AJP launches Dec. 3, aims to be Asia's premier news hub

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - AJP, a new English-language news agency focused on Asia, will officially launch in Seoul on Dec. 3. AJP seeks to serve as a powerful platform that amplifies Asia's voice on the global stage while delivering the region's authentic values to audiences worldwide. Through partnerships with key news organizations across the region, AJP will provide innovative news content spanning diverse fields, including politics, economics, society and culture.

November 28, 2024

Bank of Korea unexpectedly cuts interest rate to spur economic recovery

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea (BOK) took a step unexpectedly to stimulate economic growth by slashing its benchmark interest rate for the second time in a row on Thursday. This move, aimed at countering slowing exports and uncertainties arising from the new Trump administration, underscores the central bank's commitment to reviving economic momentum. In a surprising decision, the BOK's monetary policy committee reduced the key rate by 25 basis points to

November 28, 2024

Google Maps directs car onto broken bridge, causing fatal crash in India

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A vehicle heading to a wedding in northern India, fell about 15 meters into the Ramganga River after following Google Maps directions onto an under-construction bridge, leaving three occupants dead. The accident happened on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district. Local police said the bridge was damaged in last year's floods and undergoing repairs. The driver was unaware the structure was incomplete, causing the car to fall. Authorities s

November 28, 2024

Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire after yearlong conflict

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday, following an agreement facilitated by the U.S. and France. As a result, people in both nations began returning to their homes in the border region, which had been devastated by 14 months of conflict. A long-awaited ceasefire has brought some relief to Lebanon, where over 3,500 people have been killed and more than a million displaced due to Israeli airstrikes.

November 28, 2024

China launches modified carrier rocket

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - China launched a modified carrier rocket on Wednesday from a commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China. The ZQ-2 Y-1, also called ZQ-2E Y-1, which carried two test satellites into planned orbits, was developed by the private Chinese company LandSpace. It is a two-stage rocket powered by liquid oxygen and methane. It measures 47.3 meters in length, has a takeoff thrust of 282 tons, and can transport up to 4 tons to a 500-km sun-synchronou

November 28, 2024

OPINION: Trump's tariff threat could shake North American trade relations and upend agri-food trade

SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico, alleging both countries have failed to curb the inflow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States. This policy is set to take effect once Trump assumes office in January. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is meeting with the premiers on Wednesday to discuss a response. During Trump's first term in office, we witnessed numerous s

November 28, 2024

Trump expected to pursue 'direct talks' with North Korean leader

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Speculation is growing that incoming U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to engage in direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump's transition team is "discussing pursuing direct talks" with Kim, "hoping a fresh diplomatic push can lower the risks of armed conflict," Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources. "Several in Trump's team now see a direct approach from Trump, to build on a relations

November 27, 2024

PHOTOS: New film 'Harbin' depicts independence fighters in 1909

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - On Tuesday, the star-studded cast of the upcoming film Harbin gathered at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall for a showcase event. Directed by Woo Min-ho, the historical action drama follows Korean independence fighters as they embark on a perilous journey to Harbin in 1909. The talented ensemble cast includes Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, and Lee Dong-wook. Harbin made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and has

November 27, 2024

Weeklong film festival featuring Indian movies underway in Seoul

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - A weeklong film festival featuring Indian films kicked off in western Seoul on Tuesday, featuring six acclaimed Hindi movies until this Saturday. The festival opened with "Lapataa Ladies," also known as "Lost Ladies," which has been selected for the country's official entry for the upcoming Academy Awards early next year. Directed by filmmaker Kiran Rao, the comedy revolves around two young newly-wed brides who are accidentally s

November 27, 2024

PHOTOS: Golden Christmas at COEX Starfield Library

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - COEX Starfield Library in Seoul has transformed into a "gold forest" for Christmas. A 13-meter-high golden tree symbolizing good fortune and 365 star-shaped decorations representing hope for everyday of the year have been installed.

November 27, 2024