Kazakhstan celebrates launch of new direct flight from Incheon to Shymkent

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - The launch of a new direct flight between Shymkent and Incheon was celebrated at an event in Seoul on Thursday. Co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul and SCAT Airlines, the event brought together experts from the aviation and travel industry, diplomats, and other distinguished guests, offering them a valuable chance to learn about the southern Kazakh city amid deepening bilateral ties with Seoul. Kazakhstan Ambassador to Seoul Nu

May 15, 2025

Forum highlights AI being pushed into daily life

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life, marking a shift from early-stage development to practical applications, industry leaders said at a technology forum in Seoul on Thursday. At the 3rd Mega AI Forum, held at the Korea Exchange building in Yeouido, Seoul, government officials and corporate executives convened to examine the growing role of software robots and agent AI in society. The event was hosted by Aju Business Dai

May 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Steam, spice and history in Namdaemun Market's Galchi Golmok

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - On a warm weekday afternoon in late spring, the labyrinthine corridors of Namdaemun Market remain as lively as ever. Tucked amid its maze of narrow passageways and densely packed storefronts lies a culinary enclave devoted to a single dish: braised hairtail fish. The cluster of small restaurants is devoted entirely to the preparation of spicy hairtail stew. The roots of Galchi Golmok (Hairtail Alley) stretch back to the late 1980s, when a handful of mercha

May 15, 2025

PPP candidate apologizes for martial law debacle to sway voters ahead of presidential election

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday apologized for disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim said he "sincerely apologizes" for the debacle, calling it "inappropriate." "Even if the Constitution grants a president the authority to declare martial law, it is inappropriate

May 15, 2025

Samsung Electronics collaborates on boy band RIIZE's debut album 'ODYSSEY'

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has joined forces with RIIZE, a rising K-pop group under SM Entertainment, to promote the band's debut album, “Odyssey." The partnership includes the production of a 40-minute premiere video — unveiled Wednesday on the international fan platform Weverse — that features all 10 tracks from the upcoming album, set for release on May 19. The video weaves together coming-of-age narratives with appearances by se

May 15, 2025

PHOTOS: Teachers' Day

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea observes May 15 as Teachers' Day, a nationally designated occasion intended to cultivate a societal ethos of respect for educators' authority and appreciation for their service. The annual commemoration aims to bolster morale among the teaching profession and elevate their social status. Across the nation's schools, it is customary for students to present their teachers with carnations as a tangible expression of their gratitude.

May 15, 2025

Kim Moon-soo pushes nuclear option, calls for tighter U.S. alliance

Editor's Note: This article is the first in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo is drawing a firm line in South Korea’s snap election, positioning himself as a staunch advocate of military strength and nuclear deterrence. Representing the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Kim has made clear that his foreign and security policy will

May 15, 2025

Tour programs to Panmunjom to resume on limited basis this week

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - A tour program to the truce village of Panmunjom and nearby areas is set to resume later this week after a halt of about a year and a half, the Unification Ministry said Thursday. But the program remains restricted, allowing access only to selected groups of visitors on a limited basis. About 20 government officials and executives from state-run companies are scheduled to visit there this Friday, becoming the first group to take part in the revived program a

May 15, 2025

Hyundai Motor to build first Middle East factory, eyes Saudi as regional hub

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor has begun construction on its first automobile manufacturing plant in the Middle East, part of a strategic push to establish Saudi Arabia as a central base for regional operations. The facility, named Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East, is being built in King Abdullah City, within the King Salman Automotive Cluster. Groundbreaking took place Wednesday, with the start of production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The plant is a jo

May 15, 2025

Hanwha finalizes $637 million acquisition of catering firm Ourhome

SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Hanwha Group has completed its acquisition of catering firm Ourhome for 869.5 billion won (approximately $637 million), expanding its presence in the food services sector in one of the country’s most notable recent mergers. The deal, announced Thursday by Hanwha Hotel & Resort, gives the conglomerate a controlling 58.62 percent stake in Ourhome, marking the end of a seven-month negotiation and due diligence process that began in October. The acqu

May 15, 2025