APEC CEO Summit opens in Gyeongju with focus on AI, regional cooperation GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The CEO Summit as part of as part of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit kicked off on Wednesday in South Korea's southeastern city of Gyeongju, drawing top business leaders and political figures from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and sustainable growth. President Lee Jae Myung delivered the opening address at the Gyeongju Arts Center, emphasizing the summit's themes October 29, 2025

VISUALS: Visitors enjoy taste of Korean culture on sidelines of APEC CEO Summit GYEONGJU, October 29 (AJP) - The APEC CEO Summit Korea 2025 officially launched on Wednesday, inviting esteemed business leaders not only from Korea but from across the globe to discuss pressing global agendas together. Outside the main hall stands a cultural ground dubbed "K-Wave Playground" for foreign delegates to catch a glimpse of Korean culture during the summit event. Standing right in front of the entrance, a skilled musician played the gayag October 29, 2025

Asian markets mixed as investors await Trump-Xi meeting SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Major Asian stock markets closed with mixed results on Wednesday, as investors weighed optimism over technology earnings against caution ahead of a high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In South Korea, the benchmark KOSPI index rose 2 percent to close at 3,921.52, led by gains in semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Both extended their recent rally amid renewed hopes that Washington mig October 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Silver grass Festival at Haneul Park – Autumn blooms from a mountain of waste SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Each autumn, a mountain in western Seoul turns to gold. Haneul Park, perched 98 meters above sea level, is known for its sweeping skyline views — but few visitors realize it was once a landfill. By 8 a.m., the park entrance beside the World Cup Stadium was already dotted with early risers climbing 291 steps toward the summit. The ascent left many slightly winded, but the view was worth it. Silver grass swayed in the morning light, and beyond them, S October 29, 2025

French quantum computing firm Pascal to establish research center in Seoul SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Wednesday that it had secured a major investment from Pascal, a leading French quantum computing company. Under a memorandum of understanding signed this week, Pascal plans to invest $52.8 million to establish a quantum computing research and development center in Seoul, a project expected to create 51 jobs. The two sides will also collaborate on talent development and support programs for startups and companies October 29, 2025

[OPINION] Multilateral cooperation powers Asia-Pacific growth as openness, innovation shape future SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - At the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in South Korea, representatives from the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will soon gather to chart a new blueprint for shared growth. As a responsible major country and an active participant, contributor and leader in Asia-Pacific cooperation, China calls for openness and inc October 29, 2025

Pyongyang answers Trump's overture with calibrated missile test SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to keep his hopes up for a rendezvous with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his short visit to South Korea for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events, and the North responded in a pointed yet carefully managed missile test. North Korea "conducted a test-fire of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles in the West Sea of Korea" on Tuesday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) r October 29, 2025

Lee rolls out red carpet for Trump as bilateral trade talks get underway SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Gyeongju on Wednesday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and began the final leg of his Asia trip that included stops in Malaysia and Japan. Upon arrival, he headed to the CEO Summit as part of the APEC gathering and delivered a keynote speech, in which he said a trade deal with South Korea will be finalized "very soon," raising expectations for a possible breakthrough in stalled tariff-r October 29, 2025

SK Bioscience hosts Hilleman Institute board in Korea to deepen vaccine collaboration SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The board of the Hilleman Institute, a leading global vaccine research organization, visited SK Bioscience’s headquarters on Tuesday to explore deeper cooperation in vaccine development and manufacturing, the company said Wednesday. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening strategic ties between the two organizations. It was the first time the Hilleman Institute’s board — established by pharmaceutical giant MSD and the U.K. October 29, 2025

Bank of Korea chief warns of risks from won-based stablecoin SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong voiced caution on Wednesday over the potential introduction of a won-denominated stablecoin, warning that such a digital currency could trigger capital outflows and heighten volatility in the currency market. “Many people might take the won stablecoin abroad, which is worrisome,” Lee told lawmakers during a parliamentary audit, stressing that a hasty rollout could pose financial stability risks. October 29, 2025