China, North Korea celebrate 65th anniversary of mutual defense treaty SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) -China and North Korea pledged to deepen strategic coordination and expand practical cooperation as the two countries marked the 65th anniversary of their mutual defense treaty, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency. Chinese Premier Li Qiang made the remarks during talks in Beijing on Saturday with North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song, who is leading a three-day delegation to China commemorating the signing of the 1961 Treaty of Friendship, Coope July 12, 2026

Seoul mulls nationwide sick pay program in H1 2027 SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) - South Korea plans to roll out a nationwide sick pay program in the second half of next year, extending income support to all eligible workers who are unable to work because of illness or injury outside the workplace, after four years of pilot projects that paid more than 20 billion won in benefits. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has begun consultations with labor groups, medical professionals and other stakeholders ahead of the nationwide launch, which w July 12, 2026

South Korea bakes as 'life-threatening' heat warning debuts SEOUL, July 12 (AJP)-Sweltering South Korea activated its highest-level heat alert on Sunday for the first time, as temperatures and heat indices surged to levels authorities described as life-threatening, marking the inaugural issuance of the newly created Heat Wave Emergency Warning 18 years after the country's heat alert system was introduced. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued the emergency warning at 11 a.m. fo July 12, 2026

K-delivery joins the must-do list for foreign visitors SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) - Foreign visitors are no longer coming to South Korea simply to shop, sightsee and dine out. Increasingly, they are trying to live like locals, embracing everyday Korean culture by ordering fried chicken, coffee and late-night snacks through delivery apps in what has become the latest K-culture experience. The shift reflects a broader evolution of Korean tourism, where travelers seek not only famous attractions but also the rhythms of daily life. Just as conv July 12, 2026

SK hynix's blockbuster ADR to bolster Korea's growth and the won SEOUL, July 12 (AJP) -Korean chipmakers are fastening investment to expand next-generation semiconductor facilities in South Korea under a government-led initiative to cement the country's leadership in the AI era, a drive that is expected not only to reinforce economic growth but also provide rare support for the stubbornly weak won through an influx of dollar earnings from booming chip exports and the proceeds of SK hynix's blockbuster Nasdaq stock offering. The investme July 12, 2026

Korean bass wins second prize at Sumi Jo International Singing Competition SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - South Korean bass Yoo Seung-ho won second prize at the second Sumi Jo International Singing Competition, held in France. Yoo, 25, placed second in the competition's final round, held Friday at the Château de La Ferté-Imbault in France's Loire region. A graduate of Gyeongbuk Arts High School, where he finished at the top of his class, Yoo is currently a senior majoring in vocal music at Seoul National University. "Everyone was an July 11, 2026

North Korea says denuclearization should apply to U.S., allies before Pyongyang SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - North Korea on Saturday rejected renewed calls for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, arguing that the concept should instead be applied first to the United States, its Asian allies and NATO members. In a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for North Korea's Foreign Ministry said calls by South Korea, the United States and Japan for Pyongyang's denuclearization had "completely lost their relevan July 11, 2026

China imposes immediate ban on helium exports amid supply concerns SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - China has temporarily banned helium exports with immediate effect, tightening control over a key material used in semiconductor, display and other advanced manufacturing industries. The Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs announced the measure on Friday, saying it was imposed under provisions of China’s Foreign Trade Law. The two agencies did not disclose the reason for the ban or how long it would remain in place. They said July 11, 2026

U.S. demands Iran publicly halt attacks on Hormuz shipping SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - The United States is demanding that Iran publicly declare it will stop attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and reopen all shipping lanes without transit fees, senior U.S. officials said Friday. According to Reuters and Axios, the officials made the comments during a background briefing with a small group of reporters, saying recent talks with Iran had been “productive” but that Washington expected Tehran to take visible steps to de-e July 11, 2026

SK hynix ADRs jump 13% in Nasdaq debut as CEO vows AI leadership SEOUL, July 11 (AJP) - SK hynix made a strong debut on the Nasdaq on Thursday, with its American depositary receipts closing more than 13 percent above their offering price on the first day of trading. The South Korean chipmaker’s ADRs opened at $170 on the Nasdaq, after being priced at $149. They rose as high as $177 during intraday trading before giving back some gains to close at $168.49, up about 13.1 percent from the offering price. The offering price reflected a rough July 11, 2026