In AI power game, China has the edge — at least for now, as U.S. makes energy a top priority

Editor’s Note AI is no longer defined solely by algorithms. As large-scale deployment accelerates, data centers and power infrastructure have become decisive constraints. AJP examines how energy capacity is reshaping the U.S.–China AI rivalry — and what lessons South Korea must draw as time tightens in the global race. SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - AI is no longer constrained mainly by algorithms or chips. As data centers scale to industrial size, electricity has eme

December 29, 2025

Woori Financial Group Chairman Lim Jong-ryong tapped for second term

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Woori Financial Group’s executive candidate recommendation committee has nominated incumbent Chairman Lim Jong-ryong as the group’s next chairman. Committee Chair Lee Kang-haeng said at a media briefing on Monday that Lim was credited with completing the group’s full-service financial portfolio by entering the securities business and acquiring an insurance company during his tenure. Lee said Lim also strengthened Woori’s fina

December 29, 2025

Silver prices hit fresh all-time high

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Global silver prices rose above US$80 an ounce, reaching an all-time high. According to data released by Bloomberg on Monday, spot silver briefly jumped to $84 an ounce, setting a new record, and was trading around $80.1 in the afternoon. Silver, a precious metal with strong industrial demand in semiconductors and solar power, has surged this year as supply constraints coincided with expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Silver has surged about 180

December 29, 2025

South Korea tops $700 billion in annual exports for first time

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - South Korea has become the sixth country in the world to surpass US$700 billion in annual exports, achieving the milestone for the first time. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, preliminary data show that this year's cumulative exports reached $700 billion as of Monday. The export-dependent country first exceeded $100 billion in annual exports in 1995, then surpassed $200 billion in 2004, $300 billion in 2006, $400 billion in 2

December 29, 2025

Home robots take center stage as Korea leads physical AI push at CES 2026

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Robots that cook, clean and care — and appliances that think before users speak — will define South Korea's showcase at CES 2026, where Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group roll out a new generation of "physical AI" spanning smart homes, humanoid robots and intelligent mobility. The world's largest consumer electronics show opens Jan. 6 in Las Vegas under the theme "Innovators Show Up," drawing

December 29, 2025

Personal information of 30,000 Korean Air employees leaked

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Personal information of around 30,000 Korean Air employees has been leaked, the country's flagship carrier said on Monday, raising security concerns after a spate of massive data breaches across various industries recently. The leak occurred when KC&D, the airline's supplier for in-flight meals and onboard sales, was hit by a hacking attack. According to Korean Air, the leaked data includes employees' names and bank account numbers. Kore

December 29, 2025

Korea's national pension fund eyes 20% annual gain, assets seen at 1,473 trillion won

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - South Korea’s national pension is expected to post a record annual return of about 20 percent this year, lifting its assets to an estimated 1,473 trillion won, the government said on Monday. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said preliminary December figures show the fund’s annual return is projected at around 20 percent, surpassing last year’s 15 percent gain and marking the highest level since the national pension system was introd

December 29, 2025

Hyundai Motor marks 40 years in US as tariffs, EV rivals test growth strategy

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor will mark its 40th anniversary in the United States next year as it confronts a convergence of challenges, including a remaining 15 percent tariff, intensifying competition from Tesla and Chinese electric-vehicle makers, the expiration of subsidies and a rapidly evolving race in software-defined vehicles such as autonomous driving. Attention is focused on whether Hyundai Motor Group can navigate these pressures under the leadership of Cha

December 29, 2025

South Korea, US complete all joint drills postponed from last summer

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - The military has carried out all 22 joint field training with the U.S. that were rescheduled after being postponed in August, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Monday. Those drills were among about 40 exercises that are part of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise, aimed at maintaining a combined defense posture, including combined tactical airborne training, rescue operations, equipment maintenance, and live-fire drills. According to

December 29, 2025

Coupang's $1.2 bn compensation plan suspected as marketing, not atonement

SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) -Already in the hot seat for what many see as a dismissive attitude toward consumers and regulators, Coupang has drawn fresh public backlash in South Korea with its $1.2 billion compensation plan widely seen as marketing tactic to retain customers rather than offering genuine redress. The e-commerce giant said Monday it would distribute 1.685 trillion won worth of purchase vouchers to 33.7 million current, former and withdrawn users whose personal informat

December 29, 2025