SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Game developer Krafton said on Friday it will set up an Asia-focused investment fund with Naver and Mirae Asset Group worth up to 1 trillion won ($740 million), betting on fast-growing technology companies across the region. The fund, named the Krafton–Naver–Mirae Asset Unicorn Growth Fund, will target promising technology firms in major Asian markets, including South Korea and India. The partners said the vehicle aims to generate long-ter

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - South Korean fashion platform Musinsa has opened its first overseas multi-brand store in Shanghai on Friday, marking a strategic push to expand its offline presence in China’s rapidly shifting fashion retail market. The new store, located on Anfu Road — one of Shanghai’s most influential fashion districts — brings together 59 brands across three floors, including 44 Korean designer and accessory labels and a selection of Chinese a

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Infielder Hwang Jae-gyun is retiring from baseball, the KT Wiz said on Friday. In a statement released by the club, Hwang said, "Despite a good offer from the club, I decided to retire after much consideration." He added, "Thanks to the fans who always supported me enthusiastically, I was able to play for 20 years." "It was a great honor to be selected for the national team and to compete in international sporting events such

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Friday it has signed separate contracts to supply one Surion multipurpose helicopter each to the Korea Coast Guard and the Korea National Park Service. The Coast Guard contract is valued at 38.5 billion won, while the National Park Service deal totals 32.8 billion won, KAI said. Each contract covers one helicopter along with spare parts, ground support equipment and training for pilots and maintenance personnel.

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - A nine-year-old boy has become South Korea's youngest professional go or baduk player ever, the mind sport's governing body said on Friday. According to the Korea Baduk Association, Yoo Ha-jun earned professional status after passing the final qualification round the previous day, along with another young boy Pyo Hyun-woo who is 12 years old. The two stood out among about 55 under-12 apprentices to become South Korea's youngest professional G

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Global content platform TikTok announced more than $2 billion in annual safety investments on Thursday — a stark contrast to South Korea's major digital platforms, which are struggling to fend off both cyberattacks and real-world security threats. TikTok said the platform, which surpassed 1 billion monthly active users globally in 2021, continues to expand its reach, with more than 100 million videos uploaded each day. According to TikTok'

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday renewed his criticism of what he described as the banking sector’s reliance on “easy” interest income, urging regulators to embed stronger consumer protections and tighter oversight into law. Speaking at a policy briefing of the Financial Services Commission (FSC) at the Government Complex Seoul, Lee asked whether financial institutions effectively avoid losses even when loan delinquencies occur b

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Koreans in their 40s have long been seen as digitally fluent, image-conscious and economically confident — hip moms and dads who keep pace with trends and AI tools alike. Lately, however, they have come under a new kind of mockery: for trying too hard to look young. At the center of the joke — and the shift — is the smartphone. More specifically, the iPhone, increasingly embraced as a symbol of youthfulness. What began as online &ld

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Park Jung-sung on Friday met with Mexican Ambassador to Seoul Carlos Peñafiel Soto to discuss trade-related issues ahead of planned tariff hikes next month. Their talks came after Park consulted with relevant industry officials last week to assess the expected impact of the tariff hikes on imports of automobiles, textiles, and other goods passed by Mexico's congress earlier this month, and come up