Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026
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MASGA gets liftoff with drones with Washington's push  SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - Washington's push to rebuild strategic industries at home while reducing dependence on China is creating new openings for South Korean companies in two seemingly different sectors: shipbuilding and drones. The latest U.S. moves point to a broader strategy of tapping production capacity from trusted allies where American industry cannot immediately meet demand, while using tariffs, investment and procurement rules to steer strategic supply chains away from China. Fo
MASGA gets liftoff with drones with Washingtons push 
Why North Korean leader keeps putting his daughter in spotlight Why North Korean leader keeps putting his daughter in spotlight SEOUL, August 14 (AJP) - In one of the world's most closed societies like North Korea, what matters may lie in what happens before a successor is ever named. For decades, the isolated country's hereditary Kim dynasty has shown that power is not simply passed down when the previous leader dies. It has to be prepared, groomed and carefully managed to prevent any chaos. That process now appears to be underway for current North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae. In recent years

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BigBang's 20th anniversary comes as older K-pop acts find new life SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BigBang marked their 20th anniversary on Wednesday with their first digital single in four years, hoping to continue attracting attention years after their heyday. Their return comes as older K-pop groups are gaining renewed attention, attracting both longtime fans and younger listeners discovering their music years after their debut. But another shift is unfolding at the same time. While veteran acts are finding ways to stay together, some younger idols
BigBangs 20th anniversary comes as older K-pop acts find new life
Moodys raises growth forecast for South Korea, putting BOK in dilemma over rate hike Moody's raises growth forecast for South Korea, putting BOK in dilemma over rate hike SEOUL, August 18 (AJP) - Global ratings agency Moody's raised its growth forecast for South Korea to 3.5 percent in a report published last week. The stronger outlook could support another interest rate hike, although strong exports and already high borrowing costs may reduce the need for the Bank of Korea to raise rates again soon. The forecast also put South Korea's growth at 2.7 percent for next year. The 2026 forecast was 1 percentage point higher than Moody's 2.5 percent estima

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