Opinion: Target just became latest US retailer to stop accepting payment by checks

SEOUL, July 17 (AJU PRESS) - Can you still use a check to make purchases? In increasing numbers of stores across the U.S., the answer is "no." The large retailer Target stopped accepting checks on July 15, 2024. It follows decisions a decade earlier by supermarket chains Whole Foods and Aldi to no longer accept this form of payment. Target said it was phasing out checks because not many customers use them. It's a fair point: Check usage has fallen dramatically around t

July 17, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul apartment prices rise fastest in nearly six years

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - Apartment prices in Seoul have risen for the 16th consecutive week, marking the sharpest increase in nearly six years, according to the state-run Kore Real Estate Board. As of the second week of July, prices climbed 0.24 percent from the previous week, the highest weekly gain since 2018. The average price per square meter for new apartments in Seoul has surpassed 40 million won, a 31 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

July 16, 2024

Denmark partially lifts ban on spicy noodles from Korea

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - Denmark has partially lifted a recall on extremely spicy instant noodles from Korea, Samyang Food Co., their maker, said on Tuesday. Last month, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) recalled three "Buldak" (Fire Chicken) products, citing concerns over high capsaicin levels potentially causing "acute poisoning." Now, two varieties — Nuclear Fire Chicken Noodles 2x Spicy and Fire Chicken Stew Noodles — ca

July 16, 2024

High-ranking N. Korean diplomat in Cuba defected to Seoul last year, spy agency confirms

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - A high-ranking North Korean diplomat who had been stationed in Cuba, defected to South Korea last year, the National Intelligence Service said Tuesday, confirming media reports. Ri Il-kyu, a former counselor at the North's embassy to Cuba, sought asylum with his wife and children last November. Ri, 52, who studied Spanish at Pyongyang University of Foreign Studies, served in North Korea's diplomatic mission in Cuba for nearly a decade between

July 16, 2024

Regulator approves HD KSOE's acquisition of STX Heavy Industries

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - The Fair Trade Commission of Korea on Tuesday granted conditional approval for HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE) to acquire a 35.05 percent stake in STX Heavy Industries Co. The merger, announced on July 15, is expected to solidify HD Korea Shipbuilding’s position as the world’s top player in the shipbuilding and marine engine markets. With the acquisition, HD KSOE will secure a 70 percent share in the domestic

July 16, 2024

R-rated stand-up show to debut at Sejong Center in Seoul next month

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - A stand-up comedy will be staged at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul next month, offering Seoulites a refreshing escape from the sweltering summer heat, Meta Comedy said Monday. According to the Korea's independent comedy label which boasts 741,000 subscribers, the R-rated show, called "Comedy Assemble," features explicit subjects including jokes about sex, religion, and political satire. The show, scheduled for three

July 16, 2024

Filipino domestic helpers to arrive in Seoul this fall

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - About 100 Filipino workers are expected to arrive in Korea this fall, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Tuesday. These domestic helpers from the Philippines will be allowed to work for couples in Seoul starting from September. Hiring them as maids or nannies, a program initiated by Seoul City Mayor Oh Se-hoon, aims to relieve difficulties faced by young couples who struggle to balance childcare and household chores as well as encouraging them to

July 16, 2024

Korea selects first drilling site in East Sea gas development project

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - The Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) has chosen the location for its first exploratory drilling in the East Sea deep-sea gas field development project, industry sources said on Tuesday. The site named "Blue Whale," spans the northern parts of Blocks 8 and 6-1 in an east-west direction and is estimated to have the largest oil and gas reserves among seven promising structures identified in the area. The KNOC is currently finalizing its revie

July 16, 2024

SK Telecom invests $200 million in US AI data center solutions firm

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - SK Telecom on Tuesday announced a $200 million investment in Smart Global Holdings (SGH), a U.S.-based data center integration solutions company. In its largest artificial intelligence-related investment to date, SK Telecom has recently signed a deal to secure about 10 percent stake in SGH through convertible preferred stock. SGH, headquartered in Silicon Valley, specializes in designing, building and operating AI clusters with large-scale GPU servers. T

July 16, 2024

Opinion: Donald Trump picks JD Vance as his running mate, here's why Ohio senator is smart choice

SEOUL, July 16 (AJU PRESS) - Just two days after surviving a bloody assassination attempt that claimed the life of one of his supporters, Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate. That's a good move. Let's start, though, with what Vance does not do for Trump, the former president and Republican presidential nominee. Vice-presidential picks sometimes come from hotly contested states in hopes of boosting the ticket in that state. But Ohi

July 16, 2024