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TRAVEL: Glimpse into daily life in North Korea from across the Amnok River Amnok River, July 09 (AJP) - North Korea was once one with South Korea and remains close, yet unreachable. Today, we can only catch glimpses of the country under limited circumstances and in specific places. We cannot talk to them, shake their hands, or interact freely. One of the few places we can view North Korea relatively closely is from the Chinese border. While South Korea and North Korea are separated by the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone, China and North Korea are separated mostly by the Amnok and Tuman rivers, making it possible to observe each other on clear days. I visited the Amnok River hoping to catch a closer look at North Korea. In this region, boat tours allow passengers to see across the river to North Korean territory. These boats pass under the broken section of a bridge, once a route used by Chinese troops during the Korean War. Known as the Broken Bridge at Jianghado, it was bombed by American forces and has never been restored. As our small boat approached the North Korean side, the figures of people came into focus. From afar, you might simply note that "there are people" or "those are soldiers," but as we drew nearer, we could see their postures, facial expressions, and clothing. They were plowing steep hillside fields with oxen. Two farmers guided a yoke as two oxen pulled a plow, a scene that looked frozen in the 1950s. Their brick houses were patched together with mismatched roof tiles, and the windows were irregularly shaped, seemingly incapable of withstanding harsh winters. Guard posts behind stone fences had peeling paint that no longer served any camouflage purpose. The only modern touch was a CCTV camera, but whether it worked was unclear. Wooden utility poles leaned dangerously and looked like they might snap in the wind. Across the Amnok River, the main mode of transportation appeared to be bicycles. A few motorcycles and cars were spotted, but they were rare. Most people carried goods on bicycles along a path fenced with netting toward the Chinese side, the only visible road on the North Korean side. A few people also moved by boat. These small, rusty motorboats, fitted with oars on both sides, carried two or three people fishing. Since they were closer to us than the people on land, we could hear their voices and exchange greetings. They looked no different from rural young men in South Korea—simple and familiar. Watching their faces, I often forgot I was looking at North Korea. It felt like I was looking at a countryside village in South Korea. But then I saw a sign on a deforested hill that read, "Let us go forward with communism!" That jolted me back to reality. The same language, but a sentence unimaginable in the South—it was jarring. After getting off the boat, I traveled by bus for about an hour with the Amnok River on my left. The first thing I noticed were construction workers in North Korea. Most of them were young, small-framed men, numbering easily in the hundreds. Wearing yellow safety helmets, they were building walls with piles of earth. About an hour and a half later, we arrived opposite Sinuiju. There, we saw apartment buildings, possibly up to 15 stories high, which brought to mind the phrase "for show." Though it was around sunset, only a few small lights flickered inside, and no people could be seen. The ground floors housed facilities like food distribution centers, "Hadan 1 Pharmacy," a library, and an IT distribution room, mirroring the style of South Korean mixed-use buildings. On one wall, a large slogan read, "Let us thoroughly carry out the decisions of the 12th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee." Our glimpse of the other side was soon obscured as fog rose across the width of the Amnok River. The fog swelled over the river like a pillow placed between North Korea and China, cutting off the view once again. 2025-07-15 11:05:45 -
BLACKPINK's North American tour kicks off with sell-out concerts in Los Angeles SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - K-pop girl group BLACKPINK performed in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 100,000 fans in Los Angeles over the weekend as part of their world tour. According to their agency YG Entertainment on Monday, the two-day concerts at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood were sold out shortly after tickets went on sale, packing the venue and making BLACKPINK the girl group to draw the largest crowd ever at the stadium. The enthusiastic fans erupted in cheers as the four girls, Jennie, Ji-soo, Lisa and Rosé, captivated them with spectacular performances of their hit songs along with individual solo stages. The latest gigs came after last week's concerts here where the four members reunited for the first time in nearly two years after focusing on their respective solo careers. They are now set to perform in Chicago, New York, and Toronto before wrapping up their North American stops and embarking on the Asian and European legs of the tour. Meanwhile, through a partnership with BLACKPINK, Google has been offering concert-related services on Google Maps since last week including directions to venues, nearby dining options, and other useful information for fans. 2025-07-14 17:00:52 -
High-income YouTubers under crackdown over unreported earnings SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s tax authorities have ramped up enforcement efforts against YouTubers and other online content creators, uncovering widespread tax evasion and imposing billions of won in penalties. According to data submitted to ruling party lawmaker Jung Tae-ho by the National Tax Service (NTS), audits were conducted on 21 YouTubers in 2024 alone, resulting in 8.9 billion won (approximately $6.45 million) in penalties. The intensified scrutiny reflects growing concern over tax compliance among high-earning online influencers. From 2019 through 2024, regional tax offices audited 67 YouTubers, levying a total of 23.6 billion won in penalties — an average of about 350 million won per creator. The figures encompass all types of business income, not solely revenue generated through YouTube. Tax enforcement has accelerated in recent years. While just 22 creators were audited over the four-year period between 2019 and 2022, authorities investigated 24 in 2023 and another 21 in 2024. During that same time, the average penalty per YouTuber rose sharply, exceeding 420 million won last year. Despite the rise in enforcement, tax authorities acknowledged limitations in tracking specific income streams, such as direct viewer donations. Officials said they do not maintain detailed records distinguishing between forms of income like "super chats" or voluntary bank transfers, which creators often label as "subscriptions" or "gifts." Regardless of terminology, such donations are taxable under Korean law. “Voluntary” viewer contributions — whether processed through platforms or transferred directly — must be reported as income, the NTS said. In a sign of broader digital enforcement, the NTS said it had expanded its scope this year to include 17 investigations into other online platforms. These include nine cases linked to sexually explicit broadcasts, five involving deepfake gambling sites, and three YouTube channels accused of spreading defamatory content for profit. Lawmaker Jung, who disclosed the findings, called for stronger safeguards to address gaps in online income reporting. “We need to encourage honest reporting and introduce institutional improvements to prevent blind spots in digital taxation,” he said. 2025-07-14 15:22:08 -
NCT DREAM marks 9th anniversary with time travel-themed album 'Go Back To The Future' SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - As NCT DREAM approaches its 9th anniversary, the group is making a comeback with its fifth full-length album, "Go Back To The Future," built around the concept of time travel. The album was officially introduced during a press conference on Monday at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. The seven-member group, including Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung, explores the past, present, and future in a narrative that connects their beginnings in 2016 to their current identity in 2025 and a distant future they call the "Absolute Present." To fully realize the time travel theme, they received official approval to pay homage to the film "Back to the Future" from Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, combining familiar visuals like hoverboards with NCT DREAM's own symbols. "It is an album with double title tracks. It consists of nine songs and carries a theme of time travel," Mark explained. "We, the quirky seven members of NCT DREAM, accidentally discover a time machine, which is a hoverboard. As NCT DREAM, known for our storytelling, we included many fun elements in the album revolving around time." "BTTF" (Back To The Future), one of the title tracks, reflects on the idea of understanding a regret-free past while facing choices that can change the future. Jeno described the song as intense and central to the album’s message. Renjun added, "All the time in the past has accumulated to create the current NCT DREAM. Some lyrics recur like a slogan, capturing our shining selves from the past, present, and future." The group also nodded to their origins by wearing the same pajamas from their debut music video in the "BTTF" video, recreating those early scenes. "It conveys the message that the 'us' back then has led to the 'us' now," they said. The second title track, "CHILLER," shifts the focus to enjoying the present with confidence. Chenle noted, "It is a song that follows 'BTTF.' It carries a message of enjoying my most radiant self just as I am. The word 'CHILLER' itself conveys a sense of leisure." Jaemin added that it was recorded in a relaxed but sincere atmosphere to match the lyrics' tone. This is the first time NCT DREAM has selected two title tracks. "Rather than deciding to have double title tracks from the planning stage, we both loved them so much that we ended up going with double title tracks," Chenle explained. The album also includes "I LIKE IT," "DREAM TEAM," and "Interlude: Back to Our PARADISE," as well as ballads like "My Rain Shower ('Bout You)," "When the Summer Wind Blows (That Summer)," and "Dawn Star (Miss Me)." "Beautiful Sailing" closes the album, reflecting on their journey and hinting at what lies ahead. Ahead of the release, NCT DREAM held a three-day concert at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, drawing 60,000 fans and setting a new group record. "If those who attended the performances feel that they made the right choice to see an NCT DREAM concert, that brings me great fulfillment," Jaemin said. Jisung reflected on their near-decade-long career, saying, "I feel pride in being a team that can hold a concert at Gocheok Dome." Haechan added, "Even though we are approaching the 9th anniversary, we will show a passion as if it's just our 9th day since debut." NCT DREAM said their main goal is to deliver the album’s message clearly. "While each of us may have various new dreams, I believe that achieving the dream we initially had is valuable," Mark said. "Instead of dreaming different dreams, we want to carry the message, even if the form differs." "Go Back To The Future" was released on Jul. 14 at 6 p.m. on major music platforms and is also available as a physical album. 2025-07-14 15:14:10 -
LG targets global markets for StandbyME 2 portable screen after domestic success SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - LG Electronics will begin the global rollout of its StandbyME 2 portable screen this week. The company plans a phased international launch, starting with Hong Kong and Turkey this week. Additional markets, including the United States, Canada, Vietnam, and Singapore, will follow in July, with the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain scheduled for August. The StandbyME 2, a second-generation upgrade of LG’s portable screen lineup, recorded strong sales momentum after its Korean debut in February. During its first live broadcast event, more than 1,000 units sold out in just 38 minutes. Over the following five months, sales volume reached nearly four times that of the original StandbyME, signaling growing consumer appetite for portable and flexible screen solutions. The device features a 27-inch QHD touchscreen with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels and offers up to four hours of wireless use on a single charge. LG says the new model incorporates customer feedback gathered since the original StandbyME’s launch, introducing a simplified design that allows users to detach the screen from its stand at the press of a button — eliminating the need for tools or screws. That upgrade enables the screen to function as a tabletop display or wall-mounted frame, part of what LG describes as a broader push to accommodate modern viewing habits and mobile lifestyles. The company has framed its second-generation release as a direct response to customer demand, emphasizing flexibility, convenience, and portability. “We will further strengthen our leadership in the global portable screen market by leveraging the completely renewed lifestyle screen, the LG StandbyME 2, which reflects the voices of our customers,” said Lee Choong-hwan, head of LG’s TV business unit. 2025-07-14 15:02:00 -
US commits to maintaining troop levels in South Korea SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - The presence of U.S. troops in South Korea will likely remain at current levels under an annual defense bill drafted last week by the Senate Committee on Armed Services. The committee's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for next year passed last Friday contains a clause that "prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest." The NDAA, the backbone of U.S. defense budgets, also states that "the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Commanders of Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea to conduct an independent risk assessment of any such changes." Currently, there are about 28,500 the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops in South Korea. During his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump included a provision in the 2019 NDAA barring the use of funds "to reduce the total number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who are deployed to ." That was later removed under his successor President Joe Biden in 2022, reaffirming Washington's commitment to the bilateral alliance with its Asian ally. The bill is passed annually by Congress to set defense policy, allocate funding priorities, and provide guidance on key security matters. Earlier last week, Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities proposed cutting the number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea "by more than 50 percent," stressing the need to "revise the U.S. global military posture to be consistent with protecting vital national interests," raising concerns here amid Trump's repeated attempts to leverage troop withdrawal or reduction in his tariff-related negotiations. 2025-07-14 14:33:43 -
Korean steelmakers struggle under US tariff pressure, global glut SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - South Korea’s steelmakers endured another punishing quarter as a persistent global supply glut collided with a sharp escalation in U.S. tariffs. Steel exports from South Korea fell 5.9 percent year-on-year to $15.63 billion in the first half of 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The downturn accelerated in May and June — dropping 12.4 percent and 8.0 percent respectively — as the full effects of the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariff began to bite. The blow was compounded in June when the White House doubled the tariff rate on steel and aluminum to 50 percent. Speaking at a U.S. Steel plant outside Pittsburgh on May 31, U.S. President Donald Trump defended the move, saying: “At 25 percent, they can sort of get over that fence. At 50 percent, they can no longer get over the fence.” The rate hike has reignited fears of a broader trade contraction, especially for export-reliant economies like South Korea. The Korea International Trade Association now forecasts a 7.2 percent decline in steel exports in the second half of the year, while the Federation of Korean Industries projects a 5 percent drop amid tightening global margins. POSCO Holdings, the country’s largest steel group, is expected to report second-quarter operating profit of 646.8 billion won ($469 million), a 14 percent decline from a year earlier. While lower raw material prices and a weaker won provided some cost relief, analysts said slumping demand and falling prices in Southeast Asian markets likely weighed on overseas operations. In response, POSCO has accelerated efforts to streamline its international footprint, including the recent sale of its 1.1 million-ton-capacity Zhangjiagang Pohang Stainless Steel plant in China. Hyundai Steel, the nation’s second-largest producer, also faces mounting headwinds. Second-quarter revenue is projected to decline 3.2 percent to 5.85 trillion won, with operating profit forecast to fall 15.2 percent to 83.1 billion won. Despite the grim backdrop, industry watchers point to a few signs of potential relief in the second half. Beijing’s production curbs have begun to lift steel prices, and a pending South Korean government decision on imposing anti-dumping duties against Chinese and Japanese hot-rolled steel could help alleviate some pressure from low-cost imports. 2025-07-14 14:23:48 -
PHOTOS: Ancient rock carvings in South Korea added to UNESCO heritage list SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has finalized the inscription of a series of ancient Korean rock carvings onto its World Heritage list, recognizing the sites as significant historical and artistic treasures. The petroglyphs, discovered in the 1970s, offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the Korean Peninsula. Located on the cliffs of the Bangudae Stream, a tributary of the Taehwa River in Ulsan, the carvings are situated on a rock face approximately 4.5 meters high and 8 meters wide. They feature dense depictions of marine and terrestrial animals, as well as hunting scenes. The site is notable for what is believed to be the world’s oldest depiction of whale hunting. A total of 312 carvings have been identified at this location. Two kilometers away, a second site features another set of carvings on a rock surface measuring roughly 2.7 meters high and 10 meters wide. This panel contains more than 620 etchings, including various shapes, symbols and drawings. Abstract patterns, such as diamonds and circles, are thought to date to the Bronze Age, while inscriptions believed to have been left during the Silla Dynasty are also present. The inclusion of these petroglyphs brings Korea’s total number of UNESCO World Heritage sites to 17, comprising 15 cultural heritage sites and two natural heritage sites. 2025-07-14 14:17:51 -
Samsung supplies advanced image sensor to Xiaomi, challenging Sony in global market SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has begun external shipments of its newest image sensor, the Isocell JNP, to Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, marking a key step in the firm's effort to challenge Sony’s long-standing dominance in the global image sensor market. The Isocell JNP, which features Samsung’s industry-first nanoprismatic technology, has been integrated into Xiaomi’s new CIVI 5 PRO smartphone, the company’s latest flagship equipped with its most advanced camera system to date. According to industry sources, Monday, Samsung’s System LSI division completed development and began mass production of the sensor in the second quarter, roughly a year after debuting its previous high-end Isocell JN5 series in June 2024. Image sensors are a critical component of smartphone cameras and other digital imaging devices, converting light into electrical signals to form high-quality images. The Isocell JNP sensor offers a 50-megapixel resolution, 0.64-micrometer pixel size, and a 1/2.8-inch optical format — conventional specifications — but its defining feature is its innovative nanoprismatic structure. Unlike traditional sensors, where each pixel captures only a single color, Samsung’s new design allows pixels to share and refract light through nano-scale microlenses, enabling the simultaneous capture of multiple colors. The result is a 25 percent increase in light sensitivity compared with the previous model, allowing for significantly improved performance in low-light environments. The technological breakthrough comes as smartphone manufacturers increasingly demand thinner devices — a trend that traditionally compromises image quality due to the need for smaller camera modules. Samsung's nanoprismatic solution addresses this challenge by maximizing light efficiency within the shrinking physical confines of modern smartphones. The move signals Samsung’s renewed ambition in the global CMOS image sensor market, which is projected to grow from $20.8 billion this year to $26.5 billion by 2029, fueled by rising demand from industries such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, and surveillance. Samsung currently holds a 15.4 percent share of the image sensor market, trailing far behind Sony’s commanding 51.6 percent. Chinese rival OmniVision is gaining ground, increasing its market share from 10.9 percent in 2023 to 11.9 percent in 2024. To close the gap, Samsung is eyeing expansion beyond its in-house Galaxy smartphones and Chinese partners. The company plans to supply sensors to North American tech firms beginning next year and is actively developing automotive-grade sensors, aiming to diversify its customer base and broaden its portfolio. 2025-07-14 11:06:28 -
Soaring fruit prices in South Korea reflect strain of heat wave SEOUL, July 14 (AJP) - Fruit prices in South Korea have surged sharply in recent weeks, as an early summer heat wave scorches the country, disrupting crop yields and straining supply chains. Watermelons and napa cabbage — summertime staples — have seen particularly steep price increases, prompting emergency measures from the government. As of July 11, the average retail price of a watermelon stood at 29,115 won, or about $21.16, according to data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation. The price is up 36.5 percent from a year ago and nearly 39 percent above the average over the past three years. The spike stems from a confluence of adverse weather conditions. A lack of sunlight in June delayed watermelon crop development, while the onset of intense heat in July accelerated demand. Producers say the extreme temperatures have reduced sugar content in many watermelons, leading to a supply shortage of high-quality fruit. Other summer fruits are also feeling the heat. Melons are selling for 10,076 won each, a 21.7 percent increase from a year ago and 16.3 percent higher than the three-year average. Peaches, another seasonal favorite, have climbed about 10 percent in price year over year. Napa cabbage — a key ingredient in kimchi, Korea’s beloved fermented dish — has shown particularly volatile movements. While current prices are still about 10 percent lower than last year’s levels, they jumped 27.4 percent in just one week to 4,309 won per head, reflecting tightening supply conditions. Livestock and poultry products have also been affected by the oppressive temperatures. Egg prices have risen nearly 6 percent from last year, reaching 7,162 won for a pack of 30, as consumers turn to protein-rich foods amid the heat. Chicken prices, currently at 6,070 won per kilogram, remain in line with year-ago levels but are up 11 percent from a month ago — with further increases likely as demand climbs ahead of Chobok, the first of Korea’s traditional “dog days” of summer on July 20. In response, the government has rolled out emergency supply measures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said it has secured 35,500 tons of napa cabbage for release during market shortages and prepared 2.5 million backup seedlings to offset crop losses. For watermelons, officials expect prices to ease later this month as harvests expand to more regions nationwide. Still, with meteorologists forecasting continued heat into August, officials and consumers alike are bracing for sustained pressure on food prices — and on the resilience of the country’s agricultural system. 2025-07-14 10:08:32