Lee's approval rating falls below 60% as controversy over local elections deepens SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell to 57 percent, the lowest level so far this year, according to a survey of over 1,000 adults conducted by pollster Gallup Korea early this week and released on Friday. Some 57 percent said Lee is doing a good job, down 7 percentage points from a similar survey conducted just before the June 3 local elections. After months of strong approval ratings since early February, his support slipped below 60 percent June 12, 2026

For BTS fans, following them 'Into the Sun' is worth every second — even 3 months SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) — While much of South Korea was painted red in celebration of the national football team's opening victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country's second-largest city turned purple as BTS fans flooded Busan for a two-day concert marking the group's 13th anniversary. For many ARMY members, the concerts were more than another stop on BTS's world tour. They marked an emotional return to the very venue where the group bid farewell before an June 12, 2026

Samsung Biologics, union to resume talks next week SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics and its labor union will resume negotiations next week in a bid to narrow differences over wage increases and personnel system reforms that have strained relations at the South Korean contract drugmaker for months. The two sides agreed to meet on June 16, industry sources said Friday, after the union pressed management to return to the bargaining table and the company responded earlier in the day. Management has proposed first holding work June 12, 2026

Another fire breaks out at SK hynix's plant in Cheongju SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - A fire broke out at SK hynix's chip plant in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province on Friday, injuring one worker and forcing about 4,000 employees to evacuate. The fire came less than two weeks after a similar incident at the same plant on June 1. According to workers and fire officials, flames started at around 9:55 a.m. in a gas room on the second floor of its M15X facility at the plant. The fire was fully extinguished within about 10 minutes after th June 12, 2026

Asia races toward solar as energy security trumps fuel imports SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - From rooftops in Manila to industrial parks outside Seoul, Asia is rapidly turning to solar power as Middle East instability and soaring AI-driven electricity demand force governments to rethink energy security. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year exposed the vulnerability of fuel-importing economies across Asia, accelerating what analysts describe as a race to generate more power at home. For many governments, renewable energy is increasing June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Scenes from first World Cup SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) -South Koreans were united at lunchtime Friday, erupting in cheers, gasps and sighs of relief as they gathered at Gwanghwamun Square, offices, restaurants and homes nationwide to watch the national team's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. June 12, 2026

Disgraced ex-president sentenced to 30 yrs in prison over drone-related charges SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday over one of several charges related to his botched martial law debacle in 2024. In a televised verdict, the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul found him guilty of ordering the dispatch of drones to North Korea several times in October 2024, about two months before his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. The court determined that the drone dispatches were intended to esca June 12, 2026

Italy honors Lee with highest state decoration SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Italy rolled out a red carpet and gave some of its highest state honors to President Lee Jae Myung during his state visit on Thursday, highlighting deepening ties as the two countries upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership and expanded cooperation in technology, defense, and trade. Lee received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Italy's highest-ranking state decoration, typically awarded to foreign heads of state and indi June 12, 2026

SpaceX buzz, ceasefire hopes send KOSPI soaring back above 8,000 SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - The KOSPI once again proved one of the world's most volatile major stock indexes, surging more than 7.6 percent Friday morning as hopes for a Middle East ceasefire and excitement surrounding SpaceX's Nasdaq debut sparked a broad-based rally in technology shares. As of 10:57 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI was up 7.76 percent at 8,366.47 after opening 6.44 percent higher. The index earlier jumped as much as 8.50 percent to 8,424.13. The sharp advance tri June 12, 2026

South Korean comic book artist receives France's highest cultural honor SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Comic book artist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim has received one of France's highest cultural honors, Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON) said on Friday. Gendry-Kim was awarded a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of French arts and literature. She has garnered attention at home and abroad for works including her autobiographical novel "Le chant June 12, 2026