Naver bets on solar to power AI data centers SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Naver plans to take a stake in a 216-megawatt solar project and buy its output under a long-term deal to power its data centers with renewable energy, the company said Wednesday. South Korea's largest internet portal signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based developer Gurīn Energy over the Jindo Green Solar project on Jindo. The two companies aim to hammer out the details and sign a binding agreement by the end of the year. Gurīn September 16, 2026

Repeat quality breaches dog South Korean drugmakers SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - More than one in five drug factory inspections in South Korea have turned up quality breaches each year since 2022, according to regulator data released by a lawmaker Wednesday. The violation rate under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rules climbed from 37.9 percent in 2022 to 41.3 percent in 2023, before easing to 26.8 percent last year and 22.7 percent in the first half of 2026. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety compiled the figures from regular September 16, 2026

Koreans in Georgia immigration raid file suit vs Washington SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - About 300 South Korean workers detained during a large-scale immigration raid in Georgia last year have begun legal action against the U.S. government, CNN reported on Tuesday. According to the American news outlet, administrative claims on behalf of the workers, a mandatory step before a federal lawsuit can be filed against the government, have begun to be submitted to nine federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Jus September 16, 2026

Seoul bus strike averted with 3.2% wage deal SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) -The union and employers of Seoul city bus workers agreed to raise wages by 3.2 percent early Wednesday after nearly 12 hours of marathon talks, averting a major disruption to the morning rush hour ahead of the Chuseok holiday. The Seoul City Bus Labor Union called off a strike scheduled to begin with the first buses at 4 a.m., allowing all routes across the capital to operate normally. The union and the Seoul Bus Transportation Association, representing September 16, 2026

India's Ramayana comes alive on Seoul stage through rhythm, gesture and Odissi SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Eight dancers stepped onto the stage in deep purple and silver costumes, their bare feet striking the floor as the sound of ankle bells followed almost every movement. The rhythm was distinctive. Knees bent low, wrists turned sharply and elbows shifted into angular positions, while fingers repeatedly formed delicate shapes, at times with three fingers extended. A slight movement of the eyes or fingertips could change the mood of a scene. For nearly the September 15, 2026

Seoul's Sarang Festival: Odissi dance drama shines Artists perform the Odissi dance drama “Siya Ram” during the Sarang Festival of India at Ewha Womans University’s Samsung Hall in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Sept. 15, 2026. Now in its 12th edition, the festival aims to introduce various aspects of Indian culture and promote cultural exchanges between South Korea and India. September 15, 2026

Indian culture celebrated at Sarang Festival Artists perform the Odissi dance drama “Siya Ram” during the Sarang Festival of India at Ewha Womans University’s Samsung Hall in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Sept. 15, 2026. Now in its 12th edition, the festival aims to introduce various aspects of Indian culture and promote cultural exchanges between South Korea and India. AJP Yoo Na-hyun September 15, 2026

Dongwon Parts wins KOSDAQ listing approval SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korean semiconductor parts maker Dongwon Parts said Tuesday it has received preliminary approval from the Korea Exchange (KRX) for a KOSDAQ listing, clearing a key regulatory step in its initial public offering (IPO). The approval came after its revenue jumped 55 percent last year to 92.3 billion won ($67.9 million). Operating profit rose more than sevenfold to 7.8 billion won ($5.7 million). Samsung Securities is the lead underwriter. Founded in September 15, 2026

Over 5,000 minors hold stocks worth more than 100 million won SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - The number of minors in South Korea holding at least 100 million won (US$73,600) worth of listed stocks nearly doubled last year, even as the overall number of underage shareholders edged down. According to data from the Korea Securities Depository obtained by Rep. Park Sung-hoon of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), 5,400 minors held stocks worth 100 million won or more as of the end of last year, up 92.9 percent from 2,800 a year earlier. The num September 15, 2026

K-fashion next big K-thing in Japan after K-pop SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Takuya Enomoto, a 32-year-old pharmacist in Tokyo, watched his girlfriend's infatuation with South Korea move from SEVENTEEN on her playlist to her clothing collection. She first became a fan of the K-pop group, particularly member Hoshi, before branching out to other Korean acts and then Korean dramas, he said. Following K-pop artists on Instagram brought still more Korean content into her feed. "I think the algorithm exposed her to mor September 15, 2026