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  Fuel prices spike due to war in Middle East SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Gasoline and diesel prices at gas stations across South Korea on Thursday have increased sharply following airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel late last month. The nationwide average gasoline price has surpassed 1,800 won ($1.2) per liter for the first time in three years and seven months. It is the first time the national average has exceeded the 1,800-won mark since Aug. 12, 2022, when it reached 1,805.9 won. Diesel prices have also cros March 5, 2026
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  War in Middle East echoes through Seoul SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - The war unfolding across the Middle East may be thousands of miles away from Seoul, but its shockwaves are being felt sharply in the capital of South Korea. Rockets are flying across borders in the region with no sign of the conflict abating. On the far eastern edge of the globe, the repercussions are unfolding in diplomatic halls, financial markets and even gas stations across the South Korean capital. A Tale of Two Embassies At 1 March 5, 2026
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  Dozens of South Korean tourists return home after being stranded in Middle East SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - Some 36 South Korean tourists returned home on Thursday after being stranded amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The tourists, who were traveling on a package tour arranged by the country's largest travel agency Hana Tour, arrived at Incheon International Airport via Taipei at around 3:40 p.m. after being stuck in Dubai due to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)' closure of its airports following last week's U.S.-led airstrikes against Iran und March 5, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-16: South Korea to launch anti-scalping system ahead of BTS comeback concert SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - South Korean authorities are rolling out a dedicated counter-scalping system to protect fans ahead of the upcoming BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism confirmed the plan following a surge in illegal ticket trading for the high-profile event. Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, called ticket scalping a "chronic disease" during a press briefing on February 12. T March 5, 2026
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  Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra wins 'Best in Show' at MWC 2026 SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S26 Ultra was awarded the 'Best in Show' title at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday. The award is part of the annual Global Mobile Awards hosted by the GSMA. It is widely regarded as a top honor at the exhibition, as the winner is selected by a specialized judging panel consisting of global analysts, journalists, and influencers. The accolade is given to the most innovative product March 5, 2026
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  BTS Comeback D-16: BTS teaser sparks global buzz ahead of 'ARIRANG' comeback SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - BTS ignited massive online buzz Thursday after releasing a teaser for its upcoming comeback performance "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE : ARIRANG," sending anticipation among global fans soaring ahead of the group’s long-awaited return. The K-pop sensation unveiled the trailer across its major social media platforms, quickly drawing millions of views and reactions from fans worldwide. The video opens with the roar of ARMY, BTS’ global fanb March 5, 2026
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  Middle East Crisis: Away from the front lines, Iran and Israel wage a war of words in Seoul  SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - The Iranian and Israeli embassies in Seoul held back-to-back press briefings Thursday, trading starkly opposing narratives over the escalating war in the Middle East as both sides sought to shape international opinion. The unusual diplomatic exchange unfolded within hours of each other in central Seoul, with the Iranian ambassador accusing the United States and Israel of launching an illegal war and the Israeli envoy defending the military campaign as a neces March 5, 2026
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  South Korea to crack down fuel price collusion amid Middle East tensions SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - The government will crack down on price collusion and other unfair practices, and strict measures will be taken against any violations, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said on Thursday. His remarks came as domestic fuel prices were already surging even before the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East caused by last week's U.S.-led airstrikes against Iran under the military operation dubbed "Operation Epic Fury&qu March 5, 2026
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  Uzbekistan targets Central Asian hub status through South Korea partnership: envoy SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a central transport and logistics hub in Central Asia by leveraging its geographic location and expanding infrastructure partnerships with South Korea, a top envoy said. "True diplomacy is when political dialogue turns into production chains, investments and jobs," Uzbekistan Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov told AJP in an exclusive interview Wednesday. Without direct access to the sea, the country relies heavi March 5, 2026
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  Trade chief seeks stronger ties with Mercosur countries amid global uncertainty SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo on Thursday met with ambassadors from four Mercosur countries to discuss ways to enhance cooperation. Formed in 1991, Mercosur is a South American trade bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Thursday's talks follow President Lee Jae Myung's summit with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Seoul late last month, as South Korea looks to expand economic and trade ties with the bloc. March 5, 2026