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  South Korea's stocks edge up, China and Japan trade flat SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s KOSPI rose slightly on Tuesday as Samsung Electronics closed at a record high, while Chinese and Japanese markets were little changed. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI gained 0.3 percent to finish at 4,117.32, extending its winning streak to a third session. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ fell 1 percent to 919.56. Samsung Electronics rose 0.9 percent to 111,500 won ($75.3), reaching the highest closing price in its history. SK hynix added 0.7 pe December 23, 2025
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  Naver, Spotify open joint popup store in Seoul to showcase audio content partnership SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korean internet giant Naver and global music streaming service Spotify have launched a two-day popup store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong to promote their content partnership. The popup store, running from Dec. 23 to 24 at XYZ SEOUL, allows Naver Plus membership subscribers to experience integrated audio content services from both platforms. Non-members can also gain access by signing up for the membership on-site. Since Nov. 27, Naver Plus membershi December 23, 2025
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  North Korea holds grand openings of new hotels near Mt. Paektu SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - North Korea has completed five hotels in the country's tourist zone of Samjiyon near Mt. Paektu, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, its leader Kim Jong-un attended an opening ceremony along with his daughter Ju-ae last Saturday, expressing "his unshakable will to turn ..... into an innovative and highly civilized city representing the tourism culture of the country." Ju-ae December 23, 2025
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  OPINION: Iteca Exhibitions marks 30 years of Uzbekistan's exhibition industry development SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The achievements of the anniversary season set an ambitious benchmark for the years ahead. In 2026, the calendar of exhibitions will expand to 22 exhibitions and 5 conferences, alongside new initiatives designed to support the domestic manufacturers, promote investment and further strengthen the key sectors of the national economy Since its establishment in December 23, 2025
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  Santa buses return to Busan streets SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Santa-themed buses, once a beloved winter tradition in Busan but suspended due to fire and safety concerns, are making a comeback. The Busan Bus Transport Business Association announced Sunday that 10 Santa buses will operate from December 22 through mid-January 2026, reviving the popular seasonal service that had captured citizens' hearts. December 23, 2025
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  President returns to Blue House SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - The era of the Yongsan presidential office has come to an end after just 3 years and 7 months, with the president returning to the Blue House. President Lee Jae Myung is expected to begin official work at the presidential office around December 28. However, the presidential residence will not be ready until early next year due to ongoing construction work. December 23, 2025
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  Romanian envoy named chief negotiator for nuclear talks with Washington SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - South Korea's ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo has been named as the country's chief negotiator for nuclear energy-related talks with the U.S. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that Rim, appointed the previous day, will lead a task force to revise a decades-old agreement with Washington that bans South Korea from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and enriching uranium. Rim, who worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency in 2 December 23, 2025
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  Infielder Song Sung-mun signs deal with San Diego Padres SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Infielder Song Sung-mun will play in Major League Baseball after signing a deal with the San Diego Padres. In a post on X, formerly Twitter on Monday, the Padres said Monday they signed the 29-year-old to a "four-year contract through the 2029 season." Details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it is reportedly worth $15 million, including a $1 million signing bonus in two installments along with a gradual increase in salaries. Raisin December 23, 2025
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  Hyundai Motor Group extends European recovery on hybrid demand SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Group continued its recovery in Europe in November, supported by solid demand for electrified vehicles, particularly hybrids. Hyundai Motor and Kia sold a combined 79,901 vehicles in Europe during the month, up 0.2 percent from a year earlier, data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showed on Tuesday. Hyundai’s sales rose 3.7 percent to 41,026 units, while Kia’s deliveries fell 3.2 percent December 23, 2025
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  Korea tightens treasury stock disclosures, lowering threshold to 1% SEOUL, December 23 (AJP) -South Korean listed companies will be required to disclose their treasury stock holdings once they exceed 1 percent of shares outstanding — down from the current 5 percent — under sweeping revisions to capital markets rules, as regulators move to strengthen shareholder protection and curb opaque share buybacks. The amendments to the enforcement decree of the Capital Markets Act were approved at a Cabinet meeting, the Financial Services Commiss December 23, 2025