Peru celebrates independence in Seoul, spotlighting shared values with S. Korea SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) – Peru marked the 203rd anniversary of its independence on Monday with a diplomatic reception in central Seoul. Hosted by the Peruvian Embassy at the Four Seasons Hotel, the event brought together a diverse crowd of diplomats, academics, business leaders, and media representatives. Peru and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1963. Over the past six decades, the two countries have steadily expanded cooperation across trade, investment, education, culture, and development. In 2011, the Peru–Korea Free Trade Agreement came into effect, significantly boosting bilateral commerce. South Korea is currently one of Peru's top trading partners in Asia. Both countries are also active members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), with Peru having chaired the forum in 2024 and South Korea preparing to host it in 2025. Peruvian Ambassador to South Korea Paul Duclos opened the evening with remarks reflecting on the historical and symbolic significance of Independence Day. "We commemorate the moment when Peru affirmed its commitment to liberty, democracy, and justice," he said. "These are the same values that we share with South Korea, and they are the foundation of our strong and enduring relationship." Ambassador Duclos spoke about the deepening of ties since the FTA, which has facilitated not only economic exchange but also broader engagement. "In just over a decade, we have witnessed remarkable growth in trade, investment, and cooperation in multiple fields." He also highlighted the importance of the two countries' shared commitment to multilateralism. "Both of our nations are committed to regional cooperation. Peru hosted the APEC summit last year, and South Korea will take the lead in 2025. This continuity reflects our strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific." Throughout the speech, Duclos placed emphasis on human connection. "We are very proud to see more Peruvians studying and working in South Korea and vice versa. These exchanges enrich both societies and build bridges of understanding." As the evening continued, guests enjoyed traditional Peruvian cuisine and live performances. "Food and music are among the best ways to connect hearts," Duclos said. "Tonight, we are delighted to share the warmth and diversity of Peru with our friends in South Korea." The ambassador closed by acknowledging the friendships built over the years. "Let us continue to work together, guided by our common values and a shared vision of peace and prosperity." 2025-07-30 17:43:27

Powerful earthquake in Russia's far east unlikely to affect South Korea SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea is unlikely to be affected by a powerful earthquake that struck off Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Wednesday. The 8.7-magnitude earthquake, which struck the area at around 8:30 a.m., prompted multiple tsunami warnings and evacuation orders in Japan and other nearby Pacific countries. "We expect no direct impact on the Korean Peninsula," a KMA official said. "But given the magnitude of the quake, we are closely monitoring the situation." The massive quake is one of the strongest in recent years, but South Korea is far from the epicenter, with Japan in between, reducing direct seismic and tsunami risks. Since 2000, about 27 earthquakes with a magnitude of 8.0 or higher have occurred globally, with at least one per year except during the period from 2022 to 2024, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Seismologists estimate that Wednesday's quake was theoretically 89,000 times stronger than the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the historic southern city of Gyeongju in 2016, the country's strongest on record. 2025-07-30 17:16:59

[[K-Trade]] S. Korea launches joint task force team to eradicate stock manipulation SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - A joint team of South Korean financial regulators was launched on Wednesday, in a bid to eradicate stock price manipulation that has been plaguing the market. The joint response team, comprised of officials from the Financial Services Commission (FSC), the Financial Supervisory Service, and the Korea Exchange, is to detect illegal and unfair trading practices. "We will mark 2025 as the first year of exterminating stock manipulation by showing the wrongdoers how they can lose everything," said FSC Vice Chairman Kwon Dae-young at the hanging ceremony of the task force. "Once caught, they will be hit with penalties that exceed their illegal profits," Kwon added, promising that the team will take firm measures to set order in the capital market. Before the launch of the joint task force team, responsibilities for responding to unfair trading had been fragmented across several institutions, leading to delays in effective enforcement. The joint task force comes as President Lee Jae-myung holds onto his election promises of boosting fairness and transparency in South Korea’s markets, aiming to crack down on stock price manipulation and implementing a "one-strike-out" rule to deal decisively with major offenders. Starting October, those caught illegally trading stocks will be charged fines up to twice as much as their unjust gains, and the market monitoring system to be based on individuals rather than trading accounts. The current surveillance system focuses on accounts rather than individuals, making it difficult to pinpoint links between accounts held by the same individuals. Under a new "one-strike-out" rule, stock manipulators will be shut off from the capital market for up to five years, even disqualifying them from serving as executives at listed companies. 2025-07-30 16:41:41

[[K-Trade]] South Korean deputy PM meets US commerce chief on tariff talks SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol held two hours of trade discussions with the United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday (local time), South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance said. The meeting took place immediately after Koo arrived in Washington, D.C., with Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan and chief trade negotiator Yeo Han-koo. The talks come as South Korea faces a 25 percent U.S. tariff on its exports starting August 1, part of President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariff policy affecting multiple countries, including Japan. Trump's 90-day pause on global reciprocal tariffs is set to expire, potentially exposing South Korean products, including automobiles and semiconductors, to steep duties. Upon arrival at Washington's Dulles International Airport, Koo said he came to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who makes key decisions in Korea-U.S. trade negotiations. He pledged to conduct "national interest-centered negotiations" while explaining Korea-U.S. economic cooperation projects such as shipbuilding. Koo is scheduled to meet with Bessent on August 1 for what could be crucial talks ahead of the tariff deadline. The urgency has intensified after Japan secured a deal to cap US tariffs at 15 percent, raising concerns in Seoul that it could be left behind in the global round of negotiations. 2025-07-30 16:35:47

[[K-Travel]] Damyang, a town built on trees DAMYANG, Jul. 30 (AJP) – As a relentless heat wave continues to grip the Korean Peninsula, tree shade has become more precious than ever. In the face of soaring temperatures higher than those in many Southeast Asian cities, the cool calm of a forest is more than a luxury — it is a refuge. And few places offer it as gracefully as Damyang. With its soaring bamboo groves, 300-year-old elm-lined levees, and the iconic Metasequoia-lined road, Damyang in South Jeolla Province is home to some of Korea's most exquisite green spaces. Here, you will find Juknokwon, Korea’s largest bamboo forest trail, Gwanbangjerim, a riverside forest planted centuries ago, and the Metasequoia Road — all within walking distance of each other in the town center. ◇Juknokwon Entering Juknokwon at midday, the difference is instant. Towering bamboo trees block the sun and guide the breeze, creating a microclimate noticeably cooler than the surrounding city. Damyang has long been known for its bamboo. Nearly 28 percent of the country’s bamboo grows here. In the early 2000s, the local government purchased a natural grove from private landowners and developed Juknokwon. Covering 310,000 square meters, it is the largest bamboo forest in Korea, formed with a single species. Bamboo forests are known to release large amounts of anions and oxygen, more than typical broadleaf forests. These qualities are believed to purify the blood and strengthen the immune system. In summer, temperatures inside the grove are 4 to 7 degrees Celsius lower than outside. To the north of the grove is the Juknokwon Poetry and Culture Village, where visitors can see reconstructions of famous local pavilions like Songgangjeong and Myeonangjeong. Nearby, restaurants serve bamboo tube rice, or daetongbap, which absorbs the aroma of the bamboo as it cooks. Combined with side dishes like stir-fried bamboo shoots and grilled short rib patties, it is a hearty meal rooted in the region’s traditions. ◇ Gwanbangjerim Gwanbangjerim is a centuries-old forest planted along a levee. In 1648, during the reign of King Injo, the governor of Damyang ordered the construction of an embankment to prevent flooding from the Damyangcheon Stream. Trees were planted along the levee, and the forest was expanded again in 1854. The name “Gwanbangjerim” comes from its origins — a forest planted by the government. Today, 176 trees here are officially protected, each marked with a numbered tag from 1 to 176. The main species include zelkovas, hackberries, maples, and Korean elms. With trunk circumferences exceeding 5 meters and crowns spreading over 10 meters wide, the old-growth trees create a powerful presence. The 1.2-kilometer forest walk has been designated a Natural Monument. The most common species is the Pouzolzia tree, native to Korea’s southern regions and often planted to shield land from wind or sea storms. During levee renovations in the 1980s, Damyang added about 200 younger trees as successors. Gwanbangjerim is not just a tourist spot — it is part of daily life for locals. Morning walkers and joggers are a common sight. At the forest entrance lies a well-known noodle alley, where visitors can sit on the levee and enjoy a bowl of cold noodles in the breeze, a tradition dating back to when the nearby bamboo goods market thrived. ◇Metasequoia Road The rain had just stopped when we arrived at Metasequoia Road. Lining both sides of the path, 20 to 30-meter-tall trees glistened with moisture, their green hues intensified. Some visitors walked barefoot along the red earth trail next to the main path. The long stretch of straight road, flanked by these towering trees, offers a feeling of both awe and stillness. Damyang’s streets are lined with metasequoia trees because, in 1972, about 4,700 were planted along key local roads. In 2000, however, a national highway expansion project threatened to destroy many of them. Locals rallied to preserve the trees, arguing they were not just decorative but part of Damyang’s natural heritage. Thanks to those efforts, a 2-kilometer stretch between Hakdonggyo and Geumwolgyo bridges was preserved as a pedestrian-only road. Today, 487 metasequoias, each about 27 meters tall and over 50 years old, form a green tunnel that has become one of Korea’s most iconic tree-lined paths. 2025-07-30 15:38:30

Trump says he is ready to talk with 'everyone' for peace in apparent overture to Pyongyang SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to talk with "everyone" in pursuit of global peace and prosperity, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday, suggesting once again that it remains open to talks with North Korea. When asked about the possibility of resuming dialogue with the North, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated during a press briefing on Tuesday Trump's "willingness to talk with everyone in order to achieve peace and prosperity and some semblance of normal life for people around the world." But she declined to elaborate further. Her remark came just a day after Reuters, citing a White House official, reported that Trump "remains open to engaging with to achieve a fully denuclearized North Korea." But North Korea seemingly remains nonchalant, with Kim's sister, Yo-jong, snubbing Trump's repeated overtures for rapprochement earlier this week, though it has hinted at possible dialogue if the U.S. recognizes its "irreversible position" as a "nuclear weapons state." The Foreign Ministry here appears somewhat hopeful about the prospects for inter-Korean dialogue. In a statement the same day, it said Seoul will make efforts to restore ties with the North including some previous conciliatory measures such as halting propaganda broadcasts across the border, which could be seen as partial olive branches to Pyongyang. But it also stressed that Seoul and Washington, which "fully agree on the complete denuclearization of North Korea to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula," will continue to closely cooperate to achieve that goal. 2025-07-30 15:28:55

[[K-Travel]] A muddy summer like no other in Boryeong BORYEONG, July 30 (AJP) - As an unforgiving heat wave grips the country, one of Korea’s most iconic summer events kicked off in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province. The Boryeong Mud Festival is famous for turning the seaside city into a playground of seawater-rich mud. Visitors throw, smear, and soak themselves in the mineral-packed silt near Daecheon Beach. People of all ages and backgrounds dive into the mud together, forgetting the heat as their sweat and sunburn disappear beneath thick, cool layers of earth. With vacation season in full swing, the festival drew crowds from across Korea and abroad. The joy of diving into mud Mud is known for its skin benefits, from anti-aging effects to deep cleansing. The entrance begins with a light spray of water and the sight of large mascots painted in mud. As soon as visitors pass under a sign reading “The 28th Boryeong Mud Festival,” a volley of mud hits them. Instead of dodging it, people laugh and lean into the chaos. Faces smeared in gray-brown sludge reveal grins more at home in a horror-comedy. Everyone moves closer to the mud, with few clean spaces to be found. Some apply the mud by hand, others smear it on each other. It is a shared ritual, part skincare and part celebration. In one of the main mud pools, about 20 to 30 people split into two teams. Games range from dance-offs and train relays to rock-paper-scissors and the challenging task of finding black stones buried deep in the mud. Faces inch closer to the ground as participants reach further, with some crawling flat-out in the thick pool. Each game ends with a winning and losing team. The losers sit in the center of the pool, covering their ears as the winners unleash a rapid mud bombardment. After about 20 seconds of flying mud, the losing team emerges fully coated in dark sludge. Just when the crowd lets its guard down, the emcee yells, “It’s payback time!” and a second wave of mud comes flying in from all directions. No one is spared. Beyond the games, other challenges test visitors' strength and balance, from one-legged wrestling over the pool to staying upright on a spinning disc or racing through muddy obstacle courses. A festival for the whole family For children, it is the ultimate playground. While sand used to be the norm, few beaches now offer the kind of hands-on fun this muddy ground provides. Kids roll, crawl, and splash with unfiltered joy, their curiosity and energy running wild. Rest zones are also available for those exhausted from play. From shaded tents and cabanas to snack corners under trees, there are plenty of places to catch a break. For those hesitant to enter restaurants while covered in mud, designated delivery zones provide meals directly to rest areas. Held every July in Boryeong, this year’s festival marks its 28th edition. Running from Jul. 25 to Aug. 10, it offers daytime mud fun and nighttime concerts and fireworks. Events change daily, including K-pop performances, talent shows, and drone light displays. For a fuller experience, visitors are encouraged to stay overnight to enjoy both day and evening events. Daecheon Beach, just a 5-minute walk from the festival grounds, is a perfect add-on for a summer swim. 2025-07-30 14:24:12

[[K-Tech]] Hanwha Ocean to secure $254 million order for very large crude oil carriers SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - Hanwha Ocean has secured a 353.6 billion won (approximately $254 million) order to build two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) for a shipowner based in the Oceania region, the company announced in a regulatory filing on Tuesday. The vessels will feature Hanwha Ocean’s proprietary fuel-saving technology designed to minimize carbon emissions, highlighting the company’s focus on eco-friendly shipbuilding solutions. With this latest deal, Hanwha Ocean’s cumulative order book for 2025 now totals 17 vessels. This includes earlier contracts for two LNG carriers, seven VLCCs, and six ultra-large container ships, amounting to approximately $3.07 billion (about 4.2 trillion won). According to Clarkson Research from the UK, Hanwha Ocean has built 198 of the 1,015 VLCCs currently in global operation, representing a market-leading 19.5 percent share. As of 2025, the company also holds the top spot for new VLCC orders, with 10 vessels secured year-to-date. 2025-07-30 14:18:46

[[K-Tech]] KITA urges nation to nurture fabless startups to boost semiconductor competitiveness SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea must foster fabless semiconductor startups to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding system semiconductor market driven by artificial intelligence growth, a trade association report said Wednesday. The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) released a report highlighting the urgent need to develop the fabless ecosystem as non-memory semiconductors increasingly dominate global markets. Korea's share of the global system semiconductor market stands at a mere 2 percent, trailing far behind the United States' commanding 72 percent, according to the report. Taiwan holds 8 percent, Japan 5 percent and China 3 percent. The disparity becomes more concerning as non-memory semiconductors, led by system chips, accounted for 75.3 percent of global semiconductor sales as of May. This share is projected to reach about 80 percent by 2028. Despite the challenges, Korea shows promise in fabless startup development, ranking fourth globally with 61 companies behind China's 567, the United States' 323 and India's 104. Korean fabless startups demonstrate strong innovation potential, with 42.6 percent holding at least one patent - the second-highest rate globally after Israel's 68.8 percent. However, the domestic ecosystem remains fragile, the report noted. Korean fabless startups attract an average of $37.8 million in cumulative investment, significantly less than China's $101.65 million and the United States' $82.72 million. About 95 percent of Korean fabless startups remain in early funding stages focused on product launches or business expansion, while mature companies pursuing overseas expansion represent 29.9 percent in the United States and 14.8 percent in China. The report recommended streamlining budget channels across multiple ministries and establishing clear allocation quotas for fabless firms within the government's semiconductor ecosystem fund. "The government should take the lead in creating the ecosystem, and in the long term, promote autonomous growth led by the private sector," said Heo Seul-bi, a KITA researcher. "If Korea concentrates on developing capabilities in neural processing units and edge devices where it has strengths, it can seize opportunities in global competition." 2025-07-30 14:18:29

[[K-Drama]] 'Squid Game' finale holds top spot on Netflix's non-English chart for fifth consecutive week SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - The third and final season of Netflix's South Korean series "Squid Game" topped its weekly charts for non-English shows last week, the American streaming giant said on Wednesday. The dystopian thriller garnered 4.6 million views or 28.59 million viewing hours worldwide in the third week of July to claim the top spot on Netflix's ranking website Tudum's weekly chart for non-English shows, extending its streak for the fifth consecutive week since its release late last month. The latest series has now accumulated 134.7 million views to become the third-most-watched show on Netflix's all-time chart, with its two previous seasons taking the top two spots. The six-episode finale continues the deadly, high-stakes saga that began with its first season in September 2021, once again revolving around hundreds of cash-strapped players who "accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games" for a tempting prize. Also included in Tudum's top ten was crime drama "Trigger" starring Kim Nam-gil and Kim Young-kwang, which debuted at No. 4 after its release last Friday. Meanwhile, "Wall to Wall" starring Kang Ha-neul, also released last Friday, topped Netflix's weekly chart for non-English movies, racking up 7.8 million views in just about a week. The film revolves around a man who spent all his savings buying a new apartment, only to uncover "disturbing noises, hostile neighbors, and unsettling secrets" within its walls. 2025-07-30 14:09:06