Ex-first lady faces questioning over multiple allegations

SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - Former first lady Kim Keon-hee appeared for questioning over a slew of allegations on Wednesday. The wife of disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived at the independent prosecutors' office in Gwanghwamun in central Seoul around 10:10 a.m., several minutes later than scheduled, becoming the first ex-first lady in the country's modern history to be publicly summoned on criminal charges. Amid a barrage of questions from reporters, describing h

August 6, 2025

Coupang posts record revenue, ramps up AI adoption for future growth

SEOUL, August 06 (AJP) - South Korean e-commerce company Coupang Inc. reported record quarterly revenue in the second quarter of 2025, buoyed by a broader product lineup and strong international performance, particularly in Taiwan. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Tuesday (local time), Coupang said revenue rose 19.3 percent year-over-year to 11.98 trillion won, or approximately $8.52 billion. The company surpassed its previous record of 11.49 trillion

August 6, 2025

[K-Tech] LG CNS will build Indonesia's largest AI data center

SEOUL, August 6 (AJP) - LG CNS said Wednesday it had secured a contract to build Indonesia’s largest artificial intelligence data center, marking the first time a Korean firm will construct such a facility abroad. The project, located in Jakarta, involves the development of an 11-story hyperscale AI data center with a power capacity of 30 megawatts and a total floor space of roughly 46,000 square meters. Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2026. Once operati

August 6, 2025

[K-Pop] Jimin earns first solo MTV VMA nomination for 'Who'

SEOUL, August 06 (AJP) - BTS member Jimin has earned his first solo nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards, marking a new milestone in his career apart from the group's global dominance. MTV officially announced Wednesday through its X (formerly Twitter) account that Jimin's solo track "Who" is nominated for Best K-Pop at this year's awards ceremony. The nomination places him among a formidable lineup of K-pop stars, including aespa, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Str

August 6, 2025

[K-Beauty] CJ Olive Young courts American consumers at K-pop festival in LA

SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - CJ Olive Young, South Korea’s leading beauty retailer, drew a crowd of 36,000 visitors over three days at KCON LA 2025 with its largest K-beauty booth to date, the company said Tuesday. The immersive 430-square-meter installation spotlighted 164 products from 66 Korean brands, aiming to deepen engagement with U.S. consumers at the annual K-pop and culture festival held at the Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center. At the center of

August 5, 2025

Lee invites former presidents to large-scale inauguration celebration next week

SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Ex-presidents will be among attendees to a large-scale event in celebration of the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung, to be held in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul next week, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said on Tuesday. Coinciding the 80th anniversary of the Aug. 15 Liberation Day, the event comes about two months after Lee took office with a low-key ceremony on June 4. Lee had no time to spare for a full transition period as he was elected throug

August 5, 2025

[K-Tech] Samsung's Galaxy S25 hits 3 million sales in Korea — fastest pace yet for 5G Galaxy phone

SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said Tuesday that its Galaxy S25 smartphone series has surpassed 3 million domestic sales, achieving the milestone faster than any previous 5G Galaxy S device. Launched in February 2025, the Galaxy S25 lineup reached the 3 million mark two months earlier than its predecessor, while maintaining steady momentum throughout the first half of the year. Pre-launch anticipation was particularly high, with Samsung recording 1.3 million pre-o

August 5, 2025

[K-Tech] S. Korean firm lands $79 million deal for Singapore power grid expansion

SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korea’s Taihan Cable & Solution has secured a major contract with Singapore’s state-run electricity provider to deliver and install a 400-kilovolt underground power network as part of a regional initiative to expand clean energy transmission. The deal, announced Tuesday, was signed with SP PowerAssets Limited and is valued at approximately 110 billion won, or $79.2 million. The project will form a critical piece of Singapore’s e

August 5, 2025

[K-Food] Young chefs explore Korean cuisine in Indonesia

SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Riding a global wave of enthusiasm for Korean food culture, South Korean food firm CJ CheilJedang has concluded its first overseas culinary competition, aimed at fostering the next generation of Korean food ambassadors abroad. The event, part of the company’s Cuisine.K initiative, was held in Indonesia in partnership with Akademi Sages, a leading culinary institute in the country. CJ CheilJedang served as the exclusive sponsor of the two-month compet

August 5, 2025

TRAVEL: Seeking solace in cold valleys of Mount Geumsu

JECHEON, August 05 (AJP) - In the thick of a Korean summer, when the humidity clings to your skin and the sun bakes the city streets, the idea of hiking a mountain may seem more ordeal than escape. But in the highlands of the Korean Peninsula, nature offers a surprising reprieve. At Mount Geumsu, which straddles the regions of Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, chilled streams and shaded trails provide relief even in the hottest months. Rising to 1,016 meters

August 5, 2025