AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • North Korea Celebrates 78th Anniversary with Messages from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
    North Korea Celebrates 78th Anniversary with Messages from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin North Korea marked the 78th anniversary of its regime establishment by releasing congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming its friendly relations with both countries.The North Korean ruling party's newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published the messages addressed to Chairman Kim Jong Un on September 9, with Xi's message appearing before Putin's.In his message, Xi described North Korea and China as "friendly socialist neighbors who support and help each other and share a common destiny." He emphasized that maintaining, consolidating, and developing the China-North Korea relationship is a consistent and unwavering policy of the Chinese Party and government.Xi also referenced his state visit to North Korea in June and his summit with Kim, stating, "We will continue to strengthen strategic guidance on the relationship between our two parties and countries and work together to promote the development of our respective party and national affairs."Putin stated, "The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has always been based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual assistance," adding that they will continue to pursue the closest joint efforts to further solidify their comprehensive strategic partnership.He asserted that North Korea-Russia cooperation aligns with the interests of both nations' citizens and contributes to regional security and the establishment of a multipolar world order. Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party, also sent a separate congratulatory message, emphasizing that the two countries maintain a common stance on international and regional issues.In the lead-up to the regime establishment anniversary, North Korea continued its exchanges with China and Russia. The China-People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-North Korea Friendship Association held a reception in Beijing on September 7 to commemorate North Korea's 78th anniversary. Both sides expressed their commitment to implementing agreements made between their leaders and expanding practical cooperation.On the same day, the Tumen River Bridge connecting North Korea and Russia was officially opened. Built in accordance with an agreement reached during a North Korea-Russia summit in June 2024, the bridge can accommodate up to 300 vehicles per day. Both sides stated that the bridge's opening would contribute to expanding exchanges in trade, economy, science and technology, and culture.Meanwhile, Kim did not attend the traditional tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun by party and government officials the day before, sending only a floral tribute. Kim has only participated in the 9.9 Day tributes in 2012, 2018, and 2021, and has not attended since 2022. This year, as it is not a significant anniversary, the event appears to have been conducted as a routine ceremony focused on officials.Experts assess that North Korea is solidifying its diplomatic events and transportation infrastructure projects based on existing agreements with China and Russia. Professor Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute noted, "Rather than specific messages, it seems that both North Korea-China and North Korea-Russia are in the process of implementing existing agreements and developing their relationships."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:28:20
  • Nongshim Hosts High School Chef Season 2 Cooking Competition
    Nongshim Hosts 'High School Chef Season 2' Cooking Competition Nongshim announced on September 9 that it will host the 'High School Chef Season 2' cooking competition for youth.'High School Chef' is a contest where passionate young cooks showcase their unique recipes using Nongshim's ramen. This year, the theme celebrates the 40th anniversary of Shin Ramyeon, focusing on 'My Creative Ramen Using Shin Ramyeon.'Participants must be high school students or youth born between 2008 and 2010. Interested individuals can submit their recipes through the cooking platform 'Sizzle Club' by the 27th.Nongshim will review the submitted recipes and select six finalists. The finals will take place offline in Seoul on October 9. Contestants will prepare their submitted recipes in a one-on-one format, with three winners advancing to the final round.This season introduces a new one-on-one mentoring program between finalists and Nongshim's research and development (R&D) experts. Participants will refine and enhance their recipes with the help of Nongshim's food R&D specialists, exploring the next generation of ramen cooking possibilities.In the finals, contestants will compete using a new theme revealed on-site. Professional chefs and Nongshim R&D officials will serve as judges. After the competition, the recipes of the finalists will be shared online for consumer voting, with the final rankings determined by combining the judges' scores and public votes. The winner will receive 3 million won, while the second and third places will earn 2 million won and 1 million won, respectively.A Nongshim representative stated, 'High School Chef is a program that allows youth to express their ideas and cooking skills. This year, we hope participants experience new possibilities in ramen cooking through the competition and mentoring with our researchers.'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:28:10
  • Ruling Party Promises Budget Support for Jeonbuk Development
    Ruling Party Promises Budget Support for Jeonbuk Development 더불어민주당은 국회 내년도 예산안 심사를 앞둔 9일 전북을 찾아 새만금 개발과 2차 공공기관 이전 등 지역 현안을 점검하고 예산 지원을 약속했다. 김민석 대표는 이날 전북 전주시 전북특별자치도청에서 열린 예산정책협의회에서 "전북 역사상 가장 강력한 정치적 대변인이자 발전 설계사가 되겠다고 제가 약속한 것을 기억한다"며 반드시 지키겠다고 강조했다. 김 대표는 "이미 새로운 기업, 더 큰 투자, 더 빠른 투자, 국제적 투자 이 4가지를 염두에 두고 일을 시작하고 있다"며 "전북과 새만금이 AI(인공지능) 로봇, 수소, 첨단기계, RE100(재생에너지 100% 사용) 4가지 방향에서 잘 진전되도록 최선을 다해 돕겠다"고 했다. 아울러 "전북 발전은 지금 말한 것에 더해 농생명, 금융, 문화 등의 키워드로 가야 한다"며 "새만금이 대한민국과 아시아, 세계 경제의 신기원을 이루는 전진기지가 될 것이라 200% 확신을 갖고 있다"고 밝혔다. 그러면서 "그 확신을 1000%, 10000%의 실제로 바꾸기 위해 전력을 다하고 당도 최선을 다하겠다"고 덧붙였다. 한병도 원내대표는 "이재명 대통령의 지방 주도 성장을 향한 굳건한 의지, 김 대표의 전북에 대한 특별한 사랑, 원내대표인 제 실행력을 모두 투입해 전북 예산을 확실하게 챙기겠다"고 다짐했다. 국회 예산결산특별위원회 위원장인 이광재 의원은 "새만금이 토목 공사의 시대에서 미래 산업의 시대로 확실히 전환됐으면 좋겠다"며 "현대자동차 9조원 투자를 통해 전북에 새로운 경제 엔진이 생겨나면 좋겠다"고 말했다. 또한 국민연금 기금운용본부, 농촌진흥청과 전북의 대학교들이 결합해 관련 학과 계약을 맺고 인재를 육성한다면 기업들도 전북으로 몰려들 것이라고 주장했다. 이원택 전북지사는 "내년도 국가 예산에 담아야 할 것이 많다. 로봇 부품 클러스터, 상생형 임대 공장 건설사업, 지역 기반 제조 AX 현장 인력 양성 사업 등 현대차 투자 연계 사업이 그것"이라며 "새만금 산업단지 임대 용지와 K푸드 허브 수출 단지 조성 등 새만금 개발 핵심 사업도 과제로 남아 있다"고 했다. 이와 함께 "현대차 9조 원 투자가 계획대로 이뤄지도록 입법부터 국가 계획, 예산, 규제 완화까지 뒷받침해달라"며 "로봇, 수소, 메가특구 제1호 지정과 반도체 소재·부품·장비 특화단지 지정도 챙겨달라"고 요청했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:28:10
  • North Korea Celebrates 78th Anniversary with Messages from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
    North Korea Celebrates 78th Anniversary with Messages from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin North Korea marked the 78th anniversary of its regime establishment by releasing congratulatory messages from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, reaffirming its friendly relations with both countries.The ruling Workers' Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published Xi's and Putin's messages on its front page on September 9, with Xi's message appearing first.In his message, Xi described North Korea and China as "friendly socialist neighbors who support and help each other and share a common destiny." He emphasized that maintaining, consolidating, and developing the China-North Korea relationship is a consistent and unwavering policy of the Chinese Party and government.Xi also referenced his state visit to North Korea in June and his summit with Kim Jong Un, stating, "We will continue to strengthen strategic guidance on the relationship between our two parties and countries and work together to promote the development of our respective party and national affairs."Putin stated, "The relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has always been based on the principles of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual assistance," adding that they will continue to pursue the closest joint efforts to further solidify their comprehensive strategic partnership.He asserted that North-Russian cooperation aligns with the interests of both nations' citizens and contributes to regional security and the establishment of a multipolar world order. Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia party, also sent a separate congratulatory message, emphasizing that the two countries maintain a common stance on international and regional issues.In the lead-up to the regime establishment anniversary, North Korea continued its exchanges with China and Russia. The China-People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-North Korea Friendship Association held a reception in Beijing on September 7 to commemorate North Korea's 78th anniversary. Both sides expressed their commitment to implementing agreements made between their leaders and expanding practical cooperation.On the same day, the Tumen River Bridge connecting North Korea and Russia was officially opened. Built following an agreement during the North-Russian summit in June 2024, the bridge can accommodate up to 300 vehicles per day. Both sides stated that the bridge's opening would contribute to expanding exchanges in trade, economy, science and technology, and culture.Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un did not attend the traditional pilgrimage to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with party and government officials the day before, sending only a floral tribute. Kim has only participated in the pilgrimage during the anniversaries in 2012, 2018, and 2021, and has not attended since 2022. This year, as it is not a significant anniversary, the event appears to have been conducted as a routine ceremony focused on officials.Experts assess that North Korea is solidifying its diplomatic events and transportation infrastructure projects based on existing agreements with China and Russia. Professor Lim Eul-chul from Kyungnam University’s Far East Institute noted, "Rather than specific messages, it seems that both North Korea-China and North Korea-Russia are in the process of implementing existing agreements and developing their relationships."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:28:00
  • Chinas Inflation Shows Strong Recovery as CPI and PPI Exceed Expectations
    China's Inflation Shows Strong Recovery as CPI and PPI Exceed Expectations China's consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI) are showing a notable recovery. The National Bureau of Statistics of China announced on September 9 that the CPI for August rose by 0.8% compared to the previous year. This marks an increase of 0.3 percentage points from July's 0.5% and slightly exceeds the Reuters forecast of 0.7%. The CPI also increased by 0.4% from the previous month.The rise in the CPI for August is primarily attributed to an increase in energy prices, which surged from 0.6% in July to 4.1% in August. Gasoline prices rose by 9.3%. Excluding energy, the prices of industrial consumer goods increased by 1.8%, with the growth rate expanding by 0.3 percentage points from the previous month. Prices for computers rose by 19.6% and smartphones by 11.0%, influenced by rising semiconductor prices. Meanwhile, food prices fell by 1.4%, continuing a downward trend, particularly with pork prices dropping by 11.8%.The PPI for August increased by 3.8% year-on-year, up from 3.5% in July and slightly above the Reuters estimate of 3.6%. Significant increases in PPI were recorded in sectors such as coal mining, refining, energy, chemicals, electronics, and machinery, while prices in the automotive, pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural sectors declined.The recovery in China's PPI is believed to be a result of government policies aimed at curbing excessive competition, known as 'neijuan' (内卷). Chinese companies have engaged in price-cutting competition to secure market share amid oversupply, which has long suppressed PPI. Since the beginning of this year, Chinese authorities have introduced policies targeting overproduction and price competition in key industries such as steel, solar energy, automobiles, and batteries. As a result, companies are refraining from excessive price reductions, leading to a rebound in product release prices.The National Bureau of Statistics stated, "The core CPI, excluding food and energy prices, has risen by 1.0% year-on-year, continuing its recovery. Additionally, the rise in international raw material prices and the advancement of industries within China have contributed to the upward trend in PPI."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:28:00
  • Han Seong-sook: Combining South Koreas AI with Africas Potential to Accelerate Digital Transformation
    Han Seong-sook: Combining South Korea's AI with Africa's Potential to Accelerate Digital Transformation 한성숙 국무총리는 9일 “한국의 인공지능(AI) 기술과 디지털 역량이 아프리카의 풍부한 성장 잠재력과 결합한다면 아프리카의 디지털 대전환을 앞당기고 도약을 이끄는 강력한 동력이 될 것”이라고 밝혔다.한 총리는 이날 서울 워커힐호텔에서 열린 ‘제8차 한·아프리카 장관급 경제협력회의(KOAFEC)’ 축사를 통해 “한국과 아프리카는 AI 대전환을 중요한 기회로 삼아 함께 새롭게 도약하는 공동 번영의 길을 만들어야 한다”며 이같이 말했다.KOAFEC은 한국과 아프리카를 잇는 경제협력 플랫폼으로 올해 출범 20주년을 맞았다. 이날 행사에는 시디 울드 타 아프리카개발은행(AfDB) 총재와 아프리카 각국 장관 및 대표단 등이 참석했다.한 총리는 아프리카를 “15억 인구의 거대한 시장과 풍부한 핵심 광물, 젊은 인재들이 만들어가는 무한한 가능성을 지닌 대륙”이라고 평가했다. 이어 “한국과 아프리카는 서로의 성장에 기여해 온 중요한 파트너이자 특별한 동반자”라며 “한국의 축적된 경험과 첨단기술을 아프리카의 강점 및 가능성과 연결해 더 큰 미래를 열어가겠다”고 강조했다.정부가 추진 중인 국가 차원의 ‘AI 대전환’ 구상도 소개했다. 한 총리는 반도체·피지컬 AI·데이터센터를 하나의 생태계로 연결하는 ‘3대 메가프로젝트’를 중심으로 세계 최고 수준의 AI 인프라 구축에 역량을 집중하고 있다고 설명했다.또 공공데이터 개방과 AI 활용 역량 강화, 자살 예방 등 생명 보호 분야에서의 기술 활용, 행정업무 혁신과 공직자 AI 챔피언 육성 등을 거론하며 “이러한 경험을 아프리카와 나누겠다”고 밝혔다.한 총리는 “‘빨리 가려면 혼자 가고 멀리 가려면 함께 가라’는 아프리카 속담처럼 대한민국은 아프리카의 진정한 동반자로서 함께 더 멀리 나아가겠다”며 “이번 회의가 2029년 열릴 제2차 한·아프리카 정상회의에서 더 큰 결실을 거두기 위한 든든한 토대가 되길 기대한다”고 말했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:20:10
  • All five victims of Amazon cargo plane runway accident were in ground vehicles
    All five victims of Amazon cargo plane runway accident were in ground vehicles All five victims of the Amazon cargo plane accident at Miami International Airport in Florida on September 7 were confirmed to be occupants of ground vehicles, not passengers on the aircraft.According to CNN on September 8, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office reported that the five individuals who died were employees of a cleaning company riding in a van on an airport service road at the time of the collision.The deceased were affiliated with a company contracted by the airline for cleaning services. Initially, it was unclear whether the victims were passengers on the aircraft or occupants of the vehicles involved in the crash.CNN reported that the Boeing 767-300 cargo plane operated by Amazon Air moved to the end of the runway before breaking through a grassy area and a fence, crashing onto the airport service road. During this process, the aircraft struck a Ford van carrying cleaning staff and a Toyota SUV located outside the airport's perimeter. The cargo plane came to a stop approximately 396 meters from the runway, engulfed in flames.More than 60 fire rescue vehicles and about 200 firefighters responded to the scene. A total of five injuries were reported. Among them, two pilots of the cargo plane sustained minor injuries and were treated and released. The other three individuals were in the ground vehicles, with two reported in critical condition and one in stable condition.The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recovered the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, and is analyzing them while considering factors such as pilot experience and training, air traffic control, and weather conditions.Notably, CNN reported that the aircraft approached at a higher altitude than the normal landing path and was traveling at approximately 209 km/h when it reached the end of the runway. There are also suggestions that a sudden change in wind direction may have created a tailwind during the landing process.The NTSB emphasized that it should not rush to conclusions about the cause of the accident and stated that a determination should be made only after obtaining actual flight data.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:20:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Raids Journalists Over Insider Trading Allegations
    Financial Supervisory Service Raids Journalists Over Insider Trading Allegations The Financial Supervisory Service's Capital Market Special Investigation Unit has conducted raids on current and former journalists over allegations of insider trading related to featured stock articles. On September 9, the Financial Supervisory Service and industry sources reported that the special investigation unit searched the homes and workplaces of journalists suspected of insider trading. The investigation is focused on claims that representatives from entertainment agencies involved four journalists to ensure that articles about specific stocks were published, allowing them to profit from stock trading. Authorities are examining whether insider trading occurred during the article writing and publication process. This case is reportedly the last of four insider trading incidents involving journalists that the special investigation unit has been investigating since last year, which have not yet been referred to prosecutors.The raids on journalists associated with the Financial Supervisory Service took place at their homes, workplaces, and the press room of the Financial Supervisory Service. Following procedural requirements that the subjects of the search must be present, investigators from the special investigation unit went directly to the locations where the journalists were staying to conduct the searches.However, on the day of the raid, the targeted journalist was not present in the press room, leading to the placement of a seal for the search. The special investigation unit is expected to gather information on the article writing and reporting processes, as well as the stock trading records of the suspects, to establish a connection between the articles and insider trading.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:16:00
  • Yong Hye-in Promises to Clarify at Confirmation Hearing Amid Ongoing Controversies
    Yong Hye-in Promises to Clarify at Confirmation Hearing Amid Ongoing Controversies Amid ongoing controversies surrounding Yong Hye-in, the nominee for Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, she has maintained that she will provide clarification during her confirmation hearing.On September 9, Yong stated, "I will explain in detail during the confirmation hearing," while avoiding specific answers to various allegations, including the controversy over holding multiple positions.As she arrived at the confirmation hearing preparation office at the Korea Youth Activity Promotion Agency in Seoul's Seodaemun District, she faced questions regarding the dual position issue and allegations of overlooking gender discrimination guidelines in an unofficial organization, but she responded in this manner.When asked if her stance on holding multiple positions had changed, whether it was true that she overlooked gender discrimination guidelines, if she planned to clarify allegations regarding her family’s political party, and her position on the false registration of a local party office, she did not provide substantial answers.Since her first day at work on September 2, Yong has not offered specific explanations regarding various allegations, including the dual position controversy, her spouse Park Gi-hong's self-appointment as a Supreme Council member of the Basic Income Party, the improper receipt of government funds, and the planning of a silent protest related to the Sewol ferry incident.Meanwhile, the confirmation hearing schedule remains uncertain as the ruling and opposition parties have yet to agree on a date. The Democratic Party is advocating for a hearing on the 18th, while the People Power Party is pushing for the 21st.According to the Confirmation Hearing Act, the National Assembly must complete the confirmation process within 20 days of the request being submitted. The request for Yong's confirmation was submitted to the National Assembly on September 3, meaning the legal deadline is September 22.Among the six ministerial nominees announced on August 30, Yong is the only one without a confirmed hearing date.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:12:20
  • Gaon Cable Enters Canadian Power Market, Expands North American Operations
    Gaon Cable Enters Canadian Power Market, Expands North American Operations Gaon Cable has made its first entry into the Canadian public power market, marking a significant expansion of its North American operations. Following its involvement in private industrial facilities such as AI data centers and semiconductor plants, the company is now broadening its business scope to include public power networks.On September 9, Gaon Cable announced that it has supplied medium voltage (MV) cables to a major public power company in western Canada. This marks the company's first export of power cables to Canada.This supply deal diversifies Gaon Cable's North American business portfolio. Previously, the company's operations in North America focused primarily on private industrial facilities, including AI data centers, semiconductor plants, and power generation facilities. With this new contract, Gaon Cable is expanding its client base to include the public power network market, which has high entry barriers.The expansion of investment in Canada's power infrastructure is also seen as a business opportunity. As power consumption increases due to the expansion of AI data centers and the growth of advanced manufacturing, local initiatives are underway to enhance transmission and distribution networks and modernize aging power grids. The Canadian government projects that electricity demand will double by 2050 compared to current levels.Gaon Cable plans to accelerate its penetration into the North American power infrastructure market, using its entry into Canada as a stepping stone. The company aims to enhance its local supply chain capabilities by linking its headquarters with its production subsidiary in North Carolina.The growth trend in North American operations is expected to continue. Gaon Cable anticipates that its North American sales will increase from approximately $300 million last year to about $470 million this year, representing a growth of over 50%.Jung Hyun, CEO of Gaon Cable, stated, "The entry into the Canadian public power network is a significant milestone that will improve the structure of our North American business and expand our reach. We will continue to strengthen our influence in the North American power infrastructure market, encompassing both the U.S. and Canada."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-09 11:12:10