US tariffs imperil South Korean auto industry

SEOUL, April 7 (AJP) - South Korean auto parts and tire manufacturers are confronting a wave of uncertainty after the United States imposed steep tariffs on imported automotive components, a move that industry officials warn could jeopardize the viability of hundreds of smaller firms and disrupt long-standing supply chains. The Trump administration began enforcing a 25 percent tariff on a range of foreign-made automotive components — among them tires, engines and transmissions

April 7, 2025

PHOTOS: Korean instant noodles going global

SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - The "2025 Korea Ramyeon Fair" took place at the COEX convention center in Magok, Seoul, from April 4-6, showcasing the enduring popularity and growing international reach of South Korean instant noodles. This year's exhibition featured 150 companies, presenting a wide array of products, from the noodles themselves to raw ingredients, cooking equipment, and manufacturing supplies. According to recent figures, exports of South Korean instant noodles reac

April 7, 2025

Pyongyang hosts international marathon event for first time in 6 yrs

SEOUL, April 07 (AJP) - North Korea hosted the 31st Pyongyang International Marathon on Sunday, Pyongyang’s state media reported Monday. It was the first international marathon held in six years, following the country’s lockdown in 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The Pyongyang International Marathon is held annually to celebrate the birthday of Kim Il-sung, the founding father of North Korea, who was born in 1912. The event, which draws professi

April 7, 2025

US halts imports from Korean salt farm over forced labor allegations

SEOUL, April 7 (AJP) - The United States has blocked imports of sun-dried salt from South Korea’s largest salt producer, citing evidence of forced labor uncovered in a federal investigation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 3 issued a Withhold Release Order against Taepyung Salt Farm, located in Sinan-gun, South Jeolla Province. The order, which took effect immediately, directs personnel at all U.S. ports of entry to detain any shipments of salt originating from the

April 7, 2025

70% of workers say impeachment rallies had positive impact on S. Korean democracy

SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - A majority of South Korean workers believe the rallies calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol contributed positively to the country’s democratic development, a recent survey showed Sunday. According to a survey of one thousand working people aged 19 and more, conducted by civic group Gapjil119, 68.7 percent of respondents agreed that the rallies had a positive impact on the development of democracy in South Korean society. Femal

April 6, 2025

National Assembly speaker proposes constitutional referendum alongside presidential election

SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik proposed Sunday holding a constitutional referendum on the same day as South Korea's upcoming presidential election, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Speaking at an emergency press conference at the National Assembly, Woo emphasized the need for constitutional reform to reinforce the separation of powers and to better reflect popular sovereignty and national unity. "We need to strengthen th

April 6, 2025

Domestic sales of Hyundai and Kia EVs surpass 500,000 units after 14 years

SEOUL, April 06 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group said Sunday it has sold more than 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea since launching its first model in July 2011. The milestone underscores the nation’s long-standing push for a greener transportation system, backed by government subsidies and growing infrastructure. As of March 2025, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis had sold a cumulative total of 502,036 EVs domestically. Hyundai, including its luxury arm Genesis, accounted

April 6, 2025

Former Defense Minister urges resistance against Yoon impeachment decision

SEOUL, April 5 (AJP) - Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, currently imprisoned on charges of insurrection, has publicly called for resistance against the Constitutional Court's decision to impeach former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The incendiary letter was read aloud at a rally organized by the National Movement Headquarters to Establish the Republic of Korea, led by Jeon Kwang-hoon, in Gwanghwamun on Saturday, just one day after the impeachment verdict. "

April 5, 2025

Pro and anti-impeachment rallies continue in Seoul despite verdict

SEOUL, April 5 (AJP) - Seoul's streets are set to witness contrasting demonstrations on Saturday as supporters and opponents of former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment gather despite yesterday's final Constitutional Court ruling that removed him from office. The pro-impeachment BISANG Action for Yoon Out and Social Reform plans a victory march near Gyeongbok Palace with about 100,000 expected participants, while the Candleact group has announced a separate 10,000-pe

April 5, 2025

Young adults emerge as rising political force following impeachment crisis

SEOUL, April 5 (AJP) - South Korea's political landscape is witnessing a significant shift as adults in their 20s have emerged as a potent political force following four months of martial law and presidential impeachment proceedings. Traditionally viewed as politically apathetic, with only 52.4 percent voting in last year's 22nd general election, young South Koreans have defied expectations by taking to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Young women wielding colorful ligh

April 5, 2025