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  Impeached ex-president makes first public appearance after refusing dozen previous hearings SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - Disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday attended a hearing for his trial over last year's botched martial law debacle. After skipping about a dozen hearings citing poor health, he made his first public appearance in nearly three months. The trial at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul began at 10:15 a.m., with charges including abuse of power and obstruction of official duties related to the Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. September 26, 2025
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  Strong U.S. Data and Trump Remarks push the KRW-USD Above 1,410 SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - The U.S. dollar shot up above 1,410 won in early Seoul trading Friday for the first time in four months on stronger-than-expected U.S. growth data and renewed jitters over trade prospects after U.S. President Donald Trump stressed that South Korea's $350 billion investment commitment in the U.S. should be made "up front". Fears about the hefty greenback price tag Korea may be forced to bear unsettled the markets. The KOSPI lost 2.1 perce September 26, 2025
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  North Korea sends high-ranking delegation to UN for first time in seven years SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - North Korea's high-ranking official has left Pyongyang to attend the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday. Along with his entourage, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong arrived in Beijing on an Air Koryo flight the previous day, en route to New York, becoming North Korea’s first high-level official to attend the annual UN gathering in sev September 26, 2025
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  Korea's BSI eases, but outlook uneasiness persists due to U.S. uncertainty SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - South Korean business sentiment eased for the second consecutive month thanks to robust chip exports and consumer spending spurred by government relief program, but uneasiness persisted due to trade uncertainties related to the United States. The Composite Business Survey Index (CBSI) rose 0.6 points to 91.6 from the previous month, sustaining upward movement for the second straight month, according to the Bank of Korea data released Tuesday. In t September 26, 2025
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  Trump presses for 'upfront' investment pledges from South Korea amid stalled tariff talks SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday ramped up his demand that South Korea fulfill its $350 billion investment pledge to Washington in full and upfront. After signing an executive order related to TikTok at the White House, Trump mentioned that the U.S. would receive $550 billion from Japan and $350 billion from South Korea, adding that the payments should be made "upfront." He then went on to boast that his sweeping tariff policy is bri September 26, 2025
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  South Korea Bets $100 Billion on AI: A Risky Gamble? SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) - South Korea's $100 Billion AI Bet: A Risky Gamble? The New York Times recently likened data centers to thermometers of the tech industry's health and symbols of the AI bubble. This duality highlights the contradictions of the AI era. Building a data center costs billions, requiring GPUs, cooling technology, power grids, and stable sites. Despite this, companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are increasing investments. Countries like Jap September 26, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Highland harvest in full swing SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The hills of Daegwallyeong, South Korea's largest production base for prized highland vegetables, are typically a scene of bustling harvest activity as the nation prepares for the major fall holiday, Chuseok. The annual harvest of goraengji baechu (highland cabbage) and goraengji mu (highland radish) is in full swing. These vegetables are distinct because they are exclusively grown in regions situated 1,000 meters or more above sea level, giving the September 25, 2025
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  North Korea now 'has 2,000 kg of highly enriched uranium' SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - North Korea is believed to possess up to 2,000 kg of highly enriched uranium (HEU), which could be used to produce nuclear weapons, Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young said on Thursday. "Estimates suggest that North Korea's HEU stockpiles are around 2,000 kg," he said during a press conference in Seoul, citing assessments from experts. If accurate, this would be enough for roughly 100 nuclear weapons, as 20 to 25 kg of uranium is suf September 25, 2025
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  K-beauty popularity props up Busan's tourism and retail market BUSAN, September 25 (AJP) - South Korea’s southern port city of Busan is riding a surge of foreign arrivals as more visitors venture beyond the capital region — and beauty chain Olive Young is reaping the rewards. According to Busan metropolitan authorities, foreign tourist arrivals reached 2.03 million through July, up 23 percent from a year earlier. The influx has delivered a welcome boost to the local retail market. International purchases at Busan Olive Young outlets September 25, 2025
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  Korea's birth growth streak hits 13 mos, gains skewed to capital and better-off SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Korea's birth tally has grown for 13 consecutive months, offering a rare silver lining in the country's demographic crisis as more young people show willingness to marry and have children. But experts warn the rebound is heavily concentrated in Seoul and the capital region — and largely confined to better-off couples. According to Statistics Korea, 21,803 babies were born in July, up 1,223 or 5.9 percent from a year earlier and the larges September 25, 2025