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 increasingly viewed no June 12, 2026

Buried beneath Korea's chip boom, refiners fight for survival SEOUL, June 11 (AJP) - Buried beneath South Korea's semiconductor boom is a quieter survival story unfolding in the country's refineries and petrochemical plants. South Korea's economic narrative has been dictated by silicon in recent years. Memory giants have propelled the KOSPI past stock markets in cities such as London and Toronto while joining the exclusive trillion-dollar market-capitalization club. In contrast, some of the country's oldest industrial pillars have been qu June 11, 2026

What does SpaceX's upcoming IPO signal for Asia? SEOUL, June 10 (AJP) - For years, investing in space felt more like science fiction than finance, more akin to dreaming about Mars. Fascinating and ambitious, it nevertheless seemed far distant from everyday economic activity. But that is beginning to change. Should SpaceX move ahead with its initial public offering (IPO) later this week, the larger story is not the stock itself. It is the arrival of the space industry as a mainstream industrial sector, one that could reshape technology, manufa June 10, 2026

North Korea returns to international headlines amid renewed China-Russia rivalry SEOUL, June 09 (AJP) - North Korea's young ruler Kim Jong-un, who once dominated international headlines through his unprecedented courtship with U.S. President Donald Trump during the latter's first term, is back on front pages – this time under the arms of the elder strongmen of a resurgent authoritarian axis. During his latest visit to Pyongyang — his first in seven years — Chinese President Xi Jinping called for expanded exchanges with North Korea in diplomacy, law June 9, 2026

100 days of conflict in Middle East with no end in sight SEOUL, June 8 (AJP) - One hundred days in, the U.S. finds itself trapped in a conflict it didn't fully plan for and can't easily end. When American and Israeli warplanes struck Iran on Feb. 28, the operation seemed almost surgical in its ambition. Within hours, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, and confidence was running high in Washington. Many believed Iran might quickly unravel, much as Saddam Hussein's regime collapsed within weeks of the U.S. invasion in 2003. U. June 8, 2026

ASIA INSIGHT: US Defense Chief speech in Singapore brings tough choices for Seoul The world is changing fast, and the recent defense meeting in Singapore proved it. United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, and his words carry a heavy message. For South Korea, sitting right between major global powers, his speech is a loud wake up call. The days of relying on a system where America promises to protect everyone without asking for much in return are officially over. Washington wants friends to pay more and do much more on their own. This new June 1, 2026

Expanded World Cup brings new chances for Asia as South Korea looks beyond 11th straight berth SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - This year's World Cup, now just over a week away, will be remembered as special for several reasons. It will be the first hosted by three countries in the quadrennial football extravaganza's history, spread across vast distances in North America and, most notably, the first to expand from 32 to 48 teams. For Asia, the number itself matters almost as much as the tournament. What once felt like a narrow gate to the sport's grandest stage has widened significantly June 1, 2026

To young Jeju islanders, life does not give tangerines SEOUL, May 29 (AJP) - "Jeju's wind is harsh, but people learn to bend instead of break." The line from the hit Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines celebrates the resilience of people on South Korea's southern island. In reality, however, the wind has become harsh enough to drive many young Jeju residents away altogether. As Jeju recorded a second consecutive year of net population loss, young islanders told AJP that a lack of quality jobs, limited career opportunitie May 29, 2026

ASIA INSIGHT: What Xi's possible visit to Pyongyang would mean for Korean Peninsula SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Speculation emerged last week that Chinese President Xi Jinping has been preparing to visit Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, possibly before the end of this month or early next month. It comes after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing earlier this month, where the two leaders reaffirmed their shared goal of North Korea's denuclearization. Then, barely a week later, Russian President Vladimir Putin also arrived in Beijing. Now Xi is repor May 27, 2026

ASIA INSIGHT: Hidden danger behind Japan's new defense plan By mixing business supply lines and robot drones into its military strategy, Japan is turning factories into front lines. SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - When Chinese officials stopped shipping rare minerals to Japan last year, nobody saw a military attack. There were no warplanes in the sky and no warships at sea. Instead, the blow hit Japan right on its factory floors and technology labs. It was a silent punishment. Japan's Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, had just warned China about Taiwan, so Ch May 27, 2026