Korea Zinc cancels controversial share sale; chairman to step down as board chief

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Korea Zinc on Wednesday withdrew its plan to sell new shares worth 2.5 trillion won (US$1.77 billion) amid regulatory scrutiny and shareholder pushback. The world's largest smelter announced the share issue Oct. 30 to fend off a takeover attempt by its largest shareholder, Young Poong, and MBK Partners. "We humbly accepted concerns from shareholders and market participants that we hadn't anticipated when we initially decided on the public o

November 13, 2024

Test-takers advised to avoid 'distracting' songs ahead of exam

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Over half a million South Korean students will sit for a crucial university entrance exam on Thursday, prompting authorities to implement extraordinary measures to ensure optimal testing conditions. To minimize distractions during the English listening section, flights nationwide will be grounded for approximately 30 minutes in the afternoon. Additionally, drivers have been urged to refrain from honking their horns. In a unique cultural phenom

November 13, 2024

North Korean troops engaging in combat against Ukraine forces, US confirms

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - North Korean troops in Russia have begun engaging in combat against the Ukraine forces, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday. "We are incredibly concerned by Russia's decision to turn to soldiers have been sent to eastern Russia, and most of them have

November 13, 2024

Korean researchers develop wood-based aviation fuel

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed aviation fuel from wood and grass that could cut carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel. The technology produces high-energy components, including naphthene and aromatic compounds, from non-edible plant resources, KIST said Wednesday. Current sustainable aviation fuel solutions can replace only about 50 percent of petroleum-based compone

November 13, 2024

China's BYD to enter Korean EV market in early 2025

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - China's largest electric vehicle maker BYD Co. announced on Wednesday its plans to launch passenger vehicles in South Korea in early 2025. The company, which surpassed 3 million units in global eco-friendly vehicle sales last year, is currently finalizing its dealer networks and seeking regulatory approvals for its vehicles, subsidiary BYD Korea said. Industry sources expect the Seal, a mid-sized sedan, to be BYD's first model in South Korea, wi

November 13, 2024

AMCHAM Korea raises 120 million won for student aid in annual fundraiser

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea announced Wednesday that it raised about 120 million won (US$85,360) at its annual fundraising dinner to support university scholarships. Thirty-five CEOs and executives served dinner and wine to 430 attendees at the 17th AMCHAM CEO Service Night organized the previous day by the Partners for the Future Foundation under AMCHAM Korea. "Together, we are building a brighter future, and I'm proud to be part

November 13, 2024

Yonsei language institute director emphasizes specialized Korean language education to address industry needs

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - As Korean language and culture continue to gain global interest, the director of one of South Korea’s leading language institutions has called for a shift toward specialized Korean language education tailored to specific industries. Rhee Seok-chae, director of Yonsei University's Korean Language Institute, which currently has 2,400 students, said that while general language instruction serves many international students, those pursuing careers in

November 13, 2024

Boston Dynamics' robot dog deployed for Trump security detail

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has reportedly deployed its four-legged robot, "Spot," to join the security detail for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Media reports on Wednesday stated that the robot was seen at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, equipped with advanced sensors and bearing "DO NOT PET" markings on its legs. The robot features autonomous navigation capabilities and can o

November 13, 2024

PHOTOS: Farmers rally in Seoul, demanding urgent agricultural reforms

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Hundreds of farmers rallied in front of the National Assembly in Seoul on Tuesday, demanding urgent reforms to agricultural policies. Led by the Korean Succession Advanced Farmers Federation (KSAFF), protesters called for greater attention to the agricultural industry, along with a range of support measures, particularly for young farmers, to tackle the challenges posed by Korea's declining rural population. They complained that rising farming and production

November 13, 2024

OPINION: Three reasons why Trump White House might not be disaster for Ukraine − in fact, it might tighten screws on Russia

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Among the first world leaders to speak with Donald Trump following his election victory on Nov. 5, 2024 was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Congratulating the U.S. president-elect, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the "potential for stronger cooperation" between the two nations. Others are less sure. For many foreign policy observers, Trump's victory – together with his lukewarm attitude toward NATO, criticism of the amount of

November 13, 2024