LG Chem's flame-retardant plastic earns top-tier US certification

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - LG Chem, a leading Korean chemical company, said Monday that its new flame-retardant plastic material has achieved top-tier certification in U.S. safety standards. The company's PFAS-free flame-retardant PC/ABS compound, developed in the first half of 2024, has received the highest V-0 rating in the UL94 flame-retardant test, a U.S. certification standard. The new material, made with recycled plastic, is free from perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS

August 12, 2024

Kim Jong-un blames S. Korea to divert public attention from flood damage

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's recent harsh tirade against South Korea is a deliberate attempt to shift the focus of flood-damaged people away from their devastated situation, the Ministry of Unification here suggests. During an inspection of flood-hit areas in North Pyongan Province, Kim labeled South Korea a "trash country" and accused its media of spreading "malicious propaganda." According to North Korea's state-

August 12, 2024

Shinsegae Department Store to launch Korea's first Prada Beauty store

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - Shinsegae Department Store said Monday that it will open Korea's first Prada Beauty store at its Gangnam branch in southern Seoul on Aug. 20. The luxury brand, established in 1913, is known for its refined aesthetics and creativity in fashion. Before the official launch, a pop-up store will operate from Aug. 9 to 25. Visitors can explore makeup, skincare and fragrance lines, receive touch-up services, and participate in membership benefits and

August 12, 2024

Spike in violence in Korea reflects growing political polarization and social divisions

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - Random attacks and other extreme forms of protest against political figures and opposing groups are on the rise and becoming increasingly violent in recent years. These incidents often stem from individuals who resort to violence to express their discontent or opposition, often targeting those they perceive as enemies. The rise in such incidents is a disturbing trend, reflecting heightened political polarization, factionalism and broader social divisio

August 12, 2024

PHOTOS: Asian athletes' memorable moments from Paris Olympics

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - This year's Summer Olympics in Paris, France wrapped up two and a half weeks of competitions with a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday. The quadrennial sporting event, the first in a century in the French capital, presented many impressive moments with various iconic buildings and monuments serving as backdrops and venues for medal-winning feats. In particular, Asia's sporting stars and athletes stole the show with their extraordinary feats. AJU P

August 12, 2024

Korea offers financial support for foreign-founded startups

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - The Ministry of SMEs and Startups is seeking applications for a program to support foreign-founded startups in the country. Applications will be accepted Aug. 12-Sept. 6 and eligible startups include those in planning or early stages. Selected companies can receive up to 60 million won ($43,956) to support business model innovation and product development, the ministry said. The Global Startup Center will manage the process. GSC serves as a compreh

August 12, 2024

PHOTOS: Tradition meets innovation at Hanbok Expo in DDP

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - The Hanbok Market, Korea's premier trade show for hanbok—traditional Korean dress—takes place at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul from Friday to Monday. This event features 112 companies showcasing both traditional and modernized hanbok. It offers hanbok exhibitions and sales and traditional lifestyle experiences. Highlights include displays of award-winning designs from the 2024 Hanbok Design Project Contest and a fashion show illustrat

August 12, 2024

Opinion: Have Paris Olympics cracked code of circular economy?

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - As the planet faces ever more pressing environmental challenges including fast dwindling natural resources, the idea of a circular economy is often put forward as a promising alternative. Sport organizations are no strangers to this trend. In France, a number of them are working hard to slash their events' carbon footprints. Ecotrail, for example, which organizes annual running contests in the suburbs of Paris, gifts public transport tickets to the

August 12, 2024

PHOTOS: Korean athletes give their all on final days of Paris Olympics

SEOUL, August 11 (AJU PRESS) - Table tennis trio Jeon Ji-hee, Lee Eun-hye and Shin Yu-bin won bronze in the women's team event at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France on Saturday, after defeating their German opponents. Saturday's victory ended the Korea's 16-year drought in the event since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was also the country's first Olympic medal in both the women's singles and team events. Shin, who won bronze medal in the mixed doubles with Lim Jong-h

August 11, 2024

Korea finishes Paris Olympics with 32 medals, one shy of record

SEOUL, August 11 (AJU PRESS) - Park Hye-jeong won the silver medal in the women’s +81-kilogram weightlifting competition Sunday, securing South Korea’s final medal of the Paris Olympics. The 21-year-old lifted a combined 299 kilograms — 131 kilograms in the snatch and 168 in the clean and jerk — to finish second behind China’s Li Wenwen, who successfully defended her Olympic title. Both the snatch and total weight were new South Korean national

August 11, 2024