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American business chamber raises alarm over contentious union law SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea urged the South Korean government on Friday to take industry concerns into account as it prepares to implement the so-called Yellow Envelope Act, a contentious new labor law that has become a flashpoint in the country’s corporate sector. AMCHAM Korea Chairman James Kim said the chamber would soon present policy recommendations to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which has formed a task force to review how the law should be applied. Speaking at the chamber's “Executive Roundtable Series” meeting at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Kim was joined by Kwon Chang-jun, vice minister of employment and labor, along with senior executives from major Korean and multinational companies. The discussion centered on labor regulations and the broader challenges facing South Korea’s economy. The Yellow Envelope Act, passed by the National Assembly earlier this year, makes it harder for companies to seek damages from striking workers. Labor unions have long argued that South Korea’s corporations have abused damage claims and injunctions to weaken organized labor. Business groups, however, say the law erodes management rights, undermines legal deterrents against illegal strikes and complicates efforts to keep production running. At Friday's meeting, executives also called for stronger mediation and arbitration mechanisms to help resolve disputes before they escalate into prolonged strikes. Kim said, “To position South Korea as a key hub in the Asia-Pacific region, improving the overall business environment is essential, with labor flexibility at its core." Vice Minister Kwon, for his part, emphasized the importance of cooperation between labor and management, as well as between South Korean and foreign firms, to safeguard the country’s global competitiveness. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-19 14:18:10 -
Kyung Hee University hosts 44th Peace BAR Festival to mark UN International Day of Peace SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Kyung Hee University System is hosting its 44th Peace BAR Festival from Sept. 19 to 20, bringing together global leaders and intellectuals to address humanity's challenges under the theme "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics." The festival, announced by the university system led by Chancellor Choue In-won, commemorates the United Nations' International Day of Peace, which was originally proposed by the university's founder, the late Dr. Choue Young-seek. The UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the International Day of Peace at its 36th session on Nov. 30, 1981, initially observed on the third Tuesday of September and since 2001 on Sept. 21. The assembly also declared 1986 as the International Year of Peace. This year's event takes place at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Hall and other venues on the Seoul campus, with the university designating Sept. 15 to 20 as "International Day of Peace Week" featuring diverse related activities. The commemorative ceremony on Sept. 19 explores pathways to peace and coexistence in an era marked by unprecedented challenges. Chancellor Choue will deliver a commemorative address titled "The Moment of Chaos: A Quest for Holistic Engagement," reflecting on contemporary crises and future prospects while proposing new conceptualizations of peace. Professor Naomi Oreskes of Harvard University will follow with a keynote speech titled "From Global to Planetary Society: A New Pathway Toward Human Civilizations." Her address emphasizes the need for a planetary transition to move beyond current global crises. A special panel discussion, "The Moment of Chaos: The Future of Planetary Politics," will bring together Chancellor Choue, Professor Oreskes, and Professor G. John Ikenberry of Princeton University, who also serves as Global Eminence scholar at Kyung Hee University. The panel will examine current crises facing humanity and explore the paradigm shifts in politics and civilization required to address them. The afternoon session features the Havel Dialogue, highlighting the spirit of Václav Havel, an iconic symbol of Czech democracy. The session, "Revisiting the Havel Spirit for Civic Values and Engagement," includes leading international scholars such as Tomáš Sedláček, Director of the Havel Library. A subsequent roundtable discussion titled "Breakthrough or Breakdown: Planetary Consciousness and Transformative Politics" gathers leading global intellectuals and practitioners to explore humanity's trajectory at this crossroads of civilizational transition. The discussion aims to envision new forms of global solidarity. Notable speakers include Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway's first woman Prime Minister and founding member of The Elders—a globally respected leadership group and the first recipient of the Miwon Peace Prize last year—alongside Paul Shrivastava, Co-President of the Club of Rome. On Sept. 20, the festival continues with a colloquium and Youth Peace Forum addressing "Climate Justice and Intergenerational Justice: A Road Toward Planetary Citizenship." These sessions foster dialogue on the vision for a planetary society with younger generations, recognizing their crucial role in shaping future solutions. The week-long celebration includes various parallel events designed to engage different segments of society. These include commemorative activities for civil society and students, a digital short-form contest co-hosted by Kyung Hee University-affiliated institutions, global citizenship booths, and a Humanitas writing contest. "The Moment of Chaos: Planetary Consciousness and Future Politics represents our effort to address the complex challenges facing humanity while fostering innovative approaches to peace and coexistence," the university said. The event's focus on planetary consciousness and transformative politics reflects growing recognition that traditional approaches to global governance may be insufficient for addressing interconnected crises ranging from climate change to social inequality. Through its multi-day program bringing together diverse voices from academia, politics, and civil society, the festival aims to contribute meaningful insights and actionable pathways toward a more peaceful and sustainable future. The 44th Peace BAR Festival continues Kyung Hee University's longstanding commitment to peace education and global cooperation, building on the legacy established by its founder's successful proposal to the United Nations over four decades ago. 2025-09-19 14:06:53 -
Hanwha Aerospace to supply 24 more K9 howitzers to Norway SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace said Friday it has signed a new contract with Norway’s defense procurement agency to supply 24 additional K9 self-propelled howitzers. The company did not disclose the value of the deal, citing an agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, known as NDMA. The signing ceremony was held on Sept. 18 in Oslo and attended by Hanwha’s chief executive, Son Jae-il, and Gro Jaere, director general of the NDMA. It is the third time Norway has purchased the K9, following orders for 24 howitzers in 2017 and four more in 2022. Hanwha said the Norwegian Army had praised the weapons system’s timely delivery, quality and battlefield performance. The new units will feature upgraded systems tailored to Norway’s requirements, including advanced communications. Hanwha will also provide a “customized solution” package, integrating the howitzers with Norway’s combat systems while offering training, maintenance and long-term logistical support. Hanwha said it expects the latest contract to bolster future sales in the Nordic region, where it is also promoting the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher. 2025-09-19 13:57:45 -
Tourism Malaysia Seoul concludes successful roadshow event with Batik Air Malaysia SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The Tourism Malaysia Seoul on Thursday has wrapped up a four-day roadshow across Korea's key metropolitan hubs - Seoul Daejeon, Gwangju, and Busan - to showcase the attractions of Sabah, the northern Borneo state known for its natural beauty and cultural appeal. The promotional campaign co-sponsored by the Sabah Tourism Board and Batik Air Malaysia, is timed with the launch of the airliner's direct route between Incheon and Kota Kinabalu, one of Malaysia's popular resort destinations. 2025-09-19 11:48:08 -
North Korean leader inspects test of tactical drones SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a test of tactical drones and instructed enhancements to their operational capabilities, state media reported Friday. The test demonstrated the "excellent combat effectiveness of the Kumsong-series tactical attack drones," with Kim expressing his satisfaction with the test results, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. It is the first time that North Korean media has mentioned the "Kumsong" series, which appears to be new suicide drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated technology. According to KCNA, Kim also assessed the performance and combat readiness of multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including strategic and tactical reconnaissance drones, emphasizing the need to rapidly develop AI technology to boost production and expand their use in preparation for modern warfare, calling it the country's "top priority" in modernizing the country's military capabilities. Kim was accompanied by senior military official Ri Pyong-chol and other defense officials. 2025-09-19 11:23:47 -
Hyosung Heavy secures $150 million US power grid contract SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Hyosung Heavy Industries, a South Korean power equipment maker, said Friday it has secured a $150 million contract to supply ultra–high-voltage transformers and circuit breakers to a U.S. firm. The deal will provide a package of 765-kilovolt transformers, reactors and 800-kilovolt circuit breakers. It is the first time a Korean company has delivered a complete solution for America’s 765-kilovolt transmission network — the backbone of its long-distance power grid. The equipment will be deployed across large-scale projects in the South and East, regions expected to see electricity demand climb by as much as 25 percent over the next decade as data centers expand and electric vehicles gain traction. Utilities have increasingly turned to 765-kilovolt systems, the highest-capacity lines in the U.S., to move power efficiently over vast distances. Hyosung’s Memphis plant, built with $150 million of investment, is the only facility in the country capable of designing and producing 765-kilovolt transformers. Since the early 2010s, it has supplied nearly half of the units now operating in the U.S., giving the company a lead in a highly specialized market. An expansion project under way will double the plant’s production capacity by 2026. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-19 11:11:21 -
Outgoing Japanese PM to 'hold talks with Lee' in Busan late this month SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Japan's outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishida is considering a visit to South Korea to meet with President Lee Jae Myung later this month, according to multiple Japanese media outlets. Ishiba is expected to visit the southern port city of Busan from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 for talks with Lee. The Japanese leader announced his intention to step down earlier this month, after less than a year in office, as he succumbed to mounting pressure from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party to take responsibility for a heavy election defeat in July and falling approval ratings. For his final overseas trip before leaving office, Ishiba decided to visit South Korea as part of shuttle diplomacy, in which the leaders of the two neighboring countries make regular reciprocal visits. Busan was reportedly proposed as a venue for talks after Lee suggested holding future meetings in provincial areas rather than Seoul to promote regional development during his summit with Ishiba in Tokyo late last month. 2025-09-19 10:19:41 -
Hyundai Motor CEO calls for Korea-US deal on auto tariffs SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor’s chief executive warned that stalled U.S.-South Korea trade talks on auto tariffs are threatening the company’s competitiveness in its most important overseas market, even as rival Japan secured a more favorable deal with Washington. Speaking at Hyundai’s first overseas investor day in New York on Thursday (local time), Jose Munoz said the company’s current financial outlook assumes a 25 percent U.S. tariff on imported vehicles. “If reduced to 15 percent, we could maintain our current guidance,” he told analysts and institutional investors at the event, dubbed “2025 CEO Investor Day.” The remarks underscored Hyundai’s dependence on a tariff outcome that has grown more uncertain. In July, South Korea reached a preliminary deal with the United States to cut auto tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, but final negotiations have since stalled. Japan, by contrast, finalized its agreement with Washington earlier this month, with the lower 15 percent rate taking effect on Sept. 16. The shift has heightened pressure on Hyundai, which raised its 2025 revenue growth target to 5 to 6 percent but trimmed its operating profit margin goal to 6 to 7 percent, citing the financial drag of tariffs. Munoz also addressed a recent episode at Hyundai’s joint battery plant with LG Energy Solution in Georgia, where more than 300 South Korean workers were temporarily detained over visa issues. “Many of them were involved in advanced battery production,” he said, stressing the need for a “mutually beneficial resolution” to facilitate short-term technical staff exchanges. He noted that Hyundai has been part of American industry for four decades and has deep roots in Georgia, where its new battery and electric vehicle plant is the state’s largest economic development project. “We understand the stress faced by the detained workers and their families and are relieved they returned safely to Korea,” he added. Hyundai is investing 77.3 trillion won, or about $56 billion, over the next five years to weather challenges from softening electric vehicle demand and tariff uncertainty. By 2030, the company aims to sell 5.55 million vehicles worldwide, with 60 percent of them powered by electricity or hybrid technology. The New York event was the first time Hyundai convened investors outside South Korea, underscoring its ambition to position itself as a global leader in the transition to cleaner cars. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-19 10:14:39 -
Hyundai Rotem opens first rail component plant in US SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - South Korean rail manufacturer Hyundai Rotem has opened its first American production facility, a move aimed at aligning with Washington’s push to localize infrastructure supply chains. The 8,500-square-meter plant, called Hyundai Rotem Smart Electric America, officially opened on Wednesday (local time) in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, the company said Friday. Demand for rail infrastructure in Southern California is likely to surge ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics, presenting a window of opportunity for new entrants. Hyundai Rotem, which has supplied trains to projects from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, is seeking to position itself as a reliable partner to U.S. transit authorities. The plant will manufacture and test propulsion control systems, traction motors and auxiliary power units — core components that power trains and manage their braking and electrical systems. “This is a crucial starting point for realizing our commitment to quality in the U.S.,” Lee Yong-bae, Hyundai Rotem’s chief executive, said at the opening ceremony. He added that the plant was expected to support job creation and local economic growth. The investment is also a strategic bet on the Trump administration’s “Buy America” rules, which require federally funded infrastructure projects to source a significant share of their materials and components domestically. For foreign suppliers like Hyundai Rotem, a U.S. manufacturing base is no longer optional but a prerequisite to compete for contracts. The Riverside plant will not only handle production but also provide maintenance support and training for American operators, a move the company hopes will strengthen ties with local communities and rail firms. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-19 09:38:25 -
Rosé's catchy song amasses over 2 billion views on YouTube SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Rosé, a member of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, continues to break records with her catchy song "APT." According to her management agency, the global hit, a collaboration with American pop star Bruno Mars, amassed over 2 billion views on YouTube in about a year after its release in October last year. With the latest feat, she now has another music video surpassing 2 billion views on the American streaming giant, adding to the quartet's previous hits like "DDU-DU DDU-DU" and "Kill This Love." Rosé's global recognition was further boosted as the song went viral worldwide, leading to her inclusion in TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People" list and her win of the "Song of the Year" award at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in the U.S. earlier this month. Meanwhile, Rosé is currently on a world tour with her fellow BLACKPINK members, which began with concerts in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province in early July. 2025-09-19 09:06:09