Lee vows practical diplomacy with US, China, Japan, and Russia SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that South Korea will pursue "practical diplomacy centered on national interest" to improve relations with the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Lee outlined the first of five foreign policy tasks under his administration, emphasizing that South Korea must navigate its diplomacy based on pragmatic choices rather than ideology. "We will move beyond rigid thinking and focus on advancing cooperation with the four major powers to protect and expand our national interest," he said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The president highlighted that the strategic environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula is changing rapidly, with heightened tensions in Northeast Asia and shifting global supply chains. He said South Korea must strengthen relations with each of the four powers in ways that ensure balance and resilience. Lee noted that ties with the U.S remain the cornerstone of South Korea's security, particularly in deterring threats from North Korea. He also pointed to the depth of economic interdependence with China, which accounts for roughly one quarter of South Korea's exports. Relations with Japan have recently gained momentum. In late August, Lee held his first full bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, where the two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and agreed to expand collaboration in areas such as hydrogen, ammonia, and artificial intelligence. Relations with Russia remain complicated, particularly since South Korea joined international sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. Still, the government views Moscow as an important factor in regional stability. At a reception in Seoul last week marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev said, "Despite many difficulties, there are still possibilities for Russia and South Korea to restore practical and mutually beneficial cooperation." His remarks were widely seen as a signal that Moscow is open to improving ties under the new administration. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul briefed the Cabinet on the ministry's plan to advance this task, which includes holding regular high-level talks with Washington, Beijing, Tokyo, and Moscow and expanding platforms for dialogue on both security and economic issues. The ministry said the broader aim is to strengthen South Korea's voice in shaping regional order and to ensure that diplomacy serves the country's long-term prosperity and security. 2025-09-16 18:14:33

Orderly Gen Z-led uprising in Nepal strikes a chord with Young Koreans SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - “They are better than us,” said one Korean viewer of a viral video showing Nepal’s royal palace on fire, recalling with bitterness former South Korean President’s stunt of declaring martial law last November. Another Korean remarked on YouTube, “It’s impressive how the Nepalese military maintained neutrality, focused on protection and mediation, and stayed true to their beliefs until the end.” YouTube clips documenting the dramatic developments in Nepal have drawn more than 1 million views, while similar content on Instagram has topped 590,000. Korean viewers expressed awe at the neutrality of Nepal’s armed forces and the orderly nature of the protests, where young civilians were even seen cleaning up streets before leaving riot sites. The demonstrations culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sept. 9. Soon after, thousands of young people turned to the online chat platform Discord to collect opinions and demand the dissolution of parliament and the creation of an interim government. Within days, both the president and the military accepted the proposal, and Nepal’s first female chief justice, Sushila Karki, was named interim prime minister through a Discord vote driven largely by Gen Z participants. One viewer likened the revolt to the watershed French Revolution. Much like the upheavals of the 19th century, young Nepalese became the driving force of mass anti-government protests, this time triggered by the government’s closure of social media platforms. In classic authoritarian fashion, officials justified the ban by citing noncompliance with new regulations and the spread of misinformation. But frustrations among Nepalese youth had been brewing long before the SNS sanctions, fueled by deepening social divides and resentment toward the so-called “nepo kids,” a small group of wealthy families flaunting their luxurious lifestyles online. According to the World Bank, more than 20 percent of Nepal’s 30 million people live in poverty. Youth unemployment reached 22 percent in 2022–23, with more than 2,000 young Nepalis crossing borders daily to seek jobs in the Middle East or neighboring countries. The anger of frustrated youth has also spilled beyond Nepal’s borders. In Indonesia, university students recently staged mass demonstrations after revelations that parliamentarians were collecting $3,000 monthly housing allowances — ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage. 2025-09-16 17:41:48

K-pop shares going "Up, Up, Up" in their "Golden" moment SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - K-pop stocks are on a roll, humming along to the chart-topping "up, up, up" tune of "Golden" from Netflix's animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters." The four household K-pop agencies have been riding on the Sony film's surprise success and its soundtrack. Shares of YG Entertainment have more than tripled from 32,300 won ($23.38) a year ago to 97,600 won this month. Those of SM Entertainment soared from 58,100 won to 141,600 won (+144 percent), HYBE advanced from 164,000 won to 286,500 won (+75 percent), and JYP Entertainment increased from 45,200 won to 76,100 won (+68 percent). The unexpected blowout of "KPop Demon Hunters" acted as a game changer. Against June 16, just before the film was released on June 20, shares of YG gained 12 percent from 87,200 won to 97,600 won (+11.9 percent). The label is associated with Teddy, the longtime YG producer and CEO of the Black Label, who joined the creation of "KPop Demon Hunters" OST. Shares of SM added a modest 4.5 percent while those of JYP remained unchanged. Shares of HYBE lost 4.5 percent during the same period. "'KPop Demon Hunters' is more than a box-office hit," said Meritz Securities media analyst Kim Min-young. "The film and OST are acting as an amplifier in the spread of Korean content." Underscoring the fad over K-pop, assets under management for the ACE Kpop Focus ETF topped 200 billion won ($150 million), nearly seven times greater than 30.2 billion at the end of December, according to the fund’s seller, Korea Investment Management. Launched in January 2024, the fund allocates 90 percent of its weighting to the four K-pop agencies. Its performance has outshone broader bullish markets. ACE Kpop Focus ETF has returned 57.4 percent so far this year, outperforming the KOSPI (34.4 percent) and Nasdaq 100 (13.5 percent). "The global K-pop fandom continues to expand steadily, stretching beyond Asia to the Americas, Europe, and emerging markets," noted Nam Yong-soo, head of ETF management at Korea Investment Management. He expected further room to grow, pointing to major events such as BLACKPINK's upcoming full-group album and world tour this year and BTS's scheduled return to group activities next year. Analysts agree K-pop stocks will bask in the "golden moment" that will lift them "up, up, up." 2025-09-16 17:32:06

Travel advisory issued for parts of Cambodia SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - A travel advisory was issued for some parts of Cambodia amid a rise in employment scams and detentions involving South Korean nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. The advisory includes a special travel warning for Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province, and Bavet, a border town in Svay Rieng province. The ministry urged South Koreans planning to visit these areas to cancel or postpone their trips. Those currently in the affected regions are advised to relocate to safer areas. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Cambodia and determine whether any further adjustments are necessary," the ministry said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-16 16:37:54

TRAVEL: Finding solace at old traditional house in Nonsan NONSAN, September 16 (AJP) - In an age of hyper-modernity, where sleek hotels and digital conveniences dominate our travels, there's a certain magic to stepping back in time. It's a magic that comes not from flawless service, but from the slight, delightful inconvenience of history itself. This is the experience that awaits at Myeongjae Historic House, where a stay is not just a night's rest, but a journey into the heart of Korea’s rich past. Nestled in the serene landscape of Nonsan, this traditional tiled-roof house is said to have been built by Joseon Dynasty scholar Yun Jeung. While he lived centuries ago, his legacy is tangible: the ridge beam inscription from 1847 has been preserved as a national folk cultural heritage, a silent testament to the house’s enduring history. The house is a living piece of art, perfectly integrated with its natural surroundings. A walk through the grounds reveals a harmony of nature and human craftsmanship. Majestic pine forests stand guard in the front and back, while hundreds of large, weathered crocks line the right side of the property. Still in use, they emit the rich, earthy scent of aging soy sauce — a scent that evokes a simpler, more connected way of life. Nearby, ancient zelkova trees, designated as protected cultural assets, cast their long shadows, adding to the timeless feel of the place. The interplay of the house, the crocks, and the trees is a photographer's dream, a scene begging to be captured. Inside, the home feels alive with history. Visitors can see everyday items that have all but vanished from modern life. The wood, which has been meticulously maintained by Yun Jeung’s descendants, speaks of a commitment to preservation. The bedrooms are a study in traditional aesthetics, decorated with antique furniture and accessories, and adorned with classic Korean bedding. Yet, the house doesn't exist in a vacuum; the bathrooms and washing facilities have been subtly modernized, providing a comfortable blend of old and new. This fusion of past and present was on full display on Sept. 13, when Myeongjae Historic House became the stage for a unique Hanbok fashion show. Local residents modeled traditional hanbok, reenacting significant life milestones — from a student's first day at a seodang (traditional school) to the joyous celebration of a 60th wedding anniversary. The designs were crafted by Jo Gyeong-sook, a Seoul City Intangible Cultural Heritage, whose work brought the vibrant history of the garments to life. Myeongjae Historic House is a perfect base for exploring Nonsan's other cultural treasures. Just a short distance away lies Gwanchoksa Temple, home to a magnificent Goryeo-era stone standing Buddha, and Donam Seowon, one of nine Korean Confucian academies listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stay at Myeongjae Historic House is more than just a hotel booking. It's an immersive cultural experience, a quiet escape that proves some of the most memorable journeys are found not in the pursuit of what's new, but in the embrace of what's old. 2025-09-16 16:35:00

SK hynix dwarfs Korean peers in tax and KOSPI contribution SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - SK hynix continues to soar on global artificial intelligence boom, towering over its local archrival Samsung Electronics in both tax contributions and stock performance. The memory giant reported 2.77 trillion won (about $1.95 billion) in corporate tax payment for the first half of 2025, nearly tripling 908.9 billion won paid by No. 2 taxpayer, according to disclosures from Korea's top 50 listed companies. The hefty tax bill reflects SK hynix's staggering January-June performance, with revenue reaching 35.49 trillion won on an operating profit of 15.21 trillion won. On a consolidated basis, the chipmaker's operating profit surged to 16.65 trillion won, far eclipsing 11.36 trillion won posted by Samsung Electronics, long seen as untouchable as the country’s most valuable company. A core supplier to AI behemoth NVIDIA, the company has found growth engine in the United States. SK hynix America’s revenue more than doubled to 24.75 trillion won from 12.19 trillion won a year earlier. Total U.S. sales reached 27.83 trillion won, contributing to bulky 70 percent of the company's consolidated first-half revenue. The company’s fast push into high-bandwidth memory (HBM) has helped it to dethrone Samsung Electronics in the DRAM market for the first time. According to their disclosures, SK hynix accounted for 36.3 percent of DRAM sales as of June, edging out Samsung with 32.7 percent. It commands 50 percent of HBM — crucial in powering AI chips — buttressing the country’s record chip exports of $73.31 billion in the first half. The company has reportedly sold out its entire 2025 HBM production and is currently negotiating contracts for 2026 deliveries. The chipmaker has lifted government coffers and stock market as the key driver behind the KOSPI’s record run. Its shares closed Tuesday at a fresh historic high of 348,500, more than twice expensive from 152,800 a year ago, and further humbling Samsung Electronics whose stock gained 24 percent from 63,100 won to 78,850 won. It also has become new favorite of foreign investors. Foreigners own 56.25 percent of total SK hynix shares versus Samsung's 50.78 percent. "SK hynix remains a stunning winner on insatiable foreign appetite thanks to red-hot HBM sales fueling corporate bottom line," observed Yim So-jung, analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities Co. Investment sentiment remains upbeat, given its comfortable position in AI memory market. "Even if competitors enter NVIDIA's supply chain, we believe it will be difficult for them to catch up with SK hynix's cost competitiveness and technological superiority in the short term," said Ryu Young-ho of NH Investment & Securities Co. He noted NVIDIA recently raised its HBM4 specifications favoring SK hynix, which has already delivered samples ahead of competitors. “We expect the HBM contract details to be confirmed within one to two months, considering the launch timing of NVIDIA's next-generation AI chip Rubin,” Ryu added. 2025-09-16 16:33:34

Z-gen South Korean chaebol heirs embrace paths once off-limits SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - The Generation Z heirs and heiresses of South Korea’s powerful chaebol families are breaking out of their traditionally cloistered worlds, venturing into public spheres once considered off-limits — from serving in the military to debuting as entertainers. For decades, children of Korea’s leading business dynasties largely stayed in the shadows and confined to their own insulated world. Their lives typically revolved around elite overseas education, discreet apprenticeships within family-run conglomerates, and carefully orchestrated public appearances. The prevailing image was one of privilege and distance, with heirs growing up behind the protective walls of wealth. But Millennials and Generation Z are reshaping the script. Influenced by global culture, social media, and heightened visibility, they are increasingly willing to craft their own identities in public view — whether through national service or participation in the entertainment industry. Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jay Y.’s 24-year-old son, Lee Ji-ho, began basic officer training on Monday. After 11 weeks, he will be commissioned as a Navy second lieutenant and serve 39 months as an interpreter officer. He renounced his U.S. citizenship to fulfill his duty in Korea, a rare step away from the elite and lofty stigma long tied to chaebol heirs. Chey Min-jung, daughter of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, also chose a naval officer’s path, unusual for a woman from a top business family. Others have ventured into a field once derided in conservative Korean society as frivolous or unbecoming of business royalty: entertainment. The word “ddandda-ra,” a pejorative slang for entertainer, long symbolized that stigma. Moon Seo-yoon, daughter of Shinsegae President Chung Yoo-kyung, debuted in June as Annie, a member of the co-ed idol group All Day Project. Lee Seung-joo, son of NAVER founder Lee Hae-jin, has built a career as singer-songwriter Loren. Ham Yeon-ji, daughter of Ottogi Chairman Ham Young-joon, is active as a musical actress and YouTuber. These moves reflect more than personal ambition. They illustrate how the younger generation of chaebol scions expresses identity more openly, challenging old norms of distance and exclusivity. Kenneth Chi Ho Kim, professor at Hanyang University ERICA, said media attention on chaebol offspring may begin with their family name but cannot last without substance. “Family ties may spark initial buzz, but without individual performance that attention can quickly fade or even turn negative,” he said. Moon’s debut, for instance, has drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether her family background gave her an unfair platform. On the broader implications, Kim noted that such backgrounds can still add to the diversity of popular culture. “It shouldn’t matter whether someone comes from a wealthy or humble background. When people from different walks of life participate, popular culture becomes more dynamic and meaningful,” he said. 2025-09-16 16:30:52

PHOTOS: Global game festival unfolds in the heart of Seoul SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Walking along Cheonggyecheon, visitors stepping into Hiker Ground were immediately greeted by giant screens playing game videos. Familiar soundtracks filled the air, emphasizing that this was not just an exhibition but a cultural space. The sky-blue entrance structure signaled the festival period, and for ten days, the venue in central Seoul became a "sanctuary of games," drawing in countless enthusiasts. On the second floor, which marked the starting point of the exhibition, families with children were a common sight. The space was designed as a cultural playground for all generations, showing that gaming is no longer exclusive to a specific age group but something everyone can share. Each floor showcased unique exhibition zones from major Korean developers, including Neowiz, Nexon, Netmarble, and Krafton. Concept art and illustrations lined the white walls, while installations matched each game’s theme. Rather than serving only as promotional displays, the exhibits were curated as cultural works in their own right. The fifth-floor experience zone became the highlight of the festival. Visitors could try out popular titles such as "INZOI" and "Overwatch," while a board game area offered an analog break from the digital. Rest spaces with views of the cityscape gave guests a chance to relax and chat, proving especially popular. Hidden among the large-scale company booths, an indie game zone offered a different kind of charm, allowing visitors to discover small yet distinctive projects that often remain under the radar. The event went beyond the framework of a conventional game show, blending music, visual arts, and esports into a comprehensive cultural festival. It highlighted the role of games as a medium connecting art, daily life, and communication. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Jonggak Station, the venue was easily accessible by public transport, widening opportunities for people to experience gaming culture. Set in the bustling city center, where international visitors are common, the festival saw an unusually high foreign presence. Organizers estimated that on weekdays, about 70 percent of the visitors were from overseas, while even on weekends—when around 3,000 people attended—about 30 percent were foreigners. Running from September 5 to 14, the 2025 Game Culture Festival showed that games are more than entertainment. They are a form of culture and art that has taken root in everyday life, serving as a tool of connection across generations. Staged for free in the middle of Seoul, the festival stood as a model of what cultural spaces can achieve, offering a fresh perspective on the role of games in society. 2025-09-16 16:22:10

S. Korea mulls renaming term for N. Korean defectors as integration deepens SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the government is studying the possibility of changing the widely used Korean term "Talbukmin" (탈북민, translated as defector) to refer to North Korean arrivals, reflecting a shift in perceptions as more North Korean-born residents take active roles in society. According to the Ministry of Unification on Tuesday, Chung's remarks were made during his opening speech session of the Gyeonggi-region Unification Plus Center on Monday. The minister noted that the word Talbukmin carries a negative connotation. "The word that North Korean arrivals dislike the most is 'Tal' (탈, translated roughly as 'to exit'), and the words Tal and Talbuk (탈북, to exit from the North) sound very unpleasant. That is why the ministry has commissioned research to find an alternative name. Right now, 'Bukhyangmin' seems to be the most supported option." The term "Bukhyangmin" translates roughly as "people whose hometown is in the North." The ministry signed a research contract last month with the Association for North Korean Studies to study alternatives and will publish the results in November. The research will consider whether to formally revise the legal term Talbukmin as defined in South Korea's settlement law or to promote a softer everyday expression instead. The debate comes against the backdrop of how North Korean-born residents have become far more visible and integrated in South Korean society. Twenty years ago, defectors were often regarded with curiosity, and even ten years ago, they were seen as exceptions. Today, they are present across multiple fields, from YouTube influencers and business leaders to public servants and politicians. One of the most prominent is Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat who defected in 2016 and later became a South Korean lawmaker. Thae, who had served as North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, won a parliamentary seat in 2020 as a member of the conservative People Power Party. His career underscored how those once described only as defectors are now shaping South Korea's own political discourse.. The trend is supported by data. According to the Unification Ministry, more than 33,000 North Korean defectors have resettled in South Korea since the 1990s. Women account for about 72 percent of new arrivals. Annual entries peaked in the mid-2000s at over 2,000, but the numbers nosedived after 2012 and fell even more sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, when border closures between North Korea and China nearly halted defections. Only 229 people entered in 2020, dropping to 63 in 2021 and 67 in 2022. Although arrivals remain at record lows, the community as a whole has grown large enough to push for shifts in terminology and perception. Public sentiment also points in that direction. A 2023 Korea Institute for National Unification survey found that 58.9 percent of defectors themselves supported changing the legal terminology. Past attempts at alternatives, such as the term "saeteomin" (new settlers), failed to gain traction in daily usage, but the debate over names continues as part of broader efforts to promote social inclusion. 2025-09-16 16:10:46

US aircraft carrier skips trilateral exercise with South Korea, Japan SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - A U.S. aircraft carrier is not participating in this year's trilateral exercise with South Korea and Japan, military officials here said Tuesday. The weeklong air and naval exercise, dubbed "Freedom Edge" involving Aegis destroyers, frigates, fighter jets, patrol aircraft, refueling planes, and helicopters, which kicked off early this week, is currently underway in waters near South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju. Aimed at strengthening the three countries' combined operational capabilities to counter North Korea's growing missile and nuclear threats, the ongoing exercise is the third round of such drills, following previous exercises in June and November last year, which involved the U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS George Washington as a show of force. With military authorities providing no explanations, some speculate that the exercise may have been scaled back due to scheduling conflicts or not to provoke North Korea, given that Seoul and Washington have recently been making conciliatory moves to engage with Pyongyang. The North has often reacted nervously to the deployment of U.S. strategic assets such as aircraft carriers and strategic bombers on the Korean Peninsula. Just a day before the exercise, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's influential sister Yo-jong on Sunday strongly protested, calling the drills a "reckless show of strength" that will "inevitably bring bad results to themselves." 2025-09-16 16:10:07