Ambassador to Saudi Arabia named new defense chief

SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Choi Byung-hyuk was named as the successor to Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday. "President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted Kim's resignation and nominated Choi as the new defense minister," said Presidential Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul. Kim tendered his resignation after Yoon's abrupt declaration of martial law ended in a chaotic overnight fiasco e

December 5, 2024

Military pact between North Korea and Russia comes into effect

SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - A treaty pledging mutual military assistance between North Korea and Russia took effect this week after the two countries exchanged ratification documents, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday. Initially signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang in June, the military pact commits both countries to come to each other's aid in the event of an armed attack. Effective Wednesday, the

December 5, 2024

Railway workers go on indefinite strike after last-minute talks break down

SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - Unionized subway and railway workers went on an indefinite all-out strike on Thursday, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. Labor and management sides sat down for last-minute negotiations but were unable to narrow their differences before the pre-noticed deadline the previous day. But the unionized workers of the Korean Railway Workers' Union said they remain open to further talks to resolve the deadlock over labor negotiations.

December 5, 2024

South Korea will focus R&D spending on chips, robots, AI

SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - The South Korean government announced plans to significantly increase research and development investment in semiconductors, robotics, and artificial intelligence during the third Strategic Planning Investment Council meeting held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce in Seoul. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will expand its "ultra-gap projects" to include new technologies such as battery safety for electric vehicle fire prevention, next-

December 5, 2024

SingCham Korea hosts gala in Seoul to foster ties with Korea

SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - The Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Korea (SingCham Korea) held its first gala event, bringing together over 200 distinguished guests from the business, diplomatic, and cultural communities. The event, held at the Signiel Seoul hotel on Nov. 29, was a night of celebration, collaboration, and reflection on the chamber's achievements and growing role in fostering ties between Singapore and South Korea. Set against the backdrop of Seoul's city s

December 5, 2024

OPINION: North Korea Provocations Underscore South Korea's Success

KENOSHA, December 05 (AJP) - North Korea’s contribution of combat troops to aid Russia in Ukraine has drawn global attention and headlines, but is only one component of ongoing ominous moves. At the start of this year, Pyongyang fired artillery barrages near a maritime buffer zone. On the west coast, Pyongyang wants to move the maritime border south. Roads and railroads linking North and South have been shut down. The North is jamming GPS signals in the South. South Kor

December 5, 2024

Qatar's Emir begins state visit to UK

SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani began a state visit to Britain on Tuesday, greeted by King Charles, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other dignitaries. The visit aims to strengthen economic and defense ties between the two nations. The Emir and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, were welcomed with a ceremonial parade at Horse Guards in London, joined by Prince William and Princess Catherine. This marked Catherine'

December 5, 2024

UNESCO adds China's Spring Festival to intangible cultural heritage list

SEOUL, December 5 (AJP) - UNESCO inscribed China's traditional new year celebration festival to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday. The Spring Festival, which marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, was recognized for its rich cultural traditions and practices that unite communities. These include prayers for good fortune, family gatherings, and public festivities organized by elders and local groups. UNESCO highlighted the festival&#

December 5, 2024

Thailand's iconic Tom Yum Kung named UNESCO cultural heritage

SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Thailand's signature spicy and sour shrimp soup, Tom Yum Kung, has been added to UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during a committee meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay. "Tom Yum Kung from the central plains reflects the Thai way of life," said Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol, describing it as "healthy food made by farmers along the central plains' riverbanks using local ingredients.&

December 5, 2024

Bill Gates faces backlash in India over podcast remarks

SEOUL, December 05 (AJP) - Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft (MS), has come under fire in India following comments he made during a podcast appearance. During a podcast with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Gates described India as "a kind of laboratory to try things," a comment that sparked controversy. Gates explained that India is seeing improved health, nutrition, and education. He expressed optimism that the country could experience significant advancements i

December 5, 2024