AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Jang Dong-hyuk: Move Abandoned Buses to Party Offices Instead of Youth Housing
    Jang Dong-hyuk: Move Abandoned Buses to Party Offices Instead of Youth Housing Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized on August 10, "Instead of telling young people to live in abandoned buses, I hope the Democratic Party moves its headquarters and lawmakers' offices to those buses first."During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, Jang remarked, "The Democratic Party even talks about creating youth housing from abandoned buses. They want us to see it as a joke, but is it something to joke about for young people who have to give up their future?" He added, "Are they just going to end it with a simple apology after beating us down?"Earlier, Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee proposed the concept of 'bus houses' to convert abandoned buses into temporary housing for young people on August 7. Following the ensuing controversy, Han Jeong-ae, the party's policy chief, stated the previous day, "Please see it as a light-hearted incident. I apologize for the hurt caused to young people."In this context, Jang pointed out, "The negative evaluation of the government's real estate policy stands at 57.6%. Among those in their 30s, 70.4% view it negatively," criticizing the government for implementing policies that the public opposes and that only harm citizens.Jeong Jeom-sik, the floor leader, also referenced 22 proposals for improving the 'marriage penalty' introduced by President Lee Jae-myung on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "What the president should be concerned about is not the burden of marriage for young people, but the national policy that makes it difficult to even maintain the status quo."He argued that the government is demonizing non-resident homeowners and imposing a tax burden on real estate, which is then passed on to young people, pushing them into a 'housing hell.' Jeong criticized, "They mention a few tax benefits as if they are being considerate, but how is that different from breaking a leg and then applying ointment?" He urged, "If they feel any sense of responsibility, they should revert to a real estate policy focused on loan regulations and taxes."Meanwhile, Jang highlighted negative public sentiment regarding the economic policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration, calling for the dismissal of Kim Yong-beom, the head of the Presidential Policy Office. Jang stated, "56.3% of the public supports the dismissal of Kim. We need to dismiss him immediately and conduct a national investigation and special prosecution regarding the single-item leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs)."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:44:00
  • Jeju Air sees demand for China routes surge under visa-waiver program
    Jeju Air sees demand for China routes surge under visa-waiver program SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Jeju Air saw demand for its China routes surge as more travelers flew between South Korea and China following a visa waiver program between the two countries, the low-cost carrier said Monday. According to the carrier, a total of 494,300 seats were available on routes between the two countries from January through July, up 26.8 percent from about 389,900 a year earlier, while passenger numbers also rose 37.4 percent to about 427,300 from about 311,000. The airline attributed the surge to the temporary program, which runs through the end of this year and allows visa-free entry for short-term travelers for up to 30 days. It also cited a shift from group tours to individual and small-group tours as another reason, with more travelers seeking local experiences rather than visiting several destinations in Seoul for sightseeing. Travelers in their 20s and 30s made up the largest portion at 37.1 percent, with about 158,500 passengers in those age groups using Jeju Air's China routes during the period. The most popular routes among these younger travelers included flights between Busan and Shanghai Pudong, Jeju and Beijing, and Incheon and Qingdao. To capitalize on the boom, Jeju Air plans to increase its routes to more Chinese cities. "We will enhance our competitiveness by flexibly operating routes in line with travel demand and expanding services not only from Incheon but also from more regional airports," a Jeju Air spokesman said. As of August, Jeju Air operates 11 routes connecting to Chinese cities including Beijing, Harbin, Jiamusi, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shijiazhuang, Weihai, Yanji and Zhangjiajie. AJP Takeaways: - Jeju Air's China-route passengers rose 37.4 percent to about 427,300 from January through July 2026, up from about 311,000 a year earlier. - Jeju Air offered 494,300 seats on China routes from January through July 2026, a 26.8 percent increase from about 389,900 seats a year earlier. - A temporary visa-waiver program between Korea and China, running through Dec. 31, 2026, helped boost travel demand by allowing eligible short-term travelers to enter without a visa for up to 30 days. - Travelers in their 20s and 30s accounted for 37.1 percent of Jeju Air's China-route passengers, with popular routes including Busan-Shanghai Pudong, Jeju-Beijing and Incheon-Qingdao. - Jeju Air operates 11 routes to Chinese cities as of August 2026 and plans to expand services to more Chinese cities, including through regional airports. 2026-08-10 10:42:42
  • Ruling Party Plans August 13 Session Amid Opposition Boycott
    Ruling Party Plans August 13 Session Amid Opposition Boycott The Democratic Party announced on August 10 that it plans to hold a session on August 13, as over 110 bills are pending. The party urged the People Power Party to cooperate in processing related legislation, including those concerning housing supply.Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke to reporters after a meeting, stating, "The People Power Party is hindering government operations by criticizing the Democratic Party and the government regarding housing supply." She emphasized the necessity of convening the session on August 13 to pass the pending bills.Lee also expressed the party's commitment to maintaining ongoing communication with the People Power Party to facilitate the session.In a separate briefing, Lee criticized the People Power Party, saying, "If they claim to care about people's livelihoods and housing supply but do not cooperate with the session and bill processing, their assertions will ultimately be seen as a mockery of the public." She reiterated that the Democratic Party aims to process necessary legislation in a timely manner to address the needs of the citizens.If the session is held on August 13, it is expected to include discussions on fast-track amendments and housing supply-related bills.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:40:00
  • Kim Sang-ho, Chief of the Presidential Press Corps, Submits Resignation
    Kim Sang-ho, Chief of the Presidential Press Corps, Submits Resignation Kim Sang-ho, the Chief of the Presidential Press Corps, has confirmed that he recently submitted his resignation.According to a presidential office official on August 10, Kim submitted his resignation letter on August 4, shortly after returning from a trip to the United States and South America.Kim has reportedly expressed his intention to resign since June, marking the second year of the Lee Jae-myung administration.A former journalist with the Dong-A Ilbo, Kim joined Lee's campaign during the 2018 Gyeonggi gubernatorial election. He later served as the acting head of the Gyeonggi Content Agency, where he was involved in policy promotion and cultural industry initiatives.In the 2022 presidential election, he acted as a media advisor for the Democratic Party's election strategy committee.The presidential office official stated, “The decision on whether to accept the resignation and the appointment of a successor is up to the president, who holds the authority for personnel matters.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:40:00
  • Typhoon Dolphin Hits Eastern China, Displacing 1 Million and Causing Flight Cancellations
    Typhoon 'Dolphin' Hits Eastern China, Displacing 1 Million and Causing Flight Cancellations Typhoon 'Dolphin,' the 13th typhoon of the season, made landfall on the eastern coast of China, bringing record rainfall and strong winds to Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, and the Shanghai area.According to reports from The Guardian and others, Dolphin made landfall at the coast of Taizhou in Zhejiang Province at around 5:30 PM on August 9, before making a second landfall at the coast of Lucheng about 30 minutes later. At its peak, the typhoon's maximum wind speed near its center reached 42 meters per second, or approximately 151 kilometers per hour.In Zhejiang, strong winds knocked down trees and bicycles, making it difficult for residents to maintain their footing. In Shanghai, heavy rain began early on August 9, flooding over 100 roads and underpasses. Some areas recorded more than 200 millimeters of rainfall in a single day.In anticipation of the typhoon, large-scale evacuations took place. It is estimated that over 1 million people left their homes in eastern China. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, more than 900,000 residents were evacuated, and over 1,000 emergency shelters were opened. In Fujian Province, nearly 99,000 residents from high-risk areas were also evacuated.Air travel and shipping faced significant disruptions. According to VariFlight, a Chinese aviation data provider, approximately 1,500 flights were canceled in Shanghai due to the typhoon. Hangzhou Airport saw around 300 flight cancellations, while operations at Ningbo, Taizhou, Lishui, and Zhoushan airports were completely halted.Major ports also suspended or reduced operations. At Shanghai Yangshan Port, vessels were moved from the docks, and over 500 small and medium-sized ships were evacuated. In Fujian Province, operations on 55 coastal passenger ferry routes were suspended, and 115 maritime construction projects were halted.Chinese authorities have intensified inspections of reservoirs, mountain rivers, and landslide-prone areas, while closing tourist facilities and implementing school closures, business suspensions, and traffic control measures in some regions.As Dolphin moves inland, it is expected to weaken gradually, but its slow speed may result in continued heavy rainfall across eastern China until August 12. Some areas in central and eastern Zhejiang Province are forecasted to receive between 250 and 500 millimeters of rain, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides.Dolphin has also affected regions outside of China, including Okinawa, Japan, and Taiwan. In Okinawa, six people were injured, and power was cut to over 50,000 buildings, while Taiwan reported 632 incidents of damage and six injuries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:32:00
  • Iran to Import Chinese Portable Air Defense Missiles, Video Released of Stealth Target Interception
    Iran to Import Chinese Portable Air Defense Missiles, Video Released of Stealth Target Interception The Chinese People's Liberation Army conducted tactical training using portable surface-to-air missiles to intercept stealth fighters. State-run media CCTV released footage of the training, which demonstrated the combination of vehicle-mounted air defense missiles and portable infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles to target stealth aircraft that are difficult to detect by radar. The training involved the HQ-16 air defense missile and portable surface-to-air missiles (MANPADS). The HQ-16 is a medium-range air defense missile mounted on vehicles, while the specific types of MANPADS used were not disclosed. China's portable surface-to-air missiles include the QW-12 and FN-16. During the exercise, the HQ-16 was responsible for most aerial targets, while the final target, simulating a stealth fighter, was engaged by the MANPADS. The video showed two operators firing portable missiles almost simultaneously to hit the target drone. Large air defense missiles use radar guidance, which makes it challenging to detect stealth fighters with reduced radar cross-sections (RCS). In contrast, MANPADS typically track heat sources emitted by aircraft engines using infrared seekers. While stealth technology complicates radar detection, it does not completely block infrared detection. MANPADS have a much shorter range than the HQ-16. Detecting stealth fighters from a distance using only portable surface-to-air missiles is difficult. However, if operators can anticipate the approach of a stealth fighter and position themselves along its expected path, interception is possible. The Chinese military has trained to estimate the direction and location of enemy aircraft using data from various radars, manual detection systems, electronic intelligence, sensors, and airborne early warning systems, allowing MANPADS units to wait in final defense zones. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping stated in an interview with the state-run Global Times that this training demonstrates the potential to counter high-cost stealth targets using low-cost weapons. Meanwhile, Reuters reported on July 29 that Iran signed a contract to purchase 300 to 400 Chinese-made MANPADS, with the deal valued between $60 million and $70 million. The portable surface-to-air missiles in question were identified as the QW-12 and FN-16. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the claims as unfounded.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:28:00
  • USFK air defense unit deploys to Palau for live-fire drills 
    USFK air defense unit deploys to Palau for live-fire drills  SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - A U.S. Forces Korea air defense unit recently deployed to Palau in the western Pacific for live-fire surface-to-air missile drills as part of a multinational exercise led by U.S. Army Pacific. The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, assigned to the U.S. Eighth Army in South Korea, participated in Tenacious Archer 2026, according to information released by the U.S. military. Tenacious Archer is an annual multinational air and missile defense exercise conducted under U.S. Army Pacific in Palau and other locations across the western Pacific. This year's exercise ran from July 25 through Aug. 2. During the exercise, troops from the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted live-fire training involving the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger short-range air defense system and shoulder-fired Stinger surface-to-air missiles, according to images released by the U.S. military. The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, headquartered at Osan Air Base, is one of the main U.S. air defense formations stationed in South Korea. Its units operate air and missile defense systems including Patriot batteries equipped with PAC-3 interceptors, as well as shorter-range systems such as the Avenger. Palau lies roughly 3,400 kilometers southeast of Osan in a straight line and occupies a strategically important position in the western Pacific. Along with areas around Guam and Japan's Ogasawara Islands, it is generally associated with the so-called second island chain, a line of islands considered important in U.S. military planning for operations in the Indo-Pacific and in countering China's growing military reach. The deployment also comes as the U.S. military faces heightened demand for air defense missiles amid the prolonged conflict with Iran, raising questions over how Washington would distribute limited air and missile defense assets among different theaters. The exercise could be seen as a test of the U.S. military's ability to rapidly disperse and deploy air defense forces normally stationed on the Korean Peninsula to other parts of the Indo-Pacific during a contingency. Such deployments are increasingly important to the U.S. military's concept of operating from dispersed locations rather than relying heavily on a small number of large, fixed bases that could be vulnerable to missile attacks. The Eighth Army highlighted that mobility in a social media post announcing its participation in the exercise. "By training to deploy and employ forces across diverse locations in the region, Eighth Army maintains the highest level of proficiency to defend our allies and partners, strengthens interoperability, and promotes stability in a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said. AJP Takeaways △ U.S. Forces Korea's 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade joined Tenacious Archer 2026 in Palau from July 25 to Aug. 2. △ The unit conducted live-fire drills with Avenger and Stinger air defense systems. △ The deployment highlighted the U.S. military's ability to rapidly disperse air defense forces across the Indo-Pacific. 2026-08-10 10:24:23
  • Galaxy Z Fold 8 Gains Popularity Among Younger Consumers
    Galaxy Z Fold 8 Gains Popularity Among Younger Consumers Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to see strong sales following a successful pre-sale period both domestically and internationally. The device is praised for its thinner design and wider screen, enhancing portability and contributing to the mainstream adoption of foldable smartphones.According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, global pre-sales of the Galaxy Z 8 series have increased by more than 30% compared to its predecessor. In South Korea, pre-sales rose by 39%, while Europe saw an increase of over 20%, indicating a significant surge in initial demand across major markets.Counterpoint noted, "The device maintains the advantages of a large screen while improving portability and content consumption experience."There is a noticeable shift in the demographics of buyers. The previous demand, which was primarily from middle-aged men, has expanded to include a larger proportion of consumers in their 20s and 30s, as well as women. On Samsung.com, the purchasing share of consumers in their 20s and 30s surpassed 50% during the domestic pre-sale period. The purchase volume among women in this age group has more than doubled compared to the previous model, shedding the 'dad phone' image.The lightweight and slim design, along with the expanded screen, allows the device to function like a regular smartphone when folded and provides an enhanced experience for watching videos or using social media when opened, attracting younger consumers.The excitement continues in international markets. In Japan, some models on Samsung's official online store have sold out, and pre-sales in the U.S. have increased by over 30% compared to previous records. There is a growing demand for actual purchases among young consumers and local creators in Europe.Industry experts observe that the shift in domestic demand towards younger consumers, combined with strong global sales, indicates that the foldable smartphone market is entering a new phase of mainstream adoption, moving beyond a specific consumer demographic.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:20:10
  • KB Financial Group Releases First Commercial District Revitalization Insights
    KB Financial Group Releases First 'Commercial District Revitalization Insights' A new data analysis model has emerged that assesses the competitiveness of local commercial districts not just by sales figures, but through the flow of consumption, population, and capital.On August 10, KB Financial Group announced the release of the '2026 KB Commercial District Revitalization Insights,' which analyzes the growth factors and characteristics of major local commercial districts across the country. The analysis utilized the 'KB National Commercial District Revitalization Index,' developed in collaboration with KB Kookmin Bank, KB Kookmin Card, and Korea Data Bank.This index combines approximately 25 data points, including financial assets, sales revenue, rental fees, and vacancy rates, to comprehensively analyze the sustainability, profitability, stability, attractiveness, and growth potential of commercial districts. It goes beyond merely comparing sales figures or foot traffic by also examining the interconnected structures among small business owners, customers, underlying demand, and external capital.For instance, areas like Jeju's Yeondong and Gangneung's Gyodong demonstrated the potential for a 'hybrid' commercial district that combines local residents' consumption with tourist spending. Meanwhile, Jeonju's Gyeonggijeon Street, Yeosu's Marine Park, and Daejeon's Dunsan area exhibited characteristics of a 'capital transfer' commercial district, where tourism, culture, and retail resources attract external visitors and spread consumption to surrounding businesses and areas.KB Financial anticipates that the 'KB National Commercial District Revitalization Index' can serve as a data-driven forecasting system for local commercial districts. The plan is to develop it into a common data analysis model that supports policy formulation, management decisions for small businesses, and financial and private investments, rather than merely diagnosing the current state of commercial districts.A KB Financial representative stated, "The vitality of local commercial districts is a driving force behind the growth of small businesses, local job creation, and the livelihood of residents. We will continue to provide insights necessary for strengthening the self-sustainability of local commercial districts and promoting balanced regional development based on financial data and analytical capabilities." 2026-08-10 10:20:10
  • Modu Tour Launches Travel Festa to Target Fall Travel Demand
    Modu Tour Launches Travel Festa to Target Fall Travel Demand Modu Tour announced on August 10 that it will hold a large-scale promotional event, the 'Modu Tour Travel Festa,' aimed at capturing travel demand for the fall season, including the Chuseok holiday.The event will take place from August 10 to September 11, lasting 33 days. It will feature special benefits on travel products, free raffles, mileage rewards, and perks from partner brands.A total of 55 leading brands from five sectors—travel and accommodation, shopping and duty-free, food and beverage, finance and payment, and leisure and lifestyle—will participate. The event is designed to provide customers with tangible benefits throughout the entire process, from exploring destinations to consultations, bookings, and local stays.One of the highlights is a 'free raffle' event with a total prize pool of 30 million won. Anyone can participate, regardless of whether they purchase a travel product. Prizes include round-trip tickets to Hawaii with Air Premia and hotel stays at major overseas vacation spots such as Guam, Nha Trang, Phuket, Okinawa, Fukuoka, and Qingdao. Various prizes from partner brands, including tickets to Shanghai Disneyland and Swarovski crystal pendants, will also be available.Additionally, a mileage event worth 100 million won will be held. Customers participating in the event can earn mileage that can be used like cash for travel product bookings, with rewards of up to 1 million won based on the results.Discounts on actual travel product payments will also be significant. A basic immediate discount of up to 500,000 won will be applied without specific payment conditions or additional coupons. Furthermore, a 'time deal' will feature about 20 limited-time special offers each week.Customers can also receive additional discounts through partnerships with credit card companies. Using cards from Samsung, KB Kookmin, Lotte, Hana, and Woori, customers can receive bill discounts of up to 450,000 won, depending on conditions. Discounts of 40,000 won for payments over 1.5 million won and 90,000 won for payments over 3 million won will be available, along with interest-free installment options for up to 12 months. Using Modu Tour's own payment service, 'Modu Pay,' will provide an immediate 1% discount on the payment amount.Various customized services are also planned. Modu Tour's live commerce channel, 'Live M,' will host five special broadcasts during the promotion period. Starting with a segment on Phu Quoc on August 11, travel products for Taiwan and Singapore, as well as exclusive deals with Korean Air and T'way Air, will be revealed sequentially. Additionally, a 'travel consultation service' will be offered for customers who have not yet decided on a destination or are looking for products that meet specific criteria, allowing them to receive tailored product recommendations from nearby agencies or representatives upon online consultation requests.Jung Hee-yong, head of Modu Tour's marketing division, stated, "This 'Modu Tour Travel Festa' is a comprehensive promotion that expands customer benefits from exploring travel products to consultations, bookings, and payments in collaboration with 55 travel and lifestyle brands. We will operate the event to ensure that the fall travel demand translates into actual bookings through free raffles, mileage rewards, immediate discounts, time deals, and live broadcasts."Meanwhile, Modu Tour's travel-specific savings product, launched in collaboration with the financial sector, continues to gain popularity, boosting the promotion. The 'NH Modu Travel Savings,' launched with NH Nonghyup Bank with a limit of 10,000 accounts, has gained attention for allowing customers to use the mileage provided upon joining for travel product purchases. It sold out within eight days of its launch on August 7, significantly ahead of the original sales end date of September 30.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-10 10:20:00