Journalist

HAN Joon ho
  • KOSPI Falls Over 2% Amid U.S. Market Decline
    KOSPI Falls Over 2% Amid U.S. Market Decline The KOSPI opened lower on May 8, dropping over 2% after surpassing 7,500 points the previous day, influenced by declines in the U.S. market. As of 9:16 a.m., the KOSPI was down 154.71 points (2.07%) at 7,335.34. It started the day at 7,353.94, down 136.11 points (1.82%), and continued to fall amid foreign selling. Han Ji-young, a researcher at Kiwoom Securities, noted, "Today’s market is experiencing a pause due to profit-taking pressures stemming from uncertainties surrounding U.S.-Iran negotiations and weakness in the Philadelphia semiconductor index. During this time, sectors that suffered declines due to recent news and earnings reports, such as defense, may see a rotation in buying." All three major U.S. indices closed lower overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.63% to close at 49,596.97. The S&P 500 dropped 0.38% to 7,337.11, while the Nasdaq declined 0.13% to 25,806.20. Despite reaching record highs during the day, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reversed gains in the afternoon as uncertainties regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations emerged. In the securities market, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 1.689 trillion won and 121.2 billion won, respectively, while individuals bought a net 1.7824 trillion won. Most large-cap stocks declined, including Samsung Electronics (-3.50%), SK Hynix (-2.72%), and LG Energy Solution (-1.45%). Hyundai Motor also saw a drop of 3.85%. At the same time, the KOSDAQ index rose 13.13 points (1.09%) to 1,212.31, starting the day at 1,199.47, up 0.29 points (0.02%). In the KOSDAQ market, individuals sold a net 293.4 billion won, while foreign and institutional investors bought a net 298.1 billion won and 30.5 billion won, respectively. Among top KOSDAQ stocks, EcoPro BM (1.06%), Alteogen (0.42%), and Rainbow Robotics (10.76%) saw gains, while EcoPro (-0.31%) and Rino Industrial (-1.50%) declined. 2026-05-08 11:41:48
  • U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate Despite Ceasefire
    U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate Despite Ceasefire U.S. and Iranian forces clashed again in the Hormuz Strait, despite a ceasefire announced on April 7. The ongoing disputes over control of the strait and Iran's nuclear program highlight the fragile nature of the ceasefire. On May 7, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that Iran launched missiles, drones, and small boats at three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the strait. In response, the U.S. conducted retaliatory strikes targeting missile and drone launch sites and command facilities. The U.S. stated that there were no damages to its assets, while Iran accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by attacking tankers and civilian areas. This incident is not merely an accidental skirmish. According to AP, the conflict began in February with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran, and intermittent clashes have continued since the ceasefire was declared. This latest engagement underscores that as long as key issues remain unresolved, further conflicts are likely. A significant concern is the negotiation framework. Reuters reported that the U.S. has presented a proposal to officially end the war, which Iran is currently reviewing. However, this proposal suggests declaring an end to hostilities before moving to detailed negotiations. Key issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Hormuz Strait, remain unaddressed. Control of the Hormuz Strait is a critical factor in these negotiations. AP noted that Iran has recently established a new body to manage shipping through the strait and impose fees. While the U.S. seeks to restore normal shipping, Iran is leveraging control of the strait as a bargaining chip. This clash reflects a struggle not just for military dominance but also for maritime order and negotiation leverage. The gap in negotiations remains wide. Reuters reported that reactions within Iran suggest the U.S. proposal is seen more as an American agenda than a realistic solution. The U.S. is sending mixed signals, combining hopes for negotiations with military pressure, indicating that the current phase is more about managing tensions than reaching a substantive agreement. AP described the situation as an "unstable ceasefire," noting that direct negotiations have yet to yield a viable solution. 2026-05-08 11:39:54
  • Funeral of Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Concludes
    Funeral of Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo Concludes The funeral for former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo, who passed away at 92 on May 5, concluded with a farewell ceremony and burial. On the morning of May 8, a solemn farewell ceremony took place at the Seoul Asan Medical Center, followed by the burial at Cheonan Park Cemetery, marking the end of the funeral proceedings. The ceremony was led by Lee Jae-seung, head of the Korea University Institute of International Relations, and included tributes from Hong Seok-hyun, chairman of JoongAng Holdings; Chung Mong-joon, chairman of the Asan Social Welfare Foundation; and Yoo Hong-rim, president of Seoul National University, among others. In his tribute, Hong expressed, "Today, we gather in profound sadness to bid farewell to our esteemed mentor and elder statesman, Lee Hong-koo. He was an intellectual who criticized the system, far from the image of a chosen elite. He declined offers for ambassador and foreign minister positions during the Yushin era and the Fifth Republic due to his uncompromising spirit." Chung reminisced about his time as a student under Lee, recalling, "As a freshman at Seoul National University, I remember the large crowds drawn to his humorous lectures. His teachings provided invaluable insights into international affairs and the direction of our nation, imparting wisdom beyond mere knowledge." Yoo also reflected, stating, "Lee was my mentor since I entered Seoul National University in 1980, and I feel a deep sense of loss sending him to the eternal world. Remembering his profound teachings is how we can repay his kindness." Born in 1934, Lee entered the Seoul National University College of Law but dropped out the following year to study in the United States. He earned a degree in philosophy from Emory University and a master's and doctorate in political science from Yale University before returning to Korea in 1968 to join the faculty at Seoul National University. Lee began his political career in 1988 as the Minister of Unification, later serving as a special advisor to the president, ambassador to the UK, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Unification under the Kim Young-sam administration, before becoming the 28th Prime Minister in 1994. Notable attendees at the funeral included former Prime Minister Jeong Un-chan, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, former Bareunmirae Party leader Son Hak-kyu, People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Young-se, British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks, Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima, and Kim Hyun-chul, chairman of the Kim Young-sam Foundation. 2026-05-08 11:37:17
  • Toss Bank Expands National Treasury Payment Services with Direct Bank of Korea Link
    Toss Bank Expands National Treasury Payment Services with Direct Bank of Korea Link Toss Bank is set to enhance its national treasury payment services by directly linking with the Bank of Korea. On May 8, Toss Bank announced it has obtained qualification as a national treasury collection agency. National treasury payments allow customers to receive funds from government agencies, such as tax refunds, directly into their accounts. Since 2024, Toss Bank has offered services through its app for viewing and paying national tax, customs duties, police fines, penalties, and patent fees. Last year, it partnered with the National Health Insurance Service to enable payments for four major social insurance premiums. The recent qualification strengthens Toss Bank's foundation for handling national treasury operations through direct integration with the Bank of Korea while maintaining existing customer payment experiences. A Toss Bank representative stated, "This qualification signifies a strengthened foundation for handling national treasury operations in direct connection with the Bank of Korea. We will continue to expand services to make public financial services like tax payments and refunds easier and more secure for our customers." 2026-05-08 11:36:03
  • President Lee Honors Parents on Parents Day, Emphasizes Support for Families
    President Lee Honors Parents on Parents' Day, Emphasizes Support for Families On Parents' Day, May 8, President Lee Jae-myung expressed deep respect for all parents dedicated to their families and the nation. He stated, "The heartfelt desire to leave a better world for our children is the root of this country and the driving force behind its prosperity and growth. Today's South Korea stands on that silent dedication." In a Facebook post, he said, "On this 54th Parents' Day, I extend my sincere gratitude and respect to all parents who are devoted to their families and the nation." Lee reflected on his own experience, saying, "A parent carries the weight of the world for each child. I truly realized this only after becoming a father of two." He emphasized the need for a society that does not rely solely on parental sacrifice but rather fosters a nation where the community shares responsibility, stating, "We will strive for a 'country where the people are happy,' so everyone can look forward to a better future." The president asserted that parents who have dedicated their lives deserve to enjoy a worry-free and happy retirement. He pledged to provide more attentive care and expand practical support for parents. He outlined initiatives by the people's sovereignty government, including 'community-integrated care,' 'dementia asset management services,' and a record 1.15 million senior job opportunities, along with reforms to unfair pension systems to ensure healthy and vibrant retirements. Lee concluded by wishing for a warm day where gratitude and love can be shared with those who may not have heard it before. 2026-05-08 11:33:36
  • KOSPI retreats after historic rally as foreign investors dump shares
    KOSPI retreats after historic rally as foreign investors dump shares SEOUL, May 8 (AJP) - South Korea's KOSPI took a breather on Friday after a strong three-day rally that saw the benchmark index gain more than 13 percent, weighed down by heavy foreign selling. As of around 11 a.m., the KOSPI stood at 7,378.17, down 1.49 percent, from the previous session. The retreat came just a day after the index briefly crossed the 7,500 mark for the first time in its history, having surpassed the 7,000 threshold in the previous session, as foreign investors, who had aggressively fueled the recent artificial intelligence (AI)-driven rally through heavy buying of KOSPI-listed chip stocks, sharply reversed course. After recording a net purchase of 3.13 trillion won on May 6, the largest daily foreign inflow on record that helped push KOSPI above the 7,000 mark, foreign investors dumped more than 7 trillion won worth of shares in the previous session and extended heavy selling with another 3.45 trillion won in net sales in the day's morning trade. Investor sentiment also weakened as uncertainty resurfaced over ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, reviving concerns that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East could escalate again. Market jitters deepened further after reports that Washington was considering restarting "Project Freedom," an operation aimed at helping commercial ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz leave the region safely. Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.63 percent, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined 0.38 percent and 0.13 percent, respectively. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped 2.72 percent as investors locked in gains in chip stocks after recent rallies. British chip designer Arm Holdings plunged 10.1 percent overnight amid renewed doubts over the production capacity of its artificial intelligence chips, further weighing on global semiconductor sentiment. In Seoul, large-cap semiconductor shares led the decline after posting record highs a day earlier. Samsung Electronics fell 2.67 percent to 264,250 won, while SK hynix slipped 0.97 percent to 1,638,000 won. SK Square, the largest shareholder of SK hynix, also declined 1.36 percent to 1,084,000 won. Defense and heavy industry shares were broadly weaker, with Hanwha Aerospace down 1.59 percent to 1,296,000 won, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries falling 6.35 percent to 649,000 won, and Doosan Enerbility sliding 4.99 percent to 129,600 won. Battery and electronics shares also traded lower, with LG Energy Solution down 1.66 percent to 475,000 won and Samsung Electro-Mechanics falling 1.64 percent to 902,000 won. Automakers outperformed the broader market, led by Hyundai Motor, which jumped 8.04 percent to 618,000 won, while Kia gained 4 percent to 163,900 won. But the junior KOSDAQ outperformed the main board as foreign buying shifted into smaller growth stocks. The index rose 0.42 percent to 1,204.19. Foreign and institutional investors bought a net 380.2 billion won and 73 billion won worth of KOSDAQ shares, respectively, while retail investors sold a net 445.3 billion won. Robotics and biotech shares continued to lead gains on the KOSDAQ. Rainbow Robotics surged 14.35 percent to 797,000 won, while Kolon TissueGene jumped 12.30 percent to 128,700 won. Among biopharmaceutical stocks, Samchundang Pharm rose 1.38 percent to 405,000 won, ABL Bio gained 2.85 percent to 130,000 won and LigaChem Biosciences climbed 6.79 percent to 195,100 won. In contrast, secondary battery shares remained weak, with EcoPro BM falling 1.70 percent to 231,500 won and EcoPro sliding 3.57 percent to 154,000 won. Healthcare and semiconductor-related shares also traded lower, as HLB fell 2.18 percent to 58,200 won, while Alteogen edged down 0.42 percent to 355,000 won. The South Korean won weakened slightly against the U.S. dollar, trading at 1,464.60 per dollar compared with 1,454 previously. Meanwhile, the sell-off spread across major Asian markets. Japan's Nikkei 225 also fell 0.62 percent to 62,446.81 amid broader profit-taking in technology and semiconductor-related shares, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dropped 1.20 percent to 26,308.99 and China's Shanghai Composite slipped 0.19 percent to 4,172.13 reflecting a broader risk-off mood as investors reassessed geopolitical and valuation risks. 2026-05-08 11:33:00
  • Korean Performance Captivates Audience at Venice Biennale Taiwan Pavilion
    Korean Performance Captivates Audience at Venice Biennale Taiwan Pavilion "Bravo!" During the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Venice Biennale on May 7, the performance titled "She seemed devastated, when I was weeping with joy" captivated the audience, drawing enthusiastic applause. The performance featured South Korean artist Hong Eun-joo and performer Kim Yi-soo, who presented a 30-minute act as part of the exhibition "Screen Melancholy: Li Yi-Pan," curated by Raphael Fonseca. The event attracted over 200 attendees, exceeding the pavilion's capacity of 170, indicating significant interest. Two additional performances are scheduled. The performers engaged in a dynamic interplay, intertwining their movements. They approached each other, engaged in physical tussles, and alternated between gentle gestures and striking actions. The doll, crafted to resemble the artist, evoked a peculiar tension, oscillating between the realms of life and inanimate existence. In an interview, Hong Eun-joo shared, "In 2024, I encountered traditional puppet theater during my residency in Taipei, Taiwan. I learned that Korea's traditional puppet theater form has largely disappeared due to the Japanese colonial period." She added, "This intrigued me, leading to the creation of a performance utilizing puppets." The doll was created using a 3D scan of the artist's own face and body. "The doll sat in my home for months. My face was rolling around. I saw my face while passing by. It was a strange experience, almost like an out-of-body feeling," she explained. Hong has been collaborating with Li Yi-Pan since 2024, believing their works resonate at the point of 'melancholy.' Their connection led to an invitation from the Taiwan Pavilion curator to perform at the Venice Biennale. Through her work, Hong aims to pose the question, "What makes us human?" She remarked, "The doll represents a suffering body, discarded on the floor. Although it is plastic, I hope the audience feels compassion when they see it." "Even if it is not a real body, if we can feel compassion for a being that is dragged on the floor, suffering and wounded, that seems to be one of the conditions that make us human. If we can witness war or the suffering of others without feeling anything, that is inhumane," she added. The doll could symbolize a human body devoid of all fluids. Hong recalled how her grandfather shed sticky tears before passing away. "Before dying, a person expels all liquids. Both feces and tears are released. In contrast, the plastic doll is a body entirely unrelated to any fluids." Currently based in Germany, Hong frequently visits the Venice Biennale, often thinking, "Someday, I will be here." Now that her dream has come true, she expresses a desire to one day have a formal solo exhibition. "I never imagined I would present my work here so quickly. The weight of the Biennale's name was significant. However, I felt surprisingly calm today," she said. The live performances will take place at the Palazzo delle Prigioni near St. Mark's Square in Venice on May 8 and 9 at 5 PM. 2026-05-08 11:31:28
  • Chip boom feeds record C/A surplus streak in March, overseas stock invest eases
    Chip boom feeds record C/A surplus streak in March, overseas stock invest eases SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) -The black in South Korea's current-account balance stretched to new record high of $37.33 billion in March and $73.78 billion for the first three-month period, both more than quadrupled from a year-ago period in line with double-digit growth in exports that more than offset gain in imports from higher U.S. dollar and energy cost amid a war outbreak in the Middle East. Despite the record surplus and exports surge streak, overwhelming demand for oversea stocks – mostly in Wall Street – by South Koreans posed as structural setback for the recovery in the Korean won. According to Bank of Korea (BOK) data Friday, the March current-account surplus sharply widened from $23.19 billion in February and from $9.58 billion a year earlier, extending the surplus streak to 35 consecutive months. The first-quarter surplus of $73.78 billion compared with $19.49 billion during the same period last year. The goods account posted a record $35.07 billion surplus in March, widening from $23.36 billion in February and $9.69 billion a year earlier, as exports jumped 56.9 percent on-year to $94.32 billion. Imports also increased 17.4 percent to $59.24 billion, accelerating from the 4 percent gain recorded in February. The AI-fueled semiconductor cycle remained the overwhelming engine. Semiconductor exports soared 149.8 percent on a customs-clearance basis in March following a 157.8 percent jump in February, while electric and electronic product exports surged 112.7 percent after rising 104.7 percent a month earlier. Information-technology device exports climbed 78.1 percent. Regional demand strengthened across nearly all major markets. Exports to China rebounded 64.9 percent on-year in March from a 34.2 percent rise in February, while shipments to Southeast Asia accelerated to 68 percent growth from 54.9 percent. Exports to the United States climbed 47.3 percent and exports to the European Union rose 19.3 percent. Petroleum product exports swung to a 69.2 percent gain from a 0.7 percent decline in February as refining margins improved despite Middle East tensions. Chemical exports rebounded 9.1 percent after falling 7.1 percent, while shipbuilding exports extended gains by 11.4 percent. By contrast, machinery and precision instrument exports slipped 0.2 percent and auto parts exports declined 5.3 percent. Imports also accelerated as Korean firms continued expanding AI-related production and facilities. Capital goods imports rose 23.6 percent in March from 16.8 percent in February, while semiconductor imports accelerated to 34.5 percent growth from 19.1 percent. Imports of semiconductor-manufacturing equipment increased 6.7 percent. Raw material imports returned to growth, rising 8.5 percent after declining 1.9 percent in February. Non-energy imports surged 18.7 percent, while energy imports still fell 5.6 percent despite elevated geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The services account remained in deficit for a 46th consecutive month at $1.29 billion, improving from a $1.86 billion shortfall in February. The travel account swung to a $140 million surplus from a $1.26 billion deficit a month earlier as outbound travel demand softened. Primary income surplus widened to $3.58 billion from $2.48 billion on increased dividend income from overseas assets. Still, the historic trade and current-account boom continues to fail to generate meaningful support for the Korean won as capital flows increasingly move in the opposite direction. Korean investors’ appetite for U.S. technology and AI-related equities remained intact, although sharply eased from the previous months amid strong U.S. dollar and capital reshoring incentives. March financial-account data showed foreign portfolio investment liabilities — foreign investment into Korean equities and bonds — plunged by $34.04 billion following an already sharp $11.94 billion decline in February. The outflow was overwhelmingly driven by foreign net selling of Korean stocks, with equity investment liabilities alone sinking $29.33 billion after falling $13.27 billion a month earlier. At the same time, Korean residents continued pouring money into overseas markets. Portfolio investment assets rose another $4 billion in March, although halved from an $8.64 billion increase in February. Overseas equity investment by residents climbed $3.94 billion during the month, slowing from a gain of $10.39 billion. The BOK has maintained that the current-account structure remains fundamentally solid and noted that refined-product exports and still-contained energy imports helped cushion the impact of Middle East tensions through March. Still, officials acknowledged that portfolio flows and global risk sentiment are now exerting greater influence on the won than trade surpluses alone. Whether the record surplus streak will be sustained remains uncertain amid prolonged conflicts in the Middle East that has caused energy shock across manufacturing front. 2026-05-08 11:23:13
  • 2026 Han River Napping Championship Draws Hundreds Amid Sleep Crisis
    2026 Han River Napping Championship Draws Hundreds Amid Sleep Crisis Last weekend, a peculiar scene unfolded at Yeouido Hangang Park as hundreds gathered for the '2026 Han River Napping Championship.' Amid the bustling 'Seoul Spring Festa,' over 170 participants laid down on mats, soon filling the air with synchronized breathing and the occasional soft snore. In this open space, free from chatter or music, they embraced the tranquility of the outdoors. Now in its third year, the napping championship may seem lighthearted, but participants faced a competitive ratio of 70 to 1 to secure a spot. Each came prepared, armed with sleep masks labeled 'Offline,' mosquito repellent, ergonomic neck pillows, and even plush toys. One participant, dressed in a princess costume, had a sign that read, "Do not wake me unless you are a prince," while another, dressed as Jesus, peacefully closed his eyes. Before the competition began, a brief commotion arose when members of the idol group ONF, E-shon and Seung-jun, appeared, momentarily breaking the silence with soft gasps and camera clicks. However, once the event commenced, fans and idols alike lay side by side on the mats, united in their quest for rest. I was fortunate to join the event as a reporter after a spot opened up due to a no-show. Assigned number 58, I was surrounded by a weary college student and a fatigued office worker. Despite the uneven ground beneath my thin mat, a sense of calm washed over me as the noise from a pre-event yoga session faded away, leaving a heavy silence as 170 people closed their eyes together. However, this was no ordinary nap. Every 30 minutes, the announcer's voice pierced the silence, and sounds of mosquitoes played over the speakers as staff members gently tickled participants' feet with feathers, attempting to rouse them. Any movement or opened eyes resulted in immediate disqualification, leading to a growing number of dropouts as time passed. Those who remained had their heart rates monitored every half hour, with the participant maintaining the lowest, most stable heart rate declared the winner. This transformation of the basic act of sleeping into a quantified performance highlighted a societal shift. A pressing question arises: when did we start learning how to 'sleep well'? Sleep was once a natural response to fatigue, but now many rely on sleep-inducing apps, white noise, melatonin, and sleep journals just to fall asleep. The heart rate monitoring during the napping contest starkly illustrates this change. While each participant had their own story, a common thread emerged: exhaustion. "I can only sleep 3 to 4 hours a day," said 30-year-old office worker Nam Ji-soo, who attended with her team leader, both aware of each other's burnout. The irony of choosing a napping contest by the Han River as a form of rest was bittersweet. College student Park Jun-seok, dressed in traditional attire inspired by the film 'The King's Man,' identified social media and smartphone notifications as modern-day sleep thieves. "Even when I lie down to rest, I end up scrolling through reels for hours. With exams approaching, I'm completely drained, so I actually feel confident about winning today," he said, his playful tone masking genuine fatigue. Another participant, 53-year-old Hwang Doo-sung, clutched a blanket given to him by his girlfriend, who had come to support him. "I’m exhausted from work all week, and today I really want to win. My girlfriend is watching from outside, so I feel motivated," he shared, smiling at the thought of her cheering him on. The high turnout for this event reflects a growing concern. In the past five years, the number of sleep disorder patients has increased by 1.3 million, and prescriptions for insomnia medications have quadrupled. South Koreans average just 6 hours and 58 minutes of sleep, ranking among the lowest in the OECD. In a country known for its hard work, sleep is becoming a luxury. Professor Kim Jae-hwi from Chung-Ang University analyzed this phenomenon, noting that sleep, which should be a private act, has turned into a public performance. The liberating atmosphere of the Han River and the unusual experience of napping among strangers can help alleviate stress. Some participants remarked, "I can't sleep at home, but I fell asleep quickly here," suggesting that the permission to simply lie down is comforting. Conversely, Professor Kim Yoon-tae from Korea University emphasized the need for structural changes that allow young people and workers to genuinely rest. He pointed out that while government-sponsored events like this are significant, they also highlight the paradox of many people struggling to find real relaxation. The napping contest, while festive, carries an underlying sense of melancholy. The two-hour competition concluded with Kim Jong-pil maintaining the most stable heart rate, earning him first place. Hwang Doo-sung proudly secured second place, likely buoyed by the blanket from his girlfriend. Park Jun-seok also received recognition as the second-best dressed participant. I, however, did not finish the competition. Although I could ignore the mosquito sounds, I instinctively flinched when a feather brushed my hand, leading to my disqualification. Yet, I felt no regret. The time spent napping under the guise of reporting was a sweet reprieve from a society that never stops producing. In a world where productivity never pauses, even the act of doing nothing requires events, equipment, and justification. Regardless of who won, for me, number 58, that time spent napping was a rare and cherished moment of rest. 2026-05-08 11:14:08
  • Lee discusses semiconductor and AI cooperation in first phone call with Dutch PM
    Lee discusses semiconductor and AI cooperation in first phone call with Dutch PM SEOUL, May 8 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten over the phone, Cheong Wa Dae said on Friday. The call the previous day was their first conversation since Jetten took office last February. In a written press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in advanced industries including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other technologies. According to Kang, Lee expressed hope for expanding practical cooperation to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Netherlands, praising the growth of their strategic partnership. Rob Jetten was quoted as stressing that the two countries would continue close cooperation in the strategically important semiconductor sector, while also expanding collaboration in areas such as batteries and offshore wind power. Kang said the two leaders also agreed that their partnership is important as global uncertainty grows and that they would keep in close communication. Later in the day, Lee wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that continued cooperation between South Korea, "a semiconductor-manufacturing powerhouse," and the Netherlands, which he said has a major strength in advanced chip equipment, could make a significant contribution to stabilizing the global semiconductor supply chain. 2026-05-08 10:47:22