Demand for Santa Claus jobs surges despite subdued holiday mood

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Demand for part-time Santa Claus jobs has more than doubled this year, according to data from Danggeun Market, a popular local community platform. Between Nov. 23 and Dec. 17, searches for keywords like “Santa role” and “one-day Santa” surged over 100 percent compared to the same period last year, with job postings experiencing similar growth. The listings offer a variety of seasonal opportunities, from posing as Santa at kinde

December 24, 2024

Executive promotions plunge across major conglomerates amid economic uncertainty

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - The number of executive promotions at South Korea's top 30 business groups has decreased around 10 percent this year, reflecting growing economic uncertainties and prolonged market downturn, data from a corporate analysis firm showed on Tuesday. According to a report by Leaders Index, 1,303 executives were promoted across top 30 major conglomerates between Aug. 1 to Dec. 20, marking a 9.6 percent decline from 1,442 promotions last year. The decline

December 24, 2024

Historical espionage film 'Harbin' set for release in North America

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - "Harbin," starring South Korean heartthrob Hyun Bin, is set to hit theaters across North America early next month, film distributor Well Go USA Entertainment said. Slated for release in various cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto on Jan. 3, the historical espionage film, revolves around the sacrifices and struggles of Korean independence fighters including Ahn Jung-geun, who fought for his country during Japan's imperial expa

December 24, 2024

Hotels see growing demand of seasonal products

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Major South Korean hotels are reporting significant sales growth from their private-brand (PB) Christmas teddy bears and related merchandise, as seasonal decorations drive experiential consumption. Kensington Hotel Yeouido reported a 20 percent year-on-year increase in PB product sales after displaying its signature bears and doorman bear keychains, with the latter requiring a second restock due to high demand. Hanwha Hotels & Resorts saw sales of

December 24, 2024

Consumer sentiment in South Korea worst since November 2022

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Korea's consumer sentiment dropped sharply in December, marking its steepest decline since the 2008 global financial crisis amid political uncertainty concerning President Yoon Suk Yeol, the central bank said on Tuesday. The composite consumer sentiment index (CCSI) fell 12.3 points from the previous month to 88.4 in December, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK), reaching its lowest level since November 2022. The decline represents the largest mont

December 24, 2024

'North Korea proposed troop deployment to Russia,' U.S. officials believe

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - North Korea initially proposed deploying its troops to Russia to assist Moscow's war in Ukraine, The New York Times reported on Monday, citing U.S. intelligence agencies. The deployment was "North Korea's idea and not Russia's," although Russian President Vladimir Putin "quickly embraced it," the daily wrote. Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are believed to have been sent to Russia since last fall, with most of them depl

December 24, 2024

Over 3,000 North Korean troops killed or injured in Russia, Zelensky claims

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Monday that more than 3,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed or injured in combat with Ukrainian forces. "The number of North Korean soldiers killed and wounded in the Kursk region has already exceeded 3,000," he said citing preliminary data. Zelensky took to social media to make the claim, while expressing concerns that Pyongyang is also threatening to send additional tr

December 24, 2024

'North Korea preparing to send additional troops, equipment for Russia'

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea's military has detected that North Korea is taking steps to send additional troops and equipment to support Russia, including the potential deployment of suicide drones. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Monday, North Korea is supplying Russia with 240mm multiple rocket launchers and 170mm self-propelled artillery. The JCS also revealed that North Korea is making efforts to produce and supply suicide drones, including those sh

December 23, 2024

KCCI helps semiconductor industry address labor shortage with training program

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - A total of 668 individuals have completed a program operated by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to cultivate skilled semiconductor specialists and obtained jobs in the semiconductor industry over the past three years. This initiative is a crucial part of South Korea's efforts to bolster its semiconductor workforce amid fierce global competition. Recognizing the surging demand, the KCCI plans to expand its training curriculum. Thi

December 23, 2024

VISUALS: Seoul City Hall ice rink opens for season, admission still 1,000 won

SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The popular ice skating rink in front of Seoul City Hall has opened for its annual winter season, offering 52 days of skating enjoyment from Dec. 20 to Feb. 9, 2025. Continuing a tradition of affordability, the admission fee remains a mere 1,000 won ($0.69), unchanged since the rink's inauguration in 2004. Helmets and knee pads are available for free rental.

December 23, 2024