Kolmar Korea to develop AI-driven cosmetics factory under government project SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Cosmetics manufacturer Kolmar Korea said Monday that it has been chosen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to lead the development of an artificial intelligence–integrated autonomous manufacturing system for cosmetics — an ambitious effort to transform how beauty products are made. The initiative, known as the AI Factory Project, aims to surpass current “smart factory” systems by using real-time data and AI models to a October 20, 2025

JW Pharma's hemophilia A treatment added to WHO's Essential Medicines List SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea's JW Pharmaceutical said Monday that Hemlibra, its treatment for hemophilia A, has been added to the World Health Organization’s 2025 Essential Medicines List (EML) and the Essential Medicines List for Children (EMLc). Hemlibra is the only preventive therapy available for both patients with and without inhibitors, offering sustained protection against bleeding through a single subcutaneous injection every four weeks — a major October 20, 2025

South Korea's Hanwha Systems showcases high-resolution radar satellite SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea's Hanwha Systems has revealed a new radar satellite that can capture extremely detailed images from space, marking a major step in South Korea’s space and defense ambitions. The company, along with Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Ocean, showcased the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) Ultra High Resolution (UHR) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite for the first time at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025 October 20, 2025

KAI teams up with US defense firm to develop manned-unmanned aircraft systems SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Monday it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, a U.S. defense company known for its unmanned aerial systems, to collaborate on manned-unmanned teaming technology. The agreement seeks to establish a partnership in developing systems that integrate piloted aircraft with drones — known as manned-unmanned teaming, or MUM-T — for the domestic market, with an e October 20, 2025

South Korean Air Force to work with science ministry to develop quantum-based weapons SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - The Ministry of Science and ICT and the South Korean Air Force signed an agreement Monday to collaborate on developing next-generation weapon systems powered by quantum technology. The signing took place at the KINTEX convention center in Ilsan, northwest of Seoul. Quantum technologies — long touted for their potential to revolutionize both civilian and military systems — could enable GPS-independent navigation, stealth detection, and eve October 20, 2025

Asian shares broadly higher early Mon, led by Nikkei's rally to new highs SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Asian markets opened higher across the board Monday, led by Japan, as political uncertainties eased following Sanae Takaichi’s likely premiership and sentiment in China improved after the central bank left its loan prime rates unchanged for October. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.6 percent in early trading to hit fresh record highs after reports of a political breakthrough in Tokyo — a coalition deal between the ruling Liberal Democratic October 20, 2025

South Korea's DAPA signs pact with Brazil's Embraer to expand transport aircraft partnership SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea’s defense procurement agency has signed an agreement with Embraer, Brazil’s leading aerospace manufacturer, to deepen industrial ties and expand Korean participation in the company’s global supply chain. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Monday, the agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Embraer S.A. during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025 in October 20, 2025

Taiwan to surpass South Korea in per capita GDP in 2025: IMF SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Korea is set to lose its long-held economic edge over Taiwan this year, according to new projections from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF expects South Korea’s per capita gross domestic product to fall to 37th place globally, while Taiwan’s rises to 35th, marking the first time in 22 years that Taiwan will surpass its East Asian rival. In its World Economic Outlook released on Oct. 15, the IMF estimated South Korea’s October 20, 2025

Overdue credit card loans rising fast in South Korea SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - South Koreans are falling behind on their credit card bills at a record pace, as higher interest rates and tighter bank lending drive more households to rely on card loans to make ends meet. According to data released by the office of Rep. Kang Min-kook of the main opposition People Power Party, citing the Financial Supervisory Service, credit card debt overdue for more than a month reached nearly 1.5 trillion won ($1.1 billion) as of the end of August October 20, 2025

OPINION: China's rise squeezing Korea's industrial heartlands Park Won-jae SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Yeosu, once the beating heart of South Korea’s petrochemical industry, is now a city under strain. The port, long fueled by the hum of factories and refineries, has fallen quiet as China’s self-sufficiency in ethylene production upends the regional industrial order. Roughly three years ago, Beijing achieved full domestic production of ethylene, the cornerstone of plastics and other chemical materials. The effects on Yeosu w October 20, 2025