AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Choo Mi-ae Criticizes President Yoon Over Handling of Insurrection Forces
    Choo Mi-ae Criticizes President Yoon Over Handling of Insurrection Forces Choo Mi-ae, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, publicly criticized President Lee Jae-myung regarding judicial reform and the nomination of Kim Ji-yong as the head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency. During a memorial service for victims of the democratization movement, she stated that "democratization is an ongoing process," expressing her concerns about the current government's reform direction.According to Yonhap News on September 12, Choo made her remarks without a prepared statement at the '2026 Gyeonggi Province Memorial Service for Victims of the Democratization Movement' held at the Memorial Park in Namyangju.Choo stated, "People came together to overcome insurrection and establish electoral democracy, restoring the constitutional order that was nearly stolen by insurrection forces. If that is the case, why is the president clinging to these forces instead of punishing them?"She also raised concerns about judicial reform and the nomination of Kim, questioning, "If someone who was aligned with Han Dong-hoon becomes the first head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency, is that democratization? Is that how we change the country?"On September 10, Choo had previously called for the withdrawal of Kim's nomination, citing his involvement in the investigation of the Kim Hak-eui case. She also attributed President Lee's declining approval ratings to the lack of judicial reform, stating, "The president's approval ratings are falling due to the failure of judicial reform, and there is no other reason for it."During the memorial service, Choo emphasized the need for reforming the power structure as a task following democratization. She remarked, "While we have achieved enough democratization to elect a president, we must also uphold the will of the people as the sovereign after the election," reiterating that "democratization is an ongoing process."Choo identified the 'corruption cartel and elite cartel' as South Korea's biggest challenges, stressing, "As the climate crisis looms and the AI era accelerates our pace, the corruption cartel must prioritize the responsibilities of the times before enjoying their power."The memorial service was attended by over 100 family members of victims of the democratization movement and representatives of related organizations. Gyeonggi Province is providing 300 million won this year for democratization movement memorial projects.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 19:48:00
  • Who is the owner of the 1 billion won lottery ticket? Status of remaining Spitto tickets
    Who is the owner of the 1 billion won lottery ticket? Status of remaining Spitto tickets As of now, the owner of the first prize instant lottery ticket worth up to 1 billion won has not come forward. This is likely because the ticket has not yet been sold or the winning status has not been confirmed.According to the latest data from Dohang Lottery regarding the Spitto lottery as of September 11, there is one first prize ticket remaining for the 68th draw and ten for the 69th draw. The first prize for Spitto 2000 is set at 1 billion won per ticket.Notably, only one of the six first prize tickets from the 68th draw remains. Previous winning tickets have been confirmed in Gimpo, Daegu, Yeoncheon, and Busan.For the 69th draw, ten first prize tickets are still available, which may include unsold tickets as well as those sold but not yet confirmed as winners.Additionally, there are several first prize tickets worth millions remaining in the Spitto 1000 category. As of the same date, there are seven first prize tickets left for the 109th draw, with a prize of 500 million won. The 108th draw also has one first prize ticket remaining.In the Spitto 500 category, three first prize tickets are still available for the 48th draw. However, the first prize amount for Spitto 500 is lower than that of Spitto 2000 or Spitto 1000.Spitto is an instant print lottery that allows players to check their winning status immediately upon purchase. Details regarding the issuance and winning status of Spitto 2000, 1000, and 500 can be found on the Dohang Lottery website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 19:32:00
  • Government to Reduce Chuseok Prices with Up to 40% Discounts on Agricultural Products
    Government to Reduce Chuseok Prices with Up to 40% Discounts on Agricultural Products The government is expanding the supply and discount support for essential goods ahead of Chuseok to alleviate the burden of grocery prices. The supply of pears, a key seasonal item, will be increased to 3.5 times the usual amount, with 149 billion won allocated to provide discounts of up to 40% on agricultural products.On September 12, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong visited the Anseong Agricultural Product Distribution Center (APC) and Lotte Mart in Anseong to check on the supply, distribution, and price trends of Chuseok essentials.After observing the sorting and shipping of pears at the APC, Minister Song urged, "Please ensure that there are no disruptions in the supply of essential goods leading up to the holiday."In preparation for increased demand during Chuseok, the Ministry of Agriculture has expanded the supply of pears to 146,000 tons by utilizing contracted cultivation and designated shipping volumes, which is 3.5 times the normal supply.The supply of fruit gift sets will also be increased. The quantity of discounted gift sets, which include medium-sized apples and pears as well as alternative fruits like Shine Muscat grapes and various citrus fruits, will rise from 150,000 last year to 230,000 this year, marking an increase of about 53%.This year's pear harvest is expected to be relatively stable. An official from the Anseong APC stated, "The growth condition and yield of pears, as well as the proportion of large fruits, are maintaining levels similar to previous years, so there should be no issues with supplying goods during the Chuseok peak season."In addition to increasing supply, the government is also implementing large-scale discount support. The Ministry of Agriculture is investing 149 billion won to promote discounts on agricultural products for Chuseok. From now until September 30, consumers can purchase essential goods at discounts of up to 40% at large and small supermarkets, eco-friendly stores, direct sales outlets, and online malls.Traditional markets will also offer discount benefits. From September 16 to 20, 300 traditional markets nationwide will refund 30% of the purchase amount for domestic agricultural products, up to 20,000 won per person, in the form of Onnuri gift certificates.Minister Song also visited Lotte Mart in Anseong to review the status of agricultural product supply and the implementation of discount support initiatives.Minister Song stated, "Through the expansion of essential goods supply and discount events, we aim to reduce the burden on consumers while increasing the consumption of our agricultural products. We will closely monitor the supply and distribution inventory of key essential goods with relevant agencies and focus all efforts on alleviating the burden on consumers."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 19:28:00
  • Trump Open to Chinese Automakers If They Build in U.S.
    Trump Open to Chinese Automakers If They Build in U.S. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has indicated that he would allow Chinese automakers to produce vehicles in the U.S. if they build factories and hire local workers.In an interview with Fox News on September 11, Trump stated, "If China wants to come here and open a factory to make cars, I’m okay with that."He emphasized that local employment is a key condition, noting, "Japan does it, and they hire our people. The most important thing is that we hire our people."However, he drew a line against Chinese companies establishing production bases in Mexico and exporting completed vehicles to the U.S. He clarified that while he does not have an issue with Chinese cars per se, he would not permit vehicles produced outside the U.S. to enter the domestic market.Currently, Chinese automakers face significant barriers to entering the U.S. market. Regulations imposed by the previous Biden administration restrict the production and sale of passenger vehicles by Chinese companies in the U.S., and tariffs exceeding 100% are levied on Chinese electric vehicles.Trump's comments come about ten days before a scheduled summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington. By mentioning the possibility of Chinese automakers entering the U.S. market under conditions of local production and employment, the automotive industry may emerge as a variable in future U.S.-China negotiations.The American automotive industry has strongly opposed the entry of Chinese companies. The Automotive Innovation Alliance (AAI) urged Congress last week to pass legislation that would permanently block Chinese automakers from entering the U.S. market.The AAI argues that the Chinese automotive industry has grown based on government subsidies, unfair trade practices, and intellectual property theft, claiming that the entry of Chinese firms could threaten the U.S. automotive sector.Concerns have also been raised in the political arena. Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, remarked on September 9 that allowing the sale of Chinese cars in the U.S. as part of negotiations with China would be a "strategic mistake."At that time, Trump dismissed such speculation as "completely unfounded rumors." However, his recent interview suggests a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding Chinese automobiles, contingent on domestic production and employment.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 19:16:00
  • President Lee: I Will Never Abandon Reform Goals and Values
    President Lee: 'I Will Never Abandon Reform Goals and Values' President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 12 that he has "never abandoned the goals and values of reform," but acknowledged that excessive and rapid reform processes could provoke backlash and resistance. He emphasized the need to maintain the direction of reform while achieving effective results based on public consensus and procedures. On this day, President Lee quoted a post by Park Tae-hoon, head of the Youth Research Institute, evaluating his commitment to reform, saying, "There is not a single incorrect statement in your remarks." He highlighted that whether it was the 25-year-old Lee Jae-myung who abandoned a career as a judge and prosecutor to become a human rights lawyer or the current Lee Jae-myung in 2026, who is striving to lead South Korea toward a new hope as an 'irreplaceable Korea,' his dreams of a 'world of mutual support' and 'a world where we live together' have not changed. President Lee remarked, "Reform is more difficult than revolution," noting that history is replete with unfortunate examples where the excesses and speed of revolutionary fervor led to counter-revolutionary misfortunes. He added that reform must be as empathetic as possible, delicate, and procedural, minimizing pain and resistance while proving its effectiveness. He specifically warned against the competition for clarity within the reform camp. President Lee cautioned that one must be wary of radical agitation that exploits the pure aspirations of some for revolutionary change, as it can lead to resistance and backlash. He stated, "Ultimately, this can hinder reform and provoke a backlash, and the greatest obstacle to reform is the obstruction of reform in the name of reform." He also emphasized the importance of responsibility that comes with authority. President Lee said, "When there is no authority, there is no responsibility, and the harm of irresponsible claims is not significant, but when one has authority, they must bear infinite responsibility." Furthermore, he noted, "The election that determines who will represent everyone is different from a war that decides who will take everything. Public office should be for the service of all." President Lee stressed the principle of public personnel appointments based on ability and responsibility, stating, "To appoint someone who is incompetent and corrupt simply because they are close is a shortcut to failure and an attitude of a conqueror, not a representative." He acknowledged that during the process of good change, or reform, the resistance and pain from those deprived of benefits due to change are significant, while the support and empathy from those who benefit are minimal. He remarked, "Reform inevitably comes with backlash, but without reform, there is no backlash." President Lee concluded by expressing his hope that everyone can move together toward a self-reliant, peaceful, and safe nation that is democratic, equitable, and inclusive in its growth. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 18:56:00
  • Which Lotto Numbers Have Not Appeared Recently? Insights Ahead of Draw 1241
    Which Lotto Numbers Have Not Appeared Recently? Insights Ahead of Draw 1241 As the 1241st Lotto draw approaches, attention is turning to numbers that have not appeared in recent winning combinations.The winning numbers for the 1240th Lotto draw, held on September 5, were 11, 13, 19, 20, 31, and 44, with a bonus number of 27. There were 16 first-place winners, each receiving 1.79 billion won.Looking at the last five draws (1236 to 1240), the numbers that did not appear at all include 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 35, 39, 41, 43, and 45. This is based on a simple tally of the winning numbers during that period.Expanding the analysis to the last ten draws, the numbers 5, 9, 16, 17, 26, 28, 30, 41, and 45 have not appeared as winning numbers.Some users are examining Lotto statistics to identify 'long-absent numbers.'However, the fact that a specific number has not appeared for an extended period does not increase its chances of being drawn. The Lotto 6/45 format requires players to match six numbers from a pool of 1 to 45, and each combination has an equal probability. Therefore, past occurrences of a number do not predict its likelihood of appearing in future draws.The 1241st Lotto draw will take place today. The winning numbers will be determined through the draw, and the official results can be checked afterward through the Lotto website.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 18:48:00
  • Free Flu Vaccinations Begin Next Week, Starting with These Groups
    Free Flu Vaccinations Begin Next Week, Starting with These Groups The national vaccination program for influenza in preparation for this winter will begin next week. This year, the age limit for free vaccinations for children has been expanded from 13 to 14 years, allowing support for students up to the second year of middle school.According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the national influenza vaccination program for 2026-2027 will run from September 21 to April 30, 2027. The free vaccination targets children, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.The first group to receive vaccinations will be children who require two doses and pregnant women.Starting September 21, children aged 6 months to under 9 years who are receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time, those whose vaccination history is unknown, or those who have received only one dose by June 30, 2026, will be eligible for two doses. Pregnant women will also begin vaccinations on the same day.On September 28, vaccinations for children requiring one dose will commence. This season, the age range for children eligible for national vaccination support has been expanded to include those from 6 months to 14 years old. Specifically, children born between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2026, are eligible.Seniors aged 65 and older will have a later start date for vaccinations. Those aged 75 and older can begin receiving vaccinations on October 12, followed by those aged 70-74 on October 15, and those aged 65-69 on October 19. The target group includes individuals born before December 31, 1961.This year, a trivalent influenza vaccine containing all virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be used. Vaccinations can be received at designated medical institutions or public health centers nationwide, regardless of residence, but individuals should confirm the availability of vaccines at their chosen facility before visiting.There are approximately 23,000 designated medical institutions across the country, and individuals can find nearby facilities through the vaccination assistance website.Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older will also begin on October 12, following the same schedule. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends simultaneous vaccination for influenza and COVID-19.The agency emphasized that influenza vaccinations are an effective means to reduce hospitalizations and deaths from flu among children, pregnant women, and seniors, urging active participation from the newly included 14-year-old school-age adolescents.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 18:24:00
  • Samsung finds a Tim Cook who switched to Galaxy in latest Apple jab
    Samsung finds a 'Tim Cook' who switched to Galaxy in latest Apple jab SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has found a Tim Cook who switched to Galaxy — just not the one running Apple. Samsung New Zealand said in a social media campaign that "Tim Cook has switched to Samsung," before clarifying that it was referring to a man from Palmerston North, New Zealand, rather than the former Apple chief executive. "A familiar name has made a new move," Samsung New Zealand said in a post, describing the Galaxy Z8 series as compelling enough to persuade users to switch regardless of their name. Cook, the New Zealander, said he had been considering the switch for some time. "Yeah, I've moved on. It felt like the right time," he said, calling his new Galaxy "the best phone I've ever had." Samsung extended the joke in a promotional video for the Galaxy Z Fold8. "Tim Cook has an announcement. And for once, it's about Galaxy," Samsung said, introducing him as "Tim Cook, Palmerston North" alongside the #SwitchToGalaxy hashtag. The campaign is deliberately tongue-in-cheek, but Samsung New Zealand said it was also intended to highlight what it described as a broader shift among local consumers. "While this campaign is tongue-in-cheek, the consumer trend behind it is real," Shannon Watts of Samsung New Zealand said. Watts said the company was seeing more New Zealand consumers switch to Samsung in search of greater flexibility and a different smartphone experience. The campaign landed as competition between Samsung and Apple moves into a new phase following Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market. Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone, on Sept. 9, challenging Samsung in a category the South Korean company entered with the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Samsung launched its latest Galaxy Z lineup this summer, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Fold8 Ultra and Flip8. Samsung said global preorders for the new Galaxy Z series increased more than 30 percent from the previous generation. Samsung has used Apple's foldable debut as an opportunity to revive its long-running marketing rivalry with the iPhone maker, with several of its overseas operations posting advertisements and social media messages poking fun at Apple's later arrival to the category. The New Zealand campaign takes a different approach, turning the name of one of the most recognizable figures associated with Apple into the punchline: Tim Cook really did switch to Galaxy — just not that Tim Cook. AJP Takeaways - Samsung Mobile New Zealand recruited a local man named Tim Cook to promote the Galaxy Z Fold8, using his shared name with Apple's CEO as part of its latest social media campaign. - The campaign follows Apple's unveiling of its first foldable iPhone, extending an online rivalry between the two smartphone makers over who pioneered the foldable form factor. - Samsung entered the foldable smartphone market in 2019 and has repeatedly used social media to portray Apple's new iPhone Duo as a late arrival to the category. 2026-09-12 17:54:31
  • President Lee Celebrates Arrival of Arctic Route Test Voyage in the UK
    President Lee Celebrates Arrival of Arctic Route Test Voyage in the UK President Lee Jae-myung congratulated the crew of the Panstar Acro, the first South Korean container ship to embark on a test voyage along the Arctic route, upon its arrival in the United Kingdom. On September 12, President Lee expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "I extend my congratulations and thanks to Captain Seong-myeon and the crew for opening the historic first path along the Arctic route. I hope for the safe return of the Panstar Acro and the successful development of the Arctic route." He also shared a post from Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo, encouraging the citizens of Busan, saying, "I support the dream of Busan as a maritime capital and the full-scale development of the Arctic route." President Lee emphasized, "As promised, I will accelerate efforts and support to advance the era of the Arctic route and the maritime capital of Busan." The Panstar Acro departed from Busan on August 22, entered the Arctic Ocean on August 31, and exited that section on September 9. It arrived at its first port of call, Felixstowe in the UK, around 5 a.m. on September 12, 21 days after its departure. The Panstar Acro is scheduled to return to Busan via the Arctic route after visiting major European ports. The government plans to review the commercial viability of the Arctic route connecting Asia and Europe based on the navigation experience and data gathered during this test voyage, and will pursue the development of related infrastructure.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 17:48:00
  • Weather Forecast: Cloudy Nationwide with Temperature Variations Up to 15 Degrees
    Weather Forecast: Cloudy Nationwide with Temperature Variations Up to 15 Degrees On Sunday, September 13, the weather across the country will be mostly cloudy, with the capital region and Gangwon Province remaining overcast until the morning. The temperature difference between day and night is expected to reach up to 15 degrees Celsius in inland areas.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the country will be under the influence of a high-pressure system located over the East Sea. The capital region and Gangwon Province will experience cloudy conditions in the morning, while other areas will see occasional clouds.From late dawn to morning, light raindrops of less than 0.1 mm are expected in Seoul, Incheon, northern Gyeonggi Province, and central and northern Gangwon Province. In the mountainous areas of Jeju Island, rainfall of 5 to 10 mm is anticipated from the afternoon into the night.Morning low temperatures are forecasted to range from 12 to 21 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to be between 23 and 31 degrees. Although temperatures will be similar to the seasonal average, the significant day-night temperature variation of 10 to 15 degrees in inland areas may require attention to health management.Key morning low temperatures include: Seoul 18 degrees, Incheon 19 degrees, Suwon 17 degrees, Chuncheon 15 degrees, Gangneung 16 degrees, Daejeon 16 degrees, Cheongju 17 degrees, Gwangju 19 degrees, Jeonju 18 degrees, Busan 21 degrees, Ulsan 19 degrees, Daegu 17 degrees, and Jeju 22 degrees.Expected daytime high temperatures are: Seoul 25 degrees, Incheon 25 degrees, Suwon 25 degrees, Chuncheon 23 degrees, Gangneung 26 degrees, Daejeon 28 degrees, Cheongju 27 degrees, Gwangju 30 degrees, Jeonju 28 degrees, Busan 29 degrees, Ulsan 29 degrees, Daegu 30 degrees, and Jeju 27 degrees.From early dawn to morning, areas in southern Chungcheong Province, eastern North Jeolla Province, inland South Jeolla Province, inland North Gyeongsang Province, and western inland South Gyeongsang Province may experience fog with visibility of less than 1 km. Roads near rivers, lakes, and valleys may have denser fog, necessitating caution for traffic safety.Fine dust levels are expected to be at 'good' to 'moderate' levels across all regions due to favorable atmospheric dispersion.Waves in the East Sea and South Sea are expected to be 0.5 to 1.0 meters, while waves in the West Sea will be around 0.5 meters. In the offshore areas, wave heights are forecasted to be 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the East Sea and South Sea, and 0.5 to 1.0 meters in the West Sea.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-12 17:28:00