Korea accepts reduced Indonesian contribution for fighter jet project

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - Korea made a concession by accepting a reduced share of Indonesia's contribution to the two countries' joint development project for fighter jets, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Friday. The amount Jakarta will shoulder has now been reduced from the initially agreed 1.6 trillion won (approximately US$1.2 billion) to 600 billion won ($450 million). The project was initially estimated to cost around 8.1 trillion won,

August 16, 2024

PHOTOS: Secret Cold War-era bunker now art space in Seoul

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - Deep beneath a busy transit hub in Seoul's Yeouido district lies a once-secret underground bunker, now repurposed as an art gallery. The bunker, discovered in 2005 during the construction of a transit center, was supposedly built in the 1970s on orders from the then-head of South Korea's presidential security following the assassination of late President Park Chung-hee's wife. With no original plans or documents, the bunker's purpose remained a mys

August 16, 2024

Opinion: The rise of  China's sports powerhouse at the Paris Olympics

KARACHI, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - The Paris Olympics, which wrapped up on August 11, marked a historic milestone for China. The Chinese delegation secured 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals, setting a new record for their best performance in overseas competition. This success wasn't just about the medal count; it was a testament to China's growing dominance in global sports. The fierce rivalry between China and the U.S. played out until the final day, echoing the tension

August 16, 2024

Opinion: Richard Nixon's Times – and Triumphs

KENOSHA, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - This month marks a half-century since President Richard M. Nixon resigned from office, so far the only chief executive officer of the United States to do so. As this indicates, his long career encompassed great failure, but he also enjoyed great triumphs. Nixon’s successes include important but rarely-mentioned 1957 civil rights legislation, the first since the Civil War era and a priority of the Eisenhower administration. The law created the

August 16, 2024

Unification Ministry clarifies Yoon's vision for reunification between two Koreas

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - The Unification Ministry here Friday clarified President Yoon Suk Yeol's vision for reunification between the two Koreas, following his address during a ceremony marking Liberation Day the previous day. Yoon outlined his reunification strategy centered on three key principles: "freedom values," "changes in the North Korean populace," and "international solidarity." "Koreans must firmly establish the values an

August 16, 2024

Hyundai Rotem secures additional order for double-decker cars in Boston

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - Hyundai Rotem has secured a $175.79 million (240 billion won) contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to supply additional double-decker rail cars, the Korean train manufacturer announced Friday. This project, aimed at addressing growing commuter demand and replacing aging vehicles in Boston, marks Hyundai Rotem's third deal with MBTA, following contracts signed in 2008 and 2019. Deliveries for the previous order are

August 16, 2024

Korea's dog meat market fades as ban looms amid changing perceptions

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - The scorching heatwave remains unabated even after the end of Malbok, the last of the three dog days, collectively called Sambok, in the traditional Korean calendar. Koreans have a seasonal ritual of eating nutritious dishes to combat the sweltering heat on these days. One of the dishes traditionally eaten to celebrate these hottest summer days used to be dog meat soup, known as bosintang. It was believed to replenish energy and maintain stamina. B

August 16, 2024

Pulmuone reports record earnings in first half, fueled by food service and distribution

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - Korean food company Pulmuone posted record revenue and profits for the first half of 2024, driven by strong performance in food service and distribution businesses. Revenue increased by 5.2 percent year-on-year to 1.56 trillion won ($1.1 billion) for the first half of this year, the company said in a regulatory filing Wednesday. Operating profit surged 12 percent to 32.5 billion won. For the second quarter, revenue rose by 5 percent year-on-year to

August 16, 2024

Seoul to conduct civil defense drill next week

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - A four-day nationwide civil defense drill will be conducted next week, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Dubbed the "Ulchi civil defense exercise," the annual drill aims to enhance the country's preparedness for emergencies and ensure that citizens are familiar with evacuation procedures and safety measures. Next week's drill will involve approximately 140,000 participants from over 170 organizations, including the Se

August 16, 2024

Seoul suffers longest streak of tropical nights

SEOUL, August 16 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul has experienced 26 consecutive days of tropical nights this summer since mid-July, the Korea Meteorological Administration said on Friday. A tropical night is when the lowest temperature does not drop below 25 degrees Celsius after dark. The 26-day streak is on par with the previous record set in 2018, marking the longest streak in 118 years since relevant weather observations began in Seoul in 1907. According to KMA, Korea has been endurin

August 16, 2024