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  • Kim Min-jis Hat Trick Leads South Korea to 5-0 Victory Over Myanmar in Womens Football
    Kim Min-ji's Hat Trick Leads South Korea to 5-0 Victory Over Myanmar in Women's Football The South Korean women's football team, aiming for its first-ever Asian Games final, started strong in the group stage by defeating Myanmar 5-0.Under the guidance of head coach Shin Sang-woo, South Korea triumphed in the first match of Group F at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka, Japan, thanks to a hat trick from Kim Min-ji, along with goals from Jang Seul-ki and Choi Yu-ri.Ranked 19th by FIFA, South Korea took control early against 55th-ranked Myanmar, launching a relentless offensive.In the 29th minute of the first half, Kim Min-ji scored the opening goal with a left-footed shot after evading a defender.Four minutes later, she headed in a cross from Jang Seul-ki to double the lead. Jang then scored herself in the 38th minute, extending South Korea's advantage to 3-0.The offensive continued into the second half.In the 59th minute, Kim Min-ji completed her hat trick by scoring again after receiving a pass from Jang Seul-ki. She was substituted shortly after to conserve energy.Choi Yu-ri sealed the victory in the 76th minute, scoring after rounding the goalkeeper.Despite missing two penalty kicks earned by Choi Yu-ri and Son Hwa-yeon in the early and mid-second half, South Korea secured a decisive win.With this victory, South Korea earned three points but sits in second place in the group due to goal difference, trailing North Korea, which defeated Bangladesh 10-0. Myanmar is in third place, followed by Bangladesh.In this tournament, the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.South Korea is striving for its first final appearance and a medal in this competition.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:56:00
  • Aftermarket Launches with 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading; Focus on Optoelectronics
    Aftermarket Launches with 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading; Focus on Optoelectronics Aftermarket Launches with 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading; Focus on OptoelectronicsThe Korea Exchange's aftermarket concluded its first trading day with significant activity, particularly in optoelectronics and light electronics. On September 14, the aftermarket recorded trading volumes of 13.25 trillion won in the KOSPI market and 4.925 trillion won in the KOSDAQ market, representing 6.5% and 8.9% of regular market levels, respectively. Trading volumes were also notable, with the KOSPI market at 8.1% and the KOSDAQ at 8.0% compared to regular market activity.In terms of individual stocks, optoelectronics led the KOSPI market with approximately 28.97 million shares traded, followed by Samsung Electronics, SM Vexcel, Hunga Shipping, and Hyundai Pharmaceutical. In the KOSDAQ market, light electronics topped the list with around 80.46 million shares, with Dream Security, Kosnine, Xgate, and Samik Pharmaceutical also among the most traded. Samik Pharmaceutical saw a 19.85% increase, while Korea BNC and light electronics rose by over 12%.The aftermarket operates from 4 PM to 8 PM, allowing real-time trading after regular market hours. The overlap with the alternative exchange Next Trade (NXT) has intensified competition for liquidity post-market closure. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted that the expansion of trading demand and competition for liquidity with NXT will be key factors moving forward.Shuttle Diplomacy Resumes, but Historical Perception Issues RemainThe Lee Jae-myung administration has initiated efforts to restore shuttle diplomacy with Japan to improve bilateral relations; however, historical perception issues continue to pose significant challenges. A UNESCO publication marking the 75th anniversary of Japan's membership includes sites related to forced labor of Koreans, such as the 'Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage' and Sado Mine, but fails to mention the historical context of forced mobilization. The Japanese government has not adequately fulfilled its commitment to provide explanations regarding the forced mobilization of Koreans during the registration of the industrial heritage, prompting the South Korean government to hold separate memorial services for the victims of Sado Mine.In his Liberation Day speech, President Lee emphasized the achievements of shuttle diplomacy and cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries between the two countries, while also urging Japan to confront its past and empathize with the pain of victims and their families. However, tensions surrounding historical perceptions persist, particularly following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine. The government faces the challenge of continuing practical diplomacy with Japan in economic and security areas, separate from historical issues.Political circles have raised concerns that President Lee's current approach to Japan may be seen as contradictory, given his previous criticisms of the former Yoon Suk-yeol administration's diplomacy with Japan as 'humiliating.' Kim Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, pointed out during a parliamentary session that the Lee administration is continuing the shuttle diplomacy framework established by the Yoon administration. Choi Eun-mi, a researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, emphasized the need for a phased strategy to stabilize Korea-Japan relations while ensuring South Korea's national interests are upheld.President Lee Meets ADB President to Expand Cooperation in Key Minerals and AIOn September 14, President Lee Jae-myung met with Kanda Masato, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to discuss expanding cooperation in key mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy sectors across the Asia-Pacific region, including Central Asia. President Lee proposed combining South Korea's technological capabilities with ADB's development and financial expertise to enhance opportunities for domestic companies abroad.He highlighted Central Asia's rich resources and geographical advantages, stressing the need for strengthened cooperation between South Korea and ADB to stabilize key mineral supply chains, particularly with countries like Uzbekistan. President Kanda responded that the key mineral supply chain is a priority area for ADB's support and expressed a desire to collaborate with South Korea, which has industrial capabilities.Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in AI and energy infrastructure. President Lee suggested leveraging South Korea's AI capabilities alongside ADB's development expertise to achieve results in the Asia-Pacific region. They also discussed utilizing South Korea's technology and experience in energy infrastructure projects, such as the ASEAN Power Grid and financing for nuclear power. President Kanda praised South Korea's economic achievements and President Lee's leadership in AI and digital fields, wishing for the success of the upcoming first Korea-Central Asia summit on September 16.Ambassador Steel Discusses Implementation of Joint Fact Sheet with Deputy Minister KimOn September 14, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jin-ah to discuss the implementation of agreements outlined in the joint fact sheet from the recent U.S.-South Korea summit. Ambassador Steel shared on X (formerly Twitter) that they had a meaningful conversation regarding the implementation of the agreements contained in the joint fact sheet.The discussions likely covered issues related to U.S. investment, the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, and the enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel, as outlined in the joint fact sheet released last November. South Korea has committed to a total investment of $350 billion in the U.S., including $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation and $200 billion in strategic investments, with the first U.S. investment project nearing completion.Deputy Minister Kim noted that he had met with Ambassador Steel for the first time on September 11 and expressed hopes for fostering communication and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Steel has also met with Foreign Minister Park Jin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo, and Director General Jeong Yeon-du of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continuing discussions on U.S.-South Korea issues with Minister of Trade and Industry Lee Chang-yang and Minister of National Defense Kang Ki-young.Iranian President Outraged by Military's Attack on Commercial Vessels During CeasefireIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed outrage after learning that the military unilaterally attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July. The New York Times reported that Pezeshkian directly contacted Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to criticize the attack as a "reckless act." Vahidi reportedly stated that he had not approved the attack and had not received prior notification.Iranian officials explained that field commanders acted independently, following orders to attack vessels that violated the leadership's directive without obtaining approval. Following the U.S. resumption of attacks on Iran on July 8, existing agreements between the two countries were effectively nullified, leading to intensified internal conflicts within Iran's leadership regarding accountability for the attacks on commercial vessels and responses to the U.S. actions. Some generals have expressed intentions to resign, and there have been discussions about restructuring the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).The New York Times characterized this incident as a setback for Iran's pragmatic factions, which had sought to ease hostilities with the U.S. and promote economic recovery. As military tensions with the U.S. have escalated again, confrontations between the two sides continue. Hardliners within the Revolutionary Guard have proposed expanding attacks on regional energy infrastructure as part of a war plan, while President Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have reportedly opposed military escalation due to concerns over additional U.S. airstrikes and economic pressures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:52:00
  • Kim Hye-kyung: Culture Bridges Nations
    Kim Hye-kyung: Culture Bridges Nations 김혜경 여사는 14일 국빈 방한 중인 지로아트 미르지요예바 우즈베키스탄 대통령 부인과 만나 “문화가 사람과 사람, 나라와 나라를 가깝게 만드는 힘이 크다”며 양국의 문화·교육 교류 확대를 희망했다. 안귀령 청와대 부대변인은 이날 서면 브리핑을 통해 김 여사와 미르지요예바 여사가 오전 서울 종로구 경복궁 내 국립고궁박물관을 함께 관람하고 차담을 했다고 밝혔다. 일정에는 미르지요예바 여사의 차녀인 샤흐노자 미르지요예바 영애도 동행했다. 미르지요예바 여사는 경복궁 주변에서 한복을 입은 시민과 관광객들을 본 뒤 “남녀노소가 한복을 입은 모습이 무척 아름다웠다”며 “손녀가 한국에 살 당시 한복을 입고 찍은 사진을 본 적이 있다”고 말했다. 김 여사는 “한복을 입고 고궁을 둘러보는 것이 외국인에게도 인기 있는 문화 체험”이라고 소개했다. 두 여사는 조선 왕실과 대한제국 황실의 역사·문화를 보여주는 어보와 어좌, 일월오봉도, 성종실록·선조실록 등을 차례로 관람했다. 미르지요예바 여사는 유물이 제작된 시기와 문양의 의미를 물으며 깊은 관심을 보였다. 미르지요예바 여사가 “오랜 세월이 지났는데도 실록이 상당히 온전한 상태로 보존돼 있다”고 놀라움을 나타내자 김 여사는 “우리 전통 종이인 한지는 오랜 세월에도 쉽게 변하지 않는 뛰어난 내구성을 지니고 있다”고 설명했다. 궁중 복식과 왕실 자수·가구 등 공예품도 함께 살펴봤다. 김 여사는 궁중 복식의 색과 문양을 설명하고 이날 직접 착용한 전통 장신구인 뒤꽂이를 보여주며 쓰임을 소개했다. 전통 보자기를 본 미르지요예바 여사는 “우즈베키스탄에도 물건을 싸거나 선물을 포장할 때 사용하는 비슷한 형태의 천이 있다”며 “서로 다른 역사와 환경 속에서도 양국 문화가 통하는 부분이 많은 것 같다”고 말했다. 이어진 차담에서는 인공지능(AI) 등 첨단기술과 교육 분야로 대화의 폭을 넓혔다. 미르지요예바 여사는 한국의 빠른 기술 발전에 깊은 인상을 받았다며 “교육 분야에서 한국과의 협력이 우즈베키스탄의 발전에 도움이 되고 있다”고 감사를 표했다. 김 여사는 “한국의 경험이 도움이 되고 있다는 데 보람을 느낀다”며 “양국이 서로의 강점을 나누며 함께 발전해 나가기를 바란다”고 화답했다. 2011년부터 2016년까지 서울에서 거주한 샤흐노자 영애는 “한국에서 지낸 시간이 좋은 기억으로 남아 있다”며 자신의 셋째 딸이 한국어를 공부하고 있고 한국 유학도 희망한다고 소개했다. 김 여사는 “한국과의 인연이 다음 세대까지 이어지고 있어 반갑다”며 양국을 잇는 가교 역할을 당부했다. 미르지요예바 여사는 우즈베키스탄에서 K팝과 K푸드, K뷰티 등 한국 문화에 대한 관심이 매우 높다고 전했다. 특히 “드라마 ‘대장금’이 방영될 당시에는 거리가 한산하게 느껴질 정도였다”며 양국의 정서가 서로 통하는 부분이 많다고 평가했다. 김 여사는 “때로는 드라마 한 편, 영화 한 편이 사람의 마음을 움직이는 큰 힘을 발휘한다”며 “문화뿐 아니라 첨단기술과 교육 등 다양한 분야에서 양국 간 교류와 협력이 한층 깊어지기를 기대한다”고 밝혔다. 미르지요예바 여사는 김 여사에게 우즈베키스탄 방문을 초청했다. 김 여사는 “실크로드의 중심지였던 우즈베키스탄이 다양한 문화를 받아들이면서도 고유한 전통을 이어온 점에 관심이 많다”며 현지 문화를 직접 접할 기회가 있기를 기대한다고 화답했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:28:00
  • Iran Expands Sanctions on 77 Vessels for Violating Hormuz Strait Navigation Rules
    Iran Expands Sanctions on 77 Vessels for Violating Hormuz Strait Navigation Rules Iran has expanded sanctions against vessels that violate navigation regulations in the Hormuz Strait, increasing the total number of sanctioned ships to 77.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA), established by Iran to manage navigation in the Hormuz Strait, released a list of 77 vessels sanctioned for violating navigation rules on September 14.The authority stated that these vessels could face penalties, including fines, detention, and confiscation, if they attempt to pass through the Hormuz Strait in the future.Additionally, the PGSA warned that other vessels cooperating with the sanctioned ships could also be added to the sanctions list.Since initially announcing sanctions against 45 vessels for violating its own navigation regulations on August 24, the PGSA has continued to add to the list of violators.Reports indicate that several vessels owned or operated by South Korea's Sinokor are among those targeted by the sanctions.The PGSA has also cautioned insurance companies, mutual protection and indemnity clubs, and classification societies via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to refrain from providing services to the sanctioned vessels.The authority emphasized that these organizations should avoid any consequences that may arise from transactions with the sanctioned vessels.The P&I club is a mutual insurance association in the shipping industry that compensates shipowners and charterers for maritime liability to third parties.Meanwhile, preliminary vessel tracking data released on the same day indicates that the number of commercial ships passing through the Hormuz Strait over the weekend dropped to single digits per day, significantly below the recent average of 14 vessels per day over the past ten days.However, this statistic does not include vessels that may have passed through the strait while turning off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to evade tracking.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:08:00
  • Lee Kwang-jae Calls for Increased Use of PyeongChang Olympic Facilities
    Lee Kwang-jae Calls for Increased Use of PyeongChang Olympic Facilities The Democratic Party of Korea pledged on September 14 to support Gangwon Province as much as possible in terms of next year's budget during a budget policy meeting held at the Gangwon Provincial Office.Party leader Kim Min-seok introduced Lee Kwang-jae, the chair of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, stating, "If things go well, it will be thanks to Chairman Lee, and if not, he will take the blame. We will provide all authority and responsibility to support Gangwon Province."In this context, Lee emphasized, "If we amend the Sports Promotion Act to allow the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation to operate and manage the facilities used during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Gangwon can open new avenues for tourism and sports. If the Korea Tourism Organization, headquartered in Wonju, can engage in projects similar to those in the past, it will benefit Gangwon Province greatly."He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to connect the metropolitan area express train (GTX) to Wonju, stating, "It is very important for Gangwon Province to have railway connections. I hope Gangwon becomes a province with connected railways."Gangwon Governor Woo Sang-ho expressed concerns to the party leadership, saying, "The estimated allocation of local transfer tax for Gangwon is about 500 billion won, but considering the allocation of the Future Response Fund, we expect to receive only about 100 billion won. If the Future Response Fund is not significantly utilized in Gangwon, it could lead to a phenomenon of decreased tax revenue."Regarding the linkage of local funds to projects funded by the national government, he suggested, "As we secure more national funding, the projects that local governors can plan become limited. It would be beneficial to clearly define the areas for projects linked to local funds and those fully funded by the national government."In response, Kim agreed, stating, "We need to ensure that Gangwon's projects are reasonably reflected in fund management to avoid the paradox of fund allocation."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:04:00
  • Human Rights Commission Delays Vote on Yoon Suk Yeol Defense Rights Recommendation
    Human Rights Commission Delays Vote on Yoon Suk Yeol Defense Rights Recommendation The National Human Rights Commission has postponed a vote on a proposal to revoke last year's recommendation to guarantee defense rights for Yoon Suk Yeol during his impeachment trial, halting discussions without reaching a decision.Chairman Ahn Chang-ho announced on September 14 during the 15th plenary session held in Jung-gu, Seoul, that the proposal would be reintroduced after consulting with third-party experts.In his opening remarks, Ahn explained that the recommendation to ensure defense rights was intended to prevent issues such as the invasion of the Western District Court and subsequent detentions.He stated, "The plenary's expression of opinion and recommendation to uphold the core principle of due process in the Constitution should be respected in a rule-of-law state like South Korea, and cannot be discarded or subject to public apology."Commissioners Han Seok-hoon and Kang Jeong-hye expressed that revoking the past decision, given that relevant agencies have already accepted the commission's recommendations, would be illegal as it aims for an impossible legal effect.Conversely, the commissioners who proposed the motion argued that the previous decision was flawed in light of the commission's independence and role, asserting that revocation and an apology are necessary.The proposal was introduced by five commissioners, including Lee Suk-jin and Oh Young-geun, on July 10 and was formally presented after a two-hour debate that ended in a majority vote.On February 10 of last year, the commission voted 6-4 in favor of recommending that investigative agencies guarantee Yoon Suk Yeol's defense rights during his impeachment trial.Commissioner Oh Young-geun criticized the previous decision, stating, "It appears to be a form of subtly endorsing insurrection at that time. Was it human rights-oriented for the commission to emphasize the defense rights of someone accused of insurrection during such a serious period?"Commissioner Jo Suk-hyun also claimed that the previous decision undermined the commission's responsibilities during a constitutional crisis and impeachment situation, arguing that it reduced the national human rights institution to a defense agency for President Yoon Suk Yeol.Lee Suk-jin emphasized the need for an apology to the public, stating, "I believe the past decision was wrong in light of the commission's role and independence, and I will not maintain it as the current position of the commission."After about 80 minutes of discussion following the proposal, Ahn decided to consult experts and reintroduce the motion, halting the voting process.The five commissioners who proposed the motion, along with Commissioner Kim Min-mun-jeong, protested Ahn's decision, claiming it was an attempt to avoid a vote and insisted that discussions should continue.Ahn suggested that both the pro and con sides consult experts and process the proposal within a month, but opposing commissioners insisted on a vote that day.During the discussions, there were heated exchanges regarding the selection of expert opinions and the chairman's authority to conduct proceedings.Ultimately, Ahn declared the session adjourned at 7:09 PM, and five commissioners who opposed the motion left the meeting.Following the meeting, Lee Suk-jin, Oh Young-geun, Jo Suk-hyun, So Ra-mi, and Kim Min-mun-jeong held a back briefing to criticize Ahn's adjournment.They claimed it was a unilateral tactic to avoid a likely successful vote and to escape historical accountability for opposing votes. They expressed their intention to trust Ahn's promise to conduct a vote on the proposal on either September 28 or October 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 21:00:00
  • Aftermarket Launch Sees 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading, Focus on Optoelectronics
    Aftermarket Launch Sees 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading, Focus on Optoelectronics The Korea Exchange's aftermarket concluded its first trading day with active transactions, particularly in optoelectronics and related sectors, even after regular market hours. With trading hours extended until 8 p.m., a new trading environment has emerged, allowing investors to participate in the market post-closing.On September 14, the Korea Exchange reported that the total trading volume in the aftermarket for the securities market reached 1.3252 trillion won, accounting for 6.5% of the regular market's 20.2591 trillion won. In the KOSDAQ market, 492.5 billion won was traded, representing 8.9% of the regular market's 5.5486 trillion won.Considering the extended trading hours, the trading volume was significant. The aftermarket trading volume in the securities market was 22,174,988 shares, which is 8.1% of the regular market's 274,996,348 shares. In the KOSDAQ market, 50,063,959 shares were traded, making up 8.0% of the regular market's 624,613,352 shares.Trading activity was concentrated among high-volume stocks. In the securities market, optoelectronics led with approximately 28.97 million shares traded. Samsung Electronics followed with about 17.76 million shares, while SM Vexcel (approximately 10.68 million shares), HMM (approximately 10.60 million shares), and Hyundai Pharmaceutical (approximately 8.90 million shares) also ranked high in trading volume. SK Hynix recorded about 4 million shares traded, placing it 17th.In the KOSDAQ market, Light & Electronics topped the trading volume with around 80.46 million shares. It was followed by Dream Security (approximately 38.35 million shares), Kosnine (approximately 30.53 million shares), Xgate (approximately 16.67 million shares), Samik Pharmaceutical (approximately 16.13 million shares), and JW Pharmaceutical (approximately 15.28 million shares). Stock prices showed strong performance, with Samik Pharmaceutical closing up 19.85%, and both Korea BNC and Light & Electronics rising over 12%.The aftermarket began immediately after the regular market closed significantly lower. The KOSPI ended down 3.26% at 6,684.37, while the KOSDAQ fell 1.69% to 806.79. In the KOSPI market, foreign and institutional investors sold a net 3.29 trillion won and 1.166 trillion won, respectively, while individual investors bought a net 2.9691 trillion won.The exchange's aftermarket operates from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Unlike the previous single-price trading, it now employs a continuous trading method similar to the regular market, allowing real-time execution of buy and sell orders when prices match. Previously, orders were collected and executed in 10-minute intervals from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., but now investors can respond to market conditions and stock-specific issues even after the market closes.Notably, the overlap in operating hours between the alternative trading system (ATS) NextTrade and the Korea Exchange's aftermarket has intensified liquidity competition between the two markets. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, stated, "Future demand for trading and competition for liquidity with NextTrade will be key variables to watch."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 20:52:00
  • Kim Hye-kyung Meets Uzbekistans First Lady to Discuss Cultural Exchange
    Kim Hye-kyung Meets Uzbekistan's First Lady to Discuss Cultural Exchange Kim Hye-kyung met with Ziroat Mirziyoeva, the First Lady of Uzbekistan, on September 14 during her state visit to South Korea. The two discussed cultural, educational, and technological exchanges at the National Palace Museum of Korea in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul.During the visit, Kim introduced the history and culture of the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire to Mirziyoeva and her daughter. After viewing royal costumes, royal embroidery, furniture, and crafts, they enjoyed tea while discussing cultural exchange, advanced technology, and educational cooperation.Kim highlighted the excellence of traditional Korean paper, hanji, while explaining the displayed Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and the colors and patterns of royal attire.Mirziyoeva expressed her deep impression of South Korea's rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, stating that cooperation in education is beneficial for Uzbekistan's development.In response, Kim expressed satisfaction that South Korea's experiences are aiding Uzbekistan's progress and expressed hope that both countries can share their strengths and grow together.Mirziyoeva noted the growing interest in Korean culture in Uzbekistan, mentioning the popularity of the drama 'Dae Jang Geum.'Kim remarked, "Culture seems to bring countries closer together," and expressed her hope for deeper exchanges and cooperation in advanced technology and education.Mirziyoeva's daughter shared that she lived in Seoul from 2011 to 2016 and has fond memories of her time in Korea, adding that her younger sister is studying Korean and hopes to study in Korea.Kim expressed her delight that the relationship between South Korea and Uzbekistan will continue to the next generation, wishing for Mirziyoeva's daughter to serve as a bridge between the two countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 20:44:00
  • Korea courts Uzbekistan on minerals before Central Asia summit
    Korea courts Uzbekistan on minerals before Central Asia summit SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Critical minerals, high-speed rail and defense exports drove the opening round of South Korea's Central Asia summit week on Monday. President Lee Jae Myung received Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Cheong Wa Dae, the first of five regional leaders arriving in Seoul. Hours earlier, the industry ministry had convened the first Korea-Central Asia industry ministers' meeting at a hotel in central Seoul. The industry chiefs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan sat at one table for the first time. The six governments agreed to build supply chains covering the full cycle from mining and smelting through materials processing to finished goods, pairing Central Asian lithium and rare earths with South Korean processing technology, the ministry said. Uzbekistan is one of the larger resource holders in that group. It ranks as the world's fifth-largest uranium producer, with output estimated at 4,000 tonnes in 2024 by the World Nuclear Association, and its state producer Navoiyuran reported 7,000 tonnes last year. Korean buyers have been in that market before. Korea Electric Power Corporation agreed in 2008 to buy 2,600 tonnes of Uzbek uranium over six years for about $400 million. Lee opened the talks by pointing to the length of the relationship. He said the two countries had built a very solid partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, and called Uzbekistan an invaluable friend and a core partner, the only country in Central Asia that holds a special strategic partnership with South Korea. That designation dates to April 2019, when then President Moon Jae-in traveled to Tashkent and signed a joint declaration raising the relationship above the strategic partnership level the two sides had held until then. No other Central Asian capital carries the label. "From transport infrastructure, health care and climate crisis response to critical mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence, digital and the defense industry, we will be able to widen the horizon of mutually beneficial cooperation and drive the engines of future growth together," Lee said. The two governments signed 13 agreements and memorandums of understanding after the talks. The Export-Import Bank of Korea and Uzbekistan's investment, industry and trade ministry agreed to jointly identify projects across the six sectors Tashkent has designated as national strategic industries. Those include critical minerals, data centers, smart cities, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and an industrial park reserved for Korean companies, with project and commercial financing attached. Separate memorandums covered the introduction of eight high-speed trainsets and the creation of Uzbekistan's national genome and biobank center. The two sides also signed an expanded defense industry cooperation contract, a treaty on the transfer of sentenced persons, and a protocol revising the framework agreement on grant aid. Further documents dealt with border enforcement against counterfeit goods, tourism, agricultural technology transfer, AI in manufacturing, medical product regulation, and digital forest restoration aimed at the desertification of the Aral Sea basin and the water disputes that cross Central Asian borders. One of the education memorandums will add Korean as a formal subject in the national academic olympiad the Uzbek government runs, which Cheong Wa Dae expects to lift the standing of the language among students there. Mirziyoyev answered with an economic compliment and a commercial number. He called South Korea a shining community that achieved an economic miracle in a short span of time and said Uzbekistan holds a special affection for the country. More than 700 Korean companies operate in Uzbekistan through joint ventures, he said, with Korean investment still expanding and Korean technology shared across electronic government, education, information technology, agriculture and health care. The Uzbek president traced the relationship considerably further back. A mural showing a Samarkand ruler receiving envoys from Goguryeo, the kingdom that controlled the northern Korean Peninsula and much of Manchuria until 668, proves that the shared history of the two countries is rooted in the Silk Road era, he said, dating the painting to the 10th century. The work he referred to is the Afrasiab cycle, uncovered in 1965 during road construction on the mound of pre-Mongol Samarkand and now held in a museum on the site. Scholars date it to the middle of the seventh century, most often to between 648 and 651. Its western wall shows King Varkhuman receiving delegations from Tang China, Chach, Chaghaniyan and, in the reading long favored by Korean historians, Goguryeo. Some specialists dispute that identification. Lee devoted part of his remarks to the ethnic Korean community in Uzbekistan. "Uzbekistan is a very special country to our people, a place where as many as 200,000 Koryoin have made their lives," he said, using the term for the ethnic Koreans of the former Soviet Union. "Our people always keep a grateful heart toward the people of Uzbekistan, who embraced our compatriots warmly in difficult times," Lee said. Most of those families arrived in 1937, when Soviet authorities deported more than 170,000 ethnic Koreans from the Russian Far East to Central Asia in freight cars over a matter of weeks and left them on open ground in what are now Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Many died in the first winters, and their descendants form the largest Korean community in the region. Lee also argued that the uncertainty running through international affairs has raised the value of relationships built on trust, and said cooperation between the two countries would strengthen peace and stability in Eurasia and on the Korean Peninsula. Mirziyoyev responded in kind on the security question. Uzbekistan will continue to support the South Korean government's efforts to consolidate peace and security on the peninsula without wavering, he said, adding that the two countries have kept friendly relations through political ups and downs in both capitals. He also said he is watching Lee's drive to turn South Korea into a hub leading the fourth industrial revolution, and described the president as a leader with experience and a practical eye. The Uzbek president arrived on a state visit and was welcomed at Cheong Wa Dae with a formal ceremony in the afternoon, followed by a state dinner for about 50 guests from both countries. Lee meets the presidents of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday and those of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. He chairs the first Korea-Central Asia Summit later that day, where the six governments are to adopt a Seoul Declaration on the direction of their cooperation and raise a consultative channel that has run at the ministerial level to the level of heads of state. AJP Takeaways - Lee Jae Myung and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed 13 agreements and memorandums at Cheong Wa Dae on Monday covering critical minerals, eight high-speed trainsets, expanded defense industry cooperation and a prisoner transfer treaty, opening three days of back-to-back summits with five Central Asian leaders. - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan sent their industry ministers to the first Korea-Central Asia ministerial meeting in Seoul the same day, where the six governments agreed to link Central Asian lithium and rare earths to South Korean smelting and materials processing across the full supply chain. - The World Nuclear Association ranks Uzbekistan as the world's fifth-largest uranium producer at roughly 4,000 tonnes in 2024, and Korea Electric Power Corporation contracted for 2,600 tonnes of Uzbek uranium in 2008 for about $400 million. Neither figure appeared in the summit materials and both were verified by AJP against World Nuclear Association data. 2026-09-14 20:43:36
  • KRX Launches Aftermarket Trading, Revealing High Volatility on First Day
    KRX Launches Aftermarket Trading, Revealing High Volatility on First Day "I thought there was an error because the stock prices moved suddenly on the first day of the aftermarket."After 4 p.m. on September 14, the Korea Exchange (KRX) opened its aftermarket for the first time. As I turned on the mobile trading system (MTS) and checked various stocks, I noticed unusual movements that are rarely seen during regular trading hours. Some stocks had sporadic bid prices, and even with low trading volumes, stock prices fluctuated rapidly. Initially, I suspected a system error, but it turned out that the low liquidity of the stocks with fewer participants was the cause.On this day, the aftermarket saw significant volatility, particularly among small-cap stocks. By 7:15 p.m., the number of volatility interruption (VI) triggers reached 1,591, nearly four times the level seen during regular trading hours. Stocks with low trading volumes experienced substantial price swings, with some showing fluctuations of around 20-30% during the session.In contrast, actively traded stocks did not show significant differences from regular trading. A 32-year-old investor, identified only as Lee, participated in the KRX aftermarket for the first time. He chose Bit & Electronics, which ranked high in trading volume that day.Bit & Electronics was not a stock previously traded on the alternative exchange NextTrade (NXT). When Lee placed a buy order after 4 p.m., it was executed immediately. He remarked, "It was fascinating to be able to buy and sell stocks that couldn't be traded on NXT even after the market closed. It felt quite similar to trading during regular hours. I think I will keep an eye on stock movements after regular trading from now on."After all trading concluded on the first day, small-cap stocks dominated the trading volume rankings. Bit & Electronics recorded over 80.46 million shares traded on the KOSDAQ, followed by Dream Security with 38.35 million shares and Kosnine with 30.53 million shares. Exgate and Samik Pharmaceutical also saw 16.67 million and 16.13 million shares traded, respectively. Bit & Electronics closed at 4,355 won, up 12.53% from the previous trading day, while Sands Lab rose 29.95% to 7,160 won.On the KOSPI, Gwangjeon topped the trading volume with 28.98 million shares, closing at 10,270 won, a 30.00% increase from the previous day. Samsung Electronics traded 17.76 million shares, while SM Vexcel and Heung-A Shipping saw 10.68 million and 10.60 million shares traded, respectively. Samsung Electronics closed down 4.24% at 248,500 won.Notably, stocks like Bit & Electronics, which ranked high in trading volume, were not available for trading on the previous NXT platform, highlighting the impact of the KRX aftermarket's introduction. While only about 600 stocks were traded on the NXT aftermarket, the KRX allows trading of most KOSPI and KOSDAQ listed stocks, excluding those under investment warnings or management. This means that small-cap stocks, which were virtually impossible to trade after regular hours, can now be traded in real-time until 8 p.m.The trading method has also changed. The previous after-hours single-price market, which operated from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., has been abolished, and a continuous trading method similar to regular hours is now in place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Orders are executed in real-time when buy and sell prices match. However, market orders are not allowed, and ETFs and ETNs are excluded from aftermarket trading.Investors should also be aware of certain aspects. Samsung Securities has advised that unexecuted orders sent to the KRX regular market before the aftermarket will automatically have their margins released after the regular market closes, requiring investors to place new orders in the aftermarket. In contrast, NXT orders will remain valid until the aftermarket. During the overlapping hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. when both KRX and NXT operate, best execution obligations will also apply.The landscape of the Korean stock market, which previously ended at 3:30 p.m., has changed with the addition of KRX's evening trading. Investors can now trade a wider range of stocks in real-time even after regular hours. For those who traded directly on the first day, the most noticeable change was the increase in the number of tradable stocks rather than the order method itself. However, with significant price fluctuations observed in some low-liquidity stocks from day one, managing liquidity and volatility during the extended trading hours will likely become a new challenge. 2026-09-14 20:40:00