PHOTOS: Journey back to Joseon in heart of Seoul, Buam-dong's Mok-in Museum

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Tucked away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, the Mok-in Museum Mokseokwon feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The first sight upon entering is the outdoor exhibition garden, where more than 800 stone carvings are spread across the grounds. Large and small statues stand at every corner, evoking the atmosphere of a Joseon-era stone mason’s workshop. Scholar statues and childlike figures appear to meet th

September 5, 2025

Joint Korean university team uses magnetic nanohelices to control electron spins at room temperature

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - Researchers from Korea University and Seoul National University have created tiny magnetic structures that can control the spin of electrons at room temperature, a breakthrough that could push spintronics — a new kind of electronics — closer to real-world use. The study, led by Professor Kim Young-keun of Korea University and Professor Nam Ki-tae of Seoul National University, was published in Science on September 4, 2025. Their team successful

September 5, 2025

South Korea launches task force to develop AI-powered smart cities

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has established a dedicated task force to spearhead the development of artificial intelligence-driven cities, marking a significant step beyond traditional smart city initiatives. The newly formed task force held its inaugural meeting on Friday, bringing together departments specializing in urban development, architecture, and mobility alongside key research institutes and public corporation

September 5, 2025

68 countries to join Seoul Defense Dialogue next week

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - The defense ministry will host the 14th Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) in central Seoul from Monday to Wednesday, bringing together senior officials from around the world. Launched in 2012, the annual forum is designed to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen regional security cooperation. This year, more than 1,000 participants from 68 countries and international organizations are expected to attend, according to the ministry. Defense min

September 5, 2025

SK hynix maintains DRAM market lead over Samsung in second quarter

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - SK hynix retained its position as the world's largest DRAM manufacturer in the second quarter of 2025, widening its lead over Samsung Electronics as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand continued to drive growth, according to data released Friday by market research firm Omdia. Global DRAM industry revenue increased 17.3 percent quarter-over-quarter to $30.92 billion, driven by rising contract prices and increased HBM shipments. SK hynix expanded its D

September 5, 2025

Ruling and opposition party leaders to meet with acting US ambassador

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - The leaders of South Korea's two main political parties, Jung Chung-rae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and Jang Dong-hyeok from the main opposition party People Power Party (PPP), are scheduled to hold separate talks with acting United States Ambassador Joseph Yun, who has been serving as acting ambassador since January, at the National Assembly on Friday. Jung, leader of the ruling party, is set to meet Yun at 3 p.m. in his office at the Assem

September 5, 2025

South Korea's credit card firms post profit drop as delinquency hits decade high

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - South Korea's credit card companies saw their combined net profits sink more than 18 percent in the first half of the year, with delinquency rates climbing to their highest point in over a decade, according to data released Friday by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). Net profits stood at 1.2251 trillion won ($8.79 billion) for the January–June period, down 18.3 percent from a year earlier. The slide came even as revenue rose by 331.1 bi

September 5, 2025

South Korea's egg prices surge ahead of traditional holiday Chuseok amid supply shortage

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - South Korea's egg prices are expected to climb further as the Chuseok, traditional Korean thanksgiving holiday season, is set to take place in early October. Also, supply constraints stemming from extreme summer heat continue to squeeze the market. The Korea Rural Economic Institute projected Friday wholesale egg prices would reach 1,900 to 1,950 won (around $1.43 to $1.47) per 10 extra-large eggs in September, marking a potential 15.7 percent increas

September 5, 2025

Two South Koreans dead in Lisbon funicular crash

SEOUL, September 5 (AJP) - Two South Koreans were killed and another seriously injured in a funicular crash in Lisbon on Wednesday (local time), Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday. The ministry confirmed that a South Korean man and woman died in the crash, while another woman underwent surgery at a local hospital and is still in intensive care. "Our embassy is working closely with Portuguese authorities to provide consular support, including assistance for the injure

September 5, 2025

[K-Pop] aespa to drop sixth mini album "Rich Man" today

SEOUL, September 05 (AJP) - aespa will return Friday with their sixth mini album "Rich Man," scheduled for release at 1 p.m. KST (0400 GMT) across global music platforms. The record features six tracks in a range of styles, including hip hop, R&B, and pop. The title track "Rich Man" is described as a dance song driven by rough electric guitar riffs and an addictive topline, paired with shifting band sounds meant to highlight the group’s vocals a

September 5, 2025