New Zealand ambassador hosts Māori culture night in Seoul SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - New Zealand Ambassador Dawn Bennet hosted an evening of traditional Māori performance at her Seoul residence on Thursday, emphasizing the deep-seated societal parallels between New Zealand and South Korea. The event brought together influential guests to witness indigenous cultural displays, signaling a continued commitment to soft-power diplomacy between the two nations. The two nations share a history that predates their modern economic ties, beginning with the Korean War when New Zealand deployed more than 6,000 personnel to the peninsula, according to the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Today, that relationship is defined by a comprehensive free trade agreement and a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The guest list for New Zealand Culture Night 2026 included approximately 100 South Korean lawmakers, diplomats, scholars, and business leaders. The evening featured a performance by the Hiwa Crew, a group previously recognized for their appearance at the National Museum of South Korea during the Mana Moana exhibition. The performance focused on kapa haka, a Māori performing art that combines vocal music, rhythmic movement, and storytelling. Bennet explained that the art form is essential for passing on indigenous history and language to future generations. "Kapa haka is a treasured Māori performing art that brings together song, chant, movement, expression, and storytelling," Bennet said. "It is a way of passing on history, values, language, and identity, from one generation to the next." During her address, the ambassador identified direct parallels between Māori and South Korean social foundations, specifically the emphasis on lineage and respect for elders. She noted that both cultures value the concept of individuals being shaped by their broader communities. "There is much that connects Māori and Korean cultures," Bennet said. "For example, ancestry, which we call whakapapa, respect for elders, hospitality, and the concept of individuals being shaped by the communities they come from." The event also welcomed members of Te Rūnanga o Te Āti Awa, a Māori tribal authority that arrived in Seoul on the day of the event. The group participated in the haka, a traditional dance of focus and strength, alongside waiata, which are melodic songs of joy and warmth. "Through kapa haka, Māori communities affirm their connection to the land of Aotearoa, New Zealand; to their ancestors; and to one another," Bennet said. 2026-05-08 16:20:05

South Korea pushes for drone autonomy through standardization SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - South Korea is moving to standardize its drone industry around K-MOSA as the government seeks to shorten development cycles, lower production costs and build a scalable domestic manufacturing ecosystem for unmanned systems. The initiative comes as drones rapidly redefine modern warfare from Ukraine to the Middle East, exposing how military competitiveness increasingly depends not only on advanced unmanned systems but also on resilient supply chains and the capacity for fast, low-cost mass production. “Drones have already changed the battlefield, but South Korea still has a long way to go,” said Chun In-bum, a retired South Korean Army lieutenant general. The Office for Government Policy Coordination said Thursday that it had finalized key policy tasks during the third meeting of the government’s drone and counter-drone task force. Officials said they had completed scenario analyses on evolving security threats, including hybrid drones, and agreed to coordinate inter-ministerial response systems under a broader national defense framework. At the center of the strategy is a standardized marketplace built on K-MOSA, short for Korea’s modular open systems approach for defense unmanned systems. The framework is designed to move the industry away from fragmented proprietary specifications by allowing certified drone parts and modules to operate interchangeably across platforms. Under the envisioned system, authorized buyers would be able to compare, select and procure interoperable components through a digital platform, reducing dependence on single vendors while making drone systems easier to upgrade as battlefield requirements evolve. The government said the framework is intended to shorten development timelines and enable low-cost mass production. The push also reflects a broader industrial vulnerability. Although South Korea’s drone exports have expanded rapidly, the domestic ecosystem remains heavily exposed to cheaper Chinese products and components. According to a report by the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) released last November, South Korea’s drone exports reached $27.54 million in 2024, nearly 10 times higher than three years earlier. Yet the country still accounted for less than 0.5 percent of global drone exports, underscoring the gap between outward growth and meaningful global competitiveness. The same report showed global drone trade more than doubled over the past three years to exceed $6 billion, while the overall market is projected to expand more than 14 percent annually to reach $163.6 billion by 2030. Despite that growth, South Korea’s drone sector continues to struggle with weak manufacturing infrastructure, low localization of critical parts and heavy dependence on imports. DJI remains the dominant global player. Trade data cited by Monthly Trade, a publication affiliated with the KITA, showed China accounted for roughly 37.8 percent of global drone exports in 2024, down from 64.5 percent in 2022 but still by far the largest share. DJI alone is estimated to control more than 70 percent of the global finished-drone market. South Korea’s dependence is especially acute in components. Recent trade analysis found that Chinese products accounted for roughly 70 percent of South Korea’s drone-parts imports on average over the past three years, leaving domestic manufacturers vulnerable to supply disruptions or export controls from Beijing. Industry officials say the imbalance ultimately comes down to cost. Chinese components are often significantly cheaper than domestic alternatives, making it difficult for smaller Korean drone makers to source locally while competing in an intensely price-sensitive market. Kim Mu-hyun, a researcher at the KITA, said South Korea’s dependence on Chinese drone parts does not stem from a lack of technological capability. “South Korea has the technology,” Kim said. “The fundamental problem is that there is not enough domestic demand, so even if companies make the parts, it does not become profitable.” Kim argued that localization is necessary over the long term, but demand must come first. Without sustained civilian, public-sector or defense procurement, manufacturers have little incentive to invest in production lines or expand hiring. That imbalance is reflected in the industry’s structure. According to the 2024 Drone Industry Survey cited in industry reports, South Korea had 6,835 drone-related companies as of December 2023, but combined industry sales totaled just 1.09 trillion won ($1.4 billion). Of those firms, only 608 were manufacturers, while 6,227 focused on services or drone utilization, highlighting how the sector remains centered more on operation than deep manufacturing capacity. Employment data points to a similar weakness. According to figures from the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology cited in local industry reports, the number of workers employed by drone manufacturers fell from 4,152 in 2021 to 2,740 in 2023, even as the number of drone manufacturers rose from 345 to 608 over the same period. Experts say the government’s latest initiative could mark a shift from fragmented support measures toward a more coordinated national drone strategy. But its ultimate success will depend on whether the framework can generate enough sustained demand to justify large-scale domestic investment and reduce South Korea’s reliance on cheaper foreign supplies during a military contingency. 2026-05-08 16:14:50

Dyson Expands Product Lineup, Aiming for Recovery in 2026 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dyson experienced significant growth due to increased demand for home appliances. This year, the company is expanding its product lineup significantly, aiming for a rebound. By diversifying its offerings from robot vacuums to travel hair dryers and portable fans, Dyson seeks to enhance its public appeal beyond its premium image and accelerate its recovery.According to industry sources, Dyson Korea will officially launch its first portable fan, the Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool, in South Korea on May 13, with online sales starting that day.The Dyson Hushjet Mini Cool incorporates 17 years of airflow technology, generating winds of up to 25 meters per second for a powerful and refreshing experience. Weighing just 212 grams and featuring a slim 38mm design, it is highly portable. The fan also boasts a battery life of up to six hours, making it convenient for outdoor activities or travel.This year, Dyson is accelerating the release of new products across its home appliance and beauty categories. The strategy aims to broaden consumer engagement through various product categories, moving beyond its high-end brand image.One of the standout products is the Spot and Scrub AI robot vacuum, launched in January. This marks the first new product release in two years. Although Dyson introduced its first robot vacuum in 2016, slow market growth led to the discontinuation of sales in some countries. The introduction of its first hybrid (vacuum and wet cleaning) robot vacuum has garnered significant industry attention.The new model features extensive AI capabilities, utilizing an HD camera and AI technology to identify wet liquids and dry debris, repeating cleaning up to 15 times for stain removal. It also recognizes obstacles using 24 sensors and dual laser LiDAR technology.As a latecomer to the market, Dyson has enhanced its price competitiveness. The suggested retail price in South Korea is 1.79 million won, lower than the main products of Chinese competitor Roborock, which are priced at 1.89 million won. Dyson is aggressively penetrating the market with various promotional discounts during the initial launch phase, indicating a shift from its traditional high-price premium strategy to a balanced approach between price and technology for market share acquisition.Additionally, Dyson is targeting diverse consumer needs by launching portable products. A notable example is the recently released Supersonic Travel hair dryer, which is 32% smaller and 25% lighter than previous models. Its universal voltage design allows for use anywhere in the world, catering to travelers and business professionals. Furthermore, the company has enlisted popular actor Park Bo-gum as its Asia-Pacific ambassador and is actively promoting the Supersonic Travel through a marketing campaign.James Dyson, the founder and chief engineer, stated, "We didn't just make a smaller hair dryer; we completely redesigned it for travel environments. The Supersonic Travel offers excellent styling capabilities while protecting hair from excessive heat. It is designed with performance, portability, and hair health in mind."This strategy is seen as a response to recent performance challenges. Dyson Korea experienced rapid growth during the pandemic due to increased demand for premium appliances, but has faced two consecutive years of declining performance.According to Dyson Korea's 2025 audit report, the company's revenue last year was 527.6 billion won, a 3.9% decrease from the previous year’s 549.2 billion won. Operating profit also fell from 16.9 billion won to 16 billion won, a 5.3% decline.Since establishing its South Korean branch in 2017, Dyson Korea has recorded its first revenue drop since its inception in 2024, with both revenue and operating profit declining for two consecutive years. This downturn is attributed to intensified competition in the premium appliance market and a slowdown in consumer spending.The rise of Chinese brands, such as Roborock and Dreame, has also been a contributing factor, as they rapidly expand their market share in the robot vacuum segment.However, there is optimism for Dyson's recovery this year. The company is broadening its product range from traditional vacuum cleaners and beauty products to include robot vacuums and small appliances. Additionally, by enhancing its innovative premium image with AI features, Dyson is implementing a strategy focused on technological differentiation.Industry insiders believe that with various new product launches planned for both the first and second halves of the year, Dyson's performance improvement is anticipated. 2026-05-08 16:14:41

Jang Dong-hyuk Calls Opposition's Special Prosecutor Proposal Unconstitutional Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized the opposition's proposed "manipulated prosecution special prosecutor" as "unconstitutional and illegal." Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club in central Seoul on May 8, Jang stated, "The special prosecutor appointed by President Lee Jae-myung would have the authority to dismiss charges against the president, ultimately aiming to eliminate the trial of the president altogether." He added, "This directly contradicts the fundamental principle of the rule of law that states 'no one can be a judge in their own case' and the constitutional spirit that 'all citizens are equal before the law.' Such a special prosecutor is unimaginable in a country that adopts liberal democracy and the rule of law." Jang also expressed concerns regarding the foreign and security policies of the Lee Jae-myung government. He remarked, "I have significant concerns about the foreign and security policies of the Lee administration," noting that the current policies differ considerably from those of past progressive governments. He pointed out that President Lee referred to U.S. Forces Korea as a "foreign military" and is hastily pushing for the transfer of wartime operational control. "Many South Koreans are worried that this policy direction is aimed at the withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea," he said. Jang urged a shift in the government's foreign and security policy. He emphasized, "The People Power Party firmly believes in strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance and adopting 'peace through strength' as the cornerstone of our foreign and security policy. I hope the government will change its policy direction now to prioritize national interests and the well-being of the people."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:09:05

KOSPI Closes Slightly Higher on Individual Investor Buying Amid Profit-Taking The KOSPI, which started lower, closed slightly higher on May 8, buoyed by buying from individual investors. As the market digests the recent surge, a rotation among stocks continues. According to the Korea Exchange, the KOSPI rose by 7.95 points (0.11%) to close at 7,498.00. The index opened at 7,353.94, down 136.11 points (1.82%) from the previous session. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted, "The domestic market is seeing profit-taking after a sharp rise recently, with foreign investors expanding net selling, particularly in large electric and electronics sectors." He added, "The semiconductor sector within the KOSPI is taking a breather, while rotation into robotics and neglected sectors continues." In the securities market, individuals and institutions net bought 4.79 trillion won and 1.28 trillion won, respectively, while foreign investors net sold 6.23 trillion won. Among the top market capitalization stocks, SK Hynix (1.93%), Hyundai Motor (7.17%), Samsung C&T (4.32%), and Samsung Biologics (0.27%) saw gains, while Samsung Electronics (-1.10%), SK Square (-0.09%), LG Energy Solution (-1.35%), Doosan Enerbility (-4.99%), and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (-5.05%) declined. The KOSDAQ index closed at 1,207.72, up 8.54 points (0.71%). It started the day at 1,199.47, a slight increase of 0.29 points (0.02%), and quickly regained the 1,200 mark shortly after opening. In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors net bought 518.3 billion won and 82.6 billion won, respectively, while individuals net sold 592 billion won. Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, EcoPro BM (0.85%), Rainbow Robotics (12.48%), Kolon TissueGene (11.52%), Samchundang Pharm (1.13%), ABL Bio (2.93%), and Rigakem Bio (2.41%) closed higher, while EcoPro (-2.94%), Alteogen (-4.49%), Rino Industrial (-0.79%), and HLB (-2.18%) fell.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:07:16

Kolmar posts record quarterly profit amid rising demand for sunscreen products SEOUL, May 8 (AJP) - Cosmetics maker Kolmar posted its best-ever quarterly results, thanks to surging demand for sun-care products ahead of the summer season. Its operating profit for the first three months of this year rose 31.6 percent from a year earlier to 78.9 billion Korean won (about US$54 million), while revenue increased 11.5 percent to 728 billion won and net profit jumped 158.7 percent to 60 billion won. Both operating profit and revenue reached record highs for any quarter, a notable achievement given that the first quarter is typically a slow season for the cosmetics industry. Kolmar manufactures a range of cosmetics including sunscreen and skincare products for major brands such as Innisfree and Dr.Jart+ as well as indie beauty brands like Goodai Global. In particular, its line of sun-care products developed in collaboration with Goodai Global recently surpassed 100 million units in cumulative sales over the past five years. A Kolmar staffer attributed the company's best-ever first-quarter performance to surging demand for sunscreen and related products as consumers stock up ahead of the summer months. 2026-05-08 16:06:02

Special Prosecutors Clear Kim Kwan-young of Charges Related to Insurrection Special prosecutors have cleared Kim Kwan-young, the governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, of charges related to insurrection assistance during the martial law declared on December 3, 2024. On May 8, Kwon Chang-young, head of the second special prosecution team, announced in a press release that the investigation into the allegations against Kim had concluded with no charges filed. The team reportedly delivered a notice of non-prosecution to the Jeonbuk Provincial Office around 6 p.m. the previous day. The allegations stemmed from claims that during the martial law declared by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Jeonbuk Province complied with directives from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, including closing the provincial office and cooperating with the regional martial law command. The issue gained traction recently as Lee Won-taek, a fellow party candidate for governor, raised concerns during the election campaign. However, the special prosecutors' findings contradicted the allegations. The team confirmed that Kim publicly expressed the unconstitutionality of the martial law just 29 minutes after it was declared in a media interview. They stated, "It cannot be concluded that the governor acted with the intent to undermine the constitution by supporting the martial law." The investigation also found that key allegations, including the closure of the provincial office, the preparation of a provisional budget, and maintaining a cooperative system with the 35th Division's regional martial law command, were not substantiated. The case against the governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, which was also under investigation for similar allegations related to the closure of the provincial office, was dismissed as well. The special prosecution team explained that this case was merely a re-filing of an already dismissed matter from a previous insurrection investigation, with no new evidence discovered. Upon receiving the notice of non-prosecution, Kim expressed his approval and strongly criticized Lee. During a press conference at the Jeonbuk Provincial Assembly, he stated, "I cooperated sincerely with the investigation according to the law and procedures, and the truth has been confirmed. I will not let Lee's political deception and insult to the citizens go unchallenged," indicating that he would consider legal actions in response. 2026-05-08 16:05:24

Trump Claims U.S. Holds Negotiation Advantage Over Iran Amid Hormuz Tensions President Donald Trump emphasized that the United States maintains a negotiating advantage over Iran, even as hostilities in the Hormuz Strait have resumed. He suggested that rather than viewing the renewed clashes as a sign of escalating conflict, it indicates Iran's increasing urgency to reach an agreement. On May 7, during a visit to the construction site of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Trump told reporters, "Negotiations are going very well." He added, "Iran wants an agreement much more desperately than I do," highlighting that despite military exchanges in the Hormuz Strait, the framework for a ceasefire and negotiations remains intact. Trump downplayed the significance of the recent clashes, calling Iran's attacks "minor" and asserting, "We completely obliterated them." His comments reflected a belief that the resumption of military conflict has not disrupted the negotiation process. He continued to apply pressure for an agreement, warning that if Iran rejects a deal and hostilities escalate, "you will see a massive flash coming from Iran," urging them to sign the agreement quickly. This statement suggests that while negotiations remain open, he is prepared for military action if necessary. Regarding the content of the proposed agreement, Trump described it as more extensive than the one-page document that has been previously reported. He stated that it would ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons and would include provisions related to the transfer of nuclear materials. Trump maintained skepticism about Iran's willingness to comply with U.S. demands, stating, "Even if they agree, the next day they will say something different, so it doesn’t mean much." He also dismissed concerns about the economic burden of a prolonged conflict, telling reporters, "Gas prices have dropped significantly," indicating that he prioritizes negotiation leverage and control over the costs of military engagement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 16:03:31

Lotte Wellfood Q1 operating profit more than doubles on overseas growth SEOUL, May 08 (AJP) - South Korean confectionery maker Lotte Wellfood announced that its first-quarter operating profit more than doubled from a year earlier, lifted by brisk sales in India and Kazakhstan that helped offset sluggish domestic demand. According to regulatory filings released Friday, operating profit jumped 118.4 percent to 35.8 billion won ($24.3 million) on a consolidated basis. Revenue rose 5.4 percent to 1.03 trillion won, while net profit slipped 26.6 percent to 16.7 billion won. Overseas subsidiaries logged 270.5 billion won in sales, up 18 percent year-on-year. The Indian unit benefited from broader distribution channels following a corporate merger and stronger sales of flagship products, while the Kazakh business rode a wave of resilient domestic consumption and exports. Exports climbed 8 percent to 66 billion won as the company expanded its customer base in the United States and China. Combined overseas revenue accounted for about 32 percent of total sales, deepening the maker of Pepero and World Cone's pivot beyond a saturated home market. Lotte Wellfood said it had also tightened cost discipline by streamlining low-margin products and sales channels and improving logistics and procurement efficiency. "We will accelerate the global expansion of our core brands and strengthen peak-season marketing to sustain the momentum in profitability," a company official said, flagging headwinds from raw material price swings and currency volatility tied to the Middle East war. Share of Lotte Wellfood closed at 127,300 won, 6.53 percent higher than the day before. 2026-05-08 16:00:12

Anti-Corruption Agency Requests Investigation into Kim Geon-hee's Luxury Bag Scandal The Anti-Corruption Agency has decided to request an investigation from the National Investigation Headquarters regarding allegations related to Kim Geon-hee's acceptance of luxury bags and potential violations of the anti-bribery law. On May 8, the agency announced the findings of its normalization task force (TF). According to the agency, the TF reviewed various allegations, including past reports concerning luxury bags and new claims related to interference in complaints. It found that Jeong Seung-yoon, the former deputy chair and secretary at the time of the report, delayed the handling of the case and held an unofficial meeting with the accused at the presidential residence late at night, raising concerns about potential violations of the anti-bribery law. Jeong Il-yeon, chair of the Anti-Corruption Agency, stated during a briefing, "The fact that the former secretary met with former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been confirmed based on testimonies from staff members." Regarding whether Jeong met with Kim Geon-hee, the subject of the luxury bag allegations, he noted that this is a matter that should be investigated by the authorities. The TF also reported that Jeong had treated a deceased agency official, who had opposed the closure of the luxury bag case, unfairly by limiting their speaking rights in meetings and excluding them from key tasks, which could be considered workplace harassment. The agency plans to notify the official's current employer about these misconducts. Additionally, the agency intends to offer a sincere apology to the deceased official and their family. The TF highlighted issues in the agency's handling of the so-called "helicopter transport privilege" controversy that arose during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as leader of the Democratic Party in 2024. It was reported that Jeong included matters not discussed in meetings in official documents and directed that the actions of medical personnel be reported as violations of conduct, contrary to the department's recommendations. The TF concluded that the additional testimony indicating that the transfer and helicopter transport between Seoul National University Hospital and Pusan National University Hospital were conducted within the scope of authority suggests that the initial classification as a violation of conduct was inappropriate. In relation to allegations involving former Broadcasting and Communications Review Committee Chair Ryu Hee-rim regarding "complaint solicitation," the TF noted that the responsible department had recommended forwarding the matter to a third party (the Board of Audit and Inspection or the prosecution), but Jeong had rejected this recommendation. The TF also stated that there are indications that Ryu failed to fulfill their obligation to report private interests during the investigation, prompting a request for an audit from the Board of Audit and Inspection.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-08 15:58:36