Vice FM Kim pledges inter-Korean dialogue on humanitarian issues at UN rights council SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Seoul will pursue inter-Korean dialogue to address humanitarian issues such as family reunions and the return of detainees, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-a said Monday at the United Nations Human Rights Council. In a keynote address to the council’s 61st session in Geneva, Kim said the government would work closely with the international community to achieve “practical” improvements in the human rights of North Korean residents. “It will pursue inter-Korean dialogue to resolve humanitarian issues such as separated families, abductees, detainees and prisoners of war,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, quoting Kim. She also reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to its role as a council member for the 2025–2027 term, pledging to help promote global norms for stronger protection and advancement of human rights. Kim highlighted Seoul’s efforts to narrow social and development gaps arising from new technologies, including artificial intelligence, as well as challenges related to youth, climate change, digital innovation, welfare and healthcare. She voiced support for international action to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence, noting that South Korea remains committed to restoring the honor and dignity of victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery. Kim also introduced a recent amendment to the Comfort Women Victims Protection Act, which aims to strengthen protections against the spread of false information about survivors. During her visit to Geneva from Feb. 23 to 25, Kim met with UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif to discuss cooperation on North Korean human rights and South Korea-led priorities on technology, local governance and human rights. She also held talks with International Committee of the Red Cross Secretary General Pierre Krähenbühl, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation amid growing humanitarian crises linked to global armed conflicts. 2026-02-24 16:41:14

FootJoy Unveils Next-Generation PRO/SL Golf Shoe Backed by Tour Feedback FootJoy said Monday it is introducing a next-generation PRO/SL golf shoe after redesigning the model’s structure from top to bottom. The company unveiled the PRO/SL at a launch event at the Westin Josun Parnas Harmony Ballroom in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Chris Lindner, chief executive at FootJoy’s U.S. headquarters, and Richard Fryer, global vice president of product, attended the event and outlined the brand’s footwear philosophy and the development of the PRO/SL with Z-TEC. First released in 2016, the PRO/SL has sold more than 3 million pairs over about 10 years and has become one of FootJoy’s signature spikeless performance golf shoes, the company said. FootJoy said the new PRO/SL was redesigned across the upper, traction system and cushioning, incorporating feedback from PGA Tour players including Im Sung-jae. A key feature is its Z-TEC (Zonal Targeted Engineered Composite) design, a zone-based approach that places specific functions where needed. FootJoy said the composite structure is intended to provide stable support during the swing while maintaining natural comfort when walking. Lindner said, “PRO/SL with Z-TEC is a next-generation golf shoe completed based on tour player feedback,” adding that because FootJoy focuses only on golf, every element was developed for golfers. “You’ll be able to feel performance and comfort that can’t be compared with anything else,” he said. Choi Seung-bin, a FootJoy brand ambassador who competes on the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association Tour, said he was impressed by the firm support in the lower body during the swing. “I could clearly feel improved stability and traction, especially at impact,” he said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 16:27:00

Wildfire in Miryang contained after 20-hour battle SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - A wildfire in the southeastern city of Miryang was contained on Tuesday after firefighters battled flames for more than 20 hours. The fire broke out around 4 p.m. the previous day on a hill in a small town in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, forcing about 150 residents to evacuate. About 1,511 emergency workers, along with 52 helicopters and 318 pieces of equipment, were deployed to combat the fire, but their efforts were hampered by low visibility as night fell. Firefighting resumed the following day shortly after sunrise, with morning rain also aiding efforts to contain the blaze. The affected area was estimated at 143 hectares, but no casualties or damage to facilities were reported. "Wildfires occur frequently in spring due to dry weather and strong winds, a spokesman for the Korea Forest Service warned, urging people to refrain from using fire outdoors. 2026-02-24 16:07:36

National Museum of Korean Literature Unveils Original 'Paris Petition' for March 1 Anniversary The National Museum of Korean Literature on Monday released the original manuscript of the “Paris Petition” to mark the March 1 Independence Movement anniversary. The document is the original letter sent to the Paris Peace Conference shortly after the March 1 Movement, drafted by a nationwide coalition of Confucian scholars. The museum said it was prepared in consultation by organizers Kim Chang-sook and Kwak Jong-seok, written in Kwak’s own hand, and later supplemented with notes by classical scholars Lee Ga-won and Jeong Mu-yeon, giving it high historical value. The “Paris Petition incident” began after Confucian scholars across the country, disappointed at not being included among the national representatives on the March 1 Declaration of Independence, decided to send an independence appeal to the Paris Peace Conference. Kim served as the representative, gathering support by dispatching envoys to scholars in each region and meeting scholars in North Gyeongsang Province. He asked Kwak, his teacher and academic ally in Geochang, to draft the text, and the two finalized the wording together. To help Kim, who was expected to travel to Paris via Shanghai, Kwak introduced people in Shanghai who could assist him. To evade police, the original text was torn into thin strips, line by line, and woven into straw sandals, the museum said. While Kim was preparing the original in North Gyeongsang, scholars in the Chungcheong region, led by Kim Bok-han, separately drafted an independence appeal. After discussions, they adopted Kwak’s original, revised it, and produced a final version signed by 137 scholars. The petition was mailed to Kim Kyu-sik, who was in Paris as a Korean representative, and Chinese-language and translated versions were distributed to media outlets, consulates and local Confucian schools in Korea. Japanese police investigating the March 1 Movement later uncovered the effort, and more than 20 people, including Kwak and Kim Bok-han, were imprisoned. Although the petition’s contents have been cited in multiple sources, the original manuscript has not previously been made public, the museum said, adding that the release allows the document to be verified in full. The museum said the handwritten original also calls for renewed attention to the petition’s present-day meaning. Along with the release, the museum selected Kwak and Kim as its “featured literary figures of the month” and said it will hold an academic event on March 26 at Sungkyunkwan University highlighting the Paris Petition. The “featured literary figures of the month” is a new museum initiative that will name notable writers each month, with related website columns and events aimed at revisiting figures who left a major mark on Korea’s literary history. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 16:03:29

President Tokayev visits US to secure investment and aviation deals SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently wrapped up a trip to the United States, focusing on high-level negotiations with global corporations and financial institutions, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said Tuesday. The visit was designed to bring in long-term investment and move Kazakhstan further into international production chains. A major result of the trip was a 180 million dollar investment deal signed between Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture and Mars, Incorporated. The company intends to build a pet food manufacturing plant in Alatau. Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch noted that the new facility will serve as a hub for the company's growth across Central Asia and nearby regions. In the healthcare sector, the President held talks with Ashmore Group regarding a plan to build an international clinic. This project is a joint effort between Ashmore Healthcare International and Samruk-Kazyna Invest, with the U.S.-based Mount Sinai Health System expected to manage the facility. This move is part of a larger plan to boost Kazakhstan's medical infrastructure and attract medical tourism. Aviation also took center stage during the visit. President Tokayev met with Boeing executives to discuss expanding the fleets of Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and VietJet Qazaqstan. Air Astana is on track to receive Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the second half of 2026, which would make direct flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S. possible. Meanwhile, SCAT is looking into opening a maintenance and repair center at Shymkent Airport with help from an American partner. The President also met with Ben Black, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), who described Kazakhstan as a critical partner in Eurasia. Their talks focused on mining projects and improving the transit infrastructure used for regional trade. According to the World Investment Report 2025 by UNCTAD, Kazakhstan currently leads Central Asia in attracting foreign direct investment. In 2024, the country's total inward investment reached 151 billion dollars, far ahead of neighbors like Turkmenistan at 45 billion dollars and Uzbekistan at 17 billion dollars. President Tokayev also attended the first meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington. During the event, he indicated that Kazakhstan is ready to assist with reconstruction and stabilization in Gaza, potentially through financial support or participation in peacekeeping missions. 2026-02-24 15:54:52

YG Plus to open BLACKPINK 'Deadline' pop-up in Seoul SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - YG Plus announced that it will operate pop-up stores themed around BLACKPINK’s upcoming release “Deadline” from Feb. 28 to March 8 at Musinsa Store Myeongdong and Musinsa Standard Seongsu. The pop-up will unveil a range of official merchandises commemorating the new album. Items include apparel and lifestyle products reflecting the album’s concept, as well as limited-edition exclusive goods will be available at the pop-up. Following the kick off in Seoul, the “Deadline” pop-up is scheduled to expand sequentially to major global cities, including Hong Kong and Macau. YG Plus said “It is a pop-up designed to allow fans to experience BLACKPINK’s global influence in an offline space." adding "It will provide a special opportunity for fans around the world to directly experience the message and mood of ‘Deadline.’” The four-member K-pop heavyweight girl group BLACKPINK — Rosé, Jisoo, Jennie and Lisa — recently surpassed 100 million subscribers on its official YouTube channel, becoming the first artist in YouTube history to reach the milestone with an official artist channel. 2026-02-24 15:49:46

Michelle Wie West to Return in Virtual Reality Golf League WTGL After 2023 Retirement Michelle Wie West, the Korean American golfer who retired in 2023, is returning to competition through WTGL, a virtual reality golf league. TMRW Sports, which runs the league, announced on the 24th that Wie West will join WTGL, set to launch in the 2026-2027 season. TMRW Sports, led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has operated TGL since last season, a virtual reality golf competition featuring PGA Tour players. TGL matches combine screen-based simulator play with a purpose-built venue featuring a “Green Zone” designed to resemble a real putting surface. WTGL, a women’s league, is scheduled to begin in the 2026-2027 season. Players committed so far, in addition to Wie West, include world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand, Charley Hull and Lottie Woad of England, Lydia Ko of New Zealand, Brooke Henderson of Canada, and Rose Zhang and Lexi Thompson of the United States. In a statement, Wie West said, “As a TGL fan, I’m very excited to have the chance to compete again through WTGL. WTGL will be a powerful platform for women’s golf.” Wie West rose to prominence as a teenager and became one of the sport’s biggest stars, winning five LPGA Tour titles, including the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open. She retired after the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 15:49:27

Lee-Lula summit: a warm embrace and strategic partnership SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) -Cordiality defined the meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during Lula’s three-day state visit to Seoul — his first in 21 years since 2005. Lula was the first state guest welcomed by Lee since the presidential office returned to Cheong Wa Dae in December last year, adding symbolic weight to the visit. The two leaders held formal talks at Cheong Wa Dae on Feb. 23, followed by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony and a joint press conference. But beyond the official program, it was their personal chemistry that stood out. Both leaders, who rose from working-class backgrounds to their nations’ highest offices, shared a warm embrace — a gesture that underscored both political alignment and personal affinity. Seoul and Brasília agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “strategic partnership,” signaling a deeper institutional framework for cooperation. Brazil — Latin America’s largest economy with a population exceeding 200 million — is a major agricultural and resource powerhouse and an influential voice of the Global South. The country maintains active engagement with China, India and Japan, positioning itself as a pivotal partner in emerging-market diplomacy. Lula departed on Tuesday after concluding his three-day state visit. 2026-02-24 15:49:22

Presidential chief of staff leaves for UAE to discuss AI and defense cooperation SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in economic and defense sectors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other areas with the Middle Eastern country. In a Facebook post, Kang said he was embarking on a three-day trip for working-level consultations to discuss follow-up measures after President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to the UAE in November last year. Kang also said the trip serves as a return visit following Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, managing director of Abu Dhabi's Executive Affairs Authority, traveled to South Korea last month. Kang's trip also comes just months after his previous visit to the UAE, during which he met with Al Mubarak and prepared for Lee's summit with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. At the time, the two leaders discussed opening a high-level dialogue channel and expanding cooperation on AI, while also exploring ways to jointly enter the global nuclear power market by leveraging experience gained from the construction of a nuclear power plant in Barakah, the Arab world's first commercial facility of its kind. 2026-02-24 15:38:56

Rising Delinquencies and Bigger Provisions Cloud South Korean Banks’ Profits Rising loan delinquencies and heavy provisioning are weighing on South Korea’s banks, even as they step up efforts to sell off bad loans. Analysts say asset-quality management is being tested because new delinquencies are increasing faster than banks can dispose of nonperforming loans. According to the financial sector on Monday, banks sold 8.1 trillion won ($8.1 trillion) worth of NPLs last year. Banks typically classify loans delinquent for more than three months as NPLs and, when recovery looks unlikely, sell them to securitization firms to manage delinquency ratios. But delinquency rates have been slow to fall despite aggressive NPL cleanups, as newly delinquent loans are growing faster. Data from the Financial Supervisory Service showed the delinquency rate on won-denominated bank loans stood at 0.50% at the end of last year, the highest since the end of 2015 (0.58%). The corporate-loan delinquency rate rose to 0.59%, up 0.09 percentage points from a year earlier. With banks expected to expand corporate lending this year under a “productive finance” policy push, they are likely to build additional provisions. NPL sales aimed at maintaining asset quality could also increase. NPL sales in the first half are estimated at 4 trillion won, and the annual total is expected to exceed last year’s level. A larger volume of NPL sales can also cut net profit. When bad loans are sold below book value, banks record losses equal to the discount. Some in the industry warn that a full-scale push into corporate lending starting this year could lead to a stronger profit hit in coming years as NPLs rise. “NPL volumes won’t surge immediately, but they could gradually increase in a few years due to factors such as a prolonged economic slowdown,” a financial industry official said. “If net profit falls as a result, it could disrupt value-up plans and business strategy.” Other pressures on earnings are also growing, including fines tied to equity-linked securities and contributions to the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency. Fines for five banks that sold ELS — KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, NH NongHyup and SC First Bank — are expected to be finalized at about 1.4 trillion won on Tuesday. As of the end of last year, KB Kookmin Bank had booked 263.3 billion won in provisions for the ELS fines but will need to add more than 500 billion won. Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank set aside 152.7 billion won and 92.0 billion won, respectively. The provisions are expected to be recorded as nonoperating expenses, weighing on net profit. From the second half of next year, banks will no longer be allowed to include statutory costs — such as reserve requirements, deposit insurance premiums and contributions to the Korea Inclusive Finance Agency — in the add-on spread used to calculate lending rates, adding to pressure on earnings. “If additional real estate rules are introduced, such as banning loan extensions for owners of multiple homes, borrowers could leave and banks could lose growth opportunities,” another financial industry official said. “Capabilities such as corporate analysis systems and long-term delinquency management will determine survival.” 2026-02-24 15:33:00