Scientists observe elusive 'Wigner crystallites' that may advance superconductor research

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A team of South Korean scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery of the 'Wigner crystal' state in solid materials, where electrons exhibit properties of both liquids and solids. The finding, published in the global peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature on Wednesday, could potentially unlock mysteries surrounding high-temperature superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity without resistance and energy loss when reaching critical t

October 17, 2024

Progressive candidate wins by-election for Seoul superintendent

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Jung Keun-sik, a former sociology professor at Seoul National University and progressive candidate, has been elected as Seoul’s education chief. Jung won the by-election early Thursday, securing 50.17 percent of the vote (936,967 votes) with 97.28 percent of ballots counted, narrowly defeating conservative former lawmaker Cho Jun-hyuk. The election was held to fill the vacancy left by former superintendent Cho Hee-yeon, who stepped down in August afte

October 17, 2024

OPINION: This year's Nobel prize exposes economics' problem with colonialism

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson have been awarded the 2024 Nobel memorial prize in economics for their influential work on how institutions shape economic development. Some would say the decision to award these scholars the Nobel was long overdue. The paper that formed the basis of their work is one of the most cited in economics. Acemoglu and Robinson’s subsequent book, Why Nations Fail, has also been hugely influential. These wor

October 17, 2024

INTERVIEW: Folk song artist says tradition must evolve to survive

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - A never-before-seen performance at NPR's Tiny Desk Concert, a prestigious music series showcasing global musicians, captivated music enthusiasts in 2016. A trio, comprising of one female and two male singers, performed songs that echoed the sound of shamanic hymns, backed by Western instruments. The group, Ssing Ssing, fused traditional Korean folk songs with modern Western sounds, presenting a captivating blend of past and present. The male perfo

October 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Kimchi-making festival held in Seoul's Namsangol Hanok Village

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - A kimchi-making festival opened Wednesday in Seoul's Namsangol Hanok Village for a two-day run. Organized by the Kimchi Association of Korea, the event aims to promote the traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish and assist those who find it difficult to make kimchi themselves. The organizer plans to donate 5 tons of kimchi to underprivileged groups. Visitors can enjoy lectures and demonstrations by food masters, as well as various tasting events through

October 16, 2024

PHOTOS: Jongno Youth Startup Festival takes place in Seoul

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The Jongno Youth Startup Festival was held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on Wednesday. The one-day event, part of the Seoul Campus Town project, involves five northeastern districts of Seoul and seven universities. Led by Sungkyunkwan University and Jongno district, the festival features 23 startup teams operating pop-up booths to promote and sell their products. Items on display include smart diaries, subscription boxes and fashion accessories.

October 16, 2024

Rumors swirl around Cambodian princess' K-pop idol debut

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Rumor has it that a Cambodian princess is eager to make her debut as a K-pop idol in South Korea. According to the Taiwanese news outlet Sanli News Network, Jenna Norodom is considering moving to Seoul to pursue her career as a K-pop idol while undergoing rigorous training at a talent mill here. The versatile teenage girl, the great-granddaughter of former Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk, is already a popular star as an actress, singer, and dancer, havin

October 16, 2024

Trump signals massive hike for USFK upkeep if reelected

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has implied the possibility of increasing South Korea's contribution for maintaining U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula, if he wins a second U.S. presidency. Speaking at an interview with the Economic Club of Chicago and Bloomberg News on Tuesday, he claimed that South Korea would be paying US$10 billion annually for the upkeep of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) if he were still in offic

October 16, 2024

PHOTOS: National Assembly Library honors Nobel laureate Han Kang

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The National Assembly Library in Seoul is hosting a special exhibition celebrating Han Kang, Korea's first Nobel laureate in literature, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 13. The exhibition, held in the library's central hall, showcases about 100 items related to Han's work, including original Korean editions, translations in 28 languages, audiobooks and video materials. Featured works include Han's internationally acclaimed novels "The Vegetarian," &

October 16, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul votes for new education superintendent

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Seoul residents voted Wednesday to elect a new education superintendent in a by-election triggered by the disqualification of former Superintendent Cho Hee-yeon. The race features a tight contest between conservative ex-lawmaker Cho Jun-hyuk and progressive Seoul National University professor Jung Keun-sik. Voting took place at 2,250 locations across the city.

October 16, 2024