[K-Tech] Older DDR4 chip prices rebound after Samsung, SK hynix raise contract rates

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Spot prices for older-generation DDR4 memory chips have staged a modest recovery after a lull earlier this month, driven by price hikes from major South Korean suppliers amid continued supply shortages, according to market research firm TrendForce. In its latest report, TrendForce said DDR4 prices climbed across several key models during the week of July 16–22, reversing a brief cooling trend that began in early July. The gains follow upward revisio

July 28, 2025

South Korean and Chinese foreign ministers hold first phone call, discuss APEC and regional issues

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Newly appointed Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held his first phone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, marking his second call with a foreign counterpart since taking office July 21. In their phone call, which lasted about 30 minutes, the two foreign ministers discussed ways to improve bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation on key regional and international issues, according to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. "Minister Cho

July 28, 2025

North Korea shuts the door on dialogue, brushes off Lee Jae-myung's outreach

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - North Korea has flatly rejected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's recent gestures of reconciliation, accusing Seoul of political insincerity and declaring there is "no issue to be discussed" between the two sides. The statement, released Monday by Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, underscores Pyongyang's decision to sever what little remained of inter-Korean communication. To understand the b

July 28, 2025

S. Korea scrambles to avert tariffs as US seals trade deals with Japan, EU

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - With the United States locking in trade agreements with Japan and the European Union, South Korea is making a last-ditch effort to avoid steep tariffs that could further strain its slowing economy. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol will travel to Washington this week for a face-to-face meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, officials said Monday. The talks will take place on the final day of a temporary tarif

July 28, 2025

Alaska LNG project gains momentum. Should Korea be part of it?

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - As Japan signals its intention to join the U.S.-backed Alaska LNG project, pressure is mounting on South Korea to consider following suit — despite deep concerns about the project’s economic and strategic viability. The massive infrastructure undertaking, long championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, envisions tapping natural gas reserves from Alaska’s North Slope, piping them more than 1,300 kilometers to a planned liquefaction facility

July 28, 2025

PHOTOS: Nationwide heat wave persists as vacation season begins

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Heatwave warnings have been issued across South Korea, with the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasting a prolonged period of intense heat as the nation officially enters its summer vacation season. With this week and next marking the peak of holiday travel, citizens are finding various ways to cope with the scorching temperatures. From splashing in urban water parks to seeking respite in the cooler climes of coastal areas and mountain retreats, many are embr

July 28, 2025

[K-Tech] Samsung Electronics secures $16.5 billion Tesla chip contract

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics announced on Monday that it has secured one of the largest chip supply contracts in its history — a deal worth 22.8 trillion won, or approximately $16.5 billion — with what the company described as a “major global customer.” While Samsung declined to name the buyer, Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed shortly after that the contract involves the production of the automaker’s next-generation AI chipset. The agreemen

July 28, 2025

[K-pop] Jungkook sets new record as first Asian solo artist with over 100 weeks on Billboard global charts

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - BTS member Jungkook has reached a new milestone on Billboard, becoming the first Asian solo artist to keep a single on both of the magazine's global charts for more than 100 consecutive weeks. His debut solo single "Seven," released in 2023, ranked No. 156 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 89 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart dated July 26. The song has now remained on the Global 200 for 104 weeks and on the Global Excl. U.S. chart for 105 weeks

July 28, 2025

[K-pop] Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo begins mandatory military service

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Cha Eun-woo, a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO, will begin his mandatory military service on Monday. The 28-year-old is scheduled to enter an Army training center in Nonsan at 2:00 p.m. (0500 GMT), joining others who have been conscripted. Fantagio, the singer-actor's agency, Cha will be assigned to the Army's brass band following three weeks of basic training. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve a minimum of 18 mont

July 28, 2025

Small business ownership continues to shrink in S. Korea, raising alarm over structural gaps

SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - The share of small business owners in South Korea continues to shrink despite an uptick in government support. According to the latest figures from Statistics Korea, small business owners made up just 19.4 percent of all employed individuals as of the end of June, or 5.64 million people — a drop of 0.3 percentage points from January and 1.2 points from a year earlier. The decline marks a continuation of a long-term slide, falling below the 20 percen

July 28, 2025