Naver-backed Webtoon Entertainment surges 9.5% on Nasdaq debut

SEOUL, June 28 (AJU PRESS) - Shares of Webtoon Entertainment surged 9.5 percent in a powerful debut on the Nasdaq on Thursday, giving the digital comics platform a market value of about $2.92 billion. The Los Angeles, California-based company, backed by Korean internet giant Naver, raised $315 million in its initial public offering by selling 15 million shares at $21 per share, the top end of its proposed range of $18 to $21. The price rose as much as 14 percent in early trading

June 28, 2024

VISUALS: Han River parks transform into outdoor sculpture gallery

SEOUL, June 28 (AJU PRESS) - An outdoor sculpture exhibition is currently underway at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience modern art in harmony with riverside nature and urban landscapes. The exhibition is part of the "Hangang Heung Sculpture Touring Exhibition," organized by the city government from April to November across 10 Han River parks. Crown Haitai Holding runs the exhibition as part of its cultural contribution program aim

June 28, 2024

Opinion: As debate approaches, presidents are blamed for events over which they have little control

SEOUL, June 28 (AJU PRESS) - Presidents are blamed for just about everything – especially during an election season. As the presidential debates of 2024 begin, the blame game is certain to be part of the spectacle. But presidents are not really responsible for as many things as voters, journalists or political opponents try to blame them for. For the first time since 1912, a former president is a party's presumptive nominee, running against the incumbent. Both men –

June 28, 2024

PHOTOS: Korea honors legacy of independence fighter Kim Koo

SEOUL, June 26 (AJU PRESS) - A memorial ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the death of independence fighter Kim Koo was held in Seoul on Wednesday. Organized by the Association of Commemorative Services for Patriot Kim Koo, the ceremony honored Kim, who devoted his life to Korea's independence during the Japanese colonial period. The event was attended by approximately 300 people including Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jung-ai, descendants of independence fighte

June 27, 2024

N. Korea, Russia to resume passenger train service next month

SEOUL, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - North Korea and Russia are set to resume passenger train services next month, amid deepening ties between the two countries. At the opening ceremony of an expo in Vladivostok early this week, Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai, announced the impending resumption. The development follows a recent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, where they agreed to strengthe

June 27, 2024

Korea to assume chairmanship of Minerals Security Partnership next month

SEOUL, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - Korea will assume the chairmanship of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), with Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun as the chairperson, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday. MSP is an international initiative aimed at ensuring a stable and diversified global supply chain for critical minerals essential for sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and clean energy. Securing stable global supply networks is a crucial task for Korea, a

June 27, 2024

Actor Gang Dong-won invited to join Motion Picture Academy

SEOUL, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - Actor Gang Dong-won has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy, which awards the Oscars, released a list of 487 new invitees including 71 Oscar nominees for this year. The Korean heartthrob was included in the list. Once they accept, these invitees earn voting rights at next year's Oscars, the most prestigious film awards in the U.S. Gang, renowned for his roles in films like "Broker" (2022)

June 27, 2024

PHOTOS: Exhibition explores art world of Japanese amination master Isao Takahata

SEOUL, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - "Studio Ghibli - Isao Takahata Exhibition" is underway at the Sejong Museum of Art in central Seoul. Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, directed beloved TV anime series such as "Anne of Green Gables" and "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" in the 1970s. The exhibition features over 1,300 pieces of artwork and archival materials. The event runs from April 26 to August 3 at the gallery, which is affiliated with the Sejong Center fo

June 27, 2024

Opinion: Artificial intelligence meets genuine judgment

KENOSHA, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - "I’m sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that." That is Hal 9000, all-purpose spaceship computer, declining an order from an astronaut to open the reentry doors. The scene is from the 1968 film “2001 – A Space Odyssey.” David Bowman (actor Keir Dullea) remains trapped in a small module, facing death. The theme of machines taking control from people, eventually destroying them, is at least as old as the Indus

June 27, 2024

Jay Park teases upcoming single with steamy images

SEOUL, June 27 (AJU PRESS) - Park Jae-beum, also known as Jay Park, is generating some buzz for his upcoming single slated for release this weekend, by unveiling some provocative images. According to his management agency, his new single, "McNasty," a hip hop track with "catchy hook and straightforward lyrics" is set to be released on June 30. Earlier in the week, the Korean-American singer uploaded a somewhat provocative picture of himself half-naked on a bed

June 27, 2024