Independent prosecutors summon ex-first lady to appear for questioning SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors on Monday asked former first lady Kim Keon Hee to appear for questioning early next month. Prosecutors led by Min Jung-ki, who are investigating a slew of allegations involving Kim, including the acceptance of a luxury handbag, involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, election-related meddling in candidate nominations, and several other accusations, summoned her, about three weeks after forming a team for the probe. According to them, Kim was notified by mail to appear for questioning scheduled for Aug. 6. The latest probe is part of three separate investigations by independent prosecutors, which include disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year and allegations of inappropriate interference by the Defense Ministry related to a Marine's death during a search mission in July 2023. These investigations were launched after the National Assembly passed relevant bills just a day after President Lee Jae-myung took office early last month. Held at a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province since July 10, Yoon, who has been stalling investigations citing deteriorating health, was also asked to appear for questioning next Tuesday. 2025-07-21 16:42:28

OPINION: Beyond borders -- Advice for students considering college abroad SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - For students looking to study abroad, particularly in the United States, the current climate is fraught with uncertainty. With concerns around global conflicts and sharp political changes, as well as the impact of COVID-19 still fresh in our memory, a growing number of students are shifting perceptions about traditional destinations for university overseas. Students are also considering more diverse options. In my capacity as Director of University and Career Counselling at Dulwich College Seoul, where we have over 46 different nationalities represented in our community, I am seeing greater diversity in the universities that our students attend. Our most recent 2025 graduates have been accepted to universities in six different countries across multiple continents. These include prestigious institutions in the U.S. and Britain, as well as Canada, Ireland, Japan, and Switzerland. I could also attest to how Korean students are sought-after across the world, not least due to Korea’s strong educational and cultural reputation. As the list of appealing college options becomes more extensive than ever, I would like to offer some advice to Korean students. I have had access to the global perspective and benefited from working on both sides of the application process as an admission counsellor at Seattle University and an Associate Director of Admission at both Boston College and Babson College. Here are some guiding thoughts. 1. Why study abroad at all? A university education is about more than lectures and exams - it is about building critical thinking and life skills. Students who go abroad can benefit from rich and formative cultural experiences as they build global citizenship, cross-cultural understanding, resilience, and independence. These attributes are invaluable in today’s world, including the global job market. You may want to ask yourself where you want to live and work after graduation. What kind of lifestyle do you envision? Do you want to obtain an advanced degree abroad? The answers to these questions can point clearly in the direction of one or more potential foreign university destinations. 2. Broaden the scope of possibilities Aside from Indian and Chinese counterparts, Koreans made up the biggest number of foreign students in the United States during the 2023-24 school year, according to the Institute of International Education. While there are many great U.S. options, do not limit your search based on what others have done in the past. Our students are exploring colleges in places as diverse as Australia, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Spain. The idea of studying in Europe or another country in Asia might have felt unconventional a decade ago, but now it is becoming mainstream. This is driven in no small part by the growing recognition of the high quality of education in many institutions across the world. You can be practical with your considerations, too. For instance, a student aspiring to work in Europe may find more networking and job placement opportunities by studying at a European institution. Similarly, someone planning to return to Asia might benefit from the cultural and language familiarity of studying in Japan or Hong Kong. 3. Do not be guided by prestige alone My next point is that while world-renowned universities in traditional college destinations do carry a certain prestige, global rankings do not necessarily capture student satisfaction, faculty interaction, or career outcomes. Therefore, students should not let prestige alone be their guiding attraction. Instead, focus on which university best fits your academic interests, personality, goals, and preferred lifestyle. In addition, note that smaller or lesser-known institutions can often provide more personalized support, closer student-faculty relationships, and strong alumni networks. 4. Consider the cost Studying abroad can seem prohibitively expensive, but it does not have to be. Countries like the Netherlands and Japan offer world-class programs for relatively low tuition costs. Canadian and Australian institutions allow students to work part-time, easing the financial burden of studying in those places. In the U.S., despite its reputation for high costs, top-performing Korean students regularly receive substantial merit-based scholarships. It can pay off to do the research and see what is on offer. Some schools even offer cost-saving pathways like dual-degree programs or fast-tracked graduate options. 5. To visit or not to visit Virtual tours and webinars have become sophisticated since COVID-19. They allow families to explore campuses, attend information sessions, and speak to student ambassadors without leaving home. However, if travel is possible, try to visit a few universities, especially if you are already going abroad for a vacation or summer program. It can be very helpful to get the feel of walking a college campus, meeting faculty staff, and imagining your life there. Either way, I recommend that you ask what support services are available to international students, what kind of orientation and mentorship programs exist, and what the graduate outcomes are. Many institutions are also happy to arrange chats with student ambassadors or regional admissions officers. Ultimately, you should let your interests and personality guide this journey. It can be daunting, but also incredibly exciting. University presents an opportunity for self-discovery, shaping your adult identity. The results are often transformative. A well-chosen international university can be the gateway not just to career success, but to lifelong confidence that can take you anywhere in the world. 2025-07-21 16:29:13

Korea's new finance minister pledges swift tariff talks with US SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Koo Yun-cheol, pledged on Monday to move swiftly in pursuing tariff negotiations with the United States, citing national interests and practical outcomes as top priorities. Speaking at his inaugural press briefing at the Government Complex in Sejong, Koo emphasized the urgency of the talks, which come amid a fast-approaching deadline for a proposed mutual tariff suspension by Washington. “We are coordinating with the United States,” Koo said in response to questions about a potential visit to Washington. “Once arrangements are finalized, I will meet with them as soon as possible to explain Korea's situation and seek understanding for successful tariff negotiations that serve our national interests.” South Korean officials are under mounting pressure to reach an agreement before the August 1 deadline floated by the U.S. According to government sources, Koo could travel to Washington as early as this week in a bid to meet the timeline. During his visit, Koo is expected to meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with discussions likely to center on trade policy, foreign exchange issues and broader economic cooperation between the two allies. At home, Koo named taming inflation as his most pressing domestic challenge, pointing in particular to rising consumer prices driven by recent flood damage across the country. Earlier in the day, in a meeting with ministry officials, Koo urged public officials to act as “core employees of Korea Inc.,” encouraging them to embrace a problem-solving ethos and to build trust with the public through responsive and efficient service. He also promised incentives for civil servants who put forward innovative ideas with measurable impact, and committed to cutting back on formalities such as face-to-face reporting. He also added that artificial intelligence would be increasingly integrated into ministry operations. “I want to create an environment where any staff member, regardless of rank, can contribute ideas directly to leadership,” Koo said. 2025-07-21 16:23:18

[[K-pop]] Netflix animation 'K-pop Demon Hunters' tops global streaming chart, fuels real-world fandom SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - The animated Netflix film K-pop Demon Hunters continues to dominate globally, reaching No. 1 on FlixPatrol's "TOP 10 on Streaming in the World" on July 20. The film, which premiered on June 20, led daily VOD rankings across 941 platforms in 167 countries, including Netflix and Amazon. Blending K-pop stardom with supernatural action, the film centers on two fictional idol groups, Huntrix and Saja Boys, who double as demon slayers while dominating the music scene. Despite being entirely fictional, the characters have gained a massive global following, with original songs from the film going viral and fan-made content flooding social media platforms. The impact has been especially visible in streaming numbers. Since the film's release, K-pop tracks featured in the movie have seen a surge in online plays, with new listeners joining from regions where K-pop had limited reach until now. Merchandise sales have also spiked, with character-themed apparel, posters, and soundtracks selling out in multiple markets. Viewers have shared stories of watching the film repeatedly with family members, especially younger audiences who were drawn to dynamic animation and catchy songs. The film's success also highlights the rising influence of virtual idols and AI-enhanced entertainment in South Korea. Mysteri, a masked member of Saja Boys, whose solo track from the film became a viral hit. The singer behind the voice, Kevin Woo, was later seen performing the song with children, a moment that further cemented the emotional connection between fans and these virtual stars. 2025-07-21 15:13:54

S. Korea's security chief visits Washington for urgent talks as tariff deadline approaches SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac has arrived in Washington, D.C. on Sunday (local time), returning just 11 days after his previous trip, to prevent a looming trade conflict with the United States and finalize plans for a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korean officials predict that Wi will meet U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio, who also serves as National Security Advisor. Wi's visit comes ahead of the August 1 deadline, when the U.S. is set to impose a 25 percent tariff on South Korean imports unless a new agreement is reached. Trump had released a letter addressed to Lee earlier this month, warning that South Korean goods would face steep tariffs unless trade terms were changed. "South Korea is making a lot of money, and they're very good, they're very good, but, you know, they should be paying for their own military," Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House on July 8. His remarks were interpreted in Seoul as an attempt to link trade negotiations with security issues, including defense cost‑sharing. Officials believe that Wi's trip is aimed at reaching a last-minute understanding to avoid what South Korea sees as a "tariff bomb." During his earlier visit in early July, Wi and Rubio reportedly agreed on the need for an early summit between Lee and Trump, though no date was set. 2025-07-21 14:50:31

Scorching heat returns with vengeance as monsoon season ends SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Scorching heat has returned, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius across the country, as the monsoon season ended with a last bout of torrential rains that battered southern regions over the weekend. With recovery efforts from flooding and landslides still underway, temperatures climbed to as high as 34 degrees, prompting the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) to issue heat advisories for most parts of the country on Monday. Daytime highs reached 34 degrees in Daegu, Daejeon, and Gangneung, Gangwon Province, followed by 33 degrees in Gwangju and 31 degrees in Busan and Seoul. Tropical nights, when temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees, are also expected to persist for a while in several areas. The KMA advised people to refrain from outdoor activities during peak daytime hours, stay hydrated, and be mindful of heatstroke and food poisoning. "Scattered showers are forecast during the day in Seoul and other parts of the country, bringing a brief respite, but hot and humid weather will continue for the time being," a KMA official said. 2025-07-21 14:49:42

SK Ecoplant under scrutiny over alleged accounting irregularities linked to IPO SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - SK Ecoplant, the environmental services arm of South Korea’s SK Group, is under scrutiny by financial regulators over allegations it inflated revenues at its U.S. subsidiary to bolster its valuation ahead of a planned initial public offering. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is set to hold a key audit committee meeting on Thursday to review the results of a months-long investigation into the company’s accounting practices. A preliminary hearing held last week ended without a decision. Regulators have already recommended criminal prosecution, the dismissal of former executives, and fines amounting to billions of won after concluding that SK Ecoplant intentionally violated accounting standards. According to the FSS, SK Ecoplant overstated revenues at its U.S.-based fuel cell subsidiary in 2022 and 2023, thereby generating misleading consolidated financial statements that were presented to both investors and oversight authorities. Investigators believe the alleged misconduct was driven by the company’s effort to inflate its corporate value ahead of a promised IPO. In 2022, SK Ecoplant secured roughly 1 trillion won, or $720 million, in pre-IPO funding on the condition that it would go public by 2026. The case comes amid a broader regulatory crackdown on financial misconduct. Recently, authorities have referred several high-profile corporate figures — including HYBE founder Bang Si-hyuk and former executives of Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance — to prosecutors. The Securities and Futures Commission has warned of “devastating” penalties for executives found guilty of intentional accounting fraud. If the committee endorses the FSS’s recommendations, the SK Ecoplant case could be referred for criminal prosecution, potentially derailing SK Group’s IPO timeline for SK Ecoplant and delivering a setback to the conglomerate’s expansion in the energy sector. 2025-07-21 14:46:35

Gov't begins handing out cash vouchers to all South Koreans SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Starting Monday, all South Koreans are entitled to receive a handout ranging from 150,000 won to 550,000 won (US$108–$395), depending on their income brackets. Each eligible person can apply by Sept. 12 to receive 150,000 won in the form of cash vouchers, credit card points, or other gift options valid at local stores for three months, followed by an additional 100,000 won this fall, though the top 10 percent of earners will be excluded from the second round of payments. Additional support ranging from 30,000 won to 300,000 won may be provided to the underprivileged, the socially vulnerable, single-parent households and those living in certain rural areas, making some recipients eligible for up to 550,000 won in total. The vouchers can be used until Nov. 30 at most small neighborhood businesses such as local supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, and cafés, but they cannot be used at department stores, large supermarket chains, or other chain stores. Earlier President Lee Jae-myung said the handouts are part of efforts to boost consumption and revive the economy deteriorated in the wake of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law debacle last year. But some have criticized the universal, one-off payment as a politically motivated populist move, coming just shortly after Lee took office early last month. 2025-07-21 14:18:48

[[K-Tech]] LG CNS partners with Honeywell to jointly develop AI-powered automation systems SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korean IT solutions provider LG CNS said Monday it has entered into a partnership with Honeywell of the United States to develop artificial intelligence-based automation technologies tailored for American manufacturing. The collaboration was finalized during a July 8 meeting in Houston between Hyun Shin-gyoon, chief executive of LG CNS, and Pramesh Maheshwari, president of Honeywell Process Solutions. The two companies will jointly develop automation platforms that harness AI to improve production efficiency across a range of industries, including semiconductors, batteries and petrochemicals. The initiative aims to integrate LG CNS’s expertise in automation consulting and service delivery with Honeywell’s global footprint in sensor and control systems. Honeywell’s Process Solutions unit specializes in providing automation tools and software for complex manufacturing environments, particularly in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors. Under the partnership, LG CNS will deploy its AI agents to analyze data captured by Honeywell’s distributed control systems. The real-time data analysis is intended to detect anomalies and trigger immediate corrective actions, helping manufacturers minimize downtime and optimize operations. "This cooperation is the first step for both companies to jointly address business innovation needs of U.S. manufacturing customers and seek technological solutions," Hyun said in a statement. The two companies also plan to develop advanced manufacturing execution systems — platforms that oversee equipment, processes and personnel in real time — to support digital transformation across industrial supply chains. LG CNS and Honeywell said they intend to extend their jointly developed technologies beyond the United States to global markets, including Europe, leveraging Honeywell’s network of more than 100 corporate clients. 2025-07-21 14:07:03

PHOTOS: Torrential rains, landslides devastate southern villages SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Heavy rainfall that battered South Korea from July 16 to 20 has resulted in at least 18 deaths and left 9 people missing, according to the Ministry of Interior and Safety. The southern province of South Gyeongsang bore the brunt of the casualties, with 10 fatalities reported in Sancheong, a county severely affected by landslides. Across 15 cities and provinces, the torrential downpours forced 14,166 residents from 9,887 households to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge from the widespread damage. 2025-07-21 13:57:18