Chinese chip challenge pushes Seoul index to 6,000 edge SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - A Chinese chipmaker’s push into server memory sent South Korean chip stocks 6 to 7 percent at Tuesday’s open, bringing down the main index more than 5 percent. ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China’s largest DRAM maker, said it expects to release a server memory module by year-end, built on a new chip design that packs memory cells more densely than the conventional layout. Traders read it as a direct challenge to the memory mar October 13, 2026

North Korea claims tactical ballistic missile test 'big success' SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - North Korea successfully test-fired a tactical ballistic missile to improve a key component of its weapons systems, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test was a "big success heralding an important change in improving the performance and sophistication of all offensive weapon systems." It also described the test as part of the country's "regular activities." B October 13, 2026

Trump expresses wishes to meet Kim Jong-un during Asia trip SEOUL, October 13 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday raised the possibility of meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his visit to Asia next month for regional summits. Asked by White House reporters whether he planned to meet Kim during the trip, Trump responded: “I may. I may. That will be exciting, won’t it?” He added: “But I get along with him.” Trump is scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in October 13, 2026

KAIST takes lab-to-market push to Korea Electronics Show SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - Research from KAIST laboratories, from thin noise-blocking structures to a robot that clears obstacles out of its own path, goes on offer to manufacturers in Seoul this week as the university tries to move more of its lab work into products. KAIST said Monday it will hold the 2026 KAIST Tech Fair on Tuesday, the opening day of the Korea Electronics Show at COEX. The Korea Electronics Association, which organizes the four-day show, expects 500 exhibitors a October 12, 2026

Former Kookmin president traces human body back to dying stars SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - Most of the atoms in the human body were forged inside stars that burned out long before Earth existed, a former Kookmin University president told students in Seoul on Oct. 8. Stars make heavier elements by fusing lighter ones in their cores. When the largest stars run out of fuel and explode as supernovas, they scatter oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and iron into space, where the material is drawn into new stars, planets and, eventually, living things. Hydroge October 12, 2026

Can the Korea-U.S. alliance withstand a test of political trust? SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - For all the assurances of an ironclad alliance and public displays of presidential rapport, South Korea-U.S. ties appear increasingly vulnerable to the whims of an American president who boasts about having a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The U.S. military commitment remains intact, with about 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea. Seoul and Washington continue to coordinate on North Korea, share intelligence and maintain combined October 12, 2026

Seoul warns Coupang as controversies deepen SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - South Korea's antitrust chief urged Coupang on Monday to do more to protect the smaller businesses that sell on its platform. The U.S.-listed e-commerce company already faces scrutiny over its treatment of suppliers, a massive data breach, workplace safety and its lobbying in Washington. "Coupang should fulfill its social responsibilities in proportion to its growth and become a company that protects the rights of weaker parties," said Ju Bi October 12, 2026

KOSPI falls 3.7% to under 6,400 SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - Foreign investors sold South Korean stocks for a 10th straight session on Monday, pushing the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) below 6,400. The selling continued two trading days after Samsung Electronics posted the largest quarterly operating profit ever reported by a Korean company. The KOSPI shed 241.7 points, or 3.6 percent, to 6,384.2. Foreigners net sold 2.02 trillion won ($1.51 billion) of shares on the main board, bringing October 12, 2026

South Korea weighs lobbying registration and disclosure rules SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) - South Korea's Justice Ministry is reviewing a proposal to introduce a formal lobbyist registration system requiring individuals and organizations seeking to influence legislation to disclose their activities. The ministry commissioned a study on lobbying regulations from Hong Wan-sik, a law professor at Konkuk University, and received the findings in June. The report recommends requiring lobbyists to register and publicly disclose their activities, October 12, 2026

Foreign exodus deepens despite Korea's red-hot chip power SEOUL, October 12 (AJP) — South Korea’s KOSPI, the unrivalled best-performing major stock index in the first half, is among the worst performers in the second half after surrendering nearly half its earlier gains. The retreat has been led by record foreign net selling exceeding 227.6 trillion won as of Monday — roughly 25 times the 9 trillion won sold throughout 2025 — despite stronger-than-ever fundamentals, according to the Financial Supervisory Service. October 12, 2026