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Prime Minister Han Seung-soo Meets Former Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, Emphasizes Trust Between Nations Han Seung-soo, the Prime Minister of South Korea, met with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on September 8, emphasizing the need to continue fostering positive relations between the two countries based on mutual trust among their citizens.During their meeting at the Government Seoul Building, Han and Ishiba discussed the current state of Korea-Japan relations and potential avenues for cooperation.Han praised Ishiba for laying the groundwork for improved relations during his tenure, particularly through the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of the two nations. She urged Ishiba to continue contributing to the development of Korea-Japan relations, drawing on his experience and insights in diplomacy and security.Both sides acknowledged the increasing necessity for cooperation between South Korea and Japan in light of rapidly changing international circumstances, discussing mutual interests in security, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.They positively assessed the discussions on issues such as low birth rates, aging populations, and suicide prevention, which have been ongoing through the Common Social Issues Consultative Body established during Ishibas administration. They also agreed to expand cooperation in areas that can bring tangible changes to citizens, including future industries like artificial intelligence (AI).Ishiba stressed the importance of confronting historical issues as a foundation for strengthening Korea-Japan cooperation.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 2 -
Seoul Security Dialogue Focuses on Defense Diplomacy with 10 Nations The Ministry of National Defense engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with defense leaders from ten countries during the 15th Seoul Security Dialogue, emphasizing the importance of defense diplomacy. Minister Ahn Gyu-baek highlighted the need for strong deterrence, military communication, and strategic restraint to prevent crises from escalating into war, underscoring the significance of multilateral cooperation.Following a meeting with the Philippine defense minister the previous day, Ahn held bilateral talks with defense ministers from Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and the Czech Republic. The Deputy Minister of Defense also met with counterparts from Kenya and Mongolia the day before, continuing discussions with officials from Japan, Malaysia, Finland, and Singapore on the same day. This defense diplomacy encompasses four ministerial-level countries and six deputy ministerial-level countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific.In his opening remarks at the Seoul Security Dialogue, Ahn identified the weakening of rules and trust that have historically managed power conflicts as a root cause of the crises facing the international community. He noted that the prolonged wars in Europe and the Middle East, along with the competition among major powers in economic, technological, energy, and supply chain domains, have made the stability of the international order a matter of national interest directly linked to the safety and prosperity of the South Korean people.Ahn stated, Stability is not the absence of conflict, emphasizing the need for a collective ability to manage competition and prevent conflicts from escalating into war, even when interests differ. He proposed that the first task is to balance strong deterrence with strategic restraint, making it clear that benefits cannot be gained through invasion and coercion while also ensuring channels for military communication and exit strategies in crises.Ahn warned, If military communication channels are closed and there are no exits from crises, even strong military power can increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation, adding that strategic restraint is not a sign of weakness but rather the highest level of confidence and responsibility that a powerful nation can demonstrate.He also outlined a vision for connecting bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral cooperation into a single international safety net. He explained that bilateral cooperation provides trust and execution capability, trilateral cooperation offers speed and flexibility, and multilateral frameworks support legitimacy, norms, and sustainability, thus necessitating their organic linkage.Ahn emphasized that alliances should not be walls that block each other but rather strong supports that lean on one another. He called for international organizations and regional security systems to be interconnected to respond collectively to security, economic, technological, and humanitarian crises. He proposed that rules, responsibilities, restraint, and practicality should form the foundation of a new order, advocating for building possible cooperation rather than waiting for complete agreements.This vision continued in the first session of the main conference themed Joint Design for a Stable International Order. Ahn participated in a panel discussion with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Jaromir Juna and Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro, discussing cooperation directions to address the instability of the international order and complex crises.Ahn noted, Europe and the Indo-Pacific region are already a single strategic space, citing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia as a prime example. He pointed out that North Koreas accumulated military experience and know-how in Europe also impact security in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific, with energy supply chains, advanced technologies, and nuclear threats closely linking the two regions.He affirmed South Koreas commitment to actively connecting different cooperation frameworks based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, as well as partnerships with NATO, the Indo-Pacific, and ASEAN.Ahn also emphasized the need for practical contributions to support international roles. He stated that South Korea would utilize its defense capabilities, advanced technologies, and experiences gained from peacekeeping operations, mine response, and recovery and reconstruction processes to enhance collective safety and resilience in the international community.On the Korean Peninsula, Ahn pledged to maintain strong deterrence while managing military tensions and restoring dialogue and trust. He stated, We will establish multiple safety devices to prevent crises and escalation, moving toward a stable peace that does not require fighting, aiming to develop peace on the Korean Peninsula into a contribution to stability in Northeast Asia and global peace.He concluded, The strength of defense is not limited to the ability to win wars; it is only complete when it sustains order to prevent wars from occurring.The 15th Seoul Security Dialogue commenced on September 7 at The Grand Lotte Seoul, starting with a working group meeting on cyber and space security. The main theme, In an Era of Chaos, for New Coexistence, will guide discussions on international security crisis responses and cooperation strategies through the main conference and special sessions until September 9.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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Jang Dong-hyuk Criticizes Government for Fiscal Mismanagement Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, criticized the government on September 8, stating, Those who should be declared incompetent are running the South Korean government.During an appearance on the YouTube channel Pen and Mic, Jang expressed concern over the current administrations spending habits, saying, The Lee Jae-myung government is using taxpayer money without considering the future.He pointed to the recent declaration of a fiscal emergency in Gyeonggi Province as indicative of South Koreas future, sharply criticizing the governments proposed future response fund. He stated, The future response fund, which exceeds 160 trillion won, is intended to be used at will without any oversight. If we create a future response fund and spend recklessly while national debt increases, South Koreas finances will collapse just like Gyeonggi Provinces finances are on the brink of collapse.Jang also addressed recent diplomatic issues, including the U.S.-South Korea alliance and troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. He warned, Iran is warning us in Korean that if they deploy troops, it will be considered participation in the conflict, so they should handle it accordingly. He added, As president, it is difficult to find solutions to this serious situation.He emphasized, The most important aspect of diplomacy is national interest, stating that strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance should have been the top priority, but trust has already been broken. He noted that former President Donald Trump has reached a level of warning directed at President Lee Jae-myung.Regarding allegations surrounding Kim Seung-won, the nominee for Minister of Justice, Jang pointed out that Kim is seen as the attack leader for the cancellation of President Lees indictment. He highlighted that if Kim accepted illicit requests while disregarding public safety, he could be considered an accomplice in stock manipulation. Jang asserted, Kim should not be sitting in the confirmation hearing seat but should be in the suspects seat, facing investigation by the prosecution or police.Additionally, Jang identified key issues that the People Power Party should focus on, including real estate, the stock market, youth employment, inflation, foreign affairs and security, infringement of voting rights, supplementary investigation rights for the prosecution, and preventing the cancellation of indictments and constitutional amendments.Meanwhile, Jang visited the handball arena at Olympic Park and conveyed the need for the special investigation team to confirm that no one had entered the storage location for ballots over the past 95 days. He also insisted that officials from the Korea Sports Council thoroughly check whether any election-related items were among the materials removed.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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South Korea Navigates Pressure from U.S. and China Amid G2 Tensions South Koreas foreign policy faces challenges amid tensions between the two major powers, the United States and China. The U.S. is pressuring South Korea to deploy troops to the Hormuz Strait, while differences in perception have emerged with China regarding the naming of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale and remarks by Wang Yi, head of the Chinese Communist Partys Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister, about the Korean Peninsula as two countries. This situation underscores the importance of the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations pragmatic diplomacy in managing relations with both the U.S. and China.On September 8, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Du-sun stated during a regular briefing at the ministry in Seoul, We are closely consulting with the international community to restore freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait and to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East, but no specific measures have been decided yet.He added, The Biennale issue was made based on private judgment and is unrelated to our governments stance on Taiwan. We hope it does not affect Korea-China relations. It is necessary to maintain close communication based on mutual respect and reciprocity between the two countries.Particularly, reports indicate that the Blue House is considering troop deployment to the Hormuz Strait, leading to some discontent within the ruling coalition. Some analysts suggest that while such a deployment could strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance, it may also worsen relations with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, presenting a double-edged sword for South Korea.Additionally, a South Korean embassy official in China reportedly told local correspondents that there seems to be some differences in perception regarding the naming controversy of the Taiwan Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale. The Foreign Ministry has clarified that the controversy is not an official government position, indicating that the central government cannot intervene in cultural and artistic matters, but it appears that the differences in perception have not been fully resolved.Following the controversy, the government reiterated its unchanged position regarding the joint statement from the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992, which states, The Government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the Government of the Peoples Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China and respects Chinas position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China.Furthermore, it is reported that the government raised concerns over Wang Yis remarks last month referring to the two Koreas as two countries. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak stated during a closed meeting on August 28, The two-country theory is North Koreas position. It is not our governments position, so we have taken necessary measures with the Chinese government. He emphasized that according to the agreements made when South Korea and China established diplomatic relations, China supports Koreas unification.He also cautioned, There is a risk of misunderstanding, and it does not align with our position. If we are seen as two countries, it could hinder unification, so we should avoid using expressions that could lead to misunderstandings.However, there are also positive factors in South Koreas relations with both the U.S. and China. South Koreas investment in the U.S. is imminent, and recently, the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) successfully rescued a Chinese national ten days after a major flood in Nepal.Min Jeong-hoon, a professor at the National Diplomatic Academys Americas Research Department, stated in a conversation with Aju Economy, The issues in South Korea-U.S. relations are intertwined and need to be unraveled like a tangled thread. Since President Donald Trump is interested in U.S. investment, resolving the investment outcomes and the pressure regarding Hormuz will generally strengthen South Korea-U.S. relations. He emphasized the importance of communication between the two countries.Professor Kang Jun-young from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Department of Chinese Studies remarked, We should not impose our differences in perception on each other but rather acknowledge them as a new starting point for Korea-China relations, stressing the need to voice concerns when necessary to maintain South Koreas diplomatic autonomy.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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K-Bio Targets Middle East: South Korea's FDA Collaborates with UAE for Export Opportunities The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is partnering with regulatory agencies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the expansion of K-Bio into the Middle East. On September 8, the MFDS announced it will hold a meeting with a delegation of seven members, including Fatima Al Kaabi, head of the UAEs medical product regulatory agency (EDE), to assist domestic bio companies in entering the UAE market. The MFDS stated, We are strengthening regulatory cooperation in the biopharmaceutical sector with the UAE while creating practical opportunities for domestic companies looking to enter the Middle Eastern market by facilitating direct communication with EDE. The meeting will include An Young-jin, head of the MFDSs Bio-Pharmaceutical Bureau, and representatives from four domestic companies: BioSolution, Corestem ChemOn, Cha Bio & Diostech, and Organoid Science.Domestic companies will present their key products and technologies, as well as their plans for entering the UAE market, directly to EDE. They will also engage in a Q&A session regarding the regulatory procedures and requirements for market entry in the UAE. Additionally, the EDE delegation plans to visit cell and gene therapy (CGT) research facilities after the meeting. They will examine the research environment, key facilities, and equipment related to cell therapy research and development, assessing the technological level of South Koreas advanced biopharmaceuticals. The MFDS emphasized, We will continue to actively promote field-oriented regulatory diplomacy that connects our cooperation network with foreign regulatory agencies to create practical export opportunities for our companies and support the global market entry of K-Bio. Previously, the MFDS was officially recognized as a reference agency in the medical product sector by the UAEs EDE. This recognition allows the MFDS to submit applications for UAE approvals without needing approvals from the United States or Europe, streamlining the certification process and reducing the time required. Currently, the countries recognized by the UAE as reference agencies include the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, and the GCC.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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PM Han vows to turn peace on Korean Peninsula into regional stability SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) - Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Tuesday that South Korea will work to turn peace on the Korean Peninsula into broader stability in Northeast Asia and contribute to global peace and shared prosperity. “The peace we seek to build on the Korean Peninsula will not remain confined to the peninsula,” Han said in a keynote speech at the Seoul Defense Dialogue in Seoul. “We will build a foundation that connects peace on the Korean Peninsula to stability in Northeast Asia and, ultimately, contributes to global peace and shared prosperity,” she said. Han said growing global interconnectedness has made overseas conflicts increasingly consequential for South Korea, even when the country itself is not directly involved in war. “We live in an era when wars elsewhere can have significant economic repercussions and affect people’s livelihoods even if no war breaks out in our own country,” Han said. “The world is more closely connected than ever, yet paradoxically, conflict and fragmentation are deepening.” She stressed that peace is closely tied to economic security and growth. “When peace is shaken, the foundation for growth is also shaken,” Han said. “Peace and coexistence are not ideals, but realistic choices for our people and our national interests.” The prime minister said the government’s vision of an “indispensable Korea” does not mean a country seeking to move ahead alone. Rather, she said, South Korea aims to strengthen its independent defense capabilities and deterrence while pursuing pragmatic diplomacy centered on the national interest, seeking common interests and promoting peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity through trust and dialogue. Han also pledged to use South Korea’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, competitive defense industry, experience with democratization and global cultural influence to help build a safer and more prosperous world. “We will also fulfill our responsibilities in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and reconstruction,” she said. Describing the Seoul Defense Dialogue as a forum to discuss “how countries can create common interests in an era of turmoil,” Han said South Korea would take a leading role. “South Korea will lead the way,” she said. “We will demonstrate through responsible action that coexistence can lead to shared interests.” AJP Takeaways - PM Han said Korean Peninsula peace should support stability in Northeast Asia and global prosperity. - She called peace and coexistence practical choices for South Korea’s security, economy and national interests. - Han pledged stronger deterrence, pragmatic diplomacy and a greater role in global security. September 8, 2026 1 -
Jung Jeom-sik Criticizes Lee Government, Calls South Korea in a 'Jamdemic' Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized President Lee Jae-myung on September 8, stating, No government has ever caused such rapid and devastating collapse in South Korea since its founding. He referred to the term jamdemic, a blend of jam and pandemic, to target the ruling partys policies on real estate, finance, and justice, launching a broad offensive. He also distanced himself from discussions on constitutional amendments proposed by Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, the previous day.In his representative speech at the National Assembly, Jung stated, Currently, South Korea is in a state of collapse across all areas, including public safety, real estate, stock markets, rule of law, national defense, and state finances.Regarding real estate policy, he labeled it a promise fraud and called for its complete abolition. Jung criticized, The president promised during his campaign not to control real estate through taxes. However, after taking office, the policies have been the exact opposite. This is a promise fraud against the people.He also attributed the volatility in the stock market to the government, stating, The government is the cause of stock market volatility, and criticized the administration for managing financial policy like a stock leading room, which has exacerbated volatility. He emphasized the need for a national investigation and special prosecution regarding the introduction of single-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs).On the constitutional amendment mentioned by Kim the previous day, Jung stated, There will be no constitutional amendment under this government, asserting, I will never discuss amendments with those who clearly commit unconstitutional acts for personal gain. He urged the judiciary to resume the trial of President Lee.Full Text of Jungs Representative SpeechDear citizens,Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Jo Jung-sik and fellow lawmakers,Prime Minister Han Seung-sook and cabinet members,This is Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party.It has been 1 year and 3 months since the Lee Jae-myung government was inaugurated. Recently, the presidents approval rating has fallen below 40%, with some polls showing it as low as 34.7%.The publics expectations have turned into disappointment, and disappointment has morphed into anger. When approval ratings plummet, the government must change its policies. However, the Lee Jae-myung administration continues to turn a blind eye and block its ears, pursuing its own path.Take a look at the recent cabinet reshuffle. The head of the presidents prosecution cancellation group, who is implicated in new drug fraud allegations, has been nominated as the Minister of Justice.A person who has served as a proportional representative twice and is a symbol of privilege and unfairness, seeking to hold both ministerial and legislative positions, has been nominated as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family.The candidates for the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Land are both former vice ministers responsible for policy failures. This indicates a continuation of failed economic and real estate policies, suggesting a willingness to fight against the people.Appointments send a clear message from the government: We will definitely clear the presidents name, We will give up on the youth, and We will continue populist policies on real estate regulation.Recently, the term jamdemic has become popular. It combines President Lees name with pandemic, implying that everything he touches brings disaster.Currently, South Korea is in a state of collapse across all areas, including public safety, real estate, stock markets, rule of law, national defense, and state finances.Since the founding of South Korea, no government has caused such rapid and devastating collapse.Government and Ruling Party Open the Gates to Hell in Public SafetyThe government and ruling party have opened the gates to hell in public safety. Citizens are expressing their anxiety and doubting the capabilities and will of investigative agencies.With the abolition of supplementary investigative rights, police may have to divert public safety personnel to fill gaps in investigative capabilities. Investigations will become inadequate, and public safety will be compromised.In Gwangju, police concealed evidence in a murder attempt case. In Jeju, a missing persons case was falsely concluded. In Gangnam, Seoul, a suspect was disguised as a witness.The polices mishandling of cases is shocking. If supplementary investigative rights are abolished, it will not only prevent concealment but also make it difficult to uncover the truth later.I have warned the Democratic Party not to open the gates to hell by abolishing supplementary investigative rights.However, driven by hatred and revenge against the prosecution, and greed for votes in the party convention, the Democratic Party has opened the gates to hell by abolishing supplementary investigative rights.By October, both the prosecution and supplementary investigative rights will disappear. The Special Investigation Agency has not even been able to recruit investigative personnel.In this situation, the president suddenly ordered the establishment of a police reform organization, calling for self-correction with a determination to make sacrifices. The Democratic Party claims it will root out the six major evils of the police.This is akin to a thief ordering the barn to be fixed after losing the cow.The distortion of the judicial system will lead to inadequate investigations, which will return as suffering for the people. The government and ruling party bear full responsibility for this. Please remember this clearly.Citizens Cry Over Real Estate and Are Deceived by StocksThere is one rule in the South Korean real estate market: when the left takes power, real estate prices soar. The Lee Jae-myung government has proven this rule without exception.Within a year of taking office, apartment prices in Seoul have risen by 11%, surpassing the 8.2% increase during the Moon Jae-in administration. Since February of last year, apartment prices have risen for 82 consecutive weeks.As apartment prices soar, rental properties are dwindling. In Jungnang-gu, there are only two rental listings in a new apartment complex with over 1,500 units. In Gangbuk-gu, there is only one rental listing in a large complex of 3,830 units.With the barriers to buying and renting rising, citizens are reluctantly forced into monthly rentals. As demand for monthly rentals increases, prices naturally rise. In areas like Nowon-gu, Dobong-gu, and Gangbuk-gu in Seoul, monthly rents for a standard apartment (84 square meters) exceed 3 million won.Earlier this year, the president claimed that controlling real estate would be easier than managing valleys. However, now we are witnessing a triple increase in sales, rentals, and monthly rents, sweeping across the metropolitan area like a domino effect. The president has not captured real estate but the people.Believing that speculation is the reason for rising real estate prices, the government has blocked private redevelopment and reconstruction while imposing loan restrictions and tax burdens.They have treated multiple homeowners as devils. These individuals are suppliers in the housing market. By blocking supply, price surges are inevitable.They have forced non-resident homeowners to live in their properties. This forces tenants to seek other homes. The state is forcing citizens to play a game of musical chairs.In the face of angry public sentiment regarding real estate, the government announced it would maintain the current basic deduction for comprehensive real estate tax for non-resident homeowners.However, while government policies waver, tenants have already been pushed elsewhere.Please think before announcing policies. The government can change its words, but the lives of the people collapse with each statement.Above all, the leftist mindset regarding real estate must be discarded. The Democratic Party has long used the phrase that a house is not for buying but for living.The Chinese Communist Party used the expression housing is for living, not for speculation while implementing real estate regulations.How can the real estate policies of a country that has chosen a market economy be the same as those of the Chinese Communist Party? This alone shows how extreme the Democratic Party is.Furthermore, the president has stated that if housing auctions surge due to loan defaults, the government will purchase them in bulk for public housing purposes.This means the state will pressure citizens with interest rates and taxes to hoard homes. The state wants to act as a landlord while binding citizens as tenants.This is a predatory policy disguised as a plan.The president promised during his campaign not to control real estate through taxes. However, after taking office, the policies have been the exact opposite. This is a promise fraud against the people.The fraud against the common people in rental housing has faced legal judgment. The fraud against the public through broken promises will face the judgment of public sentiment. September 8, 2026 1
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Han Seong-sook: Peace is Essential for Growth and National Interests Han Seong-sook, the Prime Minister of South Korea, emphasized on September 8 that if peace is shaken, the foundation for growth is also shaken, stating that peace and coexistence are not ideals but realistic choices for the people and national interests.During her keynote address at the 2026 Seoul Security Dialogue held at the Grand Lotte in Jung-gu, Seoul, she remarked, Wars and conflicts in one region disrupt energy and supply chains, influence corporate production and investment, and ultimately affect jobs, prices, and the livelihoods of the people.She highlighted the need for the international community to manage conflicts and seek common interests, noting that security issues extend beyond military concerns to have direct impacts on the economy and daily life.Han also outlined the governments security policy, which aims to strengthen self-defense and deterrence while promoting practical diplomacy centered on national interests.The indispensable Republic of Korea that the government envisions is not a country that advances alone, she explained. It is a nation that, while equipped with self-defense capabilities and deterrence, seeks common interests based on practical diplomacy and pursues peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity through trust and dialogue.She further emphasized the commitment to utilize South Koreas world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities, defense industry competitiveness, democratic experience, and the power of K-culture to create a safer and more prosperous world. She pledged to fulfill responsibilities in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and post-conflict reconstruction.Han also shared her vision of linking peace on the Korean Peninsula to regional and international stability. The peace we will create on the Korean Peninsula will not be confined to the peninsula itself, she stated, adding that it will serve as a foundation for stability in Northeast Asia and contribute to global peace and shared prosperity.The Seoul Security Dialogue is a high-level multilateral security forum established by the Ministry of National Defense in 2012 to discuss peace on the Korean Peninsula and regional security cooperation. It was elevated to a ministerial-level meeting in 2023, with approximately 1,000 participants from 67 countries and international organizations, including defense ministers from four countries and deputy defense ministers from six countries.This years theme is Towards New Coexistence in an Era of Chaos. Discussions will continue until September 9 on building a stable international order, changes in alliances and partnerships, the defense industry ecosystem and global supply chain resilience, peace on the Korean Peninsula, new technologies and future defense, and post-war recovery and reconstruction.Han concluded by stating, This is a forum for countries with different interests and strategies to discuss how to create greater common benefits. South Korea will take the lead in this endeavor and demonstrate responsible actions that link coexistence to common interests.* This article has been translated by AI. September 8, 2026 1
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Vietnam Seeks Enhanced AI and Semiconductor Cooperation with South Korea Vietnam has publicly emphasized its commitment to expanding cooperation with South Korea in advanced industries, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and semiconductors. Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, requesting significant investments from South Korean companies in AI data centers and Vietnams participation in South Korean semiconductor and AI projects. On the same day, a high-level Vietnamese delegation visited SK Groups AI infrastructure, indicating a shift in discussions from parliamentary diplomacy to corporate investment and industrial ecosystem development.On September 8, local reports from VnExpress and others indicated that Tran Thanh Man urged Chung Sye-kyun to encourage South Korean investments in Vietnam. He identified large-scale AI data centers, semiconductors, infrastructure, energy, and ports as priority areas for cooperation, asking for conditions that would allow Vietnamese companies to engage more deeply in the South Korean manufacturing supply chain.Both Legislatures Prioritize AI and Semiconductor CooperationDuring the meeting, Tran emphasized that Vietnam views South Korea as its top strategic partner. He expressed hope that the bilateral relationship would develop in a practical and sustainable manner across all sectors, mentioning the need for market openness and improved investment environments. Chung noted that Trans visit would strengthen cooperation between the two legislative bodies, stating, Korea is ready to join Vietnam in its next stage of development.The two sides also outlined specific economic cooperation goals, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion this year and $150 billion by 2030. They agreed on the importance of creating a balanced and sustainable trade structure. Additionally, both countries will continue to prioritize grant and concessional official development assistance for Vietnamese businesses. They discussed improving policies to enable stable long-term investments by companies from both nations, with scientific and technological cooperation as a driving force for their relationship.Vietnam has also highlighted advanced industry cooperation with the South Korean government. On the same day, Tran met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to strengthen scientific and technological collaboration and to create conditions for Vietnams participation in major South Korean semiconductor and AI projects. Han remarked that Trans visit would elevate bilateral relations across various fields, expressing hope that Vietnam would continue to foster a favorable environment for long-term investments and business activities by South Korean companies.Tran called for effective implementation of the outcomes from the visits of South Korean officials, including the visit of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in August last year and President Lee Jae-myungs visit to Vietnam in April this year. He requested opportunities for Vietnam to participate in the large-scale semiconductor and AI projects announced by South Korea in June.Vietnamese Delegation Requests Long-term Investment from SKThe Vietnamese delegation also visited South Koreas AI infrastructure. The day before, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc visited SK Groups AI data center in the Gasan area of Seoul to examine its operational model and technological infrastructure. The Haein GPU Center, visited by the delegation, is a large-scale AI computing infrastructure operated by SK Telecom. Named after Haeinsa Temple, which houses the Tripitaka Koreana, the cluster symbolizes the vast data and wisdom of the AI era.Deputy Prime Minister Phoc praised SK Groups investment activities and interest in Vietnam, stating, SK is a company with comprehensive financial, technological, and management capabilities, aligning with Vietnams selective investment attraction strategy for its new development phase.He explained that Vietnam prioritizes investments in high-value, knowledge-intensive advanced technologies, energy-efficient green projects, and initiatives that contribute to technology transfer and human resource development. After reviewing the technological infrastructure at the Haein Center, he welcomed SKs plans for a large-scale AI center in Vietnam.Phoc further urged SK not to limit its efforts to building mere computing infrastructure and data centers but to aim for establishing a regional AI innovation center. He emphasized that this center should encompass research and development, AI technology and application development, advanced talent cultivation, and support for Vietnams innovation ecosystem.Additionally, the Vietnamese delegation requested ways to connect cooperation with SK to the domestic industrial ecosystem. Phoc expressed hope that SK would bring technology, experts, and high-value research activities to Vietnam and collaborate with local tech companies, universities, and research institutions. He also wished for Vietnamese businesses and startups to have access to the centers computing infrastructure and technological ecosystem.Since establishing diplomatic relations on December 22, 1992, Vietnam and South Korea elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022, marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. South Korea is currently Vietnams second-largest investment partner, second-largest source of tourists, second-largest provider of official development assistance, and ranks third in trade and labor supply. September 8, 2026 1
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Korea, France launch 1 billion euro film investment drive SEOUL, September 08 (AJP) -South Korea and France will invest a combined 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) in their film and audiovisual industries over five years as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in content production and strengthen their creative industries. President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the Global Film and Audiovisual Industry Investment Cooperation Initiative at the inaugural Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in southern France on Monday. The two countries will each invest 500 million euros from 2027 through 2031 through separate funds that will initially support domestic film and audiovisual companies. They plan to expand the framework gradually into joint productions and broader cross-border cooperation, according to South Korea's presidential office. Lee attended the summit as co-chair after Macron invited South Korea to take the role during their summit in April. The Lumière Summit, the first international gathering dedicated to discussing the future of the film and audiovisual industries, brought together 274 participants from 58 countries. They included culture ministers, international organization officials, executives from film and media companies, directors and actors. Lee used his opening address to outline four priorities for the industry: overcoming the crisis facing movie theaters, finding ways for human creativity and artificial intelligence to coexist, protecting cultural diversity through support for independent films and creating a mutually beneficial relationship between local and global content industries. "Innovation and outstanding creativity are the key to turning crises into opportunities," Lee said. His film diplomacy continued later in the day with a meeting with Motion Picture Association Chairman Charles Rivkin and representatives of major U.S. entertainment companies including Netflix, Disney, Sony and NBCUniversal as well as CJ Group Vice Chairwoman Lee Mie-kyung. The president urged global media companies to increase investment and production in South Korea, saying his government regards culture as a central industry of the future. "The government will actively support the production of works in South Korea," Lee said, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Rivkin described South Korea as a key partner that had emerged as a creative powerhouse through "smart policies and openness," the presidential office said. Lee also attributed the international rise of Korean culture partly to the country's democratic development and its long history as a tightly connected cultural community. The meeting came as South Korea seeks to turn the global popularity of Korean films, television series and music into a broader engine of economic growth and international cultural influence. Lee earlier met Korean filmmakers and actors attending the Lumière Summit for a discussion titled "Next Scene: Talking About the Future of K-Content." Participants included directors Lee Chang-dong and July Jung, actors Sol Kyung-gu, Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Do-yeon, and Netflix Asia-Pacific content executive Kim Min-young. Lee Chang-dong's "Possible Love," starring Sol and Jeon, was invited to the competition section of the Venice International Film Festival and selected as South Korea's submission for the Academy Awards. July Jung's "Dora," starring Kim Do-yeon, was invited to the Cannes Film Festival. Lee discussed with the creators how working conditions had changed following the global success of Korean content and what policies were needed to sustain the momentum. He pledged broader government support to give filmmakers and other creators more opportunities. "The current government believes culture is a core industry of the future," Lee said. Lee also attended an official luncheon hosted as part of the summit with Macron and about 200 government officials, industry executives and creators. He called for greater international cooperation to preserve cultural diversity while expanding the global film and audiovisual industry. AJP Takeaways - South Korea and France will each invest 500 million euros in their film and audiovisual industries from 2027 through 2031. - President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron launched the initiative at the inaugural Lumière Summit in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. - President Lee urged major U.S. studios and streaming companies including Netflix, Disney and Sony to expand investment in Korean content. September 8, 2026 0 -
People Power Party Criticizes Kim Min-seok's Speech, Calls for Accountability The People Power Party criticized Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, following his representative speech at the National Assembly on September 7, calling it confusing, a hymn to the regime, and disappointing.Jang Dong-hyuk, the partys leader, expressed his discontent on Facebook, stating, There was not a single apology for the real estate crisis and stock market crash, while also noting that the topic of constitutional amendment was conspicuously included. He added, The prerequisite for constitutional amendment is simple. President Lee Jae-myung must declare no re-election. If the Democratic Party wants to pursue a constitutional amendment, they should persuade the president, not the opposition. If Kim brings back the declaration of no re-election, he could become the foremost contributor to the amendment.Jeong Jeom-sik, the floor leader, also voiced his concerns to reporters immediately after Kims speech. He acknowledged the idea of rearranging seats but emphasized that cooperation requires a genuine willingness from the Democratic Party. Cooperation happens when the Democratic Party approaches with the intent to cooperate; simply rearranging seats does not constitute cooperation. The Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung administration must change their fundamental approach, he stated.Park Seong-hoon, the partys chief spokesperson, criticized Kims remarks on cooperation, calling it the height of arrogance. He remarked, By lecturing on the People Power Partys historical perspective and identity while mentioning cooperation, they view the opposition not as partners in governance but as subjects to be corrected and enlightened, demanding compliance with their predetermined answers. It’s like pretending to extend a hand while actually asking for submission. He further stated, It is absurd to present a massive budget exceeding 820 trillion won while claiming to be a competent ruling party. If spending national funds is a measure of capability, then where is the incompetent government in the world? If the current administration takes credit, the burden of the bill falls on the youth and future generations, which is an irresponsible game of hot potato.Choi Eun-seok, the partys chief floor spokesperson, expressed disappointment over the lack of reflection on the governments performance over the past 15 months. He stated, Ultimately, it was just a fancy wordplay presented to the public. While Kim boasted about improvements in growth, exports, the KOSPI, and diplomacy, President Lees approval ratings continue to hit record lows. He emphasized, What the public wants to hear is not excuses or embellishments, but a candid assessment of why their lives have not improved over the past 15 months, what the government has done wrong, and what the ruling party will change moving forward.Meanwhile, on September 8, Jeong is expected to deliver a representative speech on behalf of the People Power Party, focusing on issues related to real estate, the stock market, and public safety, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of the people.* This article has been translated by AI. September 7, 2026 2
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Seoul's Hormuz dilemma puts Tokyo on notice SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) - The heat from Washington is rising on Seoul to contribute to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and Tokyo is increasingly feeling it too as Japan braces for the possibility that it could be next in line for a U.S. call to act. South Korea has yet to decide whether to send military assets to the strategic waterway, but the Trump administration has become increasingly explicit in demanding support from an ally heavily dependent on Middle Eastern energy. The dilemma is being watched closely in Japan, which faces an even greater exposure to Hormuz and many of the same questions over how far a U.S. ally should go in sharing the burden of keeping vital sea lanes open. The South Korean Ministry of National Defense said Monday that no specific form of military contribution has been decided, stressing that discussions remain under way with the United States and other partners. “The government is closely consulting with the international community, including the United States, on practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the swift restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East,” a Defense Ministry official said. “No specific measures have been decided at this point.” “The review has likely already been completed, and South Korea is expected to provide some form of support. The government appears to be gauging reactions before making a move,” a source familiar with the discussions said on condition of anonymity. The ministry said Seoul has also been holding consultations with Britain and France without disclosing details. The comments came as Washington sharpened its public pressure. A White House official said Sunday that the United States was “still waiting” for South Korea to deploy resources to the region, pointing directly to the country's reliance on Middle Eastern oil. The Pentagon separately reiterated President Donald Trump's expectation that allies help defend freedom of navigation through Hormuz. Trump has repeatedly singled out South Korea since the war with Iran began on Feb. 28. He said in March that South Korea, Japan, China and other countries dependent on the strait would “have to get involved a little bit,” while emphasizing that Washington had long helped defend South Korea. The rhetoric has become more pointed. Trump said late last month that he would “remember” what he described as South Korea's reluctance to assist the United States over Iran. He also recently shared a Washington Post opinion column urging him to pressure Seoul to sell its Cheongung-II, or M-SAM II, air defense system to Ukraine, adding to perceptions that Washington expects a broader security contribution from its ally. The implication has not been lost on Tokyo. Japan and South Korea sit in remarkably similar positions as two of Washington's closest Asian allies and major importers of Middle Eastern energy. Japan's dependence is even greater. Around 93 percent of Japan's crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, compared with roughly 61 percent for South Korea. The disparity leaves Tokyo vulnerable to the same argument Washington is already making to Seoul: countries whose economies depend on the waterway should contribute more directly to keeping it open. Japanese media have increasingly framed South Korea's deliberations as a possible precedent. A Korean deployment, even one limited to surveillance, logistics or mine-clearing support, could make it harder for Tokyo to resist similar pressure from Washington. Japan has so far avoided committing Self-Defense Force assets to an active operation. Its government has instead emphasized diplomacy, safe navigation and close coordination with international partners while insisting that no deployment decision has been made. Tokyo, however, has not remained outside discussions. Japan has taken part in consultations over a possible multinational mission led by Britain and France, reflecting concerns that prolonged disruption to Hormuz would pose an immediate threat to the country's energy security. The legal and political hurdles are higher for Japan. Its postwar constitutional framework and security legislation impose tighter restrictions on Self-Defense Force operations in active conflict zones, particularly where a mission could amount to the use of force. Mine-clearing after hostilities subside would be one of the more legally feasible options, while operating amid active combat would be far more complicated. South Korea faces fewer constitutional constraints but carries its own political risks. Iran has warned that any South Korean military action directed against it would be considered participation in the war. Seoul therefore has strong incentives to draw a clear distinction between protecting commercial shipping and taking part in combat operations. Defense experts said a narrowly defined deployment could offer a middle course. “We have reached a point where it is time to consider a deployment,” Choi Ki-il, a professor of military studies at Sangji University and head of the Korea Defense Industry Research Institute, told AJP. Choi said any mission should focus on protecting South Korean vessels and crews and supporting freedom of navigation rather than taking part in direct combat against Iran. “Even if we deploy, our role should be limited to protecting our own ships,” Choi said. He said maritime patrol aircraft, warships or logistics support assets could be considered depending on what the government determines is necessary. Among the assets reportedly under consideration are the Navy's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the 11,000-ton ROKS Soyang fast combat support ship. The P-8A can conduct wide-area maritime surveillance, while the Soyang can provide fuel, ammunition and other supplies to naval forces at sea. The Defense Ministry stressed Monday that no specific assets, timing or scale have been decided. A multinational framework could give Seoul greater political room. Britain and France have been leading discussions over a defensive force aimed at protecting civilian shipping and supporting mine-clearing operations in and around the strait. “If South Korea participates, it should not do so independently, but as part of a coalition force,” Kim Hong-yoo, a professor at Kyung Hee University and a policy committee member of the Korea Defense Industry Association, told AJP. Kim said a coalition format could allow South Korea to take on support functions without leading a separate Korean operation. Coalition fleets can include not only combat vessels but logistics and other support ships, he said. The National Security Council would likely become involved once a deployment decision is made because the government would then have to determine which forces could be spared without undermining South Korea's own defense posture, Kim said. President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to France adds another layer to the deliberations. Lee is scheduled to hold summit talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday. France, together with Britain, has played a leading role in discussions over a multinational Hormuz mission, making the issue a possible subject for discussion even though neither government has confirmed it will be on the summit agenda. A coalition-based contribution could give Seoul a way to respond to Washington without appearing to join a unilateral U.S.-led military campaign against Iran. The same formula could eventually become relevant to Japan. Tokyo's domestic debate already reflects competing instincts. Conservative voices have argued that Japan cannot indefinitely rely on other countries to protect a waterway indispensable to its economy and have called for a Maritime Self-Defense Force contribution. Others argue that Japan should avoid being pulled into a widening war and instead use its long-standing diplomatic channels with both Washington and Tehran. The debate ultimately goes beyond Hormuz. Washington's pressure on Seoul is becoming a broader test of how the United States expects its Asian allies to share security responsibilities outside Northeast Asia. South Korea and Japan have long relied on the U.S. military to deter threats closer to home. The Trump administration is increasingly asking what they are prepared to do in return when American strategic interests and global trade routes are at risk elsewhere. A South Korean decision to send even limited assets could therefore change more than Seoul's relationship with Washington. It could establish a new benchmark for Asian allied burden-sharing. Tokyo would then have to explain why Japan, whose economy depends even more heavily on Hormuz, should remain on the sidelines. For Seoul, the immediate challenge is finding a contribution substantial enough to satisfy Washington without crossing the line into direct participation in the Iran war. For Tokyo, the harder question may be what happens if South Korea moves first. AJP Takeaways - Washington is intensifying pressure on South Korea to contribute to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. - Tokyo is watching Seoul closely as Japan could face the same U.S. demand given its even heavier dependence on Middle Eastern oil. - South Korea is weighing limited roles such as maritime surveillance, logistics and coalition support rather than direct combat. - A Korean deployment could set a precedent for how Washington expects its Asian allies to share security burdens beyond their home region. September 7, 2026 1 -
Korea's Foreign Policy Tested Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions Over Hormuz Deployment The South Korean government is considering a deployment to the Hormuz Strait as President Lee Jae-myungs pragmatic diplomacy faces scrutiny amid U.S. pressure and Iranian threats. Lees approval ratings have been declining due to recent controversies, including the cancellation of charges against him and cabinet appointments, raising concerns that sending combat troops could further harm his popularity.A foreign ministry official stated on September 6 that in response to Irans backlash over the deployment discussions, the government is closely communicating with the international community, including relevant countries, to restore peace and stability in the Middle East and ensure the free navigation of all vessels, including ours, in the Hormuz Strait. This statement appears to distance the government from Irans framing of the situation as a war involvement.Previously, a senior Iranian political and security official warned in an interview with the Lebanese Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen on September 4 that any South Korean intervention opposing Iran in the Hormuz Strait would be considered direct military participation in aggression and war against Iran.While the Iranian response is strong, the Lee administration must also consider its relationship with the United States, which is based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. The U.S. has consistently argued that South Korea, as a major importer of Middle Eastern oil, should support the protection of navigation freedom in the Hormuz Strait.Ultimately, the decision is likely to be made within the framework of pragmatic diplomacy, which aims to balance values and interests. The administration prioritizes national interests, suggesting that the deployment decision will be weighed against its practical benefits.Additionally, President Lees declining approval ratings will likely be a significant factor in the decision-making process. A recent survey conducted by Realmeter, commissioned by Energy Economy News, found that from August 31 to September 4, only 37.4% of respondents approved of Lees handling of state affairs, a decrease of 1.5 percentage points from the previous week.The survey was conducted using a wireless automated response method, with a margin of error of ±2.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level and a response rate of 4.2%. More details can be found on the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.Moreover, some voices of opposition from the ruling Democratic Party and other allied factions regarding the deployment could pose additional challenges for President Lee.In this context, political analyst Park Sang-byeong remarked in a conversation with Aju Economy that the rumors about the deployment seem to have emerged too hastily, adding that sending combat troops would not align with the pragmatic diplomacy that President Lee seeks. He cautioned that this issue could lead to a potential lame-duck situation for the president.Choi Jin, head of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, also noted that President Lees support has eroded among moderate voters, who tend to waver during times of political or economic instability. He assessed that the likelihood of the Hormuz deployment being a positive development is slim. September 7, 2026 1
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Coupang dispute to loom over Korea-U.S. ties beyond midterms SEOUL, September 07 (AJP) -South Korea’s dispute with e-commerce giant Coupang is likely to loom over ties with Washington beyond the U.S. midterm elections as concerns over Seoul’s regulation of American technology companies have taken root across party lines, South Korean lawmakers and policy experts observed Monday. “There is no guarantee the situation will improve even if the Democrats take the majority in the November midterm elections,” Woo Jeong-yeop, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, public think tank based in Washington D.C., said at a forum at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul. Woo cautioned against viewing the mounting pressure from Washington simply as the product of Coupang’s lobbying, arguing that skepticism toward South Korean trade and regulatory practices had already been embedded in U.S. politics before the company became a bilateral flashpoint. “Coupang’s lobbying alone cannot explain how the current situation developed,” Woo said. “If we diagnose the problem that way, we will get the diagnosis wrong.” The forum dubbed “The South Korea-U.S. Alliance at a Crossroads,” was organized by Rep. Kim Gunn of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) to discuss the future of the alliance following the U.S. midterm elections as well as North Korea, trade disputes and other sources of bilateral friction. Woo said the political narrative surrounding foreign regulation of U.S. technology companies had already been established through Washington’s earlier disputes with the European Union and Canada over digital taxes and related rules. The narrative was already in place before Coupang,” Woo said. The Coupang controversy began as a domestic data-privacy issue following a massive personal-data leak in November 2025 involving about 37.55 million people. South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission imposed a fine of about 624.7 billion won ($466 million) on the company in June. Coupang has challenged the penalty, while the dispute has expanded in Washington into questions over whether South Korean regulation discriminates against U.S. companies. The issue has since drawn scrutiny from Congress and the Trump administration, with potential investor-state dispute settlement proceedings and a Section 301 trade petition also being raised. Woo said the speed of that escalation reflected a broader political framework already operating in Washington. He noted that within about five months, a domestic controversy involving Coupang had developed into a bilateral trade issue involving a formal investigation by the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, a meeting with the U.S. vice president and letters from senators. Woo also recalled that Coupang itself had once attracted surprisingly little attention in Washington despite being listed in the United States. “U.S. experts who had visited Korea would come back and ask me why Koreans kept talking so much about Coupang and what kind of influence the Coupang issue actually had,” he said. “Even a high-ranking State Department official who had served at the US Embassy in Korea did not know that Coupang was an American company,” Woo added. “Washington itself did not have that much interest in Coupang.” The political environment has since shifted markedly. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, has become one of the most vocal U.S. lawmakers criticizing South Korea’s treatment of American companies. His committee opened oversight into Seoul’s regulatory practices and released an interim report in July accusing South Korea of discriminatory treatment of Coupang and other U.S.-owned companies. Woo noted that Jordan had raised concerns about the Korea Fair Trade Commission and South Korean trade practices before the Coupang dispute intensified. “Coupang did not create Jim Jordan,” Woo said. “He was already highly critical of South Korea’s trade practices.” Republicans have been particularly vocal partly because of President Donald Trump’s unusually strong grip on the party, Woo said, but a Democratic takeover of Congress would not necessarily reduce the pressure. Concerns about South Korea’s information-network rules and online-platform regulation were also present under the Biden administration, he said, suggesting that the issue has broader bipartisan roots. “The lobbying logic surrounding Coupang can be transplanted across party lines,” Woo said. “A strategy of simply waiting things out may be possible, but the fundamental solution is to change how the US political establishment views Korea.” Woo also stressed that lobbying should be understood as a long-term process built around relationships rather than a short-term attempt to influence individual decisions. “Lobbying is something everyone does,” Woo said. “It is difficult to succeed through a short-term approach. Relationships create access, and access creates influence.” South Korea, he said, should focus less on figures who are well known in Seoul and more on people who command credibility and influence in Washington. “We should use people Washington knows, rather than people we know,” he said. Former Trade Minister Jeong In-kyo said the Coupang dispute should be viewed as part of a broader pattern of simultaneous U.S. pressure on South Korea. Jeong identified five major sources of friction: tariffs and trade, Coupang and digital regulation, North Korea and joint military exercises, implementation of South Korea’s $350 billion U.S. investment commitment, and Washington’s demands related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. He described the situation as a form of “linkage” pressure in which disputes that might previously have been addressed separately increasingly affect one another. Trade friction can spill into investment negotiations, digital regulation and security burden-sharing, he said, creating a “ratchet” effect in which a concession in one area may lead to additional demands elsewhere. Jeong argued that Seoul should resist responding with similarly arbitrary measures and instead reinforce predictable rules, non-discrimination and proportionality. In the short term, South Korea should demonstrate progress on its first major U.S. investment project and use summit diplomacy to restore confidence, he said. Over the longer term, Seoul should seek to separate trade and security issues where possible while strengthening cooperation with other middle powers around common rules. Senior PPP lawmakers at the forum said the widening economic friction reflected broader strain in the bilateral alliance. “The South Korea-US alliance is being put to the test,” Kim said, citing tariffs, investment in the United States, joint military exercises and North Korea’s nuclear program. “Trade and security issues are becoming intricately intertwined,” Kim said. “Rather than conducting diplomacy that merely follows individual issues as they arise, we need an all-out diplomatic effort toward the United States.” PPP Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun said pressure from the Trump administration was intensifying and criticized Seoul for failing to move quickly enough on discussions over a possible military contribution related to the Strait of Hormuz. “Diplomacy is about timing,” Yoon said. “The discussion over deployment is already far too late.” Yoon called for the creation of a bipartisan strategic team bringing together leading South Korean foreign policy and security specialists, warning that renewed U.S.-North Korea negotiations would inevitably raise questions over management of Pyongyang’s nuclear arsenal. Former National Assembly Defense Committee Chairman Sung Il-jong said he expected dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang to resume soon. “I think talks between the United States and North Korea will take place shortly,” Sung said. “Judging from the signals, I think President Trump could even go to North Korea within September.” The lawmakers’ remarks underscored a broader concern that the Coupang dispute can no longer be treated as an isolated commercial or regulatory matter, with trade, technology, investment and security increasingly intertwined in Seoul’s dealings with Washington. AJP Takeaways - Coupang dispute becomes Korea-US trade issue: A privacy case that began with a massive data breach and a 624.7 billion won fine has expanded into a bilateral dispute over whether South Korean regulation discriminates against US companies. - Washington pressure goes beyond Coupang lobbying: Hudson Institute senior fellow Woo Jeong-yeop said US criticism of South Korean digital regulation predates the Coupang case and has bipartisan roots, warning that a Democratic victory in the midterm elections would not necessarily ease tensions. - Trade, investment and security pressures increasingly overlap: Former Trade Minister Jeong In-kyo said Washington is linking tariffs, digital regulation, South Korea’s $350 billion US investment pledge and security issues, forcing Seoul to respond to what he described as a broader “linkage” strategy. September 7, 2026 1 -
Kim Min-seok Calls for a Strong National Identity and a Dignified Society Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, emphasized on September 7 the need to establish a strong national identity outwardly while creating a dignified society internally. He highlighted that South Korea has reached a level of advanced nation in politics, economy, diplomacy, and science and technology, underscoring the importance of a strong national consciousness.In his representative speech at the National Assembly, Kim stated, National innovation starts with political innovation, pointing to the necessity for changes in the government, the National Assembly, and political parties. He pledged that the Democratic Party would lead the way in innovation, focusing on peoples livelihoods and enhancing youth policies. He also announced plans to strengthen alliances with the ruling coalition and to initiate discussions on adjusting the number of negotiation groups.Among the urgent tasks he mentioned were police reform, the promotion of three major mega-projects, and the development of public-private partnerships. He specifically stated, We will pursue a realistic constitutional amendment that reflects the changes of the times and the demands of the people, proposing to include the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the Busan-Masan Democratic Uprising in the preamble of the constitution. Regarding the restructuring of power, he remarked, We can go as far as the people desire.Kim also expressed his willingness to communicate not only with the ruling coalition but also with the opposition. He suggested, Let’s create areas for participation by both parties one by one and expand them two at a time, proposing cooperation on youth and housing policies. He further suggested that lawmakers from both parties sit together in the National Assembly.* This article has been translated by AI. September 7, 2026 1