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  Consumer sentiment in South Korea hits 4-year high SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s consumer confidence surged to a four-year high in June, lifted by optimism over the launch of a new government and expectations for a forthcoming supplementary budget, the central bank said Tuesday. The Bank of Korea reported that its Composite Consumer Sentiment Index (CCSI) rose to 108.7 in June, up 6.9 points from the previous month and marking the highest reading since June 2021, when the index reached 111.1. The latest increase repr June 24, 2025
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  TRAVEL: Cheonggyecheon — Seoul's green heart SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - In the heart of this bustling metropolis, a remarkable scene unfolds along the Cheonggyecheon Stream. Citizens dip their bare feet into the cool water, some engrossed in books, others in animated conversations with friends, colleagues, and international visitors. The clear stream teems with life: stately carp glide beneath the surface, while herons, observed with curious delight by passersby, patiently stalk fish. Families of mallards, foraging for susten June 24, 2025
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  Asiana Airlines resumes Phuket flights after two-year suspension SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - Asiana Airlines will resume its daily service between Incheon and Phuket on Wednesday, restoring a popular Southeast Asian route that had been suspended for more than two years, the carrier said on Tuesday. The route, which was halted in April 2023, will operate once a day, departing from Incheon International Airport at 6:10 p.m. and arriving in Phuket at 10:30 p.m. local time. Return flights will leave Phuket at 11:40 p.m., arriving in Incheon at 8:00 a.m. June 24, 2025
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  Former Naver executives steer President Lee Jae Myung's AI policy SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung has appointed former top executives from Naver to senior government posts, signaling a shift toward industry-driven policymaking as the country seeks to accelerate its ambitions in artificial intelligence. Ha Jung-woo, 48, the former head of AI innovation at Naver Cloud, was named the first Chief of AI Future Planning within the presidential office on June 15. A deep learning specialist, Ha had led the development of advanced AI tech June 24, 2025
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  BLACKPINK to unveil new song at upcoming concert in Goyang SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will perform their new song for the first time during their upcoming concert at Goyang, north of Seoul, during the four-member band's two-day concert schedule in early July, YG Entertainment said Monday. "There were many discussions on how to showcase the new song," YG said in a statement. "We decided to unveil it at the concert in Goyang as it marks the beginning of their world tour." Starting in Goyang June 24, 2025
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  US expands tariffs on steel-based appliances, raising stakes for Korean firms SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - The Trump administration has expanded tariffs on steel-derived goods to include a wide range of major home appliances, a move expected to heighten costs for foreign manufacturers and potentially ripple through U.S. retail prices. The new measures, announced by the Commerce Department this month and taking effect Monday, target appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, cooking stoves and garbage disposals. The tariffs will June 24, 2025
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  Visa hurdles threaten operations at Korean battery plants in US SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s major battery makers are facing mounting obstacles in operating their U.S.-based plants, as tightening American entry regulations delay the dispatch of skilled workers. LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On have all experienced repeated denials or prolonged delays in sending technicians to their American factories, according to industry sources. The difficulties stem from what companies describe as a de facto policy shift: U.S. aut June 24, 2025
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  Lee calls for emergency readiness amid escalating Middle East tensions SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday called on all ministries to maintain emergency readiness amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East after U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend. During his first meeting with senior aides at the presidential office in Yongsan since taking office earlier this month, Lee Jae-myung urged them to do their "utmost to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals" in the region. His remarks cam June 23, 2025
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  HD Hyundai partners with US firm to construct commercial vessels in US SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - HD Hyundai has signed a strategic partnership with American marine services company Edison Chouest Offshore to jointly construct commercial vessels in the United States, HD Hyundai said Monday. The agreement, signed in New Orleans, Louisiana, marks HD Hyundai’s latest move to expand its footprint in the U.S. shipbuilding market. Under the deal, the two companies plan to begin building medium-sized liquefied natural gas dual-fuel container ships at Edison June 23, 2025
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  Lee taps dozen nominees for ministerial posts SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday named a dozen new ministers to fill posts in his Cabinet. At a press briefing, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said the nominees were selected "based on their expertise and experience" in line with Lee's pragmatic approach that emphasizes skills and performance. Among the picks included Ahn Gyu-baek, a five-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), who was nominated as defense minister. On June 23, 2025