Samsung's tri-fold Galaxy G Fold will hit market this year

SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics is gearing up to introduce its latest innovation in the foldable smartphone market: the "Galaxy G Fold," a tri-fold device that could compete with Huawei's Mate XT. The Galaxy G Fold will feature a 9.96-inch display when fully unfolded, significantly larger than the 7.6-inch screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. When folded, the device will compact to a more pocket-friendly 6.54 inches, offering users a blend of portability and

February 6, 2025

Korean battery makers struggle amid EV market slowdown

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - South Korean battery manufacturers are facing mounting challenges as the electric vehicle (EV) market experiences a temporary slowdown. The downturn marks a stark contrast to the industry’s boom just two years ago, when major player LG Energy Solution awarded performance bonuses of up to 900 percent of base salaries. Now, those bonuses have dwindled to a mere 50 percent. Samsung SDI’s battery division recorded no excess profit-sharing last ye

February 6, 2025

South Korea restricts state bodies from using AI chatbots

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) -- South Korea's intelligence and security agencies have ordered government departments and state-owned companies to refrain from using artificial intelligence chatbots, citing national security concerns over potential data leaks, officials said Wednesday. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued security guidelines to all government ministries on Feb. 4, specifically warning against inputting confidential

February 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Winter's special gift – Snow flower hike

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - A special gift of winter – a snow flower hike A snow flower hike is a special experience you can only enjoy in winter. Snow flowers, also known as "sanggodae," occur when moisture in the air freezes on tree branches, blooming like flowers. Since sanggodae melts when temperatures rise above freezing, it can usually be seen in high-altitude areas over 1,000 meters above sea level. Fortunately, Korea has several mountains that meet this req

February 5, 2025

Member of '90s Mexican alternative rock band joins HYBE's new Latin American label

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - Emmanuel del Real, a Mexican singer and guitarist known as "Meme," has joined a new label under HYBE, the agency behind BTS, targeting Latin American fans. The agency said Wednesday that it has established its Mexico-based label called Docemil Music and signed Meme as its first artist. Meme is a member of Mexico's leading alternative rock band Café Tacvba, which gained fame with live concerts at garages and pubs, enjoying their heyda

February 5, 2025

Ex-president's daughter indicted for DUI, alleged illegal Airbnb rentals

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - Former President Moon Jae-in's daughter Da-hye was indicted on charges of drunk driving and illegally running a lodging business, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office said on Wednesday. The indictment came about several months after she was caught driving under the influence after hitting a taxi while attempting to change lanes in Itaewon, Seoul in October last year. The taxi driver sustained minor injuries from the accident, but the DU

February 5, 2025

Korea to launch $23.4 billion fund to support battery, bio sectors

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - South Korea plans to establish a 34 trillion won ($23.4 billion) fund aimed at bolstering its high-tech industries, with a focus on batteries and biotechnology, as the country prepares for potential economic headwinds from U.S. protectionist policies. The fund, tentatively named the "Strategic Advanced Industry Fund," will be managed by the state-run Korea Development Bank (KDB) and will be double the size of the country’s existing semicondu

February 5, 2025

PHOTOS: Cold wave hits Korea as temperatures plunge

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - A harsh cold wave has swept across South Korea, with morning temperatures in Seoul dropping to minus 12 degrees Celsius and wind chills plunging to minus 18 degrees. Despite the freezing conditions, Koreans are continuing with their daily routines.

February 5, 2025

TGI Fridays to exit South Korean market after 33 years

SEOUL, February 05 (AJP) - TGI Fridays will close all its restaurants in South Korea, ending a 33-year presence in the country, according to MFG Korea, the restaurant chain's local operator, Wednesday. MFG Korea will gradually shut down its remaining 14 locations, with 10 outlets closing this month and the final four next month. The company plans to focus on its Mad for Garlic brand operations. The American casual dining chain entered the South Korean market in 1992 with it

February 5, 2025

Chinese e-commerce giants bet big on South Korea amid US restrictions

SEOUL, February 5 (AJP) - Facing mounting trade restrictions in the United States, Chinese e-commerce platforms AliExpress, Temu, and Shein are aggressively expanding their foothold in South Korea, one of Asia’s fastest-growing online shopping markets. The platforms' push comes amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, with the second Trump administration imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports, including those from cross-border e-commerce companies. As a result, Chinese

February 5, 2025