U.S. greenlights sale of Apache attack helicopters to Korea

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Korea is expected to procure attack helicopters and relevant equipment from the United States. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Monday that the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of up to three dozen AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and other weapons to Korea. The procurement, estimated to cost approximately $3.5 billion (4.7 trillion Korean won), is being made under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which is p

August 20, 2024

Amorepacific's Hera expands into Thai market

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Hera, a contemporary beauty brand under Amorepacific, has officially launched in Thailand, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The brand’s first Thai store opened on Aug. 8 in Bangkok’s Central Chidlom department store, located in the bustling Chidlom shopping district. The launch event attracted 200 global media representatives and influencers, featuring brand introductions, makeup demonstrations and beauty routine

August 20, 2024

Online retailer's shutdown fuels fears of wide re-commerce crisis in Korea

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - The sudden closure of online retailer Allets is sparking fears of a wider crisis in Korea’s e-commerce industry. The company, which sells furniture and home appliances, announced on its website Friday that it would cease operations on Aug. 31 due to "unavoidable management circumstances." The notice came amid an ongoing e-commerce payment crisis that led to two platforms, Tmon and WeMakePrice, seeking court rehabilitation late last

August 20, 2024

BTS member Suga to face music for alleged drunk driving

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Suga, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, is set to be summoned for questioning over allegations of drunk driving, police said Monday. The 31-year-old star was caught driving an electric scooter last week, sparking global debate about his future with the seven-member group. Suga, currently serving his mandatory military service in a public-sector desk job, issued an apology on Aug. 13, admitting that he drove the scooter after having dinner and drinks. T

August 20, 2024

N. Korean soldier defects across border to South

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - A North Korean soldier defected to South Korea by crossing the border in Goseong, Gangwon Province, military authorities here said on Tuesday. The soldier, identified as a sergeant, was monitored as he moved south from the military demarcation line (MDL) in the eastern frontline within the operational area of the 22nd Infantry Division. The defector has been handed over to relevant authorities for investigation and apparently expressed his intention

August 20, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul mayor honors Olympic athletes

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) – Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon hosted a luncheon at City Hall on Monday for 15 Olympic athletes and coaches from Seoul City sports teams. City athletes competed in 10 events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning five gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. South Korea placed eighth in the Games with 13 gold medals, nine silver medals, and 10 bronze medals.

August 20, 2024

OPINION: Kamala Harris' polls surge stalls ahead of Democratic National Convention

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - The U.S. presidential election will be held on Nov. 5. In analyst Nate Silver's aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 47.1–44.6 percent with 4.2 percent for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In my previous U.S. politics article last Wednesday, Harris led Trump by 46.8–43.7 percent. Joe Biden's final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit agains

August 20, 2024

Golden years blues: Korea's elderly take tough jobs to make ends meet

SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - For 30 years, Kim climbed the ranks in the electronics industry, moving from circuit engineer to chip sales manager. Now in his late 50s and early retirement, he works as a taxi driver, spending 10 hours a day behind the wheel — a career turn he never anticipated. “It’s far from easy,” said Kim, who lives in Anyang, south of Seoul. “As a night-shift taxi driver, I often pick up intoxicated passengers, and minor altercation

August 19, 2024

Algal bloom threatens water supply for 25 million in Seoul metropolitan area

SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - The Ministry of Environment Monday issued an alert for algal bloom at Paldang Lake, the reservoir formed by Paldang Dam, located about 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) east of Seoul. The lake is the primary water source for 25 million residents of the capital and surrounding areas. The bloom, driven by hot weather and nutrient runoff containing phosphorus and nitrogen from nearby hills, has led to excessive algal growth. Heavy rains have exacerbated the situ

August 19, 2024

Kim Min-hee wins best performance award at Locarno Film Festival

SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - Actress Kim Min-hee won the best performance award at the Locarno International Film Festival which wrapped up over the weekend in Switzerland. She received the award for her role in "By the Stream," also known as "Suyoocheon" in Korean. Directed by Hong Sang-soo, the film deals with the story of a university lecturer asking her unemployed uncle to direct a skit. In her acceptance speech last Saturday, Kim expressed her gratit

August 19, 2024