PHOTOS: Nationwide heat wave persists as vacation season begins SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Heatwave warnings have been issued across South Korea, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting a prolonged period of intense heat as the nation officially enters its summer vacation season. With this week and next marking the peak of holiday travel, citizens are finding various ways to cope with the scorching temperatures. From splashing in urban water parks to seeking respite in the cooler climes of coastal areas and mountain retreats, many are embracing outdoor activities despite the persistent heat. Photographs captured across the country show Koreans enjoying relief in the water, whether in city centers or at popular beaches and scenic mountainous locales. 2025-07-28 11:15:31

[[K-Tech]] Samsung Electronics secures $16.5 billion Tesla chip contract SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics announced on Monday that it has secured one of the largest chip supply contracts in its history — a deal worth 22.8 trillion won, or approximately $16.5 billion — with what the company described as a “major global customer.” While Samsung declined to name the buyer, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed shortly after that the contract involves the production of the automaker’s next-generation AI chipset. The agreement, which spans from July 24 through the end of 2033, runs more than eight years and accounts for 7.6 percent of Samsung’s projected 2024 revenue. Analysts see the deal as a major step forward in the South Korean firm's bid to revitalize its struggling foundry business and narrow the gap with industry leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). “This is a critical turning point for Samsung’s foundry operations,” said Lee Min-woo, a semiconductor analyst at NH Investment & Securities. “Not only is the size of the contract significant, but it also signals that top-tier customers are increasingly willing to diversify away from TSMC.” Samsung’s foundry division, which manufactures custom chips for clients, has reported a string of losses in recent quarters as it struggled to keep pace with TSMC’s dominance in advanced chipmaking. The Taiwanese rival holds a commanding lead in the production of high-performance chips used in artificial intelligence, mobile devices, and automotive applications. Samsung's shares closed at 70,400 won on Monday, climbing 4,500 won, or 6.83 percent, from the previous trading day. It was the first time Samsung's stock had finished above 70,000 won in roughly 11 months since Sept. 4 of last year, when its closing price was exactly 70,000 won. The identity of Samsung’s client had been withheld for confidentiality reasons, but Musk confirmed on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that Samsung will manufacture Tesla’s upcoming “AI6” chip at its new Texas facility. “Samsung’s giant new Texas fab will be dedicated to making Tesla’s next-generation AI6 chip,” Musk wrote. “The strategic importance of this is hard to overstate.” Tesla currently relies on Samsung for production of its AI4 chip, while the AI5 — which Musk said just completed design — will be fabricated by TSMC, initially in Taiwan and later at its Arizona plant. The AI6, expected to debut between 2027 and 2028, is aimed at delivering up to 6,000 trillion operations per second (TOPS), more than double the peak performance of AI5. Musk added that Tesla would be closely involved in optimizing manufacturing at Samsung’s U.S. fab. “Samsung agreed to allow Tesla to assist in maximizing manufacturing efficiency. This is a critical point, as I will walk the line personally to accelerate the pace of progress,” he said. “And the fab is conveniently located not far from my house.” Beyond Tesla vehicles, the AI6 chip is expected to play a central role in a broader range of Tesla products, including its autonomous robots, such as the Optimus humanoid. Industry observers say the deal not only bolsters Samsung’s credentials in the race for next-generation AI chips, but also reflects a growing push by companies to diversify their supply chains amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and capacity constraints in Taiwan. 2025-07-28 10:56:58

[[K-pop]] Jungkook sets new record as first Asian solo artist with over 100 weeks on Billboard global charts SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - BTS member Jungkook has reached a new milestone on Billboard, becoming the first Asian solo artist to keep a single on both of the magazine's global charts for more than 100 consecutive weeks. His debut solo single "Seven," released in 2023, ranked No. 156 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 89 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart dated July 26. The song has now remained on the Global 200 for 104 weeks and on the Global Excl. U.S. chart for 105 weeks. It is the longest run ever for a solo artist from Asia. "Seven" was a chart-topper at the time of its release, holding the No. 1 spot for nine straight weeks on the Global Excl. U.S. and for seven weeks on the Global 200. It was the first track by an Asian solo act to top both charts at the same time for seven weeks. That record still stands. Jungkook's momentum as a solo artist has not slowed. He followed up "Seven" with "3D" and "Standing Next to You," both of which also reached No. 1 on the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. His continued success reflects his growing presence as a global pop artist. 2025-07-28 10:44:48

[[K-pop]] Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo begins mandatory military service SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Cha Eun-woo, a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO, will begin his mandatory military service on Monday. The 28-year-old is scheduled to enter an Army training center in Nonsan at 2:00 p.m. (0500 GMT), joining others who have been conscripted. Fantagio, the singer-actor's agency, Cha will be assigned to the Army's brass band following three weeks of basic training. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve a minimum of 18 months in the Army. Those who enlist in the Air Force or Navy serve for 21 months and 20 months, respectively. A day before his enlistment, Cha greeted fans in a YouTube livestream, where he revealed his freshly cut soldier-style short hair and shared a brief farewell. "I'll stay healthy and return safely. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do," he said. Cha debuted with ASTRO in 2016 with tracks including "Breathless" and "Confession." He later expanded into acting, appearing in dramas such as "Gangnam Beauty" and "Wonderful World." 2025-07-28 10:36:03

Small business ownership continues to shrink in S. Korea, raising alarm over structural gaps SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - The share of small business owners in South Korea continues to shrink despite an uptick in government support. According to the latest figures from Statistics Korea, small business owners made up just 19.4 percent of all employed individuals as of the end of June, or 5.64 million people — a drop of 0.3 percentage points from January and 1.2 points from a year earlier. The decline marks a continuation of a long-term slide, falling below the 20 percent threshold for the first time in 61 years in 2023. In 2020, the figure stood at 20.6 percent. The trend, driven largely by a record number of business closures, has raised concerns about broader labor market implications. Data from the National Tax Service show that more than 1 million small business owners filed for closure in 2023 — the highest figure on record. Analysts say demographic decline, the rise of online platforms, and the 52-hour workweek are fundamentally changing the business environment, adding the continued drop in small business ownership could negatively impact the broader labor market. The South Korean government has expanded financial backing for small businesses in recent years, positioning them as key to job creation and social mobility. The budget for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups increased from 13.5 trillion won in 2023 to 15.2 trillion won (approximately $11 billion) this year, with direct support for microbusinesses rising to 5.4 trillion won in 2025. But experts argue that subsidies alone are not enough to reverse the downward trajectory. Particular concern centers around oversaturated service sectors such as restaurants, cafes and snack bars, where low entry barriers obscure high closure rates. According to data from the National Tax Statistics Portal, the average three-year survival rate for the 100 most common consumer-facing businesses was just 53.8 percent as of 2023. Survival rates were even lower for specific categories: 46.6 percent for snack shops, 46.8 percent for chicken and pizza restaurants, and 53.2 percent for coffee and beverage outlets. Analysts say the current support framework doesn’t address the structural weaknesses in South Korea’s small business ecosystem. The government is now being urged to move beyond subsidies and look at measures like restricting entry into already saturated markets. Policy analysts and trade groups have called for a multi-pronged approach that includes: regulating market entry in overcrowded sectors, providing training and exit support for struggling business owners, offering data-driven insights into viable industries, and strengthening oversight and alignment in the franchise sector. 2025-07-28 10:01:58

Heat wave claims over 1 million livestock, elevates human casualties SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - A relentless heat wave gripping South Korea has led to a surge in heat-related deaths, claiming over a million livestock and a growing number of human lives. Heatwave warnings were in effect across the nation on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, a total of 1,011,243 livestock animals have perished this year as of July 25. The ministry noted a sharp escalation in these numbers recently, directly attributing it to the sweltering temperatures. This year's tally represents more than a 10-fold increase compared with the same period last year, the ministry said. On July 24 alone, 13,842 livestock animals succumbed to the heat, including 209 pigs and 13,633 poultry such as chickens and ducks. The human toll has also escalated significantly. The number of individuals suffering from heat-related illnesses has reached 2,183 this year, marking a 2.5-fold increase over the 871 cases reported during the same period last year. On July 25, a man in his 50s was discovered collapsed on a street in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, around 2:20 p.m., bringing the total number of heat-related fatalities this year to 11. The Korea Meteorological Administration has cautioned that the extreme conditions are expected to persist. Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain around 35 degrees Celsius across the country for the time being, with many areas also experiencing "tropical nights," where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius. 2025-07-27 15:01:03

Shipbuilding emerges as key leverage for Seoul in trade talks with Washington SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - As the clock ticks down to the Aug. 1 deadline for tariff exemptions, South Korea is intensifying its push for a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States. High-level talks are scheduled for this week, with key officials from both nations expected to hold separate meetings to finalize negotiations. South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol is slated to meet with his American counterpart, Scott Bessent, the treasury secretary, for a critical round of last-minute discussions. Simultaneously, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will hold a separate meeting with Marco Rubio, the U.S. secretary of state, this week. South Korea's presidential office held emergency meetings on trade relations with the United States on July 25 and 26. These sessions served to update officials on the ongoing high-level negotiations and to reiterate Seoul’s commitment to dedicating full effort to the talks until the August 1 deadline. In a statement released on July 26, the presidential office affirmed, "As Deputy Prime Minister Koo and Minister Cho are scheduled to meet with Treasury Secretary Bessent and Secretary of State Rubio, respectively, in the coming week, the government has decided to exert full effort in trade negotiations with the U.S. before Aug. 1." It was also noted that the American side had already communicated the specific date for Koo and Bessent’s meeting. During the emergency discussions, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan reported on the outcome of his late-night meeting on July 25 with Howard Lutnick, the U.S. secretary of commerce, in the United States. The presidential office indicated that "our side confirmed the U.S. side's strong interest in the shipbuilding sector, and we have agreed to work towards mutually agreeable solutions, including cooperation in shipbuilding between the two countries." The South Korean government has laid a broad array of proposals on the negotiating table with the United States, including pledges of large-scale investments in the U.S., cooperation in strategic industries, and discussions on non-tariff issues such as agriculture, livestock, and digital trade. Security cooperation has also been a consistent component of these ongoing discussions. However, a renewed focus by the United States on its shipbuilding industry is now shifting the dynamics of the talks. This has significantly increased the likelihood that South Korea's robust shipbuilding capabilities could become a crucial negotiating leverage. The United States has identified both South Korea and Japan as potential partners in its efforts to revitalize its domestic shipbuilding sector. Analysts suggest that South Korea, benefiting from its advanced technology and superior production capacity, has most likely put forth concrete proposals. These could encompass the establishment of shipyards within the United States, equity investments, or offering technological and human resource support to the American shipbuilding industry. 2025-07-27 10:59:47

Foreign residents in South Korea rise to all-time high, exceeding 2.7 million SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - The number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea has surged to an all-time high, surpassing 2.73 million, driven by a post-pandemic rebound in entries for academic, employment, and tourism purposes. As of the end of June this year, the total foreign resident population in the country reached 2,732,797, according to data released by the Ministry of Justice's Korea Immigration Service, Sunday. This figure represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 40,068 people, compared with the previous month. The rising numbers reflect a steady recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown. The foreign population in South Korea rebounded to over 2.51 million in 2023, and continued to climb to approximately 2.65 million last year. After reaching roughly 2.72 million in March of this year, the total saw slight dips to around 2.71 million in April and 2.69 million in May, before setting a new record of over 2.73 million last month. Of the total, long-term residents comprise the majority. Registered foreign nationals accounted for 1,559,975, while foreign citizens of Korean descent who have reported their domestic residence numbered 552,419. Short-term visitors, including tourists, made up 620,403. By nationality, Chinese citizens constituted the largest group, with 972,176 individuals, representing 35.6 percent of all foreign residents. Vietnam followed with 341,153, then the United States with 196,664, Thailand with 173,710, and Uzbekistan with 98,457. A significant concentration of registered foreign residents, more than half, were found to be living in the Seoul metropolitan area. Other major regions included Yeongnam, with 317,286 people (20.3 percent); Chungcheong, with 200,939 (12.9 percent); and Honam, with 136,990 (8.8 percent). 2025-07-27 10:15:34

KAIST expands efforts to help South Korea become global AI leader SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - KAIST is stepping up its efforts to develop next-generation artificial intelligence technologies and train new talent as part of a broader national drive to position South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers. The university said Thursday that it aims to become a global hub for innovation in science and technology, supporting the government’s G3 initiative while helping to address key industrial and social challenges through AI. "KAIST will position itself as a global science and technology leader that creates tangible value for South Korea and for humanity," said President Lee Kwang-hyung. "We will focus our research and training to help fulfill the new government’s agenda of becoming a G3 AI power." Lee also said that the university is placing particular emphasis on making AI accessible to everyone. "Our vision is to build a society where all people can freely use AI. We want to restore South Korea’s competitiveness in manufacturing by bringing physical AI, AI robots, and AI mobility technologies directly to industrial sites to drive productivity," he said. KAIST leads the National AI Research Base Project, directed by Professor Kim Ki-eung, which focuses on building industrial competitiveness through AI and applying the technology to real-world problems. The program is part of a broader goal to create what the school calls an "AI basic society," where AI is integrated into everyday life across all sectors and demographics. The university’s presence in global AI research continues to grow. Over the past five years, it has ranked fifth globally and first in Asia in the number of papers accepted to top machine learning conferences including ICML, NeurIPS, and ICLR. When expanding the scope to include leading conferences in natural language processing and computer vision, such as ACL, EMNLP, NAACL, CVPR, ICCV, and ECCV, KAIST ranks fifth in the world and fourth in Asia. At the ISSCC, one of the world’s most prestigious conferences in semiconductor circuits, KAIST has maintained the top global position in paper acceptances over a 19-year period from 2006 to 2024. The school is pushing ahead with the development of foundational technologies such as Korean-language large language models, neuromorphic semiconductors, and low-power AI processors. It is also active in applied areas like autonomous driving, urban air mobility, precision medicine, and explainable AI. In manufacturing, KAIST is using AI to drive changes on the factory floor. Professor Jang Young-jae’s team has developed digital twin systems and predictive AI models to boost productivity in high-tech industries like semiconductors and displays. Professor Kim Sung-min’s group has created ultra-low-power wireless tags that enable precise location tracking within a centimeter margin, paving the way for smarter factories. Technologies from Inisee, a startup founded by Professor Choi Jae-sik, are already being used in industrial settings to optimize operations and predict equipment failures. In March, the government designated Inisee’s explainable AI technology as part of South Korea’s national strategic tech portfolio. KAIST is also generating results in robotics. A team led by Professor Hwangbo Jemin recently unveiled RAIBO 2, a quadruped robot designed for disaster response and rough-terrain exploration. Another team, led by Professor Kong Kyung-chul and working with startup Angel Robotics, has developed the WalkON Suit, an exoskeleton that helps paraplegic individuals and people with mobility impairments regain independence. Beyond AI, KAIST continues to expand its footprint in a range of future-oriented fields. The university is conducting research in AI chips, quantum cryptography, nanosatellites, hydrogen fuel cells, next-generation batteries, and bio-inspired sensors. Among the more high-profile projects are its work on space exploration using microsatellites, asteroid missions, and energy harvesting technologies. In the biotech sector, KAIST is collaborating with German firm Merck on synthetic biology and mRNA research. The university also played a role in the planned construction of a 430 billion won Merck Bio Center in Daejeon, which is expected to contribute to local employment and economic development. KAIST continues to deepen international ties. It has forged strategic partnerships with MIT, Stanford, and New York University, the latter of which includes a joint campus in New York City to facilitate research and academic exchange. The university also maintains industry collaborations with companies like Google, Intel, and TSMC. Its contributions to entrepreneurship have also been significant. To date, KAIST alumni have founded 1,914 startups, including companies such as Qnix Computer, Nexon, and Naver. Collectively, these firms have accumulated 94 trillion won in assets, 36 trillion won in revenue, and employ about 60,000 people. More than 90 percent of these startups originated from faculty or student research labs. Roughly 80,000 KAIST alumni are now active in society. The school says it continues to bring in new talent to carry forward that momentum. 2025-07-26 22:00:53

Korea-US trade talks end second day without agreement, more internal discussions needed SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - Korean Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick concluded their second day of intensive trade negotiations Saturday at Lutnick's private residence in New York, according to trade sources Saturday. The talks followed Thursday's meeting at the Commerce Department in Washington as both sides work toward reaching an agreement before the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariff implementation. Kim presented revised proposals based on discussions from a trade strategy meeting held at the presidential office on Friday, offering more advanced positions than Thursday's initial negotiations. The Korean delegation reportedly made additional approaches on contentious issues including U.S. investment commitments and agricultural products such as beef and rice. However, sources indicated that Lutnick continued to demand greater concessions from South Korea despite the revised proposals. Trade sources said the negotiation results require additional internal discussions, suggesting significant gaps remain between the two sides. Kim reported the outcome of Friday's additional talks with Lutnick to Seoul, and the presidential office is expected to hold another trade strategy meeting on Saturday chaired by the chief of staff to discuss Korea's response direction for achieving a tariff negotiation settlement. Kim had originally been scheduled to return to Korea on Friday but may remain in the United States along with Trade Representative Yeo Han-gu to oversee intensive last-minute negotiations as the deadline approaches. The presidential office is considering having both officials stay to lead comprehensive U.S. negotiations given the time constraints and the need for continued high-level engagement. Both countries are conducting intensive negotiations with the goal of reaching a trade agreement before August 1, when President Donald Trump's moratorium on reciprocal tariff implementation expires. The extended talks in New York demonstrate the urgency both sides feel to resolve outstanding trade issues, though significant differences appear to remain on key investment and agricultural market access commitments. 2025-07-26 16:33:22