Latest by
-
Lee begins his week-long visit to New York SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday began his week-long visit to the U.S. to attend the U.N. General Assembly. Upon arriving in New York, Lee met with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink to discuss cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), according to Ha Jung-woo, a presidential adviser on AI. Fink expressed his intention to "actively cooperate" by leveraging global capital to help South Korea become the "AI capital" of Asia, and Lee welcomed the proposal, stressing the importance of producing substantial outcomes. During the meeting, the Ministry of Science and ICT and BlackRock signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote global cooperation in the AI industry. The MOU covers collaboration on infrastructure for AI and renewable energy, as well as joint efforts to make an integrated approach to meet the rapidly growing AI demand in South Korea. "BlackRock is the world's largest asset management firm, currently handling $12.5 trillion, or approximately 1,700 trillion Korean won," the presidential office here explained, expressing expectations for a massive investment, although specific details were not disclosed. On Tuesday, Lee is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the assembly's 80th session, declaring the "return of a democratic " from a political turmoil caused by disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law late last year. He also plans to present the country's diplomatic vision and goals, along with key policies and measures to contribute to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. On the sidelines of the multilateral gathering, Lee will hold a series of bilateral talks with leaders from the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland and Uzbekistan as well as a one-on-one meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. No plans have been made for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump this time, although the two leaders may bump into each other. 2025-09-23 10:12:24 -
INTERVIEW: In age of air taxis, South Korea prepares for new era of aviation safety SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - When Hwang Ho-won left the quiet corridors of academia last year for the front lines of aviation safety, he knew the stakes would be unlike anything he had faced in the classroom. “Our main focus is building a predictive aviation safety system using data,” Hwang, the head of the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, said in a recent interview. “The field’s tension and seriousness are unlike anything experienced in academia.” For more than two decades, Hwang taught aviation law and policy at Korea Aerospace University. Six months into his new role, however, he is steering South Korea’s aviation safety strategy through an era of rapid technological change — and public anxiety. His mandate is expansive: integrating artificial intelligence into safety systems, preparing for a future of urban air mobility (UAM), and exporting what he calls “K-Safety” as a global brand. The work, Hwang admits, requires balancing theory with hard realities. “As a national aviation safety leader, I’ve realized the importance of practical responsibility,” he said. The urgency sharpened after a passenger plane accident last year, which led Hwang to accelerate the development of the nation’s “Aviation Safety AI Roadmap.” The plan aims to prevent accidents before they occur, using big data and machine learning to identify potential risks. At the same time, the institute has positioned itself at the center of South Korea’s push into the next frontier of aviation: electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs. Backed by a $100 million government initiative, the goal is to commercialize UAM by 2030. Hwang’s team leads the safety certification work, testing prototypes and designing regulations in step with international standards. The challenges are not limited to the skies. On the ground, Hwang has overseen the creation of the Drone Industry Alliance, a network of more than 350 organizations that has helped domestic companies secure over $40 million in exports. The alliance focuses on easing regulatory hurdles while encouraging international collaboration in what is already one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors. Inside the institute, Hwang has sought to foster creativity and communication, holding informal monthly meetings with department heads. His philosophy is straightforward: encourage researchers to define problems themselves, and empower them to find solutions collaboratively. Beyond technology, Hwang believes success will hinge on public trust. To ease skepticism over drones and air taxis, he plans to open the UAM market initially as a public service by 2028, arguing that government-backed pilots will reassure citizens about safety. Internationally, his institute is strengthening ties with regulators in Japan, the United States and Europe, while working with the International Civil Aviation Organization to align South Korea’s standards with global norms. Summing up his vision for the next decade, Hwang said he hopes to build “a hyper-connected safety management system that proactively identifies risks and aims for zero accidents through AI-based predictive analysis and data integration.” It is an ambitious goal, but one he believes South Korea is uniquely positioned to achieve. “We are at the point where safety is not only a national priority,” he said, “but also a global responsibility.” * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-23 09:49:23 -
Soundtrack of K-pop anime remains No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 6th week SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - "Golden," one of the main theme songs from Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" stayed atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart this week, extending its streak on No. 1 to six weeks. The song from the anime's soundtrack claimed the No. 1 spot on the chart for a sixth week, "becoming the sole longest-leading No. 1 from a soundtrack this decade, and the longest-ruling such song in more than 10 years," Billboard said Monday. "No soundtrack song has led longer since 'See You Again,' by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, from 'Fast & Furious 7,' revved to a 12-week reign in 2015," it added. Debuted at No. 81 following its release in late June, the song has stayed on the chat for consecutive 13 weeks before reaching No. 1 several weeks ago. The catchy song, by South Korean-American singer-songwriter Ejae along with American singers Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, went viral thanks to the popularity of the anime, which tells the story of fictional K-pop superstars with "secret powers to protect their fans from supernatural threats." Along with "Golden," three other songs from the 12-track album like "How It's Done," "Soda Pop," and "Your Idol" also made the top 10. 2025-09-23 09:12:59 -
GM Korea faces crisis amid tariff woes, market slump SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - GM Korea is grappling with significant financial challenges stemming from steep U.S. tariffs and a struggling domestic market. The company, led by President Hector Villarreal, is facing criticism for its passive business strategy and a lack of proactive measures to secure its long-term future in the country. The most immediate threat to GM Korea's viability is a 25 percent U.S. import tariff imposed in April. Industry estimates suggest the company incurred approximately $750 million in tariff costs in the second quarter alone, representing nearly 50 percent of its total $1.1 billion tariff expenses. This financial burden is immense, amounting to roughly 55 percent of GM Korea’s entire operating profit from the previous year, which was reported at $1.36 billion. GM Korea's business model is heavily skewed toward exports, a strategy that has made it particularly vulnerable to the recent trade tensions. Of the nearly 500,000 vehicles sold annually, about 95 percent are exported. Last year, only 24,824 vehicles were sold in the domestic South Korean market, highlighting the company's limited local presence and reliance on its role as a manufacturing base for global supply chains. Industry observers attribute the company's current predicament to a "passive" market strategy and a failure to adapt to a changing global landscape. An insider noted that while GM's operations in other countries like Mexico and China have found profitable niches, GM Korea has failed to secure its own competitive edge for the future. Against this backdrop, GM Korea is actively pursuing the sale of its assets. In May, the company announced plans to sell nine service centers and land at its Bupyeong plant. President Villarreal defended the move, stating it is "crucial for sustainability" by maximizing the value of idle assets and rationalizing unprofitable service centers. These asset sales have fueled speculation that GM Korea may be preparing to exit the Korean market. The company received $800 million in public funds in 2018 after closing its Gunsan plant, with a commitment to maintain its operations for 10 years. The Bupyeong plant land, valued at approximately $620 million, is a prime location that could be repurposed for residential development. An auto industry source warned that if GM were to profit from such a real estate deal and then leave, the city of Incheon could face economic devastation similar to what Gunsan experienced. The source added that the sale of service centers and a lack of investment in future technologies like electric vehicle (EV) production suggest the company has no intention of boosting its domestic sales or future-proofing its operations in South Korea. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-23 08:58:09 -
Korean young conservatives pay subdued tribute to US evangelist Kirk SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Young Korean conservatives and Christians mourned U.S. evangelist Charlie Kirk in a subdued manner, even as his memorial service in the U.S. drew elaborate tributes and the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday. The muted reaction in the country comes as political scandals involving conservative leaders and religious figures continue to weigh heavily on the community following the impeachment of a conservative president. Kirk had visited Korea just days before he was shot dead on Sept. 10, speaking to young Koreans at the far-right "Build Up Korea 2025" forum. Park Jun-young, a Yonsei University student and vice president of Freedom University, a conservative youth group, said he was devastated by the loss, recalling how impressed he had been by Kirk’s address in Seoul. "He gave great hope to Korea's freedom-loving youth," Park said. "We will never forget his sacrifice." His remarks prompted an outpouring of online sympathy. One commenter wrote, "The left worldwide fears young conservatives' awakening and resorts to extreme measures like assassination. But we will not be intimidated." Still, the mourning for the young activist — hailed by President Trump as a "warrior for freedom, a friend, and a man who loved America with all his heart" — remained politically low-key in Korea amid the backdrop of scandals surrounding conservative and religious figures. Seoul National University set up a memorial site where Christians and students could pay their respects to the evangelist. At a memorial gathering in Seoul, Birhane, a 40-year-old member of the New Creation International Church from Ethiopia, said he came to share hope through the Gospel. "There are many people who feel hopeless, even driven to suicide," he said. For others, Kirk's death was a reminder of the dangers of extremism itself. Lee Sung-jun, a 22-year-old student at Seoul National University, said he had not been familiar with Kirk but looked into his background after the assassination. "I felt he was politically extreme, but violence cannot be justified," Lee said. "Killing someone is another form of extremism. Rather than responding to extremes with extremes, we should learn from this and avoid such confrontations in Korea." He added that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for healthier political dialogue at home. "We need discussions that find common ground, not blind allegiance to parties or politicians," he said. 2025-09-22 18:30:51 -
Seoul ready to play the mediator, but uninvited by NK and US SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung offers to act as a mediator between the United States and North Korea in hopes to relive the historic scene of the leaders of two Koreas and U.S. standing side by side on Korean soil during the upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju. In an interview with the BBC released Monday, Lee said he would accept a deal between Washington and Pyongyang under which North Korea freezes its nuclear weapons program, calling it a "feasible, realistic alternative." He noted that the North is believed to be producing 15 to 20 additional nuclear weapons a year, making a freeze an urgent interim step. "So long as we do not give up on the long-term goal of denuclearization, I believe there are clear benefits to having North Korea stop its nuclear and missile development," Lee said. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hardly agrees and has no intention of involving the South in any negotiations related to its nuclear program. "We will not sit face to face with South Korea, nor do anything together with it," Kim in a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the following day. He continued to address South Korea as a "colonial state" of the U.S., describing it as a distorted and dependent country that has become Americanized and fundamentally different from the North. On the other hand, Kim bore "good personal memories" of U.S. President Donald Trump and suggested he could meet him again if Washington dropped what he called the "delusion" of denuclearization. The reconciliatory tone from Pyongyang arrives as Trump is expected to visit South Korea for an APEC summit, which also brings Chinese President Xi Jinping, raising speculation about North’s Kim joining the high-profile meeting in late October. Trump likewise shares fond memory with the autocratic leader of North Korea. In 2018, then-President Moon Jae-in held three summits with Kim – twice at Panmunjom and once in Pyongyang – helping pave the way for Kim's historic meetings with Trump in Singapore and Hanoi. Moon even joined Trump and Kim at Panmunjom in 2019 for an unprecedented three-way handshake. The question now is whether Lee can attempt a similar role, even as Kim pointedly rejects dialogue with Seoul. Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Sejong Institute, said the chance of inter-Korean dialogue is “very slim,” pointing out that Pyongyang now feels less isolated and believes Trump has already recognized it as a nuclear power. "The North today maintains closer ties with Russia than ever and has restored its relationship with China," he said. "This makes it highly unlikely that the North will accept even a freeze." Meanwhile, Lee departed for New York on Monday to attend the United Nations General Assembly, his first since taking office. Accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye Kyung, his five-day trip includes meetings with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and U.S. lawmakers. He will deliver a keynote speech on Tuesday, chair a UN Security Council debate the following day, the first for a South Korean president, and wrap up his visit on Thursday with an investment summit before returning home. 2025-09-22 18:11:44 -
K-dessert course featured in dramas excites international sweet tooth SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Korean traditional flavors — black sesame, mugwort, jujube, gardenia, and rice — are folded into the filling of the Joseon macaron, a reimagined treat that delights the palates of haughty Chinese envoys on screen and the cravings of global audiences off screen in the hit Korean drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. The global craze for Korean cuisine has spilled beyond savory dishes into desserts and pastries, cleverly catering to both health-conscious consumers and sweet lovers — and perfectly timed with the Chuseok Thanksgiving holiday. Google search data shows sharp increases in queries for yakgwa (Korean honey cookies), Korean desserts, and rice cakes among international users. TikTok hashtags related to traditional Korean sweets are also surging, reflecting growing global curiosity about Korea’s centuries-old confectionery culture. Yakgwa, a thousand-year-old honey cookie traditionally served during ancestral rites and festive occasions, has captivated pastry lovers worldwide. Made with wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and ginger juice, the deep-fried confection represents hangwa — Korea’s traditional sweet category encompassing ceremonial desserts. Korean rice cakes, or tteok, are likewise gaining attention abroad for their artistry, diversity, and cultural significance, especially during holidays like Chuseok. “I came here to enjoy authentic Korean food. When you try these desserts, you can tell they’re not instant or unhealthy. We took the chance to experience traditional, healthy sweets here in Korea,” said Carol Johnson, a tourist from Washington, as she browsed a dessert shop in Seoul. “I saw viral TikToks about Korean desserts and wanted to try them myself,” added Mareva from France while picking out sweets at a convenience store. “In 2023, there was a domestic yakgwa craze that drove record sales. Since then, injeolmi and black sesame products have gained popularity, leading to more Korean-style desserts on the market,” said a GS Retail representative. “Foreign tourists usually purchase Korea’s most popular products, which seems to be fueling this trend.” The craze is supported by sales data. CJ CheilJedang’s bungeoppang varieties surpassed 1 billion won in monthly sales in late 2024. Convenience stores report rising foreign demand for traditional Korean sweets, while Shinsegae Duty Free has opened dedicated sections for them, with yakgwa gift sets proving especially popular among international visitors seeking an authentic taste of Korea. 2025-09-22 18:01:06 -
Cameras allowed for opening of Kim Keon Hee trial, but not for full proceedings SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - A Seoul court has permitted media outlets to film the opening of the first trial for former First Lady Kim Keon Hee, who faces corruption charges. The Seoul Central District Court announced on Monday that it will open the courtroom for a media photo and video opportunity before the hearing begins at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday. According to the court's decision, video and photography will be permitted from the beginning of the session until the presiding judge announces the conclusion of filming, prior to the formal start of the legal proceedings. Reporters and photographers must leave once proceedings begin. Kim, the wife of the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, was indicted on Aug. 29 after a special prosecutor accused her of accepting bribes to lobby on behalf of the Unification Church, receiving free polling services from a businessman tied to candidate nominations, and conspiring in a stock manipulation scheme involving Deutsche Motors. She has denied wrongdoing. 2025-09-22 17:36:45 -
South Korea vows govt intervention to fight hackers SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - The South Korean government has vowed proactive intervention to fight cyberattacks and protect consumer privacy as nationwide consumer services reel from a string of data breaches. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, presiding over an emergency cabinet meeting on Monday, ordered a comprehensive overhaul of telecommunications and financial services regulations to better address the growing threat. "Realizing a digital transition and building an AI powerhouse would be a pipe dream without security protection," Kim said. He stressed that the wave of hacking incidents poses a "threat to the public," pledging to revisit the regulatory framework to toughen penalties and strengthen government oversight. Under the new approach, the government will launch investigations of its own initiative when deemed necessary, instead of waiting for companies to report breaches. The series of high-profile data leaks has fueled criticism of corporate negligence. "In security, vulnerability management is critical, but Korean firms are falling short," said Youm Heung-youl, director of the SCH Cybersecurity Research Center at Soonchunhyang University. "It is unclear whether companies lack sufficient staff or whether their staff are underqualified, but attackers continue to exploit weaknesses in corporate systems. Korea grew rapidly as an IT powerhouse, yet it seems unprepared for the side effects and vulnerabilities that came with such fast growth." 2025-09-22 17:32:13 -
After Homeplus scandal, Lotte Card hack puts spotlight on MBK Partners SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - A major data breach at Lotte Card has intensified scrutiny of MBK Partners, one of Asia’s largest private equity firms, which already faces mounting criticism over its troubled ownership of Homeplus, South Korea’s second-largest retail chain. The two incidents have stoked concerns that MBK, which manages more than $30 billion in assets, has prioritized short-term financial returns at the expense of adequate investment in security and corporate governance. Regulators are now weighing tougher oversight of the firm, and lawmakers have called executives to testify in a pair of parliamentary hearings. The most recent blow came with a hacking incident at Lotte Card. Earlier this month, the company disclosed that sensitive customer data had been compromised in a cyberattack. The breach followed years of uneven security investment under MBK’s ownership. Financial filings show that while spending on information protection rose briefly in 2021 to build a disaster recovery system, the overall share of IT budgets devoted to security has steadily declined, from 12 percent that year to 8 percent in 2023 — trailing behind rivals such as Shinhan Card and KB Kookmin Card. The hack compounded an already worsening situation for MBK, which has been under fire for its handling of Homeplus. The firm acquired the retailer from Tesco in 2015 for about $6 billion, in what was then South Korea’s largest buyout deal. But critics say MBK saddled the chain with debt while cutting back on reinvestment, leaving stores under-maintained and workers complaining of deteriorating conditions. Earlier this year, allegations surfaced that MBK had mishandled parts of the acquisition process, prompting regulators to launch an on-site inspection and begin sanction proceedings. The case reignited memories of a 2014 scandal, when Homeplus — then still owned by Tesco — was found to have illegally sold customer data to insurers. The chain has struggled to regain consumer trust ever since, and MBK’s stewardship has done little to restore confidence. The convergence of the two crises has prompted unusually sharp language from regulators. At his confirmation hearing this month, Lee Ok-won, chairman of the Financial Services Commission, promised a “thorough investigation into MBK” and pledged to impose tough penalties if serious violations are confirmed. The scandals are also feeding into a broader policy debate. A report commissioned by the FSC from the Korea Institute of Finance recommended canceling the registration of private equity managers that commit major legal breaches. The National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee is set to summon MBK Chairman Kim Byung-joo and Lotte Card Chief Executive Cho Jwa-jin on Sept. 24 for questioning over the hack. A separate hearing by the National Policy Committee will focus on the Homeplus controversy. 2025-09-22 16:16:56