K-pop band BTS to release live album as full group reunites after military service

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - K-pop wonder BTS will drop its first-ever live album on July 18, capturing performances from their record-breaking world tour "Permission to Dance on Stage," the seven-member band's agency said Tuesday. The album features 22 tracks recorded between 2021 and 2022 in South Korea and the United States, including crowd-pleasers such as "ON," "FIRE," "DOPE," and "IDOL." BigHit Music said the release is intende

July 1, 2025

US pharma industry urges trade pressure on South Korea over drug pricing

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - The American pharmaceutical industry is calling on the Trump administration to use ongoing trade negotiations to pressure South Korea into overhauling its drug pricing system, which the industry argues unfairly suppresses prices and harms U.S. innovation and exports. In comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on June 27, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the industry’s primary lobbying group, urged

July 1, 2025

HYBE, Kakao bet on India's media, entertainment markets

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - South Korean entertainment companies are ramping up efforts to gain a foothold in India’s fast-expanding media and entertainment sector, a market projected to reach 46 trillion won ($33 billion) by 2025, according to the Korea International Trade Association. From K-pop powerhouses to digital comics and gaming giants, Korean firms are tailoring strategies to navigate one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic content ecosystems. At the forefr

July 1, 2025

Trump may seek meeting with Kim Jong-un at Panmunjom during October APEC visit, says Victor Cha

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - United States President Donald Trump may attempt to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at Panmunjom during his expected visit to South Korea for the APEC summit in October, according to Victor Cha, Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Speaking during a CSIS webinar held on June 30 (local time), Cha said a Trump and Kim meeting could be on the table, especially given the president's history of pursuing bold diplomati

July 1, 2025

Independent prosecutors reschedule questioning as ex-President Yoon fails to appear

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - Former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday failed to appear for questioning by independent prosecutors, prompting them to set a new date later this week. Yoon had been asked to appear at 9 a.m. for another round of questioning over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year, after his first questioning last Saturday was cut short due to procedural issues and other disagreements. Prosecutors now want him to appear for questioning on Satu

July 1, 2025

Lee to hold press conference to mark 30 days in office

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung will hold his first press conference later this week to mark his first full month in office, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said on Monday. The conference, slated to take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, will allow Lee to outline his key policies while discussing a wide range of issues in a town-hall setting which includes an interactive Q&A session with journalists. Meanwhile, according to a recent survey of over 2,500 vote

June 30, 2025

Lee holds phone talks with Singapore PM

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung talked with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong over the phone, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said on Monday. In their first phone conversation since Lee took office early this month, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various fields. According to Kang, Wong congratulated Lee on his election and expressed hope for closer ties, as this year marks the 50th anniversa

June 30, 2025

Emart24 to launch first Korean convenience store in India this August

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - Convenience store chain Emart24 will open its first store in India this August, marking the brand’s debut in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets. The company has signed a brand licensing agreement with Jung Brothers Hospitality and the Indian real estate developer Solitaire Group. The flagship store will be located in Pune, Maharashtra, a major urban center and educational hub. The agreement was formalized at Emart24’s he

June 30, 2025

INTERVIEW: Quebec sees South Korea as key trade partner in shifting global landscape

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - With global trade facing growing uncertainty, Quebec is strengthening ties with long-standing partners. For International Relations and La Francophonie Minister Martine Biron, South Korea stands out as a priority. During a visit to Seoul on June 27, Biron said Quebec’s recent decision to expand its office in South Korea signals more than a simple administrative upgrade. It reflects a deeper commitment to building lasting ties across trade, technology, an

June 30, 2025

Naver Cloud signs MOU with New Murabba to support Saudi Arabia's smart city ambitions

SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - South Korea’s Naver Cloud has entered into a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba Development Company to help build a new smart city in the heart of Riyadh. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on Jun. 30 by Naver Cloud CEO Kim Yu-won and New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke during the New Murabba Investment and Partnership Forum, held at the Floating Island Convention center in Seoul. Under the agreement, both sides will w

June 30, 2025