AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae Clash Ahead of Democratic Party Convention
    Kim Min-seok and Jeong Cheong-rae Clash Ahead of Democratic Party Convention As the Democratic Party prepares for its upcoming convention, former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and former party leader Jeong Cheong-rae engaged in a heated exchange in Honam, a region critical to the party's fortunes. With the election just a month away, tensions are escalating.On July 10, Kim attended a meeting of the Jeonbuk Provincial Party's executive committee in Jeonju, where he acknowledged the challenges faced during the local elections, stating, "There were painful and conflicting processes during our victory in the June 3 local elections."This comment appears to reference the conflicts that arose during the Jeonbuk gubernatorial primary, particularly the swift expulsion of former Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young over allegations of bribery, which led him to run as an independent. Additionally, there were protests from lawmakers, including Ahn Ho-young, who lost to Lee Won-taek in the primary, demanding an investigation into allegations of meal expense reimbursements involving Lee. Concerns about the fairness of Lee's treatment, perceived as favoring the pro-Lee faction, have also been raised.Kim emphasized the need for unity, saying, "We must create a future that brings everything together as one," and expressed his commitment to the heavy responsibility of leadership.He further stated, "We cannot engage in self-politics at this time. Everyone must support President Lee to avoid becoming part of the opposition faction." Kim has previously criticized Jeong for pursuing self-political interests during his tenure as party leader.Kim also expressed concerns about the party's future, saying, "While we achieved good results in the last election in Jeonbuk, I worry about whether we can win again. Greater unity is essential for victory."In contrast, Jeong countered, "As far as I remember, we won significantly in Jeonbuk. We elected a regional governor and won in 14 local governments. All provincial council members in our districts were elected."Jeong argued that without internal unity, the party cannot expand externally, stating, "We need to unite supporters of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, Moon Jae-in, and President Lee within the party and seek alliances outside. In the recent local elections, we succeeded through unity and failed through division."He appeared to reference his push for a merger with the Justice Innovation Party, which Kim criticized as a flawed approach. Kim stated on July 8 during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's Humility is Hard News Factory' that Jeong's merger strategy was a "bombshell declaration that derailed our efforts, stemming from excessive ambition."As the convention approaches, Kim Min-seok, along with lawmakers Song Young-gil, Ko Min-jeong, and former Gangjin County Council Chair Kim Bo-mi, have declared their candidacies. Jeong's announcement is also expected soon.Additionally, there are notable divisions between the pro-Lee and pro-Jeong factions regarding the convention's procedures. The pro-Lee faction has reportedly expressed discontent over the primary schedule starting in Jeong's home region of Chungcheong, while the pro-Jeong faction has criticized the preference voting system and the youth supreme committee structure.The preference voting system allows voters to rank their top three candidates on a single ballot. If a candidate receives a majority in the first round, they are declared the winner; if not, the votes are tallied for the next choices. Some analysts suggest this system may favor the pro-Lee faction.The youth supreme committee involves electing one of five supreme committee members separately, with the same voting rules as for the party leader and supreme committee elections. If there are four or more candidates, a preliminary election is held to select three, with the highest vote-getter winning.Although the preference voting system and youth supreme committee structure were approved by the preparatory committee, they are currently under reconsideration due to pushback from the pro-Jeong faction and are pending in the supreme committee. Acting party leader Han Byeong-do is expected to reach a conclusion on the matter soon, with speculation that the pro-Lee faction may take further action if the proposals are rejected. 2026-07-10 15:08:00
  • South Koreas New Northern Policy Reinvigorated Through Mongolia Visit
    South Korea's New Northern Policy Reinvigorated Through Mongolia Visit President Lee Jae-myung has made a state visit to Mongolia, the first by a South Korean leader in 15 years, resulting in several significant outcomes. The two countries have reached a preliminary agreement on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will allow South Korea to import key minerals from resource-rich Mongolia without tariffs. Additionally, they agreed to explore peace initiatives for the Korean Peninsula through Mongolia, which maintains friendly relations with North Korea. The two nations also plan to increase people-to-people exchanges to 500,000 by 2030, among other notable developments. The economic complementarity between the two countries is substantial. Mongolia is rich in resources such as rare earth elements, copper, and molybdenum, but has a relatively weak industrial base. In contrast, South Korea boasts world-class manufacturing capabilities in semiconductors, batteries, automobiles, and shipbuilding, yet relies heavily on imports for key minerals. This creates an ideal cooperative structure where resources and technology can be combined. However, the outcomes of this summit are not only significant for the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Mongolia. They also represent a crucial turning point for revitalizing the New Northern Policy, which has seen diminished momentum. National Security Office Director Wi Seok-ryeol stated that discussions were held on strengthening cooperation by linking South Korea's New Northern Policy with Mongolia's Third Neighbor Policy. The Mongolian government has focused on diversifying its economic and security partnerships beyond its two neighbors, Russia and China, through its Third Neighbor diplomacy. This strategy aims to reduce dependence on specific countries by expanding cooperation with democratic nations such as the United States, Japan, the European Union, and South Korea. Suhe Suhbold, Mongolia's ambassador to South Korea, emphasized in a December interview that official documents identify the U.S., Japan, the EU, and South Korea as Mongolia's most important Third Neighbors. This diplomatic approach aligns with President Lee's emphasis on pragmatic diplomacy, suggesting that the state visit could significantly enhance bilateral cooperation. This development also holds important implications for the New Northern Policy. Previously, South Korea's Northern Policy had a relatively high focus on Russia and Central Asia. However, the conditions for implementing this policy have deteriorated due to the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korea's closeness with Russia, and international sanctions. In contrast, Mongolia maintains balanced relations with North Korea, China, Russia, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, pursuing a pragmatic approach that could serve as a new hub for expanding cooperation with northern countries while mitigating geopolitical risks. Moreover, countries in Central Asia, like Mongolia, share the commonality of possessing abundant resources but lacking a robust industrial base. If economic cooperation between South Korea and Mongolia is successfully established, it could evolve into a model for collaboration that can be extended to other northern countries in Central Asia. President Lee recently expanded the scope of northern diplomacy by meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the NATO summit and now through this state visit to Mongolia, reigniting the New Northern Policy ahead of the first Central Asia summit scheduled in Seoul in September. The key now is to ensure follow-up actions. The agreements reached during this summit on CEPA negotiations, economic cooperation, and expanding people-to-people exchanges must be pursued swiftly by both governments to yield tangible results. Particularly with Mongolia facing a presidential election next year, it is essential to establish a foundation for cooperation that can endure beyond changes in government, involving not just the national government but also businesses, local governments, and civil society. South Korea should not view Mongolia merely as a resource partner. Mongolia is a strategic hub for launching the New Northern Policy and a key partner for achieving both economic security and improving relations with North Korea. It is crucial that this state visit does not become a one-time event but rather serves as a starting point for a new era of northern diplomacy, supported by a well-thought-out follow-up strategy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 15:04:00
  • Hanssem Partners with Samsung C&T for Customized Interior Services
    Hanssem Partners with Samsung C&T for Customized Interior Services Hanssem announced on July 10 that it has formed a partnership with Samsung C&T's construction division to provide customized services for new residents. Through this collaboration, Hanssem will introduce the 'HomeStyle' service on Samsung C&T's home platform, 'HomeNick,' to assist new residents with their interior design. The service features a 3D virtual reality tour of each apartment's interior using Hanssem's 3D design program, 'Home Planner.' Additionally, customers moving into the Banpo Raemian Trinwon apartments through HomeNick will receive Hanssem furniture at a discount of up to 8%. A Hanssem representative stated, "We will continue to pursue various partnerships and events to help customers conveniently and reasonably decorate their own spaces." Meanwhile, Hanssem announced on July 6 that it will hold a regular discount event, 'July Summer Promotion' and 'Ssem WEEK,' at its online store and offline locations until July 20.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 15:04:00
  • Lee Jun-seok Meets Prime Minister Han Seung-sook, Expresses Concerns Over Media Legislation
    Lee Jun-seok Meets Prime Minister Han Seung-sook, Expresses Concerns Over Media Legislation Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, met with newly appointed Prime Minister Han Seung-sook on July 10 to discuss concerns regarding amendments to the Information and Communications Network Act. He stated, "There is growing concern among the younger generation regarding various recent media legislations."During their meeting at the National Assembly, Lee emphasized, "The Reform Party has many members who are young voters, particularly those who are hopeful about IT and new technologies."He referenced the recent issues with the National Election Commission, saying, "I believe that if you demonstrate excellent political coordination skills and work well with both parties, we can restore the trust of the younger generation in South Korea's democracy and politics."Chun Ha-ram, the party's floor leader, remarked, "From our perspective, this government tends to approach issues too ideologically," adding that the proposed abolition of supplementary investigative powers under the so-called prosecutorial reform is causing public inconvenience and damaging the system with high costs.In response, Prime Minister Han stated, "At this time, when we are announcing the AI transformation and three major mega projects, the cooperation of the Reform Party is extremely important." She expressed her willingness to listen to insights gained from communication with young people, stating, "If you provide us with technical knowledge and expertise, we will listen and reflect it in our policies."She acknowledged that while her experience in the corporate sector is an advantage, there may be shortcomings in coordination between the National Assembly and various ministries. However, she aims to leverage her experience in managing the interests and demands of users on online platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 15:04:00
  • Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Sentence for Unification Church Leader Over Corruption Charges
    Prosecutors Seek 13-Year Sentence for Unification Church Leader Over Corruption Charges Prosecutors have requested a 13-year prison sentence for Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Unification Church, over allegations of collusion with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.The special prosecutor's team, led by Min Jung-ki, made the request during a sentencing hearing on July 10 at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Woo In-seong. They sought a five-year sentence for violations of the Political Fund Law and an additional eight years for other charges.Jeong Won-joo, former chief of staff to the Unification Church leader, faces a proposed 10-year sentence. Yoon Young-ho, former head of the Unification Church's global headquarters, and Lee Shin-hye, former director of the finance department, are facing requests for three and a half years and three years, respectively.The special prosecutor's team characterized Han as the ultimate beneficiary of the religious-political collusion and the final decision-maker in key church operations.They stated, "Han and others conspired to use substantial financial resources to collude with political forces, interfering in elections and politics, which constitutes a serious crime that directly violates the constitutional principle of separating religion and politics and undermines representative democracy."They further emphasized, "Han privatized the material and human resources of the religious organization and engaged in transactions with political power. Despite being a principal actor in all crimes, he denies the allegations and shows no remorse, warranting appropriate accountability."Han is accused of conspiring with Jeong and Yoon to deliver 100 million won in cash to Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, in January 2022, requesting support for the Unification Church from the Yoon administration ahead of the presidential election. He is also charged with splitting 144 million won in Unification Church funds among members of the People Power Party in March and April of the same year.Additionally, he is accused of conspiring with Yoon and others to provide luxury gifts worth 80 million won, including a Chanel bag and a Graff diamond necklace, to Kim Geon-hee, while soliciting support for church issues. Charges of embezzlement for using Unification Church funds to procure political donations and luxury gifts have also been filed against him.Han and Jeong are also accused of instructing Yoon to destroy evidence after obtaining information about an investigation into illegal gambling at a Las Vegas casino.Yoon has been separately indicted for delivering money to Kim and Kwon and was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Supreme Court the previous day.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 15:04:00
  • This Summer, Busan Attracts Global Attention with Cultural Events
    This Summer, Busan Attracts Global Attention with Cultural Events This summer, the world is turning its attention to Busan. Major international events, including the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting and the International Library Conference, are set to take place, transforming the city into a grand cultural festival.According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will be held at BEXCO in Busan from July 19 to 29.This is the first time the committee is meeting in South Korea, with over 3,000 representatives and experts from 196 member countries expected to attend. The Cultural Heritage Administration has planned various events to showcase Korean cultural heritage to the world.During the committee's session, the 'K-Heritage House' will operate continuously at BEXCO. It will feature media art and immersive experiences highlighting South Korea's World Heritage sites, including Hwaseong Fortress and the Seowon Confucian Academies, along with a 9-meter tall media pole showcasing the beauty of these sites.Visitors can also enjoy K-food, K-seafood, and traditional market experiences, as well as shop for modern products infused with traditional culture at the 'K-Heritage Store.'Events will continue throughout Busan, featuring performances that recreate royal court culture, such as the changing of the guard and royal walks, along with traditional arts performances and parades of the Joseon Tongsinsa. A film festival themed around travel will take place at the Busan Cinema Center, showcasing World Heritage sites in films, and a night tour program will allow visitors to explore Busan's historical sites, including the Yeongdo Bridge, with a guide.The Busan Museum's special exhibition, 'Records and Culture of Joseon, Passing Down to Eternity,' will display royal artifacts, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and royal seals and documents.In August, the 2026 Busan World Library and Information Conference, the largest international conference in the library sector, will be held from August 10 to 13 at BEXCO, attracting over 3,000 library professionals and experts from more than 150 countries.The central theme will be 'Libraries in the Age of AI,' exploring the evolving roles of libraries as AI rapidly changes information production and usage. The event will also feature K-culture experience zones and various exhibitions and cultural activities.The cultural festivities will be abundant. The 2026 Busan International Buddhist Expo will take place from August 6 to 9, themed 'Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form, Play What You Love.' It will offer a variety of exhibitions on traditional crafts, Buddhist cultural products, meditation arts, and more, along with lectures and interactive programs to make Buddhist culture accessible to everyone. The official website will support translation features in English, Japanese, and Chinese to enhance accessibility for foreign visitors.The Busan Theater Festival (July 1-26) will showcase works from representative theater companies across the country. The Busan Ballet Festival (August 20-22) will present a diverse range of ballet performances, while the Dongnae Folk Arts Festival (September 19-20) will feature local intangible cultural heritage, including Dongnae Yaryu and Dongnae Hakchum, at various venues such as the Busan Folk Arts Center and Geumgang Park.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 15:00:00
  • TWICE to wrap up largest-ever world tour with sold-out Seoul finale
    TWICE to wrap up largest-ever world tour with sold-out Seoul finale SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - K-pop girl group TWICE will wrap up their world tour with three sold-out concerts in Seoul this weekend, bringing to an end their yearlong run of some 81 shows across 44 cities across the world. According to JYP Entertainment, the three-day encore concerts, starting Friday at KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, will conclude "THIS IS FOR," their largest-ever tour since their debut, which began in Incheon in July 2025. A 360-degree stage will be used for all three shows, allowing fans to watch the group from every angle instead of just one end of the arena. Meanwhile, the yearlong tour reflected the group's steady expansion from arena venues in Asia to major stadiums across North America, Japan and other key markets. In North America, TWICE performed 35 concerts in 20 cities including 13 first-time stops such as Boston, Montreal, Vancouver and Washington. The leg drew about 550,000 fans, the largest audience ever for a North American tour by a K-pop girl group. Japan was another milestone on the tour. In April, TWICE became the first K-pop act to stage a solo concert at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, attracting about 240,000 fans over three days, or roughly 80,000 per show. The group also performed at Japan's four major domes during the tour, bringing total attendance for their shows there to about 640,000, according to the agency. Elsewhere in Asia, TWICE staged their first solo concerts in Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Macau and Taipei. The group attracted about 110,000 fans over two shows at Kaohsiung National Stadium and about 120,000 across three concerts at Taipei Dome. The Hong Kong stop also made TWICE the first K-pop girl group to hold a concert at Kai Tak Stadium, one of the city's largest venues. The scale of the tour reflects how far the group's live presence has grown since their first concert tour in 2017. Across six tours, the nine members of TWICE have now performed 188 concerts in 59 cities, setting a K-pop girl group record for both the number of cities visited and solo concerts held. This weekend's encore concerts come ahead of the 11th anniversary of TWICE's debut in October 2015, serving as a retrospective of the group's journey. 2026-07-10 14:52:51
  • LG Energy Solution Wins First Domestic AI-Driven Energy Storage Project
    LG Energy Solution Wins First Domestic AI-Driven Energy Storage Project The South Korean government has selected LG Energy Solution as the operator for its energy storage system (ESS) project aimed at enhancing the power infrastructure in the Honam region.On July 10, LG Energy Solution announced that it has been chosen as the operator for the '2026 AI-Driven ESS Construction Support Project' overseen by the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment.In collaboration with Shinhan Asset Management, LG Energy Solution participated in the project bid as part of the 'Sunlight Power Distribution Energy' consortium. A total of nine companies and 32 distribution lines were selected, with LG Energy Solution securing the maximum capacity of seven distribution lines (20MWh each, totaling 140MWh).LG Energy Solution will be responsible for supplying high-performance batteries, constructing the ESS, and overseeing AI-based operations. Shinhan Asset Management will leverage its experience in solar fund management to establish a stable financial structure based on power market revenues. The commercial operation is set to begin in 2027, with a 20-year operational period.This project marks the government's first initiative to support the construction of distribution network ESS. Currently, existing substations and distribution lines in regions like Honam and Jeju, where renewable energy is concentrated, are at capacity, leading to situations where power generation must be curtailed or connections delayed.The target areas in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do are experiencing increased renewable energy connections due to the rise of small-scale solar installations, which have exceeded the allowable capacity of distribution lines, causing connection delays and output control issues.The government aims to address these challenges by establishing ESS as a 'buffer' on distribution lines. LG Energy Solution plans to enhance the acceptance of renewable energy and the stability of the power system by applying advanced AI predictive algorithms and virtual power plant (VPP) platform technology.This initiative will allow for the new connection of 40MW of solar power generation facilities currently waiting for connection, enabling the additional acceptance of 52.4GWh of renewable energy annually. Furthermore, LG Energy Solution intends to continuously convert solar power generation facilities into dispatchable resources to contribute to the stabilization of the power system in the Honam region.“This project selection is a significant achievement in our transition from a battery supplier to an energy platform company,” said Kang Chang-beom, head of the ESS battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will accelerate business growth by leveraging our AI-based ESS operational capabilities and contribute to stabilizing the national power grid.”Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution reported an operating profit of 113.3 billion won in the second quarter, marking a return to profitability after a single quarter of losses.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 14:52:00
  • Kumho Construction Wins Bid for 1,295-Unit Public Housing Project in Pyeongtaek
    Kumho Construction Wins Bid for 1,295-Unit Public Housing Project in Pyeongtaek Kumho Construction has secured a bid for a public housing project comprising 1,295 units in the Godeok International City of Pyeongtaek. On July 10, Kumho Construction announced that it has been selected as the preferred negotiator for the public housing construction project in the A-72 and A-73 blocks, commissioned by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). Kumho Construction is participating in a consortium with Isu Construction, Ssangyong Construction, and Umi Development, holding a 51% stake and serving as the lead contractor. The total project cost is 438.2 billion won. The project will involve the construction of 17 buildings, ranging from one basement level to 20 stories, with apartment sizes between 74 and 84 square meters, totaling 1,295 units. The apartments will feature Kumho Construction's brand 'ARTERA.' Construction is set to begin in December of this year and is expected to be completed by July 2029. Kumho Construction plans to orient all units to maximize natural light and will incorporate a smart Internet of Things (IoT) residential platform along with specialized community facilities for residents. The project site is strategically located near major employers, including Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek campus, KG Mobility, and various industrial complexes, which are expected to generate strong demand. A representative from Kumho Construction stated, "We aim to create a landmark development that represents the region, leveraging our construction capabilities and expertise in the public housing sector." Additionally, Kumho Construction recently announced on July 1 that it has won a bid for a 225 billion won modernization project for the Gwacheon public sewage treatment facility, which aims to enhance and modernize sewage treatment capacity in response to the development of the third new town in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-10 14:52:00
  • Korea, Mongolia expand cooperation in critical minerals, AI, finance
    Korea, Mongolia expand cooperation in critical minerals, AI, finance SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - South Korea and Mongolia agreed to expand cooperation in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and healthcare, while strengthening ties in central banking and trade finance. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol held separate meetings Thursday with Mongolian First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Development Minister Jadamba Enkhbayar and Finance Minister Zagdjav Mendsaikhan during President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to Mongolia. The two sides agreed to advance bilateral economic cooperation following the first state visit by a South Korean president to Mongolia in 15 years. They identified AI applications, data center construction, critical mineral supply chains, renewable energy development and healthcare as areas with strong potential and agreed to establish a hotline between the two deputy prime ministers. Koo said Mongolia’s mineral and renewable energy resources could be combined with South Korea’s technology to develop mutually beneficial projects. Mongolia is estimated to rank seventh globally in copper reserves, ninth in molybdenum production and second in rare earth reserves, while its solar and wind power potential is estimated at 2,600 gigawatts. The two countries also welcomed the preliminary conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. They plan to use the agreement to expand cooperation beyond trade and investment into critical mineral development, AI and digital infrastructure. Mendsaikhan expressed interest in South Korea’s development experience and technology and pledged to improve Mongolia’s investment environment for Korean companies. The two finance ministries also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in building Mongolia’s second national cancer center. The proposed 400-bed hospital, estimated to cost about $230 million, would provide cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, education and research services. The governments plan to accelerate a feasibility study and examine how AI-based diagnostic systems and other advanced medical technologies could be introduced under Mongolia’s healthcare conditions. South Korea will decide whether to approve financing through its Economic Development Cooperation Fund after completing the study. The feasibility study will be the first launched since Seoul announced a new EDCF strategy in April. The Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia also signed an agreement on a $30 million interbank export credit facility. The Korean policy lender will provide funds to the Mongolian bank, which will lend to local companies importing Korean products, including food, beverages and cosmetics. The Bank of Korea and the Bank of Mongolia also revised a bilateral cooperation agreement first signed in August 2011. The updated memorandum specifies cooperation and technical assistance in monetary policy, financial stability and payment systems. It also adds working-level meetings to exchange programs previously centered on workshops and seminars. The BOK said the revision reflects progress in financial cooperation and provides a more concrete framework for exchanges between the two central banks. The central bank added that closer ties with resource-rich Mongolia could strengthen strategic cooperation with a country linking Central and Northeast Asia. 2026-07-10 14:43:23