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  Foreign visitors surge 17.6 percent as S. Korea approaches post-COVID record in arrivals SEOUL, November 09 (AJP) - Nearly 6.5 million foreign visitors arrived in South Korea between January and September with the country on track to match last year’s post-pandemic record of 7.54 million, according to data from the Ministry of Justice's immigration office, Sunday. The figure represents a 17.6 percent increase from the same period a year earlier, when 5.52 million tourists entered the country. Monthly arrivals have consistently topped 500,000 this year, November 9, 2025
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  K-pop nears "golden moment" by scoring big on Grammy nominations SEOUL, November 08 (AJP) -K-pop is approaching a “golden moment” on the global stage as a wave of Korean female artists secured nominations in top categories for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. “APT.,” BLACKPINK member Rose’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, and “Golden,” an original soundtrack piece from Netflix’s blockbuster anime KPop Demon Hunters, were both shortlisted for major honors including Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Per November 8, 2025
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  Regional dialogue in Seoul seeks stronger security cooperation SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - A two-day regional dialogue aimed at strengthening security governance and exploring long-term policy cooperation in East Asia was held in central Seoul from Thursday, bringing together experts and scholars from across the region. Co-hosted by the Seoul-based International Policy Studies Institute (IPSI) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), the dialogue brought together security scholars, policy experts, and researchers from Tai November 7, 2025
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  KOSPI sinks below 4,000 as U.S. tech selloff deepens; KRW nears 1,460 per USD SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - Asian stocks tumbled on Friday as a sharp overnight correction in U.S. technology shares reignited concerns about a potential “AI bubble,” sending investors toward safe-haven assets and pushing the Korean won to its weakest level in months. The won briefly touched 1,458.0 per U.S. dollar during intraday trading, pressured by simultaneous foreign selling, lingering uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariff negotiations, and a broad pullback from r November 7, 2025
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  Korea's growing multicultural families test social readiness for diversity SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - Interracial marriage in South Korea, once largely associated with aging rural bachelors seeking younger spouses from Southeast Asia, has evolved as cross-border unions expand into Europe and North America — underscoring the need for a more systematic framework for addressing depopulation and building an inclusive society. Government data show that one out of every 20 babies born in Korea last year was part of a multicultural family, and both m November 7, 2025
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  South Korea to launch special benefit program to nurture scientists and AI experts SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - The government will foster scientists and related professionals by offering a range of benefits to support their research and other studies, the Ministry of Science and ICT said on Friday. The ministry plans to finalize concrete plans for such a program with an aim to launch it by the second half of next year. Under the program, about 20 scientists will be selected annually over the next five years to receive research grants, stipends, and various other b November 7, 2025
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  HOT STOCK: Innotech rockets to the ceiling on KOSDAQ debut on chip-related hype SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - Innotech, a South Korean maker of environmental test equipment, quadrupled on its KOSDAQ debut Friday, underscoring the frenzied appetite for anything tied to chipmaking. The shares opened at 50,300 won — 242 percent above the initial public offering (IPO) price of 14,700 won — and immediately hit the daily permissible ceiling of 58,800 won ($40). The stock stayed locked at the upper limit throughout the session despite a sweeping rout that dra November 7, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Fall festivals for international students SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - South Korean universities are rolling out diverse cultural events this fall to integrate a growing international student body, which surpassed 200,000 in 2024. As the number of foreign students continues to rise, universities across the country are hosting festivals aimed at fostering cultural exchange and community. In Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Ajou University hosted its annual "Ajou International Day," showcasing the diverse cultures of its s November 7, 2025
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  South Korea's top enterprise software company sold to Swedish PEF SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - Douzone Bizon, South Korea’s leading enterprise software provider, has been acquired by Swedish private equity firm EQT Partners for 1.3 trillion won, or about $940 million. The company said Friday that founder Kim Yong-woo, who held a 22.3 percent stake, and Shinhan Financial Group, with 34.8 percent, sold their shares to EQT’s special-purpose vehicle, Doronicum. The Swedish firm will control 37.6 percent of voting rights, becoming the new November 7, 2025
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  Azerbaijani ambassador calls for lasting peace at Victory Day reception in Seoul SEOUL, November 07 (AJP) - The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Seoul hosted a Victory Day reception on Thursday to commemorate the country's 2020 Patriotic War. The event, held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, brought together around 100 guests, including foreign diplomats, South Korean government officials, business representatives, scholars, and members of the media. Azerbaijani Ambassador to South Korea Ramin Hasanov said the day marked the end of long-standing injustice November 7, 2025