OPINION: Iran's strikes on Israel are latest sign that conflict in Middle East is spiraling, presenting rising global security threats

SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - Iran fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, amplifying tensions in the Middle East that are increasingly marked by "escalation after escalation," as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres put it. Iran's attacks – which Israel largely deterred with its Iron Dome missile defense system, along with help from nearby U.S. naval destroyers – followed Israel's killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the longti

October 2, 2024

AI robot Hyodol selected for state elderly care project

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Hyodol, a Korean robot maker, said Monday that its artificial intelligence-powered companion robot has been selected for a government pilot program providing long-term care benefits for the elderly. The initiative, carried out by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service, aims to support daily living and physical activities for home-based long-term care recipients. Beneficiaries can purchase or rent devices within an ann

September 30, 2024

SME body promotes Korean food, beauty products at US event

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - The Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) has promoted Korean food and beauty products at a major Korean cultural event in the United States. The LA Korean Festival, with around 400,000 annual attendees, is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the western U.S. It features traditional cuisine, beauty products, and K-pop entertainment. This year, the festival took place at the Seoul International Park in Los Angeles over four days, starting on Thursday.

September 30, 2024

Diet sensation Queen Wasabi named face of health supplement company Foodology

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Korean rapper Queen Wasabi, who gained attention for her recent drastic weight loss, has become the brand ambassador for local health supplement company Foodology. Queen Wasabi, whose real name is Kim So-hee, lost 16 kilograms over 2 1/2 months before performing at the Waterbomb music festival in early July. The rapper, who debuted in 2019, is known for her unique style and confident performances. Her weight loss regimen included diet, exercise and con

September 30, 2024

War Memorial of Korea chief reflects on sacrifice of war veterans in celebration of Armed Forces Day

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - "We will never forget war heroes who gave their lives during the Korean War about seven decades ago," the War Memorial of Korea's chief stressed in his exclusive interview with AJP last month. "We will ensure their dedication and sacrifices remain honored and remembered throughout history, preserving the legacy of the fallen to inspire future generations with the values of peace and freedom as well as the importance of national defense,

September 30, 2024

Event on Nami Island promotes UAE's vibrant heritage and culture

Performers showcase the UAE's traditional dance Al-Ayyala at an event on Nami Island, Gangwon Province on Sept. 27, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - A special event featuring several performances and exhibitions to promote the UAE's heritage and culture took place over the weekend on Nami Island, a tiny island near Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. In cooperation with the UAE Embassy in Korea, the three-day event, hosted by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, an educ

September 30, 2024

PHOTOS: Exhibition marks 20th anniversary of popular anime series 'Naruto'

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - "Naruto the Gallery," a special exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the popular anime series, opened Friday in Seoul. The gallery features seven themed spaces showcasing the ninja world of "Naruto" through artworks, storyboards and character designs. Visitors can explore key moments from the series, from the protagonists' childhood in Konoha Village to the Fourth Great Ninja War. This Seoul exhibition, running until Dec. 30, ma

September 30, 2024

Samsung's AI-powered mobile devices surpass 20 million units in Korea

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics said Monday the number of its mobile devices with artificial intelligence features in South Korea have exceeded 20 million units. The company launched Galaxy AI with the Galaxy S24 smartphone series in January, followed by the Galaxy Z Flip6, and the Galaxy Z Fold6 in July. Samsung has also extended AI capabilities to previous models, including the S23 and S22 series, Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Z Flip4, Z Fold4, and select Galaxy Tab model

September 30, 2024

Telegram pledges stern action against illegal content

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Messaging app service Telegram has promised to take stern action against illegal content on its platform, South Korea's Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) said Monday. The telecom regulator and Telegram held their first face-to-face talks on Friday following a massive deepfake porn scandal involving Telegram in August. KCSC Chairman Ryu Hee-lim said Telegram has committed to a zero-tolerance approach to crimes and agreed to cooperate

September 30, 2024

Qoo10 CEO questioned in e-commerce fraud probe

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) -- The prosecution investigating a payment delay scandal involving e-commerce platforms Tmon and WeMakePrice on Monday questioned the chief executive officer of their Singapore-based parent company, Qoo10 Group. The two Korean firms have been embroiled in a financial crisis since July, unable to settle payments with merchants on their platforms. Qoo10 CEO Koo Young-bae is suspected of diverting funds from the companies to assist with corporate acquisitio

September 30, 2024