upside down to make custom brain chip SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have developed a new way to build custom 3D brain chips that could change how scientists study the brain and treat neurological diseases. Traditional brain chips, used to study nerve cells grown outside the body, are usually built with semiconductor processes. These methods are expensive and flat in design, which makes it hard to create realistic 3D structures. Even with newer 3D printing methods, the process still follows the same order as chipmaking: lay down conductive materials first, then add insulation, then open electrode spots. That meant the design freedom was still limited. KAIST said in a press release on Thursday that the team, led by Professor Nam Yoon-ki in the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, decided to do the opposite. They first used a 3D printer to create a hollow skeleton made of insulating material. Inside this skeleton, they designed tiny tunnels. Instead of trying to fill those tunnels with metal lines manually, they allowed electrically conductive ink to flow in naturally through capillary action, like water soaking into a sponge. This simple switch created a scaffold packed with microelectrodes arranged in complex 3D patterns. The new platform can make chips in many shapes, such as probe-style, cube-like, or modular versions. It also works with different conductive materials, including graphite, conductive polymers, and silver nanoparticles. Because of this flexibility, the chips can capture nerve signals from multiple directions at once, letting researchers study how brain cells connect and interact in much greater detail. The technology could be used to explore the roots of brain diseases, to design cell-based biosensors, or even to advance bio-computing, which tries to use living cells to process information. “This study shows how combining 3D printing with capillary action can give researchers much more freedom in making brain chips,” Nam said. “We expect it will help both basic neuroscience and applied fields like drug testing and bio-computing.” The first author of the study is Dr. Yoon Dong-jo, also from KAIST. The results were published online in Advanced Functional Materials on June 25. The research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea through its Mid-Career Researcher Program and Global Research Laboratory Program. 2025-09-25 14:10:18