OPINION: How the west is foiling Russia's attempts to use the Arctic in Ukraine war

SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - Things are not exactly going to plan for Moscow in the Arctic – an area that is a strategic military region for Russia and has significant economic potential that could help Russia in propping up its war economy. Yet, a combination of Ukrainian military capabilities, western pushback and the pressure of international sanctions have put a dent into Russian hopes to use the Arctic to its advantage in the war against Ukraine. As tensions with the west

September 13, 2024

Changdeokgung Palace offers autumnal nighttime tours

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the romantic autumnal atmosphere of Seoul's royal palace. Changdeokgung Palace in central Seoul is running three-month moonlight tours until November, offering a rare opportunity to experience the enchanting beauty of the palace at night, which served as the quarters for ancient kings and queens hundreds of years ago. The well-preserved historical palace was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in

September 12, 2024

PHOTOS: Korea Social Value Festa opens at COEX

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The inaugural Korea Social Value Festa took place at COEX in Seoul on Tuesday, bringing together government, business and academia to address social issues like climate change, inequality and an aging population. The one-day event features 130 exhibition booths from over 200 organizations and companies under the theme "Sustainable Environment, Society, Life and Cooperation." The exhibition is co-organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry,

September 12, 2024

Olive Young's global sale highlights emerging K-beauty brands for international shoppers

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) – A recent global sales event by Olive Young, a leading Korean beauty retailer, revealed the popularity of small and medium-sized Korean beauty brands among international consumers, the company said Thursday. Olive Young conducted the "Big Bang Sale" from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, introducing emerging K-beauty brands to international consumers. The event is an international version of the domestic "Olive Young Sale" and is availab

September 12, 2024

Samsung starts industry's first mass production of QLC 9th-generation V-NAND

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has announced the industry's first mass production of 1-terabit quad-level cell (QLC) 9th-generation vertical NAND. This breakthrough follows their April launch of triple-level cell (TLC) 9th-generation V-NAND, solidifying Samsung's leadership in high-capacity, high-performance NAND flash markets. The new V-NAND utilizes innovative "channel hole etching" technology to achieve the highest layer count in the industry wi

September 12, 2024

Woori Bank opens two new branches in India

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Woori Bank said Thursday it has opened new branches in Pune and Ahmedabad in Western India. The Korean lender currently operates three branches in the country -- in Chennai, Gurugram, and Mumbai. The Pune branch in Maharashtra will focus on providing operational funds to support business expansion for both Korean and Indian companies. The Ahmedabad branch in Gujarat will concentrate on offering financial services to Indian small and medium-sized e

September 12, 2024

BTS included in Billboard's list of greatest pop stars of this century

㎤ SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BTS has been included in Billboard's list of the greatest pop stars of this century. The seven-member group ranked No. 19 among the 25 most influential pop stars of the 21st century. "When you think of what it takes for a group to become pop stars, imagine having seven individual talents who can each do it all well: sing, rap, dance, and amass a love and fandom that even some of the biggest pop stars could only dream

September 12, 2024

Korea approves nuclear reactor construction for first time in 8 years

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - The Korean government approved the construction of new nuclear reactors for the first time in more than eight years on Thursday, as the country seeks to expand atomic power to meet its net-zero targets and enhance energy security. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) granted the construction permit for the third and fourth units of the Shin-Hanul nuclear power plant located in the southeastern county of Uljin. It has been eight years since K

September 12, 2024

Biden nominates new USFK chief

Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson. Courtesy of the U.S. Army SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Lieutenant General Xavier T. Brunson has been named as a nominee to lead the U.S. Forces Korea, the Pentagon said on Wednesday. U.S. President Joe Biden nominated him to replace General Paul LaCamera who has led the position since July 2021. Brunson's nomination, which comes as LaCamera's tour in Seoul ends, requires approval from the Senate. Brunson currently serves as the Commandin

September 12, 2024

PHOTOS: City marks 74th anniversary of Incheon Landing Operation

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) — Incheon City held a commemorative event Wednesday to mark the 74th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. The amphibious landing, carried out by South Korean and U.S.-led U.N. forces in the western port city on Sept. 15, 1950, played a pivotal role in reversing the course of the Korean War (1950-53) and led to the recapture of Seoul two weeks later. The operation, commanded by U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, involved about 75,000 troops and 261 naval v

September 12, 2024