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  [K-pop] Jungkook sets new record as first Asian solo artist with over 100 weeks on Billboard global charts SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - BTS member Jungkook has reached a new milestone on Billboard, becoming the first Asian solo artist to keep a single on both of the magazine's global charts for more than 100 consecutive weeks. His debut solo single "Seven," released in 2023, ranked No. 156 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 89 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart dated July 26. The song has now remained on the Global 200 for 104 weeks and on the Global Excl. U.S. chart for 105 weeks July 28, 2025
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  [K-pop] Singer-actor Cha Eun-woo begins mandatory military service SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - Cha Eun-woo, a member of the K-pop boy group ASTRO, will begin his mandatory military service on Monday. The 28-year-old is scheduled to enter an Army training center in Nonsan at 2:00 p.m. (0500 GMT), joining others who have been conscripted. Fantagio, the singer-actor's agency, Cha will be assigned to the Army's brass band following three weeks of basic training. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve a minimum of 18 mont July 28, 2025
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  Small business ownership continues to shrink in S. Korea, raising alarm over structural gaps SEOUL, July 28 (AJP) - The share of small business owners in South Korea continues to shrink despite an uptick in government support. According to the latest figures from Statistics Korea, small business owners made up just 19.4 percent of all employed individuals as of the end of June, or 5.64 million people — a drop of 0.3 percentage points from January and 1.2 points from a year earlier. The decline marks a continuation of a long-term slide, falling below the 20 percen July 28, 2025
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  Heat wave claims over 1 million livestock, elevates human casualties SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - A relentless heat wave gripping South Korea has led to a surge in heat-related deaths, claiming over a million livestock and a growing number of human lives. Heatwave warnings were in effect across the nation on Sunday. According to the Ministry of Interior and Safety, a total of 1,011,243 livestock animals have perished this year as of July 25. The ministry noted a sharp escalation in these numbers recently, directly attributing it to the sweltering temp July 27, 2025
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  Shipbuilding emerges as key leverage for Seoul in trade talks with Washington SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - As the clock ticks down to the Aug. 1 deadline for tariff exemptions, South Korea is intensifying its push for a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States. High-level talks are scheduled for this week, with key officials from both nations expected to hold separate meetings to finalize negotiations. South Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol is slated to meet with his American counterpart, Scott Bes July 27, 2025
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  Foreign residents in South Korea rise to all-time high, exceeding 2.7 million SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - The number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea has surged to an all-time high, surpassing 2.73 million, driven by a post-pandemic rebound in entries for academic, employment, and tourism purposes. As of the end of June this year, the total foreign resident population in the country reached 2,732,797, according to data released by the Ministry of Justice's Korea Immigration Service, Sunday. This figure represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 40,068 July 27, 2025
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  KAIST expands efforts to help South Korea become global AI leader SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - KAIST is stepping up its efforts to develop next-generation artificial intelligence technologies and train new talent as part of a broader national drive to position South Korea among the world’s top three AI powers. The university said Thursday that it aims to become a global hub for innovation in science and technology, supporting the government’s G3 initiative while helping to address key industrial and social challenges through AI. "K July 26, 2025
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  Korea-US trade talks end second day without agreement, more internal discussions needed SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - Korean Industry Minister Kim Jeong-kwan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick concluded their second day of intensive trade negotiations Saturday at Lutnick's private residence in New York, according to trade sources Saturday. The talks followed Thursday's meeting at the Commerce Department in Washington as both sides work toward reaching an agreement before the August 1 deadline for reciprocal tariff implementation. Kim presented revised propos July 26, 2025
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  LG Electronics to boost Mexico, U.S. production to counter tariffs SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - LG Electronics said Friday it will expand production in Mexico and the United States to respond to reciprocal tariffs taking effect August 1, while considering price increases as part of its strategy to counter rising costs. The South Korean appliance maker outlined its tariff response plans during a second-quarter earnings conference call, warning that policy volatility and weakening consumer sentiment are dampening home appliance demand outlook. The compan July 26, 2025
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  Amorepacific's Aestura brand expands to Canada and Australia markets SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - Amorepacific's dermatological skincare brand Aestura announced Friday it will launch in Canada and Australia in August, expanding its global presence following its February entry into the U.S. market. The Korean beauty company will distribute products through Sephora stores in both countries as part of its exclusive partnership with the global cosmetics retailer. The brand will focus on its Atobarrier 365 product line in the new markets, launching eight July 26, 2025