Dollar's dominance amplifies US financial shocks in South Korea: BOK

The Bank of Korea has warned that South Korea’s economy remains acutely vulnerable to financial turbulence in the United States, a consequence of the dollar’s unrivaled role in global finance and trade. In a report released on Monday, the central bank argued that the international status of the dollar magnifies the effect of American financial shocks, rippling through South Korea’s markets, exports and investment. The analysis also urged policymakers to pr

September 15, 2025

[K-Pop] Soundtrack from Netflix' K-pop anime tops Billboard 200 albums chart

SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" topped the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart this week. According to the American music chart on Sunday, the soundtrack claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, overtaking American singer Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend." After debuting at No. 8 on June 20, the album remained at No. 2 for seven nonconsecutive weeks before reaching the top.

September 15, 2025

Homeplus, other retail chains struggle to attract buyers amid restructuring

SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s retail industry is in crisis, with once-prominent chains flooding the market in search of new owners. Yet despite months of outreach, potential buyers are steering clear, leaving companies from hypermarkets to e-commerce platforms stuck in limbo. Homeplus, one of the country’s largest hypermarket chains, has been searching for investors since March, when it entered restructuring to protect jobs and stabilize operations. Desp

September 15, 2025

South Korea, China to hold foreign ministers' meeting in Beijing

SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will visit Beijing this week, making his first trip to China since assuming his post. According to the Foreign Ministry, Cho is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday during his two-day visit. The meeting's agenda is expected to include North Korea-related issues and raise concerns over large steel structures recently installed by Chinese authorities in waters near the West Sea.

September 15, 2025

South Korea's trade chief heads to US for tariff talks

South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is traveling to Washington, D.C., on Monday to advance stalled tariff negotiations with the United States. This visit follows Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan's recent meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo plans to meet with U.S. trade officials, including Jamieson Greer from the U.S. Trade Representative's office, to discuss follow-up agreements. In July, both nations agreed to reduce mutual tariffs from

September 15, 2025

South Korea seeks unlimited currency swap with US

South Korea has asked the United States for an unlimited currency swap arrangement to cushion potential shocks in the foreign exchange market as the two countries continue trade talks, the government said Monday. The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed that discussions are underway on a range of measures to stabilize markets but declined to disclose details. A currency swap allows two central banks to exchange currencies at a fixed rate and later reverse the trans

September 15, 2025

Kim Se-young racks up third consecutive top-10 finish at LPGA event in Ohio

SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Golfer Kim Sei-young has secured three consecutive top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour. In the fourth and final round of the Kroger Queen City Championship at TPC River's Bend in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday, Kim shot a 3-under 69 to finish at 15-under 273, tying for fifth with Nelly Korda of the U.S. and Nasa Hataoka of Japan. Charlie Hull of England won the tournament with a 20-under 268, five strokes ahead of Kim. Hull narrowly defeated world No. 1

September 15, 2025

Mexico and South Korea highlight future cooperation at Independence Day celebration

SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - SEOUL, Sept. 12 — Mexico and South Korea looked toward deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange at a reception marking the 215th anniversary of Mexico's independence, held Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul. Around 300 diplomats, scholars, business figures, and special guests attended the celebration. Mexican Ambassador Carlos Peñafiel Soto and South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo both stressed th

September 14, 2025

[K-Pop] BTS Suga's 'Haegeum' music video surpasses 100 million views on YouTube

SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - The music video for "Haegeum," released under BTS member Suga's solo alias Agust D, has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, his agency BigHit Music said on September 14. The video hit the milestone at around 5:07 a.m. Sunday. It is the third Agust D music video to top 100 million views, following "Agust D" and "Daechwita." "Haegeum" was unveiled in April 2023 as the title track of Suga's solo

September 14, 2025

Industry minister returns from US after tariff talks, differences on investment remain

SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - South Korea's industry minister Kim Jung-kwan returned home on September 14 after meeting U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in New York, but stopped short of saying whether the two sides had narrowed gaps on investment terms linked to their July tariff agreement. Kim landed at Incheon International Airport early Sunday and brushed off questions from reporters about the outcome of his talks. "Bilateral consultations are still in progress,&q

September 14, 2025