Consumer complaints surge against South Korean fashion platforms SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Consumer complaints against South Korea’s fast-growing online fashion platforms have soared more than 30 percent in the past year, the Korea Consumer Agency said Thursday. The agency said it had logged 1,650 complaints from 2022 through June this year against four of the country’s largest platforms — W Concept Korea, Musinsa, Ably Corporation and Kakao Style. The annual caseload nearly doubled in two years, jumping from 278 in 2022 to 443 in 2023 and then surging again to 592 last year. Complaints reached 337 in the first half of 2025 alone, up 30.6 percent from the same period a year earlier. Roughly four out of five disputes were filed by shoppers in their 20s and 30s, the core users of these apps. Women accounted for 83 percent of total complaints, compared with 17 percent from men. The most frequent disputes involved contract withdrawals — cases in which buyers sought to cancel purchases and obtain refunds — which made up nearly half of all complaints. Quality concerns, including defective or damaged products, accounted for 569 cases, while contract violations such as misleading terms numbered 127. 2025-08-21 16:48:32

Korean financial regulator inspects firms hit by ransomware attacks SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s top financial regulator has begun on-site inspections of companies struck by recent ransomware attacks, as concerns mount over the security of consumer data in the country’s financial sector. The Financial Supervisory Service dispatched examiners to SGI Seoul Guarantee, the nation’s leading guarantee insurance provider, and to Welrix F&I Loan, a lending affiliate of Welcome Financial Group, according to industry officials, Thursday. Both companies were targeted by overseas hackers in recent weeks. The attack on SGI Seoul Guarantee last month disrupted parts of its computer systems, prompting what the regulator described as a “comprehensive field inspection.” Investigators are also scrutinizing other Welcome Financial Group subsidiaries for possible fallout from the breach at Welrix F&I Loan. A central question is whether sensitive personal information was exposed. Welrix, which specializes in purchasing and collecting nonperforming loans from Welcome Savings Bank and other lenders, holds data on lower-credit borrowers who could be especially vulnerable if details were leaked. Welcome Financial Group has said that, so far, no personal information has been confirmed compromised. The company maintains the breach stemmed from an employee’s personal computer and affected only meeting materials, not customer data. It also emphasized that major units such as Welcome Savings Bank operate on separate servers untouched by the attack. Still, the Russian hacking group behind the intrusion claimed on the dark web that it had exfiltrated more than one terabyte of internal company files, accusing Welcome Financial of “irresponsibility” in safeguarding critical information. Another group that targeted SGI Seoul Guarantee has warned it will soon release stolen data, citing a lack of resources to review the trove itself. Regulators are expected to examine whether SGI Seoul Guarantee complied with electronic financial supervision requirements. 2025-08-21 16:43:30

Lee to put past deals on historical issues to rest ahead of summit with Japanese PM SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said he will respect past deals with Japan on wartime forced labor and former sex slaves, in an interview with Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun published on Thursday, ahead of his trip to Tokyo later this weekend. Lee said that for many South Koreans it would be "very difficult to accept" but "undesirable to overturn" them, referring to a murky deal struck by the former Park Geun-hye administration in 2015 to settle the matter. The agreement let Japan off without further apologies, instead setting up a compensation fund for victims of sexual slavery during World War II. At the time, the Park administration failed to immediately inform the victims that the deal was "final" and "irreversible" through secret concessions from Seoul, while trying to persuade them to accept it. When asked whether his upcoming summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, slated for Saturday, would cover past deals and other historical issues, a Japanese Embassy official in Seoul declined to comment, saying it is "unclear" whether they are on the summit's agenda. Calling Japan a "very important country," Lee also expressed hope to further strengthen "shuttle diplomacy" to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries this year. Lee also stressed that trilateral cooperation with the U.S. is vital to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and engage in talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Lee is set to depart for a two-day trip to Tokyo on Saturday, before heading to Washington for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump next week. 2025-08-21 16:01:45

TRAVEL: Hahoe Village in Andong, preserved in time ANDONG, August 21 (AJP) - The village of Hahoe, nestled in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, stands as a living testament to the country's past. Here, traditional tile-roofed houses and thatched-roof homes have been meticulously preserved for centuries, encircled by the flowing Nakdong River. The village's name, Hahoe, literally means "to turn and flow," a reference to the river's distinctive S-shaped embrace of the settlement. At the heart of the village is a 600-year-old zelkova tree, regarded by residents as a spiritual and sacred guardian. This venerable tree, its trunk massive and its form ancient, is a silent witness to the village's history, encircled by a protective white rope. The architectural layout of Hahoe is a testament to its cultural heritage, with large, tile-roofed manor houses forming the center, surrounded by the more humble thatched-roof homes of commoners. Hahoe is also the keeper of intangible traditions, most notably, a folk mask dance. Performances are held daily for visitors, with the exception of Mondays. The village has been home to notable figures, including the Joseon-era scholar Ryu Seong-ryong. His family's ancestral home, Chunghyodang, and his brother's residence, Yangjindang, are both protected as National Treasures. Ryu Seong-ryong's famous memoir, Jingbirok, which chronicles his experiences during the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598, is a National Treasure. Hahoe's place on the world stage was solidified on April 21, 1999, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom visited to celebrate her 73rd birthday. Villagers honored the occasion by preparing a grand feast of 47 traditional Korean dishes. Though it is a major tourist destination, Hahoe Village remains a community, with approximately 150 families living there. The residents maintain their livelihood through farming and local businesses. Since the village was designated a National Folk Cultural Heritage in 1984, residents have faced restrictions on renovating their private properties, but they remain dedicated to preserving their traditions. On July 31, 2010, Hahoe Village was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. 2025-08-21 16:00:33

[[K-Pop]] Netflix hit animation director explores heart of Korean cultures and treasures SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Maggie Kang, director of Netflix’s global hit animation film "K-pop Demon Hunters," visited the National Museum of Korea in Seoul on Thursday, where she explored traditional Korean art and culture alongside museum director Yu Hong-jun. Following the tour, Kang expressed admiration for Korea’s cultural icons, calling the tiger character Derpy “a source of national pride” and praising Korea’s symbolic imagery. K-pop Demon Hunters, affectionately called "케데헌 (Kaedeheon)" by South Korean fans, has become a breakout hit across global streaming platforms. The film blends high-energy K-pop action with supernatural storytelling, earning praise for its original characters and use of Korean cultural themes. Derpy, the mischievous tiger mascot, has especially won over fans around the world. Kang spent about 40 minutes touring the museum with Director General Yu Hong-jun. The pair visited key exhibition halls, including the immersive digital media gallery and the Room of Quiet Contemplation. In the museum’s main atrium, Yu presented Kang with a traditional folding fan adorned with his own calligraphy. Inspired by the woodblock print "Muho-do" by folk artist Oh Yoon (1946-86), the fan reads, "Shinmyeong, the joy and soul of the Korean people." In return, Kang gifted Yu a Derpy plush, toy symbolizing the film’s signature character. After the two exchanged gifts and chatted briefly in private, they began their museum walk. At the immersive digital media room, Kang sat and watched a series of animated projections featuring themes from Joseon-era paintings, rank badges, and lacquerware. One short film, "Roaring Tigers," featured bold, humorous reinterpretations of tigers in Korean art. "I hadn’t seen this video before, and it’s truly remarkable. I missed it on my last visit, but I love how distinct and playful the tiger motifs are," Kang said. She explained that these styles contributed to the development of Derpy. "I thought the tiger could be fun and a bit cheeky, so that’s how Derpy came to be." At the sculpture and crafts hall, Yu offered an impromptu explanation of the famed moon jar on display. Kang stood in front of the delicate porcelain and nodded as Yu spoke. "It’s stunning. I never realized how much detail was involved," she said. "Just listening to your explanation gives me stories. Ideas are popping into my head." After finishing the tour, Kang said, "It was such a privilege to get a personal guided tour. I wish I had come before making the movie." She added, "But I now have great ideas for a new film, and I’m really excited about it." When asked if she would continue to incorporate Korean traditional culture into her future projects, Kang replied, "I think I will keep going." Yu said the film has played a role in attracting younger visitors to the museum. "I used to wonder why we had so many millennials and the Z generation visitors," Yu said. "But now I see they don’t just come to shop. They roam around the museum and really enjoy it in their own way." He added, "Now we are thinking about how to accommodate this wave of popularity and how to use it to upgrade the museum experience." According to Yu, the museum is now working on improving visitor engagement through enhanced exhibitions and new events. 2025-08-21 15:41:27

[[K-Pop]] BTS member Jungkook's song garners 2.5 billion streams on Spotify SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - "Seven," a song by Jungkook, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, has garnered over 2.5 billion streams on the world's largest streaming site Spotify, his management agency BigHit Music said on Thursday. Released in July 2023, the song, a serenade about wanting to spend every day with a loved one, became the first K-pop single to achieve the feat and also set a record by remaining on Spotify's global weekly chart for more than 100 consecutive weeks. Earlier, the song was recognized by Guinness World Records as the fastest song by a male artist, having attracted 100 million streams in just about a week after its release. Meanwhile, the seven-member band will release their new album early next year and embark on a large-scale world tour. They have been staying in the U.S. since last month to prepare for the album.  2025-08-21 14:52:23

President Lee Jae Myung meets Bill Gates, discusses SMR and global health cooperation SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation and co-founder of Microsoft, at the presidential office near central Seoul on Thursday. Lee and Gates' conversation focused on collaboration in global public health, next-generation nuclear energy, and South Korea’s role in emerging industries. Gates, visiting South Korea for the first time in three years, opened the meeting by wishing President Lee well in his upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. "Have a good conversation with President Trump," Gates said, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Lee responded, "It will be difficult, but I will handle it wisely." The two discussed the growing role of South Korea in the development of small modular reactors, or SMRs, a field where Gates has invested through his company TerraPower. President Lee underscored the potential of South Korean firms in this space. "Many of our companies are developing small modular reactors and expanding their presence in the global market," Lee said. "South Korea can become a global leader in SMRs. Our companies are well-prepared, and we already have a significant edge internationally." Praising Gates's global contributions, Lee said, "I respect your dedication to public service for the planet and for humanity. The South Korean government will seek every possible way to join you in that mission." Lee added with a smile, "You created Windows, which I use to write emails. Through that, people around the world have been given a window to see the world." Gates noted that the Gates Foundation had recently marked its 25th anniversary with a pledge to use all of its funds and his personal assets within 20 years. "We are aiming to use around 200 billion dollars, with a focus on improving global public health," he said. He highlighted an ambitious target. "We want to reduce the number of child deaths worldwide to fewer than 2 million a year over the next 20 years, which means cutting 80 percent from current levels." Gates emphasized that South Korea could play a critical role in achieving this goal. "One of the key ways is through South Korea's innovative products. Your bioscience sector is extraordinary," he said. "From the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to SD Biosensor, SK, LG, and EuBiologics, the biotech landscape in South Korea has grown immensely. Ten years ago, it was small. Today, it is one of the world’s most important industries," he added. "I have had many opportunities to work directly with products from these companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vaccines and diagnostic tools were excellent." Gates also pointed to the broader global shifts. "The world has changed dramatically. Along with geopolitical shifts, we have seen massive technological changes, such as AI. For South Korea, this is a key opportunity to reassess strategy and solidify its presence in developing solutions." Gates also urged South Korea to continue contributing to global health. "South Korea is almost uniquely positioned, having gone from aid recipient to donor. I hope you continue to play a vital role in improving public health around the world." 2025-08-21 14:43:01

[[K-Defense]] South Korea moves to develop its own electronic warfare aircraft SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korea has taken its first steps toward building a domestically produced electronic warfare aircraft, issuing a $1.38 billion tender that would place the country in a select club of nations able to jam and disable enemy radar systems. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, South Korea’s arms procurement agency, set up the plan last month under the title “Electronic Warfare Aircraft (Block-I) System Development Project,” according to industry officials on Thursday. The program calls for the delivery of four aircraft by 2034, with the budget covering both development and production. Only the United States, Russia and China currently field operational electronic warfare planes, which are considered a critical asset in modern air combat. The platforms exploit the electromagnetic spectrum — radio signals, radar and infrared — to detect, protect and communicate, while disrupting or degrading an adversary’s ability to do the same. South Korea’s system is designed to blanket the Korean Peninsula, strengthening its ability to counter North Korea’s increasingly sophisticated missile and radar networks. While Germany, Italy and Japan have pursued similar programs, none have reached deployment. Four domestic defense firms are competing for the contract. Korea Aerospace Industries and Korean Air are proposing to convert Bombardier’s G6500 business jet into the base aircraft, while Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1 are vying to supply jamming and signal interception systems. Bids are due in early September, with the government expected to select contractors by October. 2025-08-21 14:30:29

Korean firms shift supply chains to Southeast Asia amid US-China tensions SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korean manufacturers are deepening their presence in Southeast Asia, building factories and export hubs in Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam as they seek to reduce dependence on China and navigate shifting global trade rules. The push reflects both rising geopolitical risks and the draw of lower labor costs in a region that has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. Southeast Asian governments are competing for investment with tax breaks and expedited permits, while free trade agreements have lowered barriers within the bloc. Simmtech, a semiconductor substrate maker, operates a packaging plant in Penang, Malaysia, which has become a magnet for global chipmakers including Intel and Micron. Its subsidiary, Sustio, completed a $77 million expansion of the site earlier this year. In Indonesia, Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution are building the country’s first battery-cell plant in Karawang, near Jakarta, with a $1.1 billion investment. The facility, expected to start operations in 2025, will produce up to 10 gigawatt-hours annually, largely for electric vehicles in South Korea and India. Steel and chemical producers are also moving aggressively. POSCO has set up cold-rolled and hot-rolled steel plants in Vietnam, while Lotte Chemical bolstered its presence in Malaysia by acquiring Titan Chemicals. LS Electric, an energy equipment maker, opened a plant in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, to serve the region’s infrastructure boom. Part of the appeal is political. Unlike China, Southeast Asian nations are largely insulated from the escalating trade and technology confrontation between Washington and Beijing. Regional frameworks such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have further cut tariffs on intra-Asian trade. Cost competitiveness remains a decisive factor. Vietnam’s factory workers earn an average of $320 a month, less than half the average in China. In Indonesia, labor costs are 30 to 50 percent lower than in South Korea across many industrial sectors, offering savings for labor-intensive production. 2025-08-21 14:24:57

[[K-Beauty]] Korean cosmetics manufacturer Cosmax to set up India subsidiary SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - Cosmax, the world’s largest cosmetics manufacturer, said it will establish a subsidiary in Mumbai, India, by the end of 2025, underscoring the company’s ambitions to make India a key pillar of its next stage of global expansion. The South Korean company, a leading provider of original design manufacturing (ODM) services for international brands, outlined the plan during an investor relations meeting in Seoul on Wednesday. Founder and Chairman Lee Kyung-soo described the India venture as part of Cosmax’s “new leap” strategy. A senior Cosmax executive said the move is in its final stages, pointing to the rapid growth of India’s cosmetics industry and the opportunity to leverage Korean skin care expertise in a market of 1.5 billion people. India’s beauty and personal care market was valued at $31.7 billion in 2024, expanding at an average annual rate of 4.7 percent since 2022, according to data from the Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute. Cosmax currently operates in 10 countries, including production hubs in China, the United States and Indonesia. Officials said the company may explore a Middle East presence after launching in India. The company’s strategy increasingly aims to compete with France’s luxury beauty houses through partnerships with global giants such as L’Oréal and Estée Lauder, while advancing its own premium positioning. Chairman Lee stressed that Cosmax’s growth will depend not only on scale but also on building world-class research capabilities and aligning with the most competitive international players. 2025-08-21 14:19:42