Fans gear up for 'Squid Game' season 2 with themed pop-ups and global hype

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Fans worldwide are gearing up for the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game," set to premiere on Netflix on Dec. 26. The record-breaking series, which captivated audiences globally in its first season, is already sparking excitement, with Korean retailers tapping into the frenzy through themed products and pop-up stores. The first season of the Korean drama made history, garnering 2.2 billion views and becoming Netflix's most-watche

December 22, 2024

VISUALS: Tractor protestors continue standoff with police for second day

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Farmers from the Korean Peasants League (KPL) are locked in a standoff with police for the second consecutive day after their attempt to enter Seoul with around 30 tractors and 50 trucks was blocked by authorities. The farmers, traveling to join a mass rally in the city, were stopped by police near Namtaeryeong Pass, a key route connecting Seoul to its southern suburbs. The police cited concerns that the tractors would cause significant traffic disruptions and erect

December 22, 2024

Monthly 5G data traffic in Korea expected to surpass 1mln TB amid impeachment crisis

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - Korea is poised to see its monthly 5G mobile data traffic exceed one million terabytes for the first time, driven by heightened public interest in news related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Many citizens are watching news clips and live broadcasts via social media platforms such as YouTube. A digital media consumption report published by the Korea Press Foundation in 2023 revealed that 53 percent of 2,003 Korean survey participants consume

December 22, 2024

Impeachment trial stalled as Yoon refuses to accept court documents

SEOUL, December 22 (AJP) - The impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol has stalled even before its formal proceedings could begin, as Yoon has repeatedly refused to accept legal documents from the Constitutional Court and has not submitted a notice of attorney appointment. The president was suspended from his duties after the impeachment vote passed 204 to 85, citing allegations of rebellion and abuse of power. The impeachment was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration

December 22, 2024

Protesters split over Yoon's impeachment in downtown Seoul

SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Seoul again on Saturday, holding rival protests either supporting or opposing President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. The fierce protests came a week after a motion to impeach the president over his short-lived declaration of martial law earlier this month was passed at the National Assembly last Saturday. Police estimated that around 15,000 anti-Yoon protesters gathered in and aro

December 21, 2024

S.Korea, U.S. top diplomats agree to hold talks

SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the phone on Saturday. The call took place following South Korea's transition to an acting presidency under Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. During their telephone conversation about arranging an in-person meeting, Blinken expressed strong confidence in South Korea's current interim leadership, calling Han "a capable and respected leader." Blinken reaffirme

December 21, 2024

South Korea's third spy satellite set for liftoff in US

SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - South Korea is set to launch its homegrown spy satellite from a U.S. space center on Saturday, according to the Ministry of Defense. The country's third military reconnaissance satellite will be launched into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 reusable rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. If successful, the satellite, part of the country's project dubbed the "425 Project," would mark a significant advancement in the milit

December 21, 2024

Investigators to question Yoon on Christmas Day

SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Investigators looking into President Yoon Suk Yeol's aborted declaration of martial law earlier this month have issued a fresh summons for him. According to an official from a joint task force under the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), an independent agency established to root out corruption in the government, the request was made on Friday for Yoon to appear for questioning next Wednesday. This is the second summons is

December 21, 2024

Samsung Electronics secures $4.7 billion in US chip subsidy

SEOUL, December 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has agreed to receive $4.7 billion in direct subsidies from the U.S. government for its semiconductor investment in Taylor, Texas, becoming the latest major chip company to secure funding under U.S. President Joe Biden's CHIPS and Science Act. The subsidy package, announced on Friday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, accounts for 12.7 percent of Samsung's planned U.S. investment of over $37 billion, a higher percentage compare

December 21, 2024

Netflix, SBS join hands on expanding K-content

SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) - Starting next year, TV series, variety shows, and educational programs from major Korean broadcaster SBS will be available on Netflix. SBS signed a memorandum of understanding with the global streaming giant on Friday to provide content over six years, with the agreement commencing in January. Popular SBS variety and educational programs such as Running Man, Unanswered Questions, and Kick a Goal, along with hit dramas like The Penthouse: Wa

December 20, 2024