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  South Korea to decide on Google's high-precision map export request next month SEOUL, August 1 (AJP) - South Korea will decide next month whether to approve Google's request to export high-precision maps overseas, with security concerns likely to weigh heavily on the government's final decision. Because South Korea remains technically in a state of ceasefire with North Korea, the country imposes strict regulations on domestic map service providers to conceal the exact locations of military bases and facilities. Many of these sites are either blurred, August 1, 2025
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  Seoul sees record number of sleepless nights in July SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - With unbearable, scorching heat showing no sign of abating, Seoul saw a record number of tropical nights this summer, when the mercury refuses to fall below 25 degrees Celsius after dark. Tropical nights in Seoul have persisted for 22 days this month, the longest stretch of sleepless nights for July since weather observations began in 1908, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said Thursday. The previous record was 21 days set in July 1994. Seoul i July 31, 2025
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  Reliance Industries bets big on deep-tech, reshapes India's digital future Editor's Note: This article is the 29th installment in our series on Asia's top 100 companies, exploring the strategies, challenges, and innovations driving the region's most influential corporations. SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - Reliance Industries, India's largest private-sector company, is navigating a complex energy and geopolitical landscape while accelerating its transformation into a deep-tech and advanced manufacturing leader. Once known primarily for its dominance July 31, 2025
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  Musinsa partners with government agency to boost K-fashion exports SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - Korean fashion platform Musinsa signed a memorandum of understanding with the Seoul Regional Small and Medium Business Administration on Wednesday to support Seoul-based fashion brands' overseas expansion. The partnership aims to enhance export activities and provide practical support for small and medium-sized fashion companies seeking global market entry. Under the agreement, Musinsa will leverage its platform operations experience and global network t July 31, 2025
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  [K-Tech] LG AI model EXAONE 4.0 ranks 11th globally in intelligence index SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - LG AI Research's artificial intelligence model EXAONE 4.0 secured 11th place globally in the Intelligence Index evaluation by AI performance analysis firm Artificial Analysis, according to results announced Wednesday. The model ranked first among Korean AI models and fourth among publicly available open-weight models. The ranking was based on seven high-difficulty performance metrics including reasoning and knowledge capabilities, expert-level scientific July 31, 2025
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  Prosecutors set to force Yoon to appear for questioning as court issues arrest warrant SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors are set to forcibly bring in disgraced former President Yoon Seuk-youl for questioning, as he continues to stall and refuse to cooperate with investigations. His impending arrest comes after the Seoul Central District Court on Thursday issued a warrant for Yoon, who has been detained at a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province since early this month on charges related to his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. Prosecutors led by M July 31, 2025
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  Lee to head to Washington for talks with Trump 'within next two weeks' SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung will visit Washington as early as next month for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, as a tariff-related deal was finalized on Wednesday. The upcoming summit, expected to be held in about two weeks, comes after South Korea agreed with the U.S. to lower reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, in return for massive investment and wider market opening. After intensive monthlong negotiations that went down to the wire befor July 31, 2025
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  S.Korean agro-livestock industry takes breather as nation strikes trade deal with U.S. SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - South Koreas agricultural and livestock sectors expressed relief on Thursday after the government said it had successfully defended the country's beef and rice markets during trade negotiations with the United States, despite facing intense pressure to open these sectors further. Kim Yong-beom, policy chief of the presidential office, told reporters that South Korea had faced "strong opening demands" from the U.S. regarding agricultural products July 31, 2025
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  Samsung Electronics posts 4.7 trillion won operating profit in second quarter SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics reported final second-quarter operating profit of 4.7 trillion won on Thursday, slightly above preliminary guidance as the world's largest memory chipmaker navigated persistent industry challenges and China sanctions. Revenue reached 74.6 trillion won, up marginally from the 74 trillion won preliminary estimate released earlier this month. The final results confirmed a 55.2 percent decline in operating profit from the same period last July 31, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Test-drive of amphibious bus in Busan SEOUL, July 31 (AJP) - An amphibious bus capable of running across Busan's Suyeong River and the Gwangan Bridge underwent a trial run on July 30 near the Suyeong Bay Yacht Center in Haeundae District, Busan, as part of final preparations before its official launch. Powered by diesel, the amphibious vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) on land and around 10 knots (approximately 18.5 kilometers or 11.5 miles per hour) on water. It can car July 31, 2025