Samsung Electronics posts record revenue in first quarter

SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics posted its highest-ever quarterly revenue in the first quarter of 2025, bolstered by strong smartphone and premium appliance sales. The company reported consolidated revenue of 79.14 trillion won, or about $59.1 billion, a 4 percent increase from the previous quarter. Operating profit rose to 6.7 trillion won, or $5 billion. Samsung also invested a record 9 trillion won ($6.7 billion) in research and development during the period, und

April 30, 2025

S. Korean government refutes US treasury secretary's claim about trade deal timeline

SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - The South Korean government denied U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's assertion that Seoul is seeking to conclude bilateral trade negotiations before its upcoming presidential election. In a joint ministerial statement, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said, “We have never conveyed or discussed any intention to finalize the framework of negotiations with the United States before the presidential election.” The ministry emphasized

April 30, 2025

Prosecutors raid ex-president's home in southern Seoul

SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - Prosecutors raided disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's home in southern Seoul on Wednesday. They are attempting to secure any evidence and other materials related to a series of allegations involving Jeon Seong-bae, a shamanic figure known as Geonjin Beopsa, who allegedly bribed Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, with luxury jewelry and high-end handbags in exchange for political arrangements and other favors. Despite his ouster from office atter

April 30, 2025

PHOTOS: 'Virus,' a tale of infection and irresistible love, set for May 7 release

SEOUL, April 30 (AJP) - The cast and crew of the upcoming film "Virus" convened for a press screening and conference on April 28 at CGV Yongsan ahead of its May 7 release. Director Kang Yi-kwan appeared alongside stars Bae Doo-na, Kim Yun-seok and Chang Ki-ha to discuss the film, which explores the unsettling spread of the fictional “Toxo Virus” — a pathogen that causes its victims to fall into irrational, fatal love. Virus centers on the journey of a protagonis

April 30, 2025

From stadiums to stores, baseball fever grips South Korea

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - After a long day at work, Kim Jong-chul, 54, makes a ritual stop — not at a stadium, but at the bakery section of his neighborhood convenience store. The lifelong LG Twins fan isn’t there for the pastries. "It's not really the bread I'm after," Kim said with a grin, tearing into a blueberry jam-filled pastry to retrieve a coveted sticker featuring one of his team's players. "I'm determined to collect all 21 stickers

April 29, 2025

PPP's two finalists to compete in runoff for presidential election

Former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo (left) and Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), pose for a photo at the PPP's headquarters in Yeouido, western Seoul on April 29, 2025. Yonhap SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - Presidential candidates for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) were narrowed down to two on Tuesday ahead of the snap presidential election scheduled for early June. Among four candidates -- IT tycoon-turned-politician Ahn Cheol-soo, former party lead

April 29, 2025

Consumer agency warns against 'free' family photo schemes

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - The Korea Consumer Agency issued a warning on Tuesday against deceptive photography promotions that lure customers with promises of free family photo sessions, only to charge high fees for albums, frames, or access to original image files. The agency urged heightened vigilance during May, designated "Family Month" in South Korea, when demand for commemorative photographs traditionally surges. Consumer complaints tied to photography services hav

April 29, 2025

Korea to launch two low-orbit communication satellites by 2030

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - South Korea will invest 320 billion won, or about $230 million, by 2030 to develop low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems, a critical technology for the next generation of mobile networks. The Ministry of Science and ICT, working alongside the newly established Aerospace Agency, said it had selected three organizations to spearhead the project. The goal is to develop domestic payload and core technologies and to launch two indigenous LEO sate

April 29, 2025

Filmmaker Hong Song-soo invited to Cannes's jury

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - Director Hong Sang-soo has been invited to serve as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, slated to be held in the Mediterranean resort city next month. Hong, famous for his mostly improvised micro-budget films, will join eight other filmmakers including Italy's most sought-after actress Alba Rohrwacher, American actress Halle Berry and Indian director and screenwriter Payal Kapadia. Together, the jury, led by French actress Juliette Binoche, will

April 29, 2025

PHOTOS: Everyday life inside royal palaces

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - A unique performance unfolded at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on April 28, offering a glimpse into the daily routines of the Joseon Dynasty's royal court as part of the "Spring Royal Culture Festival." This festival, a prominent showcase of South Korea's cultural heritage, continues until May 4, presenting a diverse array of traditional cultural programs across the five Joseon-era palaces — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksug

April 29, 2025