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  In the World Cup and the market, the ultimate winner is the one who manages uncertainty The group draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America has presented the Korean national team with a formidable challenge. Facing Mexico, South Africa, and the winner of the European playoffs (Denmark, Czech Republic, Ireland, or North Macedonia) is difficult enough, but the real variable in this group is the environment. The fact that all matches will be played in Mexico becomes an opponent in itself. High altitude, temperature fluctuations, and humidity e December 6, 2025
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  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
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  AI race to be defined by entrepreneurial spirit The global artificial intelligence market is exploding in size. Precedence Research projects that AI will swell from $757.6 billion to $3.7 trillion by 2034. An annualized growth of 19.2 percent is pronounced: AI is not just another fast-growing technology. It will reshape the very structure of the world economy. But in this era of relentless innovation, the decisive factor is no longer the technology itself. AI is becoming widely accessible—almost a public good. What will December 5, 2025
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  K-wave, riding past China's "Big Ban" China’s internet, fortified by its “Great Firewall,” blocks the platforms through which much of the world consumes culture — YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram. Yet Korean dramas, music, and entertainment continue to find audiences there, slipping through the cracks via VPNs, unofficial downloads, and fan-run networks. This quiet persistence offers a window into China’s cultural ecosystem, and into the limits of state control. Korean pop December 5, 2025
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  OPINION: South Korean politics faces perpetual crisis as debate and compromise disappear SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) - South Korea's political system is currently severely dysfunctional. Politics is meant to be the art of discussion, negotiation, and compromise. However, this essential process is missing today. The country's two major parties have normalized the dangerous practices of "deciding without discussion" and "acting without debate," neglecting their role as representatives of the people. This procedural destruction undermines public tr December 4, 2025
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  North Korea-U.S. Summit without denuclearization: a 'Korea passing' When South Korea’s new Democratic Party president took office in June, his administration moved quickly to explore the possibility of a summit between North Korea and the United States. During his first meeting with the U.S. president, President Lee Jae Myung described himself as a “pace maker” and the American president as a “peace maker,” signaling his intention to shepherd the two sides toward dialogue. His approach echoes the Moon Jae-in government’s diplo December 4, 2025
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  South Korea should remember Dec. 3 as Democracy Memorial Day "A year has passed since the insurrection, yet darkness still lingers," said the ruling party leader, reflecting on the chaos following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law. This statement underscores the ongoing turmoil in society. Since last December, this column has frequently criticized the martial law, mentioning terms like 'impeachment,' 'presidential election,' 'special prosecutor,' and 'People Power Party.' Even when December 3, 2025
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  OPINION: Pope's 2027 visit a strategic moment for Korea and Italy SEOUL, December 01 (AJP) - Korea and Italy may sit on opposite ends of the Eurasian landmass, yet the pulse of the two nations beats with a surprisingly similar rhythm. Both societies brim with passion; both celebrate life through food, drink, music and dance; and both possess an instinctive sensitivity to beauty that permeates daily life. From the c December 1, 2025
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  OPINION: Lessons from the fall of the western Roman empire for Trump's 'America First' policy SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Romulus Augustulus is known as the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, deposed in 476 AD by Germanic warrior Odoacer who became the first barbarian king of Italy. Historians do not hold him directly responsible for the empire's fall, as he was a puppet emperor placed by his father. Responsibility for the fall Germanic military leader Odoacer rose to power in Rome. His father Edeco was close to Attila the Hun. Odoacer's rise and Romulus&# November 28, 2025
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  North Korea highlights need for nuclear submarines North Korea's Korean Central News Agency criticized the recent U.S.-South Korea joint statement, claiming it reveals a hostile stance and could destabilize military security in the Asia-Pacific region. The agency argued that South Korea's pursuit of nuclear submarines could lead to a 'nuclear domino effect' and escalate an arms race. This response followed the joint fact sheet released on Nov. 14. North Korea's reaction is perplexing, given its own nuclear d November 27, 2025