Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Latest by

Nexters to Launch Nine Onboarding Games This Year Nexters announced on July 7 that it will release nine games on its on-chain gaming platform, One, by the end of the year. The first title, Frost Kingdom, is set to launch on the 23rd, followed by subsequent releases.The lineup includes a variety of genres, primarily focusing on massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), as well as strategy simulation (SLG), collection RPGs, and trading card games (TCGs).The company has structured the nine new titles around the popular MMORPG genre, featuring games based on established intellectual properties (IPs) that have already proven successful in the market.Rapels M is a mobile MMORPG that continues the legacy of the PC game Rapels, emphasizing freedom of growth and large-scale battles. Astelia M is a continuation of the traditional MMORPG Astelia, focusing on strategic combat with over 60 summonable creatures called 'Astel' and deck compositions featuring five classes: Knight, Assassin, Archer, Scholar, and Mage.Metin: Prelude of Destruction (by Cessisoft) is a mobile adaptation of the PC online game Metin, which was released in 2000 and gained a dedicated following for its impactful gameplay. Tree of Savior M (by IMC Games) will present a global version of the well-received Tree of Savior M, known for its fairy-tale graphics and hack-and-slash combat.In addition to MMORPGs, five other genre games are set to launch. Frost Kingdom, which Nexters is publishing exclusively, is a web3 SLG that combines a medieval-themed strategy simulation with a 'merge' mechanic for building and troop development.New titles incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) are also included. Elemental is a strategy-based player-versus-player (PVP) card game featuring an elemental system. Users can create card skins using AI-generated user-generated content (UGC) by inputting text prompts.Other upcoming releases include the subculture-themed collection RPG Gemini Seed, the narrative-driven Canonization of the Gods, and the action-oriented Chronicles of the Celestial Way, all slated for release this year.Nexters aims to integrate its platform One with the domestic app market One Store, targeting updates by the end of the year. The plan includes expanding One Store's features to a global version while incorporating blockchain technology in collaboration with Nexters.To facilitate this integration, Nexters plans to transition the CROSS mainnet to ONEChain and convert the native token CROSS ($CROSS) to ONE ($ONE).Jang Hyun-guk, CEO of Nexters, stated, "We will showcase high-quality games across various genres on the One platform and continuously expand content to connect more games with users from development to distribution."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:32:00
Npay launches venture capital investment platform to boost 'productive finance' SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - Npay, Naver's fintech arm, unveiled a new venture capital investment platform, aiming to bridge the gap between promising startups and investors and channel more "productive finance" into South Korea's capital markets. The service, called Npay Startup, was launched Tuesday at a ceremony at Naver's 1784 headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with officials from the Financial Supervisory Service and the venture investment industry in attendance. The project brings together three players in the venture capital ecosystem — capital providers such as securities firms, fund operators including venture capital firms and new technology financiers, and startups themselves — on a single system. It was jointly developed by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Npay. Under the new system, investors post funding notices and compare standardized proposals, while fund operators can browse every notice in one place instead of submitting repetitive paperwork. Startups upload investor-relations materials directly, and artificial intelligence tools summarize key points and generate searchable company pages, which also appear in Naver's search results. "We hope this platform becomes core infrastructure linking innovative companies with investors and revitalizes productive finance," Lee said, adding that he expects wider industry participation to energize the venture capital market. Npay Startup will run as a pilot for about three months before Npay expands its verification systems and onboards more institutions. 2026-07-07 17:30:18
Hearts2Hearts to make Japan debut SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - Hearts2Hearts will make its official Japan debut in August with the single "ICONIC HEART," SM Entertainment said Tuesday. The launch comes less than 18 months after the group's Korean debut in February 2025, marking a quick move into one of K-pop's most important overseas markets. The single's three tracks will be released on global streaming platforms on Aug. 10, followed by a physical release in Japan on Aug. 12. Hearts2Hearts has already built a track record in Japan. The group topped Oricon's daily album chart with its first EP, "FOCUS," and reached No. 1 on Billboard Japan's Heatseekers Songs chart with the single "STYLE." Its latest EP, "Lemon Tang," released in June, reached No. 2 on Oricon's daily album chart. The group has also released a Japanese-language version of "RUDE!" and recorded the opening theme for the Japanese broadcast of the animated series "Catch! Teenieping." Ahead of the Japan single, Hearts2Hearts will perform "Lemon Tang" in Japan for the first time on TV Asahi's "Music Station" on July 10. The long-running program is one of Japan's best-known music shows. In South Korea, the group has continued promotions for "Lemon Tang" since releasing the EP on June 22, with performances scheduled on MBC M's "Show Champion," Mnet's "M Countdown," MBC's "Show! Music Core" and SBS' "Inkigayo." 2026-07-07 17:28:31
South Korea and Ukraine: Opportunities for Drone Collaboration at NATO Summit Last month, the South Korean Air Force publicly conducted its first training exercise for shooting down drone swarms, which was criticized by a Ukrainian military publication as a "show far from reality." Despite firing thousands of rounds from a Vulcan cannon at 50 drones flying in formation at slow speeds, the exercise failed to intercept all targets. Concerns were also raised about the cost-effectiveness of using thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in ammunition to counter drones worth only a few hundred dollars.This assessment could be damaging to South Korea, which is regarded as the world's fifth-largest military power. The military explained that the training was not intended to replicate real combat but to verify how existing weapon systems could effectively respond to drone swarms. This clarification has merit, as it is essential to test current capabilities against new threats.However, given the reality that South Korea's drone technology and capabilities lag behind those of leading nations, this criticism cannot be easily dismissed. Ukraine, engaged in a war with Russia for nearly four and a half years, has emerged as a central player in global drone warfare, demonstrating the value of drones in modern combat despite its overall military disadvantages.At the recent Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris, Ukraine garnered significant attention for its proven drone technologies. The country is recognized as a drone powerhouse, equipped with AI-based swarm operations, survival tactics in electronic warfare environments, and a production system for low-cost expendable drones.In this context, Ukraine is a crucial partner for South Korea. Ukraine serves as a "living textbook" with its extensive operational expertise in drones, while South Korea possesses world-class capabilities in semiconductors, AI, communications, batteries, and precision manufacturing. The combination of Ukraine's combat experience and South Korea's industrial base could provide new growth opportunities for both nations. With reports of North Korea and Russia already collaborating on drone warfare against Ukraine, there is no reason for South Korea to refrain from partnering with Ukraine.President Lee Jae-myung is currently in Turkey for the NATO summit, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend. This summit could serve as a significant opportunity for South Korea and Ukraine to establish a foundation for drone cooperation.South Korea has experience growing into a global military and defense powerhouse from the ruins of war, while Ukraine is preparing to become a future defense leader by accumulating next-generation battlefield experience and technology through its conflict with Russia. By laying the groundwork for cooperation now, both countries could become important partners in the future defense market.Earlier today, it was reported that Hanwha Ocean lost out to Germany's TKMS in Canada's next submarine project. This case illustrates how even K-defense, regarded as having world-class technology, faces challenges in overcoming the long-standing cooperative networks and political and diplomatic barriers established by NATO countries. To maintain its position as a defense powerhouse, South Korea must secure defense competitiveness suitable for next-generation battlefields, such as drones, alongside diplomatic efforts.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:28:00
U.S., South Korea, and Japan Foreign Ministers Meet During NATO Summit The foreign ministers of the United States, South Korea, and Japan are set to meet on July 7 in Turkey during the NATO summit to discuss trilateral cooperation. According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Cho Hyun will hold a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in the late afternoon. This marks the first U.S.-South Korea-Japan foreign ministers' meeting of the year and the first since their gathering in Gyeongju during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit last October. During the previous meeting, the three ministers agreed to maintain regular communication through multilateral meetings. The Ministry stated, “The three ministers are expected to discuss issues related to the Korean Peninsula, regional and global situations, and security and economic cooperation among the three countries.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:28:00
Super Junior's Leeteuk, Heechul to release first EP as 83z unit SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - Super Junior members Leeteuk and Heechul will release their first EP as the unit Super Junior-83z on July 13, SM Entertainment said Tuesday. The unit's name refers to both members being born in 1983. The six-track EP, "Promise," will be released on major platforms at 6 p.m, (0900 GMT) including Melon, Flo, Genie, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and more. A physical version will also come out the same day. The title track, also called "Promise," is a dance song built on a 2000s-style band sound, paired with Korean lyrics that SM described as a heartfelt confession delivered in the duo's own style. The EP also includes "ONSAEMIRO," a rock ballad previously introduced through a stage video. The track, written by Heechul, features live session instrumentation, with lyrics centered on staying by someone's side no matter how much time passes. SM Entertainment has been rolling out teaser images for the EP at 8:03 p.m. everyday. One released Sunday showed Leeteuk and Heechul in a retro-toned setting. 2026-07-07 17:27:50
Canada picked Germany. Korea still made its point SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - South Korea may have lost the multi-decade, multi-billion-dollar submarine contract in Canada, but it did not come away empty-handed. In Korea, there is a saying, jeot-jal-ssa — literally "lost, but fought well." It best captures Hanwha Ocean's narrow defeat to Germany's TKMS in what Canada itself described as a "difficult, close decision." To impress Canadian officials, South Korea dispatched the operational KSS-III submarine across the Pacific, met the Royal Canadian Navy's demanding requirements and earned praise from Canadian officials for offering a "comprehensive and thoughtful package" in what they called a highly competitive contest. The result leaves Hanwha Ocean with something almost as valuable as a contract: a globally validated reference as other navies prepare to replace or expand their submarine fleets. "It was a loss, but one that built a valuable foundation," said Moon Geun-sik, a submarine expert and professor at Hanyang University's Graduate School of Public Policy. "In submarine performance, South Korea showed the world that it is on par with, or even ahead of, the world's leading builders," he told AJP. Canada on Monday selected TKMS's Type 212CD as the preferred platform for its program to acquire up to 12 conventionally powered submarines. Hanwha Ocean's KSS-III Batch-II was designated the reserve option should Ottawa fail to reach a final agreement with the German company. The outcome was clearly a setback. But Canada did not reject the Korean submarine on technical grounds. Prime Minister Mark Carney said both proposals satisfied the Royal Canadian Navy's demanding operational requirements and described the competition as a close contest between two highly qualified suppliers. The deciding factor, he said, was which proposal better advanced Canada's broader security, strategic and economic interests and fit more naturally into its alliance framework and long-term defense strategy. Carney also noted that Canadian personnel had observed the Korean Navy operating alongside Canadian forces during joint exercises in early June. Yet the decision came as NATO members were placing unprecedented emphasis on strengthening their own defense industrial base. Analysts said growing uncertainty over Washington's long-term commitment to the alliance has encouraged NATO members to tighten defense cooperation within Europe. For Canada, the choice became not simply one between two submarines, but between purchasing a capable Korean platform and joining an established European industrial ecosystem linking Germany and Norway. Moon said the timing reinforced that interpretation. Ottawa announced its decision just before Carney departed for the NATO summit in Ankara. That mattered because the July 7-8 summit is centered on the very priorities Canada cited in explaining its choice. NATO leaders are focusing on defense investment, industrial capacity and joint procurement as members seek to translate last year's pledge to spend 5 percent of gross domestic product on defense and related sectors into actual production capacity and weapons programs. The urgency has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump again questioned Washington's commitment to the alliance while accusing European members of relying excessively on American protection. There is no formal process for a U.S. withdrawal from NATO. But Trump's rhetoric, coupled with reductions in the U.S. military presence in Europe, has increased pressure on European allies and Canada to demonstrate they can shoulder more of the alliance's defense burden while keeping Washington committed to Article 5. Against that backdrop, selecting a European-designed submarine carried significance beyond procurement. It aligned with NATO's broader push to deepen European and Canadian defense integration through shared production lines, supply chains and long-term industrial cooperation. The announcement immediately sparked divided reactions online in Canada. Some commenters welcomed the choice as strategically sound and economically beneficial. One called it "an excellent decision," while another said Germany was the expected winner given Carney announced the selection immediately before leaving for the NATO summit. Others questioned why Canada was again relying on a foreign builder, doubted whether TKMS could meet its delivery schedule and criticized Ottawa for choosing a submarine that has yet to enter service over Hanwha's operational KSS-III. The same divide appeared on an online forum frequented by members of the Canadian military community. Some users argued the outcome reflected alliance politics more than technical evaluation, with one summarizing the decision as: "EU ties. Politics not procurement." Others lamented that Canada had passed over the Korean submarine's longer range, greater weapons capacity and earlier delivery timeline. The comments were anecdotal and do not necessarily reflect broader Canadian public opinion. South Korea's campaign nevertheless left a lasting impression. The ROKS Dosan Ahn Chang-ho completed a nearly two-month, 14,000-kilometer Pacific voyage to Canada, with Royal Canadian Navy submariners joining the crew in Hawaii for the final leg before the two navies conducted joint exercises. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jake Dixon compared the experience to "buying a brand-new Tesla and then coming out of a '99 Honda Civic," while Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Bourgeois said stepping aboard the modern submarine had "opened our eyes to the possibilities ahead of us." South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration stressed that the result did not mark the end of Seoul's defense ambitions in Canada. "Although the submarine project produced a disappointing result, there are several other defense projects between the two countries that remain at an early stage," a DAPA spokesperson said. "We will continue to cooperate and expand our defense ties." The spokesperson declined to identify the projects. For South Korea, the more immediate question is whether the Canadian campaign can be converted into future export victories. Moon identified Saudi Arabia, Greece and the Philippines as markets where submarine procurement could create new opportunities for Hanwha Ocean. "South Korea was not behind Germany in submarine performance," he said. "This will have a positive effect in competitions with other countries." The Canadian campaign gave prospective buyers something few defense competitions ever provide: a public demonstration under real-world conditions. South Korea sailed an operational submarine across the Pacific, proved it could sustain long-distance deployments and remained in contention until the final stage against the world's most established conventional submarine builder. The campaign did not produce a contract, but it may impress the next customer. 2026-07-07 17:27:45
Kia to retire 14-year-old K9 amid sagging demand for sedans SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) -Kia will retire its flagship K9 luxury sedan by the end of this year, industry officials and union sources said Monday, ending a 14-year production run as the automaker shifts investment toward electric vehicles, purpose-built vehicles and software-defined cars amid dwindling demand for large gasoline-powered sedans. The company has ruled out a facelift, a full redesign or even an annual model-year update, according to the sources, signaling that no successor is planned. Production is expected to end at Kia's Autoland Gwangmyeong plant. The move will also bring an end to Kia's rear-wheel-drive flagship sedan lineage. The front-wheel-drive K8 is expected to become the brand's flagship passenger car, marking Kia's clearest step yet away from traditional luxury sedans. Introduced in 2012 as the successor to the Opirus, the K9 was intended to showcase Kia's premium ambitions, with its top trim featuring a 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine. The second-generation model, launched in 2018, gained popularity as a chauffeured vehicle for corporate executives, helping annual sales reach 6,585 units in 2022. Demand, however, deteriorated quickly. Sales fell to 3,898 units in 2023 before dropping to 1,870 in 2024. The K9 sold 1,581 units last year, down 15.4% from a year earlier, while first-half sales this year totaled only 734 units, putting the model on track for its weakest annual performance since launch. The K9 has been sold only in South Korea since 2021, after Kia withdrew it from North America and Russia. Genesis has firmly established itself as the dominant player in Korea's premium sedan segment. The G80 has consistently sold between 40,000 and 50,000 units annually since its third-generation launch in 2020, while the flagship G90 has maintained annual sales of around 10,000 units despite carrying a price tag of more than 100 million won. Competition also intensified from below. Hyundai Motor's Grandeur grew larger and more upscale with successive redesigns, narrowing the gap with the K9, while increasingly refined SUVs convinced many buyers they no longer needed a large sedan for premium comfort and cabin space. The K9's competitiveness was further weakened by the absence of a hybrid powertrain. While Kia introduced hybrid versions of the K5 and K8, its flagship remained gasoline-only throughout its life cycle as fuel efficiency and electrification became increasingly important to consumers. The K9 is not the first Korean large sedan to disappear from overseas markets. Kia discontinued the Cadenza, sold domestically as the K7, in North America in 2021, while Hyundai ended sales of the Azera there in 2017. Kia plans to redirect the production capacity and workforce freed by the K9's discontinuation toward next-generation vehicles. The automaker is expanding its EV lineup with the EV2 following last year's launches of the EV4 and EV5, while targeting a global lineup of 14 electric models by 2030. It is also expanding its purpose-built vehicle business following the launch of the PV5, with the PV7 scheduled for next year and the PV9 for 2029. Beyond electrification, Kia is preparing the XV1, a compact electric hatchback that will become Hyundai Motor Group's first software-defined vehicle. Scheduled to debut in Korea and Europe late next year, the model will serve as the platform for the group's planned rollout of Level 2++ autonomous driving technology by 2029. For now, the K9's exit leaves Kia without a large sedan above the K8, a gap the company shows no sign of planning to fill. 2026-07-07 17:27:21
Vietnam Recalls 10 Korean Cosmetic Products Over Regulatory Violations Vietnam's health authorities have ordered the suspension and recall of 10 cosmetic products imported from South Korea. The products were found to have discrepancies between their reported contents and actual formulations, and some advertisements were also deemed non-compliant with regulations.On July 4, the Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health imposed a fine of 162.5 million dong (approximately $9,450) on IWON Vietnam Co., Ltd. and mandated the recall and disposal of the 10 Korean cosmetic products distributed by the company. Investigations revealed that IWON Vietnam violated regulations during the marketing and advertising of these products.The primary product in violation is Ruvum's 'Green Citrus Vitamin C Gel Cream Plus,' which authorities determined was sold with a formulation different from what was approved. This product is a gel-type moisturizing and whitening cream from the South Korean Ruvum brand, with a batch number of OC14R and an expiration date of March 13, 2028. The product registration number is 278351/25/CBMP-QLD, issued on June 15 of last year.IWON Vietnam was also found to have sold products without adequate documentation. The affected products include two from Ruvum, six from Tiam, and two from Foodaholic, covering various items such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and masks, all imported from South Korea.Additionally, products that violated advertising regulations were identified. Authorities found discrepancies in the advertising content of four products: Tiam Pore Minimizing 21 Serum, Tiam Tranexamic Niacin B Serum, Foodaholic Derma Soothing Moisture Mask with Vitamin B, and Tiam Deep Hydration Glow Cream. Consequently, the company must remove these advertisements from e-commerce platforms. The Drug Administration has also ordered the cancellation of the product registration number for Ruvum's Green Citrus Vitamin C Gel Cream Plus.The Drug Administration has mandated the recall and disposal of all 10 identified cosmetic products. IWON Vietnam will face a six-month suspension of its product registration applications.Authorities have requested local health departments to take follow-up actions. The Drug Administration has instructed health departments in each province and city to immediately inform businesses and consumers to cease sales and use of the 10 products and to guide suppliers in returning the products. Violations will be addressed according to current regulations.IWON Vietnam is required to notify distributors and users of the recall and must accept returned products, subsequently recalling and disposing of all non-compliant items. The company must report the results of the recall and disposal of the 10 products to the Drug Administration by the 15th of this month. The Ho Chi Minh City Health Department will oversee the recall and must submit inspection results to the Drug Administration by the 30th of this month.Other companies are also included in this enforcement action. According to the Drug Administration, IWON Vietnam received the highest fine among the companies involved. Alice Kao Co., Ltd. was fined 55 million dong (approximately $3,190) for inadequate product documentation and ordered to recall and dispose of 20 products. Hong Lam Export-Import and Retail Co., Ltd. received a fine of 90 million dong (approximately $5,220) and a recall order for nine products, while Susu Vietnam Import-Export Trading Joint Stock Company was fined 35 million dong (approximately $2,030). XCGG Co., Ltd. was fined 125 million dong (approximately $7,250) and ordered to recall and dispose of six non-compliant products.Notably, the recall includes well-known products in the market. The list released by authorities includes Hadalabo Foam Cleansing, Anessa Oil Control Sunscreen Lotion, Anessa Whitening Sunscreen Milk, Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen, Aquafresh Clear Mint, and Aquafresh Soft Mint Toothpaste.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:24:00
Exploring the Integration of AI and Taekwondo: WT Concludes 6th International Sports Taekwondo Conference The 6th International Sports Taekwondo Conference, hosted by the World Taekwondo (WT), concluded successfully on July 5 at the Taekwondo Center in Muju, Jeollabuk-do.Focusing on the theme of "Innovating Sports Taekwondo and Industry Development Strategies in the AI Era," the conference attracted over 300 participants, including sports and AI experts, researchers, university students, and Taekwondo instructors and practitioners. Notably, the event emphasized the importance of exploring practical collaboration models between academic research and the sports industry through a partnership with the Korean Society of Sports Management.In his opening remarks, WT President Chungwon Choue stated, "This year marks the 6th edition of the International Sports Taekwondo Conference in Jeollabuk-do. This signifies that the conference has established itself as a stable international platform for ongoing discussions about the future development of sports Taekwondo." He added, "WT is pioneering an AI project in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), making it the first international sports federation to do so. AI technology will serve as a new turning point for the innovation and advancement of sports Taekwondo."Choue expressed hope that, based on the experiences and achievements accumulated over the past six years, sports Taekwondo would evolve into a global sports content that creates a new sports culture and industrial ecosystem through the integration of advanced technology.On the first day, discussions centered on utilizing AI for the innovation of sports Taekwondo and industry development. Professor Russell Ahn from the University of California, Berkeley, presented on "Next-Generation Global Development Directions for Taekwondo Using AI Technology," while Professor Han Nam-hee from Korea University proposed the "Industrial Growth Potential of Taekwondo in the Era of Virtual Sports."Additionally, WT Broadcasting Director John Cullen discussed "Innovative Approaches to Sports Broadcasting and Viewing Experiences Using AI Technology," and WT Technical Director Kayvan Shariyatmadar explained the current status of developing AI-based judging support systems for Olympic and Paralympic Taekwondo events. Alejandro Merino, the IOC's AI Chief, also provided insights into the current and future strategies for integrating AI technology with the Olympic movement.On the second day, the "Sports Taekwondo AI Academic Research Presentation Competition" and the "University Student Sports Taekwondo AI Idea Contest" were held.During the academic research presentation competition, seven research papers were presented, covering topics such as digital transformation strategies in Taekwondo, AI-based referee systems, and match data analysis. Research focusing on enhancing fairness in sports Taekwondo and expanding the industrial ecosystem received high praise.This year marked the inaugural university student AI idea contest, with 13 teams participating. The contest showcased innovative proposals for future sports Taekwondo industrial models and technological advancements, including smart sensor utilization, 3D analysis systems, and platforms addressing the challenges of an aging society.Professor Jeong Byeong-ki from Keimyung University, who oversaw the conference, remarked, "This conference was a significant opportunity to concretely confirm the potential for integrating sports Taekwondo with AI technology from both academic and industrial perspectives. It is particularly meaningful that the IOC, WT, and researchers and students from around the world gathered to discuss the innovative directions for the future of sports Taekwondo."He further noted, "Sports Taekwondo is evolving beyond a mere competitive sport into a future sports industry platform that integrates AI, digital technology, and cultural content. I hope this conference serves as a new starting point for enhancing the global competitiveness of sports Taekwondo and expanding international cooperation networks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-07 17:24:00