Studio Meta-K seeks global investment with drama featuring virtual idol

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Korean tech startup Studio Meta-K teased a mystical historical drama featuring its virtual artist Suvi at a Las Vegas event designed for K-content targeting overseas investors. In the trailer for the drama "Grand Master Hani Park," Suvi takes on the role of Hani Park, the main character. While visiting her childhood home, she is seized by a black hand emerging from a Buddhist painting and dragged into the world of legends. "When t

November 27, 2024

Season's first snow in Seoul arrives with vengeance

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - This winter's first snow fell overnight in Seoul and other parts of the country, wreaking havoc among commuters in the morning rush hour on Wednesday. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), nearly 20 centimeters of snow blanketed the capital. The season's first snow arrived about a week late this year, but it was the heaviest snowfall seen in November since relevant statistics began in 1907. A heavy snow alert was

November 27, 2024

Trump's tariff plan will hit many South Korean firms hard

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada on his first day of presidency has sparked concerns among South Korean companies that heavily invested in the region. Donald Trump made the announcement on Monday on his social media Truth Social, saying he would impose the tariffs on Mexico and Canada, "Until such time as drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our coun

November 27, 2024

PHOTOS: First snow of season blankets Seoul, neighboring areas

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Seoul had its first substantial snowfall of the winter season on Wednesday, with certain northern districts accumulating over 20 centimeters of snow. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued heavy snow warnings for numerous districts in Seoul and neighboring regions, anticipating continued snowfall throughout Thursday.

November 27, 2024

GI Innovation selected for national drug development projects

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - South Korean pharmaceutical company GI Innovation has been chosen to participate in national drug development projects funded by the Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF). This initiative aims to bolster the nation's pharmaceutical industry and enhance public health by supporting the entire drug development pipeline. On Tuesday, GI Innovation announced that its first project will center on the immunotherapy agent GI-102. The two-year research endeavo

November 27, 2024

PHOTOS: Annual beauty competition in Seoul draws 600 participants

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - About 600 beauticians participated in a competition in Jamsil, southern Seoul on Tuesday. The participants, including both professional and aspiring hairdressers, makeup artists, nail technicians, and skin-clinic workers, competed in approximately 86 categories. The competition, held annually since 2015, showcased eye-catching hairstyles and flashy fashion trends, along with booths offering career consultations and demonstrations by specialists.

November 27, 2024

OPINION: Will Trump renegotiate AUKUS treaty or walk away? That's $368 billion question

SEOUL, November 27 (AJP) - Given the United States is Australia's most consequential military ally, it is natural to consider what Donald Trump's return to the White House will mean for the future of Australian defense policy – especially the AUKUS agreement. Judging by the initial comments by one of the most senior members of Australia's government, there certainly appears to be concern that Trump may look to modify – or even scrap – AUKUS. Foreign

November 27, 2024

Seoul expresses regret over Japan's handling of memorial service at Sado mines

SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - South Korea has expressed regret to Japan over its handling of a memorial service for forced labor victims during World War II, the Foreign Ministry here said on Tuesday. The ministry said it conveyed Seoul's position on the matter to Tokyo the day after its decision to boycott the Japan-hosted event held last Sunday on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, a site of imperial Japan's mobilization of South Koreans into forced labor. Seoul held a se

November 26, 2024

Value of North Korean currency has dropped sharply in recent months: report

SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - The value of North Korean currency has plummeted significantly in recent months, with the exchange rate against the U.S. dollar soaring to unprecedented levels, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, citing sources involved in trade with North Korea. The Mainichi Shimbun reported that the exchange rate between the North Korean won and the U.S. dollar surged from around 8,000 won per dollar in April to a staggering 32,000 won per dollar in mid-November.

November 26, 2024

BTS' Jungkook nominated for multiple Billboard Music Awards

SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - Jungkook, a member of boy band BTS, is vying for awards at this year's Billboard Music Awards to be held in the U.S. in December. According to a list of finalists released by Billboard on Monday, Jungkook received nominations in five categories — Top Song Sales Artist, Top Global K-Pop Artist, Top K-Pop Album, Top Selling Song, and Top Global K-Pop Song — making him the most-nominated South Korean artist this year. Other South Korean nom

November 26, 2024