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  Seoul trade chief picks up baton in stalled trade talks with US SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) -South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has left for Washington in hopes of finalizing a trade deal with the United States that has been stalled since a framework was agreed in late July, in return for a reprieve on the U.S. tariff rate for Korean imports from the initial 25 percent to 15 percent. Yeo ascends to the mound on behalf of Seoul after Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan returned to Seoul Sunday without settling talks with his U.S. cou September 15, 2025
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  Dollar's dominance amplifies US financial shocks in South Korea: BOK The Bank of Korea has warned that South Korea’s economy remains acutely vulnerable to financial turbulence in the United States, a consequence of the dollar’s unrivaled role in global finance and trade. In a report released on Monday, the central bank argued that the international status of the dollar magnifies the effect of American financial shocks, rippling through South Korea’s markets, exports and investment. The analysis also urged policymakers to pr September 15, 2025
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  [K-Pop] Soundtrack from Netflix' K-pop anime tops Billboard 200 albums chart SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" topped the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart this week. According to the American music chart on Sunday, the soundtrack claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, overtaking American singer Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend." After debuting at No. 8 on June 20, the album remained at No. 2 for seven nonconsecutive weeks before reaching the top. September 15, 2025
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  Homeplus, other retail chains struggle to attract buyers amid restructuring SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korea’s retail industry is in crisis, with once-prominent chains flooding the market in search of new owners. Yet despite months of outreach, potential buyers are steering clear, leaving companies from hypermarkets to e-commerce platforms stuck in limbo. Homeplus, one of the country’s largest hypermarket chains, has been searching for investors since March, when it entered restructuring to protect jobs and stabilize operations. Desp September 15, 2025
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  South Korea, China to hold foreign ministers' meeting in Beijing SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will visit Beijing this week, making his first trip to China since assuming his post. According to the Foreign Ministry, Cho is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday during his two-day visit. The meeting's agenda is expected to include North Korea-related issues and raise concerns over large steel structures recently installed by Chinese authorities in waters near the West Sea. September 15, 2025
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  South Korea's trade chief heads to US for tariff talks South Korea's Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo is traveling to Washington, D.C., on Monday to advance stalled tariff negotiations with the United States. This visit follows Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan's recent meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Yeo plans to meet with U.S. trade officials, including Jamieson Greer from the U.S. Trade Representative's office, to discuss follow-up agreements. In July, both nations agreed to reduce mutual tariffs from September 15, 2025
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  South Korea seeks unlimited currency swap with US South Korea has asked the United States for an unlimited currency swap arrangement to cushion potential shocks in the foreign exchange market as the two countries continue trade talks, the government said Monday. The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed that discussions are underway on a range of measures to stabilize markets but declined to disclose details. A currency swap allows two central banks to exchange currencies at a fixed rate and later reverse the trans September 15, 2025
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  Kim Se-young racks up third consecutive top-10 finish at LPGA event in Ohio SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Golfer Kim Sei-young has secured three consecutive top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour. In the fourth and final round of the Kroger Queen City Championship at TPC River's Bend in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday, Kim shot a 3-under 69 to finish at 15-under 273, tying for fifth with Nelly Korda of the U.S. and Nasa Hataoka of Japan. Charlie Hull of England won the tournament with a 20-under 268, five strokes ahead of Kim. Hull narrowly defeated world No. 1 September 15, 2025
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  Mexico and South Korea highlight future cooperation at Independence Day celebration SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - SEOUL, Sept. 12 — Mexico and South Korea looked toward deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchange at a reception marking the 215th anniversary of Mexico's independence, held Friday at the Four Seasons Hotel in central Seoul. Around 300 diplomats, scholars, business figures, and special guests attended the celebration. Mexican Ambassador Carlos Peñafiel Soto and South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo both stressed th September 14, 2025
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  [K-Pop] BTS Suga's 'Haegeum' music video surpasses 100 million views on YouTube SEOUL, September 14 (AJP) - The music video for "Haegeum," released under BTS member Suga's solo alias Agust D, has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, his agency BigHit Music said on September 14. The video hit the milestone at around 5:07 a.m. Sunday. It is the third Agust D music video to top 100 million views, following "Agust D" and "Daechwita." "Haegeum" was unveiled in April 2023 as the title track of Suga's solo September 14, 2025