Lee Jae-myung sparks momentum in DP primary, urges victory for hope and progress

SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Lee Jae-myung, a Democratic Party (DP) presidential contender, described the upcoming June 3 election as a critical junction in South Korea’s political history, calling it “a turning point between the past and the future.” Speaking at the DP’s fair election pledge ceremony held at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Lee stressed, “We must win, whoever the final candidate is, not for personal gain, but for the future of the coun

April 16, 2025

North Korean leader misses annual visit marking grandfather's birthday

SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to have skipped his annual visit to a mausoleum to pay respects to his late grandfather and regime founder Kim Il-sung on the anniversary of his birth, according to state media. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday that key party officials such as Choe Ryong-hae and Pak Thae-song visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang the previous day when the country marked the 113th anniversa

April 16, 2025

Former US congressman to lead Hyundai Motor Group's Washington office

SEOUL, April 16 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group has appointed former Representative Drew Ferguson, a Georgia Republican, to lead its Washington office, the South Korean automaker announced Wednesday. Ferguson, who served four terms in Congress representing Georgia’s 3rd District from 2017 to 2024, will assume the role on May 1. He will oversee Hyundai's communications with the U.S. government and Congress, as the automaker ramps up its American manufacturing presence. The a

April 16, 2025

Han Duck-soo considers independent presidential bid as parties close primary registration

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo is weighing an independent run for the presidency after deciding not to join the People Power Party’s (PPP) primary race. While he has not confirmed his candidacy, political observers say he is keeping the option open. On Apr.15, both the PPP and the Democratic Party (DP) closed registration for their presidential primaries. The PPP plans to announce its final candidate by May 3, and the DP will select its nominee on Apri

April 15, 2025

INTERVIEW: Brazilian envoy highlights cooperation, trade challenges, and hopes for upgraded South Korea-Brazil ties

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - For more than 60 years, Brazil and South Korea have steadily built a strong partnership that now spans diplomacy, business, and culture. In 2023, the two sides signed a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF), reinforcing their collaboration in green energy and digital technology. South Korea is a key partner for Brazil in Asia, both as a major investor and a destination for industrial goods and consumer technologies. In a conversation on Apr. 10 at

April 15, 2025

Korean shipbuilders turn to foreign yards to deal with surging orders

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s major shipbuilders are increasingly turning to overseas shipyards to expand their production capabilities, industry sources said on Tuesday. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, Hanwha Ocean and Samsung Heavy Industries are acquiring or leasing docks in countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, China, and the United States. The strategic shift reflects the growing demand for commerci

April 15, 2025

Korea, China hold FTA talks on services, investment in Beijing

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - South Korea and China on Tuesday began a new round of negotiations aimed at expanding their bilateral free trade agreement, with a particular focus on the services and investment sectors. The four-day discussions, which will run through Friday, are taking place in Beijing and involve approximately 40 government officials. The South Korean delegation is led by Kwon Hye-jin, the country’s chief trade negotiator, while Lin Feng, director-general of Chin

April 15, 2025

North Korea urges loyalty to leader on regime founder's birthday

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - North Korea on Tuesday called for greater loyalty to its leader Kim Jong-un as it marked the birthday of his grandfather and regime founder, Kim Il-sung. In its editorial in celebration of the 113th anniversary of Kim senior's birth, the state-run Rodong Sinmun praised his legacy of "juche (self-reliance) ideology," claiming it continues to evolve under Kim junior's leadership into "scientific implementation doctrines." The news

April 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Cherry blossoms at Seoul's Seokchon Lake

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - A frothy canopy of pale pink and white has enveloped the walking paths encircling Seokchon Lake, transforming the popular Jamsil district into a springtime idyll. The full bloom of cherry blossoms has arrived, casting a delicate beauty over the waters and drawing throngs of visitors to the renowned scenic spot.

April 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Tug-of-war ritual in Dangjin seeks unity, blessings

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - From April 10 to 13, Dangjin in South Chungcheong Province reverberated with the rhythmic chants and straining muscles of thousands gathered for the annual Gijisi tug-of-war festival, a vibrant tradition that transcends mere sport. Designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015, the Gijisi tug-of-war is deeply rooted in agricultural ritual, a communal prayer for a bountiful harvest and protection against calamities. The scale of the Gijisi eve

April 15, 2025