Latest news
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Korean banks turn to AI to strengthen internal oversight
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - South Korean banks are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence to bolster internal control systems, aiming to prevent financial misconduct and tighten compliance oversight by minimizing human error and bias, according to industry officials on Friday. The adoption spans a range of applications — from AI algorithms that flag suspicious transactions and detect mis-selling to chatbot systems designed to process whistleblower reports. Woori Financ
June 20, 2025 -
South Korea unveils plan to build own ChatGPT, Gemini competitor
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - South Korea has unveiled an ambitious national initiative to develop its own artificial intelligence foundation model, aiming to reduce reliance on U.S. tech giants and establish a competitive foothold in the fast-evolving global AI race. The Ministry of Science and ICT said Friday it will accept applications from domestic AI consortiums through July 21 to participate in the project, which seeks to build a “Korean GPT” — a large language mode
June 20, 2025 -
Beauty brand Amuse opens second flagship store
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - Vegan beauty brand Amuse unveiled its second flagship store on Friday in Seoul’s fashion-forward Seongsu-dong district, aiming to broaden its appeal among younger consumers and international fans with a digitally enhanced, immersive retail experience. The new storefront, dubbed the “Pink House,” occupies a brightly colored space on Yeonmujang-gil and marks an expansion of the brand’s offline footprint. It follows the launch of Amus
June 20, 2025 -
Concerns mount over South Korea's defense cost-sharing as US sets 'new standard'
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - Many Pundits here have begun to speculate about a possible renegotiation of South Korea's defense cost-sharing deal with Washington, after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this week that the U.S. has set a "new standard" for defense spending with its allies around the world including those in Asia. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also said Thursday that its European allies are setting a "global standard" for alliance
June 20, 2025 -
South Korea extends bidding deadline for controversial offshore gas project
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - South Korea has extended the bidding deadline for international energy companies to join its contentious East Sea offshore gas development project, as foreign firms seek assurances about the new administration’s stance on an initiative spearheaded by the previous government. The state-run Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) has delayed the original June 20 deadline by several weeks, industry officials said, following requests from interested bidders fo
June 20, 2025 -
MSCI upgrades Korea's short-selling rating, but cites lingering barriers
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - Global index provider MSCI has upgraded South Korea’s short-selling accessibility rating in its annual market accessibility review, marking a modest step forward in the nation’s yearslong effort to join the MSCI World Index. Still, the firm warned that broader foreign investor access remains hampered by longstanding structural hurdles. The upgrade — moving South Korea’s short-selling rating from “negative” to “posit
June 20, 2025 -
Four more South Koreans evacuated from Iran amid escalating conflict with Israel
SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - Four more South Koreans were evacuated from Iran to neighboring Turkmenistan amid a deadly conflict in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday. They joined about 30 other evacuees including their Iranian family members, who had arrived in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat via a land route the previous day, with transportation assistance and consular support provided by South Korean diplomatic missions there. "With Iranian airspace
June 20, 2025 -
Korean sunscreens — a local treasure for global visitors
Editor's Note: This is the fifth article in our series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - As summer intensifies and international tourism to South Korea rebounds, one skincare essential consistently finds its way into visitors’ shopping baskets: Korean sunscreen. But while global demand for K-beauty SPF products has soared, the formulas that foreign consumers favor
June 20, 2025 -
Chinese singer Nina makes confident K-pop debut with 'Never Afraid'
SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Chinese singer Nina officially stepped into the K-pop spotlight on Thursday, Jun. 19, with the release of her debut mini album Never Afraid. Featuring four tracks, the album marks the beginning of her solo journey, blending her unique tone with a message of determination and self-belief. Before debuting, Nina steadily gained attention through cover videos and live content, quietly building a loyal fanbase. In an interview, she said her dream of becoming a sing
June 19, 2025 -
PHOTOS: Annual Seoul garden show adds Pokemon charm
SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - The 10th Seoul International Garden Show is now open at Boramae Park, offering a vibrant display of horticulture and design through Oct. 20. As in previous years, admission to the exhibition remains free. While Boramae Park itself is accessible into the evening, illuminated by special lighting, dedicated installations and experience booths operate from noon to 7 p.m. This year's show has seen a notable surge in young visitors, a trend largely attribut
June 19, 2025
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Lee calls for emergency readiness amid escalating Middle East tensions
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HD Hyundai partners with US firm to construct commercial vessels in US
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Lee taps dozen nominees for ministerial posts
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Lee's first bilateral summit with Washington unlikely anytime soon as he skips NATO trip
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Hanwha Systems to cooperate with Northrop Grumman on air, missile defense system
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ATEEZ's latest album debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200
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Mideast tensions jolt financial markets
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Tariffs take toll as Korea's steel exports to US drop sharply in May
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Closure of Hormuz Strait likely to imperil South Korea's energy lifeline
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SK Group to build hyperscale AI data center