JCS chief inspects security and military readiness ahead of next week's APEC summit

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - The final inspection of key military installations and other security facilities was conducted on Tuesday in preparation for next week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is set to take place in southern South Korea. Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Jin Young-seung flew over the East Sea in a P-8 patrol aircraft and inspected a Marine unit in Pohang, emphasizing military readiness ahead of the multilateral gathering, which

October 21, 2025

Naver, Kakao to deliver stronger Q3 as they bet on AI to defend Korean turf

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korea's leading platform operators Naver and Kakao are expected to post improved third-quarter earnings as they double down on artificial intelligence initiatives to defend their home market from global AI giants. Naver is embedding AI across its search, commerce and fintech operations, while Kakao is weaving the technology into its messenger, content and advertising services to boost data-driven profitability. The two are taking distinct appro

October 21, 2025

Kia opens assembly plant in Kazakhstan to boost Central Asia presence

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Kia said on Tuesday that it has opened a new automobile assembly plant in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. Built with an investment of about $310 million, the facility spans 630,000 square meters and can produce up to 70,000 vehicles annually. The plant has begun assembling the Sorento SUV and plans to add production of the Sportage model in 2026. Kia said the new plant would serve as a hub for meeting rising regional demand and advancing localization efforts i

October 21, 2025

South Korea's finance chief urges focus on AI transition at APEC ministers' meeting

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s Finance Minister, Koo Yun-cheol, called on Asia-Pacific nations on Tuesday to channel resources into artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic growth, urging policymakers to foster innovation and strengthen private-sector participation. “In the era of AI transformation, we must create an innovation-friendly environment and support the private sector,” Koo said at the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooper

October 21, 2025

Kim Sei-young soars to 13th in women's golf rankings after ending five-year title drought last week

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Golfer Kim Sei-young moved up eight spots to 13th in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings released on Monday. The sharp rise in rankings came after she won the BMW Ladies Championship, which concluded in Haenam, South Jeolla Province last week. The victory was her 13th career LPGA title and her first win since the Pelican Women's Championship in Florida in November 2020, ending a five-year drought. Kim has been impressive so far this season, f

October 21, 2025

Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC nominated for 'MLS Goal of the Year'

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC has been nominated for Major League Soccer (MLS)'s "Goal of the Year" with a goal he scored in August. It was his first MLS goal after his record-breaking transfer to LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, where he had spent more than a decade as one of Spurs' key players. The goal came from a stunning free kick just six minutes into an away match against FC Dallas in Texas on Aug. 2

October 21, 2025

Epson unveils new 'Lifestudio' projectors to tap booming home entertainment market

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Epson introduced a new line of home projectors on Tuesday, betting that South Korea’s growing appetite for streaming and large-screen entertainment will help sustain demand for high-end home viewing devices. At a press event in Seoul, Jun Morohoshi, head of Epson Korea, announced the launch of the Lifestudio Series, which features nine new projector models designed to blend functionality with lifestyle appeal. “South Korea is a key mark

October 21, 2025

Samsung weighs new 'control tower' as leadership reshuffle nears

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is considering reestablishing a central management body to coordinate its sprawling business divisions, as the conglomerate prepares for a major executive reshuffle next month. The move comes as Chairman Lee Jae-yong marks his third year at the helm with the company riding a resurgent semiconductor boom. Industry sources say Samsung plans to accelerate both its annual personnel reshuffle and a broader organizational restructurin

October 21, 2025

Kakao founder Kim Beom-su acquitted in SM Entertainment stock manipulation case

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - A Seoul court on Tuesday acquitted Kim Beom-su, founder of tech conglomerate Kakao, of stock manipulation charges tied to the company’s high-profile battle for control of SM Entertainment. The Seoul Southern District Court ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove that Kim conspired to manipulate SM Entertainment’s stock price during Kakao’s contested acquisition fight with Hybe, another major K-pop agency, in early 2023. Former Kakao inv

October 21, 2025

KOSPI fueled by red-hot SK hynix continues record rally; Asian stocks higher early Tuesday

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korean and Japanese shares extended gains on Tuesday, buoyed by red-hot semiconductor and energy stocks, sending a ripple effect across broader Asian markets. The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2 percent to 3,890, inching closer to the symbolic four-digit threshold. SK hynix continued its scorching run, breaching 500,000 won ($ 351.60), as investors piled in amid growing fear of missing out (FOMO) on a sustained memory chip rally. “SK hynix shar

October 21, 2025