PHOTOS: Haebangchon, a trendy multicultural hub in Seoul

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Haebangchon, a hilly neighborhood in Seoul's Yongsan district, is a trendy multicultural hub, attracting both domestic and international visitors. The area's name means "Liberation Village." During the Japanese occupation from 1910-45, it served as a Shinto shrine and military shooting range. After Korea's liberation on Aug. 15, 1945, Haebangchon initially housed North Korean refugees, returnees and those displaced by the war. Its proximi

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: World Franchise Expo kicks off at COEX

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - The 74th World Franchise Expo is underway at COEX in Seoul from Thursday to Saturday. The event showcases over 180 domestic companies, offering aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals a chance to explore key start-up trends. Attendees can attend seminars led by experienced entrepreneurs and engage in one-on-one consultations with industry experts.

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: Global Baby Fair showcases latest childcare trends in Seoul

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - The 2024 Global Baby Fair, an exhibition focused on products and services for infants and young children, opened Thursday at COEX in Seoul. The four-day event, running through Sunday, showcases popular brands related to pregnancy, childbirth, childcare products and early childhood education. Visitors can also explore various events and programs designed for both youngsters and parents. The fair aims to provide attendees with the latest information and trend

August 9, 2024

PHOTOS: 'Parasite' film location embroiled in redevelopment dispute

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Ahyeon 1-dong in Mapo-gu, Seoul, served as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning film "Parasite" (2019). The district preserves glimpses of old Seoul while grappling with substandard living conditions. Characterized by extremely steep slopes, many dwellings lack adequate sunlight due to the cramped spaces between buildings. In 2022, the area was designated for secondary public redevelopment. However, two years

August 9, 2024

Opinion: Cancellation of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shows is the latest incident in long history of concert terrorism

SEOUL, August 9 (AJU PRESS) - Taylor Swift's Eras' Tour concerts in Vienna, scheduled for August 8–10, have been cancelled due to a foiled terrorist plot. The events were expected to draw around 65,000 attendees each night. Two suspects have been arrested. The main suspect is a 19-year-old Austrian citizen who is believed to have pledged allegiance to Islamic State last month. Authorities found chemical substances in his possession and noted that he had been radicalize

August 9, 2024

Kim Yu-jin wins gold in taekwondo, 13th for South Korea in Paris

SEOUL, August 09 (AJU PRESS) - Kim Yu-jin of South Korea captured the gold medal in the women’s -57-kilogram taekwondo competition at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. The unseeded Kim defeated four of the top five ranked fighters in the weight class to claim the title. Facing world No. 2 Nahid Kiani of Iran in the final, Kim dominated the match, winning a decisive 2-0 decision. The South Korean’s speed, precision, and tactical acumen proved too much for the Iranian cha

August 9, 2024

Golfer Park In-bee falls short in bid for IOC role

SEOUL, August 8 (AJU PRESS) - Golfer Park In-bee failed to secure a seat on the International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission. According to voting results announced by the IOC on Thursday, Park's name was not among the four newly elected members who will serve for eight years on the 23-member commission. A total of 29 candidates including Park campaigned for the role with the top four being selected in a vote by some 10,000 athletes competing at the Summer Olympics

August 8, 2024

Brutal murder ignites debate on bladed weapon regulations in Korea

SEOUL, August 7 (AJU PRESS) - On the night of July 30, a man wielding a katana, a traditional Japanese sword, attacked a 43-year-old father of two who was returning home from a smoke break at a Seoul apartment complex. The victim, suffering from severe gashes, fled in terror as the assailant pursued him for over 30 meters. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before reaching medical care. This grisly incident, the third murder case involving a katana since 2021, has ignited a he

August 8, 2024

Electrical issues caused over 50 percent of underground parking fires, report reveals

SEOUL, August 8 (AJU PRESS) - More than half of car fires in underground parking lots over the past decade were caused by electrical problems, according to a report released Thursday by the Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters. Between 2013 and 2022, 1,399 fires were reported in underground parking lots, with 611 of these incidents (47.7 percent) involving vehicles. Among these vehicle fires, 324 cases (53 percent) were attributed to electrical issues such as overload

August 8, 2024

Opinion: Russia's Relentless Suppression of Free Expression

KENOSHA, August 08 (AJU PRESS) - The release of targeted journalist Evan Gershkovich of "The Wall Street Journal" and 15 others politically imprisoned in Russia is cause for relief and rejoicing. Eight prisoners held in the West, including a murderer, were also released in the largest such exchange since the Cold War. Gershkovich represents a highly respected, influential-news organization. He also personifies Russia dictator’s Vladimir Putin’s long-term repr

August 8, 2024