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  • Samsung Display Develops Worlds First 2K·165Hz Smartphone OLED
    Samsung Display Develops World's First '2K·165Hz' Smartphone OLED Samsung Display has developed the world's first organic light-emitting diode (OLED) for smartphones that simultaneously achieves 2K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. This innovation aims to target the high-performance gaming smartphone market by providing high resolution and fast screen transitions while reducing power consumption.On September 14, Samsung Display announced that it will supply its 6.9-inch 2K·165Hz OLED to Vivo's premium brand iQOO for the upcoming gaming smartphone 'iQOO 16', set to launch this month.Currently, high-end gaming smartphone OLEDs typically support 1.5K resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate. Samsung Display's new product maintains the refresh rate while increasing the resolution to 2K and reducing screen power consumption by approximately 30% compared to existing products.The maximum brightness of the display reaches 2,800 nits in high brightness mode (HBM). When the operating pixel ratio (OPR) is at 1%, it can achieve a peak brightness of 10,000 nits.As both resolution and refresh rate increase, the number of pixels and driving circuits that need to be processed also rises, leading to higher power consumption. Specifically, at 2K·165Hz, a new screen must be displayed approximately every 6 milliseconds, necessitating fast and precise pixel charging technology.To address this, Samsung Display increased the thickness of the pixel signal wiring by 10% to reduce current resistance and enhance charging speed. The display driver chip (DDIC) now utilizes a 22-nanometer process, finer than the previous 28-nanometer process, resulting in a 30% reduction in operational power consumption.The latest organic materials and the anti-glare OLED technology 'LEAD™' have also been applied. Additionally, three years of accumulated AI-based image optimization technology have been integrated to improve brightness and color uniformity.Lee Ho-jung, Vice President and Head of Product Planning at Samsung Display, stated, "We have concentrated the world's best OLED technology to simultaneously achieve high resolution, high refresh rate, high brightness, and power efficiency. Based on the differentiated competitiveness of Samsung OLED, optimized for fast screen transitions and extended play in high-end games, we will continue to strengthen our technological leadership in the premium smartphone market."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:04:10
  • Six Months After Hormuz Blockade, Middle East Exports Drop 15%, KOTRA Activates Alternative Logistics
    Six Months After Hormuz Blockade, Middle East Exports Drop 15%, KOTRA Activates Alternative Logistics The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has persisted for six months, leading to prolonged logistical burdens for export companies in the Middle East. With maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz still restricted and global shipping rates rising, KOTRA is reassessing logistics in 13 Middle Eastern countries and expanding support for alternative transport and logistics costs.The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on September 14 that it will strengthen support for export companies by reviewing local maritime and air logistics through its trade offices in 13 Middle Eastern countries.As of early September, air cargo to the Middle East is available from all 13 countries. Deliveries can be made within two weeks, making it suitable for urgent or small shipments. In fact, some buyers in Dubai have opted to switch their maritime shipments to air transport at their own expense.In contrast, maritime transport still relies on alternative routes. Of the 24 major ports in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, nine ports outside the Strait of Hormuz are operating normally, while access to the 15 ports inside the strait remains difficult.The number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to seven on September 9, half the recent ten-day average of 14. This indicates that normal traffic through the strait has not yet resumed amid the prolonged conflict.Logistical disruptions are also impacting exports. Last month, South Korea's exports to the Middle East totaled $1.19 billion, a 15% decrease compared to the same period last year. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index rose to 3,409.6 in August, approximately 2.5 times higher than at the end of February when the conflict began.KOTRA is increasing the support limit for companies using local shared logistics centers by 1.5 times, raising it to a maximum of 36 million won. The agency will also enhance logistics optimization support by combining air and maritime transport based on individual companies' cargo volumes and items. To reduce dependence on the Middle Eastern market, new support for export logistics using reverse direct sales will be established.Next month, KOTRA will operate a special section for the Middle East at the 'Boom Up Korea' event. The agency plans to facilitate consultations between Middle Eastern buyers and domestic companies while also supporting market diversification in case of continued logistical disruptions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:04:10
  • Im Man-kyun, Seoul City Council Chair, Prioritizes TBS Normalization
    Im Man-kyun, Seoul City Council Chair, Prioritizes TBS Normalization Im Man-kyun, Chair of the Seoul City Council, expressed a strong commitment to the normalization of Traffic Broadcasting System (TBS). However, he emphasized that the city council should not immediately enact support legislation but rather follow a process for the city to restore TBS's status as a public institution, after which the council can establish the financial support basis.In an interview with Aju Economy on September 2, Im stated, "The first step in normalizing TBS is restoring its status as a public institution. This must be initiated by the city, not the council, and once the status is restored, the council can create the necessary legislation for financial support."A lawsuit filed by TBS's labor union and some employees against the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to cancel the designation removal was dismissed in July due to lack of standing. Im anticipates that once a new executive team is formed at TBS, a consultative body involving the city, the council, and TBS can be established to discuss normalization plans.He noted, "Mayor Oh Se-hoon also agrees with the fundamental direction of TBS normalization and is considering ways to ensure fairness," adding that normalization is essential not only for the survival rights of the staff but also to restore the functions of public broadcasting and disaster safety broadcasting. He further stated, "The fairness of the media cannot be judged by the subjective opinion of one individual," stressing the need for objective mechanisms involving internal members and external experts.Regarding Mayor Oh's key projects, Im took a case-by-case approach. He pointed out potential issues with the Han River Bus's punctuality, accessibility, and weather constraints on its public transport function, but stated, "We cannot stop a project that is already in operation," emphasizing the need to enhance its utility for both weekday transportation and weekend tourism.Im criticized the lack of communication during the audit process, stating, "For projects that are highly divisive, we should have listened to citizen opinions and persuaded the council." However, he distanced himself from calls to demolish already completed facilities, citing the additional costs that would incur.Im remarked on the operational principles of the council, which has 80 seats for the Democratic Party and 38 for the People Power Party, saying, "It is not about choosing between confrontation and cooperation." He asserted that policies lacking procedural legitimacy and public consensus would be firmly checked, while bipartisan cooperation would be pursued for livelihood and safety policies. Despite his flexible rhetoric, he clearly delineated the principles of TBS normalization and the council's oversight. 2026-09-14 11:04:10
  • Im Man-kyun Elected Chair of Seoul City Council, Emphasizes Collaboration
    Im Man-kyun Elected Chair of Seoul City Council, Emphasizes Collaboration The power dynamics of the Seoul City Council have shifted after four years. In the 12th council, where the Democratic Party holds 80 seats and the People Power Party has 38, Im Man-kyun, a three-term council member from Gwanak 3, has been elected as the chair. As the youngest chair, he combines a gentle demeanor with a clear sense of judgment. He stated that policies lacking procedures and citizen engagement will be halted, but he will actively cooperate with the Seoul city administration led by Mayor Oh Se-hoon on issues related to people's livelihoods and safety. Regarding TBS, he outlined a phased plan for normalization, including restoring its status as a public institution, establishing support ordinances, and enhancing fairness. He also discussed the need to improve the effectiveness of the Han River Bus and to consider sunk costs in the audit process. Below is a Q&A with Chair Im conducted on September 2 at the Seoul City Council. - What do you think led to your selection as chair among three-term council members? "Legislative activities are not done alone. Since my first term, I have maintained good relationships with senior and fellow council members, working with a mindset of collaboration over personal ambition. After successfully being re-elected, I contemplated which role to pursue among chair, vice-chair, floor leader, and operations committee chair, and I chose the chair position. I explained my candidacy and aspirations to each council member. I believe this recognition stems from the trust and sincerity I have built over the years." - What do you consider your strengths compared to other candidates? "All the candidates, including those with five and four terms, are excellent individuals. If I had to point out my strength, it would be my open communication with fellow council members. I frequently share concerns and legislative directions, fostering collaboration. I believe the trust built through these relationships is deeper than others." - How will you lead the 12th City Council? "Seoul is the capital of South Korea and a global city that attracts attention. The council must demonstrate capabilities that match this status. The starting point is citizen participation and direct communication. If the council and the administration engage in extreme confrontation due to a divided government, the citizens will suffer. While I will ensure thorough oversight and checks, I will also cooperate across party lines on policies and projects that benefit citizens. If there are procedural issues or a lack of communication with citizens and the council during the policy and budget processes, I will decisively halt them." - There seems to be a high likelihood of conflict with Mayor Oh regarding the Han River Bus, TBS, and the audit garden. Which do you prioritize: confrontation or collaboration? "This is not a matter of choosing one over the other. Policies pushed forward without sufficient deliberation can lead to unnecessary controversies and misunderstandings later. Mistakes must be halted. However, in the current situation of high inflation, high interest rates, and economic stagnation, we must actively support and promote policies and budgets aimed at economic recovery and safety for citizens. The council's fundamental direction is to make judgments based on the issues and the interests of citizens." - Does this mean you will push for a special ordinance for the re-establishment of TBS? "I have not said that. There is a sequence to follow. For TBS to normalize, it must first restore its status as a public institution. This is not something the council can do; it must be requested by the Seoul city administration. After that, the council must create and pass an ordinance that serves as the basis for financial support. Currently, a committee for recommending executives is being formed to select new leadership. Once the leadership is in place, I believe we can create a collaborative body based on mutual understanding for normalization between TBS, the Seoul city administration, and the city council." - The past controversies regarding political bias cannot be overlooked. "Mayor Oh has expressed agreement with the general principle of normalizing TBS while considering how to address issues of media fairness. First, we must prioritize normalization, considering the survival rights of TBS members and its functions as a public broadcaster and disaster safety broadcaster. After that, we can develop objective measures to ensure fairness with the participation of internal members and external parties. We cannot definitively state that something is fair or unfair based on one person's subjective judgment, so we must approach this cautiously." - Do you believe the Han River Bus is fulfilling its role as public transportation? "Initially, it was presented as a new commuting option. However, there are debates about its effectiveness as public transportation due to issues with punctuality, accessibility, and weather conditions. Mayor Oh has also acknowledged that its tourism function is significant on weekends. We cannot stop a service that is already in operation. The realistic challenge is to maximize citizen utility and usage by harmonizing the weekday public transportation function with the weekend tourism function." - What is your stance on the audit garden? "There was a lack of communication with citizens and the council during the process. The transition from the large Taegeukgi project to the audit garden was abrupt, leading to misunderstandings and controversies. Given the tax burden, for projects with strong opposing views, we should have solicited citizen opinions in advance and explained the necessity to the council. However, if we demolish facilities that have already been completed, it will incur additional sunk costs. The administration must learn from this and ensure that proper procedures are followed before starting future projects." - You facilitated the cessation of subway protests by the National Federation of the Disabled. What is the solution? "It is true that the protests by the National Federation of the Disabled caused significant inconvenience to citizens for four years and eight months. At the same time, the rights of disabled individuals to mobility and labor must be guaranteed by the state and local governments. After the 12th council was established, the Democratic Party council members met with the federation several times and agreed to temporarily halt the protests. The demands for mobility on buses and subways managed by the Seoul city administration are legitimate requests to the city. Labor rights are also a natural right to demand from the capital city. However, the extent to which these demands are accepted will require separate policy considerations." - How can we institutionalize the labor rights of individuals with severe disabilities? "It is already difficult for individuals with mild disabilities to find jobs, and it is even more challenging for those with severe disabilities. We need to design specific tasks that can be performed by individuals with severe disabilities and establish a performance management system. I believe the Seoul city administration and the city council can identify areas where ordinances can be created to address this issue." - Gwanak District has a large youth population but is also perceived as underdeveloped and unsafe. "Gwanak has been an accessible area for local youth to settle in Seoul. With relatively low housing costs in areas like Daehak-dong and goshiwons, it has become the district with the highest number of single-person households and youth. Despite its proximity to Gangnam and Yeouido, it is undervalued. When a few serious incidents occur, the name 'Gwanak' is highlighted, damaging the overall image of the area. However, Gwanak has significant potential for development." - What areas will you focus on for Gwanak's development? "Housing, transportation, and education are the three key areas. Gwanak has many low-rise residential areas, including single-family homes, multi-family homes, and small apartment buildings. During my first term, I worked on redevelopment and improving living conditions as a member of the urban planning management committee. In my district alone, seven to eight rapid integrated planning redevelopment projects are currently underway. Once these projects are completed, the living environment will improve significantly, attracting newlyweds and younger generations." - What is the key to transportation in the area? "In the past, Gwanak's rail transportation heavily relied on Line 2, but the opening of the Sinlim Line has improved access to Yeouido. The Nankok Line has been a repeated election promise for over 20 years, leading to significant distrust among residents. Currently, a preliminary feasibility study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance is underway, and we expect positive results by the end of the year. The Western Line will connect Seoul National University Station to Saejal Station. The previous preferred bidder has withdrawn, and we are seeking a new private operator. If private investment is not feasible, we are proceeding with procedures to consider public financing as well. Once these two lines are completed, transportation in Gwanak will change dramatically." - You emphasized the need for a 'safe and comfortable educational environment.' "The content of education is primarily the responsibility of the central government and educational authorities, and the best I can do as a city council member is to improve the educational environment. Many schools in Gwanak are 40 to 50 years old. I have secured budgets to renovate outdated facilities so that children can study safely and comfortably. If the housing, transportation, and educational environments improve together, families can raise their children in Gwanak without needing to move until they become adults." - What are your political goals after your term as chair? Are you considering running for district mayor? "I have only been in office for two months, and my role as chair is already demanding. For the next two years, I will focus on ensuring that the 118 council members shine in their legislative activities and earn the love of citizens. Politicians should not predefine their positions but rather find their paths according to the situation. If other political roles are offered after my term as chair, I will consider them, but I cannot specify any particular position at this time." - What message do you want to convey to citizens? "Given the high level of distrust in politics, many citizens question the necessity of city council members and the council itself. This indicates that the political sphere has failed to earn their trust. I will approach citizens first so they can feel, 'This is why the Seoul City Council is necessary.' I aim to create a council that stands as a strong support for citizens in their times of need." 2026-09-14 11:04:00
  • Bae Gang-hee Makes Screen Debut in Final Interview Alongside Joy Hyun, Kim Jae-won, and Shin Seung-ho
    Bae Gang-hee Makes Screen Debut in 'Final Interview' Alongside Joy Hyun, Kim Jae-won, and Shin Seung-ho Rising star Bae Gang-hee is set to make her theatrical debut with the film 'Final Interview.'Scheduled for release in November, 'Final Interview' follows six candidates who gather for a final interview and discover mysterious envelopes containing their secrets, leading to suspicion and chaos among them. The intense competition and psychological warfare over a single position are key highlights of the film.In the film, Bae Gang-hee plays the role of Cha Joo-won, a perfectionist with an impressive resume. Joo-won, who has excelled to the final interview thanks to her outstanding language skills, is a cold and inscrutable character who rarely reveals her emotions.Bae Gang-hee shares the screen with popular young actors Joy Hyun, Kim Jae-won, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Yoo-seok, and Kwak Dong-yeon, portraying the six candidates. In the suffocating dynamics of evaluating and undermining each other to secure a position, Bae Gang-hee is expected to heighten the film's tension with her unique chic charm.Bae Gang-hee made her debut in the 2022 tvN drama 'Alchemy of Souls' and left a strong impression as the young version of Lee Sa-ra in the Netflix original series 'The Glory.' She further showcased her emotional depth in the role of Eun Mo-rae in tvN's 'The Diva of the Deserted Island,' and displayed a diverse acting range as Yang Soo-min in the Netflix film 'Mantis.' With her ability to portray distinct characters, anticipation builds around how she will embody the perfectionist Cha Joo-won.Meanwhile, 'Final Interview,' Bae Gang-hee's first theatrical release, has been officially invited to the Panorama section of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). This marks a significant achievement for Bae Gang-hee, as she is now recognized for the second consecutive year at the festival, following her involvement in last year's 'Mia.'The film 'Final Interview' will first greet audiences at the Busan International Film Festival before its nationwide release in theaters this November.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:04:00
  • Im Man-kyun: From Labor Lawyer to Seoul City Council Speaker
    Im Man-kyun: From Labor Lawyer to Seoul City Council Speaker For a boy from Hongseong, Seoul was a distant city at the end of the railway. Im Man-kyun, the Speaker of the Seoul City Council, graduated from Gwangcheon High School and studied urban planning at Hannam University. The Janghang Line, which connected his hometown of Hongseong to Daejeon and Seoul, was a significant part of his youth. He settled in Seoul in 2004, during his senior year of college, to seek employment.Now, 22 years later, the young man who moved to the capital has become the Speaker of the Seoul City Council, representing 118 council members and the interests of 10 million citizens. However, he downplays the significance of his position, stating, "There is no best position; it is merely a transient role." His response reflects a commitment to responsibility over power.Before entering politics, Im worked as a certified labor attorney for nearly a decade. The clients who visited his office were often those struggling with issues related to wages, layoffs, industrial accidents, and labor disputes. While he found fulfillment in resolving individual cases, he felt that merely addressing disputes was insufficient. His desire to contribute more significantly to the community and citizens sparked his interest in politics.Elected to the Seoul City Council for the first time in 2018 from Gwanak District 3, he has since been re-elected three times. His background in urban planning and experience in labor issues have shaped his perspective on the challenges facing Gwanak. He has focused on redevelopment of low-rise residential areas, advancing the Nankok and Western lines, and improving aging school facilities, framing these efforts around the themes of housing, transportation, and education. His vision is to create a city where young people can settle down and raise families rather than just passing through.In the race for the Speaker position, his strength lay in relationships rather than flashy alliances. He has maintained open communication with senior colleagues and peers since his first term. In a competitive environment with seasoned lawmakers, he personally shared his aspirations with each member, and the trust he built over time translated into votes. While he speaks softly, he is clear and assertive when discussing issues like the normalization of TBS, procedural legitimacy, and the rights of people with disabilities and labor rights.The young man from the Janghang Line now holds one of the brakes on the massive train of Seoul's administration. His principle is to neither stop abruptly nor accelerate recklessly. He aims to discern when to halt and when to proceed based on the interests of the citizens. The weight of the Speaker's role, as Im Man-kyun describes it, lies in that judgment. 2026-09-14 11:04:00
  • RIIZE celebrate 3rd anniversary of debut with plans for new albums
    RIIZE celebrate 3rd anniversary of debut with plans for new albums SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - K-pop boy group RIIZE unveiled plans for a new single next month and a second full-length album next spring during a sold-out fan event in Incheon over the weekend, SM Entertainment said on Monday. They held their third-anniversary event, dubbed "Ch. RIIZE: ON AIR," on Saturday and Sunday at Inspire Arena in Incheon, with the venue opened in a 360-degree configuration for the event, drawing about 23,000 people over the two days. RIIZE performed their hit songs including "Do Your Dance," "Fly Up" and "Get A Guitar," along with covers of EXO's "The Eve" and T-ara's "Bo Peep Bo Peep." Individual stages were also presented under a trainee-evaluation concept with Shotaro performing "Text Me," Eunseok "Love Like Oxygen," Sungchan "BOSS," Wonbin "Moon of Seoul," Sohee "And July" and Anton "Lost Stars." At the end of the event, they unveiled their plans to release a single on Oct. 26 before their second full-length album next spring. Built around the concept of a fictional broadcast channel, the event featured segments styled after news programs, commercials, dramas, variety shows and educational content. The event also included games, dance challenges and runway-style stages between performances. Responding to an encore chant from the crowd, RIIZE returned to perform "SOAR," "In a Loop" and "One Kiss." At Sunday's show, members and fans marked Sungchan's birthday with a surprise cake and a group singalong. RIIZE said the event brought back memories of their debut showcase and thanked fans for celebrating the anniversary together. The group closed the event with their slogan, "RIIZE, BRIIZE, rise." AJP Takeaways - RIIZE held their third-anniversary fan event in Incheon on Sept. 12 and 13. - The sold-out event drew about 23,000 people over two days. - RIIZE announced the upcoming release of their single on Oct. 26. 2026-09-14 11:03:43
  • Golfzon to Fully Support Recovery Costs for Flood-Damaged Screen Golf Stores
    Golfzon to Fully Support Recovery Costs for Flood-Damaged Screen Golf Stores Golfzon announced on September 14 that it will provide recovery support for screen golf stores affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall in the Geoje area of South Gyeongsang Province last August.This recovery support will target both franchised and non-franchised stores equipped with Golfzon simulators. The company has assessed the extent of the damage at these locations, focusing on stores in disaster-declared areas that experienced significant flooding. The affected areas include Geoje, Busan, and Gyeonggi Province. Support will cover costs for parts repair, replacement, and labor, including equipment supplied by Golfzon.Typically, damages from natural disasters such as heavy rain, frozen pipes, and heavy snowfall are not covered under after-service (AS) guarantees. However, Golfzon decided to offer this support to realize its corporate values of coexistence and sharing with business owners. The aim is to minimize the financial burden of lost business for store owners and help them return to normal operations as quickly as possible.Record rainfall fell from August 15 to 18, particularly affecting the southern coast of South Gyeongsang Province. Geoje and Tongyeong recorded cumulative rainfall of 956.1 mm and 766.9 mm, respectively, with Geoje experiencing a maximum hourly rainfall of 124.5 mm. The heavy rains caused flooding in homes and traditional markets, as well as damage to roads.Park Kang-soo, CEO of Golfzon, stated, "We decided to support the recovery of screen golf business owners affected by the recent heavy rainfall so they can quickly return to their daily operations. Golfzon will continue to strive to realize its corporate value of sharing and to lead coexistence with the market, providing various welfare services for stores and owners to promote mutual growth."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:00:00
  • People Power Party Intensifies Criticism of Kim Seung-won Amid Ministerial Hearings
    People Power Party Intensifies Criticism of Kim Seung-won Amid Ministerial Hearings The People Power Party has ramped up its attacks on the five ministerial candidates undergoing confirmation hearings this week. Following the resignation of former Minister of Gender Equality and Family candidate Yoon Hye-in, the party is now calling for the resignation of Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice.At a Supreme Council meeting on the 14th, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated, "The reason the President and the Democratic Party are going all in to save the candidate is ultimately to cancel the indictment related to the Lee Jae-myung case," adding, "It shows that a 'get out of jail free card' for Lee Jae-myung is more important than public sentiment and livelihoods."Jang criticized the allegations surrounding Kim, including new drug lobbying, family social cooperatives, false residency registration, and drunk driving, questioning, "Are you planning to gift the public a set of crimes ahead of Chuseok?"Specifically addressing the drug lobbying allegations, he remarked, "Ninety-three people received a treatment that caused a hamster to vomit blood and die. This reckless act could have endangered the lives of all South Koreans, facilitated by the lobbying of the candidate."Jang further urged President Yoon Suk-yeol to immediately withdraw Kim's nomination and declare, "I will face trial and will not pursue a constitutional amendment for re-election."Jung Jeong-sik, the party's floor leader, also commented, "The allegations against Kim resemble a crime movie, involving infidelity, lobbying, and stock manipulation. The very fact that someone with so many issues is being considered for the Minister of Justice position is evidence that the Blue House is solely focused on canceling the indictment."Additionally, he mentioned the real estate-related allegations against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance candidate Lee Hyung-il, Defense Minister candidate Kang Shin-cheol, and Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister candidate Hong Ji-sun, stating, "While imposing violent real estate policies on the public, they consider themselves exceptions. This is not policy; it is privilege."Meanwhile, Jang addressed the controversy surrounding former candidate Yoon, emphasizing the need to abolish the semi-proportional representation system to rectify the issues revealed by the satellite party scandal.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-14 11:00:00
  • Lee holds five bilateral talks before Central Asia summit
    Lee holds five bilateral talks before Central Asia summit SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will begin three days of back-to-back diplomacy with the leaders of five Central Asian countries from Monday, ahead of South Korea’s first multilateral summit with the region. Lee will hold a bilateral summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday afternoon, followed by talks with the leaders of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday and Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. He is also scheduled to meet Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Monday morning. The inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit will take place in Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The summit will mark the first time South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have brought their long-running multilateral cooperation to the leaders’ level. Seoul launched the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum in 2007 as a regular dialogue mechanism, and established a permanent secretariat in 2017. The government now plans to adopt a “Seoul Declaration” laying out a longer-term vision for cooperation. The summit is expected to focus on critical minerals, energy and supply-chain diversification, combining Central Asia’s abundant resources with South Korea’s technology and industrial capabilities. Seoul is also seeking stronger cooperation on infrastructure, regulations and intellectual property to help Korean companies expand into the region. A Korea-Central Asia business summit attended by around 500 government and corporate representatives is scheduled to follow the leaders’ meeting. 2026-09-14 10:57:43