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  • Gachon University to Continue One Thousand Won Store Program for Students
    Gachon University to Continue 'One Thousand Won Store' Program for Students Gachon University is participating in the 'One Thousand Won Store' initiative in Gyeonggi Province for the second consecutive year, aiming to provide practical welfare support to alleviate students' living expenses.According to Gachon University on July 31, the 'One Thousand Won Store for College Students' will operate from September to December, coinciding with the start of the second semester, in collaboration with Gyeonggi Province, NH Nonghyup Bank, Hana Bank, the Gyeonggi Social Welfare Council, and the Gyeonggi Community Chest.The initiative offers food and essential living supplies in packages for 1,000 won, utilizing donations and sponsorships from businesses. It was first introduced by Gyeonggi Province last year to support college students facing increased economic burdens due to high prices, tuition fees, and housing costs.Gachon University participated as a pilot institution alongside Pyeongtaek University last year, serving approximately 13,000 students and demonstrating a high usage rate. This year, the program has expanded to include Ajou University, Yuhan University, Kyungbok University, and Nonghyup University, bringing the total to six participating universities in the province.The student council at Gachon University will manage the program this year, increasing the number of operations compared to last year and diversifying the offerings based on student preferences. Items will include ready-to-eat meals, ramen, home meal replacements (HMR), side dishes, frozen foods, and health and beauty products.This is aimed at improving the operational method so that more students can experience tangible reductions in their living expenses.Park Jun-ki, president of the student council, stated, "We have actively reflected students' opinions by expanding the variety of items and the frequency of operations. We will run this as a welfare program closely aligned with students' needs, allowing more students to use it without financial burden."Students who used the store last year expressed their appreciation, saying, "Living alone, food expenses are a significant burden, but the One Thousand Won Store helped me save on living costs," and "I was able to buy essential items like ready-to-eat meals and frozen foods at a low price. I hope the frequency of operations increases and that this welfare initiative continues every semester."Community voices have positively evaluated the expansion of the program, recognizing it as a policy that alleviates the economic burden on college students.Gyeonggi Province expects that expanding the number of participating universities will allow more students to benefit from the initiative.Meanwhile, Lee Gil-yeo, the university president, remarked, "The One Thousand Won Store is a practical welfare initiative that reduces students' living expenses. We will continue to collaborate with the community and relevant organizations to expand welfare policies that students can feel and create a stable educational environment." 2026-07-31 11:44:00
  • Arrival of new US envoy presents fresh test for alliance
    Arrival of new US envoy presents fresh test for alliance SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - The arrival of a new U.S. ambassador to South Korea would, under ordinary circumstances, have been a routine moment in the long history of the bilateral relationship. He or she would present credentials, offer familiar words about friendship and cooperation, and begin the quiet work of diplomacy. But these may not be ordinary circumstances. Michael Steel's arrival on Thursday has drawn unusual attention here, not so much because she is another Korean-American envoy to serve in the role after Sung Kim, who held the position from 2011 to 2014, but because the bilateral relationship is facing an unusually complicated moment. In her first message upon arrival, Steel deliberately described the alliance between the two countries as one of the world's strongest, built through sacrifice, trust, and decades of cooperation. She also called on both countries to write the "next chapter" of the partnership, emphasizing the need to remain focused on practical results. That message reflects a basic reality of diplomacy. Even the closest allies do not survive on history alone as they endure because they continually find ways to manage differences. The timing of Steel's appointment is significant. She is the first U.S. ambassador to Seoul since President Donald Trump returned to the White House for his non-consecutive second term early last year, and her arrival comes as the two countries navigate a difficult set of issues. Economic disputes, questions over investment commitments, industrial policy, and security cooperation have all become sources of friction. Yet beneath the language of shared values and enduring friendship lie growing disagreements over defense, trade, investment, and the broader direction of regional strategy. The real challenge is not whether disagreements exist, as every alliance has them. What matters is whether these disagreements are handled diplomatically and constructively or allowed to turn into public signs of distrust. Steel arrives with a background that will inevitably shape how she is perceived in Seoul. As a Korean American and the daughter of immigrants, she represents a personal connection between the two societies. Her family story reflects one shared by many Korean Americans: a journey of migration, hardship, and a dedication to serving the public. At the same time, her political record has drawn some mixed reactions here. During her time in Congress, Steel took a firm stance on North Korea and expressed skepticism toward approaches she viewed as making too many concessions to Pyongyang, placing greater emphasis on deterrence and pressure while remaining cautious about engagement. Steele's stance may put her at odds with those who support the current South Korean administration's push for rapprochement with North Korea. But ambassadors cannot be expected to share every political view of the country where they serve. Their role is to represent their own government while also understanding the concerns and realities of the host country. Finding that balance will be one of Steel's main challenges. The most important question is not whether Seoul and Washington agree on every issue. They never have. The more important question is whether they still share a fundamental understanding of why the alliance matters. The security situation and political environment around the Korean Peninsula have become more difficult. North Korea's military arsenal continues to grow, China's influence is increasing, and rivalry among major powers is reshaping the regional landscape. In such a context, a weakened U.S.-South Korean alliance could create uncertainty beyond the two countries. Steel's reported access to Trump may give her strong influence in Washington. If that is the case, it could become an advantage for Seoul. A successful ambassador is not simply a messenger who carries instructions from one government to another. The best ambassadors help each side understand one another. Her appointment, therefore, should not be viewed only through the lens of political differences or disagreements. It is also an opportunity to test whether the alliance is strong enough to manage them while staying focused on its larger purpose. South Korea's longstanding alliance with the U.S., forged in war and strengthened through decades of cooperation, has endured for generations. Its future, however, will depend less on memories of the past than on the choices made today. Steel has taken up her post at a moment when diplomacy matters more than symbolism. Her success will not be measured by whether she avoids challenges during her time in Seoul. It will be measured by whether she leaves the alliance stronger, more stable, and better prepared for whatever comes next. 2026-07-31 11:36:08
  • KOSPI Surges Over 13% Amid Semiconductor Stock Rebound
    KOSPI Surges Over 13% Amid Semiconductor Stock Rebound The KOSPI index continues to soar, rising over 13% thanks to strong performances from major U.S. tech companies and a rebound in semiconductor investment sentiment. Foreign capital influx has led to a surge in bargain buying, particularly in semiconductor stocks, prompting buy sidecars to be activated in both the KOSPI and KOSDAQ markets.As of 11:28 a.m. on July 31, the KOSPI was up 781.11 points (13.96%) at 6,374.67. The KOSDAQ index also rose by 57.11 points (8.86%) to trade at 701.89.In the securities market, foreign and institutional investors have made net purchases of 82.8 billion won and 4.9 billion won, respectively, driving the index higher. In contrast, individual investors are net selling 89.3 billion won.Among the top market capitalization stocks, Samsung Electronics (up 19.08%), SK Hynix (up 23.07%), SK Square (up 28.29%), Samsung Electro-Mechanics (up 29.92%), Hyundai Motor (up 7.26%), LG Energy Solution (up 0.16%), Samsung Life Insurance (up 15.72%), KB Financial (up 0.24%), Samsung C&T (up 16.67%), and Kia (up 7.20%) all showed strong gains.In the KOSDAQ market, foreign and institutional investors have net purchased 1.745 billion won and 1.39 billion won, while individuals are net selling 3.11 billion won.Among the top KOSDAQ stocks, Alteogen (up 8.77%), EcoPro (up 12.18%), EcoPro BM (up 6.11%), Rainbow Robotics (up 12.06%), JUSUNG Engineering (up 23.30%), Rino Technology (up 11.05%), Wonik IPS (up 20.58%), and HLB (up 2.00%) are also experiencing upward trends.Jang Jin-hyuk, a researcher at Shinhan Investment Corp, noted, "The U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for June met expectations, and strong earnings from big tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon reaffirmed the trend of increased AI investment. The perception that the global semiconductor industry's deleveraging is nearing its end has led to a wave of bargain buying, particularly in memory and AI-related stocks."He added, "The recent sharp decline has brought the KOSPI valuation down to historical lows, attracting foreign buying that is lifting the index. However, caution is warranted regarding the potential for profit-taking following this short-term surge."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:36:00
  • AI chip boom begins to warm South Koreas broader domestic front
    AI chip boom begins to warm South Korea's broader domestic front SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - Red-hot chip demand, which earned South Korea's two chipmakers 150 trillion won ($108 billion) in combined second-quarter operating profit — equivalent to about 6 percent of the country's entire 2025 nominal GDP — is beginning to warm the broader domestic front, with the AI boom spilling from exports into factories, construction sites and household spending. The latest government data suggest the country's semiconductor-driven expansion is no longer confined to export earnings. It is increasingly feeding capital investment, machinery orders and consumer activity as chipmakers embark on one of the world's largest manufacturing buildouts. Industrial production rose 6.4 percent from May in June, reversing a 2.9 percent decline the previous month, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics Friday. Manufacturing output climbed 6.8 percent from May, led by automobiles and semiconductors. Semiconductor production rose 4.5 percent as output of DRAM and NAND flash memory chips increased, while automobile production jumped 15.4 percent, pointing to a broadening industrial recovery. The strongest spillover appeared in corporate investment. Facility investment rose 5.8 percent from May and 21.7 percent from a year earlier as semiconductor companies accelerated capacity expansion to meet resilient global AI demand. Machinery investment increased 6.9 percent on the month and 22.2 percent from a year earlier, with semiconductor manufacturing equipment accounting for much of the annual gain. Domestic machinery orders, excluding ships, surged 52.1 percent from a year earlier in June, accelerating from a 24.0 percent increase in May. Private-sector orders climbed 56.5 percent, while manufacturing companies boosted orders 79.3 percent, underscoring the strength of the semiconductor investment cycle. Domestic machinery shipments also rose 13.5 percent from a year earlier, reinforcing signs that equipment demand within South Korea continued to strengthen. The investment wave is backed by unprecedented long-term spending plans from the country's two memory giants. Samsung Electronics has outlined 2,450 trillion won ($1.6 trillion) in domestic investment through 2040, including 2,100 trillion won across its Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters, 400 trillion won for fabs in Gwangju and 56 trillion won for high-bandwidth memory facilities in Cheonan and Onyang. SK hynix has announced a separate 1,100 trillion won investment framework, allocating 600 trillion won to Yongin, 100 trillion won to Cheongju and 400 trillion won to southwestern South Korea. Together, Samsung plans six new fabrication plants and SK hynix four, with completion schedules brought forward to 2033 from the original 2045 roadmap. SK hynix's first new fab could begin operations as early as next year. Each advanced fab is estimated to cost roughly $30 billion. The buildout is also reshaping South Korea's supply chain. Imports of manufactured goods rose 14.7 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter, while domestically produced manufactured supply fell 1.2 percent, lifting the import share of manufactured goods by 3.4 percentage points to 32.1 percent. The increase reflects growing imports of advanced semiconductor equipment and specialized components needed for AI-related capacity expansion. Broader indicators also pointed to improving domestic demand. Retail sales rose 2.7 percent from May, the strongest gain in five months, driven by higher purchases of passenger vehicles, communications devices and computers. Services output increased 0.7 percent, while construction completed rose 4.1 percent from the previous month. The recovery, however, remains uneven. Construction orders fell 28.1 percent from a year earlier in June, while construction completed remained 4.0 percent below year-earlier levels despite the monthly rebound. 2026-07-31 11:35:00
  • Customs Agency Seizes 2.1 Tons of Drugs in Asia-Pacific Operation
    Customs Agency Seizes 2.1 Tons of Drugs in Asia-Pacific Operation The Customs Agency has seized 2.1 tons of drugs in a joint operation with customs authorities from 19 Asia-Pacific countries.On July 31, the agency reported that it detected a total of 785 cases and 2,100 kilograms of drugs during the third joint anti-drug smuggling operation, dubbed 'Pacific Shield,' which took place from May 1 to June 30. The seizures included 633.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 368.8 kilograms of cannabis, and 757.4 kilograms of new psychoactive substances.This operation was co-hosted by the Korean Customs Agency and the Asia-Pacific Regional Information Center of the World Customs Organization, with participation from countries including South Korea, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The Customs Agency operated control centers in seven locations to facilitate real-time information sharing and in-depth analysis.The operation focused on enhancing border control capabilities against drug smuggling, sharing intelligence on drug trafficking in real-time, and strengthening targeting and inspections through expanded analysis of received information. The strategy aimed to block drug movement between countries in the Asia-Pacific region through international cooperation.This year's results surpassed those of the previous two joint operations combined. In the first operation in 2024, 61 cases and 131.8 kilograms were seized, while the second operation last year resulted in 235 cases and 663 kilograms. The third operation this year saw a significant increase, with the number of cases rising approximately 3.3 times compared to last year.New psychoactive substances accounted for the largest share of the seizures, followed by methamphetamine and cannabis. The Customs Agency noted that the distribution patterns of drugs in the Asia-Pacific region are diversifying due to the rapid spread of new types of synthetic drugs. In the third operation, 757.4 kilograms of new psychoactive substances, 633.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 368.8 kilograms of cannabis, 74.6 kilograms of heroin, and 57.1 kilograms of cocaine were seized.To prevent the influx of drugs, the Customs Agency is expanding joint operations with customs authorities in major drug-producing countries. It is also strengthening cooperation with international organizations such as the World Customs Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, and Interpol.In response to the recent surge in ketamine smuggling from Europe, the agency plans to establish a cooperative framework with key European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. A dedicated drug information organization will be created to adapt to changing smuggling routes and methods.Lee Jong-wook, head of the Customs Agency, stated, "Since nearly all drugs distributed and consumed domestically are imported from abroad, blocking the cross-border movement of drugs is essential to combat domestic drug crime. International cooperation is crucial for this effort. We will concentrate all our capabilities to ensure that drugs do not cross our borders through close collaboration with multiple countries."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:32:00
  • Democratic Party Candidates Differentiate Strategies Ahead of Primary Results
    Democratic Party Candidates Differentiate Strategies Ahead of Primary Results Three candidates for the leadership of the Democratic Party are implementing differentiation strategies ahead of the first results of the primary, set to be announced on August 1. Kim Min-seok is focusing on 'policy,' Jeong Cheong-rae on 'reform,' and Song Young-gil on 'legitimacy.'On July 31, Kim will hold a policy concert titled 'Asking Youth for Directions' at Kyungpook National University in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. This event is seen as an effort to recover the party's youth support and showcase its policy vision.Kim, recognized as a policy expert within the party, has held key positions such as chair of the policy committee and head of the election campaign's comprehensive situation room. During a televised debate on July 29, he criticized Jeong, stating, 'It seems that you have not been able to lead a very important election to victory while not holding any major party positions.' He also claims to be the only candidate with experience leading the party to victories in the general, local, and presidential elections.Jeong is solidifying his image as a reformer. At a discussion held in the National Assembly on the topic of strengthening victims' rights after the abolition of prosecutorial investigation rights, he stated, 'We could not delay the attempt at prosecutorial reform, which symbolizes and represents the Democratic Party.' He emphasized, 'Prosecutorial reform is not 100% complete today. We will strongly pursue improvements in areas that are lacking to meet the public's expectations.' The party plans to process a revision of the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at abolishing the prosecution's supplementary investigation rights later that afternoon, which is seen as an effort to highlight his role in leading prosecutorial reform and garner support.Song visited 'The Path of Roh Moo-hyun' in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, earlier in the day, expressing, 'I miss the late President Roh Moo-hyun even more.' He had visited the birthplace of the late President Kim Dae-jung the day before and received a support declaration from the Roh Moo-hyun Spirit Foundation on July 29, indicating a strengthening of his legitimacy narrative.Additionally, at a town hall meeting in Busan on July 19, Song stated, 'I have walked the most accurate path from Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun to former President Moon Jae-in and President Lee Jae-myung. As someone with clear legitimacy, I am free to expand and embrace.' He claimed he could most accurately achieve the expansion that President Lee mentioned.Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's convention will begin on August 1 in the Chungcheong region, where the results of the primary will be announced. Following the primary, the party plans to hold its convention in Daejeon on August 17 to elect a new leader.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:28:00
  • 30-Year-Old Woman Who Blocked Access to Jamsil Polling Station Charged
    30-Year-Old Woman Who Blocked Access to Jamsil Polling Station Charged A 30-year-old woman, known as 'Jandarque' (Jamsil's Joan of Arc), has been charged with obstruction for blocking access to the Olympic Park handball stadium, which served as a polling station during the June 3 local elections.On July 31, the Songpa Police in Seoul transferred the woman, identified as A, to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office without detention, applying charges of obstruction of business.This action comes about six weeks after she was booked by police in mid-June.A is accused of preventing staff from a sports organization from entering the polling station, despite an agreement reached with other protesters, including Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, on June 16.Wearing a U.S. flag around her waist, she reportedly held onto the door for about two hours, ignoring pleas from Jang and Yoo Seung-min, the president of the Korean Sports Council.The police attempted to detain her, arguing that her actions constituted serious obstruction of business, rendering it uncertain when the blockade would be lifted. However, a court denied the arrest warrant on July 21, citing no risk of evidence destruction or flight.After her release from custody, she appeared on her lawyer's YouTube channel, stating, "If I find this uncomfortable, I wonder how much more uncomfortable Mrs. Kim Geon-hee must have felt."On July 29, she conducted a live broadcast on her own YouTube account from Olympic Park, expressing her desire to "spread positive influence."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:28:00
  • South Korea and Chile Elevate Cooperation on Key Minerals to Ministerial Level
    South Korea and Chile Elevate Cooperation on Key Minerals to Ministerial Level The South Korean government has elevated its cooperation with Chile on key minerals to a ministerial level, aiming to secure supply chains for essential raw materials such as lithium and copper for future industries. The partnership will also expand collaboration in investment, defense, and digital sectors.On July 30, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a Korea-Chile mineral resources partnership in Santiago, Chile, during President Lee Jae-myung's official visit. A business roundtable featuring major companies from both countries was also held.Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan met with Chile's Minister of Economy and Mining Daniel Mas Valdés to discuss ways to enhance cooperation on key minerals. The two sides have maintained a cooperative foundation for nearly 20 years based on an MOU signed in 2004.During the summit, both leaders recognized the need to combine South Korea's strengths in advanced industries such as semiconductors and batteries with Chile's resources in copper and lithium. This led to the elevation of their existing cooperation to a mineral resources partnership.The new MOU encompasses the entire mineral value chain, going beyond mere resource development. It includes information exchange, personnel exchanges, joint geological surveys and exploration, development, processing and refining, recycling, trade, and investment. Notably, the resource cooperation committee, which had been operating at the vice-ministerial level, will now be formalized at the ministerial level, with a new working-level channel established.The government also requested stable supplies of key minerals from Chile, such as copper, lithium, and zinc, which are in high demand among domestic companies. Chile is the world's leading producer of copper and has the largest lithium reserves, both critical raw materials for future industries like electric vehicles, batteries, and data centers. Both sides agreed on the importance of long-term and stable supply chain cooperation.The Ministry of Trade explained that South Korea, with its global refining capabilities and eco-friendly technologies for low-carbon and low-emission refining, as well as byproduct recovery and waste reduction, can be a valuable partner in enhancing Chile's mineral industry.Private companies and institutions also participated in the key minerals cooperation. Minister Kim held discussions with representatives from companies and institutions involved in Latin America's key minerals cooperation, including LS, Korea Zinc, Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation, and KOTRA, to review investment and purchasing statuses. During this visit, Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation renewed its MOU with the Chilean National Mining Company to secure exploration and analysis rights for copper mine projects and promote investment connections for South Korean companies.At the Korea-Chile business roundtable, discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation in promising future sectors, including key minerals, advanced industries and digital technology, and green energy and trade. In the key minerals sector, cooperation across the entire supply chain, including exploration, development, and eco-friendly refining, was discussed.In the advanced industries and digital sector, Naver proposed digital cooperation plans, including support for building Chile's sovereign AI using AI technology, while Hanwha Ocean presented possibilities for collaboration in shipbuilding, marine, and defense sectors. In the green energy and consumer goods sectors, OCI Holdings and Hyundai Motor shared examples of cooperation and plans for expansion.Investment and defense cooperation will also be expanded. KOTRA signed an MOU for investment cooperation with Chile's Foreign Investment Promotion Agency. The two organizations will establish a cooperation system for exchanging investment information, discovering promising projects, networking companies, and resolving investment challenges, focusing on strategic industries such as key minerals and energy to promote investment and discover new projects. A defense contract for supplying military vehicles to Chile was also signed, laying the groundwork for additional procurement, training, and maintenance support.A business consultation meeting was also held. The Ministry of Trade and KOTRA hosted a Korea-Chile business partnership event during the official visit, supporting the entry of South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises into the Chilean market. Over 30 South Korean companies in sectors such as K-consumer goods, bio-healthcare, and defense participated, along with more than 50 local buyers, resulting in over 120 export consultations and contracts worth approximately $5 million.Minister Kim stated, "This has been a valuable opportunity to envision a new blueprint for the next 20 years based on the cooperative relationship built over the past 20 years since the Korea-Chile FTA was signed. The government will actively support investment, technology cooperation, and supply chain establishment in promising future sectors such as key minerals, AI and digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and green energy."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:08:00
  • South Korea and Vietnam Collaborate on Development Goals
    South Korea and Vietnam Collaborate on Development Goals South Korea has expressed its commitment to share development experiences to support Vietnam's medium- to long-term national development goals. During a meeting with Kim Yoon-deok, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong proposed expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, science and technology, and infrastructure, based on the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership.On July 30, local media reports from Vietnam, including Lao Dong, indicated that General Secretary Trong welcomed Minister Kim during his visit to Vietnam. He expressed hope that this visit would contribute to the development of economic cooperation and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Korea and Vietnam.During the meeting, General Secretary Trong requested that Minister Kim convey his regards to President Lee Jae-myung. He expressed optimism that under President Lee's leadership, South Korea would achieve even greater successes in the future.General Secretary Trong also expressed satisfaction with the recent tangible results in the bilateral relationship. He emphasized that Vietnam values its relationship with South Korea and hopes to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership in politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.The trade target between the two countries was also reiterated. General Secretary Trong emphasized the need to achieve the trade volume target of $150 billion (approximately 215 trillion won) by 2030 in a balanced and sustainable manner. He expressed hope that South Korea would continue to participate in the implementation of Vietnam's future strategic development goals.Discussions on Cooperation in Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, and ShipbuildingThe Vietnamese side positively evaluated the inter-ministerial cooperation between the two countries. General Secretary Trong welcomed the close collaboration between the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction and the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, suggesting that both sides strengthen experience sharing and expand practical cooperation.Areas of cooperation included infrastructure construction, renewable energy, shipbuilding technology, and advanced human resource development. General Secretary Trong explained that these areas are priorities for Vietnam in this new era.Minister Kim conveyed President Lee's regards to General Secretary Trong and the senior leadership of Vietnam, congratulating them on the significant achievements in recent social and economic development.Minister Kim expressed confidence that under General Secretary Trong's leadership, the Vietnamese people will continue to achieve new successes. He expressed belief that Vietnam will realize its goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial base by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045.On this day, Minister Kim also delivered a letter from President Lee Jae-myung. In the letter, President Lee expressed his intention to further develop the cooperative relationship between the two countries.The letter indicated that South Korea is ready to share its development experiences in areas where it has strengths and that Vietnam needs. It also included the commitment that South Korea will be one of the reliable partners in the process of implementing Vietnam's national development goals.This meeting took place amid a trend of expanding economic and industrial cooperation based on the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Korea and Vietnam. Both sides confirmed their willingness to expand cooperation in areas that connect Vietnam's development goals with South Korea's experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-31 11:08:00
  • North Korea says peninsula conflict matter of time
    North Korea says peninsula conflict matter of time SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - North Korea declared Friday that armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula is no longer a question of whether but of when, denouncing a personnel buildup at the US military command in Japan as proof that Washington is preparing for war in the region. The statement came days after Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of US Forces Japan, disclosed in an interview with Japan's Asahi Shimbun published Saturday that his headquarters had added 215 personnel over the past year. The increase is part of a multiphase restructuring, launched in 2025 and scheduled to conclude in spring 2028, that is turning the command from an alliance management body into what US officials describe as a warfighting headquarters. Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary that the buildup shows the command "is transforming into a 'war command' in both name and substance." The state-operated news agency said the reorganization's "sinister intention lies in using Japan's 'Self-Defense Forces' as shock troops and a core combat force for an all-out war in the Asia-Pacific region in a contingency." The commentary argued that North Korea itself would be the command's first objective. "Given that US Forces Japan is the core reinforcement the United States would send to South Korea first in a contingency on the Korean Peninsula, it is an undeniable fact that the primary target of this 'war command' is none other than our republic," it said. KCNA then delivered its starkest line. "As the enemies themselves have admitted, a physical clash on the Korean Peninsula today has clearly been defined not as a question of possibility, of whether it will happen or not, but as a question of time, of when it will happen," the commentary said. The wording echoed Jost's own remarks in the same Asahi Shimbun interview, in which he said the region must prepare "on the premise of not whether a crisis will occur, but when." The commentary also aimed recent allied military activity. It cited the Combined Joint Sustainment Training exercise conducted by the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command from July 13 to 16, using the epithet "South Korean puppet military gangsters" to describe the South's armed forces. It further pointed to an agreement by the top military officers of South Korea, the United States and Japan to continue the trilateral Freedom Edge exercises and deepen three-way security cooperation. North Korea cast those moves as justification for expanding its nuclear arsenal. "The desperate military adventurist acts of the United States are once again leading us to the irreversible conclusion that we must devote ourselves further to the ceaseless development and evolution of our self-defensive nuclear war deterrent," KCNA said. 2026-07-31 11:02:59