Former PM expresses support for PPP candidate in last-minute move ahead of presidential election

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - With less than a week left until next month's presidential election, former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon on Tuesday expressed his support for Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). At a press conference in Seoul, Lee said he decided to join hands with Kim to prevent Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), from being elected, describing it as a "monster dictatorship.

May 27, 2025

Leferi's K-beauty pop-up blends influencer power with retail strategy

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - As beauty creator LeoJ looked out over the sleek new pop-up store in Seoul’s fashionable Seongsu neighborhood, he explained his approach to choosing products that balance accessibility with impact. “I tend to choose popular picks that are easy for beginners to use but show dramatic and immediate effects,” said LeoJ, who has 1.41 million subscribers on YouTube and served as one of the co-curators for the store. “We’re targeting pe

May 27, 2025

South Korea probes Chinese solar inverters amid security concerns

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The South Korean government has launched a review of the nation’s solar inverter market as concerns mount globally over the security risks posed by Chinese-made energy equipment. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday that it convened a meeting last week with major domestic solar companies — including Hanwha Q Cells, Hyundai Energy Solutions, and Hyosung Heavy Industries — to assess the state of the country’s solar inv

May 27, 2025

Mt. Kumgang poised for UNESCO World Heritage listing

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Mt. Kumgang in North Korea is set to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, have jointly recommended the North's scenic mountain for inclusion on the list, according to UNESCO's tentative lists released on Tuesday. The recommendation comes after North Korea'

May 27, 2025

Bill proposed to curb foreign real estate purchases amid surge in Chinese investment

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A South Korean lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at curbing foreign real estate acquisitions in the greater Seoul area, citing a sharp rise in Chinese purchases that he says are fueling speculation and distorting the housing market. Representative Koh Dong-jin of the ruling People Power Party submitted the bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday, proposing mandatory reciprocity measures and new permit requirements for non-citizens seeking to buy land i

May 27, 2025

LG unveils eco-friendly 'Marine Glass' to restore ocean ecosystems

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - LG Electronics announced Tuesday that it has developed a new functional glass material, dubbed “Marine Glass,” intended to foster the growth of marine organisms and aid in the restoration of ocean ecosystems. The firm has signed a partnership with the Blue Carbon Business Group at Seoul National University to launch pilot projects employing the innovative, water-soluble glass powder. According to LG, Marine Glass dissolves in seawater, gradually

May 27, 2025

PHOTOS: New Zealand's 'Kapa Haka' brings vibrant tradition to Korea

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The plaza of the National Museum of Korea buzzed with energy on May 26 as the museum, in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul, presented a vibrant "Maori Kapa Haka" performance. The event, held at 3 p.m., offered a dynamic glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people. Kapa Haka, a comprehensive performing art form that intertwines song, instrumental music and dance, serves as a powerful expre

May 27, 2025

Korean War veteran and former congressman Charles Rangel dies on Memorial Day

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Charles Rangel, a Korean War veteran and former U.S. congressman, died at a hospital in New York on Monday, as the country observed Memorial Day. He was 94. Born in Harlem, Manhattan in 1930, Rangel was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1971. The 23-term lawmaker went on to serve in Congress for 46 years until his retirement in January 2017. During his time in Congress, the late Democrat, who consistently worked to support Washington's key

May 27, 2025

India urges stronger global cooperation on terrorism during Seoul visit

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A group of Indian lawmakers and former diplomats held a press conference in Seoul on Monday to deliver a clear message -- terrorism, especially cross-border attacks, must not be tolerated. Speaking to Korean officials, researchers, and journalists, the delegation emphasized that India’s approach is now defined by what they called a policy of “zero tolerance.” The delegation’s visit comes in the wake of the Apr. 22 terrorist attack in P

May 27, 2025

Google's new smart glasses boast extensive AI capabilities

SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Google has re-entered the smart glasses market with a new prototype of XR-enabled smart glasses, unveiled at the Google I/O 2025 conference on May 20. The device aims to blend cutting-edge artificial intelligence with mainstream wearability and a fashion-forward design, showcasing a significant leap in functionality compared to previous attempts. The prototype features an embedded transparent display on the right lens, integrated with a camera, microphone,

May 27, 2025