OPINION: The age of restless youth Kim Sang-chul, director of Global Business Research Center The world today feels as if it is locked in a cycle of turmoil. Wars drag on, economies falter, and political dysfunction seems the rule rather than the exception. For many, especially young people, frustration has boiled over into anger, and anger into action. In recent months, Southeast Asia has seen its youngest citizens — largely Gen Z — take to the streets in protest. From Jakarta to Manila, Dhaka to Dili, demonstrations against corruption, unemployment, and inequality have erupted. The grievances echo across borders: poverty, political impunity, and a profound sense of uncertainty about the future. Commentators have drawn parallels to the Arab Spring of 2010, when disillusioned youth in Tunisia set off a chain of uprisings across the Middle East. Yet, much like the Arab Spring, early flashes of political change have rarely translated into lasting economic improvement. This is not confined to Asia. Latin America, long known for its political volatility, has witnessed its own wave of youthful frustration. The so-called "Pink Tide" of leftist governments promised equity and progress, but corruption and cycles of political revenge — where presidents are jailed soon after leaving office — have fueled cynicism. For Gen Z, now entering adulthood in these societies, hope is in short supply. Even in developed democracies, the discontent is unmistakable. The United States remains polarized by the legacy of Trumpism, with Gen Z voters caught in the crosscurrents of economic anxiety and culture wars. In Western Europe, far-right populism is gaining traction, driven by concerns over jobs, migration, and national identity. Across continents, the common thread is a young generation increasingly unwilling to accept the status quo. Geopolitics further complicates the picture. Nations entangled in China’s Belt and Road Initiative now grapple with unsustainable debt and a loss of economic sovereignty. In places like Nepal and Kenya, debt distress has spilled into the streets, where protesters denounce political elites seen as too close to Beijing. Elsewhere, governments labeled as "pro-Russia" or "pro-China" have become lightning rods for popular anger. South Korea may appear insulated from these upheavals, but it is hardly immune. Its own MZ generation — Millennials and Gen Z combined — faces an unforgiving reality. A record 420,000 graduates are not economically active, while more than 600,000 young Koreans struggle to find stable work. Political dysfunction, coupled with widening inequality, has left many doubting whether the system works for them. The country’s politics is also steeped in retribution: former presidents jailed, rivals investigated, endless cycles of payback that deepen cynicism. The picture is stark: a global generation born into crises — financial crashes, climate change, pandemics — now stepping into adulthood with little faith in traditional politics. For governments, the question is not whether youth will erupt, but when. Gen Z has already shown it is restless, resourceful, and globally connected. In many places, it is leading the protests of today. The larger question is whether it can also shape the solutions of tomorrow. About the author -Master's in International Economics, Yonsei University -Ph.D. in Business Administration, Business School Netherlands -KOTRA, from 1983 to 2014, Beijing, Tokyo, LA Trade Center Director -Professor, East Seoul University, Department of Chinese Business * This column, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 09:14:53

Lee chairs UN debate on AI, calls for global cooperation SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung presided over an open debate at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, becoming the first South Korean leader to do so. The debate, chaired by Lee as the country assumed this month's rotating role as a non-permanent member, focused on how to tackle opportunities and challenges brought about by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies. Participants including representatives from the 15 UN Security Council member states discussed how AI is rapidly transforming global security and called for collaborative responses. Emphasizing that now is the time to address "new threats and challenges posed by AI," Lee called for multilateral cooperation to ensure international peace and security. Lee also highlighted South Korea's efforts to promote the proper use of AI, while working with the international community to come up with collaborative measures. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-25 09:02:57

Medical schools lose appeal as semiconductor careers promise six-figure salaries SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - University applicants are increasingly opting for majors that guarantee employment at major companies after graduation, rather than medical schools, which have long been the preferred choice among many top-scoring students. This shift is particularly evident at Hanyang University, Korea University, and Sogang University, which offer semiconductor-related courses and similar programs in partnership with businesses, often leading to guaranteed positions at SK Hynix and other tech companies. According to the country's one of the largest crammer Jongro Academy, these three universities have seen a surge in the number of applicants to begin their academic year next year, with Hanyang receiving 1,171 applications for 32 openings, followed by Sogang with 970 applications for 20 openings, and Korea University with 337 applications for 28 openings. The surge in applications has made admission at these schools more competitive than a year ago, although Korea University's rate slightly declined after it increased its intake of new students. The surge appears to reflect expectations of six-figure salaries at SK hynix, buoyed by the semiconductor giant's soaring profits thanks to its global dominance in the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market. According to financial research firm FnGuide, the company's operating profit this year is projected at 38.23 trillion won ($28 billion), a 62 percent jump from last year. Moreover, the company, which has around 33,600 employees as of the first half of this year, recently agreed with its labor union to allocate 10 percent of operating profits to bonuses, meaning each employee is expected to receive an average bonus of roughly 100 million won ($74,000), making it a magnet for many job seekers. By contrast, other university programs linked to companies like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and LG Display saw a decline in the number of applicants. The number of applicants to medical schools and related majors such as pharmaceuticals, oriental medicine, and veterinary medicine also shrank to 51,194 this year, a sharp drop from 72,351 last year. In South Korea, admission to medical schools has long been regarded as the pinnacle of academic accomplishment, making them highly competitive and traditionally attracting the country's highest-scoring students, as they provide both job security and high income in a society that often measures success with professional achievement. But those days are gone, maybe. With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), demand for advanced memory chips such as HBM has surged worldwide, with SK hynix at the forefront as a leading global supplier and a key partner of Nvidia, attracting many students and aspiring professionals eager to join one of the world's most promising industries. Experts predict this trend will continue. "Students and many young professionals these days prefer secure jobs, so business-linked university programs are becoming their biggest draw and are expected to remain popular," said Lim Sung-ho, the crammer's CEO. 2025-09-24 17:58:42

KT CEO acknowledges flaws in network security after data breach SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - The chief executive of KT Corp. acknowledged to lawmakers on Wednesday that the company had poorly managed its cellular network, which led to unauthorized mobile payment breaches and the theft of private data from hundreds of users. During a parliamentary hearing, KT's CEO, Kim Young-shub, admitted to significant security vulnerabilities related to the company's network of micro base stations, known as femtocells. "After the incident, we reviewed the management of femtocells and found numerous vulnerabilities and poor management," Kim said. He added that the company had since taken steps to prevent "illegal femtocells from connecting to the network." Femtocells are small, low-power cellular transmitters typically used to boost signal strength inside homes or businesses. Kim stated that KT outsources the installation and management of these devices. The breaches, which occurred around late August, involved unregistered femtocells connecting to the KT network. Hackers reportedly used these connections to access the private data of 362 users, with damages estimated at 240 million won, or about $173,000. The stolen information may have included sensitive identifiers like international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) and international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers, along with users' phone numbers. 2025-09-24 17:26:48

How Lee's new North Korea initiative differs from previous approaches SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung outlined a new phased approach to North Korea's denuclearization during a keynote speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. Dubbed the "END" initiative, it reflects his vision for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula through exchange, normalization, and denuclearization. "We must end the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula," said Lee, stressing that "exchange and cooperation" are the fastest path to peace. He pledged to gradually expand inter-Korean exchanges, support efforts to normalize Pyongyang's standing in the international community, and pursue a three-step denuclearization process: halting, reducing, and dismantling nuclear weapons programs. Lee also emphasized that South Korea will not seek reunification by absorbing one side in any form and has no intention of engaging in hostile acts. The remarks appeared to respond to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's speech last Sunday, in which he said reunification between the two Koreas can "never be achieved unless one of them ceases to exist," accusing Seoul of pursuing reunification by trying to absorb the North. Lee's initiative reflects a shift from former President Moon Jae-in's, whose administration pursued an engagement policy toward North Korea under his "driver's seat" principle, placing South Korea at the forefront of inter-Korean relations. But the situation has now completely changed, as Pyongyang has rejected talks with Seoul, leaving the South little room to play such a role. For this reason, Lee may want to play a role as a "mediator" in negotiations with North Korea, as he asked Trump to act as a "peacemaker" while positioning himself as the "pacemaker" during his first bilateral meeting with the U.S. leader in Washington late last month. Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AJP on Wednesday that Moon's policy was based on the premise that South Korea could take the lead in resolving North Korea-related issues. But with Pyongyang now refusing to engage with Seoul at all, Cho said the Lee administration's main shift is to "accept reality, focus on managing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and look for a breakthrough in U.S.-North Korea relations." But questions still remain over how feasible Lee's initiative will be. North Korea has stipulated its status as a nuclear power in its constitution and has shown little interest in dialogue with Seoul, making near-term progress on denuclearization unlikely. Cho added that Lee appeared to adjust his priorities through his phased, gradual approach without abandoning the ultimate goal of North Korea’s complete denuclearization, reflecting his pragmatic diplomatic strategy. Regarding Lee's remarks vowing to "restore trust between the two Koreas," Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, pointed out that Pyongyang's refusal to talk with the South is "not about trust." He added that North Korea has made clear it will never give up its nuclear weapons. "As long as Seoul clings to a policy the North will never accept, prospects for inter-Korean dialogue remain very slim." 2025-09-24 16:43:02

Kakao Games launches new mobile game 'Goddess Order' worldwide SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Kakao Games on Wednesday announced the global launch of its latest mobile action role-playing game, Goddess Order, a retro-inspired title developed by the studio Pixel Tribe. The release covers most major markets, with the notable exception of China. Designed with 2D pixel graphics and side-scrolling action, the game seeks to evoke the nostalgia of classic console titles while tailoring the experience to mobile platforms. Players can control up to three characters in a “tag battle” mode, switching between them in real time to heighten combat strategy. Following a three-month early release in select countries beginning in June, Goddess Order drew favorable reviews for its visual polish and depth of gameplay. Kakao Games said it refined content and systems for the global rollout, drawing on feedback from players in the test markets. The game supports six languages, including Korean, English and Japanese, with full voiceovers in Korean and Japanese to enhance immersion. To broaden its appeal, the launch also features a collaboration with the Japanese virtual talent group Hololive Production, introducing its members Usada Pekora and Mori Calliope in limited-time events with exclusive storylines and mini-games. To mark the release, players who pre-registered will receive in-game rewards, including an SR-grade knight character, Tia, and 10 “Magic Pages” for summoning, along with additional bonuses. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-24 15:35:35

South Korean shipbuilders surge on hopes of early industry super cycle SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s shipbuilding companies are bracing for what could be an earlier-than-expected industry super cycle, as surging orders for high-margin vessels and prospects of collaboration with the United States fuel investor optimism. The combined market capitalization of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries has more than doubled this year, reaching 92.1 trillion won (about $66 billion) as of Sept. 24, up from 37.9 trillion won at the start of the year, according to data from the Korea Exchange. The 142 percent surge reflects mounting bets that the industry’s third super cycle could arrive well before the widely anticipated 2033 timeline. Shipbuilding cycles typically recur every three decades, driven by the replacement of aging fleets. This time, however, the acceleration is being propelled by a rush of orders for liquefied natural gas carriers and floating LNG production facilities — vessels that command significantly higher margins than conventional cargo ships. Backlogs at South Korea’s top yards already stretch at least three years. Samsung Heavy secured 2.1 trillion won in LNG carrier orders from an Oceania-based owner last month, while Hanwha Ocean signed a 350 billion won contract with a North American client in September. Adding to the momentum is a proposed Korea-U.S. partnership, dubbed the “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” initiative, or MASGA, which envisions sweeping investments in new American shipyards, joint workforce training and maintenance contracts pairing South Korean companies with U.S. personnel to service Navy vessels. Hanwha Ocean has already announced $700 million in additional investment in its Philadelphia shipyard, aiming to boost annual production capacity from 1.5 vessels to more than 10 by 2035. HD Korea Shipbuilding is preparing to merge two subsidiaries by year’s end to strengthen its naval capabilities, while Samsung Heavy has forged a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Vigor Marine Group. Operating profits for the three builders surged 102 percent to 2.77 trillion won in the first half compared with a year earlier, underscoring the strength of the current upturn. Still, uncertainties loom. The MASGA plan faces hurdles, including stalled negotiations over a proposed $350 billion investment fund, questions about concrete U.S. vessel orders and potential shifts in American trade policy. Recent immigration enforcement actions against Korean workers in Georgia have also complicated labor deployment, adding another layer of risk to an otherwise bullish outlook. 2025-09-24 15:28:31

PHOTOS: At 105, philosopher Kim Hyung-seok defines a life well-lived SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - He arrived not in a wheelchair, but on his own two feet. At 105 years old, Professor Kim Hyung-seok, a living icon of South Korean philosophy, took the stage at a Seoul auditorium this week to a standing ovation, ready to share his blueprint for a meaningful life. Professor Kim, born in 1920, is more than a centenarian; he is a testament to the power of a disciplined mind and a well-nourished soul. With a clarity that defies his age, he captivated the audience by reflecting on a life that has spanned Korea’s colonial era, its devastating war, and its meteoric rise as a global power. His most surprising revelation? He considers his "golden age" to have been between 65 and 75. It was a period, he explained, when financial stability met professional mastery, allowing him the freedom to pursue work he truly loved. This, he argued, is when a person can transition from being an "economic slave" to finding genuine happiness in the value of their labor. While acknowledging the physical decline that comes after 75 and the loneliness that can settle in after 85 as friends pass on, he delivered a powerful message of perseverance: "Happiness can continue as long as you can do your own work." To that end, he offered three essential lessons for a fulfilling "second life" starting in one's 60s: study, cultivate a hobby, and stay active. He singled out reading as the key to personal growth, declaring that "only reading can cultivate you and allow you to live a rewarding and happy life." Professor Kim’s wisdom isn't just theory. It's born from a life of experience, from studying alongside Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan to pioneering philosophical education at Yonsei University. He has long credited his vitality to a simple, consistent diet of half a glass of milk, a soft-boiled egg, and steamed potatoes, a breakfast he has eaten for 40 years. As he continues to write and lecture, his message resonates deeply with a society grappling with an aging population. Professor Kim stands as a living reminder that age is not an end, but a new beginning — a time to discover, create, and find purpose beyond the pursuit of wealth. 2025-09-24 14:54:11

Son of late ex-President Kim Dae-jung dies at 75 SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Kim Hong-up, the second son of late former President Kim Dae-jung, died on Wednesday due to complications from a chronic illness, according to his nonprofit organization named after his father, where he served as chairman. "The late chairman was a steadfast supporter who worked quietly behind the scenes to lead democratization movement alongside his father," said the Kim Dae Jung Peace Center. Born in July 1950 in an air-raid shelter in Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, just a month after the outbreak of the Korean War, he helped his father become the country's 15th president in 1997. During the final years of the Kim administration, he was convicted in a corruption scandal and served time in prison, but later won a 2007 by-election to become a lawmaker. After his father's death in 2009, he dedicated his life to preserving his father's legacy by establishing the center, but had an inheritance dispute with his half-brother. His memorial altar has been set up at Severance Hospital in Seoul. Survivors include his wife and two sons. 2025-09-24 14:33:29

Samyang's global sensation 'Buldak' noodle sells over 8 billion packs SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Samyang Foods has announced a major milestone for its globally popular "Buldak" hot chicken flavor ramen series, with sales surpassing 8 billion units since its launch in 2012. The sales figure, which nearly matches the world’s population of 8.2 billion, underscores the brand's immense global success and its role in popularizing Korean cuisine, or "K-Food," around the world, the company said Wednesday. Exported to more than 100 countries, including the U.S., China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, the Buldak series has become a cultural phenomenon. Samyang Foods credits this success to its meticulous localization strategies, which have adapted the product, distribution, and marketing to resonate with diverse international markets. The spicy noodle line has also expanded into a full-fledged brand, with popular spin-offs including sauces, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. The highly sought-after Buldak sauce is now exported to over 50 countries, becoming a staple condiment for many consumers. To keep up with soaring demand, the company is increasing production capacity at its Miryang plants, anticipating even faster sales growth for the iconic spicy noodle series. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-24 14:20:16