Korea approves nuclear reactor construction for first time in 8 years

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The Korean government approved the construction of new nuclear reactors for the first time in more than eight years on Thursday, as the country seeks to expand atomic power to meet its net-zero targets and enhance energy security. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) granted the construction permit for the third and fourth units of the Shin-Hanul nuclear power plant located in the southeastern county of Uljin. It has been eight years since K

September 12, 2024

Biden nominates new USFK chief

Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson. Courtesy of the U.S. Army SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson has been named as a nominee to lead the U.S. Forces Korea, the Pentagon said on Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden nominated him to replace General Paul LaCamera who has led the position since July 2021. Brunson's nomination, which comes as LaCamera's tour in Seoul ends, requires approval from the Senate. Brunson currently serves as the Commandin

September 12, 2024

Nippon Steel executive seeks U.S. support for U.S. Steel acquisition

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - A senior executive from Japan's largest steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. met with U.S. government officials in Washington on Wednesday to garner support for its proposed $14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., sources familiar with the matter said. The meeting between Nippon Steel Vice President Takahiro Mori and members of the U.S. committee on foreign investment comes amid reports that the Biden administration is preparing to block the dea

September 12, 2024

PHOTOS: City marks 74th anniversary of Incheon Landing Operation

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) — Incheon City held a commemorative event Wednesday to mark the 74th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. The amphibious landing, carried out by South Korean and U.S.-led U.N. forces in the western port city on Sept. 15, 1950, played a pivotal role in reversing the course of the Korean War (1950-53) and led to the recapture of Seoul two weeks later. The operation, commanded by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, involved about 75,000 troops and 261 naval v

September 12, 2024

Members of NewJeans demand HYBE reinstate their mentor

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - K-pop girl group NewJeans held a live YouTube broadcast on Wednesday, urging HYBE, the parent company of their label ADOR, to reverse its decision to dismiss Min Hee-jin, the label's former CEO. The abrupt broadcast came just a day before HYBE shareholders' meeting. Min, the woman behind the stellar success of the quintet, established her reputation at SM Entertainment, where she orchestrated the launch of popular groups like Girls' Generati

September 12, 2024

India tops global cryptocurrency adoption ranking for second consecutive year

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - India ranked first globally for cryptocurrency adoption for the second consecutive year, according to blockchain data analysis firm Chainalysis. Eric Jardine, an analyst at Chainalysis, noted that India has maintained a high rate of cryptocurrency adoption between June 2023 and July 2024 despite regulatory challenges and highlighted Binance as a key factor in this trend, according to a report by cryptocurrency media outlet Watcher Guru on Wednesday. Ja

September 12, 2024

Maldivian ministers resign following insults toward Indian prime minister

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Two deputy ministers of the Maldives resigned months after being suspended for insulting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with derogatory language, according to news reports. A Maldives government official said the two ministers resigned for personal reasons, AFP said Tuesday. One of the ministers had insulted Modi, calling him a "clown," after a video showing the Indian leader visiting Lakshadweep, an island north of the Maldives, was pos

September 12, 2024

Panagsama Beach in Philippines named Southeast Asia's best by Condé Nast Traveler

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The Philippine Department of Tourism has announced that Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Cebu, has been named the "Best Beach in Southeast Asia" by Condé Nast Traveler. The beach is renowned for its spectacular sardine run, a natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from around the world. Condé Nast Traveler cited the beach's unique marine ecosystem and natural environment as key factors in its selection. The publication stated th

September 12, 2024

Pope Francis arrives in Singapore, final leg of Asia-Pacific tour

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Pope Francis landed in Singapore on Thursday, marking the final stop of his four-nation Asia and Oceania tour. It is the first papal visit to the city-state since Pope John Paul II's brief five-hour stopover in 1986. During his three-day stay, the pontiff's agenda includes meeting with Jesuit members, attending an official welcome ceremony at the Parliament House, and conversing with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Won

September 12, 2024

Top 500 Chinese firms achieve record revenue growth

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) -China's top 500 enterprises have achieved significant progress, setting new records for revenue growth, innovation, and structural optimization, according to a recent industry report released on Wednesday. The China Enterprise Confederation and China Enterprise Directors Association unveiled the 2024 ranking of the top 500 Chinese companies, reported by Xinhua News Agency. In 2023, the total revenue of these companies reached 110.07 trillion yuan ($

September 12, 2024