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OPINION: Rising tide of hate, from Washington to Seoul SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - The legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency continues to cast a long shadow across the world. His overt flirtation with white nationalism and xenophobia helped normalize racial prejudice in American discourse — and its ripple effects have not stopped at the U.S. border. Across Europe and Asia, far-right movements have found renewed confidence, reshaping politics and stoking divisions once thought to have faded into history. In Europe, anti-immigrant sentiment has become a defining force in national politics. Italy’s far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, built her ascent on a platform steeped in nationalism and exclusion. Similar trends are emerging elsewhere: Japan’s right-wing parties have gained momentum, and the election of Takashi Sanae as leader of Japan’s ruling party has raised concerns about the country’s political direction and her potential to become its first female prime minister. This wave of xenophobia is not confined to Western capitals. Economic uncertainty and social anxiety are amplifying old prejudices worldwide. In Japan, anti-Korean and anti-Chinese sentiment — long embedded in the country’s imperial past — is resurfacing with emotional intensity. The echoes of that rhetoric are now being heard in South Korea, where unfounded anti-Chinese conspiracy theories and hostility are spreading rapidly online. The political atmosphere in Seoul has done little to cool these flames. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration distanced itself from Beijing and Pyongyang while deepening ties with Washington and Tokyo — a recalibration that some say has sharpened ideological divides at home. In recent months, lawmakers from the right-wing parties have advanced an “anti-Chinese shopping law,” a measure built on dubious claims and public misinformation. Such moves risk legitimizing prejudice under the guise of patriotism. Hate speech is not free expression. It is a form of violence — one that corrodes democratic societies from within. Europe, for all its political tensions, has responded to hate-driven protests with firm legal measures. South Korea, by contrast, has shown little appetite to confront the extremism festering online. The cost of inaction will not be abstract. When governments hesitate to defend the principles of tolerance and pluralism, they open the door to chaos and division. The rise of extremism — whether in Washington, Rome or Seoul — should serve as a warning: societies that fail to challenge hate will one day find themselves consumed by it. About the author -Ph.D. in Political Science, Inha University -Former Visiting Professor, Inha University Graduate School of Policy -Former member, Election Broadcast Review Committee -Former Director, Institute for Innovation and Future * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 08:43:11 -
Seoul confident of Washington's "understanding" on Korea's FX situation SEOUL, Oct. 17 (AJP) – Seoul held firm against U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that Korea’s pledged $350 billion investment be made in upfront cash, expressing confidence that Washington’s financial and trade officials understand Korea’s vulnerability to large foreign capital outflows. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said U.S. officials have shown understanding of Korea’s position. “I met Secretary Scott Bessent at the G20 meeting. He understands that stabilizing South Korea’s foreign exchange market benefits both countries,” Koo told reporters in Washington on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, adding that Bessent was interested in cooperating with Korea to ensure market stability. Koo said Bessent recognizes the challenges Korea faces regarding the upfront payment issue and likely discussed the matter with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. When asked if Washington may drop the upfront payment demand, Koo replied that the U.S. side “understands our position, which could be favorable for us.” He emphasized that while Korea seeks to accelerate tariff negotiations — ideally by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit — any agreement should not compromise national interests. He pointed to the 25 percent U.S. tariff on automobiles as a key area needing prompt attention but noted that progress depends on mutual understanding and flexibility. On a possible currency swap facility, Koo said the instrument is one option to maintain market stability, though it is not the sole focus at this time. Soon after, Bessent told CNBC that Washington was “about to finish up with Korea,” echoing Seoul’s stance on the need for a currency swap arrangement to ease exchange rate volatility amid the planned investment outflow roughly equivalent to Korea’s foreign exchange reserves. Trump, however, reiterated that he expects Korea to make the full $350 billion payment upfront. Meanwhile, other senior Korean policymakers in Washington — Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong-bum — met separately with Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which oversees U.S. shipbuilding efforts. The officials highlighted Korea’s role in the proposed investment package under the slogan “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-17 07:48:06 -
USFK lodges protest over raid by prosecutors SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has lodged a protest over an abrupt raid on its base in Pyeongtaek in July. In a letter sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this month, Lt. Gen. David Iverson, deputy commander of the USFK, expressed concerns over the July 21 raid of Osan Military Base by independent prosecutors investigating disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle late last year. Washington took issue with the raid, saying it violated procedures under the bilateral Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which stipulates the legal status, rights, and obligations of U.S. military personnel stationed here. Although the raid was conducted in areas under South Korean military control only, those zones still had to be accessed through U.S.-controlled areas, reportedly requiring prior consultation. When asked about the development, the ministry declined to comment, deeming it "inappropriate" due to diplomatic protocol. Meanwhile, Park Ji-young, a spokesperson for the independent prosecutors, reiterated at a briefing that there was no violation of the SOFA. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-16 17:28:20 -
Asian stocks upbeat, KOSPI leads the pack to new highs SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Asian shares extended gains on Thursday as expectations for a U.S. rate cut outweighed concerns over renewed trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Korea’s benchmark KOSPI jumped 2.49 percent to close at a record high of 3,748.37, driven by strong foreign and institutional buying. Nine of the top 10 blue chips advanced, led by an 8 percent surge in Hyundai Motor and a 7 percent rise in Kia Motors amid growing optimism for a breakthrough in Seoul–Washington tariff talks. The Supreme Court’s ruling on SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won’s $1 billion divorce case drew heavy attention, sending related stocks in mixed directions. SK hynix climbed 6.98 percent to 452,000 won (US$318.61), while holding company SK Inc. slid 5.62 percent to 218,500 won. Preferred shares of SK Discovery, another Chey-affiliated firm, eased 1.25 percent to 35,550 won. Elsewhere in the region, Taiwan’s TAIEX continued its upward momentum, rising 1.36 percent to 27,647.87, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 1.27 percent to close at 48,277.74. China-related markets remained subdued. The Shanghai Composite Index fluctuated throughout the session before ending 0.1 percent higher at 3,916.23, while the Shenzhen Component Index slipped 0.25 percent to 13,086.41. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed declines in both the consumer price index and producer price index, heightening concerns over slowing domestic demand. Markets in Hong Kong and Singapore opened lower as financial shares retreated. Investors worried that further U.S. rate cuts could compress banking-sector margins. The Hang Seng Index and Straits Times Index were each down about 0.3 percent in afternoon trading. 2025-10-16 17:13:25 -
Chinese shoppers turn increasingly budget in Korea, duty-free shops shift strategy SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Chinese tourists are returning to South Korea in full force under the one-year visa waiver for group travelers, but their spending behavior has changed dramatically. Rather than binge shopping at duty-free stores, visitors are now showing a preference for budget-friendly and value-driven purchases. The post-pandemic shift reflects growing familiarity among Chinese consumers with Korean brands and retail platforms. Instead of traditional package-tour splurges, travelers are opting for self-directed shopping experiences centered on price and authenticity. Curated local franchises such as Olive Young, Daiso, and Musinsa — collectively dubbed “Ol-Da-Mu” — have become must-visit stops for young Chinese tourists seeking Korean beauty, fashion, and household goods. “Since COVID, travel patterns from China have changed drastically,” said a Seoul-based travel analyst. “Before, group tourists consumed heavily in duty-free and luxury. Now, they travel more flexibly, plan their own itineraries, and buy mid-priced or unique brands they’ve seen on social media. Ol-Da-Mu is popular among Chinese influencers, so many visitors decide in advance what to buy and hunt for those items locally.” Duty-free retailers, once reliant on high-volume Chinese spending, are now adapting quickly. Shinsegae Duty Free has expanded its premium beauty-device lineup at its Myeong-dong flagship store, launching a pop-up for MediCube’s Age-R Booster Pro — currently the best-selling beauty gadget among departing travelers. “Tourists from China, the U.S., Vietnam and other countries visit our booth,” a Shinsegae official said. “As interest in beauty devices grows globally, visitors in Myeong-dong are showing strong curiosity.” Foreign sales at Shinsegae’s Myeong-dong store rose about 25 percent during the Chuseok holiday period (Oct. 1–8), with younger Chinese travelers driving much of the growth. The company plans to expand premium device offerings to capture this evolving demand. Nationwide, the beauty-device segment is booming. MediCube’s sales jumped 102 percent between the second half of 2024 and the first half of 2025, according to Shinsegae. “Nowadays, the devices are so good that I’ve stopped going to dermatology clinics altogether,” said 32-year-old Seoul resident Yea-ji Park. “The high-frequency treatments I used to get can now be done freely at home.” “Korean beauty brands have built strong trust,” added Lee Ye-eun, a beauty show host. “While many devices are expensive, users see them as cost-effective compared with clinical treatments. People don’t spend on unknown brands — only trusted names with proven results.” According to the Korea Tourism Organization, about 2.52 million Chinese tourists visited Korea in the first half of 2025, up 13.8 percent from a year earlier. The reinstatement of China’s visa-free entry program on September 26 is expected to further accelerate arrivals in the coming months. 2025-10-16 17:11:40 -
Asian Culture Calendar SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea Oct. 16 - Nov. 9 Seoul Performing Arts Festival Oct. 1 - Dec. 14 Scent of Korea in Silla Oct. 20 -29 Seorabeol Pungnyu (APEC Commemorative Performance) Oct. 18 - 22 Road Theater (Film and Drama Shooting Location Tour) China Oct. 24 - 26 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championship Japan Oct. 22 Jidai Matsuri Oct. 27 - Nov. 5 Tokyo International Film Festival Taiwan Oct. 24 - 27 Art Taipei Fair Thailand Oct. 20 - 29 Thailand Vegetarian Festival Indonesia Oct. 19 -25 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Oct. 23 -25 Gandrung Sewu Festival Oct. 25 -26 Indonesia Comic Con Oct. 29 - Nov. 2 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Singapore Oct. 31 - Mar. 29, 2026 Singapore Biennale 2025-10-16 17:06:18 -
In Myeong-dong streets, anti-Chinese sentiment is nowhere SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The return of Chinese group tourists to Korea has been met with a mix of concern over disorderly crowds and optimism for an economic boost. Three weeks into the visa-waiver program, the outcome appears largely positive. Myeong-dong, Seoul's central shopping district, has regained its pre-pandemic bustle as Chinese tour groups return in force. Once stigmatized as noisy and unruly, Chinese budget travelers are leaving a more favorable impression this time. "We're seeing many Chinese tourists coming to see our performances these days, which was rare before. They were orderly and genuinely enjoyed the show," said Park Moon-kyung, manager at Myeongdong Nanta Theater. Chinese visitors also say they feel welcomed. "It's my first time visiting Korea, and I think it's the best city in Asia," said Xing Li, a 40-year-old traveler from a Chinese tour group under the banner 'Total Korea.' "I'm impressed that most Koreans can speak two or three languages." A female tour guide, who asked not to be named, said, "We've definitely seen more inquiries since the visa waiver began. I haven't noticed any anti-China protests, and our guests don't seem concerned. There's been no negative impact." Merchants in Myeong-dong echo similar views. "These days, we have customers from across Asia — Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Japan," said a manager at the popular noodle chain Myeongdong Kyoja. "How orderly someone behaves depends on the individual, not the nationality." The visa waiver has clearly boosted Chinese arrivals. According to the Ministry of Justice, 525,396 Chinese nationals entered Korea last month, up 16.4 percent from a year earlier. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization shows that one in three foreign tourists who visited Korea in August was Chinese, totaling 605,000 visitors — surpassing the pre-pandemic level of August 2019 at 578,000. 2025-10-16 17:05:16 -
Korean Economy/Business Calendar SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Oct. 22, Wed Producer Price Index (Bank of Korea) Economically Active Population Survey (Ministry of Data and Statistics) Oct. 23, Thu Monetary Policy Meeting (Bank of Korea) Q3 Results/ Conference Call (Samsung Heavy Industries) Oct. 24, Fri Finance and Economy Minister’s business trip to the U.S. (- Oct. 27) Oct. 27, Mon 2023 Income Mobility Statistics Results (Ministry of Data and Statistics) Q3 2025 Results (Hanwha Ocean) Oct. 28, Tue October 2025 CSI (Bank of Korea) 2025 Q3 Real GDP (Bank of Korea) Oct. 29, Wed October 2025 BSI (Bank of Korea) 2024 Annual Corporate Performance Analysis (Bank of Korea) Q3 2025 Results (SK hynix) Oct. 30, Thu Q3 2025 Final/Conference Call (Samsung Electronics) Q3 2025 Results (LG Energy Solution) Q3 2025 Results (Samsung SDS) Oct. 31, Fri Sept. Industrial Activity Data (Ministry of Data and Statistics) Q3 2025 Final Results (LG Electronics) 2025-10-16 17:03:30 -
K-food frenzy fails to lift all Korean food majors in Q3 SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Korean food has enjoyed a global surge in popularity following prominent appearances in Netflix's K-Pop Demon Hunters, with Korean flavors sweeping into grocery aisles worldwide. Yet the third quarter tells a more sober story for overall Korean food majors battling U.S. tariffs and a weak won. Major producers including CJ CheilJedang and Lotte Wellfood are expected to post disappointing third-quarter earnings despite the sharp decline in global commodity prices. Of eight major food companies tracked by FnGuide, five are projected to report year-on-year drops in operating profit, extending the first-half slump. Official results are to come soon, Lotte Wellfood scheduled to announce its third-quarter results on Oct. 19, followed by Orion on Nov. 5, Samyang, Nongshim, Ottogi, and Pulumone on Nov. 12, CJ CheilJedang and Binggrae on Nov. 17. The setback comes even as supply conditions improve. Cocoa prices, which hit record highs earlier this year amid crop disease and extreme weather in West Africa, have fallen by nearly half to about $6,000 per ton. Butter and sugar prices have also eased as production rebounded in the United States, New Zealand, Brazil, and India. Demand, meanwhile, has been buoyed by social-media enthusiasm for Korean cuisine. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., exports to the United States totaled $1.7 billion as of Oct. 1, up 15.3 percent on-year, while shipments to Europe climbed 15.8 percent. "Aside from export staples such as instant noodles, other food products could have been hit hard by headwinds like currency and tariff issues," said Suh Jae-hyun, professor of international economics at Kyungpook National University. The won has weakened nearly 3 percent against the dollar over the past month to around 1,420 per dollar, touching 1,434 earlier in the week—its lowest in five months—raising import costs for raw materials. Tariff tensions have intensified since U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Oct. 10 of an additional 100 percent duty on Chinese goods starting Nov. 1 after Beijing restricted rare-earth exports. A Goldman Sachs report said U.S. consumers, major buyers of Korean food, now bear roughly 55 percent of total tariff costs. Food companies raised prices earlier this year to defend margins, but weak domestic demand has limited the effect, while the softer currency continues to erode profits. Still, instant-noodle makers Samyang Foods and Nongshim remain resilient, expected to post double-digit operating-profit growth. Samyang's Buldak series continues to dominate overseas shelves, and Nongshim's collaboration with K-Pop Demon Hunters is keeping its products in global demand. "Nongshim showcased its new kimchi-fried-noodle product at Germany's Anuga 2025, tailored to global consumers' growing appetite for Korea's spicy flavors," said Kang Eun-ji, researcher at Korea Investment & Securities. "The company may see stronger returns next year as its global strategy pays off." 2025-10-16 16:28:06 -
Korean battery biz in US back to normal after damage control SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Business operations in the United States are returning to normal for South Korean battery makers six weeks after the turmoil in Georgia that led to the arrest of Korean engineers and the temporary suspension of cross-border work. The recovery follows a bilateral agreement between Seoul and Washington that clarified visa rules for technical staff, removing the uncertainty that disrupted factory operations. LG Energy Solution said its employees resumed business trips to the U.S. on Monday, focusing on essential personnel dispatched to both construction sites for equipment setup and operating facilities. "The safety of our employees and partners is our top priority," said an official from LG Energy Solution, adding that the company is committed to ensuring all business travelers feel safe and supported as they return to work. According to a fact sheet published by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, travelers admitted under ESTA may engage in the "same activities as contemplated for a B-1 visa holder," and those entering to "install, service, or repair commercial or industrial equipment or machinery purchased from a company outside the United States" are eligible to do so under the B-1 category. It further specifies that such workers must have "unique knowledge essential to the seller's contractual obligation," while "building or construction work" remains excluded except for supervisory or training roles. The clarification effectively resolves the ambiguity that led to the detentions of Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution engineers working at a Georgia joint-venture plant. Following the update, SK On is also gradually dispatching essential personnel to their U.S. construction and equipment sites. The diplomatic process unfolded quickly: the first U.S.-South Korea Business Travel and Visa Working Group meeting convened in Washington on Sept. 30, less than a month after the incident. Further signaling normalization, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is scheduled to visit Seoul from Oct. 23 to 25 to meet executives from LG Energy Solution, SK On, Hyundai Motor Group and CJ Foodville, all of which have major investments in Georgia. The meetings are expected to reaffirm the state's partnership with South Korean investors and demonstrate that the incident has not derailed ongoing collaboration. Beyond the travel resumption, South Korean battery makers are also accelerating a shift from electric-vehicle production lines to energy storage systems (ESS) to meet growing demand from AI-driven data centers. Following the phaseout of U.S. electric-vehicle subsidies last month, EV demand has slowed, but the need for large-scale energy storage has surged. Observers said converting EV lines to ESS facilities typically takes six months to a year, and the three major Korean battery firms are racing to secure an early lead in the market. LG Energy Solution recently reported its preliminary earnings for the third quarter of 2025, posting 5.7 trillion won (about $4.2 billion) in revenue and 601.3 billion won (about $445 million) in operating profit – signaling recovery momentum supported by higher ESS output in North America. Since many South Korean battery companies building factories in the U.S. rely on the expertise of Korean engineers dispatched under ESTA and B-1 business visas, the recent clarification of U.S. visa rules has provided crucial relief for ongoing operations. 2025-10-16 16:21:56