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Why HBM defines the AI race and seats SK hynix in the lead SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - DRAM has long been the dependable workhorse of computing — a flat, two-dimensional structure built to read and write data one cycle at a time. It remains essential for general-purpose CPUs, but its architecture is now running into hard physical limits as artificial intelligence demands exponentially higher data throughput. High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) upends that classical design. Instead of laying chips out side-by-side, HBM stacks multiple DRAM layers vertically and connects them with microscopic conduits called Through-Silicon Vias (TSVs). This 3D structure forms an ultra-dense memory tower that delivers dramatically higher bandwidth and capacity within the same or smaller footprint. The difference is not cosmetic — it is foundational. AI training and inference shuffle enormous datasets between processors and memory in real time. Conventional DRAM becomes a bottleneck: a single-lane road trying to handle multi-lane traffic. HBM, by contrast, functions like a multilayer expressway, giving GPUs the bandwidth needed to process massive models without choking the system. Nvidia’s A100 GPU illustrates this shift. Equipped with HBM, it delivers nearly double the bandwidth and memory capacity of its GDDR-based counterpart, the A6000, while maintaining the same physical size. More memory per card means frontier AI models no longer need to be fragmented across multiple GPUs, reducing overhead and accelerating performance. HBM is expensive — far pricier than DDR memory — but in the AI era, cost per gigabyte no longer determines value. What matters is speed, stability, and total usable capacity. For companies training frontier models, HBM is no longer optional but essential infrastructure. This is also why SK hynix has surged to the front of the global memory race. Though traditionally quiet and engineering-driven, the company was first to mass-produce every major generation of HBM — from HBM2E to HBM3E — and consistently delivered memory that met Nvidia’s exacting standards for heat management, power efficiency, uniformity, and defect tolerance. Its lead in TSV processing and 3D stacking has translated into higher yields and greater reliability than rivals. For Nvidia, which cannot risk memory-induced bottlenecks in its flagship AI accelerators, that reliability has proven decisive. SK hynix has become its primary supplier for the H100, H200, and next-generation B-series GPUs. The combination of early technical leadership, rigorous quality control, and quiet operational execution has allowed SK hynix — long overshadowed by Samsung Electronics in traditional DRAM — to seize the decisive high ground in the AI memory era, powering the company’s record-breaking performance as the world enters a new AI super-cycle. 2025-10-29 17:55:30 -
South Korea expands visa programs to lure foreign talent SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Amid a global race to attract top talent, South Korea is opening its doors to international professionals through a series of new policies, especially those from Asian countries where South Korean companies already have production networks and academic partnerships. Internship program for foreign talent Earlier this week, the Ministry of Justice introduced the so-called "K-Trainee" program, which is designed to help South Korean companies find and foster potential foreign talent before formally hiring them. The program, set to be piloted for two years, will focus on nine Asian countries - China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam - where South Korean companies have their branches, factories, and other facilities. Those eligible include students in their third year or higher including those pursuing master's or doctoral degrees who are enrolled at universities with training partnerships with South Korean companies in their home countries, as well as professionals working at overseas subsidiaries of South Korean companies in 77 occupations eligible for E-7-1 and E-7-2 visas. They will be invited to take part in a professional internship program in South Korea for a certain period, helping them become familiar with the local working environment. The ministry said that through this program, businesses can quickly retain "reliable" foreign workers to meet their needs, while foreign talent can enhance their practical skills and have the opportunity to build their careers here. At the same time, requirements for the issuance of a D-10 visa, which allows foreign graduates to engage in professional internships, were eased to extend the maximum length of stay from two years to three years, both for those in South Korea and abroad. For applicants from the world's top 200 universities or the top 1,000 universities for engineering majors in the aforementioned Asian countries, Korean language proficiency requirements and visa procedures are either reduced or waived. Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho said, "This internship program will enable companies to quickly find the talent they need, while top foreign jobseekers can enhance their practical skills and grow into a driving force for future growth here." Program for high-skilled foreign workers Another special visa program for top professionals, called the "K-STAR Visa Track," was introduced early last month to attract talent in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The program allows highly qualified foreign experts, researchers, and professors in key fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, next-generation batteries, and biotechnology to receive long-term visas as well as several incentives to support their settlement here. Its fast-track visa process enables outstanding scientists and experts to remain in South Korea after just three years of work, instead of the normally required five years. South Korea aims to attract at least 400 such STEM professionals each year through this program. To facilitate this, research institutes, universities, and conglomerates such as Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Hyundai Motor are participating. Since March this year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has also been running an online platform to connect international professionals and provide useful information on housing, daily life, and other administrative procedures, in cooperation with relevant companies. Global race to attract top talent After the U.S. raised H-1B visa fees to a whopping $100,000, countries such as China, Japan, Singapore, and the U.K. have moved quickly to either launch or strengthen policies to retain top-tier professionals. Japan has maintained a similar program since 2012, allowing applicants to apply for permanent residence after just one year if they reach a certain amount of points. However, many restrictions still exist due to language and cultural barriers. Singapore has a program called the "Global Investor Programme (GIP)" for international investors. Although it is not exactly aimed at recruiting professional workers, it demonstrates a strategy to attract both capital and top talent. Singapore, where English is widely spoken, makes it easier to attract talented workers than many other Asian countries, although its market size and industrial base are somewhat smaller than South Korea’s in terms of manufacturing. Since 2009, China has been operating a program dubbed the "Thousand Talents Plan," an initiative that aims to attract foreign scientists by providing various benefits including funding for research. In 2013, China introduced the "R visa" to attract top talent, and recently the State Council announced plans to issue a "K visa" for young foreign scientists and technical experts. The "K visa" targets young foreigners who have graduated from renowned universities or research institutions, both at home and abroad, and hold a bachelor's degree or higher in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Applicants must meet the conditions set by the Chinese government and submit the required documents. "K visa" holders will be able to engage not only in the fields of education, culture, science, and technology after entry, but also in related startups and business activities. Compared to these countries, South Korea is pursuing a two-tier strategy: the K-Trainee program to attract young skilled foreign talent who are in the learning stage or have just begun working, and the K-STAR Visa to invite highly qualified experts ready to contribute immediately to strategic industries. According to a study conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with researchers led by Professor Kim Duk-pa of Korea University and released in August, attracting 1 million skilled foreign workers could boost South Korea's GDP by 6 percent, equivalent to roughly 145 trillion won ($104.3 billion). "When highly skilled foreign experts with specialized knowledge come to South Korea, it's not just about population growth. It also boosts consumption and can maximize the economic ripple effect by improving labor productivity, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and promoting the industrial structure," said Kim. 2025-10-29 17:46:57 -
HOT STOCK: Power equipment stocks rally on Saudi contract, US nuclear cooperation hopes SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Shares of South Korean electrical-equipment makers, particularly transformer manufacturers, climbed sharply on Wednesday after a consortium led by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) was named the preferred bidder for a major wind power project in Saudi Arabia — a decision that investors saw as a boost for Korean exports in the energy-infrastructure sector. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy announced Tuesday that the KEPCO consortium had been selected to develop the Dawadmi Wind Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Riyadh Province, about 250 kilometers west of the capital. The project, estimated at 9 billion Saudi riyals ($2.4 billion), will generate up to 1,500 megawatts, or 1.5 gigawatts — roughly equivalent to the output of a nuclear reactor. It marks the first time a South Korean consortium has secured a gigawatt-class power generation contract in Saudi Arabia. The massive scale of the project is expected to drive strong demand for high-voltage transformers, a key component for transmitting and regulating the plant’s electricity output. That expectation sent transformer-related stocks higher across the KOSPI. Hyosung Heavy Industries rose 4.4 percent to close at 1.99 million won ($1,396), extending gains after recent strong earnings. The company, already a major supplier to North America and Europe, has steadily expanded its footprint in the Middle East, where second-quarter 2025 sales accounted for about 6 percent of total revenue. HD Hyundai Electric added 1.6 percent to 852,000 won, while LS Electric jumped 9.2 percent to 420,000 won, leading the rally as investors anticipated potential new orders from the KEPCO-led project. The surge reflects both optimism surrounding Saudi contracts and the sector’s robust fundamentals. HD Hyundai Electric reported 3.32 trillion won in revenue and 669 billion won in operating profit last year — more than double the previous year’s figures. Hyosung Heavy Industries posted 4.9 trillion won in revenue and 363 billion won in operating profit. Analysts expect the trend to continue: Mirae Asset Securities projects HD Hyundai Electric’s 2025 revenue will reach 4.03 trillion won, with profit margins rising to 22.7 percent. Investor sentiment also drew strength from expectations of deepening Korea–U.S. energy cooperation. Seoul and Washington are reportedly discussing a policy initiative known as “Make American Nuclear Cooperation Great Again,” or MANUGA, aimed at revitalizing America’s nuclear industry. Extra-high-voltage transformers — a specialty of South Korean firms — are critical for distributing power from nuclear plants, positioning Korean manufacturers as likely beneficiaries of the proposed collaboration. President Lee Jae Myung and President Donald Trump discussed energy cooperation on Wednesday during the APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju, further bolstering market enthusiasm. “South Korea will contribute its expertise in nuclear construction, equipment, and operations to new U.S. reactor projects,” said Hwang Sung-hyun, a researcher at Eugene Investment & Securities. “In return, the U.S. aims to rebuild its nuclear infrastructure and enhance energy security — positioning Korea not just as an exporter, but as a strategic partner in America’s nuclear renaissance.” 2025-10-29 17:10:46 -
APEC CEO Summit opens in Gyeongju with focus on AI, regional cooperation GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The CEO Summit as part of as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit kicked off on Wednesday in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju, drawing top business leaders and political figures from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and sustainable growth. President Lee Jae Myung delivered the opening address at the Gyeongju Arts Center, emphasizing the summit's themes of connectivity, prosperity and innovation as leaders from economies representing 61 percent of global GDP gathered for the two-day forum. "Korea is a cherished American friend and close ally." Trump highlighted plans to revive American shipbuilding through partnership with South Korea. "Today, we're not really building ships and we're going to start. We're going to have a very thriving shipbuilding industry and we're working with South Korea very much," he said. Regarding the Philadelphia Shipyard, Trump said it would become "one of the most successful yards in the world." The CEO summit, themed "Bridge, Business, Beyond," will focus on regional economic integration, AI and digital transformation, sustainability, finance and investment, and bio-health sectors. South Korea's major conglomerate heads attended the opening ceremony, including Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun, and LG Group chairman Koo Kwang-mo. SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won, who leads business lobby Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, serves as the summit's chair. International participants include Deloitte CEO David Hill, Google APAC Vice President Simon Kahn, and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is also among the participants, scheduled to give speech on Friday. 2025-10-29 16:48:59 -
VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 officially launched on Wednesday, inviting esteemed business leaders not only from Korea but from across the globe to discuss pressing global agendas together. Outside the main hall stands a cultural ground dubbed "K-Wave Playground" for foreign delegates to catch a glimpse of Korean culture during the summit event. Standing right in front of the entrance, a skilled musician played the gayageum, a traditional zither with twelve strings. Meanwhile, visitors tried on outfits for Joseon court musicians at the musical instruments booth. "We're quite nervous for this event, but we hope the APEC CEO Summit visitors get to see how Joseon court musicians dressed up," said Shin Ye-won, a 23-year-old volunteer from Goyang. Colorful indigenous Korean paintings decorated walls of the 'K-Art' booth, pictures drawn both by professionals and amateurs alike. "It's the traditional 'Mi,' or beauty of our culture that we wish to share, our paintings drawn in modern-day times yet preserving the spirit of our ancestors," said Woo Sook-ja, a manager from the Korean Institute for Minhwa Research, as she pointed at the vibrant colors on the drawings. A full-spin photo and video station had staff helping guests change into hanbok, traditional Korean wear. "So many enjoyed hanbok, especially the ones we prepared that resemble those of Saja Boys from K-pop Demon Hunters," said Moon Yu-jin, a 25-year-old student participating as a volunteer. In hemisphere-shaped domes, other aspects of traditional Korean culture including hanji, traditional foods, and liquor were also on display. 2025-10-29 16:30:58 -
Asian markets mixed as investors await Trump-Xi meeting SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Major Asian stock markets closed with mixed results on Wednesday, as investors weighed optimism over technology earnings against caution ahead of a high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In South Korea, the benchmark KOSPI index rose 2 percent to close at 3,921.52, led by gains in semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Both extended their recent rally amid renewed hopes that Washington might ease export restrictions on advanced chips. Strong quarterly results from the two companies further fueled the surge, lifting the broader technology sector. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.3 percent to 49,282.19, supported by expectations of additional fiscal stimulus from Tokyo. Industrial and tech stocks led the advance, echoing Wall Street’s recent momentum driven by developments in artificial intelligence. In Taiwan, the TAIEX index slipped 0.4 percent to 24,388.21 as investors took profits following recent strong gains in chipmakers. Despite the modest retreat, analysts noted that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry remains a vital pillar of the global supply chain. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 0.7 percent to 25,967.98, buoyed by property and industrial shares. Investors there also appeared cautiously optimistic, awaiting clarity from the ongoing U.S.-China trade discussions. By contrast, India’s benchmark BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 each fell 0.3 percent, to 84,301 and 25,817 respectively. Weaker banking and consumer goods stocks weighed on the market, as sentiment cooled amid concerns over a possible new U.S. trade probe into China and rising crude oil prices that could stoke inflation pressures. Across the region, traders are keeping a close watch on the Trump-Xi meeting, which could shape the next phase of global trade relations and influence monetary and fiscal strategies across Asia’s export-driven economies. 2025-10-29 16:29:16 -
PHOTOS: Silver grass Festival at Haneul Park – Autumn blooms from a mountain of waste SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Each autumn, a mountain in western Seoul turns to gold. Haneul Park, perched 98 meters above sea level, is known for its sweeping skyline views — but few visitors realize it was once a landfill. By 8 a.m., the park entrance beside the World Cup Stadium was already dotted with early risers climbing 291 steps toward the summit. The ascent left many slightly winded, but the view was worth it. Silver grass swayed in the morning light, and beyond them, Seoul unfolded — the ridges of Bukhansan, the Han River, and rows of high-rise buildings all visible in one glance. Beneath the beauty lies an unlikely story. The silver grass fields were planted as part of an ecological restoration project ahead of the 2002 World Cup. For 15 years, this hill had been Nanji-do, a landfill holding more than 92 million tons of Seoul’s waste. Silver grass, a resilient plant that thrives in harsh soil, became the first step in transforming the barren mound into a symbol of renewal. Today, the 58,000-pyeong park has become one of Seoul’s most beloved autumn destinations. Walking through the fields, the color of the reeds shifted between silver and gold with each turn of sunlight. Art installations scattered among the grass added rhythm to the landscape, drawing visitors to pause for photos or simply stand still and watch the wind ripple across the hill. From the observatory deck, the city stretched endlessly below. What was once a mountain of refuse now breathes as a green sanctuary — a quiet testament to Seoul’s capacity for restoration. The silver grass reach their peak from mid-October to early November. During the festival period, evening lights and performances add a festive glow, but the early morning hours offer the calmest and most evocative experience. Those who find the climb difficult can take the “Maengkkongi” electric shuttle from the park entrance for a small fare. 2025-10-29 16:22:03 -
French quantum computing firm Pascal to establish research center in Seoul SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Wednesday that it had secured a major investment from Pascal, a leading French quantum computing company. Under a memorandum of understanding signed this week, Pascal plans to invest $52.8 million to establish a quantum computing research and development center in Seoul, a project expected to create 51 jobs. The two sides will also collaborate on talent development and support programs for startups and companies engaged in quantum technologies. The signing ceremony was attended by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Pascal’s co-founder and Chief Strategic Alliance Officer Georges Olivier Reymond, French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux, and Roberto Mauro, head of Pascal’s Korean operations. Founded in 2019 by Nobel laureate Alain Aspect and four colleagues, Pascal specializes in quantum computers based on neutral atom technology. Headquartered near Paris, the company employs about 300 people across eight countries. It was the first to commercialize a 200-qubit quantum computer and successfully demonstrated a 1,000-qubit system in 2024. The company is also working on error-tolerant quantum computing and collaborates with major global players such as IBM, Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and LG Electronics. Pascal’s investment adds momentum to Seoul’s growing quantum ecosystem. Earlier this year, the city attracted U.S. cloud data firm Snowflake and Swiss quantum security semiconductor company Silsc. City officials say the goal is to make Seoul a nexus for quantum computing, hosting training programs, research initiatives, and a dedicated technology support center. “Seoul is proactively building a quantum industry ecosystem to lead future technological change,” Mayor Oh said in a statement. “This agreement reaffirms Seoul’s competitiveness and investment appeal, and we will continue to provide administrative and financial support.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-29 16:21:31 -
![[OPINION] Multilateral cooperation powers Asia-Pacific growth as openness, innovation shape future](https://image.ajunews.com//content/image/2025/10/29/20251029160016445830_518_323.jpg)
[[OPINION]] Multilateral cooperation powers Asia-Pacific growth as openness, innovation shape future SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - At the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in South Korea, representatives from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will soon gather to chart a new blueprint for shared growth. As a responsible major country and an active participant, contributor and leader in Asia-Pacific cooperation, China calls for openness and inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and joint efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future. Since its founding in 1989, APEC has become one of the highest-level, most wide-ranging and most influential economic cooperation mechanisms in the region. Guided by the principle of open regionalism, APEC respects the diversity of its members in political systems, development stages and social cultures, and promotes regional development through practical cooperation. This approach has turned the Asia-Pacific into a key engine of global growth, an anchor of stability and a high ground for cooperation. As one of the region's major economies, China continues to serve as a driving force in advancing regional prosperity. As Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his written remarks on the 2024 APEC CEO Summit, "the success of the Asia-Pacific is due to our firm commitment to peace and stability in the region, to our continuous practices of true multilateralism and open regionalism, and to our deep faith in the trend toward economic globalization as well as mutual benefit and mutual success." Today, as unilateralism and protectionism resurface and global industrial and supply chains undergo profound restructuring, the Asia-Pacific stands at a critical crossroads on its journey toward the next "golden 30 years." Will economies turn inward and build "small yards with high fences," or will they stay open and cooperative? China is responding through concrete action, remaining committed to openness over isolation, cooperation over confrontation, and connectivity over division. By strengthening industrial and supply chain resilience, deepening cooperation in digital economy and green development, and advancing sustainable development, China contributes both insights and strength to a more prosperous Asia-Pacific. Openness and inclusiveness form the cornerstone of Asia-Pacific cooperation. In an era of irreversible globalization, building an open world economy, safeguarding free trade, and advancing regional integration have become a shared aspiration. China continues to expand high-standard opening-up, fully implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and strive to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement. Aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules, China injects new vitality into regional openness and stability amid global uncertainties. Innovation, meanwhile, remains the enduring engine of Asia-Pacific growth. As digitalization, green innovation and intelligent transformation accelerate, economies across the region are turning to new technologies and industries for momentum. The Putrajaya Vision 2040 highlights digital and innovation-driven development as key to achieving inclusive and sustainable growth in the post-Bogor era. From leading the world in new energy vehicle production to breakthroughs like the DeepSeek large language model, China is transforming "technological dividends" into "growth dividends," boosting cooperation and fostering new growth drivers for regional and global recovery. Multilateral cooperation is vital to making openness and innovation take root. APEC's strength lies in its principles of consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in expanding convergence of interests across different development stages and systems. To advance win-win cooperation, the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization must be upheld, and we must say no to any attempt to politicize, weaponize, or impose security implications on economic and trade issues, or to use "de-risking" as a pretext for exclusion. At the recent "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, President Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative, calling on all nations to uphold and practice true multilateralism. China has consistently called for discussing regional affairs together, building platforms and mechanisms together, and benefiting from cooperation together. Next year, China will host the APEC meetings -- a new starting point for deepening Asia-Pacific cooperation and a major opportunity for China to share the benefits of its high-quality development with regional partners. As South Korea and China are to consecutively host APEC gatherings, members are encouraged to revisit their original aspirations and missions, and to continue to open up, connect more, and cooperate more closely. Together, they can foster market complementarity, connectivity and rule alignment, and continue to promote Asia-Pacific cooperation and shared prosperity. 2025-10-29 16:01:40 -
Pyongyang answers Trump's overture with calibrated missile test SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to keep his hopes up for a rendezvous with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his short visit to South Korea for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events, and the North responded in a pointed yet carefully managed missile test. North Korea "conducted a test-fire of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea of Korea" on Tuesday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the following day. The missiles flew about 7,800 seconds — roughly 130 minutes — before hitting a preset target. KCNA framed the launch as part of a broader effort to "steadily expand the sphere of application of war deterrents," presenting the test as a routine upgrade of its deterrence capacity. The timing coincided with Trump's touchdown in the southern port city of Busan and appeared to serve as Pyongyang's symbolic answer to the U.S. president's repeated public overtures for a meeting with Kim during his brief stay. Asked about the launch aboard Air Force One en route from Tokyo to Busan, Trump dismissed it lightly, saying Kim had been "launching missiles for decades." He reiterated that "at some point, we'll be involved with North Korea," adding that he hoped to meet the North Korean leader "not too distant future." Trump has been signaling openness to engagement since the start of his first Asia tour in his second presidency, focused on summits with ASEAN and APEC states as well as trade issues. He notably referred to North Korea as "a sort of a nuclear power," echoing Pyongyang's long-standing demand for implicit recognition of its nuclear status before talks resume with Washington. The measured missile test shows Pyongyang opting for leverage rather than immediate diplomatic reciprocation. Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AJP the launch was aimed at asserting North Korea's presence during a week when global attention is focused on the APEC summit. "APEC brings together countries across the Asia-Pacific," Cho said. "North Korea is part of the region, yet it cannot take part in the forum." He added that Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui's trip to Russia and her appearance at a Eurasian security meeting in Belarus also reflected Pyongyang's desire to remain visible during APEC week. The test's tone and design suggested deliberate restraint. Senior officials including Pak Jong Chon and Kim Jong Sik oversaw the launch, but Kim Jong-un did not attend — extending his recent pattern of skipping weapons tests to keep provocations controlled. Cho noted that cruise-missile activities do not violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and that firing inland from the sea rather than outward kept the provocation within managed limits. Still, the launch cast a muted shadow over the diplomatic choreography surrounding the APEC summit in Gyeongju, where Trump is scheduled to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. For Seoul, the episode underscores both the fragility of regional stability and the challenge of dealing with a Pyongyang that mixes provocation with strategic patience, while North Korea, with nothing to lose, would be content with the momentary spotlight. 2025-10-29 15:49:36