Korea's confectionery exports set to hit record high amid global popularity

The members of girl band NewJeans promote a Korean snack in this still from an ad. SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Korean snacks are captivating the palates of consumers worldwide amid the soaring global popularity of K-pop. Exports of Korean confectionery totaled US$494.2 million during the first eight months of this year, a 15.4-percent increase compared to the same period of last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said on Monday. If this trend continue

September 23, 2024

SK On to start EV battery production for Hyundai in Georgia

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Battery maker SK On will begin manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries for Korea’s largest automaker Hyundai Motor at its U.S. plant next month, industry sources said on Sunday. SK Battery America (SKBA), the U.S. subsidiary of SK On, plans to initiate production of EV batteries for Hyundai at its Georgia facility in October. The company has been modifying production lines previously dedicated to U.S.-headquartered Ford Motor to accommodate

September 23, 2024

Naver to establish Middle East headquarters in Saudi Arabia

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korean tech giant Naver announced plans on Monday to set up its Middle East headquarters in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024. The company, tentatively named “NAVER Arabia,” will participate in Saudi Arabia’s Regional HQ program, which aims to attract global companies to the kingdom. As part of this expansion, Naver intends to collaborate on large-scale national projects in advanced technology sectors and explore various business o

September 23, 2024

LG Chem to supply cathode materials to Toyota-Panasonic JV

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s leading chemical company LG Chem announced Sunday it will supply cathode materials used in batteries to Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Corp. in Japan. The agreement marks LG Chem’s expansion into the Japanese market, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. PPES, a major battery manufacturer in Japan, supplies electric vehicle batteries to Toyota Motor and

September 23, 2024

'Veteran' sequel exploring complex theme of justice poised to draw 6 million moviegoers

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Director Ryoo Seung-wan's latest film "I, the Executioner" attracted over 300,000 moviegoers on Sunday alone, remaining at the top of the Korean box-office chart for 10 consecutive days since its release earlier this month. The action-packed crime film, a sequel to Ryoo's 2015 hit "Veteran," is expected to continue its dominant solo run since there are no big rivals including Hollywood blockbusters. Its cumulative attendance i

September 23, 2024

Nuclear-powered US submarine docks in Busan

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - A nuclear-armed U.S. submarine arrived in South Korea on Monday. The USS Vermont docked at a naval base in Busan to replenish supplies and allow crew members to rest while carrying out its missions in the Asia Pacific region, according to the Navy. This is the first visit of the 7,800-ton Virginia-class submarine, 115 meters long and 10 meters wide, to South Korea since it was commissioned in 2020. The arrival of submarine, which is among the most a

September 23, 2024

OPINION: Abortion rights are on 10 state ballots in November − Democrats can't count on this to win elections for them

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Ten states will vote on ballot initiatives on abortion this November: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Nevada and South Dakota. Many political analysts and pundits view abortion as a partisan issue, fueling speculation that direct votes on abortion rights will boost Democrats' chances up and down the ballot in November. Some Democratic strategists are hoping that turnout from the ballot initiatives will swin

September 23, 2024

Quad leaders condemn North Korea's nuclear, missile programs

SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - The leaders of the United States, Australia, India and Japan condemned North Korea's nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile launches during their summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on Saturday. In a joint statement, the leaders of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) also reaffirmed their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and expressed serious concern over "destabilizing" actions in the East and South China Sea

September 22, 2024

Over 1,500 displaced as heavy rains batter southern provinces

SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - Unusual autumnal torrential downpours swept across southern regions, causing landslides and flooding, and displacing more than 1,500 people, authorities said on Sunday. The record heavy rains also led to submerged roads and inundated buildings. Although heavy rain warnings have been lifted, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) warned of more rainfalls across the southern provinces later in the day. The hardest-hit areas included South Gyeon

September 22, 2024

Battery cell damage from external impact may have caused last month's EV fire: forensic service

SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) – The National Forensic Service (NFS) has suggested battery cell damage from external impact may have caused last month’s electric vehicle fire in Incheon, west of Seoul, which sparked nationwide concerns about EV safety, local police said Friday. The fire on Aug. 1 originated in an unplugged Mercedes-Benz EV parked in the underground garage of an apartment complex. The blaze resulted in 23 people hospitalized for smoke inhalation, while 87 vehi

September 20, 2024