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South Korea Expands Economic Cooperation with Five Central Asian Nations President Lee Jae-myung has expanded economic cooperation in key minerals and energy supply chains, as well as infrastructure projects, through a summit with five Central Asian nations. The government established a foundation for South Korean companies to enter the Central Asian market by signing a total of 74 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the summit.By promoting tailored bilateral economic cooperation, the summit addressed cross-border challenges such as logistics, transportation networks, supply chains, climate change, and AI and digital initiatives, thereby broadening diplomatic horizons at the regional level.On September 16, President Lee hosted the first summit with the leaders of five Central Asian countries at a hotel in Seoul, marking the first time these leaders gathered in a multilateral format.During the summit, President Lee held separate meetings with Tajikistans President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyzstans President Sadyr Japarov at the Blue House, resulting in the signing of 35 cooperation documents, including 17 with Tajikistan and 18 with Kyrgyzstan.The relationship with Tajikistan was elevated to a comprehensive partnership. This visit by the Tajik president was the first in 11 years.President Lee described Tajikistan as a geographical hub connecting Central Asia and South Asia, rich in mineral resources and growth potential. He stated, South Korea will actively cooperate as a reliable partner for Tajikistans economic development.Railway projects are at the center of cooperation between the two countries. A framework for intergovernmental railway cooperation was established, allowing Korea Railroad Corporation and the National Railroad Authority to participate in the construction of the Dushanbe urban railway and the training of specialized personnel.Cooperation in key minerals, AI and digital initiatives, and smart grid technology will also be pursued in conjunction with railway infrastructure. The plan reflects the belief that South Korean companies can secure resource supply chains and infrastructure contracts by jointly developing the necessary transportation and power infrastructure for mineral resource development.With Kyrgyzstan, the comprehensive partnership established in 2024 was further specified in urban development and trade and investment sectors. South Koreas urban planning and smart construction experience will be combined to meet Kyrgyzstans rapid urbanization demands.The two countries agreed to jointly promote urban master plans, transportation and living infrastructure, and industrial park development, allowing South Korean companies to participate in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. This approach aims to reduce Kyrgyzstans financial burden while providing domestic companies with opportunities to enter the Central Asian urban and infrastructure market.The scope of trade and investment cooperation has also expanded to include key minerals, digital transformation, halal certification, and the textile industry. Notably, South Koreas halal certification will be recognized locally, reducing certification costs and time for domestic companies.A system for sending workers under the employment permit system was also established. This will ensure transparency in the dispatch process and protect the rights of workers by supplying Kyrgyz personnel to South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises through an objective procedure. The relationship, previously focused on development cooperation and personnel exchange, is now seen as expanding into investment, trade, and industrial cooperation.On September 15, the focus was on energy and resource diplomacy with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.With Kazakhstan, Central Asias largest economy and a major oil and uranium producer, the relationship was elevated to a future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership for the first time in 17 years. In the event of global supply disruptions, Kazakhstan will increase oil supply, and both countries will collaborate on oil and gas field development and petrochemical research.Joint research and development on nuclear power and small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as nuclear safety and specialized personnel training, will also be pursued. By connecting Kazakhstans oil and uranium resources with South Koreas nuclear and advanced industry technologies, the relationship has evolved from simple resource importation to long-term economic security cooperation.With Turkmenistan, the focus is on linking its abundant natural gas resources to the chemical industry and plant projects. After 16 years of negotiations, the two countries finalized an investment protection agreement. This agreement aims to reduce investment risks for South Korean companies in large-scale, long-term plant and infrastructure projects, which require significant funding. Based on this, new projects in the chemical and plant sectors, railways, shipbuilding, and smart water management will be explored.On the first day of summit diplomacy, September 14, the focus was on addressing Uzbekistans demand for transportation and industrial advancement, given it has the largest population in Central Asia. Feasibility studies were initiated for the introduction of eight high-speed trains and the establishment of a national genome and biobank, while cooperation was expanded into AI transformation in manufacturing and the defense sector.Cooperation with Uzbekistan is centered on market and manufacturing growth potential rather than just resources. The plan aims to combine South Korean technology and finance in high-speed rail, biotechnology, and manufacturing AI to capture the largest consumer market in Central Asia.Seong Gi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, stated, We hope this new journey that began in Seoul will enrich the lives of people in both regions and serve as a solid foundation for mutual prosperity between South Korea and Central Asia. This will be a turning point in expanding our diplomatic horizons into Eurasia and transforming our long-standing relationship with Central Asia into a future-oriented partnership for mutual growth. September 16, 2026 -
Yeouido trip exposes public-notice gap in Seoul summit security SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Traffic on Olympic-daero, the major artery running along the southern bank of the Han River, is rarely free-flowing. On Wednesday, the stretch near Yeouido Hangang Park appeared closer to a parking lot, with rows of police vans, ambulances and black limousines lining the area. Inside the park, police moved cyclists, joggers and pedestrians away from restricted paths as security tightened around a visit by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Many people caught in the restrictions had little idea why. “Who’s coming?” one resident muttered among a small crowd asking much the same question. “Police blocked the bike path and wouldn’t let people cross,” fumed Kim Seon-yeong, a 42-year-old office worker near Yeouido Station who commutes from Bundang. Kim said she had seen no advance notice that movement through the area could be restricted. “I didn’t see a single banner or notice anywhere,” she said. The security operation accompanied Tokayev’s appearance at a cultural heritage event in Yeouido during his state visit to South Korea. Tokayev had held a bilateral summit with President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday and attended a Korea-Kazakhstan business roundtable before joining the inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit on Wednesday. Kazakhstan was one of three Central Asian countries whose presidents were received on state visits ahead of the multilateral gathering. The Yeouido appearance stood apart from the more controlled settings of the bilateral summit, business meetings and Wednesday’s leaders’ gathering. Bringing a visiting president into one of Seoul’s busiest public parks meant presidential-level security had to coexist with cyclists, commuters, joggers and other park users going about their normal routines. The resulting contrast was conspicuous: extensive security was visible on the ground, while information explaining how that security would affect the public was not. South Korea’s Korea Heritage Service and Kazakhstan’s Culture Ministry jointly organized a “Nomadic Traditional Cultural Heritage Exchange” in Yeouido to introduce Kazakh traditions and promote cultural cooperation. The program included a digital exhibition space modeled on a traditional Kazakh yurt, displays of crafts, jewelry, clothing and musical instruments, performances and presentations on Korean and Kazakh archery traditions. It also highlighted the history and culture of Koryo-saram, ethnic Koreans in Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s embassy had also publicized separate cultural programs at Yeouido Park and Yeouido Hangang Park as part of Tokayev’s state visit. Its notices invited the public to attend and listed the venues and program times. What the notices did not spell out was that presidential security could temporarily cut or divert pedestrian and bicycle routes around the riverside area. That omission became more noticeable because the event itself was promoted as open to the public. Kim Min-su, a 24-year-old university student from Jamsil, encountered the restrictions while cycling along his usual Han River route. “My route normally takes me past Yeouido and back to Jamsil,” he said. “Suddenly the path was blocked and they told me there was an event and that I’d have to take a long detour.” The concentration of security personnel made him curious enough to stop. “There were six or seven police and security officers within about 10 meters,” Kim said. “Given how much manpower was deployed, out in the sun with hardly any shade, I decided to stick around and see who would show up.” Kang Sun-ja, a 68-year-old longtime Yeouido resident, was similarly unsure what was happening. “I’ve never seen this kind of commotion at Hangang Park before, with police lined up because someone important was coming,” Kang said. “I couldn’t tell whether it was for a foreign dignitary or some famous person from Korea.” The problem was not a lack of advance publicity for the cultural program itself. Both Korean and Kazakh organizers had announced the events. Rather, there was a gap between publicity for the event and notice of the restrictions required to secure it. The difference was particularly striking compared with preparations for the Korea-Central Asia Summit elsewhere in Seoul. The Presidential Security Service’s Security and Safety Control Team announced on Sept. 9 that Sowol-ro and parts of Euljiro 1-ga would face traffic restrictions on Sept. 16. Authorities specified that all lanes on Sowol-ro would be closed briefly six or seven times in line with the movements of visiting leaders rather than shut for an extended period. They also said information would be distributed through electronic displays at Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall, roadside signs, the security service’s YouTube channel and navigation services including T map, Kakao Map and Naver Map. The planning involved the presidential security team, the Foreign Ministry’s summit task force, the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Seoul police and the Korea Road Traffic Authority. No comparable public guidance on temporary pedestrian or bicycle restrictions around the Yeouido riverside programs was included in the notices reviewed by AJP. The episode does not suggest that public cultural diplomacy has no place in a state visit. Kazakhstan’s embassy openly promoted the Yeouido programs as opportunities for Seoul residents to experience Kazakh culture, with admission free and the public encouraged to attend. But an open venue also requires a different level of coordination from a closed summit hall. It was not immediately clear from public materials which side proposed Tokayev’s Yeouido appearance or when the security arrangements surrounding it were finalized. For Seoul, which had spent months preparing to host the first Korea-Central Asia summit at the leaders’ level, the relatively small episode offered a practical reminder that summit readiness extends beyond meeting rooms and motorcades. AJP Takeaways - Presidential-level security around Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Yeouido appearance temporarily disrupted pedestrian and bicycle routes, catching some park users by surprise. - Korean and Kazakh organizers had publicly promoted the cultural programs, but the notices reviewed by AJP did not specify possible access restrictions linked to presidential security. - The gap contrasted with summit-related road controls elsewhere in Seoul, where authorities provided advance closure schedules and distributed information through road signs, navigation apps and other channels. September 16, 2026 -
Central Asia's Silk Road Reopens: Opportunities for South Korea Amid Great Power Rivalry Central Asia is once again capturing global attention. Positioned between Russia, China, Europe, and the Middle East, the region has primarily been viewed through the lens of great power dynamics, including Russian influence, Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, and Western efforts to counter Russia. However, the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—are now leveraging their strategic value to expand their relationships with Europe, Turkey, and South Korea, rather than aligning with a single great power. Kazakhstans foreign policy of multivector diplomacy is spreading across Central Asia.This shift is driven by changes in geopolitics and economic security. The war in Ukraine has heightened awareness of the risks associated with dependence on Russia. The importance of the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Europe without passing through Russia, has also increased. This trade route, which traverses the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus, serves as a means to reduce reliance on any single great power.Central Asias value is further enhanced by its rich supply of strategic minerals. The region is emerging as a source not only of oil and gas but also of uranium, rare metals, and tungsten. As U.S.-China competition intensifies over securing these critical minerals, the strategic importance of Central Asia grows.Rather than remaining a battleground for great power competition, Central Asia is using this rivalry to enhance its negotiating power. The strategy of establishing relationships with multiple countries to obtain necessary resources is becoming increasingly evident.In this context, the first Korea-Central Asia Summit held in Seoul on September 16 is significant. The attendance of leaders from all five countries marks the elevation of a cooperation forum established in 2007 to a summit-level dialogue. President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of collaboration in supply chains, energy, markets, and technology, urging the nations to prepare together for the next 30 years.South Korea has ample opportunities for cooperation. The country can diversify supply chains in the fields of strategic minerals and energy, while also leveraging its technology and experience in railway and transportation infrastructure. Areas such as AI, digital technology, talent development, climate change, and logistics networks also present opportunities for collaboration. This approach, which aims to expand regional cooperation beyond bilateral ties, aligns with the trend of Central Asian countries strengthening their mutual cooperation.While South Korea cannot match the vast capital of China or the historical and geographical influence of Russia, Central Asia seeks partners rather than subordinate powers. South Koreas position, having achieved both democratization and industrialization, can shine in this context.The Silk Road spirit emphasized by President Lee also reflects this sentiment. The Silk Road was a space for the exchange of people, goods, technology, and culture. It is essential for South Korea to consider not only what it can gain but also what it can provide to meet the needs of Central Asia, marking the first step in this partnership. September 16, 2026
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Samsung's Lee Jae-yong Meets with Japanese Senate Delegation to Discuss Semiconductor and AI Cooperation Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, recently met with a delegation from the Japanese Senate to discuss the future of the semiconductor industry and cooperation between the two countries. This meeting comes as Samsung is ramping up its investment in a research and development (R&D) hub in Yokohama, Japan, indicating Lees proactive engagement in global private diplomacy with key political figures in Japan.According to industry sources on September 16, Lee held a luncheon meeting with the Japanese Senate delegation on September 14 near Seoul. The delegation included prominent figures such as Hiraki Daisaku, chairman of the Komeito Partys National Assembly Strategy Committee; Fukuyama Tetsuro, vice chairman of the Senate; Kawai Takanori, secretary-general of the Constitutional Democratic Party; and Umemura Mizuho, deputy secretary-general of the Senate, along with Koichi Mizushima, the Japanese ambassador to South Korea.From Samsungs side, Kim Won-kyung, head of Global Public Affairs, also attended the meeting.Initially planned as a meeting primarily for Samsungs operational staff, Lees unexpected attendance elevated the discussions. He reportedly shared insights on the companys overall business strategy and talent acquisition in response to the rapidly changing global artificial intelligence (AI) market.Hiraki, who led the visiting delegation, commented after the meeting, I asked about the outlook for the semiconductor industry, Samsungs overall strategy, and potential areas for cooperation with Japan, and Lee responded earnestly. It was a meaningful conversation with individuals poised to play significant roles on the global stage.This meeting is seen as a continuation of Samsungs efforts to strengthen its semiconductor R&D network in Japan. Earlier this month, Samsung opened the Advanced Package Lab (APL) in Yokohama, committing approximately 40 billion yen (about $350 million) over the next five years. Given the necessity for technological collaboration with Japans leading semiconductor materials and components companies, Lee appears to be actively enhancing cooperation through his connections in both political and business circles.* This article has been translated by AI. September 16, 2026
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Over 300 Koreans Detained in Georgia Take Legal Action Against Trump Administration Koreans detained in Georgia file legal claims against Trump administrationOver 300 Korean workers who were detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia last year have initiated legal action against the Trump administration. According to CNN on September 15, the workers, who were arrested at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, have begun filing administrative claims as a preliminary step to a federal lawsuit. A Korean attorney representing the workers stated that they plan to submit claims against nine federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice by the end of the year.UN Security Council convenes emergency meeting on Bab el-Mandeb StraitThe United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on September 15 to discuss issues related to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Reuters. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located at the entrance to the Red Sea, is a critical global maritime trade route. The Houthi rebels, considered proxies of Iran, have recently expanded their control over strategic areas in southern Red Sea, rapidly extending their influence along the Bab el-Mandeb coast. Concerns are rising that if the Houthis gain complete control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Iran effectively controls in the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices could surge further.Kim Boo-kyum likely candidate for new chair of National Integration CommitteeFormer Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is reportedly a strong candidate to lead the National Integration Committee, which is directly under the Presidents office. According to sources within the ruling party on September 15, President Lee Jae-myung is considering Kim as a top candidate to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former chair Lee Seok-yeon. The President believes Kim is well-suited to achieve social integration across generations, regions, and political factions. Kim is a prominent politician from Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province (TK) within the Democratic Party. He served as Minister of the Interior and Safety and as Prime Minister during the Moon Jae-in administration. In this years local elections on June 3, he ran for mayor of Daegu as the Democratic candidate, receiving 45% of the vote but losing to incumbent Mayor Hong Joon-pyo.Kim Min-seok meets with Buddhist leaders to discuss national unityKim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, visited the Jogye Order and the Taego Order of Korean Buddhism on September 15, seeking their cooperation in addressing national unity and social issues. During his visit to Jogyesa Temple in Jongno, Seoul, he met with the head monk Jinwoo and proposed utilizing religious facilities for programs like temple stays for families of individuals with developmental disabilities. He also met with the head monk Sangjin of the Taego Order, expressing that the Taego Order has made significant contributions to Buddhism and national culture, and he hopes to seek their assistance in tackling social issues such as suicide and loneliness. In the guestbook, he wrote, I will practice politics that serves the people, guided by the teachings of compassion.President Lee to hold press conference on constitutional amendment and troop deploymentPresident Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on September 18 to address key issues that have stirred the political landscape, including constitutional amendments, troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and his request for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial. Seong Gi-hong, the Chief of Public Communication at the Blue House, announced on September 15 during a briefing at the Chunchugwan that the press conference will take place at 10 a.m. at the Blue Houses guesthouse, lasting approximately 90 minutes, including opening remarks, a Q&A session with reporters, and closing statements. About 150 journalists from domestic and international media will attend, marking the seventh press conference since President Lee took office. The conference will be divided into two main areas: politics and diplomacy, and policy and economy. Reporters will be allowed to ask questions freely without prior coordination, and the seating arrangement will be designed to minimize the distance between the President and the journalists. Additionally, questions from the public, gathered through live comments during the broadcast, will be included, especially those not previously addressed.* This article has been translated by AI. September 15, 2026
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Choi Jung-sik Expands Parliamentary Diplomacy with Meetings in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Choi Jung-sik, the Speaker of the National Assembly, strengthened parliamentary diplomacy through a series of meetings with the presidents of Central Asian countries visiting South Korea. He emphasized the need to expand not only intergovernmental exchanges but also parliamentary interactions.On September 15, Choi met with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, and Serdar Berdymukhamedov, the President of Turkmenistan, to discuss ways to enhance practical cooperation and activate parliamentary exchanges between their countries.Choi highlighted to President Mirziyoyev that South Korea is Uzbekistans only special strategic partner. He expressed gratitude for Mirziyoyevs support of the Korean diaspora and urged for cooperation between the two nations parliaments, as well as interest in the Korea-Central Asia Speakers Conference.Uzbekistan is home to the largest population of Koreans in Central Asia, with 170,000 residents. I appreciate your active support for projects like the establishment of a Korean history museum, Choi said. In response, President Mirziyoyev stated, South Korea is a valuable partner of Uzbekistan, with whom we have built trust over many years, and pledged to create a favorable environment for South Korean companies to operate more actively.Following this, during his meeting with President Berdymukhamedov, Choi expressed sincere gratitude for the support provided to ensure the safe evacuation of citizens in Iran last year and this year, hoping that this visit would further develop bilateral relations.Choi mentioned Turkmenistans efforts to position itself as a logistics hub in Eurasia through the Revival of the Great Silk Road initiative, stating, I will actively support the realization of practical outcomes by leveraging South Koreas advanced technology and Turkmenistans abundant resources.In turn, President Berdymukhamedov emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with South Korea and expressed his commitment to enhancing cooperation between the two countries parliaments.* This article has been translated by AI. September 15, 2026
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President Lee to Hold Press Conference on September 18 Amid Declining Approval Ratings President Lee Jae-myung will hold a press conference on September 18. With his approval ratings dropping to the 30% range for the first time since taking office, he will address key issues affecting the nation, including constitutional amendments, troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, and requests for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial. Seong Gi-hong, the chief of public relations at the Blue House, announced during a briefing on September 15 that the press conference will take place at 10 a.m. at the Blue Houses guesthouse. He estimated that the event, which will include the presidents opening remarks, a Q&A session with reporters, and closing statements, will last about 90 minutes. Approximately 150 domestic and international journalists are expected to attend, marking President Lees seventh press conference since taking office. The conference will be divided into two main areas: politics and diplomacy, and policy and economics. Reporters will be allowed to ask questions freely without prior coordination, and President Lee will respond directly. The seating arrangement will be designed to minimize the distance between the president and the journalists, and real-time public comments will be incorporated, addressing topics not covered in existing questions. This press conference is notable as it is not tied to specific milestones such as the 30th or 100th day of his presidency, the New Year, or the first anniversary of his inauguration. Seong described it as simply a “Lee Jae-myung press conference,” indicating a commitment to address recent complex issues without delay. Analysts suggest that the timing of the conference is closely linked to the recent decline in approval ratings. A survey conducted by Gallup Korea from September 8 to 10 revealed that only 38% of respondents approved of President Lees job performance, the lowest since he took office, while 51% disapproved (for more details, visit the Central Election Survey Deliberation Commission website). Seong acknowledged that approval ratings are a crucial indicator of public evaluation of governance, stating that the president and the Blue House are taking this matter seriously. The most significant political issue is the proposed constitutional amendment. Last month, President Lee outlined plans for a constitutional revision that would include a four-year term with the possibility of re-election and a distribution of presidential powers. During a meeting with expatriates in Paris on September 9, he clarified that his term is constitutionally limited, but opposition parties continue to criticize him for a perceived attempt at “self-re-election.” Political circles believe that to quell the controversy, specifics regarding the timing and scope of the constitutional amendment, as well as strategies for garnering bipartisan support, need to be clarified. The issue of troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz is also unavoidable. The government is considering military contributions to ensure freedom of navigation but has not yet made a decision among various options, including combat, non-combat, and reconnaissance roles. Given the pressures from the United States, the importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the need to protect oil supply routes, and strong domestic opposition to troop deployment, the president will need to provide clear explanations regarding participation and decision-making criteria. Additionally, President Lees request for the dismissal of charges in his criminal trial, raised by both opposition and some members of his own party, remains a sensitive issue. If the president does not clarify his position, the controversy surrounding judicial reform being linked to his personal legal issues may persist. In the policy and economic sectors, the focus is expected to be on real estate, public welfare, and controversies surrounding ministerial nominations. Recent Gallup surveys indicated that disapproval ratings were primarily due to real estate policies, personnel decisions, and economic and public welfare issues. As the administration emphasizes “public welfare first,” the specifics of follow-up measures to stabilize the housing market and renew personnel will be critical. Following the resignation of Yong Hye-in, the candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, amid controversies over dual roles as a proportional representative and minister, discussions continue regarding Kim Seung-won, the candidate for Minister of Justice, who is facing allegations of lobbying related to a new drug. Seong stated that the press conference will convey the presidents firm commitment to reform, prioritizing public welfare, and delivering a stronger message of national unity. He emphasized that the president will clearly outline and explain his positions and directions on major issues to the public. * This article has been translated by AI. September 15, 2026
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Building the Future on a 3,000-Year Legacy: Uzbekistan's 'Third Renaissance' The Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Uzbekistans capital, is impressive in scale. Covering an area equivalent to 14 soccer fields, it encapsulates 3,000 years of Uzbekistans history. The three-story building, which cost approximately $161.8 million, has a total floor area exceeding 42,000 square meters, with a central dome soaring 65 meters high. However, this massive structure aims to showcase more than just the past. The exhibition begins with ancient civilizations predating Islam, progresses through the Islamic Golden Age in Central Asia and the Timurid dynasty, and culminates in modern Uzbekistan following its independence. The final space invites visitors to explore New Uzbekistan — the Foundation of the Third Renaissance. After reflecting on 3,000 years of history, visitors arrive at a vision for the future. President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs national vision of New Uzbekistan intersects with this point in history. Once a land that produced world-renowned mathematicians, astronomers, physicians, and scholars, it aims to reignite education, science, and technological innovation to usher in a new era. The Islamic Civilization Center embodies this vision in a physical form. From the Quran to Science: A Chronicle of Civilization At the centers heart lies the ancient Uthman Quran. Surrounding it are manuscripts, archaeological artifacts, and cultural heritage that illustrate centuries of Islamic scholarship. During what the Uzbek government calls the First Renaissance from the 9th to 12th centuries, scholars emerged who transformed the course of global knowledge in Central Asia. Al-Khwarizmi laid the foundations for mathematics, while Al-Biruni made significant contributions to astronomy and natural sciences. Ibn Sina had a profound impact on medicine and philosophy. The Second Renaissance is linked to the Timurid dynasty. In the 15th century, the ruler and astronomer Ulugh Beg established an observatory in Samarkand, leading precise astronomical observations. The center does not treat these figures merely as religious icons. It connects mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, and religious studies into a unified intellectual history. The Mirziyoyev administration takes this a step further by proposing a Third Renaissance. Just as global scholarship flourished in the past, todays youth are encouraged to achieve intellectual breakthroughs in universities, research institutions, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology. The center serves as both a museum displaying history and a national declaration of Uzbekistans future aspirations. 35th Anniversary of Independence: President Reiterates Civilization This message was clearly articulated during the 35th anniversary celebrations of Uzbekistans independence. On August 28, just four days before Independence Day, around 6,000 people gathered at a large outdoor amphitheater in New Tashkent. After discussing economic development, education, and national identity, President Mirziyoyev turned the conversation to Uzbekistans Islamic heritage. “We have built unique scientific and educational institutions such as the Islamic Civilization Center and the Imam Bukhari and Burkhaniddin Margilanani memorial complexes,” he stated. As he finished speaking, the audience erupted in applause. This moment encapsulated the significance of Islamic civilization in President Mirziyoyevs vision for New Uzbekistan. The government seeks to revive not just religion but also the era when Islamic civilization led advancements in science, scholarship, enlightenment, and cultural development, linking it to the current national development strategy. Kirill Abramov, a professor at the University of Texas, explained that since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Islam in Central Asia has played a multifaceted role encompassing “religious revival, cultural restoration, and national identity formation.” In Uzbekistan, this cultural revival is intertwined with the nations future vision. Independence Restores History In his Independence Day speech, President Mirziyoyev did not merely describe Uzbekistans independence as a political sovereignty that began in 1991. He emphasized that the nations roots extend back over 3,000 years, mentioning figures such as Al-Khwarizmi, Ahmad al-Farghani, Al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, Ulugh Beg, and Alisher Navoi. “Independence has restored our honor and dignity, our sacred religion, our mother tongue, and our long-forgotten national values,” he said. This is why the Islamic Civilization Center holds a nationally significant position. The story conveyed through the center is straightforward. This land once hosted a brilliant civilization, and through independence, that history has been reclaimed. Now, it is time to transform that legacy into an asset for future development. Since its official opening on March 17, the centers visitor flow follows this same narrative. Guests starting from ancient Uzbekistan move through the Islamic Golden Age and the Timurid dynasty to modern independent Uzbekistan. However, the exhibitions endpoint is not the past. At the end lies New Uzbekistan and the Third Renaissance. President Mirziyoyev has defined this center as one of the foundations of the Third Renaissance, emphasizing that it must also serve as a scientific, secular, and modern institution. Immediately after mentioning the Islamic Civilization Center and the reconstructed Imam Bukhari memorial complex in his Independence Day speech, he transitioned to discussions about youth, education, and the national development plan for the next decade. He characterized the next ten years as a period of national leap, proposing that the first of seven national programs the government will pursue is to make knowledge and capabilities the core assets of the nation. This connects the pasts civilization with the futures talent into a single narrative. Restoration of History from Tashkent to Samarkand These national projects are not limited to Tashkent. The Imam Bukhari memorial complex near Samarkand is another symbolic space that President Mirziyoyev directly mentioned in his Independence Day speech alongside the Islamic Civilization Center. Born near Bukhara in the 9th century, Imam Bukhari compiled the Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most authoritative collections of hadith for Sunni Muslims, documenting the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Uzbekistan has extensively reconstructed his burial site. The 45-hectare complex includes a large mausoleum, a mosque accommodating 10,000 people, four 75-meter-high minarets, a museum, and research and educational facilities. Since the reconstruction, the daily visitor capacity has increased from about 12,000 to over 65,000. The government has also invested 570 billion som, approximately $65 million, in developing surrounding hotels and commercial services. Plans include four-star and three-star hotels, as well as family guesthouses. According to the government, over 1 million domestic and international visitors had visited the complex by early May. The Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent also welcomed around 500,000 visitors within two and a half months of its opening by June 1. The commonality between these two projects is clear. They are not merely restoring Islamic cultural heritage as pilgrimage sites or tourist attractions but are reconstituting them as national assets that encompass research, education, international exchange, and the tourism industry. Enlightenment Against Ignorance The image of Islam that Uzbekistan seeks to present to the international community aligns with this vision. The government emphasizes knowledge, tolerance, scholarship, and peace as core principles. This is encapsulated in the phrase Enlightenment Against Ignorance. Shovosil Ziyodov, director of the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, stated in an interview, “Our people have always lived by Islamic philosophy as a guide in their daily happiness, sorrow, and trials of fate. We are creating a new narrative that describes Islam as a religion of science, creativity, and tolerance.” He explained that preserving and inheriting Uzbekistans Islamic heritage serves as “a powerful public diplomacy tool and a part of soft power.” This vision was first presented by President Mirziyoyev in 2017 when he announced plans for the Islamic Civilization Center at the United Nations. He emphasized that ignorance and intolerance can create an environment for the growth of extremism, and that education and the humanistic traditions of Islam must be leveraged to counter this. The Islam represented by the center is one of goodness and peace, knowledge, and enlightenment, not violence or radicalism. Center of Islamic Civilization, Not an Islamic State Uzbekistan is now actively utilizing this historical asset in its diplomacy. It is expanding international cooperation in manuscript digitization, historical research, and cultural heritage preservation, while also opening an office for the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Tashkent. President Mirziyoyev has instructed officials to promote the Islamic Civilization Center to 55 countries and to organize events at the UN offices in New York and Geneva, as well as at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, to introduce scholars from Uzbekistan such as Imam Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, and Imam Tirmidhi. Since its opening, the center has also become a venue for international forums involving scholars, journalists, and cultural figures from around the world. Uzbekistans desired image in the international community is distinct from that of a simple Islamic state. It identifies itself as a center of Islamic civilization that has produced scholars and manuscripts, as well as advancements in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy. This identity provides a historical and cultural resonance with Islamic countries while also establishing a foundation for collaboration with secular international organizations like UNESCO in the fields of science and culture. Importantly, this movement is distinct from any attempts to religiously transform Uzbekistans national system. The Uzbek constitution defines the state as a sovereign democratic, legal, social, and secular state. Article 75 explicitly states the separation of religious organizations and the state. The religious policy concept adopted in 2025 also reaffirmed freedom of conscience and the secular nature of the state. Thus, the rise of the Islamic Civilization Center as a national symbol does not signify the Islamization of the state but rather a recontextualization of Islamic civilization within the narrative of the secular state of Uzbekistan. It aims to restore historical and cultural memories that faded during the Soviet era and to transform the identity reclaimed after independence into an asset for national development. At the end of 3,000 years of history beneath the grand dome in Tashkent lies the Third Renaissance. What Uzbekistan seeks to convey through the Islamic Civilization Center is not merely nostalgia for a glorious past but a forward-looking declaration to reclaim a history that once led the world in scholarship and civilization, and to leap forward once again through education, science, and innovation. In this sense, the Islamic Civilization Center is not just a museum preserving the past but a starting point for moving toward a New Uzbekistan.* This article has been translated by AI. September 15, 2026
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South Korea and Uzbekistan Launch High-Speed Rail and Biome Center Projects South Korea and Uzbekistan have initiated the introduction of eight high-speed trains and the establishment of a national genome and biobank project known as the Biome Center.On September 14, President Lee Jae-myung and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a summit and signed 13 agreements, including feasibility studies and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for both projects.President Mirziyoyev and his delegation began their state visit with an official welcome ceremony at the Blue House. Following a guestbook signing and a photo opportunity, the two leaders held a series of meetings to discuss ways to practically advance their special strategic partnership.The two countries will utilize the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to confirm the technical and economic feasibility and specific implementation plans for the introduction of the high-speed trains and the establishment of the Biome Center.The high-speed rail project aims to modernize Uzbekistans transportation network by leveraging South Koreas railway technology and infrastructure experience. Depending on the feasibility study results, cooperation may expand to include railway vehicles, operations, maintenance, and related infrastructure. The Biome Center will establish a foundation for accumulating and managing Uzbekistans national genomic information and bio-resources, which is expected to assist South Korean companies in entering the health and bio sectors.The two nations also agreed to jointly identify promising projects in Uzbekistans six key national strategic industries, including critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, smart cities, dedicated industrial complexes for South Korean companies, pharmaceuticals, bio, food, beauty, and content. They plan to enhance the participation of South Korean companies by linking identified projects with project financing and commercial financing.Before the summit, President Lee met with Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). President Lee proposed expanding cooperation in critical mineral supply chains and AI and energy infrastructure by combining South Koreas technological capabilities with ADBs project experience and financial resources. This initiative aims to support South Korean companies entry into Central Asia through the MOU between the two countries and ADB cooperation.Notably, the two leaders established a foundation for cooperation in the AI transformation of manufacturing. They agreed to promote collaboration in manufacturing AI technology, personnel, and infrastructure while expanding exchanges between companies. Additional agreements were signed on defense cooperation, harmonization of medical product regulations, intellectual property protection, agricultural technology, education and tourism, and digital forest restoration.Following the exchange of agreements and MOUs, a state dinner was held with the attendance of over 50 dignitaries from both countries.This summit marks the first event in President Lees three-day relay diplomacy with five Central Asian countries. He will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and on September 16, he will preside over the first Korea-Central Asia summit with all five leaders in attendance.A Blue House official stated, “Through this summit, we plan to elevate strategic cooperation with Central Asia to a high level and establish a mutually beneficial growth foundation that combines Central Asias growth demands with our supply chain and market expansion strategies.”* This article has been translated by AI. September 15, 2026
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Aftermarket Launches with 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading; Focus on Optoelectronics Aftermarket Launches with 1.8 Trillion Won in Trading; Focus on OptoelectronicsThe Korea Exchanges aftermarket concluded its first trading day with significant activity, particularly in optoelectronics and light electronics. On September 14, the aftermarket recorded trading volumes of 13.25 trillion won in the KOSPI market and 4.925 trillion won in the KOSDAQ market, representing 6.5% and 8.9% of regular market levels, respectively. Trading volumes were also notable, with the KOSPI market at 8.1% and the KOSDAQ at 8.0% compared to regular market activity.In terms of individual stocks, optoelectronics led the KOSPI market with approximately 28.97 million shares traded, followed by Samsung Electronics, SM Vexcel, Hunga Shipping, and Hyundai Pharmaceutical. In the KOSDAQ market, light electronics topped the list with around 80.46 million shares, with Dream Security, Kosnine, Xgate, and Samik Pharmaceutical also among the most traded. Samik Pharmaceutical saw a 19.85% increase, while Korea BNC and light electronics rose by over 12%.The aftermarket operates from 4 PM to 8 PM, allowing real-time trading after regular market hours. The overlap with the alternative exchange Next Trade (NXT) has intensified competition for liquidity post-market closure. Lee Kyung-min, a researcher at Daishin Securities, noted that the expansion of trading demand and competition for liquidity with NXT will be key factors moving forward.Shuttle Diplomacy Resumes, but Historical Perception Issues RemainThe Lee Jae-myung administration has initiated efforts to restore shuttle diplomacy with Japan to improve bilateral relations; however, historical perception issues continue to pose significant challenges. A UNESCO publication marking the 75th anniversary of Japans membership includes sites related to forced labor of Koreans, such as the Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage and Sado Mine, but fails to mention the historical context of forced mobilization. The Japanese government has not adequately fulfilled its commitment to provide explanations regarding the forced mobilization of Koreans during the registration of the industrial heritage, prompting the South Korean government to hold separate memorial services for the victims of Sado Mine.In his Liberation Day speech, President Lee emphasized the achievements of shuttle diplomacy and cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries between the two countries, while also urging Japan to confront its past and empathize with the pain of victims and their families. However, tensions surrounding historical perceptions persist, particularly following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine. The government faces the challenge of continuing practical diplomacy with Japan in economic and security areas, separate from historical issues.Political circles have raised concerns that President Lees current approach to Japan may be seen as contradictory, given his previous criticisms of the former Yoon Suk-yeol administrations diplomacy with Japan as humiliating. Kim Seok-ki, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, pointed out during a parliamentary session that the Lee administration is continuing the shuttle diplomacy framework established by the Yoon administration. Choi Eun-mi, a researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, emphasized the need for a phased strategy to stabilize Korea-Japan relations while ensuring South Koreas national interests are upheld.President Lee Meets ADB President to Expand Cooperation in Key Minerals and AIOn September 14, President Lee Jae-myung met with Kanda Masato, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to discuss expanding cooperation in key mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy sectors across the Asia-Pacific region, including Central Asia. President Lee proposed combining South Koreas technological capabilities with ADBs development and financial expertise to enhance opportunities for domestic companies abroad.He highlighted Central Asias rich resources and geographical advantages, stressing the need for strengthened cooperation between South Korea and ADB to stabilize key mineral supply chains, particularly with countries like Uzbekistan. President Kanda responded that the key mineral supply chain is a priority area for ADBs support and expressed a desire to collaborate with South Korea, which has industrial capabilities.Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in AI and energy infrastructure. President Lee suggested leveraging South Koreas AI capabilities alongside ADBs development expertise to achieve results in the Asia-Pacific region. They also discussed utilizing South Koreas technology and experience in energy infrastructure projects, such as the ASEAN Power Grid and financing for nuclear power. President Kanda praised South Koreas economic achievements and President Lees leadership in AI and digital fields, wishing for the success of the upcoming first Korea-Central Asia summit on September 16.Ambassador Steel Discusses Implementation of Joint Fact Sheet with Deputy Minister KimOn September 14, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jin-ah to discuss the implementation of agreements outlined in the joint fact sheet from the recent U.S.-South Korea summit. Ambassador Steel shared on X (formerly Twitter) that they had a meaningful conversation regarding the implementation of the agreements contained in the joint fact sheet.The discussions likely covered issues related to U.S. investment, the construction of nuclear-powered submarines, and the enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel, as outlined in the joint fact sheet released last November. South Korea has committed to a total investment of $350 billion in the U.S., including $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation and $200 billion in strategic investments, with the first U.S. investment project nearing completion.Deputy Minister Kim noted that he had met with Ambassador Steel for the first time on September 11 and expressed hopes for fostering communication and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Steel has also met with Foreign Minister Park Jin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo, and Director General Jeong Yeon-du of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continuing discussions on U.S.-South Korea issues with Minister of Trade and Industry Lee Chang-yang and Minister of National Defense Kang Ki-young.Iranian President Outraged by Militarys Attack on Commercial Vessels During CeasefireIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed outrage after learning that the military unilaterally attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July. The New York Times reported that Pezeshkian directly contacted Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to criticize the attack as a reckless act. Vahidi reportedly stated that he had not approved the attack and had not received prior notification.Iranian officials explained that field commanders acted independently, following orders to attack vessels that violated the leaderships directive without obtaining approval. Following the U.S. resumption of attacks on Iran on July 8, existing agreements between the two countries were effectively nullified, leading to intensified internal conflicts within Irans leadership regarding accountability for the attacks on commercial vessels and responses to the U.S. actions. Some generals have expressed intentions to resign, and there have been discussions about restructuring the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).The New York Times characterized this incident as a setback for Irans pragmatic factions, which had sought to ease hostilities with the U.S. and promote economic recovery. As military tensions with the U.S. have escalated again, confrontations between the two sides continue. Hardliners within the Revolutionary Guard have proposed expanding attacks on regional energy infrastructure as part of a war plan, while President Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have reportedly opposed military escalation due to concerns over additional U.S. airstrikes and economic pressures.* This article has been translated by AI. September 14, 2026
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Restoration of Shuttle Diplomacy Faces Historical Awareness Challenges in Korea-Japan Relations The administration of President Lee Jae-myung is attempting to improve relations with Japan by announcing the restoration of shuttle diplomacy, but challenges related to historical awareness remain unresolved.Recently, political circles have revisited Lees past criticisms of the Yoon Suk-yeol administrations diplomacy toward Japan during his tenure as leader of the Democratic Party, raising concerns about his inconsistent stance.According to reports from Yonhap News and Kyodo News on September 14, a booklet celebrating the 75th anniversary of Japans UNESCO membership has been published and is being sold nationwide. However, the booklet introduces sites related to the Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage (registered in 2015) and Sado Mine (registered in 2024), which include forced labor sites involving Koreans, without mentioning any historical issues.The Japanese government had officially promised to explain the forced mobilization of Koreans during the colonial period surrounding the World Heritage registration of the Meiji Industrial Revolution Heritage, which includes Hashima Island, but has failed to fulfill this commitment. In response, the South Korean government has held separate memorial services for victims for three consecutive years following the registration of Sado Mine.In a Liberation Day speech on August 15, President Lee stated, Over the past year, South Korea and Japan have engaged in active shuttle diplomacy, building trust and a foundation for cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries, while steadily expanding exchanges between future generations. He emphasized that for these achievements to continue, strong trust between the two nations citizens is essential, stating, Trust comes from understanding each others pain and genuine empathy.He also acknowledged, There are still victims and bereaved families living with the scars and pain of the past, and highlighted that while there have been conflicts in the history of Korea-Japan relations, there have also been efforts to face the past with courage and sincerity, as seen in the 1998 Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration.This statement is interpreted as a message to Japan to confront historical issues. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been seen making offerings at the Yasukuni Shrine, and recently, local media captured her performing a remote worship from a parking lot 500 meters away, sparking controversy.Despite these historical issues, President Lee maintains that cooperation with Japan is necessary. The government has committed to a pragmatic diplomatic approach, emphasizing the need for continued economic and security collaboration.In recent political discussions, some have criticized President Lees past statements, accusing him of exhibiting a double standard in his approach to Japan. On October 10, Kim Seok-ki, a member of the People Power Party, questioned Prime Minister Han Seung-soo during a National Assembly session, stating, The worst Korea-Japan relations occurred during the previous Moon Jae-in administration. The Yoon Suk-yeol administration has significantly improved relations and established shuttle diplomacy, which the Lee Jae-myung administration is now following. He further challenged, Why did you label the Yoon administrations diplomacy as humiliating diplomacy and accuse it of selling out the country?In this context, Choi Eun-mi, a senior researcher at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, stated in a conversation with Aju Economy that a phased plan is needed to be realized during the Lee Jae-myung administration, adding that while it is important to establish good relations with Japan, the governments efforts should ultimately aim to elicit a change in Japans attitude to uphold South Koreas national interests. September 14, 2026
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Italy-Korea Sports Day Celebrated at Italian Embassy in Seoul The Italian Embassy in South Korea successfully hosted the 3rd World Italy Sports Day on September 13 at its residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan, Seoul. This event, organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to promote the internationalization of Italian sports and related industries, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding between Italy and South Korea through sports.During the opening ceremony, Yook Dong-han, the mayor of Chuncheon, delivered a speech. Chuncheon will host the 2026 Chuncheon World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships from September 16 to 20, where the Italian national Taekwondo team, affiliated with the Italian Taekwondo Federation (FITA), will participate as special guests of the embassys event.The participation of Italian national athletes in Taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art, showcases how sports can transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting individuals, communities, and nations.Following the opening ceremony, a panel discussion featuring athletes and sports officials from Italy and South Korea took place, along with Taekwondo demonstrations by the Italian national team and the Chuncheon Taekwondo demonstration team. Additionally, attendees enjoyed various activities, including a mini soccer match organized by Seoul Calcio FC, a football team composed mainly of Italians residing in South Korea.Emilia Gatto, the Italian Ambassador to South Korea, stated, We aim to celebrate the deep friendship between Italy and Korea through sports. I am very proud to welcome the leaders and athletes of the Italian Taekwondo national team, who are here to participate in the Chuncheon World Championships. She added, Sports diplomacy plays a crucial role in showcasing the exceptional capabilities of Italian sports. This event reminds us of the fundamental values of effort, perseverance, and respect inherent in sports. I hope these values will further enrich the relationship between Italy and Korea.Italy is renowned for its competitive edge in various sports, including soccer, fencing, cycling, skiing, and tennis, and the sports industry is a significant pillar of its economy. The added value of the sports-related industry amounts to €32 billion (approximately $49.8 trillion), accounting for about 1.5% of Italys GDP and creating around 421,000 jobs. The export value of sports goods also reaches approximately €4.7 billion (about $7.3 trillion).Moreover, Italy is strengthening its position as a host for major international sporting events. In February of this year, the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics were held, and on September 3, the Taranto Mediterranean Games took place successfully. Next year, Naples will host the 38th Americas Cup international yacht race.This year marks the 142nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Italy. Following the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to South Korea in January and South Korean President Lee Jae-myungs visit to Italy in June, the relationship between the two countries has been elevated to a special strategic partnership. In this context, the Italian Embassy in South Korea is hosting various friendly events to enhance exchanges between the two nations.* This article has been translated by AI. September 14, 2026
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Kazakhstan turns from steppe image to AI testbed SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - Beggars at bus terminals and market stalls in Kazakhstan set out a coin tin and, beside it, a transfer number. Most people walking past do not reach for change. They open an app and send the money. The app is Kaspi, and almost everything in the country now moves through it. Order coffee in an Almaty café and nine of 10 customers take out a phone, because a QR code taped to the wall does the work a card terminal used to do. The same application handles utility bills, traffic fines, loans, flight bookings, property listings and driving licence renewals. Kaspi.kz became the first Kazakh company to list on the Nasdaq in January 2024. Its palm-recognition service, Kaspi Alaqan, opened in Almaty last December and registered more than 500,000 users in under three months, about a third of the city's adult population, according to the company's own results. None of that fits the picture most South Koreans carry of Kazakhstan, and closing that gap is why Kim Sang-wook spent two years writing a book about it. "Kazakhstan, Heart of Eurasia," published by DaWin Media on August 31, runs 324 pages and covers the steppe, the Soviet century, energy, diplomacy and the ethnic Korean community that has lived there since 1937. Its author has been in Almaty since 1995. "Kazakhstan reaches South Korean readers as steppe, nomads and yurts," he said. "I wanted to show an ultramodern state built on AI." The country is trying to build one. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on June 9 approving Digital Qazaqstan, a national strategy running to 2029 that puts artificial intelligence into public administration, industry, logistics and energy, with investment estimated at $10.5 billion to $16.5 billion over three years. Kazakhstan has a minister for AI. South Korea does not. Kim argues that diplomacy is the more interesting story, and that it is older than the state. His book traces Kazakhstan's habit of never committing fully to one power back to the steppe, where tribes and alliances formed and dissolved, today's partner could be tomorrow's rival, and staying mobile was how people survived. What that left behind, he writes, was an instinctive wariness of strong central authority and a stubborn attachment to autonomy. That habit now has a name. Kazakhstan declared a multi-vector foreign policy early, keeping Russia close without being absorbed by it, opening to China, the United States and Europe at the same time, and refusing to sit in anyone's camp. "Kazakhstan's standing in the world runs well ahead of its economy," Kim said, and the comparison is not flattering to the economy. The International Monetary Fund puts Kazakhstan's output this year at about $360 billion, roughly a fifth of South Korea's. He does not soften the rest. "Authoritarian political culture from the Soviet period is still there," he said. What has changed since his two earlier books on the region, he said, is that Kazakhstan worked out what its size is for. The country is the ninth largest on earth, about 27 times the area of South Korea, and it sits between China and Europe. Astana has been modernizing roads and rail to serve the Middle Corridor, a route of some 4,250 kilometers of track plus a Caspian crossing that reaches Europe through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye without touching either Russia or Iran. That mattered less when he started writing. It matters more now that the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz. "Kazakhstan has become the giant of Central Asia," he said. The app in the coffee shop belongs to that story too. Vyacheslav Kim, who co-founded Kaspi.kz and chairs its board, was born in Almaty in 1969 into the Koryo-saram, the ethnic Koreans deported from the Russian Far East to Central Asia on Soviet orders in 1937. Forbes valued his holdings at $7.8 billion in May and ranked him the wealthiest person in the country. Kim Sang-wook arrived in 1995 to teach Korean at Almaty State University, and did not plan to stay. He cannot name the moment he decided to. Asked to try, he chose the year after the 1997 financial crisis, when a university senior of his was importing South Korean goods into a market where the collapsed won made every dollar go further, and got rich selling powdered coffee creamer to Kazakhs who took their tea with milk. Kim spent time with that family and their Koryo-saram business partners, and the country stopped feeling foreign. The senior urged him to quit teaching and go into business while the market was still opening. He said no, and is still teased about it. Three children were born and raised there. Instead, he founded a newspaper. Hanin Ilbo, started in 1999 with his own former students, has published in Korean in Kazakhstan ever since. The culture center came about by accident. Almaty provides office space to its minority communities, and when the city took back the room the Korean groups had been using and converted it into a courthouse, the replacement was too small for the choirs to rehearse in. Kim renovated the empty second floor of a building he owned, about 180 square meters, and handed it over. It now runs as an office, a rehearsal hall and a gathering place for older members of the community. "I may be the legal owner, but the people who use it are the real owners," he said. The Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a presidential body chaired by Tokayev, named him a goodwill ambassador in 2023, the first South Korean to hold the title. He describes the advantage of doing this work privately in practical terms. "I am on the ground, so I can reflect what is actually needed," he said. Last September he brought a Koryo-saram choir to South Korea for four performances over 10 days, at the National Assembly and in Ansan, Gwangju and Jeju, paid for by friends. The community he writes about is the subject of the book's longest argument. Kazakhstan divides historically into three zhuz, the tribal confederations that organized the steppe, and Kim places the Koryo-saram inside that structure rather than beside it. Deported to Kyzylorda with nothing, they turned empty ground along the Syr Darya into the leading rice-growing region in Central Asia. What happens next to them is less settled. Most have lost the language, he said, and Russian took its place. But the generation now coming up grew up on Korean drama and music, the way their Kazakh and Russian classmates did, and wants to study in Seoul. "They learn Korean before their parents think to teach them, because they want to," he said. "After 163 years, the number of Korean speakers hit bottom and started climbing again." AJP Takeaways - Kim Sang-wook, director of the Koryo Culture Center in Almaty and a resident of Kazakhstan since 1995, published "Kazakhstan, Heart of Eurasia" through DaWin Media on August 31, a 324-page account arguing that South Korean readers still picture the country as steppe, nomads and yurts when it is rebuilding itself around artificial intelligence. - Kaspi.kz, whose app handles payments, utility bills, traffic fines, loans, flight bookings and driving licence renewals across Kazakhstan, said its palm-recognition service registered more than 500,000 users in Almaty within three months of launching last December, about a third of the city's adult population, and the company listed on the Nasdaq in January 2024. - Forbes ranked Vyacheslav Kim, the Almaty-born co-founder and chairman of Kaspi.kz, as the wealthiest person in Kazakhstan in May with holdings valued at $7.8 billion, and he belongs to the Koryo-saram community deported from the Russian Far East in 1937. AJP confirmed his background and the Forbes ranking independently; neither appeared in the author's responses. September 14, 2026 -
Lee holds five bilateral talks before Central Asia summit SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will begin three days of back-to-back diplomacy with the leaders of five Central Asian countries from Monday, ahead of South Korea’s first multilateral summit with the region. Lee will hold a bilateral summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Monday afternoon, followed by talks with the leaders of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday and Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday. He is also scheduled to meet Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Monday morning. The inaugural Korea-Central Asia Summit will take place in Seoul on Wednesday, bringing together the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The summit will mark the first time South Korea and the five Central Asian countries have brought their long-running multilateral cooperation to the leaders’ level. Seoul launched the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum in 2007 as a regular dialogue mechanism, and established a permanent secretariat in 2017. The government now plans to adopt a “Seoul Declaration” laying out a longer-term vision for cooperation. The summit is expected to focus on critical minerals, energy and supply-chain diversification, combining Central Asia’s abundant resources with South Korea’s technology and industrial capabilities. Seoul is also seeking stronger cooperation on infrastructure, regulations and intellectual property to help Korean companies expand into the region. A Korea-Central Asia business summit attended by around 500 government and corporate representatives is scheduled to follow the leaders’ meeting. September 14, 2026 -
National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik Marks 100 Days in Office National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik emphasized the need to process livelihood legislation and the budget without delay during the regular session, while also advancing discussions on constitutional reform to realize popular sovereignty.In a press release on the 13th, Cho stated, If the past 100 days were about establishing the groundwork for a working National Assembly, the task now is to ensure that the public can feel the changes. He marked his 100th day in office on the 12th, having been elected during a National Assembly plenary session on June 5.Since taking office, Cho has set the operational principle of Opening the Future with the People, focusing on livelihood legislation, institutional improvements, economic revitalization, and national interest diplomacy. He prioritized livelihood legislation, processing 177 bills related to public welfare and reform in the past 100 days. On September 2, he convened a Livelihood Legislation Strategy Meeting with chief experts from each standing committee to proactively identify legislative tasks closely related to the publics daily life.Additionally, he launched several organizations, including a task force for the revision of unconstitutional laws, the Economic Leap Committee, the National Interest Diplomacy Advisory Committee, and the second Sejong Government Complex Construction Committee. Notably, the Economic Leap Committee represents a new collaborative framework for ongoing communication between the National Assembly and the business sector to discuss legislative and policy issues.Furthermore, Cho has established parliamentary diplomacy as one of the three pillars of South Koreas diplomatic strategy, alongside government diplomacy and public diplomacy. He has also created a Foreign Affairs and Security Office within the Speakers office, in addition to the National Interest Diplomacy Advisory Committee. On September 7 and 8, he held talks with Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and Raymond Chretien, Speaker of the Senate of Canada, respectively, to enhance parliamentary diplomacy.Meanwhile, Cho has been expanding communication with the executive branch. Since his inauguration, he has met with Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Ku Yun-cheol, Minister of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin, Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-keun, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan to discuss key national issues and legislative and budget tasks.* This article has been translated by AI. September 13, 2026