French singer-songwriters to connect with K-pop at weeklong event in Seoul

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - A weeklong event blending French music with K-pop kicked off at the French Embassy in Seoul on Monday. Under the theme of "Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures," the event called "Atelier K-Pop" brought together music experts from France to explore ways to collaborate with K-pop industry professionals and singer-songwriters from both countries. Jointly organized by the Cultural Department of the French Embassy in South Korea and the Fre

March 24, 2025

Reinstated PM vows to devote himself to state affairs

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Prime Minister Han Duck-soo returned to his post as acting president on Monday, about three months after being suspended. His return came after the Constitutional Court dismissed his impeachment earlier in the day over several accusations related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. In a televised address from the government complex in Seoul, Han expressed his gratitude for the court's ruling and said he would &q

March 24, 2025

Chinese e-commerce firms eye S. Korea amid US tariff uncertainty

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Growing uncertainty over potential changes to U.S. trade policy is fueling concern in South Korea that Chinese e-commerce giants may deepen their foothold in the Korean market, potentially triggering wider economic repercussions. Last month, the Trump administration announced plans to scrap the long-standing “de minimis” exemption for imports from China, Canada and Mexico — a duty-free threshold that currently allows goods valued under $80

March 24, 2025

PHOTOS: KBO season opens with sellout crowds at all parks

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The Korean Baseball Organization began season on March 22, with sellout crowds at all five stadiums hosting the initial two-game series. The league, which topped 10 million attendees last year, anticipates another robust season.

March 24, 2025

NewJeans members announce hiatus after court ruling

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - K-pop girl group NewJeans, now renamed as NJZ, will halt their activities following last Friday's court ruling, which banned them from engaging in independent activities amid a legal dispute with their agency. "We won't be able to perform for a while, as we have been suspended from our own activities," the quintet said during their concert in Hong Kong last Sunday where they revealed their new song "Pit Stop." Despite the court&

March 24, 2025

Chinese premium EV maker Zeekr enters Korean market

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Zeekr, a premium electric vehicle brand under China’s Geely Automotive Group, has formally entered the South Korean market, signaling a deeper push into the global EV industry and following in the footsteps of budget rival BYD. According to corporate registration filings with South Korea’s Supreme Court, Zeekr has established a local subsidiary, Zeekr Intelligent Technology Korea. The company's stated objectives include the import, distri

March 24, 2025

LG OLED TVs sweep Consumer Reports rankings

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - LG Electronics has swept the latest television rankings from Consumer Reports, securing all ten of the top spots with its OLED Evo models — a remarkable feat that underscores the company's growing dominance in the premium TV segment in the United States. According to the firm on Monday, all ten top-rated televisions in the influential consumer guide earned scores of 88 points or higher, with LG’s 55-, 65-, and 77-inch OLED Evo G4 models each

March 24, 2025

Reality show featuring kids faces uncertainty over airing amid growing controversy

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - Cable channel MBN's upcoming reality show featuring young K-pop wannabes encountered an unexpected stumbling block over its airing, shortly after its racy teaser was revealed earlier this month. "Under Fifteen," which is supposed to air on March 31, now faces uncertainty about whether it will be postponed or canceled altogether as MBN gave in to mounting controversy over whether it is appropriate for young kids to appear on the show. "We

March 24, 2025

Constitutional Court rejects impeachment of Prime Minister Han

SEOUL, March 24 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court on Monday rejected the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, ruling that although the motion was procedurally valid, the alleged violations did not justify his removal from office. In its ruling, the court stated that Han's actions could not be considered a grave breach of the law serious enough to deprive him of public trust. With the decision, Han returns to office 87 days after the National Assembly passed t

March 24, 2025

4 dead, thousands evacuated as wildfires ravage southeastern S. Korea

SEOUL, March 23 (AJP) - At least four people were killed and six others injured as wildfires, driven by strong winds and dry conditions, swept through the nation’s southeastern region. The fires also forced the evacuation of approximately 1,500 residents. The blaze began on Friday in Sancheong-gun before spreading to other areas. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, all four victims were discovered in Sancheong. Of the six people inju

March 23, 2025