China's No. 2 official to visit Pyongyang for party anniversary as Xi skips trip

SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Although Chinese President Xi Jinping will not visit North Korea this week, Beijing's decision to send Premier Li Qiang — the country's No. 2 official — to Pyongyang for the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea is being seen as a clear sign of strengthening ties between the two neighbors. The move marks a noticeable upgrade from the 2015 celebrations, when China sent Liu Yunshan, then fifth in the Communist Party hierarchy.

October 7, 2025

Creativity and farsightedness, key to global IB outreach: SK Securities global chief

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - Abundant investment opportunities lie in diverse global markets when matched with Korea’s high-tech, manufacturing, and soft-power competitiveness, said Patrick Han, head of Global Business at SK Securities. "Identifying needs before demand arises and aligning them with Korean capital is the path forward for Korean investment banking," Han told AJP in an exclusive interview, highlighting that Korea’s financial sector lags far behi

October 7, 2025

Hwang You-min rises to world No. 33 after Hawaii LPGA win

SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - South Korean female golfer Hwang You-min climbed to 33rd in the world rankings after capturing her first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour title at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii, securing a direct entry to the U.S.-based circuit. In the latest Women's World Golf Rankings released Tuesday, Hwang jumped 20 spots from 53rd to 33rd following her victory at Hoakalei Country Club in Oahu on Sunday. The 22-year-old carded a final-round 5-un

October 7, 2025

Kang Kyung-hwa takes post as South Korean ambassador to Washington, vows stronger alliance

SEOUL, October 07 (AJP) - Kang Kyung-hwa, South Korea's new ambassador to the United States and former foreign minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, began her first day of official duties on Monday (local time), pledging to reinforce the South Korea–U.S. alliance through what she called "pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interest." At her inauguration ceremony held at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Kang said the Lee Jae Myung government

October 7, 2025

Gold prices hit record high, surpass $3,900 point

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - Gold prices have reached an all-time high, surpassing $3,900 per troy ounce for the first time. This surge is attributed to increased demand for safe-haven assets amid the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown. According to Reuters, gold prices briefly hit $3,919.59 early Monday, with December futures reaching $3,926.80. Gold has risen 49% this year, frequently setting new records. The price increase is driven by the prolonged U.S. governme

October 6, 2025

Shrinking bonuses and heavier taxes leave S. Korean workers frustrated ahead of Chuseok

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - As the Chuseok holiday approaches, many South Korean workers are expressing dissatisfaction. Economic uncertainty has led to reduced bonuses and increased tax burdens, dampening holiday spirits. More Time Off, Fewer Bonuses According to a survey by the Korea Employers Federation of 625 companies with five or more employees, only 60.4% plan to give Chuseok bonuses this year, down from 64.8% last year. This means 40% of companies are

October 6, 2025

Hit anime 'K-pop Demon Hunters' drives surge in resale of related items up global traffic

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters is fueling a rush in South Korea’s secondhand market. Action figures, badges, and other show-themed goods are moving quickly on resale platforms as fans look for items tied to the animation's tiger and magpie characters. Released in June, the animation follows a K-pop idol group that secretly fights demons in Seoul. It blended mythology, music, and action and built major buzz. It became the first South Korea&nda

October 6, 2025

Kazakh traditional fashion show celebrates Central Asia–Korea friendship

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - A traditional fashion show featuring Central Asian designs was recently held in Seoul on September 30 to mark the Central Asia–Korea Friendship Day, offering a colorful display of the region's heritage and creativity, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea said. The event, organized by the Central Asia–Korea Friendship Association, brought together diplomats, artists, and business representatives. In his welcoming

October 6, 2025

Seoul and Washington edge closer on currency safeguard amid protracted tariff talks

SEOUL, October 06 (AJP) - South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan said Monday that Seoul and Washington have reached a "considerable level of understanding" on concerns over possible turbulence in South Korea's foreign exchange market caused by the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport after returning from New York, Kim said both sides were "narrowing their differences" on how to minimiz

October 6, 2025

Hwang You-min wins Lotte Championship and entry to LPGA Tour

SEOUL, October 05 (AJP) - Hwang You-min became the sixth South Korean player to win on the LPGA Tour this year, capturing her maiden title at the Lotte Championship in Hawaii on Saturday. The 22-year-old clinched victory at the Hoakalei Country Club in Oahu with a final-round 5-under 67, finishing at 17-under 271 overall. The win immediately secures her LPGA Tour membership, though she has the option to defer it until the start of the 2026 season. Hwang earned a winner’s

October 5, 2025