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Mourners flock to memorial altar to pay respects to tireless actor SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - A steady stream of mourners from all walks of life are paying their last respects to actor Lee Soon-jae at a memorial altar in Seoul on Wednesday. Lee, widely regarded as one of South Korea's most distinguished and prolific actors, died at the age of 91 at his home in the traditional wealthy district of Seongbuk-dong in northern Seoul the previous day, with his family by his side in his final moments. His memorial altar set up at Asan Medical Center in southern Seoul has been visited by fellow actors, colleagues and political figures including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, reflecting his broad influence across various fields. With an illustrious career spanning nearly seven decades in film, television, and theater, Lee worked tirelessly, appearing in more than 140 dramas, shows, and plays, and remained active as South Korea's oldest actor until sudden health issues forced him to step down late last year. Born in 1934 in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, an area that is now part of North Korea, Lee moved to Seoul at the age of four. While studying philosophy at the country's most prestigious university, Seoul National University, Lee realized that acting was his calling and became a movie buff. He chose an unconventional path, as elite students rarely pursued careers in the showbiz industry at the time. Captivated by British actor and director Laurence Olivier's performance in the 1948 cinematic adaptation of William Shakespeare's epic tragedy "Hamlet," Lee developed a passion for cinema, which eventually led him to make his acting debut in 1956 in a low-budget play adapted from "Beyond the Horizon" by American playwright Eugene O'Neill. Lee began his professional acting career in 1965 as a contracted actor with TBC, one of South Korea's early terrestrial broadcasters, and went on to appear in countless television programs, including dramas, sitcoms, and variety shows. His acting career was catapulted when he appeared in MBC's megahit series "What Is Love" in 1991, thanks to his vivid portrayal of a traditional, conservative, stern father that reflected the social values of the time. The drama's popularity was so immense that nearly all the streets would empty whenever a new episode aired. After a brief venture into politics in 1992, he returned to showbiz, taking his career to new heights in 2006 with sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof," where he revealed a different side of himself by playing the role of a grumpy but harmless elderly man like the neighbor from next door. Later in life, he enjoyed another heyday in 2013 when cable channel tvN's travel-themed reality show "Grandpas Over Flowers" became an immediate hit. Lee will be laid to rest at a cemetery in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province after a funeral service at the hospital on Thursday. He is survived by his wife and two children. Meanwhile, the government posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest decoration given to individuals who have contributed to the development of Korean culture. 2025-11-26 10:42:07 -
SK Telecom teams up with Samsung for commercialization of 6G network SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea’s SK Telecom said on Wednesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Samsung Electronics to jointly develop next-generation mobile technology, focusing on AI-based radio access networks (AI RAN) to support the eventual commercialization of 6G. Under the partnership, research will be jointly carried out by SK Telecom’s network technology division and Samsung Research. SK Telecom will contribute data and infrastructure from its nationwide mobile network, while Samsung will lead work on AI channel estimation models and distributed multi-antenna algorithms. The joint research will cover core network technologies. The two companies have been working together as members of the AI RAN Alliance since last year. In June, they jointly proposed an AI-based channel estimation technique at a conference in Espoo, Finland. They also presented research findings at a conference in Boston in November. SK Telecom released South Korea’s first 6G white paper in 2023 and showcased AI RAN-enabled base stations at MWC 2025. In October, the operator signed a separate agreement with Nvidia to deepen cooperation on AI RAN development. Ryu Tak-ki of SK Telecom said integrating AI with wireless technology will be essential for global competitiveness in 6G, adding that the company aims to achieve “world-class AI RAN-based 6G capabilities” through its collaboration with Samsung. Jung Jin-kook of Samsung Research said early, field-oriented cooperation would be critical to securing core AI RAN technologies and laying the groundwork for commercial 6G deployment. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 10:40:30 -
South Korea's HJ Heavy wins flood control project in Philippines SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea’s HJ Heavy Industries said on Wednesday it has been selected by the Philippine Department of Public Works and Highways to lead the Tagum flood control project, a contract valued at about $76 million. The project is designed to address long-standing flooding in Tagum City in Davao del Norte through the construction of levees and bridges, as well as dredging and widening of local rivers. The work is scheduled to take 48 months from commencement. Manila has been accelerating flood-mitigation investments as climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, working closely with international partners including the Asian Development Bank. HJ Heavy Industries completed the Pampanga flood control project in April last year. Since entering the Philippine market in 1973, the company has carried out more than 80 projects — from roads and ports to airports — and has contributed to major undertakings such as the Manila Light Rail and Davao International Airport. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 10:22:33 -
IMF urges Korea to raise retirement age, delay pension payouts SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - The International Monetary Fund has recommended that South Korea raise its statutory retirement age to 65 and delay the start of public pension benefits to 68, according to a report posted on the IMF’s website. Citing OECD research, the Fund said the proposed changes could lift total employment by about 14 percent and increase GDP by 12 percent by 2070. The IMF said adjusting the retirement and pension system is essential to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability as the country confronts rapid population ageing. It also called for reforms to South Korea’s seniority-based wage structure, urging a shift toward performance-related pay. Without changes to the wage system, simply extending the retirement age could have “unintended negative effects,” the report warned. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 09:49:51 -
S. Korea sets 2027 target for full autonomous vehicle commercialization SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea will make large-scale investments in autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the country’s transition to an innovation-driven economy, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said on Wednesday. Speaking at an economic strategy meeting in Sejong, Koo said the government aims to commercialize fully autonomous vehicles by 2027 and elevate South Korea into the world’s top three leaders in the sector. Beginning next year, the government will establish dedicated “test cities” for autonomous driving, deploying more than 100 vehicles to collect data and validate technologies. Seoul also plans to support the development of specialized GPUs for autonomous systems and set up AI learning centers accessible to companies, universities and research institutes. Koo vowed to ease regulatory hurdles that have slowed progress in core technologies, including allowing the use of original, unpseudonymized video data to improve research accuracy. The meeting also reviewed plans to advance next-generation energy projects spanning solar power, power grids and green hydrogen. Koo said the government aims to commercialize high-efficiency tandem solar cell modules by 2028 and begin mass production of 20-megawatt offshore wind turbines within five years. To strengthen energy security, authorities will seek standard design approval for Korean small modular reactors and expand investment in nuclear-related funds. Koo added that AI-based grid systems will be introduced to improve forecasting and direct electricity to regions with higher demand. South Korea also plans to localize key high-voltage direct current technologies by 2027 and complete construction of the West Coast energy highway. In green hydrogen, the government aims to cut production costs by more than half through advances in high-efficiency technologies and large-scale demonstration projects. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 09:38:10 -
OPINION: Workplace safety policies fail to address the most vulnerable SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - Workplace fatalities in South Korea are on the rise again. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor's third-quarter report, 457 people have died from industrial accidents this year, an increase from last year. Despite heightened safety measures and relevant regulations implemented over the past three years, deaths remain concentrated in small businesses and construction sites, where enforcement proves difficult. While large companies have improved safety management, smaller operations remain vulnerable. Accidents in small-scale industries like retail and agriculture are not coincidental. Many of these businesses have fewer than five employees, making it difficult to implement safety measures. Small construction sites, often focused on daily revenue, lack the resources for professional safety managers. As a result, accidents such as falls and entrapments in projects under 500 million Korean won (US$340,000) occur repeatedly and are often dismissed as unavoidable. The government's policies remain focused on large corporations and major sites, imposing uniform penalties regardless of business size, even though small businesses struggle to meet the same safety requirements. A survey found that implementing safety recommendations costs small businesses an average of 60 million won. The law applies uniformly, yet small businesses lack the time and resources for compliance. Insufficient oversight exacerbates the issue. With 1,000 safety inspectors managing 3 million workplaces nationwide, effective supervision is impossible. Accidents frequently occur in areas beyond inspectors' reach, predominantly affecting small sites. Although the government plans to increase inspectors by next year, this alone is inadequate. A complete overhaul of the inspection system is necessary for meaningful change. To make safety policies effective, the government must provide tailored support reflecting the realities of small businesses. This includes significantly reducing safety management costs through direct public funding. Regular assistance with safety equipment and process improvements should be institutionalized to alleviate initial burdens on small sites. Additionally, a localized inspection and education system for businesses with fewer than five employees and small construction sites is essential. Regular visits and support teams should offer practical advice on-site. Developing simple, industry-specific safety and health management models as 'standard manuals for small businesses' is also crucial. Industrial accidents are not just statistics; they affect individuals and families. Accidents in small businesses occur in environments lacking even basic protections, making their impact more tragic. We repeatedly question why fatalities persist, but the answer is clear: the most vulnerable remain neglected. Policies to reduce workplace deaths should focus on building a supportive safety net from the ground up, rather than imposing top-down regulations. Ignoring the risks faced by small businesses must end, as this may be the last chance to prevent recurring tragedies. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI. 2025-11-26 09:07:24 -
South Korea to transfer retired submarine to Poland as part of naval cooperation SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea will transfer the decommissioned Jang Bogo submarine to Poland at no cost by the end of this year, according to multiple military sources. The donated submarine would give Poland a stop-gap training platform for submarine crews, enabling familiarization with submarine operations and maintenance ahead of the next-generation vessels. The submarine represented the Republic of Korea Navy’s first generation of post-Cold War submarines. In the South Korean fleet it was commissioned in the mid-1990s after being built — the first boat launched in 1991 and entering service in 1994. The move is intended to support South Korean companies aiming to take part in Poland’s ongoing submarine acquisition program, the Orka Project. According to South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean — one of the firms bidding for the Orka contract — the donation helps strengthen its bid by offering Poland an interim capability and smoother transition. Poland’s Orka Project aims to acquire three new 3,000-ton submarines to modernize its undersea fleet. Competing bidders reportedly include Hanwha Ocean from South Korea, Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Italy’s Fincantieri, and Sweden’s Saab. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 08:54:34 -
South Korea performs third-best in Q3 real GDP growth in OECD scale SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) -SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - The South Korean economy performed third-best among 26 economies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the third quarter, according to preliminary compiling by OECD, the Bank of Korea said Wednesday. Korea’s real GDP grew 1.166 percent in the July–September period, ranking third out of 26 countries that had released preliminary estimates, Israel topped the list with 2.967 percent growth, driven largely by a sharp rebound from a –1.1 percent contraction in the second quarter. Indonesia, continuing its streak of robust expansion, placed second at 1.216 percent. China recorded 1.1 percent growth, performing behind Korea’s quarterly rate for the first time in more than three years — since the second quarter of 2022. Korea’s third-quarter performance marks a dramatic turnaround from earlier this year. In the first quarter, GDP fell –0.219 percent, weighed down by weak consumer sentiment following the national emergency decree, placing Korea 34th among 37 economies. The economy rebounded in the second quarter, expanding 0.675 percent on the back of strong exports despite cross-tariff shocks from the United States, lifting Korea’s ranking to 10th. The Bank of Korea is expected to raise its 2025 growth outlook in its revised economic forecast on Thursday. Jungwoo Park, economist at Nomura Securities, in its recent report observed rising equity and housing prices are generating a wealth effect that will help revive consumption. “Growth next year is likely to outpace Korea’s potential growth rate (of around 1.8 percent),” he said. He perceived that the Bank of Korea’s rate-cutting cycle is effectively over. “We expect the BOK to support the government’s expansionary fiscal stance and keep the policy rate unchanged at 2.50 percent through the end of next year,” he said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 07:26:00 -
K-Food diplomacy: strengthening South Korea-Middle East ties The Middle East, historically a hub of the ancient Silk Road, is now witnessing a surge in K-food popularity, broadening cooperation between South Korea and the region. As of October, K-food exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rose 23.2% from the previous year, reaching $275 million. The South Korean government views the Middle East as a strategic market for diversifying K-food exports. Efforts include easing halal certification burdens, supporting local store entries, and participating in events like the Gulfood International Food Expo. Plans for next year include funding halal production lines and establishing a halal K-food section in Middle Eastern online stores. On Nov. 19, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs hosted an event in Abu Dhabi, inviting 30 local influencers and UAE graduates to showcase K-halal food and K-food tech. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, during her Middle East tour for the G20 summit, also promoted K-food, drawing significant interest. Attendees praised dishes like bibimbap and kimbap, highlighting K-food's popularity. The event featured fresh produce like strawberries grown with Korean smart farm technology in the UAE desert, and exported Korean pears and grapes. Processed foods such as ramen and banana milk were also displayed. Notably, Korean beef, recently halal-certified and exported to the UAE, attracted attention, marking a significant milestone in introducing Korean culinary culture to the Middle East. Food serves as a gentle form of diplomacy, akin to the ancient Silk Road's trade routes. K-food is now forging a 'path of taste,' enhancing economic and cultural partnerships between South Korea and the Middle East. The South Korean government aims to continue supporting K-food as a key driver of trust and cooperation along this modern Silk Road. The author is the Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-26 07:14:59 -
OPINION: Azerbaijan's Path to Peace and Progress SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - Although geographically distant, Korea and Azerbaijan have come closer thanks to a series of meaningful events. One such moment unfolded when the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul hosted a special ceremony on Nov. 6 to commemorate Victory Day, observed annually on Nov. 8. The event brought together dignitaries, foreign ambassadors, and prominent figures from Korea’s political, economic, scientific, media, and cultural spheres, as well as members of the Azerbaijani diaspora. It served not only to honor Azerbaijan’s military achievements but also to celebrate its enduring cultural heritage and expanding diplomatic presence on the global stage. The commemoration highlighted two milestones: Azerbaijan’s 2020 victory in the 44-day Patriotic War and its rich cultural legacy. Under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, the victory resulted in the liberation of occupied territories, including Garabakh, enabling the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens. Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Korea, Ramin Hasanov, noted that the achievement represented not only the restoration of territorial integrity but also a triumph of justice and international law. He emphasized that Azerbaijan remains firmly committed to peace. While the victory marked a historic turning point, the country continues constructive dialogue with Armenia to sign a peace treaty, which has recently been initialed, as well as to advance border delimitation efforts. Post-war priorities include large-scale demining, the reconstruction of Garabakh and Eastern Zangezur, and improving living conditions for returning residents. Ambassador Hasanov also highlighted positive diplomatic developments following President Aliyev’s August 2025 visit to Washington, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as humanitarian demining, the fate of missing persons, and safeguarding the rights of the Western Azerbaijani Community. He further praised the “Great Return Program,” through which more than 50,000 displaced citizens have already resettled in their homeland. The ceremony featured a Victory Day documentary, a refined concert by Korean musicians, and a banquet, offering guests an opportunity to reflect on Azerbaijan’s resilience and the significance of the occasion. At this moment of commemoration on November 6, news of a major diplomatic breakthrough further underscored Azerbaijan’s new chapter. I was heartened to learn that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia had signed a historic accord at the White House on August 8, 2025, under the auspices of U.S. President Donald Trump. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shook hands as President Trump hailed the agreement as “historic,” noting that “it’s been a long time coming.” The accord is expected to reopen key transport routes between the two nations and strengthen U.S. engagement in the South Caucasus. For more than three decades, Azerbaijan and Armenia had been divided by the tragic conflict over the former Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The fierce battles of the late 1980s and 1990s left deep wounds on both sides. This new peace agreement now offers long-awaited hope for reconciliation and lasting peace in a region long burdened by division and sorrow. Building on this renewed spirit of peace and cultural continuity, special presentations of Kitabi-Dada Gorgud—an ancient Azerbaijani epic and a monument of the Turkic world—were held at Seoul National University on Nov. 12 and at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building on Nov. 17. Supported by the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora, the events introduced the Korean translation of six chapters of the epic, bringing together Korean dignitaries, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora, and students. With 1,000 copies donated to libraries nationwide, the Korean edition underscores the deepening cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Korea. Jointly translated by Azerbaijani and Korean scholars, it contributes meaningfully to promoting Azerbaijan’s heritage and strengthening mutual understanding. Believed to have been composed between the 9th and 11th centuries from ancient oral traditions, Kitabi-Dada Gorgudis a foundational spiritual monument of the Turkic world, celebrating heroism, homeland, and the triumph of good over evil. Today, it is regarded as a vivid reflection of the lifestyle, values, and heroic spirit of the ancestors of the Azerbaijani people and an essential component of the cultural heritage of the Turkic world. Its influence continued through Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1209), Azerbaijan’s legendary poet and writer, whose five-part masterpiece Khamsa enriched world literature with universal themes of love, justice, and wisdom. Together, these works reflect Azerbaijan’s dual heritage—its heroic Turkic traditions and its profound classical humanism—and continue to resonate in modern cultural exchanges, especially with Korea. Between 2009 and 2011, joint archaeological excavations in Gabala uncovered artifacts strikingly similar to those in Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient Silla capital, suggesting early Silk Road contacts. These discoveries inspired the 2015 sister-city partnership between Gabala and Gyeongju. Nizami’s Leyli and Majnun, recently translated into Korean, has also become an enduring cultural bridge, deepening mutual understanding between the two nations. Ultimately, Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebration in Seoul—combined with the recent peace accord in Washington—symbolizes a nation moving from conflict to cooperation, and from resilience to renewal. Today, Azerbaijan stands as a confident, forward-looking country: rebuilding its land, engaging the world through diplomacy, and honoring its deep historical roots as it enters a new era of peace and global leadership. Moreover, the Korean translation of Kitabi-Dada Gorgud—an ancient Azerbaijani epic and monument of the Turkic world—showcases Azerbaijan’s rich heritage while strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Azerbaijan. --About the author-- The author, Choe Chong-dae, is a columnist and senior member of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. He is also an international cultural and historical affairs enthusiast. He has contributed regular opinion columns to The Korea Times for over four decades. He is an editorial board member of the Newsletter of the Korea-America Association and the founding director of the Korea-Swedish Association. In 2010, he was awarded Sweden's Royal Order of the Polar Star, one of the country's most prestigious honours. 2025-11-25 17:56:42