Seoul International Book Fair kicks off, welcoming over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest book fair kicked off on Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, drawing thousands of literature lovers, authors, and publishers from around the world. The Seoul International Book Fair, co-hosted by the Korean Publishers Association (KPA), features over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries. Among the attendees was former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who took part in an event held during the fair and also delivered a s

June 18, 2025

'Mercy for None' becomes Netflix's No. 1 non-English show less than two weeks after release

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Netflix's latest South Korean series has topped the American streaming giant's chart for non-English-language shows, just less than two weeks after its release. "Mercy for None," starring So Ji-sub and Lee Jun-hyuk, has racked up over 7.6 million views since its release on June 6, claiming the top spot for the week ending last Sunday. The adaptation of a popular webtoon, compared by many to actor Keanu Reeves' "John Wick" fra

June 18, 2025

Forum highlights need for economic 'reboot' in face of industrial upheaval

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - As South Korea faces mounting pressure to stay competitive in an era of rapid technological change, policymakers and industry leaders gathered Wednesday at a technology forum in Seoul to urge sweeping innovation and a reimagining of the country’s growth strategy. The Aju Future Strategy Forum, hosted by Aju News Corporation and held at the FKI Tower in Yeouido, convened government officials, lawmakers, and economic experts to assess the challenges confro

June 18, 2025

Rosé's catchy track becomes longest-running K-pop song on Billboard Hot 100

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Rosé, a member of girl group BLACKPINK, has set a new record as her viral hit "APT." becomes the longest-running K-pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remained at No. 24 for the second straight week on the U.S. main singles chart released on Tuesday, extending its streak to 34th consecutive week, breaking the previous record of 33 weeks set by Jimin, a member of K-pop juggernaut BTS with his solo track "Who." "A

June 18, 2025

Iranian Embassy in Seoul condemns Israeli airstrikes, calls for international accountability

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Through a statement released Wednesday, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Korea has condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory and urged the international community to uphold international law and prevent further escalation. In the statement released on Jun. 18, Iranian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Saeed Koozechi described the Jun. 13 attacks as a large-scale, coordinated assault involving air, missile

June 18, 2025

Korean government unveils plan for national AI service, major R&D expansion

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT announced sweeping plans on Wednesday to accelerate the nation’s artificial intelligence capabilities, pledging to launch a state-sponsored AI service and boost research and development funding by more than 4 trillion won (approximately $2.9 billion). In a policy briefing to the National Policy Planning Committee at the Government Complex in Sejong, ministry officials outlined a strategy that favors promotion

June 18, 2025

PHOTOS: Foggy landscapes

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - Clouds and fog often conspire to form distinctive landscapes. A photographic collection showcases the unique scenery forged by mist.

June 18, 2025

North Korean leader meets Russian security chief to 'discuss additional troop deployment'

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has held talks with Russia's top security official in Pyongyang to discuss ways to further strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday. According to KCNA, Kim met with Russia's Security Council secretary Sergei Shoigu the previous day, who made his third visit to the isolated country in just three months, following his previous t

June 18, 2025

Eco-friendly vehicles outpace gasoline cars in S. Korea for first time

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - For the first time, sales of eco-friendly vehicles have overtaken those of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in South Korea, signaling a pivotal shift in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced auto markets. According to data released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, sales of electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid vehicles accounted for 52 percent of domestic auto sales in May. A total of 73,511 eco-friendly units were sold, out

June 18, 2025

Upcoming thriller about noise pollution set to chill moviegoers next week

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - A press preview for director Kim Soo-jin's upcoming thriller was held at a multiplex in southern Seoul on Monday, about a week ahead of its release. The stars of "Noise" including Lee Sun-bin, Kim Min-seok and Han Su-a, gathered for the event to promote the film. The film, which marks the up-and-coming director's feature-film debut, revolves around a woman who becomes the target of relentless noise complaints in her apartment complex, as s

June 18, 2025