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Prosecutors raid former PM's residence in martial law probe SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors on Thursday raided the residence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as part of their investigation into disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. Searches were conducted at Han's private home and his former official residence as prime minister in central Seoul. The raid came just about three weeks after Han was questioned for about 14 hours earlier this month. Prosecutors allege that Han conspired with Yoon and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to prepare documents related to Yoon's Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, which eventually led to Yoon's ouster from office in April this year. Han, mindful of possible controversy, has also been accused of destroying the documents. But he reportedly denied all allegations, claiming that he only learned of Yoon's plan to declare martial law when a late-night cabinet meeting was convened that day, despite CCTV footage and other evidence suggesting otherwise. 2025-07-24 15:36:19
[[K-Tech]] Kakao releases its own open-source AI models SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Kakao has released two new open-source artificial intelligence models, including Korea’s first publicly available mixture-of-experts (MoE) model and a lightweight multimodal model. The company announced on Thursday that both models — Kanana-1.5-v-3b, a compact multimodal language model, and Kanana-1.5-15.7b-a3b, an MoE model designed for efficient inference — are now available on Hugging Face, a leading platform for open-source AI tools. The release underscores Kakao’s ambitions to move beyond consumer messaging and establish itself as a serious player in advanced AI research and development. “As a developer of in-house models and a provider of large-scale digital services like KakaoTalk, we see it as our role to help strengthen Korea’s AI infrastructure,” the company said in a statement. Multimodal AI models are capable of processing various forms of input — text, images, and sometimes audio — simultaneously. The Kanana-1.5-v-3b model, optimized for deployment in mobile and IoT environments, can understand images and follow complex user instructions in both Korean and English. Built entirely with Kakao’s own technology, the model delivers performance that the company says rivals larger international offerings — achieving up to 128 percent higher instruction-following accuracy than comparable open-source Korean multimodal models. 2025-07-24 14:51:33
[[K-Tech]] From creepy-crawly to culinary contender: Companies bet big on edible insects SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - The first bite delivered a crispy snap, followed by an unexpectedly savory burst — something between charred prawns and stir-fried anchovies. There was no musty aftertaste, no trace of the gamy aroma one might expect. “These are mealworms,” said Celina Lee, founder and chief executive of Grub Lab, a South Korean food-tech startup focused on edible insects. She watched her guest's reaction with a practiced calm, then offered a second helping — this time, a generous scoop of golden-brown slivers still bearing traces of their original form. “They taste better than they look, don’t they?” Grub Lab is one of South Korean firms betting that insects — once a novelty street snack — could become a cornerstone of future global diets. As the world grapples with the looming threat of food insecurity, the race to develop sustainable protein alternatives has accelerated, and insects are emerging as an unlikely frontrunner. With the global population expected to hit 10 billion by 2050, protein demand is projected to nearly double, putting unprecedented strain on agriculture and livestock production. In response, the food industry is advancing three main alternatives: plant-based meat for vegetarians, lab-grown meat for traditionalists, and edible insects for scalable, low-cost protein. South Korea, which has a long if sporadic tradition of insect consumption — including fried grasshoppers during harvest and silkworm pupae skewered on street corners — is positioning itself as a leader in the insect protein sector. A surge in patents, ranging from insect-based noodles to cheese, illustrates the scope of innovation. “Insects are remarkably efficient,” Lee told AJP. “They consume one-fifth the water and one-fifteenth the feed of traditional livestock, while emitting just a fraction of the carbon dioxide.” Referred to by industry insiders as “little cattle,” insects also require far less land, needing just one-fourteenth the space per gram of protein compared to cows. With breeding cycles as short as two months, they allow for multiple harvests per year — making them both cost-effective and climate-resilient. Market projections back the optimism. Precedence Research estimates that the global edible insect market, currently valued at $1.77 billion, will grow nearly sixfold to $9.14 billion by 2034. In terms of nutrition, insects outperform many conventional meats. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, mealworms contain 53 grams of protein per 100 grams — about 1.5 times more than pork. Rice grasshoppers contain even more: 64.2 grams of protein per 100 grams and nearly 40 times the iron. Their fat content is significantly lower, and what fat remains consists mostly of healthy unsaturated fatty acids. “Insects are the protein of the future,” said Kim Jae-keun, a professor of smart food resources at Donga University of Health. “They’re a viable alternative, particularly as extreme weather events — like the unusually intense monsoon season we saw this July — drive up feed prices and threaten traditional livestock.” Kim sees smart insect farms as the next frontier: vertically integrated, climate-controlled facilities that can produce reliable yields regardless of external weather conditions. South Korea’s government is beginning to act on that vision. On July 16, officials in Gangwon Province broke ground on a 20 billion won ($14.5 million) industrial complex dedicated to insect smart farming. The 2.8-hectare facility will focus on mass-producing mealworms, grubworms, crickets, and silkworms. “We want zero waste,” said Seok Young-seek, the center’s director. “Insects aren’t just food. Their chitin shells can be used in bioplastics and sensors. Their waste becomes fertilizer. There’s enormous potential.” The first batch — an estimated 200 tons of mealworms — is expected by mid-2026. The complex has already drawn attention from major firms: LG CNS is participating in automation design, while food giants Pulmuone and Hanmi Nutrition have expressed interest in integrating insect protein into their offerings. Despite the momentum, government data shows the number of edible insect businesses in South Korea grew only modestly in recent years — from 2,535 in 2019 to 3,031 in 2023, an 18 percent increase. That growth pales in comparison to the 180 percent surge in the four years leading up to 2015. Total sales in 2023 reached just 47.3 billion won, marking a 5.3 percent increase from the previous year — a sign that consumer acceptance is still lagging. “It’s really the visual aspect that turns people off,” said Lee Joon-ha, an expert in industrial insects at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. “People associate bugs with filth or household pests. It’s a deeply ingrained aversion that’s hard to change.” To combat the stigma, officials have organized edible insect festivals and launched public campaigns, including naming contests for farmed bugs. But Lee says a more lasting shift will come only when insects are reimagined in the culinary space. “Right now, we mostly see insects powdered, juiced, or dried. That’s not enough,” he said. “We need genuinely appetizing, original food products — things people want to eat, not just tolerate.” Until then, startups like Grub Lab are pushing forward, hoping that taste, not appearance, will eventually win over the masses. “Once people try it,” Celina Lee said, offering another sample, “they usually come back for more.” 2025-07-24 14:14:35
[[K-Film]] South Korean coming-of-age drama to compete at Toronto film fest this fall SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Director Yoon Ga-eun's film has been invited to the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to be held in Canada this fall. According to the film's distributor on Thursday, "The World of Love" has been selected to compete along with nine other films in the "Platform" section, the TIFF's only juried competition, which "spotlights films with high artistic merit and strong directorial vision." Organizers of the festival described Yoon's film as a "powerful, emotionally layered drama" in which "a spirited teenager confronts buried pain, while explores the quiet resilience it takes to own one's story — and future." Since making her directorial debut with "The Taste of Salvia," a 19-minute short film, in 2019, the up-and-coming director has mostly directed youth-oriented films that explore the emotional complexities and challenges of coming of age among adolescents. "The World of Love" is set for release here in the second half of this year, after getting its world premiere at the TIFF, which runs from Sept. 4 to 14 in the largest Canadian city. 2025-07-24 11:28:20
Ex-Naver chief eager to bring tech-savvy vision to small business policy as minister SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Han Seong-sook, the former CEO of Naver and one of South Korea’s most prominent tech executives, is set to lead the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. Her appointment marks a decisive shift toward digital transformation in the country’s small business policy. Best known for steering Naver from 2017 to 2022 and being named to Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women International” list for four consecutive years, Han brings deep experience in platform innovation and digital commerce. During her tenure, she championed small merchants through initiatives such as “Project Flower,” a 600 billion won (approximately $430 million) program aimed at helping small businesses thrive in the digital economy. That record ultimately helped win support across party lines despite initial concerns about her limited exposure to traditional small business sectors. The National Assembly’s Committee on Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs, and Startups formally adopted Han’s confirmation hearing report in a full session on July 23, just over a week after her July 15 hearing. The presidential office praised her “deep understanding and extensive experience,” citing her private-sector background as a strength in reshaping small business policy for a rapidly changing economic environment. In outlining her policy vision, Han identified five strategic goals: strengthening safety nets for small businesses, accelerating AI adoption among SMEs, advancing the startup and venture ecosystem, enforcing fair market practices, and revitalizing regional economies. “Digital transformation is no longer optional — it’s a matter of survival,” she said. “We must take bold, structural steps to ensure small businesses can compete and grow in this new era.” With Deputy Minister Noh Yong-seok recently installed and Han’s appointment now imminent, the administration’s SME leadership is coming into focus — one that signals a clear pivot toward tech-driven growth and modernization for South Korea’s small and mid-sized enterprises. 2025-07-24 10:49:01
China's BYD edges out Tesla, reshaping global auto order Editor's Note: This article is the 28th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer that began as a modest battery startup three decades ago, reported record revenue of 777.1 billion yuan ($107 billion) for 2024, overtaking Tesla’s $97.7 billion. The milestone comes as BYD sold 4.27 million new energy vehicles last year — a 41 percent jump from 2023 — making it the world’s fourth-largest automaker by volume. The achievement marks a stunning ascent for a company founded in 1995 with just 20 employees in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. That company, started by 29-year-old chemical engineer Wang Chuanfu, initially made rechargeable batteries to undercut expensive Japanese nickel-cadmium cells. BYD — short for “Build Your Dreams” — entered the automotive industry in 2003 with the acquisition of a struggling local carmaker, setting the stage for Wang’s long-term vision of integrating battery technology into the future of transportation. At the time, the notion of electric cars as a mainstream product was far-fetched. But Wang’s strategy gained critical validation in 2008 when Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway bought a 9.89 percent stake for $230 million. The deal, encouraged by Buffett’s longtime partner Charlie Munger, gave BYD a credibility boost during the global financial crisis and helped accelerate its EV ambitions. As of mid-2024, Berkshire still held a 6.9 percent stake, despite gradually reducing its position amid soaring share prices. A key technological leap came in 2020 with the introduction of the company’s Blade Battery, a lithium iron phosphate design known for its high energy density, safety, and low cost. Produced by BYD’s battery arm, FinDreams, the Blade Battery became a defining feature of the company’s competitive edge, allowing it to offer EVs at significantly lower prices without compromising on quality. That technological self-sufficiency is central to BYD’s model. About 75 percent of its vehicle components — from semiconductors to electric motors — are produced in-house. The company operates more than 30 industrial parks globally and employs over 900,000 people, making it China’s largest private-sector employer after several state-owned enterprises. The numbers reflect the scale of its success. BYD’s net profit for 2024 surged 34 percent to 40.25 billion yuan, with cash reserves reaching a record 154.9 billion yuan. Interest-bearing debt, meanwhile, fell to just 4.9 percent of total liabilities — one of the lowest ratios in the global auto industry. The company’s R&D spending also rose sharply, reaching 54.2 billion yuan, exceeding its annual profit by more than a third. BYD’s product lineup is as diversified as it is expansive. The Dynasty series, with bestsellers like the Han sedan and Tang SUV, targets mass-market consumers. The Ocean line — including the Dolphin hatchback and Seal sedan — caters to younger drivers. At the higher end, Denza, Yangwang, and Fangchengbao serve the luxury and off-road markets, with prices ranging from under $10,000 to over $100,000. Globally, BYD has become a formidable rival to Tesla. In the first half of 2024, it captured 21 percent of global EV sales, nearly double Tesla’s 11 percent. BYD produced 1.78 million fully electric vehicles last year, slightly edging out Tesla’s 1.77 million. In the final quarter of 2024, it outsold Tesla by 100,000 vehicles, intensifying the race for market leadership. International sales are growing rapidly. Overseas deliveries rose 72 percent to 417,204 vehicles last year, generating more than 220 billion yuan in revenue. BYD now operates or is building manufacturing plants in Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, and Mexico — part of a strategy to reduce logistics costs, bypass trade restrictions, and localize production. Europe has become a critical proving ground. The company sponsored the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship and launched advertising campaigns across the continent. With compact EV models and rapid-charging technologies, BYD is positioning itself to challenge legacy players like Volkswagen and BMW. But it faces headwinds, including the European Union’s potential tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, which could complicate pricing strategies in an already competitive market. BYD’s ambitions go well beyond transportation. It has become a comprehensive clean energy provider, manufacturing solar panels and large-scale energy storage systems. This diversification leverages its battery expertise while reducing reliance on vehicle sales. Research and innovation remain at the heart of BYD’s growth engine. The company employs more than 104,000 R&D workers and holds over 48,000 patents. Its latest breakthrough, the Super e-Platform, claims to deliver 400 kilometers of range with just five minutes of charging — double the peak speed of Tesla’s current Supercharger network. Still, challenges loom. BYD has set an ambitious target of 5 to 6 million vehicle sales in 2025. But intensifying competition from both legacy automakers and startups, potential trade friction, and the need to maintain margins while scaling globally could test the company’s resilience. Yet few companies have upended a global industry so quickly or so decisively. From a modest factory floor in Shenzhen to the top of the world’s EV rankings, BYD is no longer just building its dreams — it’s driving them. 2025-07-24 10:38:28
OPINION: Drawing wisdom, strength from great victory in WWⅡ SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - China has just announced that it will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. On the morning of Sept. 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping will address a grand gathering held that day to mark the anniversary. The commemoration events serve as a solemn tribute to the Chinese people's arduous and heroic resistance against Japanese militarist aggression, reaffirming the Chinese people's steadfast commitment to the path of peaceful development and to upholding world peace, carrying far-reaching and profound significance. Remembering the past, honoring sacrifice Commemoration is an act of remembrance. Eighty years ago, after a grueling 14 years of tenacious resistance, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the war against Japanese aggression, which also signaled the complete triumph of the global war against fascism. It is a victory of justice over evil, light over darkness, and progress over reaction, a victory for not only the Chinese people, but also for all people around the world. It stands as an enduring chapter in the history of the Chinese nation and the global pursuit of justice. Under the theme "Remember History, Honor the Martyrs, Cherish Peace, and Create the Future," the commemoration aims to honor the Chinese people's resolute resistance against Japanese militarist aggression, pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives, and the international solidarity that helped make victory possible. At its core, the remembrance reaffirms China's commitment to safeguarding the outcomes of World War II and respecting history. A shared legacy of resistance Commemoration is also about carrying forward a shared legacy. The victory of Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is the great triumph achieved through the collective efforts of the Chinese people, the anti-fascist alliance and all peoples around the world who opposed fascist aggression. Countless peace-loving and justice-upholding nations, peoples, and international organizations offered invaluable support to China's efforts. The Soviet Union provided China with large quantities of weapons and equipment, and the Flying Tigers from the United States created "The Hump" airlift to transport much-needed supplies to China. Humanitarian heroes such as Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune, Indian doctor Dwarkanath S. Kotnis, German businessman John Rabe, and Bernhard Arp Sindberg from Denmark stood up against atrocities, saving countless lives. British journalist Michael Lindsay and international fighter Hans Shippe lent their voices and strength to China's cause. On Sept. 3, a grand military parade will be held at Beijing's Tian'anmen Square to honor the spirit of the resistance against Japanese aggression and to reflect the character of a modern China that remains committed to peace. China will invite foreigners who aided the country's resistance against Japanese aggression or representatives of their family members to observe the military parade, underscoring international solidarity and commemorating shared sacrifices in pursuit of peace and justice. Learning from history, defending peace Commemoration is also a solemn reminder of the costs of war and the value of peace. All peace-loving peoples around the world must remember the history written in blood and sacrifice, resolutely safeguard the outcomes of World War II, uphold true multilateralism, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and a brighter future for humanity. Amid mounting global uncertainty and instability, China's solemn commemoration underscores its enduring commitment to safeguarding the victory of World War II, defending international fairness and justice, and advancing the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. It also sends a clear message to the international community: in times of turmoil, it is essential to draw on the wisdom of history, to summon the strength and clarity needed to oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics. In remembering the past, China looks to the future. Standing with all peace-loving nations and peoples, China will remain a guardian of historical memory, a partner in national development and rejuvenation, and a champion of global fairness and justice. Together, they will strive for a better future for all humanity. 2025-07-23 17:46:20
Gender equality and family minister nominee resigns amid growing criticism SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - Kang Sun-woo, a ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, decided to step down on Wednesday amid mounting criticism, with one controversy following another. In a message posted on Facebook, Kang said, "I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt because of me," expressing regret to the ruling Democratic Party for having caused a "heavy burden." She also wrote that she feels deeply sorry for President Lee Jae-myung, who "believed in me and gave me the opportunity" to serve the post. Assailed during her confirmation hearing at the National Assembly last week, Kang has been under fire over a slew of allegations including workplace abuse and mistreatment of subordinates such as forcing her former assistant to run personal errands and do household chores including disposing of waste. She initially denied all the allegations, only for them to turn out to be true. Despite growing public criticism, Lee appeared determined to proceed with the appointment of his close aide, but strong protests from over 90 civil organizations and legislative workers eventually led Kang to resign. 2025-07-23 17:37:04
S. Korea sees 11th straight monthly rise in births, but population still declines SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s birth rate rose for an 11th consecutive month in May, offering a rare glimmer of hope for the world’s fastest-aging society. According to data released Wednesday by Statistics Korea, 20,309 babies were born in May, up 3.8 percent from the same month a year earlier. It was the highest growth rate for May since 2011 — and the strongest monthly increase since the agency began compiling such data in 1981. From January through May, births totaled 106,048, marking a 6.9 percent increase year-on-year and surpassing 100,000 for the first time in recent years. The country’s total fertility rate — the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime — edged up to 0.75 in May, a slight increase from 0.73 the previous year. Still, it remains far below the replacement level of 2.1, and among the lowest in the world. Government officials credited the uptick to a rise in marriages, a larger cohort of women in their early 30s, and an expansion of central and local policies aimed at easing the financial burdens of child-rearing. Marriage registrations in May rose 4 percent to 21,761 — the highest figure for the month since 2019 — marking 14 straight months of year-on-year increases. Firstborn children accounted for 61.9 percent of all births. Second children made up 31.8 percent, while third or subsequent births comprised 6.3 percent. Divorces, meanwhile, fell to 7,413 in May — a 6.4 percent drop and the lowest number for the month since 1997. Yet despite the modest progress, South Korea’s overall population continued to decline. The number of deaths in May, 28,510, outpaced births by 8,202. Deaths were nearly unchanged from a year earlier, decreasing by just seven cases. While the rising birth numbers suggest a potential demographic shift, experts caution that sustained gains will be needed to reverse South Korea’s deepening population crisis. Without more robust growth, the country faces long-term challenges ranging from labor shortages to pension system strain and declining economic dynamism. 2025-07-23 17:35:26
KAIST team uncovers why some plants self-destruct after crossbreeding SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) - A research team led by KAIST has pinpointed the structural cause of a long-standing puzzle in plant biology: why certain plants, after being crossbred, mistakenly trigger immune responses against themselves and fail to survive. In collaboration with the National University of Singapore and the University of Oxford, the team used cryo-electron microscopy to identify how a specific protein, known as DM3, misfolds in certain genetic combinations, leading to a self-inflicted immune reaction known as hybrid necrosis. The problem has frustrated scientists for years. When two different plant varieties are bred, their offspring sometimes grow weak and die prematurely, despite appearing genetically compatible. This phenomenon, often tied to immune system overreaction, has been difficult to predict or prevent. KAIST researchers found that one version of the DM3 protein, called DM3Hh-0, fails to bind its six subunits properly. The plant's immune system recognizes this irregular structure as a threat and reacts accordingly. In contrast, another version, DM3Col-0, forms a stable complex and does not trigger a response. "The immune system can recognize not just pathogens from outside, but also structural problems within its own proteins," said Professor Song Ji-jun of KAIST's Department of Biological Sciences, who led the research. "This sheds light on how plants interpret internal changes as potential danger." Using high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy, the team visualized the structure of DM3 and determined that the issue was not related to its enzymatic function, but rather to how well the protein units stick together. Loose binding appeared to be the key trigger. "This study brings together structural biology, genetics, and cell biology to explain a phenomenon that plant scientists have struggled to make sense of," said Dr. Kim Ki-jung, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich and one of the study’s first authors. "It gives us a clearer picture of how self-immunity works in plants and why certain genetic mixes can go wrong." The research team says the findings may help guide future crop breeding strategies by identifying potentially incompatible combinations in advance. The study titled "Structural determinants of DANGEROUS MIX 3, an alpha/beta hydrolase that triggers NLR-mediated genetic incompatibility in plants" was published on July 17 in Molecular Cell, a peer-reviewed journal affiliated with Cell. The project was jointly led by Professor Song of KAIST and Professor Choi Eun-young at Oxford. Co-first authors include Dr. Kim and Dr. Wei-Lin Wan of the National University of Singapore. KAIST Ph.D. student Kim Na-yoon is listed as the second author. The work was supported by KAIST’s Grand Challenge 30 initiative. 2025-07-23 17:34:42