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  • Glass ceiling still persists for women in public-sector jobs
    Glass ceiling still persists for women in public-sector jobs SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - Many women, particularly those in state-run and public-sector jobs, still struggle to climb the career ladder due to a persistent glass ceiling in South Korean society. According to data from the Ministry of Personnel Management submitted to lawmaker Kwang Hyang-yeop of the ruling Democratic Party, women accounted for only 12.9 percent of high-level government posts, with just 201 among 1,554 senior officials, as of December last year. Gender disparity is particularly stark in economic ministries. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has only 3 women among 61 senior officials (4.9 percent), while the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has 3 women among 52 officials (5.8 percent). The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has only one woman among 41 officials (2.4 percent), and the National Tax Service also has just one woman among 39 officials (2.6 percent). But the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has four women among 29 officials (13.8 percent), slightly above the average, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Fair Trade Commission's ratio for female public servants also surpasses 10 percent. One female official expressed concerns about her career due to the lack of female role models in senior positions, raising questions about whether promotions or advancement opportunities are as fair as in private-sector jobs. The government plans to strengthen relevant policies in hiring and managing personnel to tackle these disparities. "We will promote diversity and ensure greater balance in recruitment to better address these concerns," vowed Yoo Seung-joo, head of the Ministry of Personnel Management. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-02 09:22:48
  • INTERVIEW: South Korean start-up bets on AI to transform learning
    INTERVIEW: South Korean start-up bets on AI to transform learning Long before the recent surge in artificial intelligence triggered by OpenAI in 2023, Ellis Group had been quietly embedding AI tools into education. Founded a decade ago by a team of researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the company now counts more than 9,500 institutions and 2.75 million users on its AI education platform, EllisLXP. The Seoul-based firm has become a leader in South Korea’s AI education sector, providing software for universities, corporations and government agencies. Its cloud services, EllisCloud, are also used by more than 4,000 organizations for AI research. CEO Kim Jae-won says the company’s next chapter will focus on global expansion. In an interview, Kim discussed Ellis Group’s origins, its ambitions and what sets it apart in the fast-growing market for AI-powered learning. Q. How would you describe Ellis Group? A. Ellis Group provides B2B software-as-a-service solutions, including EllisLXP for learning and EllisCloud for research and infrastructure. Founded in 2015, our platforms are widely used across South Korea by corporations, universities and public agencies. EllisLXP alone has more than 9,500 institutional partners and 2.75 million users. EllisCloud supports AI research at over 4,000 organizations. This year, we also introduced a broader infrastructure-as-a-service product, which includes modular data centers, servers and cloud platforms to help companies transition into AI. Q. What are your flagship products? A. EllisCloud is anchored by the Ellis AI PMDC, a modular data center designed for startups and research facilities. It delivers high-performance GPU and NPU resources and allows users to scale clusters securely. It also earned CSAP IaaS certification earlier this year. EllisLXP, our education platform, is an all-in-one solution with tools such as AI-generated quizzes, voice-recognition subtitles and a virtual tutor, “AIHelpy,” which adapts to learners’ age and cultural context. Q. What led you to start the company? A. While conducting research at KAIST, I saw how difficult it was to deliver large-scale computer education. My colleagues and I developed a prototype for AI-driven grading to address that challenge. In 2015, Kim Su-in, Park Jung-kook and I founded Ellis Group with the vision of using AI to improve education and nurture talent for South Korea’s AI future. Q. What differentiates Ellis Group in the AI education space? A. We focus on lifelong learning. Our solutions are used in schools, corporations and government agencies, offering project-based learning that ties directly to real-world challenges. Unlike many competitors, we combine infrastructure, AI models and educational content under one umbrella. With both SaaS and IaaS certified under CSAP, we are uniquely positioned to support large-scale public and private initiatives. Q. How do you see the company’s growth trajectory? A. We anticipate rapid growth in our cloud services, supported by expanding adoption of both EllisLXP and EllisCloud overseas. Q. What do you look for in new employees? A. We value people who are eager to grow and who care about diversity and social impact. Our mission requires solving complex, global problems with AI, and we want individuals ready to contribute to that effort. Q. What is the roadmap for Ellis Group? A. Education and infrastructure will remain at the center. We plan to extend AI education to more schools and companies while strengthening our cloud offerings. We are continuing development of Ellis AI PMDC and preparing for global expansion. Q. Any further comment? A. Ellis Group hopes to play a meaningful role in South Korea’s development in the AI era, through both education and infrastructure. We are grateful for the support we’ve received and excited for what comes next. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-02 09:02:01
  • South Koreas inflation rises back above 2 percent in September
    South Korea's inflation rises back above 2 percent in September SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - Consumer prices in South Korea rose 2.1 percent in September from a year earlier, returning to the 2 percent range after two months of slower growth, according to government data released on Thursday. The uptick was driven largely by higher costs for processed foods and livestock products, the National Data Office said. The consumer price index climbed to 117.06, rebounding from a 1.7 percent increase in August, when a temporary reduction in telecom fees following a hacking incident at SK Telecom eased inflation. Prices of processed foods rose 4.2 percent, adding 0.36 percentage points to the overall inflation rate. Bread prices increased 6.5 percent and coffee surged 15.6 percent. Livestock products climbed 5.4 percent, while fishery products were up 6.4 percent. The living cost index, which reflects consumer sentiment more directly, accelerated to a 2.5 percent increase from 1.5 percent in August. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 2 percent, signaling persistent price pressures despite the recent slowdown in headline inflation. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-02 08:37:03
  • S. Korea must race to grab US-bound talents for leap in AI race: IFEZ czar
    S. Korea must race to grab US-bound talents for leap in AI race: IFEZ czar SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Brain power defines the AI era, and the possibility of a brain drain in Silicon Valley from the U.S. imposition of hefty fees on skilled-worker visas offers an "enormous" opportunity for South Korea, said the nation’s foreign direct investment (FDI) czar. "This is a windfall, and we must move fast in hosting roadshows to draw global brains here," said Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Commissioner Yun Won-sok in an exclusive interview with AJP at the landmark 31st-floor headquarters in Songdo. Since its establishment in 2003, IFEZ — spanning Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong districts near Incheon International Airport — has been tasked with attracting FDI. Over two decades, it has secured more than $10 billion in investment, anchored by biotech, logistics, and finance. But with nearly all available space filled, growth has slowed. That reality, Yun argued, demands a paradigm shift. Instead of focusing solely on hard capital, IFEZ must pivot toward drawing high-value people — scientists, engineers, and creators — who can turn Incheon into a magnet for ideas and innovation. "Bringing here those who worked with CEO Mark Zuckerberg can now be more valuable in the long run than hosting Meta outposts," he said. The timing is favorable. Washington recently announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, a major pathway for foreign professionals. Nearly two-thirds of such visas go to computer-related occupations, mostly in California, with Indians making up 71 percent of approvals and Chinese 12 percent last year. IFEZ, Yun stressed, is well-positioned as a Silicon Valley alternative. "Who can better pose as the brain hub in Asia-Pacific?" he asked, pointing to five key strengths: a robust bioengineering ecosystem, a global-standard education system, strong R&D commercialization between universities and companies, world-class logistics and transport infrastructure, and globally popular content and lifestyle offerings. What IFEZ seeks, he explained, is not a simple investment but a virtuous cycle powered by human capital. "If seasoned and budding scientists and IT talents come here, continue their research, and launch businesses, their activities will naturally feed investment and hiring." Korea, he noted, can no longer rely on foreign direct — let alone greenfield — investment because of land and labor constraints. "If our land resources are limited, then our advantage must come from the people and technologies we can attract. High-value jobs, advanced R&D centers, startups that commercialize ideas — that is where Incheon will stand out." Biotech has been the anchor of this pivot. Songdo now hosts one of the world’s largest biomanufacturing clusters, with Samsung Biologics producing more than 600,000 liters of biologic drugs annually. "From those anchors, suppliers and partners have clustered in Songdo. Now we must move further up the value chain into new drug development, AI-based healthcare, and quantum-assisted research. That requires bringing in the best minds from overseas," Yun said. Education is central. "Foreign executives and researchers will not relocate if their families cannot," he said. "That is why we built Incheon Global Campus with five overseas universities, and why we are expanding K-12 international schools in Songdo, Cheongna, and Yeongjong. Parents need to know their children will receive the same standard of education they had back home." The campus hosts institutions such as Stony Brook University, George Mason University, and SUNY Korea, offering English-language degree programs in South Korea. IFEZ is also negotiating with leading institutions abroad. "We are discussing joint R&D hubs with Georgia Tech, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and Fraunhofer in Germany," Yun said. "The goal is to place companies, labs, and universities side by side. That is how you accelerate innovation — by bringing people, capital, and ideas under one roof." Lifestyle, he added, is another pillar. "Cheongna can become a media and content hub, an Asian Hollywood. We are preparing legal amendments so that major studios can invest and film here. Incheon has the airport, the logistics, and the consumer base. Content, tourism, and high-end services will be the next growth axis." Cheongna has already been earmarked for tourism and leisure development, including a large K-pop arena and entertainment complexes. The ultimate test, Yun said, will be whether people choose to come. "Our goal is to make IFEZ a place where global researchers, entrepreneurs, and creators want to live and work." And for Korea, he added, the stakes could not be higher: "In the AI era, countries that win the talent race will win the future. Incheon must be at the front of that race." 2025-10-02 08:00:00
  • Chipmaking Team Korea joins OpenAIs $500 Billion AI initiative
    Chipmaking Team Korea joins OpenAI's $500 Billion AI initiative SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s chipmaking giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have signed a preliminary agreement with OpenAI to join the $500 billion “Stargate” initiative aimed at proliferating next-generation AI data centers worldwide. Under the letter of intent, Samsung and SK hynix are prepared to commit as much as 8 trillion won ($6 billion) a month to the project, which is co-led by SoftBank and Oracle. The partnership extends beyond memory supply to include affiliates Samsung SDS, Samsung C&T, Samsung Heavy Industries, and SK Telecom. The Korean suppliers will provide high-performance, low-power semiconductors such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). Samsung Electronics, the world’s top memory maker, has the capacity to produce up to 650,000 wafers monthly, while SK hynix dominates the HBM market as the chief supplier to Nvidia. OpenAI has requested a monthly supply of up to 900,000 DRAM wafers—more than double the world’s current HBM output capacity. If finalized, the deal would mark the largest semiconductor contract in South Korean history. The agreement was signed by Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman at SK’s Seorin headquarters in central Seoul. Altman is expected to return later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, joining Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Apple CEO Tim Cook. President Lee Jae-myung also met with Altman on Wednesday to discuss bilateral cooperation in AI transformation and ecosystem development. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-01 21:38:58
  • Malaysia targets 47 million visitors in 2026 tourism push
    Malaysia targets 47 million visitors in 2026 tourism push KUALA LUMPUR, October 01 (AJP) - Malaysia unveiled an ambitious target to draw 47 million international visitors in 2026 at the opening of Global Travel Meet 2025, a three-day summit focused on sustainable tourism development and industry partnerships. The event, running from Oct. 1 to 3 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, seeks to bolster Malaysia's standing as a premier travel destination while building momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026, the country's major tourism campaign. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan inaugurated the gathering following a traditional Malaysian dance performance, emphasizing the event's significance beyond the nation's borders. "Global Travel Meet 2025 is more than just an event; It is a platform where ideas are transformed into action," Khairul Firdaus said, describing the summit as a catalyst for driving collective government and industry efforts toward the 2026 goals. The exhibition floor bustled with multinational booths displaying an array of products, from traditional sparkling rice wine to double-decker tram buses with open-air second stories, as buyers and sellers converged to explore business opportunities. Tourism Malaysia hosted a welcome dinner at the five-star Sunway Resort Hotel, where Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing addressed guests on the strategic importance of tourism partnerships. Tiong King Sing highlighted Malaysia's commitment to advancing tourism as a cornerstone of national development while championing sustainability, inclusivity and innovation across the sector. The minister said the gathering would facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative growth while reinforcing a shared commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking tourism landscape. 2025-10-01 17:28:54
  • Korean retailers double down on SE Asian foray amid weak demand at home
    Korean retailers double down on SE Asian foray amid weak demand at home SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - Faced with lengthy depression in domestic demand at home, Korean retailers have been aggressive in their outreach and expansion in the Asian market, riding on the popularity of Korean contents and food. Pivot Asia has become the common strategy for Korean retailers spanning from fashion houses to convenience stores. Lotte Shopping is accelerating its overseas business with 'Lotte Mall Westlake Hanoi', based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Since opening two years ago, the outlet has drawn 25 million visitors, generated 600 billion won (more than $420 million) in sales, established itself as a community landmark. About 800 international tourist buses bringing visitors here every month, including many Chinese tourist groups, making Lotte Mall considered to have risen to become a "super mall" beyond Vietnam. The retailer has recently added a SPA for the affluent. By attracting F&B brands, holding more than 150 large-scale pop-ups, and localizing the VIP system, it has established the 'standard of K retail.' Based on this, it is renewing existing bases such as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Jakarta, Indonesia, and is also working to secure new sites. Shinsegae Group is readying inroads to the Southeast Asian market through a joint venture (JV) with Alibaba. The first 5 countries targeted include Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia. In line with the K-content craze, the idea is to support domestic sellers to secure competitiveness on the global stage. Online retailer G-Market has teamed up with 'LAZADA', a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia. It has linked about 20 million products and started selling to 160 million local customers. Korean sellers can apply the existing sales method as it is, making it highly accessible, while taking advantage of the automatic translation function to reduce language barriers. Big-box store chain E-Mart operates 5 and 3 stores in Mongolia and Vietnam, respectively. It has opened 16 'No Brand' stores in the Philippines and 3 in Laos. E-Mart said it is in discussions with partners about continuing to scale up and enhance its business model. Convenience stores, which closed about 100 outposts in Korea, are eager to make amends overseas. GS25 is expanding its presence by operating hundreds of stores in Malaysia, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. In addition, E-Mart 24 exceeded 100 stores in 4 years after entering Malaysia. It has entered major cities in 11 local states, and aims to reach 130 stores by the end of this year and 200 stores by 2026. Southeast Asia and India pose as promised land with young population, rapidly growing middle class and increased spending power. The global popularity of Korean food and contents also add to the favorable environment for Korean brands. "The distribution infrastructure in Southeast Asia is still limited," one industry watcher said, adding that the growth potential nevertheless is huge. The market is opportune for Korean retailers with their richer experience and brand recognition. 2025-10-01 17:22:40
  • Concert for Peace 2025 brings global musicians together in Seoul
    Concert for Peace 2025 brings global musicians together in Seoul SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The Concert for Peace 2025 took place on September 30 at Youngsan Art Hall in Seoul, with musicians from several countries performing together to highlight the role of culture in building dialogue. This was the third edition of the series, which began in Hiroshima and Osaka, and has become a platform for showing how music can cross borders and speak to shared human values. At the heart of the event was the Child Citizen Orchestra, founded in 2006 by Brazilian Judge João Targino. The orchestra was created to give underprivileged youth in Brazil access to musical training while also providing paths to inclusion and social development. Over the past two decades, it has reached more than 1,000 young people, and its international tours have carried a message that music can be a tool of both personal growth and cultural diplomacy. Brazilian Ambassador to South Korea Márcia Donner Abreu, speaking at the concert, called the orchestra’s journey "an inspiring example of how culture can foster solidarity among peoples." She noted that the Seoul performance was especially symbolic because it included young musicians from South and North Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. "By coming together, you show us that music is more than performance — it is a common language for mutual understanding," she said. Judge Targino, who opened the evening, described the concert as a "roadmap of hope." He said war is "the failure of humanity itself" and stressed that music can remind people of the need to overcome divisions. He thanked his wife, Mirina, and Ambassador Abreu for their support, and recognized the cooperation of the Ministry of Unification of South Korea and other partners who made the event possible. 2025-10-01 17:08:28
  • Hotels in flurry of preparations ahead of APEC summit in Gyeongju
    Hotels in flurry of preparations ahead of APEC summit in Gyeongju SEOUL, October 1 (AJP) - As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea comes just around the corner, accommodation arrangements for leaders and heads of state have become a point of contention. With both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping expected to attend, the historic city of Gyeongju is drawing attention as it prepares to host the multilateral gathering from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Recently, Hotel Shilla asked customers to cancel reservations during the period around the summit, suggesting that Xi might stay there during his visit to Seoul and possibly meet with Trump. In mid-September, China reportedly inquired with the hotel about making a booking. Initially it was expected that the two leaders would stay at separate hotels during the summit, with Trump at Grand Hyatt in Seoul and Hilton in Gyeongju, and Xi considering Hotel Shilla in Seoul and Kolon Hotel in Gyeongju. But Hotel Shilla later resumed bookings during the period, suggesting possible disagreement in arranging talks between Trump and Xi. There have been talks of a possible trilateral meeting between the leaders of South Korea, China and the U.S. in Seoul on the sidelines of the APEC summit, but it now remains uncertain as Xi is likely to stay only in Gyeongju. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Details about Xi's itinerary here are not finalized," and merely said it supports diplomatic exchanges among APEC members. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-01 17:02:48
  • Samsung Elecs watershed tri-fold display to share APEC spotlight
    Samsung Elec's watershed tri-fold display to share APEC spotlight SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics will seize the global stage of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea to unveil the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. Tentatively named the Galaxy G Fold, the device features a 9.96-inch infolding display, up to 16 gigabytes of RAM, and as much as 1 terabyte of storage, according to market sources. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and comes with a 200-megapixel main camera, alongside telephoto and ultrawide lenses. The battery capacity is estimated at under 5,000 milliamp-hours—smaller than Huawei’s Mate XT launched in September with a 5,600 milliamp-hour cell—as Samsung opted for thinness over size. The phone supports “Split Trio” multitasking, enabling three apps to run simultaneously, and introduces a revamped cover screen mirroring function. Initial shipment is expected at about 50,000 units, with a limited rollout in South Korea and China later this year. Pricing is likely to hover near $3,000, well above current foldables, though Samsung has yet to confirm final details. The debut comes as Samsung’s chip and smartphone leadership faces mounting competition at home and abroad. By aligning its showcase with APEC—where U.S. and Chinese leaders will gather alongside tech executives from Nvidia and OpenAI—Samsung is blending its traditional Galaxy Unpacked strategy with high-level diplomacy. Rivals are also stepping up in the foldables race. Huawei unveiled its second-generation Mate XT last month, while Motorola and Oppo have launched new models this year. Xiaomi is preparing another flip design for release later in 2025. Market reaction so far has been mixed. Enthusiasts on Reddit praised multitasking upgrades but voiced concerns over battery life and the hefty price tag, noting foldables remain a niche compared with mainstream smartphones. 2025-10-01 16:57:36