US commits to maintaining troop levels in South Korea SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - The presence of U.S. troops in South Korea will likely remain at current levels under an annual defense bill drafted last week by the Senate Committee on Armed Services. The committee's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for next year passed last Friday contains a clause that "prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest." The NDAA, the backbone of U.S. defense budgets, also states that "the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Commanders of Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea to conduct an independent risk assessment of any such changes." Currently, there are about 28,500 the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops in South Korea. During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump included a provision in the 2019 NDAA barring the use of funds "to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to ." That was later removed under his successor President Joe Biden in 2022, reaffirming Washington's commitment to the bilateral alliance with its Asian ally. The bill is passed annually by Congress to set defense policy, allocate funding priorities, and provide guidance on key security matters. Earlier last week, Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities proposed cutting the number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea "by more than 50 percent," stressing the need to "revise the U.S. global military posture to be consistent with protecting vital national interests," raising concerns here amid Trump's repeated attempts to leverage troop withdrawal or reduction in his tariff-related negotiations. 2025-07-14 14:33:43

Korean steelmakers struggle under US tariff pressure, global glut SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s steelmakers endured another punishing quarter as a persistent global supply glut collided with a sharp escalation in U.S. tariffs. Steel exports from South Korea fell 5.9 percent year-on-year to $15.63 billion in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The downturn accelerated in May and June — dropping 12.4 percent and 8.0 percent respectively — as the full effects of the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff began to bite. The blow was compounded in June when the White House doubled the tariff rate on steel and aluminum to 50 percent. Speaking at a U.S. Steel plant outside Pittsburgh on May 31, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the move, saying: “At 25 percent, they can sort of get over that fence. At 50 percent, they can no longer get over the fence.” The rate hike has reignited fears of a broader trade contraction, especially for export-reliant economies like South Korea. The Korea International Trade Association now forecasts a 7.2 percent decline in steel exports in the second half of the year, while the Federation of Korean Industries projects a 5 percent drop amid tightening global margins. POSCO Holdings, the country’s largest steel group, is expected to report second-quarter operating profit of 646.8 billion won ($469 million), a 14 percent decline from a year earlier. While lower raw material prices and a weaker won provided some cost relief, analysts said slumping demand and falling prices in Southeast Asian markets likely weighed on overseas operations. In response, POSCO has accelerated efforts to streamline its international footprint, including the recent sale of its 1.1 million-ton-capacity Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel plant in China. Hyundai Steel, the nation’s second-largest producer, also faces mounting headwinds. Second-quarter revenue is projected to decline 3.2 percent to 5.85 trillion won, with operating profit forecast to fall 15.2 percent to 83.1 billion won. Despite the grim backdrop, industry watchers point to a few signs of potential relief in the second half. Beijing’s production curbs have begun to lift steel prices, and a pending South Korean government decision on imposing anti-dumping duties against Chinese and Japanese hot-rolled steel could help alleviate some pressure from low-cost imports. 2025-07-14 14:23:48

PHOTOS: Ancient rock carvings in South Korea added to UNESCO heritage list SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has finalized the inscription of a series of ancient Korean rock carvings onto its World Heritage list, recognizing the sites as significant historical and artistic treasures. The petroglyphs, discovered in the 1970s, offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. Located on the cliffs of the Bangudae Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, the carvings are situated on a rock face approximately 4.5 meters high and 8 meters wide. They feature dense depictions of marine and terrestrial animals, as well as hunting scenes. The site is notable for what is believed to be the world’s oldest depiction of whale hunting. A total of 312 carvings have been identified at this location. Two kilometers away, a second site features another set of carvings on a rock surface measuring roughly 2.7 meters high and 10 meters wide. This panel contains more than 620 etchings, including various shapes, symbols and drawings. Abstract patterns, such as diamonds and circles, are thought to date to the Bronze Age, while inscriptions believed to have been left during the Silla Dynasty are also present. The inclusion of these petroglyphs brings Korea’s total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 17, comprising 15 cultural heritage sites and two natural heritage sites. 2025-07-14 14:17:51

Samsung supplies advanced image sensor to Xiaomi, challenging Sony in global market SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has begun external shipments of its newest image sensor, the Isocell JNP, to Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, marking a key step in the firm's effort to challenge Sony’s long-standing dominance in the global image sensor market. The Isocell JNP, which features Samsung’s industry-first nanoprismatic technology, has been integrated into Xiaomi’s new CIVI 5 PRO smartphone, the company’s latest flagship equipped with its most advanced camera system to date. According to industry sources, Monday, Samsung’s System LSI division completed development and began mass production of the sensor in the second quarter, roughly a year after debuting its previous high-end Isocell JN5 series in June 2024. Image sensors are a critical component of smartphone cameras and other digital imaging devices, converting light into electrical signals to form high-quality images. The Isocell JNP sensor offers a 50-megapixel resolution, 0.64-micrometer pixel size, and a 1/2.8-inch optical format — conventional specifications — but its defining feature is its innovative nanoprismatic structure. Unlike traditional sensors, where each pixel captures only a single color, Samsung’s new design allows pixels to share and refract light through nano-scale microlenses, enabling the simultaneous capture of multiple colors. The result is a 25 percent increase in light sensitivity compared with the previous model, allowing for significantly improved performance in low-light environments. The technological breakthrough comes as smartphone manufacturers increasingly demand thinner devices — a trend that traditionally compromises image quality due to the need for smaller camera modules. Samsung's nanoprismatic solution addresses this challenge by maximizing light efficiency within the shrinking physical confines of modern smartphones. The move signals Samsung’s renewed ambition in the global CMOS image sensor market, which is projected to grow from $20.8 billion this year to $26.5 billion by 2029, fueled by rising demand from industries such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and surveillance. Samsung currently holds a 15.4 percent share of the image sensor market, trailing far behind Sony’s commanding 51.6 percent. Chinese rival OmniVision is gaining ground, increasing its market share from 10.9 percent in 2023 to 11.9 percent in 2024. To close the gap, Samsung is eyeing expansion beyond its in-house Galaxy smartphones and Chinese partners. The company plans to supply sensors to North American tech firms beginning next year and is actively developing automotive-grade sensors, aiming to diversify its customer base and broaden its portfolio. 2025-07-14 11:06:28

Soaring fruit prices in South Korea reflect strain of heat wave SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - Fruit prices in South Korea have surged sharply in recent weeks, as an early summer heat wave scorches the country, disrupting crop yields and straining supply chains. Watermelons and napa cabbage — summertime staples — have seen particularly steep price increases, prompting emergency measures from the government. As of July 11, the average retail price of a watermelon stood at 29,115 won, or about $21.16, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation. The price is up 36.5 percent from a year ago and nearly 39 percent above the average over the past three years. The spike stems from a confluence of adverse weather conditions. A lack of sunlight in June delayed watermelon crop development, while the onset of intense heat in July accelerated demand. Producers say the extreme temperatures have reduced sugar content in many watermelons, leading to a supply shortage of high-quality fruit. Other summer fruits are also feeling the heat. Melons are selling for 10,076 won each, a 21.7 percent increase from a year ago and 16.3 percent higher than the three-year average. Peaches, another seasonal favorite, have climbed about 10 percent in price year over year. Napa cabbage — a key ingredient in kimchi, Korea’s beloved fermented dish — has shown particularly volatile movements. While current prices are still about 10 percent lower than last year’s levels, they jumped 27.4 percent in just one week to 4,309 won per head, reflecting tightening supply conditions. Livestock and poultry products have also been affected by the oppressive temperatures. Egg prices have risen nearly 6 percent from last year, reaching 7,162 won for a pack of 30, as consumers turn to protein-rich foods amid the heat. Chicken prices, currently at 6,070 won per kilogram, remain in line with year-ago levels but are up 11 percent from a month ago — with further increases likely as demand climbs ahead of Chobok, the first of Korea’s traditional “dog days” of summer on July 20. In response, the government has rolled out emergency supply measures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it has secured 35,500 tons of napa cabbage for release during market shortages and prepared 2.5 million backup seedlings to offset crop losses. For watermelons, officials expect prices to ease later this month as harvests expand to more regions nationwide. Still, with meteorologists forecasting continued heat into August, officials and consumers alike are bracing for sustained pressure on food prices — and on the resilience of the country’s agricultural system. 2025-07-14 10:08:32

BigHit to debut new BTS' brother band next month SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - BigHit Music, home to BTS and Tomorrow X Together (TXT), said Monday that it will debut a new five-member boy band on Aug. 18. This will be the label's first rookie group since TXT, which debuted in 2019. The new act features Martin, James, Juhoon, Sunghyun, and Gunho. All are teenagers and will work together as a creative unit without being limited to fixed roles. BigHit described them as a "young creator crew" who writes music, choreographs, and produces visuals on their own terms. "With a completely new and original sensibility, they will showcase their creative talent through lyrics, composition, performance, and videography based on their own stories," the company said. Martin and James have already been involved in producing TXT's "Deja Vu" and "Miracle," and ILLIT's "Magnetic." James also contributed to the choreography for "Deja Vu," "Magnetic," "Cherish," and "Tick-Tack." Details such as the group's name will be revealed later. 2025-07-14 10:02:42

Kazakhstan showcases exports at Korea Import Fair 2025 in Seoul SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - Kazakhstan highlighted its national products and services at the Korea Import Fair 2025, held in Seoul from July 7 to 9, as part of efforts to deepen trade relations with South Korea. The Kazakhstan Embassy in the Republic of Korea said that the event was hosted by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), with support from South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). More than 200 companies from 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa participated. Kazakhstan's booth featured services from national carriers Air Astana and Scat Airlines, along with consumer goods such as Maximus products and chocolate by Lotte Rakhat. The booth attracted several hundred visitors, and a number of South Korean companies expressed interest in possible cooperation with Kazakh businesses. In her opening remarks, KOIMA Chairperson Youn Young-mi stressed the importance of expanding imports from friendly countries. "This exhibition gives foreign companies a unique opportunity to present their products in Korea and connect with potential partners," she said. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to South Korea Nurgali Arystanov toured the exhibition alongside Youn and National Assembly member Seo Il-jun. The three visited the Kazakh display and exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade. In 2024, trade volume between Kazakhstan and South Korea reached 3.1 billion US dollars, making South Korea one of Kazakhstan's top ten trading partners. 2025-07-13 17:44:33

KAIST team develops microbe for efficient, eco-friendly lutein production SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - A research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a safe, high-yield microbial strain capable of producing lutein more efficiently than conventional methods. The new approach provides an eco-friendly and scalable alternative to plant or algae-based extraction, which is often slow, costly, and difficult to industrialize. KAIST said in a statement on July 13, that the study led by Distinguished Professor Lee Sang -yup of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering was published in the journal Nature Synthesis on July 4. It demonstrates the potential of microbial metabolic engineering to mass-produce valuable health-related compounds using sustainable processes. Lutein is an antioxidant known for its benefits to eye health, particularly in preventing age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. It is typically extracted from marigolds or microalgae, but these sources present limitations, including low yield and seasonal variability. To overcome these challenges, the KAIST team focused on Corynebacterium glutamicum, a microorganism widely recognized as safe for food and pharmaceutical use. By modifying the strain's internal metabolic pathways and applying a technique known as electron channeling, the researchers accelerated the chemical reactions needed to produce lutein. By optimizing enzyme arrangement and enhancing electron transfer, they achieved a production rate of 1.78 grams per liter in just 54 hours. That translates to an average of 32.88 milligrams per liter per hour, significantly outperforming conventional extraction methods. "This research overcomes the production bottlenecks in microbial lutein synthesis and establishes a competitive, eco-friendly process," said Eun Hyun-min, a doctoral student and co-first author of the paper. "We expect this to help accelerate the practical use of microbial platforms for producing various natural compounds." The team used glucose, a common and renewable sugar source, to feed the microbe. This not only enhances production efficiency but also supports a more sustainable manufacturing process. The researchers also employed spatial enzyme engineering techniques, arranging enzymes in close proximity within the cell to boost reaction speed and output. "Microbial metabolic engineering is emerging as a next-generation strategy that goes beyond traditional plant-based or chemical synthesis," said Professor Lee. "We will continue researching ways to produce high-value natural substances more efficiently using microorganisms." The work was funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT as part of a national initiative to develop next-generation bio-refinery technologies. The technology is expected to be commercialized by SilicoBio, a startup founded by Professor Lee. 2025-07-13 15:42:51

N. Korean leader meets Russian foreign minister, reaffirms deepening ties with Moscow SEOUL, July 13 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday in Wonsan, reinforcing a growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow amid heightened global tensions, Pyongyang's state media the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Sunday. Lavrov's visit, which followed the second foreign ministerial strategic dialogue between the two countries, was marked by a show of unity on key international and regional issues. During the meeting, Kim said North Korea and Russia "share the same views on all strategic issues," describing their relationship as having reached a "high strategic level." Before the meeting, Kim was briefed on the outcome of Lavrov’s talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. He expressed confidence that the "coordinated and harmonious diplomatic stands" of the two countries would contribute positively to peace and security in the region and beyond. Kim also voiced full support for Russia’s handling of the war in Ukraine. "We are ready to unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis," he said. Lavrov, delivering a personal message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressed Moscow's commitment to strengthening "strategic and tactical cooperation" with North Korea and deepening coordination on the global stage. Although neither side announced a new summit, Russian media reported that Lavrov conveyed Putin’s message expressing hope for a direct meeting with Kim "in the very near future." The Russian president had extended an invitation during his visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. North Korean state media also released a joint statement on the second strategic dialogue, which reaffirmed the two governments' commitment to their comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. Both sides agreed to implement its provisions "faithfully" and continue developing what they called a long-term strategic alliance. Russia also made its position clear on the Korean Peninsula, rejecting any attempts to undermine North Korea’s status and expressing "unwavering support" for Pyongyang's efforts to protect its sovereignty and national security. The two countries signed a bilateral exchange plan for 2026 and 2027 and agreed to hold further high-level meetings. While the details were not made public, experts believe discussions may have included military cooperation, tourism initiatives, and energy support. Lavrov was welcomed at a banquet held at the newly reopened Songdowon Hotel in the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone. The event is seen as part of North Korea’s push to attract Russian tourists and rebuild economic links with its longtime ally. 2025-07-13 10:44:04

Naver Webtoon halts popular 'Wind Breaker' series over tracing allegations SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) - Naver Webtoon has suspended its long-running sports webtoon "Wind Breaker" after the creator admitted to tracing scenes from Japanese manga, ending a 12-year serialization that had become one of the platform's flagship titles. Creator Jo Yong-seok acknowledged the plagiarism allegations in the final episode revealed on Friday, confessing that some scenes in his work bore striking similarities to other comic book images. The webtoon, which follows a protagonist's journey through amateur bicycle racing competitions, had been running since 2013. Jo attributed his actions to the pressure of weekly deadlines spanning over a decade. He expressed deep regret for failing to uphold the standards expected of creators, offering repeated apologies to readers who had followed the series faithfully. Naver Webtoon confirmed it had identified similarities in composition and directing between "Wind Breaker" and other works, prompting the decision to halt both serialization and service of the webtoon immediately. The suspension marks another blow to the webtoon industry, which has grappled with recurring plagiarism scandals. Naver Webtoon faced similar controversies in 2023 with titles including "I want to date a girl" and "Can I Cancel My Confession" Critics have pointed to the platform's inconsistent approach to handling such incidents. While previous plagiarism cases prompted official announcements, this latest suspension was disclosed quietly at the bottom of the final episode without separate notification. The incident has reignited discussions about quality control measures in the rapidly expanding webtoon market. Naver Webtoon had previously promised to develop detection technology and strengthen monitoring systems following the 2023 plagiarism controversies. 2025-07-12 14:25:59