Uzbekistan to retain trade protection rights during World Trade Organization accession SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - Azizbek Urunov, the Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on World Trade Organization (WTO) issues, announced on January 26 that the country will maintain the right to protect specific economic sectors as it enters the final stages of its accession process. This measure is intended to support national industries facing temporary difficulties or pressure from imports while aligning with international trade rules. The move follows nearly a decade of systemic economic reforms initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017. While Uzbekistan originally applied for WTO membership in 1994, negotiations only entered an active phase in 2020 after the country liberalized its currency policy, revised foreign trade regulations, and eliminated exclusive rights held by state enterprises to meet global standards. As a developing nation, Uzbekistan is utilizing WTO provisions that allow member states to implement trade remedies, including anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. These tools are designed to prevent unfair competition, such as foreign companies selling products at artificially low prices to dominate the domestic market. Under these rules, developing countries can apply protective measures for up to eight years, and in certain circumstances, up to ten years. World Bank estimates suggest that WTO membership could increase the gross domestic product of Uzbekistan by approximately 17 percent over the next five to seven years. The country's economy has grown significantly over the last decade, with the gross domestic product rising from 50 billion dollars to approximately 147 billion dollars by the end of 2025. Accession is also expected to provide Uzbekistan with legal mechanisms to challenge discriminatory trade barriers in Geneva. Urunov noted that the country currently faces obstacles where partners may accept raw materials but restrict the import of processed goods with high added value. Membership would allow these disputes to be settled through the universal principles of the WTO. "As a developing country, Uzbekistan, in accordance with WTO agreements, retains the right to protect certain sectors of the economy in the event of specific difficulties," Urunov said. "WTO membership sends an international signal that the country’s economy operates under transparent, predictable and investor-friendly rules." Uzbekistan is currently preparing national specialists to manage these trade protection mechanisms and is drafting new laws to regulate their application. The government aims to complete the final stage of negotiations to support its "Uzbekistan - 2030" development strategy. 2026-01-28 18:00:04

Ecuador Protests After ICE Agents Try to Enter Consulate in Minneapolis U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to enter Ecuador’s consulate in Minneapolis on Monday but left after consulate staff blocked them, according to The Washington Post. Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it immediately submitted a letter of protest to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, demanding steps to ensure such an incident does not happen again at any Ecuadorian consulate in the United States. The ministry said the agents attempted to enter the building at about 11 a.m., but staff stopped them and activated emergency response procedures to ensure the safety of Ecuadorian citizens inside. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not provide a separate response to the Post’s request for comment. Video shared online shows ICE agents approaching the entrance as staff rushed to the door and said, “This is the Ecuadorian consulate. You cannot enter.” One agent warned that he would arrest a staff member if touched, but the agents ultimately left after staff repeatedly said they could not come in. Under international law, law enforcement in a host country cannot enter a foreign diplomatic mission without consent from consular or ambassadorial officials. An exception applies when there is an immediate threat to life, such as a fire, in which case consent is presumed. The incident occurred during an ongoing federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The Post reported the operation has drawn criticism and legal challenges over its tactics, and that controversy has intensified after federal agents this month fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Rene Good and Alex Pretti. Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne said he spoke with Ecuador’s ambassador, who said he believes the ICE agents tried to enter the consulate by mistake. Payne also said ICE agents entered a cafe near the consulate and threatened protesters, saying, “We will come back and arrest all of you.” The cafe is known as a frequent gathering spot for protesters in northeast Minneapolis.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 18:00:00

Fire at Scrap Yard in Cheonan Extinguished; No Injuries Reported A fire broke out at a scrap yard in Cheonan, South Korea, officials said. Fire authorities said the blaze was reported at about 5:17 p.m. on the 28th at a scrap yard in Seonghwan-eup, in Cheonan’s Seobuk-gu district. Officials responded after residents reported seeing black smoke and fully extinguished the fire 22 minutes later. No injuries were reported. Earlier, Cheonan sent an emergency text alert at about 5:28 p.m., warning residents to avoid inhaling smoke and asking drivers to take alternate routes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:57:53

South Korea’s Law Firm Won Wins 3 Categories at ABLJ 2025 Korea Law Firm Awards Law Firm Won said Jan. 28 it won three categories — defense industry, ESG and entertainment and sports — at the “Korea Law Firm Awards 2025,” announced by Asian Business Law Journal (ABLJ). ABLJ, a legal media outlet covering Asia, conducts annual surveys of companies and law firms in the region to select top performers. Won’s latest results extend its streak to two straight wins in ESG and three straight in entertainment and sports, while marking its first win in the defense industry category. In its assessment, ABLJ said that amid the rapid growth of South Korea’s defense industry, Won strengthened its defense legal advisory capabilities by bringing in attorneys Lee Tae Hwi and Lee Su Dong as partners. Won’s defense industry team, made up of experts with Army, Navy and Air Force backgrounds, cited its track record after a reorganization, including being appointed to represent the Ministry of National Defense in a lawsuit involving 45 billion won in alleged unjust enrichment. The firm said it has also been supporting South Korean defense companies’ overseas expansion and is carrying out a policy research project to help address the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, which it described as a key requirement for entering the U.S. market. Won’s ESG Center said it systematized advisory capabilities across ESG last year and expanded into compliance and risk after Lee Tae Kyung joined as co-head. The firm said its practical approach has been well received, including work on ESG disclosure risk analysis and response strategies, corporate governance advice, guidance on sustainability reports and support for responding to ESG ratings. Won’s media and entertainment team said it has built fast, high-quality advisory capabilities based on experience across film, drama and animation. As K-content has expanded globally, the firm said advisory work has grown for collaboration, co-production and overseas investment with Southeast Asian production companies. It also said it operates a structured system to verify copyrights and related rights for international co-productions and is leading overseas IP protection projects with partner law firms and Interpol as concerns rise over copyright infringement on illegal distribution sites. Lee Yoo Jung, Won’s managing partner, said the firm’s first win in defense and its continued wins in entertainment and sports and ESG reflect efforts to respond early to industry changes. “We will continue to provide precise and effective solutions to the complex risks companies face,” Lee said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:57:28

LG Household & Health Care Reports 2025 Operating Profit Down 62.8% LG Household & Health Care said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that its 2025 consolidated revenue fell 6.7% from a year earlier to 6.3555 trillion won, while operating profit dropped 62.8% to 170.7 billion won. Fourth-quarter revenue declined 8.5% to 1.4728 trillion won, and the company posted an operating loss of 72.7 billion won, swinging to a loss from a year earlier. The company said results weakened as it booked large one-time costs tied to an aggressive overhaul of distribution channels and workforce-efficiency measures, including a voluntary retirement program. By division, annual Beauty revenue fell 16.5% to 2.35 trillion won, and operating profit turned negative with a loss of 97.6 billion won. The company said it made visible progress diversifying overseas markets, helped by brands including The Face Shop and VDL, but performance was hurt as it continued efforts to strengthen brand health, including adjusting duty-free volumes, and incurred voluntary retirement costs. The Home Care & Daily Beauty business posted annual revenue of 2.2347 trillion won and operating profit of 126.3 billion won, up 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. The Refreshment business reported annual revenue of 1.7707 trillion won and operating profit of 142.0 billion won, down 2.9% and 15.5%. An LG Household & Health Care official said the company will focus on developing key brands in high-growth channels and regions and will refine its digital marketing strategy to offer customers a more differentiated experience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:51:23

U.N. Command Says South Korea’s Proposed DMZ Law Violates Armistice The U.N. Command said a ruling party-backed bill on the “peaceful use” of the Demilitarized Zone conflicts with the Korean War armistice. A U.N. Command official told reporters on Tuesday afternoon at the Dragon Hill Lodge Hotel on the Yongsan base that if the DMZ bill passes, it would “directly violate” the armistice and would be tantamount to the South Korean government declaring it is not subject to the agreement. The official said jurisdiction over the DMZ south of the Military Demarcation Line rests entirely with the U.N. Command. The bill would allow the South Korean government to exercise authority over access to the DMZ for nonmilitary, peaceful purposes. The Ministry of Unification has backed the legislation, linking it to “territorial sovereignty.” The U.N. Command reiterated its long-held position that the U.N. commander is responsible not only for military matters in the DMZ but also for civil administration and relief projects. The command also argued that the armistice preamble’s statement that the provisions are “purely military in character” is meant to underscore that the armistice is not a peace treaty. Unification Minister Jeong Dong Young, responding to questions at the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said, “What the U.N. Command said is the U.N. Command’s position, and the National Assembly’s enactment of a law is the legislature’s exclusive legislative authority.” Separately, the U.N. Command explained why it once denied a DMZ entry request by Kim Hyun Jong, first deputy director of the National Security Office. Kim later received approval and visited the DMZ. The U.N. Command official said it received Kim’s application in late November, around the time a South Korean officer was injured in an explosion inside the DMZ. The official said the command had reports that new unexploded ordnance, mines and various shells were being found daily at Baekma Hill, and it suggested Kim visit another location for safety reasons. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:51:00

Fire Reported in Cheonan’s Seobuk District; Residents Warned About Smoke A fire broke out in Cheonan in South Chungcheong Province’s Seobuk District. Cheonan city sent an emergency text alert on Tuesday saying a fire was reported at about 5:17 p.m. at 661-2 Seonghwan-ri, Seonghwan-eup, Seobuk District. The city urged nearby residents to watch for smoke inhalation and asked drivers to take alternate routes. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:48:00

Forum Urges Sustainable Use of Pyeongchang Olympic Legacy for Winter Sports Tourism The 'K-Winter Sports Tourism Global Competitiveness Forum' was held on Jan. 27 at the Athens Hall of the Olympic Parktel in Seoul to discuss the future of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics legacy and ways to boost winter sports tourism. Discussions centered on how to use key Olympic facilities — including Pyeongchang Alpensia and the Jeongseon Alpine Ski Center — as sustainable assets embedded in local communities and industry, rather than limiting debate to whether they should be dismantled. Environmental issues were treated as matters to manage and consider, but the focus remained on practical strategies to keep the legacy in active use. The forum was co-hosted by the Korea Sports Tourism Marketing Association, the Korea Sports Industry Association and the Asian Ski Federation. Kim Nak Gon, head of a residents' committee in Sukam-ri, Jeongseon, attended along with about 40 Jeongseon residents, who shared local views on how the facilities should be used. Rep. Jin Jong Oh of the People Power Party said in congratulatory remarks that world-class venues such as the Jeongseon Alpine Ski Center should not be easily given up and should be considered national assets. He said institutions and policies should support their use so they can contribute to tourism, local economies and jobs. Kim Jin Sun, who served as the first chairman of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics organizing committee and is a former Gangwon governor, said environmental considerations are a given, but the more important choice is how to carry the facilities forward with the region. He said Olympic legacy sites are public assets whose value should be increased through management and use, not dismantling. In a keynote presentation, Kim Ki Hong, a former secretary-general of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics organizing committee, said debate over the legacy has moved beyond simple pro-and-con positions. He said the time has come to develop workable on-the-ground models and operating strategies, rather than continuing what he called wasteful arguments over whether to keep the facilities. He added that Olympic venues, including the Jeongseon Alpine Ski Center, have strong potential to link international competitions, national team training and visitor experiences. Kim Tae Dong, a researcher at the Gangwon Research Institute, said the Jeongseon Alpine Ski Center is the only facility in South Korea that meets international standards for an Olympic downhill course, calling it irreplaceable sports infrastructure. He said it should be developed into a key hub for winter sports tourism through systematic management and phased-use strategies, rather than short-term cost calculations. He said a combined-use model linking training, competitions and experiential tourism could also help expand longer-stay tourism in Jeongseon and across the Gangwon region. Seok Kang Hun, a professor at the Korea National University of Transportation, said major overseas Winter Olympics host countries use venues for multiple functions rather than a single purpose. He said sustainability is secured when international events, athlete development and programs for general tourists operate together. Han Seung Jin, a professor at Eulji University, said the Olympic legacy debate is not about whether to leave facilities behind, but how they will be used. He said sustainability requires designing repeatable uses along with an operating body and a funding model.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:45:45

South Korean parties agree to pass 90 noncontroversial bills, revise filibuster rules Rival parties agreed to pass 90 noncontroversial bills at a National Assembly plenary session on Jan. 29, and to also take up a revision to the National Assembly Act that would change rules for filibusters. Cheon Jun-ho, the Democratic Party’s senior deputy floor leader for operations, and Yoo Sang-bum, the People Power Party’s counterpart, announced the agreement after meeting Tuesday at the National Assembly. Cheon told reporters that of 175 bills on the plenary agenda, the parties agreed to prioritize urgent livelihood-related measures and pass 90. He added that the National Assembly Act revision “needs further discussion” and said he expected floor leaders to finalize it through additional talks. Yoo said the People Power Party would withdraw filibusters it had requested so the agreed-upon bills could be processed. The People Power Party has staged filibusters since late last year, calling Democratic Party-backed proposals — including a dedicated trial division for insurrection cases, a new crime of distorting the law, an increase in the number of Supreme Court justices and the introduction of a court-appeal system — “bad laws that destroy the judiciary.” The party and the minor Reform Party have also pressed the Democratic Party to accept “twin special prosecutors” probes into election nomination donations and the Unification Church. The agreement indicates the People Power Party will cooperate on the livelihood bills by dropping filibusters, while the Democratic Party appears to have delayed action on more contentious measures. It came a day after President Lee Jae Myung said at a Cabinet meeting that the National Assembly was moving too slowly and urged faster action on legislation tied to state priorities. The parties also agreed to handle the National Assembly Act revision at the Jan. 29 plenary session. People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok said after a separate meeting with Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do that they had agreed to pass it. The Democratic Party-backed revision would allow the National Assembly speaker to halt a filibuster if fewer than one-fifth of lawmakers are present during the debate. It also includes changes aimed at easing the physical burden on the speaker’s office by loosening rules on delegating the chair’s presiding authority. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:45:20

Lee Jae Myung urges expanded defense, energy cooperation with Qatar in meeting with emir’s envoy President Lee Jae Myung asked Qatar to expand cooperation with South Korea in areas including defense, the defense industry and energy, his office said Tuesday. Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kim Nam Jun said in a written briefing that Lee met in the morning with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, a special envoy of Qatar’s emir. Lee said the envoy’s swift visit after last week’s phone call with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani showed “the two countries’ firm commitment to cooperation.” He said he hoped the visit would further strengthen “mutually beneficial cooperation” in strategic fields including defense and the defense industry, investment and energy. Al-Khulaifi said he came to personally convey the emir’s “special trust” in South Korea and his will to deepen cooperation. He added he would work to carry out the two leaders’ shared commitment to advancing South Korea-Qatar relations. Lee noted the two countries have maintained diplomatic ties for more than 50 years and have upgraded their relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” He said he hoped they would remain true friends who help each other in difficult times and contribute together to regional and international peace amid a complex global situation. Lee also asked the envoy to pass along his hope to hold a candid discussion in Seoul with the emir on ways to develop bilateral ties. In a phone call on Jan. 20, Lee told the emir the two countries should continue expanding cooperation across a range of fields. The emir said South Korea, Qatar’s “comprehensive strategic partner,” has made major contributions to Qatar’s national development, based on Qatar’s trust in and expectations for South Korea. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-01-28 17:45:00