INTERVIEW: Purpose-driven innovation is key for K-startups in global market

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Joo Young-sup, a professor at Seoul National University's Graduate School of Technology Management and former Administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA), shared his insights on the global technology landscape following CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2025 in an interview with Aju Press (AJP). Reflecting on the annual tech show held earlier this month in Las Vegas, Joo highlighted the growing emphasis on purpose-driven innovat

January 23, 2025

Actor Ji Chang-wook named ambassador to promote young scouts

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - Actor Ji Chang-wook has been appointed as a promotional ambassador for young scouts, the Korea Scout Association said on Wednesday. The appointment ceremony was held in Yeouido, Seoul on Jan. 11 where Ji was presented with a plaque and a symbolic neckerchief. "Ji, who is expanding his acting spectrum by taking on versatile roles, is expected to play a great role in not only promoting young scouts but also delivering the values of challenges and grow

January 22, 2025

Yoon's rise and fall: From star prosecutor to impeached president

SEOUL, December 14 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol, who led investigations that resulted in former disgraced President Park Geun-hye's ouster in 2016, now faces a similar political fate with his own impeachment. In 2022, Yoon, then an incumbent prosecutor, was elected president by a wafer-thin margin, defeating his rival candidate Lee Jae-myung. His election victory was largely due to his resistance to pressure to fall in line under the previous Moon Jae-in administration, which

December 14, 2024

INTERVIEW: Italian TV personality discusses AJP's role in upholding truth and bridging cultures while combating fake news

SEOUL, November 29 (AJP) - "Although news stories have become more accessible and faster through various media platforms, the rise of fake news remains a major challenge," said Alberto Mondi, a popular Italian TV personality here. Mondi, who gained fame after appearing on hit TV show "Non-Summit," first aired in 2014, where foreign panelists from various nationalities discuss diverse topics, now works for the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ITCCK), playing

November 29, 2024

Yonsei language institute director emphasizes specialized Korean language education to address industry needs

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - As Korean language and culture continue to gain global interest, the director of one of South Korea’s leading language institutions has called for a shift toward specialized Korean language education tailored to specific industries. Rhee Seok-chae, director of Yonsei University's Korean Language Institute, which currently has 2,400 students, said that while general language instruction serves many international students, those pursuing careers in

November 13, 2024

INTERVIEW: As pet culture evolves, a startup reshapes animal funeral care

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - At Four Paws Hwaseong, rows of small cabinets display photos capturing cherished moments of deceased pets. These once-beloved family members now rest peacefully, surrounded by flowers, toys, snacks and mementos from their lives. Through dignified funerals conducted by professional morticians, Petdoc seeks to support pets throughout their lifetimes, even beyond death, in a manner similar to human services. Founded in late 2016, the company launched its fl

November 8, 2024

INTERVIEW: AI startup creates interactive memorial avatars

SEOUL, November 5 (AJP) - A single photo and a brief voice recording are all it takes for DeepBrain AI to create lifelike avatars of deceased loved ones. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the Korean start-up allows families to reconnect with their departed through a virtual, interactive memorial service called Re;memory. The company launched it in 2022, initially involving the creation of digital replicas of individuals to preserve their legacies. "We began Re;memory 1

November 5, 2024

'Small gestures can make difference': Social entrepreneur helps isolated youth reconnect

SEOUL, November 1 (AJP) - When hundreds of young Korean women were rushed to emergency rooms for suicide attempts in 2020, Lee Eun-ae knew she had to act. The social entrepreneur saw it as a desperate cry for help from a generation losing hope. "Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, numerous small businesses were forced to close. This particularly affected young women in their 20s who relied on part-time jobs for income, leaving them uncertain about their future," sa

November 1, 2024

Seek wisdom from elders to weather crisis, seasoned boffin advises

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - It is an old custom in South Korea for elderly politicians and scholars to be consulted for their wisdom whenever the country faces a crisis. "Through our combined knowledge and expertise across diverse areas, we can provide a clearer vision and guidance for the country's future," said Oh Myung, the chair of the Korea National Council of Senior Leaders in an interview with Aju Business daily last Friday. Currently led by Oh, the council is

October 29, 2024

INTERVIEW: Folk song artist says tradition must evolve to survive

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A never-before-seen performance at NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, a prestigious music series showcasing global musicians, captivated music enthusiasts in 2016. A trio, comprising of one female and two male singers, performed songs that echoed the sound of shamanic hymns, backed by Western instruments. The group, Ssing Ssing, fused traditional Korean folk songs with modern Western sounds, presenting a captivating blend of past and present. The male perfo

October 17, 2024