South Korea's LIG Nex1 seeks to localize chips for AESA, SAR radar systems SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1 has launched a project to develop key semiconductors for active electronically scanned array (AESA) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems using fully domestic technology. The company said it signed agreements on Nov. 28 with the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute to co-develop X-band common monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and front-end module platforms for AESA radar, as well as December 5, 2025

Korea's CJ picks safe site for first U.S. Olive Young store to test offline popularity of K-beauty SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - CJ is taking a measured approach as it prepares to plant the Olive Young flag in the world’s largest beauty market, selecting Pasadena, California, as the location for its first U.S. store — a choice driven by demographic safety, retail compatibility and the growing appeal of Korean skincare across America’s diverse consumer base. “Pasadena is not far from downtown LA, has a relatively high share of high-income residents and a ret December 5, 2025

Quiet flight from Coupang after data breach deepens pain for small vendors SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Fallout from Coupang’s massive data breach is widening beyond consumers to tens of thousands of small vendors across South Korea who rely on the e-commerce giant as a primary sales channel and livelihood. The National Assembly Science and ICT Committee has scheduled another hearing on Dec. 17 to examine a growing number of complaints against Coupang, including difficulties in canceling subscriptions or discontinuing platform use. Lawmakers say the sc December 5, 2025

Asian stocks mostly gain while Nikkei slips on interest rate concerns SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - Asian stock markets closed mixed on Friday, with most bourses, including South Korea's, posting gains, while Japan slipped amid uncertainty over its benchmark interest rate. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI closed at 4,096.13, up 1.68 percentage points from the previous session. Foreign investors buoyed the market with net purchases of stocks worth 770.7 billion Korean won ($524 million). The inflow appears to be driven by investors seeking other opport December 5, 2025

Low pay for AI talent is driving skilled workers overseas, BOK warns SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea offers the lowest wage premiums for artificial intelligence specialists among major advanced economies, placing the country at a disadvantage in the global battle for high-tech talent, the Bank of Korea said in a report released Friday. The analysis, presented at a seminar co-hosted with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for upgrading compensation systems and research environments to meet international standards. Using December 5, 2025

OPINION: Massive data breaches expose urgent need for stronger security and accountability SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - In early 2026, a man received a phone call from an unknown caller who appeared to know every detail about him, including his home address, online habits, and shopping patterns. This incident shows how phishing has evolved from random attacks to highly targeted schemes that exploit detailed personal information. Massive data breaches have affected millions in South Korea, involving major companies such as Coupang and SK Telecom. Similar incidents in the pu December 5, 2025

SK's battery recycling technology published in international journal SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - South Korea's SK Innovation said Friday its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery recycling technology has been published in the international journal Separation and Purification Technology. The company said conventional recycling processes for LFP batteries have struggled with environmental and cost burdens, including byproduct treatment and wastewater generation. Its newly developed method uses only water, carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide to s December 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Snow-covered Hallasan SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Snowfall that began in the mountainous areas of Jeju on December 4 left Baengnokdam and the 1,100-meter plateau covered in white by the morning of December 5. December 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Seoul turns white after the season's first snow SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Seoul woke up white after an overnight snowfall that began during the evening commute. The city saw its first snow of 2025 last night — two weeks later than average and eight days later than last year. Streets whitened quickly as cars crawled through Gwanghwamun and people walked with their shoulders tucked in against the cold. Snowfall reached 1 to 3 centimeters per hour, with bursts of more than 5 centimeters, coating palace roofs and drifting th December 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Seoul's royal shrine caught in clash between history and modernization SEOUL, December 04 (AJP) - On a frigid day in early December, a profound silence settles over the Jongmyo Shrine in the heart of Seoul, broken only by the crunch of footsteps on the stone paths. Though a steady stream of tourists, drawn by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, still visits, the ancient royal sanctuary has been swept into a very modern controversy: a pitched battle over redevelopment and the city's skyline. The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s pro December 5, 2025