Soundtrack of K-pop anime extends reign on UK chart for seventh week SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" extended its reign at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart to a seventh consecutive week. According to the chart, "Golden," one of the main theme song from the K-pop-themed anime, maintained its hold on the top spot for the week of Sept. 19 to 25, beating English singer-songwriter Olivia Dean's "Man I Need." Since debuting at No. 93 after its release in late June, the song climbed to No. 1 in early last month and has stayed at the top since. The catchy song, by South Korean-American singer-songwriter Ejae along with American singers Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, went viral thanks to the popularity of the anime, which tells the story of fictional K-pop superstars with "secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats." Two other songs from the 12-track album, "Soda Pop" and "Your Idol," also made the top five. 2025-09-21 10:38:11

Korea's eating culture continues to fascinate SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Whether it’s instant ramyeon or a royal feast, one thing is clear: Koreans take eating seriously. The country’s rich history of mukbang – videos showcasing the enjoyment of food – has now evolved into elaborate global productions. The latest example is "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," which recently climbed to No. 1 on Netflix's non-English TV chart, underscoring worldwide fascination with Korean cuisine and the rituals surrounding how food is consumed. One of the show's most talked-about scenes features a French chef who time-slips into the Joseon Dynasty and prepares beef bourguignon for the king. The camera lingers on the monarch's mouth as he slowly chews, the palace silent except for the rhythmic sound of eating. His expression shifts from suspicion to delight – a cinematic focus that elevates dining into drama. This visual emphasis on food has deep roots in Korea’s media. The mukbang phenomenon first appeared on AfreecaTV in the late 2000s, when streamers like BJ Chulgu and Banzz gained fame for consuming massive amounts of food while interacting with live audiences. By the early 2010s, it had become a nationwide craze, offering not just visual indulgence but also companionship and community. The format later spread to YouTube, inspiring global imitators and influencing food content worldwide. "In K-food dramas, the way actors eat is crucial. Their expressions, gestures, and dialogue about flavors and ingredients become part of the storytelling," said Kim Chi-ho, professor of Culture Contents at Hanyang University ERICA. "Even the use of chopsticks distinguishes Korean eating culture from the forks and knives familiar to Western viewers. In 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' the exaggerated sound effects and close-ups may seem playful, but they resonate with both global audiences and younger viewers in Korea." The devil's in the details. In the Netflix animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters," a scene shows Mira, a fictional idol group member, resting her spoon and chopsticks neatly on a folded napkin while waiting for her gukbap (rice-and-soup dish) – a subtle habit familiar to every Korean diner. While "KPop Demon Hunters" introduced everyday foods like ramyeon, gimbap, and hot dogs to international audiences, "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" has showcased traditional Korean dishes – echoing the cultural impact of "Jewel in the Palace," which popularized royal cuisine two decades ago. As global interest in K-pop and K-dramas continues to surge, food has become one of the most tangible entry points for audiences engaging with Korean culture. On-screen exposure often sparks curiosity about dishes, translating into rising overseas sales of products such as ramyeon, kimchi, and Bibigo dumplings – fueling the worldwide K-food boom. "We are continuing to invest in Korean content, and we believe that good stories will always find the spotlight everywhere," a Netflix official said. 2025-09-19 17:59:53

South Korean army blends fun and firepower in Ground Forces show SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Military bands struck up "Golden," the chart-topping theme from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, as tanks stood in long rows and children darted between armored corridors. Overhead, parachutists trailed colored smoke. South Korea, still technically at war with North Korea, is now among the world's leading defense exporter. Yet when the Army opened its annual Ground Forces Festival at Gyeryongdae airfield, it made sure the awe was mixed with fun. A total of 39 weapons systems were on display — from the K2 main battle tank and the K9 self-propelled howitzer to the Surion utility helicopter — alongside U.S. equipment including the Patriot missile system. Now in its 21st year, the five-day festival features 57 programs ranging from combined-arms drills to exhibitions of South Korean and U.S. platforms. The Army stressed the event's dual role as both a showcase of military strength and a chance to connect with the public. Attendance has surged in recent years, topping 1 million annually; last year's edition drew 1.14 million, according to the Army. "The most popular platform here is the Surion helicopter," an Army official said. "This festival is meant to let people really experience the Army. On Saturday, four civilians chosen through a competitive process will get to ride in the co-pilot’s seat, including a 60-year-old participant." The parade blended hardware with cultural flair. Soldiers in traditional dress performed Korean music, taekwondo teams drew applause, and troops in fatigues danced to K-pop hits. Families posed for photos beside tanks, the elderly leaned on canes to watch the march, and foreign tourists mingled with the crowd. Combat demonstrations drew the loudest cheers: helicopters thundered in low, drones hovered overhead, and tanks advanced as parachutists drifted down in plumes of colored smoke — a display of how modern platforms and digital tools integrate to detect, target, and neutralize threats. "The live demonstrations were the best part. You never get to see that up close in daily life," said Lee Hye-jun, 27, from Pyeongtaek. Another visitor, Lee Young-jun, 29, a military enthusiast who completed his service nine years ago, said the festival softened the military's image. "Soldiers often seem stiff and intimidating, but here they were approachable and very friendly," he said. "It may sound political, but after the martial law last year, the Special Forces carried a negative image. Seeing them here reminded me they're still the ones protecting the people, and I appreciated that," he added, referring to the Dec. 3, 2024 deployment of Special Forces under government orders. For the Army, such sentiments underscored the deeper purpose of the festival: building trust and forging a sense of connection with the people it serves. 2025-09-19 17:50:38

String of major data breaches raises serious questions about Korea's cybersecurity SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - South Korean officials bowed their heads in apology during a televised press conference Friday but offered little comfort to a highly connected society grappling with yet another string of mass data breaches. "The government is coordinating across agencies to minimize damage and prepare fundamental measures rather than temporary responses," said Vice Minister Ryu Je-myeong of the Ministry of Science and ICT. "In light of these incidents, we will immediately begin thorough inspections of security practices and pursue fundamental institutional improvements to prevent recurrence," added Financial Services Commission Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young. The joint briefing came as multiple hacking incidents, spanning both government and corporate sectors, rattled public confidence. Wireless carriers SK Telecom and KT, as well as credit-card issuer Lotte Card, have all reported breaches this year, exposing the personal data of millions. On April 18, SK Telecom confirmed that its internal servers had been attacked. A government probe of 42,605 servers through June revealed that 26.96 million sets of SIM card data (9.82GB) had been leaked, including phone numbers and subscriber identity codes (IMSI). Some servers also contained unencrypted device numbers (IMEI), names, and call records. Rival carrier KT uncovered breaches between June 1 and Sept. 10 while reviewing its mobile payment service. Investigators found that fake base stations had been used to capture phone numbers, IMSI, and IMEI codes. The hack caused 2.4 billion won ($1.7 million) in losses affecting 362 people, while 20,030 customers were exposed to rogue stations. KT also reported six additional cases of server intrusion. Meanwhile, Lotte Card disclosed that attackers infiltrated its online payment servers between Aug. 14 and 27. Detected on Aug. 31, the breach compromised data on 2.97 million of its 9.6 million members, including card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes (CVC). For about 280,000 users, even partial PINs were exposed. What was first reported as a 1.7GB leak was later confirmed to be 200GB. These breaches are alarming not only for their scale but also because they struck Korea’s dominant telecom operators and one of its largest credit card issuers. Both SK Telecom and KT invest heavily in cybersecurity — spending 93.3 billion won (4.4% of IT budget) and 125 billion won (6.3%), respectively, in 2024 — levels close to the global average of around 5 percent. Yet the recurrence of large-scale leaks underscores glaring vulnerabilities in Korea’s digital defenses. Beyond eroding trust in individual firms, the incidents raise deeper concerns about the resilience of South Korea’s broader digital ecosystem. 2025-09-19 16:53:38

NVIDIA–Intel tie-up to bring opportunities for Korean chipmakers SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - A tie-up between U.S. chip-design giants NVIDIA and Intel is expected to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure — creating new opportunities for South Korea’s memory and packaging technologies that support advanced AI chips. The $5 billion partnership, under which NVIDIA will acquire a 4 percent stake in Intel, could unite the current and former leaders of global chip design, pending regulatory approval. The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to raise tariffs on high-margin goods such as semiconductors, on top of existing 25 percent tariffs on automobiles. "We are still analyzing the situation, but for now, we believe we'll see increased HBM usage in the design process between the two companies," said Yim So-jung, analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities. "With the adoption of advanced packaging technologies, the importance of back-end processes is also likely to rise." For South Korean chipmakers, the collaboration could translate into greater demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging — both crucial to AI development. HBM enables processors to handle massive data workloads, while advanced packaging — which involves cutting wafer-produced chips and connecting them for specific applications — has emerged as a key technology to enhance performance in the AI era. Industry watchers say the deal could hurt Taiwanese foundry leader TSMC more than Korean firms. "If NVIDIA had placed foundry orders with Samsung, the deal could have had a negative impact," said Kwon Dae-woong, professor of semiconductor engineering at Hanyang University. "TSMC had been handling nearly all packaging for NVIDIA, so its partnership with Intel opens opportunities for diversification," added Park Jong-kyung, professor at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. Park noted that HBM demand could surge, with TSMC already near full capacity for interposers — the interface routers critical to HBM. "Prices may even fall if supply expands," he said. SK hynix currently supplies around 50 percent of the global HBM market and is a core supplier to NVIDIA. The NVIDIA–Intel tie-up could further boost demand for its solutions, with its U.S. operations already experiencing rapid growth. The firm also boasts proprietary packaging technology that stacks 32 NAND chips to produce ultra-high-capacity enterprise SSDs for AI servers, and is planning a $3.87 billion investment in Indiana for an AI-focused memory packaging facility. Samsung Electronics, while trailing SK hynix in direct HBM supply to NVIDIA, remains the world’s No. 2–3 player in the segment. The company is preparing to send its latest HBM4 samples for inspection in September, positioning itself to capture a larger share of AI-driven demand. Investors were not much worried. Samsung Electronics shares slipped only marginally from a 13-month high to 79,700 won (about $57) on Friday, while SK hynix ended with the same price as the day before, reflecting confidence that the NVIDIA–Intel deal will ultimately expand, not diminish, opportunities for Korean chipmakers 2025-09-19 16:41:26

Lee to head to New York early next week to attend UN General Assembly SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will embark on his trip to the U.S. next Monday to attend the UN General Assembly's annual high-level session in New York. In a press briefing on Friday, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Lee will begin his week-long itinerary by delivering a keynote speech at the assembly's 80th session on Sept. 23. He will then preside over an artificial intelligence (AI)-themed open debate the following day, making him the first South Korean leader to do so. Referring to a political turmoil caused by disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, Wi said Lee will proclaim the "return of a democratic " in his upcoming address. "He will present the country's diplomatic vision and goals, along with key policies and measures to contribute to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," he added. On the sidelines of the multilateral gathering, Lee is also scheduled to hold a series of bilateral talks with leaders from the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland and Uzbekistan as well as a one-on-one meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Lee's tight schedule may not allow him to sit down for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump this time, though the two leaders may bump into each other. But they are expected to meet again soon, as Trump is likely to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the historic city of Gyeongju next month. Lee will return home next Friday, after attending an investment blitz the previous day where he is expected to meet global investors and Wall Street moguls. 2025-09-19 15:58:31

Resolving visa issues is critical for Korea to act out U.S. investment: FM Cho SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Resolving visa issues is critical for South Korean companies to press forward with their various multi-billion-dollar projects in the United States, Korean foreign minister emphasized Friday. Although visa issues are not a formal precondition for Korean investment in the U.S., foreign minister Cho said they are "an extremely important matter" that should be resolved before major projects move forward. "Protecting our nationals and investigating any infringement of their rights is our duty," Cho told foreign correspondents in Seoul during a press briefing. The government is also reviewing the week-long detention of Korean workers in Georgia and is closely working with Washington to devise a safe, lasting visa arrangement to ensure smooth business travel and exchanges, he said, adding that the incident won't affect bilateral relationship. "I'm not concerned about re-rise of anti-Americanism sentiment," he said. Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a mass raid at a Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia, leading to the arrest of 475 people, most of them Korean. More than 300 were released and returned home after a week in detention, with many complaining of unfair treatment. Cho, who traveled to the United States to secure the release and departure of Korean citizens, said he reached an agreement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to establish a working group to explore long-term solutions. Options include creating a new visa category, negotiating a bilateral visa agreement, or setting up a special visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to assist business travelers. Cho elaborated on the new administration’s early diplomatic initiatives, pointing to closer cooperation with the U.S., restored shuttle diplomacy with Japan, deepening ties with China and continued dialogue with Russia. 2025-09-19 15:54:28

Drugstores rising as must-visit stops in Seoul for foreign visitors SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Drugstores are must-visit stop in Europe, famed for their iconic pharmacy brands — and Korea is fast emerging as a beauty mecca of its own, fueled by a social media-driven reputation for affordable skincare. Tourists are now venturing beyond the ubiquitous Olive Young chain, browsing independent pharmacies where shelves are lined with beauty products labeled in English, Chinese, and Japanese. “I read about this cream on Instagram Threads and knew I had to try it,” said Giselle, a 40-year-old shopper at a pharmacy in downtown Seoul. “It’s all the rage in Taiwan right now for its pore-tightening and whitening effect,” she told AJP. Dermatology and skincare-related shopping and treatments have become a major component of foreign visitation to Korea. Last year, 1.17 million foreign patients came for medical, beauty, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures. With inbound arrivals hitting a fresh record of 8.8 million in the first half of this year, the medical and beauty segment is expected to have grown even further. The surge in visitors has widened the scope of shopping sites — and sharpened customer expectations. “PDRN products have become so popular among foreign visitors that we are running out of stock,” said Seo Peter, a Seoul-based pharmacist in his 30s. “The supply comes in batches and sells out quickly to foreign tourists. Last winter, we couldn’t source these products at all due to overwhelming demand.” Pharmacies are gaining traction for specialized products such as acne treatment ointments, regenerative creams, high-concentration vitamin C supplements, and pain-relief patches — pharmaceutical exclusives not typically found in beauty chains. They also offer a unique advantage by combining medical expertise with cosmetic consultation, allowing tourists to receive personalized product recommendations from licensed pharmacists. Travel platform Creatrip has capitalized on the boom by launching a formal “K-pharmacy” category in August, partnering with nine pharmacies in districts such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong. Bookings rose 44 percent between the first and second weeks of September, with tourists from Singapore surging 121 percent, Hong Kong 96 percent, and Taiwan 9 percent. Helen from the United States, shopping at a pharmacy, told AJP, "I've been watching TikTok videos about 'things to buy at Korean pharmacies' before coming to Korea, so I'm planning to try all these products during my visit." The pharmacy-tourism phenomenon reflects a broader shift in Korea’s healthcare and beauty industries. International visitors are drawn by what they perceive as “verified effectiveness” and “reasonable prices” — qualities tied to Korean pharmaceutical standards. Social media has amplified the trend, with hashtags like #KoreanPharmacy generating hundreds of thousands of views across TikTok and Instagram. 2025-09-19 15:47:04

American business chamber raises alarm over contentious union law SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea urged the South Korean government on Friday to take industry concerns into account as it prepares to implement the so-called Yellow Envelope Act, a contentious new labor law that has become a flashpoint in the country’s corporate sector. AMCHAM Korea Chairman James Kim said the chamber would soon present policy recommendations to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which has formed a task force to review how the law should be applied. Speaking at the chamber's “Executive Roundtable Series” meeting at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Kim was joined by Kwon Chang-jun, vice minister of employment and labor, along with senior executives from major Korean and multinational companies. The discussion centered on labor regulations and the broader challenges facing South Korea’s economy. The Yellow Envelope Act, passed by the National Assembly earlier this year, makes it harder for companies to seek damages from striking workers. Labor unions have long argued that South Korea’s corporations have abused damage claims and injunctions to weaken organized labor. Business groups, however, say the law erodes management rights, undermines legal deterrents against illegal strikes and complicates efforts to keep production running. At Friday's meeting, executives also called for stronger mediation and arbitration mechanisms to help resolve disputes before they escalate into prolonged strikes. Kim said, “To position South Korea as a key hub in the Asia-Pacific region, improving the overall business environment is essential, with labor flexibility at its core." Vice Minister Kwon, for his part, emphasized the importance of cooperation between labor and management, as well as between South Korean and foreign firms, to safeguard the country’s global competitiveness. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-19 14:18:10

Kyung Hee University hosts 44th Peace BAR Festival to mark UN International Day of Peace SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Kyung Hee University System is hosting its 44th Peace BAR Festival from Sept. 19 to 20, bringing together global leaders and intellectuals to address humanity's challenges under the theme "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics." The festival, announced by the university system led by Chancellor Choue In-won, commemorates the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which was originally proposed by the university's founder, the late Dr. Choue Young-seek. The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the International Day of Peace at its 36th session on Nov. 30, 1981, initially observed on the third Tuesday of September and since 2001 on Sept. 21. The assembly also declared 1986 as the International Year of Peace. This year's event takes place at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Hall and other venues on the Seoul campus, with the university designating Sept. 15 to 20 as "International Day of Peace Week" featuring diverse related activities. The commemorative ceremony on Sept. 19 explores pathways to peace and coexistence in an era marked by unprecedented challenges. Chancellor Choue will deliver a commemorative address titled "The Moment of Chaos: A Quest for Holistic Engagement," reflecting on contemporary crises and future prospects while proposing new conceptualizations of peace. Professor Naomi Oreskes of Harvard University will follow with a keynote speech titled "From Global to Planetary Society: A New Pathway Toward Human Civilizations." Her address emphasizes the need for a planetary transition to move beyond current global crises. A special panel discussion, "The Moment of Chaos: The Future of Planetary Politics," will bring together Chancellor Choue, Professor Oreskes, and Professor G. John Ikenberry of Princeton University, who also serves as Global Eminence scholar at Kyung Hee University. The panel will examine current crises facing humanity and explore the paradigm shifts in politics and civilization required to address them. The afternoon session features the Havel Dialogue, highlighting the spirit of Václav Havel, an iconic symbol of Czech democracy. The session, "Revisiting the Havel Spirit for Civic Values and Engagement," includes leading international scholars such as Tomáš Sedláček, Director of the Havel Library. A subsequent roundtable discussion titled "Breakthrough or Breakdown: Planetary Consciousness and Transformative Politics" gathers leading global intellectuals and practitioners to explore humanity's trajectory at this crossroads of civilizational transition. The discussion aims to envision new forms of global solidarity. Notable speakers include Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first woman Prime Minister and founding member of The Elders—a globally respected leadership group and the first recipient of the Miwon Peace Prize last year—alongside Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of the Club of Rome. On Sept. 20, the festival continues with a colloquium and Youth Peace Forum addressing "Climate Justice and Intergenerational Justice: A Road Toward Planetary Citizenship." These sessions foster dialogue on the vision for a planetary society with younger generations, recognizing their crucial role in shaping future solutions. The week-long celebration includes various parallel events designed to engage different segments of society. These include commemorative activities for civil society and students, a digital short-form contest co-hosted by Kyung Hee University-affiliated institutions, global citizenship booths, and a Humanitas writing contest. "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics represents our effort to address the complex challenges facing humanity while fostering innovative approaches to peace and coexistence," the university said. The event's focus on planetary consciousness and transformative politics reflects growing recognition that traditional approaches to global governance may be insufficient for addressing interconnected crises ranging from climate change to social inequality. Through its multi-day program bringing together diverse voices from academia, politics, and civil society, the festival aims to contribute meaningful insights and actionable pathways toward a more peaceful and sustainable future. The 44th Peace BAR Festival continues Kyung Hee University's longstanding commitment to peace education and global cooperation, building on the legacy established by its founder's successful proposal to the United Nations over four decades ago. 2025-09-19 14:06:53