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  South Korea probes Chinese solar inverters amid security concerns SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The South Korean government has launched a review of the nation’s solar inverter market as concerns mount globally over the security risks posed by Chinese-made energy equipment. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said Tuesday that it convened a meeting last week with major domestic solar companies — including Hanwha Q Cells, Hyundai Energy Solutions, and Hyosung Heavy Industries — to assess the state of the country’s solar inv May 27, 2025
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  Mt. Kumgang poised for UNESCO World Heritage listing SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Mt. Kumgang in North Korea is set to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which serve as advisory bodies to the World Heritage Committee, have jointly recommended the North's scenic mountain for inclusion on the list, according to UNESCO's tentative lists released on Tuesday. The recommendation comes after North Korea' May 27, 2025
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  Bill proposed to curb foreign real estate purchases amid surge in Chinese investment SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A South Korean lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at curbing foreign real estate acquisitions in the greater Seoul area, citing a sharp rise in Chinese purchases that he says are fueling speculation and distorting the housing market. Representative Koh Dong-jin of the ruling People Power Party submitted the bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday, proposing mandatory reciprocity measures and new permit requirements for non-citizens seeking to buy land i May 27, 2025
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  LG unveils eco-friendly 'Marine Glass' to restore ocean ecosystems SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - LG Electronics announced Tuesday that it has developed a new functional glass material, dubbed “Marine Glass,” intended to foster the growth of marine organisms and aid in the restoration of ocean ecosystems. The firm has signed a partnership with the Blue Carbon Business Group at Seoul National University to launch pilot projects employing the innovative, water-soluble glass powder. According to LG, Marine Glass dissolves in seawater, gradually May 27, 2025
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  PHOTOS: New Zealand's 'Kapa Haka' brings vibrant tradition to Korea SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - The plaza of the National Museum of Korea buzzed with energy on May 26 as the museum, in collaboration with the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul, presented a vibrant "Maori Kapa Haka" performance. The event, held at 3 p.m., offered a dynamic glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand's indigenous Maori people. Kapa Haka, a comprehensive performing art form that intertwines song, instrumental music and dance, serves as a powerful expre May 27, 2025
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  Korean War veteran and former congressman Charles Rangel dies on Memorial Day SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Charles Rangel, a Korean War veteran and former U.S. congressman, died at a hospital in New York on Monday, as the country observed Memorial Day. He was 94. Born in Harlem, Manhattan in 1930, Rangel was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1971. The 23-term lawmaker went on to serve in Congress for 46 years until his retirement in January 2017. During his time in Congress, the late Democrat, who consistently worked to support Washington's key May 27, 2025
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  India urges stronger global cooperation on terrorism during Seoul visit SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A group of Indian lawmakers and former diplomats held a press conference in Seoul on Monday to deliver a clear message -- terrorism, especially cross-border attacks, must not be tolerated. Speaking to Korean officials, researchers, and journalists, the delegation emphasized that India’s approach is now defined by what they called a policy of “zero tolerance.” The delegation’s visit comes in the wake of the Apr. 22 terrorist attack in P May 27, 2025
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  Google's new smart glasses boast extensive AI capabilities SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Google has re-entered the smart glasses market with a new prototype of XR-enabled smart glasses, unveiled at the Google I/O 2025 conference on May 20. The device aims to blend cutting-edge artificial intelligence with mainstream wearability and a fashion-forward design, showcasing a significant leap in functionality compared to previous attempts. The prototype features an embedded transparent display on the right lens, integrated with a camera, microphone, May 27, 2025
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  Samsung-Google partnership revives interest in smart glasses SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Google’s announcement of a smart glasses collaboration with Samsung Electronics at its annual developer conference has injected new life into the extended reality (XR) market, following a period of waning consumer and investor enthusiasm. The partnership marks a significant push by two of tech’s most influential players to regain momentum in the XR sector, a broad category that encompasses augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and other tech May 27, 2025
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  Busan offers free pet insurance to encourage dog adoptions SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - The southern port city of Busan is offering a year of free pet insurance to people who adopt abandoned dogs, hoping the move will ease concerns over veterinary costs and boost adoption rates. The program, announced Monday, applies to anyone who has adopted a stray dog in Busan since Jan. 1. To qualify, the dog must be adopted through one of the city’s six animal protection centers or two adoption agencies and registered with an RFID chip. The insuran May 26, 2025