Rare lung disease drug fails to secure health insurance coverage in Korea SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - A breakthrough medication for a rare lung disease has been denied health insurance coverage in South Korea, leaving desperate patients to bear the full cost of treatment. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service on Saturday, the Tyvaso inhalation solution was rejected on Thursday during its ninth pharmaceutical benefit evaluation committee meeting of 2025. The drug, developed by U.S. based United Therapeutics Corporation and domestic copyrights owned by Korean firm Antrogen, was seeking coverage for pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease, a serious and progressive disease. The denial effectively blocks patients from accessing the only approved treatment for the fatal condition, which gradually hardens lung tissue while dangerously elevating blood pressure in pulmonary arteries. Patients suffer severe breathing difficulties and declining physical capacity before ultimately facing life-threatening heart complications. The disease carries a grim prognosis, with five-year survival rates hovering around just 30 percent. For most patients, lung transplantation remains the sole hope, though the path is fraught with obstacles and lengthy waiting periods. Clinical trials demonstrated that Tyvaso reduced the risk of clinical worsening by 55 percent, offering patients precious time to await transplants or extend their lives. The drug had emerged as the only therapeutic option for this devastating condition. Medical experts argue the medication meets all criteria for essential drugs under current regulations, including lack of alternative treatments and proven clinical benefits for life-threatening conditions affecting small patient populations. About 1,671 patients were on lung transplant waiting lists between 2009 and 2020, with 31 percent dying while awaiting procedures. The drug was first applied for insurance coverage in June of last year but faced rejection, prompting a second attempt in February targeting severely ill patients with similarly disappointing results. 2025-09-06 15:16:33

[[K-Pop]] aespa's "Rich Man" album tops iTunes charts in 14 countries SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - South Korean girl group aespa claimed the top spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in 14 countries with their sixth mini-album "Rich Man," their agency SM Entertainment said Saturday. The album, released Friday, dominated charts in 14 countries including Thailand, Taiwan, and Russia. It also secured positions within the top 10 in 29 countries including the United States, France, and Japan. "Rich Man" swept China's digital music platforms, capturing first place on QQ Music's overall and EP digital album sales charts while earning "Platinum" certification for surpassing 1 million yuan (about $140 million) in sales revenue. The album also topped Kugou Music's digital album sales chart and Tencent Music's K-pop rankings. The title track of the same name climbed to 10th place on domestic streaming platform Melon's Top 100 chart as of 1:40 p.m. Saturday, also claiming the top spot on Japanese music platform AWA's real-time trending chart. The record features six tracks in a range of styles, including hip hop, R&B, and pop. The title track "Rich Man" is described as a dance song driven by rough electric guitar riffs and an addictive topline, paired with shifting band sounds meant to highlight the group’s vocals and energy. "We all really liked the fact that we didn’t portray the meaning of 'Rich Man' literally through money or through like luxury, and it was portrayed more creatively," aespa member Giselle told British music magazine NME on Friday. "It was more about being happy and confident with yourself, rich in a mindful way." 2025-09-06 14:20:18

South Korea-US trade complaints double as Trump tariffs undermine FTA benefits SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - South Korean exporters are grappling with mounting trade barriers as complaints about US market access surged to twice last year's levels, undermining benefits from the bilateral free trade agreement amid Washington's protectionist pivot. Trade grievances filed with South Korea's FTA support center jumped to 1,526 cases in the first seven months of this year, already surpassing the full-year 2024 total of 1,380 cases, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The spike contrasts sharply with complaints about other major trading partners, which fell by half during the same period. China-related trade issues dropped to 1,787 cases while ASEAN concerns fell to 1,196 cases. U.S. trade complaints had been declining steadily from 1,746 cases in 2021 to 1,380 in 2023, before this year's dramatic reversal following President Donald Trump's return to the White House in January. Trump's administration has prioritized protectionist policies, wielding tariffs as a primary tool despite the Korea-U.S. FTA. While Seoul negotiated a reduction in reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent in July, Korean companies still face significantly higher barriers than the duty-free access they previously enjoyed. "Export companies' FTA utilization rates are steadily rising, but the gap between large corporations and small businesses still reaches 20 percentage points," said Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Jong-sik, who obtained the trade ministry data. The most common complaints involved certificate of origin issues, accounting for 3,870 cases, followed by product classification problems and tariff rate disputes, highlighting the complex bureaucratic hurdles now facing Korean exporters in their largest overseas market. 2025-09-06 11:01:56

US immigration raid at Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution battery plant comes amid ongoing economic cooperation SEOUL, September 06 (AJP) - U.S. immigration authorities arrested 475 people including about 300 South Korean nationals at a Hyundai Motor Group battery plant construction site in Georgia, creating diplomatic tensions just weeks after Seoul pledged billions in American investments. The sweeping raid Friday (local time) at the 3000-acre Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint venture facility came as the two countries were conducting follow-up negotiations on tariffs and investment plans following an Aug. 25 summit between Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump. Homeland Security Investigations called it the largest single-site immigration enforcement operation ever conducted, targeting workers across multiple contractor levels at the electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant under construction. Hyundai Motor Group has committed to investing $26 billion across the United States over four years as part of Trump's push to revitalize American manufacturing. Chairman Chung Eui-sun personally announced the investment plan at the White House in March with Trump present. The timing has raised eyebrows among Korean officials and business leaders, coming amid Trump's broader campaign to use tariffs as leverage to attract foreign investment while simultaneously cracking down on illegal immigration. Most arrested South Korean workers allegedly entered on short-term visitor visas or through the visa waiver program but worked illegally at the construction site, violating immigration law despite the project's strategic importance to U.S.-Korea economic ties. The raid highlights a dilemma facing Korean companies: the U.S. government actively courts foreign investment while failing to provide sufficient work visas for overseas firms, forcing them to rely on limited pools of skilled American workers. Seoul responded swiftly to the crisis, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson and Deputy Minister Lee Jae-woong warning that "the rights and interests of our investment companies' economic activities and our nationals must not be unfairly violated during U.S. law enforcement processes." The ministry dispatched consular officials to the scene and established an emergency response team. Lee added Korea also conveyed its concerns and regret to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, urging American authorities to ensure Korean nationals' legitimate rights are not violated during the enforcement process. Industry observers suggest the operation may signal to foreign investors that major investments don't guarantee immunity from immigration crackdowns, potentially complicating Trump's manufacturing revival strategy. Hyundai remained silent on the incident while LG Energy Solution said it was closely monitoring the situation and continuing cooperation with relevant authorities. Construction at the battery plant has been suspended, though Hyundai's electric vehicle production lines continue normal operations. Trump addressed the raid at a White House press conference, saying, "They were illegal aliens and ICE was just doing its job." "And we have, as I understand it, a lot of illegal aliens, some not the best of people, but we had a lot of illegal aliens working there." 2025-09-06 10:29:04

TRAVEL: Cruising the inland sea of Chungju Lake JECHEON, September 04 (AJP) - The Han River, which flows through the heart of Seoul, is formed where the Namhan River from North Chungcheong and the Bukhan River from Gangwon meet at Yangsu-ri in Gyeonggi before winding through the capital and emptying into the Yellow Sea. On the Namhan River sits Chungju Dam, South Korea’s largest concrete gravity dam, begun in 1978 and completed in October 1986. The dam’s completion created Chungju Lake, a vast inland body of water spanning the counties of Danyang and Jecheon and the city of Chungju. With a surface area of 97 square kilometers, an average depth of 97.5 meters, and a storage capacity of 2.75 billion tons, it has earned the nickname “the inland sea.” Locals know it by different names: Chungju Lake in Chungju, Cheongpung Lake in Jecheon, and Danyang Lake in Danyang. Surrounded by dense forests and deep valleys, the lakeside scenery draws more than a million visitors annually. Cruises operate from five docks—Chungju, Worak, Cheongpung, Janghoe, and Sindanyang—making it one of the region’s top attractions. Autumn, when the mountains blaze with red and gold leaves, is considered the best season for a lake cruise. This past weekend, I boarded a cruise departing from Cheongpung Wharf in Jecheon, taking a 90-minute round trip to Janghoe Wharf near the famed Danyang Palgyeong scenic area. Because of recent drought, the lake’s water level had dropped significantly, leaving the boarding stairs at a steep incline. Visitors gripped handrails carefully as they descended to the pier. The boat itself had an indoor cabin on the first floor and an open deck on the second. With the midday sun still intense, many passengers carried parasols or applied sunscreen, but the open deck was the best place to appreciate the views. Watermarks on the rocks showed how far the level had fallen, at least 10 meters below its usual line. Unlike the sea, the lake had no waves, and the ship glided smoothly and silently, allowing undisturbed enjoyment of the landscape. Among the highlights are Gudambong and Oksunbong, cliffs of sheer rock that tower above the water. Pine trees cling stubbornly to cracks in the stone, surviving wind and rain for decades. Looking up at them, one feels a sense of awe and reflection. Like life itself, where hardship and joy intertwine, the steadfast pines seem to offer comfort and resilience. At Janghoe Wharf, the vessel briefly docked to pick up passengers before retracing its course back to Cheongpung. Nearing the wharf, Bibongsan Observatory came into view, perched atop a mountain ridge. Visitors can reach it by cable car or monorail, where sweeping views of Cheongpung Lake unfold beneath. From above, the panorama is strikingly different from the one seen aboard the cruise, with the lake framed like a jewel between the mountains. 2025-09-05 18:02:52

[[K-Drama]] Song Joong-ki returns to romance drama after 9 years SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Actor Song Joong-ki will return to a romance drama for the first time in nine years with a new Friday series on a local cable channel. "It was exciting to finally find a script that touched me again. I wanted to play a character who feels real and ordinary, and that made filming enjoyable," Song said at a press conference on Thursday. The series "My Youth" follows a former child star who becomes a florist and reunites with his first love 15 years later. Song plays the lead character, who spent his 20s focused on acting to make a living and begins to rediscover himself after meeting her again. Song described romance as a genre many actors want to try. "Romance is something most actors dream of doing," he said, adding, "The main reason I took this role was Chun Woo-hee. She was the best partner I could ask for." Chun, who plays a management agency team manager and Song’s first love, said she accepted the role because of him. "I joined because I trusted Song Joong-ki and wanted to work with him. This drama will remind viewers of their own first love," she said. The drama premieres Friday at 8:50 p.m. on JTBC. 2025-09-05 17:37:20

LG Electronics targets doubling Europe appliance revenue within five years SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - LG Electronics outlined plans to double its European home appliance revenue within five years and become the region's leading appliance brand, according to statements made Friday (KST) during a media briefing at IFA 2025 in Berlin. Home and Living Solutions division head Ryu Jae-chul presented the company's European market strategy focusing on B2B, direct-to-consumer sales, and non-hardware services to achieve sustainable growth. The European appliance market represents approximately $113 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.1 percent through 2030, according to market research firm Statista. LG Electronics currently competes with international brands across both premium and volume segments in Europe, while maintaining its number one position in the North American premium appliance market. LG plans to expand its built-in appliance business revenue tenfold by 2030, targeting a top-five position in Europe's estimated $24 billion built-in market. The company will strengthen B2B operations through its "LG Built-in" mass premium brand and expand from Southern European markets to Western and Northern European premium segments. Commercial laundry appliances under the "LG Professional" brand will also launch across Europe. The company aims to triple its online brand shop revenue by 2030 while expanding AI-powered home platform services including the ThinQ ON hub and LG IoT devices across major European markets. LG will introduce region-specific B2B AI home solutions, including building management systems for North American rental developers and residential complex management packages for European and Middle Eastern markets. LG showcased energy-efficient appliances designed specifically for European requirements, including washing machines that use 70 percent less energy than EU A-grade standards and refrigerators consuming 40 percent less energy. European consumer media evaluations ranked LG refrigerators first in 19 categories across eight countries and washing appliances first in eight categories across five countries as of August 2025, according to the company's data. 2025-09-05 17:36:26

South Korea, Italy reaffirm economic ties as 'complementary commons' SEOUL, September 5 (AJP) - South Korea and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic cooperation at the first business forum in Seoul on Friday, with a focus on advanced technology as both countries face resource constraints and aging populations. The forum, co-hosted by the Italian Embassy in South Korea, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), along with Confindustria, the General Confederation of Italian Industry, brought together more than 300 representatives from both countries, including government officials and business leaders from the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors. Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto opened the event, highlighting that around 80 Italian companies and 150 Korean companies had gathered, stressing that the two nations are not only strong trade partners but are also increasingly cooperating in innovation and research. She said, "This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in economic relations, grounded in the dynamism and innovative capabilities of both countries." South Korea's Deputy Trade Minister Park Jong-won emphasized that the two countries share a history of overcoming resource constraints through industrial innovation. He said, "Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1884, our two countries have deepened our engagement in politics, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. As peninsular nations with limited resources, both countries have achieved significant growth by overcoming historic hardships and challenges." Italian Vice Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini echoed these views, saying that South Korea and Italy face similar challenges as resource-limited economies with aging populations. He asked attendees, "Are we competitors or are we complementary commons?" He added, "Our industrial system generates 1.5 trillion euros ($1.75 trillion) in turnover, with SMEs contributing 45 percent to national exports. This flexibility needs to integrate the digital revolution and AI while maintaining our innovative production edge," saying that South Korea has similarly transcended the middle-technology phase while leading in semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). Valentini also touched on cultural aspects, saying, "South Korea has also become a global creative and cultural powerhouse, from K-pop to cinema, from design to digital arts. While Italy continues our Renaissance legacy through fashion, architecture, and industrial design, together we represent a unique fusion where Eastern innovation meets Western craftsmanship, creating synergies across entertainment, technology, and luxury markets." Since the implementation of the South Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2012, bilateral trade between the two countries has shown consistent growth. Total trade volume increased from $8.08 billion in 2012 to $12.6 billion in 2024, marking a growth rate of 55.9 percent. South Korean imports of Italian products grew from $4.8 billion to $7.7 billion (60.4 percent), while exports to Italy rose from $3.2 billion to $4.9 billion (53.1 percent). South Korea is now the largest consumer of "Made in Italy" products per capita in Asia, with more than half of Italy's exports to South Korea concentrated in the fashion and luxury goods sectors. 2025-09-05 17:25:01

Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping pledge unshakable ties through summit meeting SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday for their first summit in nearly seven years, signaling an effort to revive ties that had weakened as Pyongyang deepened its alignment with Moscow. The two leaders held talks at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, the day after attending China's "Victory Day" military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim's visit was a "historic occasion which further strengthened the political trust and strategic cooperation" between the two countries, highlighting the "invariability and invincibility" of bilateral ties forged in their shared "socialist" struggle. Kim reaffirmed Pyongyang's support for Beijing, stating that North Korea would "ever invariably support and encourage the stand and efforts" of China to defend the "sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests." Xi, for his part, emphasized the resilience of the relationship, calling China and North Korea as "good neighbors, good friends and good comrades who share the destiny and help each other." According to KCNA, Xi said, "No matter how the international situation may change, this stand will not change." After the talks, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its own statement. Regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, "China has maintained an objective and just position, and will continue to step up coordination with the DPRK and make utmost efforts to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." The ministry added that Pyongyang praised Beijing's "just position" and expressed its willingness to work more closely with "China at the U.N. and other multilateral platforms" to safeguard common interests. North Korea also voiced hopes of expanding mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation to deliver "more fruitful outcomes." Notably, the official statements from the two countries diverged on a key point. While China highlighted the Korean Peninsula issue, North Korea made no mention of it. At the same time, neither side mentioned denuclearization. During Kim's four previous trips to China in 2018 and 2019, official statements included Kim's commitment to denuclearization and Xi's endorsement of that goal. This time, such language was absent, suggesting a clear shift in priorities toward reinforcing political and economic ties. Kim wrapped up his fifth and longest trip to China on Thursday with his armored train leaving Beijing Station around 10 p.m. His stay in the capital lasted about 54 hours, part of a four-night and five-day overall visit. He is expected to arrive back in Pyongyang on Friday afternoon. Meanwhile, his daughter, Ju-ae, who was spotted upon arrival in Beijing, did not appear at subsequent events, including the parade and summits. 2025-09-05 17:04:52

PHOTOS: Journey back to Joseon in heart of Seoul, Buam-dong's Mok-in Museum SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Tucked away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, the Mok-in Museum Mokseokwon feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The first sight upon entering is the outdoor exhibition garden, where more than 800 stone carvings are spread across the grounds. Large and small statues stand at every corner, evoking the atmosphere of a Joseon-era stone mason’s workshop. Scholar statues and childlike figures appear to meet the visitor’s gaze no matter which direction one turns. Paths and stairways guide guests to different vantage points, allowing the entire garden to be viewed from multiple angles. Below the outdoor space, the underground exhibition hall holds the museum’s most striking collection: more than 12,000 wooden figurines. Descending the stairs feels like stepping into another world, mysterious and slightly eerie. Under soft lighting, row upon row of carved wooden figures stand in dense formation, each with a unique face and posture. Some carry objects on their heads, others brandish swords mid-swing, while some appear dressed for a wedding with colorful hanbok and painted cheeks. Many carry playful or satirical expressions, grinning broadly or pulling mischievous smiles. Among the most memorable displays are the funeral bier decorations. The bier, once used to carry the deceased, is flanked by wooden guardians standing tall and upright, believed to guide souls safely to the afterlife. These were not merely decorative objects but reflections of ancestral beliefs and spirituality. Looking closely, one sees the fine workmanship of past artisans—the carved folds of clothing, the contours of faces, and the details etched into wood. Comparing figurines from different regions highlights distinct local characteristics, adding another layer of interest. In one corner of the outdoor garden, roof tiles once used in traditional architecture are displayed. Known as maksae giwa, these decorative end tiles were believed to ward off misfortune and invite blessings. Each tile carries its own expressive design, as if ancient guardians once perched on rooftops have gathered here. Another gallery showcases Haiju white porcelain from the late Joseon era, produced in Hwanghae Province. Their simple yet elegant forms glow under subtle lighting, distinct from Chinese porcelain. Especially striking are the pieces adorned with Hangul inscriptions rather than the more common Chinese characters. From painted animals to written phrases, the collection reveals the essence of Joseon-era ceramics. The rooftop garden offers sweeping views of Seoul’s skyline and the ridges of Bukhansan Mountain. Arranged across the terrace are large traditional jars, some painted, some dented or overturned, glowing softly in the sunlight against the green backdrop. It is a harmonious blend of folk art and natural scenery, offering visitors the feeling of a time slip into Korea’s past at the edge of a modern city. Leaving Mokseokwon, it is clear this museum holds meaning far beyond its collections. The 12,000 wooden figures, 800 stone sculptures, roof tiles, jars, and porcelains are all time capsules carved and shaped by ancestors. They preserve everyday life, faith, and creativity, carried forward through art into the present. 2025-09-05 15:10:32