Fuel prices near 1,900 won in Seoul as price cap raised SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - Fuel prices at gas stations across South Korea continued to rise for a second consecutive day after the government raised oil price caps. According to Opinet, the state-run fuel price information system, the nationwide average price of gasoline stood at 1,849.7 won ($1.23) per liter as of 9 a.m. on Saturday, up 10.9 won from the previous day. Diesel prices also climbed 9.6 won to 1,844.1 won per liter, extending the upward trend in fuel costs. The increase March 28, 2026

S. Korea considering participation after France invites Lee to June G7 summit SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - South Korea is considering whether President Lee Jae Myung will attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June hosted by France, the presidential office said Friday. A presidential official said Seoul is “considering participation while taking into account diplomatic schedules and domestic and international circumstances.” “France conveyed its intention to invite South Korea to this year’s G7 summit during close consultations between March 28, 2026

Trump hints at NATO split over Hormuz deployment, says 'Cuba could be next' SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested the possibility of withdrawing from NATO after criticizing member states for failing to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, warning that future military action could target Cuba. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute hosted by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund in Miami, Florida, Trump expressed frustration with NATO allies’ reluctance to respond to Washington’ March 28, 2026

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan cement alliance during presidential summit SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, hosted President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan for a landmark state visit on March 26 and 27, 2026, marking a significant transition in regional diplomacy, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul said Friday. The visit featured the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, a new high-level body designed to move the relationship beyond occasional cooperation and into a permanent, systemic alliance. During the March 27, 2026

Lee's approval rating slightly dips to 65% but still remains high SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating fell slightly after reaching its highest level for three consecutive weeks, a poll showed on Friday. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide earlier this week and found that about 65 percent of respondents said Lee was doing well in his job, down 2 percentage points from the previous week. About 24 percent disapproved of his performance, while 10 percent remained undecided. The ruling Democrat March 27, 2026

Asian stocks drift lower as Iran conflict drags on, AI memory jitters weigh SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - Asian equities ended the week on a subdued note as the Iran conflict stretched into a month-long standoff, while fresh concerns over AI-driven memory demand added another layer of uncertainty for investors. Brent crude rose 1.5 percent to $109.5 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate gained 0.9 percent to $95.3, keeping pressure on energy-importing economies already strained by prolonged geopolitical risks. Regional markets moved in mixed directions. Jap March 27, 2026

South Korean businesses in race to expand presence in Viet Nam SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - With Viet Nam further solidifying its status as a strategic hub in Asia, major South Korean conglomerates are accelerating their push to make deeper inroads into the Southeast Asian country through investment and partnerships. These efforts are being led by companies likes SK Group, HD Hyundai, and GS Energy. In response, Viet Nam is also wooing foreign investors, pledging support to attract more investment from global firms. The country's General Secr March 27, 2026

Gulf Crisis, One Month On: Asia learns to wean itself off US Editor's Note: One month into the Iran war, a conflict that began in the Middle East is rapidly evolving into a broader economic and strategic shock for Asia, and in this special series, AJP examines those spillovers in full — from a comprehensive overview of Asia-wide shocks to industrial realignments, the mounting risk of a third oil shock, and rising security tensions — as the central question shifts from how the war unfolds in the Middle East to how deeply its conse March 27, 2026

Gulf Crisis, One Month On: Seoul fending off stagnationary pressure with few options Editor's Note: One month into the Iran war, a conflict that began in the Middle East is rapidly evolving into a broader economic and strategic shock for Asia, and in this special series, AJP examines those spillovers in full — from a comprehensive overview of Asia-wide shocks to industrial realignments, the mounting risk of a third oil shock, and rising security tensions — as the central question shifts from how the war unfolds in the Middle East to how deeply its c March 27, 2026

Fine dust advisory issued as smog blankets Seoul SEOUL, March 27 (AJP) - An ultrafine dust advisory was issued for Seoul and surrounding areas on Friday, as heavy smog carried by northwesterly winds blanketed the capital, with fine dust levels exceeding 81 ㎍/㎥, according to the Korea Environment Corporation. Such an advisory is issued when PM2.5 concentrations exceed 75 ㎍/㎥ for more than two consecutive hours. The elderly, children, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases are advised to refrain from outdoor March 27, 2026