AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Trilateral Freedom Edge to proceed next month as planned
    Trilateral Freedom Edge to proceed next month as planned SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - South Korea, the United States and Japan will conduct their annual Freedom Edge multi-domain exercise next month as scheduled, even as Washington scales back bilateral drills with Seoul. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Friday that the three countries will hold Freedom Edge from Sept. 7 to 11 in international waters southeast of Jeju Island. The five-day exercise is aimed at strengthening the three countries' ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and maintaining peace and stability in the region, the JCS said. The exercise will mark the fourth iteration of Freedom Edge, a regular trilateral multi-domain drill launched following an agreement reached by the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan at their Camp David summit in August 2023. The inaugural exercise was held in June 2024, followed by a second iteration that November and a third in September 2025. The latest announcement stands in contrast to recent reductions in South Korea-U.S. military exercises. The allies ended this year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on Aug. 21, cutting the originally planned 11-day exercise to five days after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint drills with South Korea. Associated field training was also scaled back. The United States has also withdrawn from next month's Ssangyong amphibious landing exercise. The U.S. Marine Corps cited force constraints stemming from the war with Iran. Freedom Edge, however, is moving ahead on its planned five-day schedule. The differing approaches highlight Washington’s broader strategic priorities in the region. While South Korea-U.S. exercises are primarily centered on contingencies on the Korean Peninsula, Freedom Edge has increasingly been framed as part of a wider regional deterrence architecture involving the three countries. Ahead of Freedom Edge 2025, U.S. Pacific Command said the exercise would strengthen deterrence in the Asia-Pacific by “bolstering combat-credible forces inside the First Island Chain.” The First Island Chain, stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines, is widely regarded as a key geographic line in U.S. military planning for countering China's expanding military reach into the western Pacific. The continuation of Freedom Edge even as Washington scales back bilateral drills with Seoul therefore highlights the growing importance of trilateral South Korea-U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in U.S. regional strategy. North Korea has repeatedly condemned Freedom Edge, describing it as an aggressive military exercise directed against the country. AJP Takeaways · South Korea, the U.S. and Japan will hold Freedom Edge from Sept. 7 to 11 near Jeju Island. · The trilateral drill will proceed despite recent cuts to South Korea-U.S. military exercises. · Freedom Edge reflects the growing role of trilateral defense cooperation in U.S. regional strategy. 2026-08-28 10:29:56
  • Bangladesh to Purchase 20 Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets
    Bangladesh to Purchase 20 Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets Bangladesh is moving forward with plans to purchase 20 J-10CE fighter jets from China. The J-10CE gained international attention last year when it shot down a French-made Rafale fighter during a conflict between India and Pakistan in early May.A senior advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh revealed at a recent press conference that the country is working on acquiring J-10CE fighter jets, armed helicopters, and drones from China, as reported by the Chinese state-run Global Times, citing local media.The advisor stated, "If funding is secured, the purchase could be finalized this year; otherwise, it may be postponed until next year." He added, "The Defense Procurement Committee has prepared a draft agreement, which is currently under official review by relevant departments." He also noted that compared to similar performance aircraft like the Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinese jets are significantly cheaper.Reports indicate that Bangladesh plans to acquire 20 J-10CE fighter jets. If the purchase goes through, it is expected to strengthen military cooperation between Bangladesh and China.The J-10 is a fighter jet developed by China, which has been operational since 2003. The J-10C, first unveiled in 2017, is considered an upgraded version and classified as a 4.5 generation fighter. The J-10CE is the export variant of the J-10C, equipped with China's PL-15 air-to-air missile. It was reported that a J-10CE operated by the Pakistani military shot down a Rafale using the PL-15E missile in May of last year.Since the Rafale incident in May, there have been reports of countries such as Indonesia, Algeria, Serbia, and Uzbekistan planning to purchase the J-10CE from China. However, there have been no confirmed government-level purchases to date. Bangladesh's acquisition is still in the planning stages and has not yet been finalized.Earlier this month, foreign media reported that Uzbekistan has already introduced and is operating the J-10CE, but neither the Chinese nor Uzbek governments have officially confirmed this.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:28:00
  • Exchange Rate Hovers in the High 1370s, Likely to Test 1380 Mark
    Exchange Rate Hovers in the High 1370s, Likely to Test 1380 Mark The won-dollar exchange rate is trading in the high 1370s.As of 10:15 a.m. on August 28, the exchange rate in the Seoul foreign exchange market is 1,378.3 won per U.S. dollar. Earlier, at 6 a.m., the rate was 1,381.5 won, reflecting a rise of 0.6 won.Overnight, the New York stock market saw gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 105.56 points (0.20%) at 53,569.44.The S&P 500 index rose by 55.29 points (0.72%) to finish at 7,730.99, while the Nasdaq Composite increased by 411.16 points (1.57%) to close at 26,541.35.International oil prices rebounded after expectations for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran weakened. October futures for Brent crude rose by 2.12% to $89.70 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 1.58% to $83.53 per barrel.The dollar index, which measures the value of the dollar against six major currencies, rose by 0.006% to 99.153.Foreign investors are showing a selling trend in the domestic stock market. In the early trading session, foreign investors have net sold 284.8 billion won in the securities market.The exchange rate is expected to show slight weakness. Min Kyung-won, an economist at Woori Bank, stated, "In light of comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, we expect the rate to attempt to break below 1,380 won amid the AI stock rally. From a supply-demand perspective, we anticipate that the influx of export-related negotiations at the end of the month and the return of foreign funds, which had been sparse this week, will shift the market to a selling advantage." 2026-08-28 10:28:00
  • National Pension Fund Surpasses 1,866 Trillion Won with 27.22% Return in First Half of 2026
    National Pension Fund Surpasses 1,866 Trillion Won with 27.22% Return in First Half of 2026 The National Pension Service reported a remarkable fund management return of over 27% in the first half of 2026, increasing its fund reserves to 1,866 trillion won. The strong performance was driven by a domestic stock return that surpassed 100%, aided by reduced uncertainties related to the Middle East conflict and robust results in the semiconductor sector. As of June 30, 2026, the National Pension Service's fund reserves reached 1,866 trillion won, with a preliminary fund management return of 27.22% (based on weighted returns), the agency announced on August 28. This impressive performance was fueled by a bullish domestic and international stock market. Among asset classes, domestic stocks stood out with a return of 107.37%, marking a three-digit increase. International stocks followed with a return of 17.81%, alternative investments at 9.60%, and overseas bonds at 9.22%. In contrast, domestic bonds recorded a negative return of -3.00%. The National Pension Service attributed the explosive return in domestic stocks to a combination of easing uncertainties related to the Middle East conflict and solid performance in the semiconductor sector, which significantly contributed to the overall return. In fact, the domestic stock market surged by 101.14% compared to the end of the previous year. International stocks also performed well, benefiting from a sustained investment cycle in artificial intelligence (AI) and strong results in technology stocks. In the bond sector, domestic and international markets experienced contrasting fortunes. The U.S. Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady, along with tightening measures from major central banks, led to an overall rise in market interest rates (and a decline in bond prices). The yield on three-year government bonds in South Korea increased by 74.6 basis points (1 basis point = 0.01 percentage points) compared to the end of the previous year, while the yield on ten-year U.S. Treasury bonds rose by 20.7 basis points. As a result, domestic bonds saw a decline in yield to -3.00% due to falling valuation from rising interest rates. Conversely, overseas bonds managed to achieve a positive return of 9.22%, aided by a 7.43% increase in the won-dollar exchange rate compared to the end of the previous year (indicating a depreciation of the won). The alternative investment sector, which accounts for 14.0% of the total fund, recorded a return of 9.60%. The return on alternative investment assets reflects interest and dividend income, foreign exchange gains and losses due to currency fluctuations, and fair value assessments at the time of acquisition. Kim Sung-joo, the chairman of the National Pension Service, stated, "In the first half of the year, we were able to achieve stable results thanks to favorable trends in both domestic and international stock markets. While we anticipate some fluctuations in returns due to high volatility in the second half, we continue to maintain good performance." He added, "We will strive to achieve high results this year through thorough risk management and diversified investments to generate long-term and stable returns."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:20:20
  • Cosmax Participates in Launch of Indonesias First Cosmetics Program
    Cosmax Participates in Launch of Indonesia's First Cosmetics Program 국내 화장품 제조자개발생산(ODM) 기업 코스맥스가 인도네시아 최초의 화장품 특화 학과 개설에 참여한다. 현지 대학과 손잡고 화장품 연구개발(R&D) 인재를 육성하는 동시에 인도네시아 고유 자원을 활용한 기능성 소재 개발에도 나선다. 코스맥스는 인도네시아 서부 자바 소재 국립대인 파자자란 대학교(UNPAD) 약학대학 내 화장품학 학사과정 개설에 산업계 대표로 참여한다고 28일 밝혔다. 이번에 신설된 화장품학과는 인도네시아 최초의 화장품 특화 학부 과정이다. 피부&모발 관련 기초 연구부터 화장품 제형 개발, 안전성과 효능 평가까지 화장품 R&D 전 과정을 교육한다. 코스맥스는 학과 개설과 함께 출범한 ABG 프로그램에서도 현지 산업계를 대표하는 파트너로 선정됐다. ABG는 대학 등 학계의 연구 성과를 기업으로 이전해 실제 제품과 사업으로 연결하는 것을 목표로 하는 인도네시아 정부 주도 프로젝트다. 코스맥스인도네시아와 파자자란대학교는 이번 협력을 계기로 인도네시아 고유 생물자원을 활용한 공동 연구를 확대할 계획이다. 우선 현지 전통 발효식품인 '뗌뽀약'을 활용한 항산화 소재 개발에 나선다. 뗌뽀약은 두리안을 발효해 만든 인도네시아 전통 식품이다. 홍국(Angkak) 발효 기술을 활용한 미백 및 기능성 화장품 소재 개발도 추진한다. 연구 성과를 실제 제품으로 연결하기 위한 인재 양성에도 힘을 싣는다. 코스맥스는 학생들이 연구 결과를 제조와 상품화 과정까지 직접 경험할 수 있도록 대학 캠퍼스 내 교육용 공장인 '티칭 팩토리(Teaching Factory)' 구축을 지원한다. 연중 상시 인턴십 제도도 운영해 학생들의 현장 경험을 확대할 예정이다. 정민경 코스맥스인도네시아 법인장은 "현지 산학협력을 확대해 인도네시아의 풍부한 천연자원이 글로벌 시장에서 인정받는 고부가가치 소재로 거듭날 수 있도록 기술력을 고도화할 것"이라고 말했다. 한편, 코스맥스는 올해 2분기 연결 기준 매출 7949억원, 영업이익 737억원을 기록했다. 전년 동기 대비 각각 27%, 21% 증가했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:20:20
  • Red Velvet to release remix album
    Red Velvet to release remix album SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - K-pop girl group, Red Velvet will release a remix album for its latest single "Surfin' Boy" on Friday, SM Entertainment said. The album, "iScreaM Vol. 40: Surfin' Boy Remixes," will be released at 1 p.m (0400 GMT) on major music platforms. It marks the 40th installment of iScreaM, a remix series run by ScreaM Records. ScreaM Records is SM Entertainment's dance music label, which releases electronic and remix projects by SM artists. The release includes two reworked versions of "Surfin' Boy," one by future funk producer Flamingosis and another by R&B duo RAKUNELAMA. Flamingosis adds tropical brass and chorus harmonies to the song's bossa nova guitar line, while RAKUNELAMA turns the track into contemporary R&B built around bass and percussion. Two music videos will be released with the remix album. SM said the videos are designed as a connected story, adding a visual reinterpretation to the two remixes. "Surfin' Boy," released in August, blends bossa nova guitar, reggae rhythm and house groove. Red Velvet member Joy wrote the lyrics, which look back on memories of a summer spent with someone close. The original release topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in 17 regions and also won first place on a domestic music show, according to SM. ScreaM Records has used the iScreaM project to release remix versions of songs by SM artists. AJP Takeaways · Red Velvet will release "iScreaM Vol.40 : Surfin' Boy Remixes" at 1 p.m. Friday. · The album features remixes by Flamingosis and RAKUNELAMA. · It is the 40th release under SM's iScreaM remix project. 2026-08-28 10:17:57
  • President Lee: Decrease in Suicide Rates is Governments Greatest Achievement
    President Lee: Decrease in Suicide Rates is Government's Greatest Achievement 이재명 대통령은 28일 올해 상반기 자살 사망자 수가 전년 동기보다 감소한 것과 관련해 “우리 정부의 여러 성과 중 가장 의미 있고 가장 큰 성과”라고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 이날 자신의 엑스(X·옛 트위터)에 “국민 여러분이 체감하기는 어려운 주제이지만 자살자 수 대폭 감소는 우리 정부의 여러 성과 중 가장 의미 있고 가장 큰 성과”라며 “사람 목숨처럼 귀한 게 어디 있겠느냐”고 적었다. 이 대통령은 나종호 미국 예일대 정신의학과 교수가 올린 관련 게시물을 공유했다. 나 교수는 올해 상반기 자살 사망자 수가 지난해 같은 기간보다 910명, 12.7% 감소했다는 통계를 소개하며 범정부적인 관심과 국민적 성원이 이어져야 한다고 강조했다. 해당 수치는 사망신고 자료와 경찰 수사자료를 활용해 집계한 월별 자살 사망자 잠정치를 토대로 산출됐다. 이 대통령은 “총괄 책임자인 국무총리 이하 관계 공무원과 관련 업무 종사자들의 헌신에 깊이 감사하고 치하드린다”며 “더욱 분발해 주시기를 부탁드린다”고 말했다. 다만 이 대통령은 “아직 갈 길이 멀다”며 “현재 자살자 수의 절반은 더 줄여야 한다”고 강조했다. 이어 “인력과 조직, 예산 등 현실적인 대응 조치도 중요하지만 가장 근본적인 대책은 희망 있는 사회를 만드는 것”이라고 설명했다. 특히 “희망 만들기의 가장 핵심은 먹고사는 문제, 즉 민생 개선”이라며 “정부가 경제와 민생에 주력하고 0%대로 떨어지는 경제성장률을 상승 전환시키는 것이 가장 급선무였던 이유”라고 밝혔다. 그러면서 “희망 있는 세상을 함께 만들어 가자”고 당부했다. 정부는 지난해 9월 자살 예방 컨트롤타워인 ‘범정부 생명지킴추진본부’를 설치하고 16개 부처가 참여하는 합동 대응체계를 운영하고 있다. 올해는 전국 243개 지방정부에 부단체장급 이상 자살예방관을 지정하고 자살예방상담전화 ‘109’ 상담원 확충과 국가자살대응실 설치 등을 추진하고 있다. 이 대통령은 게시물에 ‘목숨을 살리는 정부’와 ‘자살자살자살자’라는 해시태그도 달았다. ‘자살’을 거꾸로 읽으면 ‘살자’가 된다는 의미를 담은 것으로 풀이된다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:16:00
  • Massive Floods in Nepal Leave 395 Dead; Nine South Koreans Missing
    Massive Floods in Nepal Leave 395 Dead; Nine South Koreans Missing Concerns are rising among internet users following massive floods and landslides in Nepal's Himalayan region.Videos related to the incident have been circulating on various online communities and social media platforms since August 27. The first video shows workers moving when a sudden torrent of water cascades onto the road. The footage captures the panic of the workers as they flee, creating a shocking scene.Another video shows boulders the size of houses being swept away by the rushing water. The situation is more than just rising water levels; a massive muddy torrent is sweeping through valleys and roads, adding to the shock.Viewers have reacted with comments such as, "This is truly bizarre. I haven't seen a flood or landslide video that surpasses this one from Nepal," and "It really does seem surreal, like a scene from a disaster movie." Others expressed their fear, saying, "It looks like concrete is being washed away, which is terrifying," and "The line between life and death is just a piece of paper away."As of the afternoon of August 27, reports from Yonhap News, Online Kabar, AFP, and BBC indicate that 395 people have died and over 900 are missing.Nepalese police reported, "As of today, 395 people have died and 73 have been injured due to the massive floods that occurred in the northern Bagmati Province the previous day. Search operations are ongoing, and bodies have been discovered in various locations throughout Bagmati Province."South Korean nationals are also among the victims. Nine South Koreans, including six employees of Doosan Enerbility and three from Korea Southeast Power, who were working at a hydropower construction site in the Rasuwagadhi area, remain uncontactable. It is believed that many of the offices and accommodations where they were staying have been swept away by the floods.In contrast, nine out of ten South Koreans who were isolated have been safely moved to secure areas via Nepalese military helicopters. The remaining individual, the site manager from Doosan Enerbility, has decided to stay until the evacuation of local staff is complete. A government joint rapid response team, consisting of 11 officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, and the Fire Agency, has also arrived in Nepal to assist with search and rescue efforts.However, ongoing damage to roads and bridges has complicated rescue operations. Isolated villages have emerged, and rescue teams are continuing their search for missing persons using helicopters and drones.As the fate of the nine South Koreans remains uncertain, local authorities are on high alert for potential additional landslides and flash floods while continuing their search and rescue operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:12:00
  • CIA Directors Surprise Visit to Russia Linked to U.S. Military Concerns
    CIA Director's Surprise Visit to Russia Linked to U.S. Military Concerns This week, John Ratcliffe, the Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), made a surprise visit to Russia, which was reported by the Washington Post on the 27th, citing two sources. The visit was influenced by Russia's analysis that U.S. military power has been weakened due to the ongoing conflict in Iran over the past six months. Concerned that Russia might escalate its offensive against Ukraine and NATO, the U.S. took preemptive measures.According to reports, during his visit to Russia on the 25th, Ratcliffe warned the Russian government that an offensive against Ukraine would backfire. He indicated that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to intensify military actions in Ukraine, it could lead President Donald Trump to support Ukraine more strongly, as relayed by one source.The source further explained that Ratcliffe's visit was not primarily due to Putin being cornered by failures on the Ukrainian front, but rather because Russian assessments suggested that the U.S. might be unable to intervene in the Ukraine conflict due to dwindling military resources. U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that President Putin believes the U.S. military's overall strength has diminished due to the impact of the Iran conflict on combat readiness and the stock levels of advanced weapons like Patriot missiles.Previously, the Wall Street Journal reported on the 6th that U.S. intelligence agencies assessed that President Putin might provoke NATO member states to test the alliance's collective defense resolve.Recently, reports have emerged of fatigue among the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, a carrier deployed for extended operations in the Middle East. Additionally, the U.S. military has reportedly depleted a significant number of Patriot missiles to support allied air defense systems in the region, leading to dangerously low stocks in Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the U.S. has already used about a quarter of its Reaper drones, which cost between $30 million and $50 million each, according to the Washington Post.Amid these developments, Ukraine has been experiencing increased damage from Russian attacks as its stock of air defense weapons provided by the U.S. has dwindled. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been appealing to countries worldwide, including South Korea, for additional air defense support.Ratcliffe's visit to Russia marks the first by a CIA director since William Burns visited in November 2021 during the Biden administration and the first since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the Kremlin acknowledged Ratcliffe's visit but stated that there were no discussions with President Putin. Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), also confirmed the conversation with Ratcliffe but noted that 'nothing special' occurred.According to the New York Times, Ratcliffe reportedly conveyed to Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), that it would be better to seek a ceasefire before the situation in Russia worsens.Meanwhile, CNN reported that President Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, expressed reluctance to comment on Ratcliffe's visit but stated, 'They (Russia) will not attack (NATO).'* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:12:00
  • Saemaul Geumgo Provides 37.5 Billion Won in Financial Support to Social Enterprises and Cooperatives
    Saemaul Geumgo Provides 37.5 Billion Won in Financial Support to Social Enterprises and Cooperatives Saemaul Geumgo Central Association will provide a total of 37.5 billion won in financial support to social solidarity economy organizations, including social enterprises and cooperatives. On August 27, Saemaul Geumgo Central Association announced that it signed a business agreement with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Korea Credit Guarantee Fund, and the Korea Social Value Fund for the 'MG Cooperation Special Guarantee for Social Solidarity Economy Organizations' on August 28. The targeted organizations for this support include social enterprises, cooperatives, self-sustaining enterprises, and village enterprises. This agreement aims to enhance financial accessibility for these organizations and reduce their funding burdens. Under the agreement, Saemaul Geumgo Central Association will contribute 3 billion won. The Korea Credit Guarantee Fund will use this as a resource to provide special guarantees exclusively for social solidarity economy organizations through 17 regional credit guarantee foundations nationwide. Saemaul Geumgo will support loans totaling 37.5 billion won to social solidarity economy organizations that receive guarantee certificates from regional credit guarantee foundations. Additionally, the government and the Korea Social Value Fund will be linked to lower the interest burden on these loans. Kim In, the president of Saemaul Geumgo Central Association, stated, “Supporting the stable growth of social solidarity economy organizations and revitalizing the local economy is an important role of Saemaul Geumgo. We will continue to expand community-based finance in cooperation with relevant institutions.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-28 10:08:20