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  • UNDP, Hyundai foundation name winners of Asia-Pacific start-up programme
    UNDP, Hyundai foundation name winners of Asia-Pacific start-up programme SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - Ten impact start-ups from five Asia-Pacific countries presented solutions linked to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals at a Demo Day in Seoul this week, concluding a three-month accelerator programme co-hosted by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation. The programme, Global ImpactPreneur, ended with a networking event and final pitch session held on July 6 and 7 at ONDREAM SOCIETY in Myeong-dong, central Seoul. It was organized by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation and implemented by Impact Square. Launched in March, the accelerator drew applications from 126 start-ups in 23 Asia-Pacific countries. After a review process, 20 teams were selected in April for a three-month online acceleration programme. Ten companies from five countries were then chosen through an online pitch evaluation in June to take part in the final Demo Day in Seoul. The finalists were Arummi Foods and Elevarm from Indonesia, DEAFNURI Inc., iGENETECH Inc., NUSEUM Inc. and Seoul Labs Co., Ltd. from South Korea, Global Cerah and Stratetics Experts Sdn Bhd from Malaysia, Nicha Carbon Capture Co., Ltd. from Thailand and SUDrain Co., Ltd. from Cambodia. The companies presented business models addressing issues including climate action, the circular economy, healthcare, digital inclusion and access to essential services. The Grand Award, presented by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, went to SUDrain, a Cambodian company developing decentralized wastewater treatment technology using coconut fiber-based biofilm filtration. The company aims to address water pollution and public health challenges through locally adaptable treatment systems. The Excellence Award, presented by the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, went to Arummi Foods, an Indonesian start-up producing cashew-based plant milk. The company seeks to expand food access for lactose-intolerant consumers while supporting income opportunities for smallholder farmers. The CVC Innovation Award, presented by CVC Capital Partners, was given to two companies: DEAFNURI, a South Korean start-up developing a sign language-based accessible tourism platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and Seoul Labs, which is working on SuperWallet, an AI and blockchain-based digital identity platform designed to improve access to formal finance and public services for underserved groups. The final evaluation was conducted by six experts in impact investment and development cooperation: Anne Juepner, director of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre; Choi Jae-ho, secretary general of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation; Doh Hyun-myung, CEO of Impact Square; Kim Chul-hwan, representative of CVC Capital Partners; Na Young-joo, director of Korelya Capital; and Lee Jun-hee, center head at Barun Law LLC. The Demo Day opened with remarks on the progress made by participating entrepreneurs during the acceleration period. Juepner and Choi delivered messages of support to the 10 finalists, which later pitched their solutions to investors and partner organizations. Booth exhibitions were also held to allow more detailed discussions between start-ups, investors and ecosystem partners. A day earlier, about 50 participants attended a networking event involving the 10 finalist companies, Korean entrepreneurs from the UNDP-Impact Square SDG Sprint programme, alumni of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation’s CMK Impact Runner programme and representatives from venture capital firms and accelerators. The event was designed as a peer mentoring session, bringing together emerging impact start-ups from the Asia-Pacific region and experienced Korean social innovators. Participants exchanged views on fundraising, market entry, business validation and the challenges of expanding social impact across borders. One participating start-up representative said advice from senior entrepreneurs during the networking session helped strengthen the team’s final pitch. “It was meaningful to stand on the same stage with peers from different countries who have been addressing similar social challenges, and to directly validate our solution before investors and partner organizations,” the representative said. Juepner said impact start-ups are important innovation actors in achieving the SDGs. “This programme provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs across the Asia-Pacific region to share their challenges and solutions, and to build a foundation for collaboration to scale social impact,” she said. “UNDP will continue to support the wider dissemination of innovative solutions to more communities through partnerships with the private sector.” Choi said the foundation would continue supporting young innovators seeking to expand beyond their home markets. “The Foundation will continue to build a solid platform for future generations and innovators to grow on a broader stage, rooted in Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-Koo’s spirit of challenge and entrepreneurship,” he said. Global ImpactPreneur is part of a broader effort by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation and Impact Square to strengthen the impact start-up ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region. The organizers said they plan to continue working with international partners to help young entrepreneurs lead social change. 2026-07-08 10:55:55
  • Political Debate Surrounds 2.47 Million Ballots in Storage
    Political Debate Surrounds 2.47 Million Ballots in Storage Political discussions are reigniting around the 2.47 million ballots stored in Jamsil. Some lawmakers are calling for a recount, while the National Election Commission is taking a cautious stance, citing the significant time and costs involved. Opinions on this controversy are sharply divided. One side claims it is an attempt to undermine the election results, while the other argues it is a necessary procedure to address public suspicions. However, from a democratic perspective, a more critical question arises: What should the state’s response be when suspicions are raised? Elections are the foundation of democracy. Citizens cast their votes and trust the results, which grants legitimacy to power. Therefore, trust in the electoral process is as crucial as the election results themselves. Whether the suspicions are valid is a subsequent issue. Democracy is a system created by humans and is inherently imperfect, which is why mechanisms for oversight, verification, and confirmation have been institutionalized. A recount is one of those mechanisms. Conducting a recount does not undermine democracy. In fact, leaving suspicions unaddressed as mere political claims can foster greater distrust. If the results align with the initial count, that too is a significant conclusion. It reaffirms the fairness of the election and can help the election commission restore public trust. Conversely, if discrepancies are found, it becomes part of the process through which democracy corrects itself. Of course, a recount should not become a tool for political strife. If it is used to avoid acknowledging defeat or as a political event to rally support, it does not benefit democracy. However, raising suspicions should not be taboo either. Democracy is a system that allows questions, not one that suppresses them. Ultimately, the key is the process. There must be standards and methods for verification that all citizens can accept, fostering a culture of accepting the results. Politicians should not demand or oppose recounts based on predetermined outcomes but should work together to create objective procedures. The strength of democracy does not come from perfection but from transparency. Covering up suspicions does not build trust; rather, it is the process of openly verifying suspicions and explaining them to the public that fosters trust. The authority of elections is not established by blocking questions but is completed when it can confidently answer any inquiry. 2026-07-08 10:52:00
  • Ko Min-jung Announces Candidacy for Democratic Party Leadership
    Ko Min-jung Announces Candidacy for Democratic Party Leadership Ko Min-jung, a member of the Democratic Party, announced her candidacy for the party leadership on July 8, stating, "I will lead the success of the Lee government with a 'young Democratic Party' that brightens the future of youth and protects the daily lives of the people."During a press conference at the National Assembly, Ko expressed her determination, saying, "I stand here today with a sense of urgency to declare my candidacy for the party leadership election."She noted that the recent local elections showed that the 2030 generation has turned away from the Democratic Party, stating, "We have been a force that has failed to address the issues that matter to the people's lives, repeatedly engaging in internal conflicts. We must acknowledge this and reflect deeply on what we have lacked in the face of the people's warning, seeking alternatives."Ko emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to innovate as a young party that nurtures the youth as new leaders, saying, "We will not only call on the youth when we need them but will cultivate them as the owners of the Democratic Party." She announced plans to open a certain percentage of key party positions to young people through a youth position allocation system and to establish a 'Youth Future Committee' directly under the party leader for communication and discussion.Additionally, Ko addressed the recent heated factional conflicts within the party regarding the leadership race, calling for internal unity. She stated, "We must refrain from stigmatizing language and instead recognize and communicate with each other to find alternatives. Without internal unity, we cannot expand our outreach, and without outreach, we cannot win the hearts of the majority of the people. We need to engage in discussions and communication with a vision that illuminates the future of South Korea, rather than engaging in meaningless debates."She concluded by pledging to inherit the achievements of former President Moon Jae-in, which have been undermined by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, and to lead the Democratic Party in supporting the success of the Lee government, stating, "I will take the lead in creating a united Democratic Party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 10:52:00
  • China Considers Restrictions on Foreign Access to Domestic AI Models
    China Considers Restrictions on Foreign Access to Domestic AI Models China is reportedly considering measures to restrict foreign access to its advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models, following similar actions by the United States.On July 7, Reuters cited three sources familiar with the matter, stating that Chinese authorities have held meetings with major technology companies over the past month to discuss potential restrictions on foreign access to the country’s cutting-edge AI models. Some of these models have not yet been publicly disclosed.Participants in the meetings included Alibaba, ByteDance, and the AI startup Z.ai. The discussions were led by the Ministry of Commerce, with representatives from the National Development and Reform Commission also in attendance.According to the sources, the meetings covered restrictions on both closed and more open models of advanced AI. There was also discussion about treating the theft or leakage of proprietary AI technology as a violation of China’s strict national security laws.There is a possibility that new measures could limit who can invest in AI startups within China. However, the specific scope, implementation, and timing of any potential restrictions remain unclear. Some sources indicated that the limitations might only apply to models that are released in the future.This discussion in China comes in the wake of the U.S. imposing restrictions on foreign access to advanced AI models. In June, the Trump administration ordered that foreign nationals be barred from accessing Anthropic's advanced models, Fable and Mythos. While export controls on the publicly available Fable have since been lifted, access to the cybersecurity-focused Mythos remains limited to select 'trusted' U.S. institutions.Chinese authorities are particularly concerned that Mythos could be exploited to take advantage of software vulnerabilities or used by the U.S. in ways that could harm China's interests.China has already been strengthening its protective measures for domestic AI technology. In April, the National Development and Reform Commission ordered Meta to withdraw its $2 billion acquisition of the Chinese AI startup Manus, and in early June, it announced new regulations to tighten controls on overseas transactions involving Chinese investors, technology, data, and national security.Reuters reported that it remains unclear how the restrictions on foreign access to Chinese AI models would be implemented. However, a summary from a roundtable published in May in the official journal of the Supreme People's Court indicated that Chinese legal experts proposed a tiered regulatory system. This would involve simple reporting procedures for basic open-source tools, security reviews for more advanced technologies, and outright bans or domestic use restrictions for the most sensitive frontier models.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 10:44:00
  • Why Mongolia Should Be the Next Stage for South Koreas Diplomacy
    Why Mongolia Should Be the Next Stage for South Korea's Diplomacy South Korea's diplomatic horizons are expanding. President Lee Jae-myung is set to make a state visit to Mongolia, the first by a South Korean president in 15 years. This trip symbolizes not just a routine diplomatic engagement but also highlights where South Korea's foreign policy should be directed.Historically, South Korea's diplomacy has been overly focused on the four major powers in the region: the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. While this focus was geopolitically necessary, the international order is changing rapidly. Supply chain restructuring, resource security, energy transition, the opening of Arctic shipping routes, and the rise of Central Asia are reshaping the diplomatic landscape. It is time for South Korea to broaden its perspective to the continent, with Mongolia as a key starting point.On the surface, Mongolia may seem like a small country, with a population of less than 4 million and a limited market size. However, a nation's value is not determined solely by its population. Geographically, Mongolia is strategically located between China and Russia, serving as a crucial link between Northeast Asia, Central Asia, and Eurasia. If South Korea is to rethink its northern economy strategy, Mongolia is an essential partner.The economic value of Mongolia is significant as well. As countries compete in the semiconductor and battery industries, securing critical minerals has become a matter of national security. Mongolia is rich in underground resources, including copper, rare earth elements, and coal. While South Korea boasts global manufacturing competitiveness, it relies heavily on imports for most raw materials. To establish a stable supply chain, strategic cooperation with resource-rich countries is essential.However, approaching Mongolia solely for resource acquisition will not yield long-term benefits. Past failures in resource diplomacy stem from prioritizing our needs over the development of partner countries, leading to one-off transactions. Sustainable cooperation arises from a structure of mutual growth.Mongolia currently faces challenges in industrial modernization, urban infrastructure expansion, energy transition, and environmental improvement. South Korea has valuable experience in manufacturing, information and communication technology, smart cities, healthcare, and education. By becoming a partner that helps design industrial development rather than merely a buyer of resources, the relationship between the two countries can deepen significantly.New opportunities are also opening for South Korean companies. Mongolia has real needs in areas such as power grid construction, transformers, renewable energy facilities, railways, roads, construction equipment, medical devices, smart agriculture, food processing, and logistics systems. This presents a significant market potential not only for large corporations but also for mid-sized and small enterprises with technological capabilities.The connections between people are also strengthening. Thousands of Mongolians live in South Korea as students, workers, and marriage immigrants, serving as strong cultural ambassadors between the two nations. Even if government-to-government cooperation faces temporary challenges, people-to-people exchanges provide a vital link in maintaining relationships.The diplomatic significance of Mongolia cannot be overlooked. Mongolia has long been interested in the Korean Peninsula and is one of the few countries that maintain dialogue channels with North Korea. While immediate breakthroughs may be unlikely, having a friendly environment that allows for dialogue during times of heightened tension holds substantial strategic value. In diplomacy, the accumulation of trust often outweighs visible achievements.Today, the world does not separate economics from diplomacy. Supply chains, energy, security, and industry are interconnected. In this context, Mongolia is not just a neighboring country to the north but a crucial partner in shaping South Korea's future strategy.This state visit should not be a one-time event. More important than a joint declaration is the follow-up implementation. Concrete outcomes in areas such as critical mineral cooperation, infrastructure investment, youth exchanges, joint scientific research, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises must follow. Only then can high-level diplomacy transform into economic diplomacy, and economic diplomacy enhance national competitiveness.South Korea's diplomacy must now look beyond the sea and towards the continent. Mongolia is one of the first gateways in this endeavor. What is needed now is not a narrow view of a small market but a strategic vision that connects to the future. 2026-07-08 10:44:00
  • Samsung tops economic contribution among South Koreas major firms
    Samsung tops economic contribution among South Korea's major firms SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - South Korea's major companies contributed more than 1,700 trillion won (about US$1.13 trillion) to the economy last year as their earnings improved with Samsung Electronics topping the list, according to a report released by corporate tracker CEO Score on Wednesday. The combined economic contribution of South Korea's 100 largest privately owned companies by sales totaled 1,731.16 trillion won last year, up 7.4 percent from 1,612.47 trillion won a year earlier. But their contribution ratio slipped to 75.6 percent from 76.2 percent, even as their combined sales rose 8.3 percent from a year earlier to 2,290.85 trillion won. The figure is calculated based on payments to suppliers, salaries and compensation paid to employees, taxes paid to the government, dividends paid to shareholders, interest paid to creditors, and corporate social contributions. By company, Samsung Electronics led with 177.25 trillion won, up 12.5 percent from a year earlier. The semiconductor giant was followed by Hyundai Motor (122.24 trillion won), Kia (92.07 trillion won), LG Electronics (77.10 trillion won), Hyundai Mobis (56.21 trillion won), SK On (52.33 trillion won), Hanwha (44.93 trillion won), SK hynix (43.63 trillion won), GS Caltex (42.83 trillion won) and SK Energy (37.35 trillion won). Payments to suppliers accounted for the largest share, totaling 1,405.75 trillion won or 81.2 percent of the total, while shareholder returns saw the largest increase, with dividends rising 12.1 percent from a year earlier to 30.65 trillion won. Samsung Electronics also ranked first in shareholder returns, paying 11.11 trillion won in dividends and becoming the only company to return more than 10 trillion won to shareholders. Industry officials said shareholder-friendly management is increasingly seen as a key element of competitiveness, as companies expand dividends and share cancellations amid improved performance. 2026-07-08 10:42:26
  • LG Electronics deploys industrial heat pump system at Korean paper mill
    LG Electronics deploys industrial heat pump system at Korean paper mill SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Wednesday it has completed the installation of a large-scale industrial heat pump system at a paper mill in South Korea, marking the commercial deployment of a high-temperature heat pump developed under a government-backed carbon neutrality project. The company said the system was supplied to paper manufacturer Ajin P&P in Daegu and entered commercial operation earlier this month. The project forms part of a national research and development program launched in 2023 by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, involving LG Electronics and 14 other industry and academic participants. According to LG Electronics, the industrial heat pump delivers outlet temperatures of 108 degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 118 degrees, compared with about 90 degrees for conventional industrial heat pumps. The system also provides cooling capacity of up to 1,040 refrigeration tons (RT). The company said the system is designed for industrial processes requiring high-temperature heat, including paper drying, food sterilization, and applications in the chemical and refining industries. Instead of burning fossil fuels, the heat pump uses electricity and recovered waste heat to generate thermal energy. LG Electronics said the system incorporates its oil-free magnetic bearing technology and uses R-1233zd refrigerant, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1. The company said it is expanding its industrial heat pump business in overseas markets. It previously supplied an industrial water-source heat pump to Seoul's COEX convention center and district heating heat pumps to Danish energy company Ørsted, while pursuing additional projects in North America and Europe. 2026-07-08 10:38:56
  • ESTsoft launches AI shopping assistant with CJ Olive Young
    ESTsoft launches AI shopping assistant with CJ Olive Young SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - ESTsoft, a South Korean AI service developer, announced it has launched a kiosk-based "AI Shopping Assistant" jointly with CJ Olive Young, one of the country's leading K-beauty retailers. The service will debut first at three Seoul stores popular with foreign tourists: the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Apgujeong Jungang and Ewha Jungang branches. The assistant is built on ESTsoft's real-time conversational AI avatar platform, Perso Interactive, and has been tailored specifically for K-beauty retail. It primarily targets foreign shoppers in their 20s and 30s, engaging customers through an AI avatar that communicates in eight languages. Key functions include language-barrier-free avatar service in eight languages, AI-driven product recommendations, barcode-based multilingual product information, automated handling of routine inquiries such as tax refunds, and a data dashboard tracking dwell time and customer behavior. For the recommendations, ESTsoft paired its in-house engine, AURA, with tens of thousands of Olive Young product listings to match customers by skin concerns, texture preference and intended use. Multilingual support emerged as the most requested feature in an internal survey of Olive Young staff, in which about 69.4 percent reported facing language barriers with customers and 54.8 percent said interpretation support was necessary. "This is meaningful because it allows us to resolve the language barrier issues that global retail stores face with overseas customers, while also contributing to improved store performance," said Chung Sang-won, chief executive of ESTsoft. An ESTsoft official told AJP that the company could not yet disclose any further expansion plans, citing confidentiality. 2026-07-08 10:38:15
  • Park Chung-kwon: If Lee Wants True Cooperation, He Should Form a Joint Committee
    Park Chung-kwon: If Lee Wants True Cooperation, He Should Form a Joint Committee Park Chung-kwon, a member of the People Power Party, stated on July 8 that "if President Lee Jae-myung truly desires cooperation, he should propose forming a joint committee regarding supplementary investigation rights instead of suggesting golf meetings with opposition lawmakers." The People Power Party has publicly proposed holding a joint committee to reassess the overhaul of the criminal investigation system.During his appearance on KBS Radio's 'Current Affairs', Park emphasized that the issue of supplementary investigation rights should not be politicized for the Democratic Party's convention but should be decided solely based on public welfare.He referenced allegations of collusion between the father of Jang Yoon-gi, a victim in the Gwangju high school girl murder case, and the police investigation team, suggesting that "without the supplementary investigation by the prosecution, these matters would have remained undisclosed and buried."Park also expressed disappointment that discussions on supplementary investigation rights are becoming intertwined with the Democratic Party's internal power struggles rather than focusing on public welfare and national development. He remarked, "Supplementary investigation rights are directly related to people's livelihoods," and lamented that the strong support from the Democratic Party's base has coalesced around the idea of 'complete abolition.' He questioned, "What does a legitimacy battle have to do with public welfare?"Regarding the controversy over former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's absence during the vote on a resolution to lift the state of emergency during the December 3 emergency declaration, Park described it as "disappointing."In addition, concerning the special investigation into the voting paper shortage, Park argued that appointing a special prosecutor through recommendations from third parties like the Korean Bar Association may have limitations, asserting that "the most reliable option is a special prosecutor recommended by the opposition party."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 10:36:00
  • Han Byeong-do: The Public Demands a Functional National Assembly to Address Pending Legislation
    Han Byeong-do: The Public Demands a Functional National Assembly to Address Pending Legislation Han Byeong-do, the acting leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "The public's command is for a working National Assembly. The Democratic Party will process all pending bills in the upcoming session," reiterating the call for a National Assembly meeting on July 9.During a Supreme Council meeting on the morning of July 8, Han emphasized, "There should be no stagnation in the National Assembly when it comes to the people's livelihood. On July 7, the party's leadership conveyed the public's concerns and inconveniences regarding the prolonged delay in bill processing to National Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik and requested the session on July 9. Regardless of differences between the ruling and opposition parties, it is the National Assembly's duty and obligation to vote on the bills presented in the session," he said.Han pointed out that many of the bills pending in the National Assembly have already passed through relevant committees and should be processed as soon as possible. He noted, "Among the 59 bills on the agenda, most have been reviewed without significant issues by the committees and the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. All of these bills are essential for the stability and livelihood of the public and the economy," he stressed.He also directed his remarks at the People Power Party, asking, "Can you explain to the public why you are obstructing the bills? No matter how much the People Power Party tries to hinder, the clock of the National Assembly will not stop. The public's command is for a working National Assembly. The Democratic Party will not repeat the vicious cycle of meaningless filibusters that plagued the first half of the National Assembly. We will approach this with a sense of urgency to ensure all pending bills are processed."Additionally, Han expressed concern over the escalating factional conflicts within the party ahead of the convention scheduled for August.He remarked, "The convention to elect a new leadership should be a festival that embodies the values of dignified competition and unity, and it should be a healthy competition based on policies and visions. I urge candidates and party members to engage in dignified competition to ensure the convention instills pride among party members."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-08 10:36:00