news highlight

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  AI 'hunter' sparks alarm in Korea amid regulatory vacuum SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) — Claude Mythos, an artificial intelligence model developed by Anthropic to autonomously detect and potentially exploit critical software vulnerabilities, is another new import challenging South Korea’s lagging regulatory response to rapid technology advances. Experts in Korea are already raising concerns over the lack of legal and ethical accountability. “If such technology is misused, the developer must bear responsibility,” said April 17, 2026
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  South Korea's prosecutorial overhaul enters uncharted territory SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - The fall of prosecutor-turned-president Yoon Suk Yeol did not end an epic downfall for a leader, but also the institution he had once represented. The prosecution has already lost much of its once-mighty power to the police and the Corruption Investigation for High-ranking Officials, with another agency pending, leaving it a near-defunct institution. The dramatic downsizing is creating a severe bottleneck, turning what was once a sought-after post into a April 17, 2026
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  Seoul flags rising downside risks as Middle East war drags on SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) -South Korea’s government on Friday highlighted increased "downside risks" for the economy as the prolonged Middle East conflict fuels inflationary expectation and dampens domestic sentiment. In its monthly “Green Book” report for April, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said “downside risks to the economy are increasing” due to heightened geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the war — toned up from last mo April 17, 2026
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  Korean tanker safely clears Red Sea in first Hormuz workaround SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) -A South Korea-linked crude carrier has safely exited the Red Sea after loading oil in Saudi Arabia despite Iranian military's threat of attacks on the corridor along the Saudi coast in protest to U.S. naval blockade of Tehran ports. The Korean sea flag carrier makes the first confirmed shipment to reach Korean-bound routes via a Hormuz bypass since the Gulf conflict disrupted one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, according to the governm April 17, 2026
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  A village, a baby — and the limits of Korea's birth incentives SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - It takes a village to raise a child — and in Mungok-ri, a mountain-ringed hamlet in northeastern South Korea, it took a village just to welcome one. For the first time in 20 years, the community of barely 100 residents heard the cry of a newborn. Banners lined the narrow roads to celebrate Seo-yoon, the second child of Kim Hyun-dong and Chang Yoo-jin. Gifts poured in from neighbors and local groups. Even the provincial governor sent his congratulation April 17, 2026
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  South Korea holds talks with Algeria, Libya to secure alternative oil supplies SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) - South Korea has discussed energy-related cooperation with Algeria and Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. Park Jong-han, a ministry official, visited Algeria and Libya earlier this week to assess the possibility of securing emergency supplies of crude oil and naphtha, according to the ministry. His four-day trip, which began last Monday, was part of efforts to secure alternative supply routes that would remain unaffected by the closure o April 17, 2026
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  IMF keeps Korea growth view at 1.9% on 'energy buffers' despite Gulf shock SEOUL, April 17 (AJP) -The International Monetary Fund on Thursday maintained its growth outlook for South Korea at 1.9 percent for this year, holding steady from its January projection as it pointed to “sufficient buffers” to withstand energy shocks stemming from the Gulf conflict. The assessment came as the war-driven surge in oil and gas prices adds a fresh layer of uncertainty to the global economy, with Asia seen as particularly exposed due to its heavy reliance o April 17, 2026
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  Lee to embark on trip to India and Viet Nam this weekend for summit talks SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will embark on a weeklong trip to India and Viet Nam this weekend, Cheong Wa Dae said on Thursday. In a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Thursday, national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said Lee is scheduled to leave for New Delhi on Sunday for talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, followed by a series of expanded discussions with key officials. Lee's visit to the world's most populous nation co April 16, 2026
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  FM seeks Mexico's help in securing stable crude oil imports in phone call SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun talked with Mexico's new Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco over the phone, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. Congratulating him on his inauguration last week, Cho said the two countries should further expand economic cooperation, stressing that the Latin American country is South Korea's top trade and investment partner in the region. He then asked for help in ensuring a stable supply of crude oil for South April 16, 2026