Korean beauty company Leferi signs distribution deal with Philippine partner SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - South Korean beauty creator management company Leferi signed a strategic partnership agreement with Philippine distributor Biocostech Philippines Corporation on September 5 to jointly develop K-beauty content and cosmetics distribution models, the company announced Friday. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies will establish "K-Beauty Selection Zones" in Philippine online and offline retail channels. Leferi will provide its proprietary big data system called "Leferi Selects Index" and creator intellectual property-based selection services to support Korean beauty brands entering the Philippine market. Biocostech, which has operated K-beauty brands in the Philippines for over 20 years, will handle distribution and marketing through its retail network of more than 8,818 stores including Watsons, 7-Eleven and SM Department Store, as well as online platforms like Lazada and Shopee. The company sells millions of products annually in the Philippine market. Leferi manages approximately 400 beauty and lifestyle influencers and has conducted four "Select Store" events in major Seoul retail areas including Seongsu-dong and Yeouido through July. The company plans to expand internationally with a Tokyo location scheduled for April 2026. The partnership represents Leferi's first overseas application of its data-driven selection system as Korean beauty companies seek to expand beyond traditional export models into localized distribution approaches in Southeast Asian markets. 2025-09-13 14:51:30

Korean and US trade ministers meet in New York amid stalled tariff negotiations SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in New York on Saturday to discuss follow-up negotiations on the Korea-US tariff agreement reached in July, according to multiple diplomatic sources. The ministerial talks come as working-level discussions between the two countries have reportedly reached a deadlock over detailed implementation of the trade deal. Under the July 30 agreement, the US reduced planned reciprocal tariffs on South Korea from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for Korean commitments to invest $350 billion in the United States. Kim traveled to the US on Thursday to personally lead the negotiations after technical talks between Korean and US officials on September 8 failed to make progress. The main sticking points involve the detailed structure of Korea's investment commitments and potential impacts on foreign exchange markets. Lutnick increased pressure on South Korea on Wednesday, citing Japan's acceptance of similar terms and stating there is no flexibility in the US position. He outlined how Japan agreed to a 50-50 revenue split until recovering its $550 billion investment, after which the US would take 90 percent of profits. President Lee Jae-myung emphasized during his 100-day press conference on Wednesday that Korea would not accept any agreement that harms national interests or lacks fairness and rationality. The presidential office maintained this stance despite Lutnick's pressure, saying the government will prioritize national interests in negotiations. 2025-09-13 11:19:44

PHOTOS: End of tense ordeal SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - A group of Korean workers who were recently detained and released by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia arrived back in South Korea on a chartered flight, Friday, putting an end to a tense eight-day ordeal. The flight, which landed at Incheon International Airport, carried a total of 330 workers who had been held at detention facilities, including one in Folkston, southern Georgia. Of the total passengers, 316 were South Korean nationals. The remaining 14 were foreign workers, including 10 from China, three from Japan, and one from Indonesia. 2025-09-12 17:04:13

KOSPI extends 9-day rally to fresh high, up 50% from April low SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Kospi shares continued to slope upward, finishing the week at new heights, riding on the global liquidity-powered rally. Extending a nine-session winning streak, the Kospi ended Friday 1.5 percent higher at 3,395.54 — up 7 percent from Sept. 2 and 48.6 percent above the annual low in April. Foreign and institutional investors were the main buyers, while retail investors, cautious of a potential fizzle in the summer rally, took profits. The U.S. dollar slipped 3.6 won to 1,388.2 on robust foreign demand for Korean equities. Across Asia, shares tracked Wall Street’s strength on expectations of a U.S. rate cut this month. Foreign investors snapped their net-selling streak in May and turned steady buyers, purchasing a net 2 trillion won that month, 3.08 trillion won in June, and 3.4 trillion won in July. But momentum cooled in August, with net purchases shrinking to just 5.7 billion won after the government proposed lowering the capital gains tax threshold for large shareholders. President Lee Jae-myung’s stock-friendly remarks buoyed sentiment. At a televised press conference Thursday marking his 100th day in office, Lee signaled he was open to leaving the current tax threshold unchanged. “The stock market moves on sentiment,” he said. “The government shouldn’t necessarily push with the tax revision if it proves detrimental to the rally." The government had planned to lower the taxable threshold for large shareholders’ capital gains to 1 billion won from the current 5 billion won. Analysts said removing uncertainty over the plan has further bolstered investor confidence, helping to sustain the bullish run till the end of the year. “The fundamental environment surrounding global markets is not that bad, so upward momentum should continue until year-end,” said Lee Jung-hoon, analyst at Eugene Investment & Securities. 2025-09-12 16:55:22

TRAVEL: A barefoot journey on clay trail in Daejeon DAEJEON, September 12 (AJP) - In a world filled with constant noise and stress, we search for ways to reconnect. Many are discovering that the simplest path to peace is a return to nature. Barefoot walking, or "earthing," has emerged as a powerful way to soothe the mind and body. And in the heart of South Korea, there's a place that embodies this philosophy perfectly: the magnificent Red Clay Trail on Mount Gyejok in Daejeon. What makes this trail so special? This 14.5-kilometer path isn't a natural wonder but a testament to human vision. It was created in 2006 by Jo Ung-rae, the chairman of local soju brand Sunyang Soju, who took it upon himself to pave the mountain's paths with high-quality red clay. It’s a labor of love that continues today, with 2,000 tons of clay used annually to keep the path pristine — a massive undertaking that costs some 1 billion won each year. Stepping onto the trail feels like entering a different world. At just 424 meters, Mount Gyejok is a gentle giant, but its red clay paths offer a unique kind of adventure. As you shed your shoes and socks, the ground comes alive. The cool, soft clay feels like a natural massage for your feet, releasing tension with every step. Some sections are dry and crumbly, while others are moist and packed, a gentle reminder that every part of the journey is an experience. As you walk, the trail reveals delightful surprises, from convenient foot-washing stations to muddy puddles that awaken a playful, childlike spirit. But the Red Clay Trail is more than just a walk; it’s a cultural experience. From April to October, the trail's forest concert hall comes alive with classical music performances every Saturday and Sunday. The music drifts through the trees, providing a perfect soundtrack to your serene walk. And for those interested in history, the path leads directly to a 1,200-meter-long ancient fortress. A barefoot walk on Mount Gyejok is a journey for the soul. It's a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself, all while surrounded by the simple, beautiful embrace of nature. It's an experience that feels both ancient and deeply modern, a reminder that true healing is often found by simply putting your feet on the ground. 2025-09-12 16:46:21

Venezuelan exhibition in Seoul aims to build cultural bridge with Korea SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Venezuela's Embassy in the Republic of Korea has described the new exhibition "Color Without Limits: Tribute to Carlos Cruz Diez" as a cultural bridge linking Venezuela and South Korea, highlighting how art can strengthen ties between two nations that are geographically distant yet connected by shared values. "This exhibition is an opportunity for cultural exchange between Venezuela and Korea," Isabel Di Carlo Quero, Chargé d'Affaires at the Venezuelan Embassy in Seoul, told AJP on Thursday. "Although our countries are far apart, we share coincidences in the arts, and Korea has always had a refined appreciation for them. Preserving the legacy of three major Venezuelan kinetic artists — Jesús Rafael Soto, Carlos Cruz Diez, and Víctor Salas — is part of that shared commitment." The exhibition opened in Caracas in 2023, traveled to Beijing in 2024, and arrived in Seoul this year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and South Korea. It follows last year's "RGB: The Colors of the Century" at the Seoul Arts Center and continues to celebrate the centenary of maestro Cruz Diez. Carlos Cruz Diez (1923~2019) was one of Venezuela's most influential artists and a global pioneer of kinetic and optical art. His work explored the interaction of light and color, often creating the perception of movement in static pieces. Cruz Diez's legacy is present in museums and public spaces worldwide, and his influence remains central to contemporary visual arts. Alongside honoring Cruz Diez, the exhibition features works by young Venezuelan artists with cognitive conditions such as autism and Down syndrome, who reinterpret the maestro's kinetic style in ways that promote inclusion and diversity. "It raises awareness about how we can give people with special conditions a chance to be included in society and to develop skills for the future," Di Carlo Quero said. She added that the exhibition underscores Venezuela's intent to keep Cruz Diez's legacy alive for younger generations. "With just primary colors, one can create infinite variations," she said. "That message reflects creativity without limits, and it is also a way to connect our two nations." Seoul already hosts two important Venezuelan works — one at Olympic Park and another in Gyeonggi Province — making the capital a meaningful stop for this project. For Venezuelan artists, the exhibition is also an opportunity to highlight the enduring resonance of kinetic art in Korea, a country with a long-standing appreciation for contemporary and abstract art. As the two countries mark six decades of diplomatic ties this year, Venezuelan officials expressed hope that "Color Without Limits" will serve as a lasting bridge between peoples, extending friendship through art, inclusivity, and shared creativity. 2025-09-12 16:43:01

South Korean workers return home after weeklong detention in Georgia SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - More than 300 South Koreans who were detained in an immigration crackdown in Georgia, the U.S. returned home on Friday after being held for about a week. A total of 316 South Koreans, along with about a dozen foreign workers, traveled by bus to Atlanta to board a chartered flight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after being released from a detention facility the previous day and arrived at Incheon International Airport at around 3:30 p.m. Looking weary and exhausted after a 15-hour flight, they quickly left the airport after being reunited with their family members who had been anxiously awaiting their return. Some of them are being driven home in cars provided by LG Energy Solution, which arranged the flight to bring the workers back to Seoul. Medical checkups will also be arranged for them upon request. They were caught last Thursday in the largest single-site workplace in the history of the Department of Homeland Security, leading to the detention of nearly 500 people, most of them South Korean nationals working at a joint electric vehicle battery plant under construction in Folkston, Georgia, by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. The U.S. immigration authority alleged that the workers were either in the country illegally, had overstayed their visas, or were employed on visas without proper work permits. The incident occurred shortly after President Lee Jae Myung pledged massive investment plans to the country's closest ally during his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington late last month, sparking widespread public anger and concern here. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who rushed to Washington immediately after the incident, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other immigration-related officials to express concern about the raid and regret over the release of video footage showing the detained workers in shackles. He also requested that the U.S. ensure they would not face any disadvantages with future reentry into the U.S. Their departure was initially delayed due to a reportedly last-minute offer from Trump for the high-skilled workers to remain in the U.S. to train local staff, but they decided to return with one choosing to stay there. In the wake of the incident, officials from both countries are discussing the issuance of a new type of visa for skilled South Korean workers to prevent similar occurrences. 2025-09-12 16:16:52

British Chamber's annual garden party to offer chance to enjoy beautiful autumnal night SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) will host its annual garden party later this month. In collaboration with Dulwich College Seoul, an international school in southern Seoul, this year's party will be held in the garden of the British Ambassador's residence in central Seoul on Sept. 24. It will be a great opportunity for participants to look around the historic residence, which was built in the late 1800s and rarely open to the public. They will be able to enjoy a perfect autumnal evening filled with live music and performances while savoring catered food and beverages. Events like wine tasting and raffles are also planned. "We are thrilled to once again host the party at this beautiful residence," a BCCK spokesperson said. "We believe it will be our best yet." 2025-09-12 15:59:26

Top US trade official urges South Korean workers to obtain proper visas after Georgia raid SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - After last week's immigration crackdown in Georgia that detained hundreds of Souh Koreans allegedly working without valid permits, the U.S. top trade official stressed the need to secure proper visas for employment, while senators promised to come up with legislative measures to prevent similar incidents. While welcoming the massive investment plans and projects of South Korean businesses including automaker Hyundai Motor Group, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized that their workers should obtain valid employment visas. "They should get the proper visa for their workers..... get a work visa," Axios quoted Lutnick as saying in an interview on Thursday. "What they did was they came in on tourist visas and then they just working." However, his comments appeared to overlook that some of those detained were holding B-1 business visas, which allow temporary stays for assignments such as training and equipment setup. When asked whether such an immigration raid might affect Washington's bid to attract foreign investment, Lutnick replied, "No," adding that he could help them "get the right visa.” He further explained that the "old way" would no longer be tolerated and that U.S. President Donald Trump "wants it done correctly. You can't skirt the rules anymore." Meanwhile, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who rushed to Washington immediately after the incident, has been busy meeting with U.S officials including senators Andy Kim, Bill Hagerty, and Todd Young. During their discussion, Cho apparently emphasized that protecting the affected workers would be crucial for South Korean companies to conduct their U.S. projects without disruption. He proposed forming a "working group" to consider a new type of visa that would ensure smoother business operations. The senators reportedly agreed that the incident should not undermine bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Last week, U.S. immigration authorities detained over 300 South Koreans, accusing them of allegedly working at a construction site in Folkston, Geogia without valid work permits. It was the largest single-site workplace raid in U.S. history by the Department of Homeland Security. AJP has contacted U.S. immigration and visa-related agencies to inquire about these workers' visa status but has not yet received a reply as of Friday. 2025-09-12 15:50:04

S. Korea sees surge in complaints over social media livestream shopping SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - South Korea’s consumer protection agency on Friday warned of a surge in complaints from shoppers who purchased fashion items through livestreaming on social media platforms. The Korea Consumer Agency said it had received 444 complaints related to clothing and textile products sold through livestream commerce on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Naver Band and Facebook from 2022 through June 2025. The number of grievances has grown each year, jumping from 54 in 2022 to 185 last year. In the first half of 2025 alone, consumers filed 139 complaints. Nearly half of the cases involved sellers refusing to process cancellations. Other problems included poor product quality and contract violations, the agency said. Clothing items, particularly jackets and coats, accounted for the majority of disputes, followed by handbags and shoes. Some of the cases cited by the agency were striking: one buyer paid 4.51 million won, or about $3,300, for three mink coats but was unable to reach the seller to request returns; another made 32 purchases worth 2.68 million won, or about $1,950, but never received any of the items. The agency said livestream commerce on social media poses more risks than traditional online shopping, because it is often difficult to verify seller information or review return policies. It urged shoppers to confirm business registration numbers and to use secure payment methods rather than direct bank transfers before making purchases. 2025-09-12 14:18:38