Seoul making "upmost" diplomatic efforts for release of a Korean from Israeli detention

SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the utmost diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe release and return of a South Korean national aboard a Gaza-bound aid vessel detained by Israeli forces, the presidential office said Thursday. The president directed the government to carry out all possible diplomatic endeavors for the swift and safe return of the Korean citizen, identified as Kim Ah-hyun, after being briefed on the matter, according t

October 9, 2025

Korean ramyun craze goes global as instant noodle sales hit record high

SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - South Korea has been named the world's No. 2 instant noodle-consuming country, trailing only Vietnam, as global demand for the quick and spicy comfort food continues to surge and bring travelers to its shores. Once an affordable meal for busy workers, Korean ramyun has grown into a cultural export that attracts noodle lovers who are eager to experience the food they’ve seen in K-dramas and online challenges. According to the World Instant Noodle

October 9, 2025

K-pop Demon Hunters take down U.S. Billboard charts and TV shows

SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) - The fictional K-pop idol group remains unstoppable in its reign over global music charts as Netflix’s animated sensation K-pop Demon Hunters extends its historic run on the U.S. Billboard rankings — now bolstered by viral television performances. According to Billboard on Monday (local time), the film’s original soundtrack (OST) reclaimed the top spot on both the Hot 100 singles chart and the Billboard 200 albums chart, marking its second

October 9, 2025

Crimes by South Koreans abroad rise 45 percent in four years: data

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Crimes committed by South Korean nationals overseas have risen sharply in recent years, climbing by about 45 percent between 2020 and 2024, according to government data. The figures are prompting renewed criticism that the Foreign Ministry has failed to respond to growing risks faced by citizens abroad. Data submitted by lawmaker Kim Gi-hyeon of the main opposition People Power Party showed that the number of South Korean nationals reported as criminal of

October 8, 2025

South Korea scrambles over EU's new steel trade curbs

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) -South Korea’s government and steelmakers are rushing to respond to the European Union’s latest protectionist move on steel imports, which adds to the heavy tariffs already imposed by the United States on steel and aluminum. The EU has issued a new set of barriers that halve import quotas and double tariffs beyond those limits, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday. Under the European Commission’s proposed tariff-r

October 8, 2025

Prices of daily necessities rise faster than wages over past five years

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Data shows that the cost of living in South Korea has climbed sharply over the past five years, with food and basic consumer goods becoming noticeably more expensive while wage growth lags behind. Data released by the National Data Office on Wednesday showed that the price index for food and non-alcoholic beverages in September THIS YEAR rose 22.9 percent compared with five years earlier. The increase far exceeds the overall consumer price rise of about 1

October 8, 2025

Korean treasuries set for WGBI entry in April 2026 as planned: FTSE Russell

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - South Korean government bonds will join the World Government Bond Index (WGBI) in April 2026 as scheduled, global index provider FTSE Russell confirmed Tuesday. The timeline, originally announced last year, had been revised from November 2025 to April 2026, triggering investor jitters over possible second thoughts about Korea’s sovereign credibility. The adjustment came just days after the Constitutional Court removed former President Yoon Suk

October 8, 2025

K-pop girl bands Hearts2Hearts and Babymonster to make October comebacks

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - Two of South Korea's most talked-about girl groups are returning with new albums this month. Super rookie band Hearts2Hearts from SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment's Babymonster are both preparing October comebacks, drawing attention from K-pop fans worldwide. Hearts2Hearts (H2H), which debuted in February this year with the single album "The Chase," will release its first mini-album "FOCUS" on October 20. The six-track album

October 8, 2025

Discount stores crowd Korea's $5 billion health supplement market

SEOUL, October 08 (AJP) - The race for South Korea’s fast-growing health and dietary supplement market is intensifying as bargain retailers and convenience stores challenge traditional drugstores for a share of a wellness-driven, aging society where eight out of 10 households regularly take preventive supplements. According to Expert Market Research, Korea’s health supplement market was valued at $5.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growt

October 8, 2025

Foreign Ownership of Seoul Apartments Surges, Americans Lead

SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Americans own the most foreign-held apartments in Seoul, followed by Chinese and Canadians. According to data analyzed by Rep. Jeong Jun-ho of the Democratic Party, as of last December, Americans owned 5,678 apartments, accounting for 45.4% of the 12,516 foreign-owned units in Seoul. Notably, 63% of American-owned apartments are in the 'Han River Belt,' including Gangnam, Seocho, Songpa, Mapo, Yongsan, Seongdong, and Gwangjin. In Gangnam

October 7, 2025