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South Korea's ThinkFree enters Europe's secure software market through partnership with French firm SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - ThinkFree, a software subsidiary of South Korea’s Hancom Group, said Tuesday that it has signed a supply agreement with Ercom, a cybersecurity subsidiary of France’s Thales Group, marking its entry into Europe’s data protection markets. Ercom specializes in secure communication and data protection technologies. Its flagship platform, Cryptobox, employs end-to-end encryption and is certified by the French National Cybersecurity Agency, allowing government and defense clients to exchange and store sensitive information under strict compliance standards. Under the agreement, ThinkFree’s office software suite will be integrated into the Cryptobox system, enabling users to view and edit documents within a fully encrypted and isolated environment. The partnership is designed to provide a secure yet user-friendly document management solution for sectors where confidentiality is critical, including defense, finance and public administration. The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in August last year between ThinkFree and Ercom to jointly develop office software equipped with end-to-end encryption. Kim Doo-young, chief executive of ThinkFree, said the collaboration underscores the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the global security software market. “Our collaboration with Ercom is a significant step in enhancing our competitiveness in the global security market,” Kim said. “It will help us build a next-generation office environment that combines security and functionality.” The partnership also reflects Hancom’s broader effort to position itself as a provider of secure digital solutions amid growing global demand for trusted communication platforms in government and defense industries, Kim said. * This article, published by Economic Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 13:58:37 -
South Korea's chip exports hit all-time high in September SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) -South Korea’s semiconductor exports soared to a record high in September, propelling the country’s overall ICT exports to their strongest level ever. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, ICT exports rose 14 percent on year to $25.43 billion, while imports climbed 10.4 percent to $13.78 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $11.65 billion. Semiconductors accounted for the bulk of outbound shipments, totaling $16.62 billion, up 22 percent from a year earlier, driven by solid demand for high-end memory chips such as DDR5 and high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Exports of telecommunications equipment jumped 38.3 percent to $220 million, fueled by brisk demand for 5G network gear in India. Display exports also edged up 1.3 percent to $1.92 billion, supported by wider adoption of OLED panels in IT devices and stronger sales of smartphones, TVs, and laptops. By contrast, mobile-phone and computer exports fell 10.7 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively, to $1.49 billion and $1.47 billion. Shipments expanded across most markets except the tariff-strong United States. Exports to Taiwan surged 53.5 percent to $4.29 billion, to the European Union rose 22.8 percent to $1.3 billion, and to India jumped 35 percent to $500 million. Exports to China and Vietnam increased 1.1 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively, while those to Japan gained 13 percent to $390 million. Shipments to the United States, however, slipped 4 percent to $2.91 billion. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 13:50:28 -
North Korea attends Russian forum, fueling prospects of energy cooperation amid closer ties SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - North Korea has sent delegates to a forum in Russia, raising speculation about possible talks to secure energy supplies from Moscow to help ease its chronic power shortages. The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Tuesday that a delegation led by Minister of Electric Power Industry Kim Yu-il left Pyongyang to attend the 8th Russian Energy Week International Forum this week. This marks North Korea's second attendance at the forum since 2018. The three-day forum scheduled to open on Wednesday at Moscow's Manezh Central Exhibition Hall and Gostiny Dvor near the Kremlin, will discuss various energy-related topics including nuclear energy, oil, gas, coal, and climate. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has hosted the event annually since 2017, will deliver speeches at the main session. Russia, abundant in energy resources, has shown interest since the early 2000s in exporting surplus power from its Bureya hydroelectric power station in the Amur region to the Korean Peninsula. In August 2011, then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visited the facility to bolster energy cooperation between the two countries. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 13:49:28 -
KOSPI and TAIEX higher on chip rally, other markets mixed SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - South Korean shares stayed resilient on Tuesday morning despite renewed U.S.-China tensions led by chip winners, while most other Asian markets traded mixed. The benchmark Kospi held on to a gain of around 1 percent after hitting a new all-time high of 3,637.45, buoyed by Samsung Electronics' record-breaking third-quarter earnings guidance. The Kosdaq added 0.3 percent to 863.33. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 dropped 1.4 percent to 47,431.83 on concerns over the trade front. China's Shanghai Composite Index inched down to 3,889.50, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was little changed. Meanwhile, Taiwan's TAIEX climbed 1.6 percent to 27,355.97 as Samsung's upbeat earnings lifted sentiment for chipmakers across the region. 2025-10-14 13:10:27 -
South Korean firm unveils first images from UAE-built radar satellite SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s Satrec Initiative on Tuesday released the first images captured by Etihad-SAT, a synthetic aperture radar satellite developed in partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates. The satellite, which operates on X-band electromagnetic waves, is capable of producing high-resolution images of Earth regardless of weather or lighting conditions — a key advantage of radar-based observation systems. Etihad-SAT was launched on March 15 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Equipped with a slot array waveguide antenna, the satellite can control its radar beam with precision without relying on complex mechanical movements. The design enables stable imaging with a resolution of 25 centimeters and an observation swath exceeding 100 kilometers, according to the company. Kim I-eul, chief executive of Satrec Initiative, said the release of the images marks an important milestone in the company’s radar satellite development. “We have secured a foundation for independent technology in the high-resolution SAR satellite sector, building on our expertise in optical satellite development,” Kim said. “We aim to contribute to the growth of the global space industry with our unique technology and flexible business models.” The Etihad-SAT project reflects a growing collaboration between South Korea and the United Arab Emirates in space technology, combining Seoul’s manufacturing and engineering expertise with the UAE’s expanding ambitions in Earth observation and national space capabilities. Synthetic aperture radar, or SAR, satellites can penetrate cloud cover and operate day and night, making them vital tools for defense, agriculture, disaster monitoring and urban planning. Satrec Initiative said combining radar and optical imaging technologies could further enhance global Earth observation systems and expand the commercial applications of satellite data. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 11:00:53 -
Everland amusement park draws visitors with K-pop-themed fireworks show SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" filled the air as “golden” fireworks lit up the sky over amusement park Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The fireworks show features hit songs from the anime in a nighttime concert-style spectacular that blends music, lighting, and special effects. A massive 24-meter by 11-meter LED screen and immersive sound system bring iconic moments from the film to life, with lyrics displayed on-screen to encourage visitors to sing along. During the 10-minute show, songs such as "Golden," "How It's Done," "Soda Pop," and "Your Idol" play as thousands of fireworks burst in sync with the music. Everland boosted the number of fireworks by 25 percent to create an even more dazzling spectacle. Along with the show, a dedicated anime-inspired zone which opened late last month continues to attract thousands of visitors daily. Fans dressed in anime costumes dance and sing along to the soundtrack, creating a festive atmosphere. Exclusive on-site merchandise further adds to the excitement for visitors. An Everland staffer said, "Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of 'KPop Demon Hunters' all day, from the anime-themed zone by day to the fireworks show at night." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 10:47:34 -
Soundtrack from Netflix's K-pop anime slips to No. 2 on Billboard 200 albums chart SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" slipped one spot from the top on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart this week. According to the U.S. music chart on Monday, the soundtrack was overtaken by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift's new album, ending its streak at the top for the 10th consecutive week after spending several weeks in the top five. Billboard said Swift topped the chart "in record-breaking fashion with the debut of 'The Life of a Showgirl,'" her 15th No. 1 album, becoming the "sole act with the second-most No. 1s" after English rock band The Beatles' 19 No. 1s, since the chart began compiling weekly rankings in 1956. The chart ranks the "most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units." 2025-10-14 10:13:18 -
KEPCO strengthens ties with Vietnam in nuclear energy push SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s state-run Korea Electric Power Corporation, or KEPCO, is deepening its partnership with Vietnam’s National Power Corporation (PVN) as part of an effort to secure future nuclear power projects in the Southeast Asian nation. KEPCO said Monday that it held a joint workshop with PVN in Hanoi on Sept. 30 to discuss training and workforce development for Vietnam’s planned nuclear energy expansion. The meeting followed a memorandum of understanding signed in August. The initiative brings together KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. They are working with PVN, as well as Vietnamese universities and research institutes, to lay the groundwork for cooperation in education and technology. About 40 experts from both countries attended the session. Vietnam, which has revived its long-delayed nuclear ambitions, aims to begin construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear plants by 2035 and add eight gigawatts of capacity by 2050. The plan would require training roughly 4,000 skilled professionals in nuclear operations and safety. At the workshop, KEPCO shared its experience in nuclear workforce training and program development. Company officials also met with representatives from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and PVN to explore broader cooperation — including localization, technology transfer and financing structures — to support Korea’s potential participation in Vietnam’s future nuclear projects. A KEPCO official said the company aims to strengthen cooperation in localization and financing to help secure participation in Vietnam’s upcoming nuclear projects. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 10:05:27 -
OPINION: Korean rice could find second life — in a glass SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - For generations, rice has been more than just food for Koreans — it has been the foundation of daily life and the symbol of a shared table. But that symbol is fading. In the 1970s, the average Korean ate more than 130 kilograms of rice each year. By 2024, that number had fallen to just 55.8 kilograms. As bread, noodles and ready-to-eat meals became more convenient, rice quietly lost its central place in the national diet. The decline is not only cultural but economic, shaking the foundations of Korea’s rice farmers and threatening the sustainability of the industry itself. Yet rice may still have a future — not on the plate, but in the bottle. Traditional Korean liquors such as makgeolli, yakju and distilled soju could offer a new path forward for rice. These drinks, deeply rooted in Korea’s fermentation culture, are enjoying a quiet renaissance as home drinking and artisanal products gain traction. But nostalgia alone will not sustain the industry. To survive — and thrive — Korean traditional liquors must evolve into premium beverages with global appeal. That requires more than rediscovering old recipes. It means investing in unique ingredients, rigorous production standards, scientific quality control and, crucially, cultural storytelling that gives each bottle a sense of place. Korea can take lessons from countries that have elevated their traditional liquors to international prestige. France protects its wines under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system, ensuring that every bottle reflects the terroir and craft of its origin. The United Kingdom enforces strict regulations for Scotch whisky, guaranteeing authenticity and consistency. Japan has turned sake into a global product, quadrupling exports by refining its production standards and positioning it as both a cultural and luxury item. The common thread among these successes is clear: science, structure and story. Each nation built institutional frameworks that link agricultural identity to product quality — a foundation Korea has yet to fully establish for its traditional liquors. To chart its own path, Korea must start with its raw materials. Developing distinct rice varieties for brewing can lend character and flavor diversity, while the use of local agricultural products can ground liquors in regional identity. Next comes scientific fermentation, using indigenous microorganisms to maintain quality, improve efficiency and cut production costs. A robust quality evaluation system — complete with flavor profiles and grading standards — could bring consistency and trust to both domestic and international markets. Finally, Korea must craft a narrative. The story of regional rice, local yeast strains, and centuries-old breweries can transform a drink into a cultural experience. It’s this storytelling — linking rice paddies to pour — that can elevate a traditional beverage into a national brand. If Korea succeeds, its traditional liquors could become more than regional curiosities. They could become an integrated part of K-culture, connecting food, agriculture, tourism and design in a single narrative — one that celebrates both the farmer’s labor and the brewer’s art. Turning traditional liquor into a premium export is not just an economic opportunity. It’s a cultural act — a way to give rice a new life, to honor the country’s agricultural roots, and to project a modern Korean identity abroad. From the dining table to the glass, rice can once again bring people together — not only across the Korean peninsula, but around the world. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 09:50:11 -
Trump to meet Xi at APEC despite trade disputes, US official says SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month, a senior U.S. trade official said. In an interview with Fox Business on Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is scheduled to take place in the southeastern city of Gyeongju from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. "I believe that meeting will still be on," Bessent said, adding that "there has been substantial communications" over the weekend. He made the comments just days after Trump hinted that he might cancel his meeting with Xi in protest of Beijing's new restrictions on exports of rare earths. "I was to meet President Xi in two weeks, at APEC, in South Korea, but now there seems no reason to do so," Trump said abruptly last Friday, accusing China of taking an "extraordinarily aggressive position" on trade. He also threatened to impose additional tariffs of 100 percent on Chinese exports to the U.S. But later that day, he softened his tone, saying he would travel to South Korea "regardless" and suggesting the meeting could still take place. The latest development came after China announced plans to tighten export controls on rare earths, key materials used in the production of electronic devices, weapons, and other high-tech products, amid the two countries' ongoing trade disputes and rivalry. 2025-10-14 09:28:58