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The Shilla Seoul picked Korea's top hotel in global La Liste ranking SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - The Shilla Seoul has been named Korea’s top hotel and ranked among the world’s 200 best in the 2025 edition of La Liste Top 1000 Hotels, an international ranking published by the French National Tourism Board. The annual list evaluates hotels around the globe based on aggregated scores from international guidebooks, professional media, industry journals, and online reviews. The Shilla Seoul stood out for its highly personalized service and culinary excellence, distinguishing itself in the fiercely competitive luxury hospitality market. Reviewers praised the hotel’s meticulous attention to guest preferences, from customized room preparation to seamless service from arrival to departure. The evaluation highlighted what it described as the hotel’s “authentic approach to hospitality,” noting its consistently high standards and detail-oriented service. The Shilla Seoul’s diverse fine dining offerings were also central to its ranking. All four of its restaurants were included in La Liste 2025, with the Korean fine dining restaurant La Yeon earning 96 points — the highest score among Korean restaurants — and maintaining its place in the global Top 200 for a sixth consecutive year. French restaurant Continental and Japanese restaurant Ariake were each recognized for the sixth straight year, while Chinese restaurant Palsun made the list for a third year running. La Liste, first published in 2015, ranks the world’s top 1,000 hotels and restaurants using a composite scoring system that incorporates data from review platforms such as TripAdvisor and Yelp, as well as assessments from the Michelin Guide, The New York Times, and surveys of culinary professionals worldwide. 2025-07-15 17:19:23 -
NewJeans' producer Min Hee-jin cleared of criminal charges, HYBE to appeal SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) -South Korea's police have cleared former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin of breach of trust allegations filed by HYBE, the parent company behind K-pop girl group NewJeans. The Yongsan Police Station said Tuesday that after more than a year of investigation, the case would not be forwarded to prosecutors. HYBE filed the complaint in April 2024, accusing Min of attempting to take control of ADOR by colluding with outside investors and bypassing the internal decision-making process. At the time, HYBE held an 80 percent stake in the label, which Min had led since its launch. Min's legal team welcomed the police decision, stating, "After more than a year of investigation, police have found no grounds for criminal suspicion. Both the breach of trust and embezzlement allegations have been dismissed." HYBE responded that it would formally appeal the decision. The company pointed to a recent ruling by the Seoul High Court which stated that Min had “intentionally destroyed the integrated structure that was the premise of the exclusive contract,” referring to the internal governance and contractual foundation of ADOR and NewJeans. The legal dispute began with HYBE’s audit of ADOR in early 2024, which quickly escalated into a public power struggle between the two sides. Following the fallout, the five members of NewJeans attempted to terminate their contracts and began operating under the name "NJZ." The move was not authorized by ADOR. In June 2025, the Seoul High Court issued an injunction in favor of ADOR, blocking the members from promoting independently or using the NJZ name. The court reaffirmed that the group remains legally bound to ADOR and imposed penalties of up to one billion won, about $725,000, per violation. Although the police decision relieves Min of criminal responsibility, HYBE maintains that her actions caused structural harm to the company and continues to seek further legal review. The company says the police ruling does not reflect more recent developments that have come to light during civil proceedings. 2025-07-15 16:33:51 -
Russian airliner to launch direct flights to Pyongyang SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - A direct flight linking Pyongyang and Moscow will be launched later this month, Russia's Transport Ministry said Monday. According to the ministry, Russian carrier Nordwind Airlines will offer the first-ever direct passenger flights to Pyongyang twice a week starting in late July, connecting the two countries' capitals. The non-stop route, which takes about eight hours, was approved last week by Russia's aviation authorities following a request from Nordwind in June. The new flight comes as part of broader efforts to foster cooperation and exchanges amid closer ties between the two countries. Until now, the only available air route has been a flight connecting Pyongyang to Vladivostok three times a week, which resumed last August after a halt during the coronavirus pandemic. During a visit to North Korea's tourist zone of Wonsan in the eastern coastal area of Kangwon Province last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also revealed plans to restore maritime routes, which would boost trade and tourism between the two countries. 2025-07-15 16:32:10 -
Saltlux launches AI center to guide corporate adoption SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korean artificial intelligence firm Saltlux on Tuesday announced the launch of its AI Work Innovation Center aimed at helping businesses integrate generative AI and AI agents into their operations from concept to deployment. The center is intended to support companies grappling with the challenges of AI adoption by offering a structured, end-to-end consulting and implementation service. Its offerings span strategy development, technology assessment, prototype development, and full-scale integration. While AI agents are increasingly seen as essential tools for boosting productivity and maintaining competitiveness, many companies remain hesitant, citing uncertainties around implementation, compatibility with legacy systems, security risks, and cost control. Saltlux said its approach is designed to address those hurdles through tailored, sector-specific solutions. The process begins with an intensive two-week strategy workshop to assess client goals and operational conditions. From there, the company develops AI agent prototypes and user interface designs, aiming to deliver technology that fits into existing workflows and scales effectively from pilot to production. “AI is no longer a choice, but a strategic necessity that every company must prepare for,” said Lee Kyung-il, chief executive of Saltlux. “We will continue to actively support Korean companies in their AI transformation by leveraging our technical expertise and experience, and help all organizations harness AI as a tool for innovation.” 2025-07-15 16:16:29 -
Korea's budget airlines see passenger decline despite peak travel season SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s low-cost carriers reported disappointing results for the second quarter of 2025, as passenger numbers dipped below last year’s levels despite the start of the summer travel season. Total traffic on budget airlines fell 2.8 percent year-on-year to 17.46 million domestic and international passengers, according to data released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The decline comes amid ongoing fare suppression, persistent safety concerns, and softer-than-expected demand — fueled in part by viral but unfounded rumors of seismic activity in Japan, a key destination. The subdued figures are in sharp contrast to those of South Korea’s full-service airlines. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines posted a combined 3.2 percent increase in passenger numbers over the same period, suggesting that travelers may be opting for legacy carriers amid concerns over service and safety at budget airlines. The gap was even wider when viewed over the first half of the year. While Korea’s two flagship carriers saw passenger growth of 3.8 percent, the collective total for low-cost carriers declined by 5.4 percent. Jeju Air is expected to report a second-quarter operating loss of 39.9 billion won, widening from a 32.6 billion won shortfall in the first quarter, according to estimates from market tracker FnGuide. Jin Air, which had posted an operating profit of 58.3 billion won earlier in the year, is now forecast to swing to a 5.1 billion won loss. T’way Air is projected to remain in negative territory, with an estimated 41.5 billion won operating loss. Analysts point to the aftermath of a runway overrun at Muan International Airport late last year as a key factor behind the financial strain. In the wake of the incident, low-cost carriers slashed ticket prices to rebuild demand — but those fare cuts have since become entrenched, making it difficult to restore profitability even during the typically robust summer period. “In the process of recovering from the Muan Airport incident, low-cost carriers significantly lowered their fares, and those price cuts have since become entrenched — preventing them from regaining profitability even during the peak season,” said Choi Go-un, an analyst at Korea Investment & Securities. Currency fluctuations are adding to the strain. Budget airlines remain heavily exposed to a strong U.S. dollar, which affects core costs such as aircraft leases, fuel, maintenance, and insurance — all typically paid in dollars. “For some carriers, the underlying demand base is starting to weaken,” Choi added, warning that the mounting financial pressure could prompt some airlines to pursue capital raises through rights offerings in the second half of the year. 2025-07-15 15:27:24 -
Biopharmaceuticals account for growing share of new drug launches SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - Biopharmaceuticals made up 42 percent of new drug launches worldwide between 2020 and 2024, reflecting their growing influence in the pharmaceutical landscape, according to new data released Tuesday by market research firm IQVIA. The share of biological medicines among newly approved active substances has steadily increased over the past two decades — from 28 percent between 2005 and 2009, to 30 percent in the following five years, and to 39 percent between 2015 and 2019. The latest figures confirm a continued upward trend. New active substances, or NASs, are defined as compounds with previously unapproved chemical structures or mechanisms of action. They often represent significant innovations in drug development, forming the basis of pharmaceutical pipelines across the globe. Regional disparities in biopharmaceutical adoption remain notable. In the 2020–2024 period, biologics accounted for 33 percent of NAS launches in China, compared to 44 percent in the United States, and 45 percent in both Japan and a group of four major European Union countries plus the United Kingdom. IQVIA attributed these variations in part to differences in regulatory environments and market accessibility, emphasizing that a country’s level of access to biopharmaceuticals directly influences its overall healthcare spending. While China’s adoption rate still trails that of more developed markets, the gap has narrowed in recent years, the firm said. The five-year period also saw a notable acceleration in overall drug development, with 394 NASs launched globally — representing nearly 40 percent of all new active substances introduced since 2005. The United States led with 273 NASs during the period, a 22 percent increase from 2015 to 2019, further solidifying its position as a hub for biopharmaceutical innovation. 2025-07-15 15:19:45 -
Busan poised to host UNESCO's annual gathering next year SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea is expected to host the upcoming session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in the southern port city of Busan in July next year. The decision is set to be made at the committee's latest session, currently underway in Paris this week, with South Korea as the sole candidate. With no other countries in the bid, the country appears almost certain to host the event. Once Busan is selected as the venue for the international gathering, which brings together over 3,000 participants from nearly 200 countries, it would be the first time the event takes place in the country since the committee's inaugural meeting in Paris in 1977, followed by other Asian cities such as Phuket, Thailand in 1994, Kyoto, Japan in 1998, Suzhou, China in 2004, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap-Angkor in Cambodia in 2013. The committee is composed of 21 of the international body's 190 member nations, which vote on the selection and preservation of World Heritage sites and assets recognized for their natural and cultural significance, as they are deemed "so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity." Meanwhile, petroglyphs carved into rocks and cliffs by local inhabitants along the Bangucheon Stream in the southeastern city of Ulsan, showing traces of prehistoric eras, were listed last week as the country's latest World Heritage site. 2025-07-15 15:03:02 -
SHINee's Onew to release second full-length album "PERCENT" SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - K-pop group SHINee member Onew will return to the music scene with the release of his second full-length album, "PERCENT," dropping Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. (0900 GMT). The album arrives five months after his January mini-album "CONNECTION." According to his agency, SM Entertainment, the title track "ANIMALS" captures the moment when instinct takes control. The song features a refined bass line, acoustic guitar, synths, and sound effects that mimic animal calls. Rather than repeating the same structure, Onew develops a narrative that creates tension and movement throughout the track. The music video, which will be released alongside the album, visualizes this theme by showing instinct awakening and reason giving way. Onew said he hopes listeners will feel free to follow their instincts and enjoy moments of joy, “even if only under a full moon.” "PERCENT" includes a variety of songs that reflect different moods and themes. The opening track "Silky" embraces rest and laziness, while "Caffeine" uses unusual harmonies to express a sense of addiction. "Marshmallow" describes the feeling of falling in love, and "Confidence" symbolically captures Onew’s emotional rhythm in uncertain times. The track "오래 OKㅋ" offers comfort with a light, humorous tone. Other songs include "Far Away," which contrasts sharp sounds to express a desire to escape confusion, and "MAD," which explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup. The track "PERCENT (%)" experiments with sound to portray a wide emotional range, while "Epilogue" focuses on a sincere, vocal-driven narrative. The album closes with "Happy Birthday," a song about hope and gratitude. Onew has described "PERCENT" as a personal story of being emptied, filled, and shaped by interaction with the world. He said, “No one can reach 100 percent alone, but even imperfect beings are beautiful in their own way.” He participated in the overall production of the album, showing his artistic growth. To celebrate the release, a pop-up store titled "ONEW 2ND ALBUM 'PERCENT' POP-UP STORE" has opened at the first floor open stage of Shinsegae Gangnam. The space features interactive displays and fan events designed around the album’s concept. 2025-07-15 14:15:26 -
Industry minister nominee backs US-style tax credits for chips, batteries SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s nominee for industry minister, Kim Jung-gwan, is pushing for the introduction of production tax credits for semiconductors and battery materials, according to parliamentary documents released Tuesday ahead of his confirmation hearing. Kim, a former senior economic official and most recently an executive at power equipment firm Doosan Enerbility, said the government must adopt “strategic and proactive industrial policies with competitive incentives” to reduce trade risks and bolster key sectors. He identified production tax credits — subsidies tied to output rather than investment — as a priority for advanced industries, starting with semiconductors and battery materials. “Securing global leadership in semiconductors requires swift, strong support in the face of intensifying global uncertainty,” Kim wrote in the parliamentary document. He called for fiscal and tax incentives to enhance domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity, echoing the production-linked support seen in recent U.S. industrial policy. In the battery sector, Kim warned that a slowing electric vehicle market and China’s dominance in the supply chain pose “urgent threats” to South Korea’s competitiveness. He pledged focused support for the production of critical battery components such as cathodes, anodes, electrolytes, and separators to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers and strengthen the so-called “K-battery” ecosystem. Production tax credits function as direct tax reductions tied to companies’ actual output. The United States introduced similar measures under the Inflation Reduction Act, offering incentives for domestic production of batteries, solar components, and clean energy fuels. South Korea currently offers one-time investment tax credits of up to 20 percent for large firms in high-tech industries like semiconductors, but has yet to tie such support to production volumes. President Lee Jae Myung had pledged during his campaign to introduce a 10 percent production tax credit for domestically produced and sold semiconductors. Industry estimates suggest that Samsung Electronics and SK hynix could each benefit from annual tax reductions of up to 5 trillion won (approximately $3.6 billion) under such a scheme. Kim’s emphasis on battery materials marks a more granular approach than the broader support pledged by the president during the campaign. Industry insiders welcomed the proposal, noting that extending tax credits to material manufacturers could improve Korea’s supply chain independence in a sector heavily reliant on China. “If production tax credits are applied to key materials, Korea’s battery industry will be much more globally competitive,” a battery industry official said. The nominee's confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday. 2025-07-15 14:10:53 -
POSCO to supply advanced steel for Saudi Aramco's gas plant SEOUL, July 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest steelmaker POSCO will supply hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) resistant steel to Saudi Aramco for its Fadhili gas plant expansion project. The agreement is a strategic win for POSCO and a notable shift in procurement norms for Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, which has traditionally sourced such critical materials from European manufacturers. The Fadhili expansion, designed to increase the plant’s gas processing capacity by roughly 60 percent, demands materials capable of withstanding severe operational conditions, including hydrogen-induced cracking — a corrosive failure mechanism caused by hydrogen sulfide exposure in high-pressure environments. HIC-resistant steel, a specialized alloy used in the fabrication of pipes, pressure vessels, and structural components, plays a vital role in energy infrastructure. While POSCO has previously supplied HIC-grade steel for pipelines, this project represents the first time its steel will be deployed within the plant itself, positioning the Korean company as a serious contender in an elite global market. “This contract is a clear example of how technological innovation and quality can break entrenched market barriers,” a POSCO spokesperson said. The company described the deal as part of its broader strategy to achieve what it calls “super-gap” competitiveness — offering premium, high-value-added steel products that few global players can match. Beyond the commercial win, the agreement carries significant implications for South Korea’s broader industrial ecosystem. The HIC-resistant steel will be fabricated domestically into pipes, pressure vessels, and other components by firms including Hyundai Steel Pipe, SeAH Steel, Bumhan Mecatec, and Taekwang Industrial. Aramco had initially considered European firms for downstream production. But POSCO’s selection helped redirect that work to South Korean manufacturers, bolstering the country’s plant engineering and fabrication sectors. For Aramco, the decision also reflects a broader shift toward diversifying its supplier base as it embarks on ambitious expansions across gas and petrochemical processing. Construction on the Fadhili gas plant expansion is expected to begin later this year. 2025-07-15 13:33:25