KAIST develops AI training method that learns human preferences with less data SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new artificial intelligence training method that allows AI systems to learn human preferences more accurately using far less data, even in noisy or uncertain conditions. KAIST said on December 17 that a research team led by Kim Jun-mo has created a reinforcement learning framework called Teacher Value-based Knowledge Distillation, or TVKD. The approach improves how AI December 17, 2025

Korea's shipbuilders to extend order growth streak in 2026 Editor's Note: This is the second installment in AJP's 2026 outlook series on South Korea's key industries, based on forecasts by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - South Korea's shipbuilding industry is expected to extend its growth streak into 2026 after posting record shipments in 2025, although slowing global orders and intensifying competition from Chinese yards are emerging headwinds, according to forecasts compiled by December 17, 2025

Samsung's tri-fold phone sells out again despite hefty price tag SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics’ ultra-premium Galaxy Z Tri-Fold smartphone has sold out again within minutes, reflecting strong demand for the company’s latest foldable innovation despite its price exceeding 3.59 million won ($2,450). Samsung said a second batch of the Galaxy Z Tri-Fold sold out in about two minutes after going on sale at 10 a.m. on its official website and at major retail outlets nationwide. The first batch, released on Dec. 12, sold December 17, 2025

PHOTOS: Incheon's Inspire entertainment resort filled with Christmas SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Stepping into the rotunda, the view inside the resort’s grand circular hall drew an instinctive pause. The space, transformed into a “Winter Storybook Gift Factory,” felt like a page lifted from a Christmas tale — as if one had wandered into Santa’s workshop itself. Animatronic bears, brought to life through advanced technology, busied themselves with making and wrapping gifts, their small December 17, 2025

Samsung seen emerging winner in premium smartphones as memory costs surge SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Soaring memory prices — spilling over from DRAM into NAND flash that powers smartphones — are forcing device makers to respond with specification downgrades or price hikes. Samsung Electronics, however, with its full-cycle smartphone capabilities spanning memory, application processors, displays and handsets, may hold the strongest edge, particularly in the premium segment. Memory prices are projected to climb sharply again in the first quart December 17, 2025

South Korea to end free disposable plastic cups under new anti-plastic plan SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - South Korea plans to end the free distribution of disposable plastic cups at cafes and other food outlets, requiring consumers to pay a fee as part of a broader push to curb plastic waste, the government said on Wednesday. The Ministry of Environment said the measure would be included in a comprehensive anti-plastic strategy to be released next week. The policy will replace the existing disposable cup deposit system. Under the new plan, individual b December 17, 2025

Ex-golfer Pak Se-ri's father gets suspended sentence for fraud SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - South Korean golf pioneer Pak Se-ri's father received a suspended sentence for document forgery and fraud on Wednesday. The Daejeon District Court in central South Korea sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years on several charges. He was convicted of falsely claiming to be the head of his daughter's namesake foundation from June 2021 to July 2023, and allegedly forging the foundation's seal and other documents in an at December 17, 2025

USD-KRW tests 1,480 on capital outflows amid Japan rate-hike fears SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - The South Korean won fell past the 1,480 mark against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, defying a broadly weaker greenback as fears of capital outflows resurfaced on expectations of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan. The dollar index slipped 0.16 points to 97.79 following higher-than-expected U.S. jobless data. Yet the won weakened sharply, underscoring its vulnerability to shifts in global capital flows rather than dollar strength alone. Institutions came December 17, 2025

Samsung Electronics maps 2026 strategy with focus on AI, China ties, foldables SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is setting its business strategy for 2026 amid prolonged global economic uncertainty, with artificial intelligence, cooperation with Chinese partners and leadership in foldable smartphones emerging as key priorities. The company said on Wednesday it is holding global strategy meetings from Dec. 16 to 18. The Device eXperience (DX) division, which oversees smartphones, TVs and home appliances, is scheduled to meet on Dec. 16– December 17, 2025

Kosdaq-heading chip design house SemiFive prices IPO at top of range SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - South Korean chip designer SemiFive said on Wednesday it has set its initial public offering price at 24,000 won per share, the top of its indicative range, after its book-building drew 2,159 institutional investors with a subscription rate of 436.9 to 1. The IPO will raise about 129.6 billion won ($87 million) and value the company at about 809 billion won when it lists on the KOSDAQ market on Dec. 29. The book-building ran from Dec. 10 to 16. SemiFive December 17, 2025