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  Trade ministers from South Korea, US hold tariff-related talks in Jeju SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Trade ministers from South Korea and the United States are continuing talks to narrow differences during a series of meetings on the sidelines of the preparatory gathering for this fall's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which wraps up in Jeju on Friday. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun is holding talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer over Washington's proposed 25-percent reciprocal tariffs on South Korea May 16, 2025
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  INTERVIEW: Outgoing chief reflects on how Tokyo's Korean Cultural Center builds bridges between neighboring countries SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - At the heart of Tokyo, Japan, there's a dedicated space where locals can explore and immerse themselves in South Korea's history and culture. Located at the corner of Shinjuku, a bustling district in the capital known for its characteristic alleys lined with shops, clubs and restaurants, the Korean Cultural Center was founded in 1979 as the first of its kind overseas. Since then, it has served as a major hub for raising awareness of South Korea May 16, 2025
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  Presidential candidates vow to expand high-speed underground rail nationwide SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - Two leading contenders in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election have pledged to extend the country’s high-speed underground commuter rail system far beyond the capital, positioning rapid transit as a central campaign promise. Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party both unveiled plans to expand the Great Train Express (GTX) system, a high-speed undergroun rail network in the Seou May 16, 2025
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  US extends ban on travel to North Korea for another year SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - The U.S. has extended its travel ban on North Korea for another year. In a notice on the Federal Register on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State said, "All U.S. passports shall remain invalid for travel to, in, or through unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State." The department said it "has determined there continues to be serious risk to U.S. citizens and nationals of arrest a May 16, 2025
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  Lee Jae-myung calls for pragmatic diplomacy and phased peace with North Korea Editor’s Note: This article is the second in a series examining the leading presidential candidates and their positions on diplomacy, security, and North Korea. SEOUL, May 16 (AJP) - As South Korea prepares for a pivotal snap election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung is putting forward a foreign and security policy that contrasts sharply with his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo. At the center of Lee’s approach is a push for pragmatic diplomacy, a gradual shift May 16, 2025
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  Lip products lead charge in K-beauty innovation Editor's Note: This is the third article in our series exploring the evolving landscape of the Korean beauty industry and the products that captivate international visitors. SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - In the ever-evolving world of Korean beauty, or K-beauty, few items command as much attention as lip products. From the glossy aisles of Olive Young — the nation’s ubiquitous health and beauty chain — to social media feeds around the globe, Korean lipsti May 16, 2025
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  Kazakhstan celebrates launch of new direct flight from Incheon to Shymkent SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - The launch of a new direct flight between Shymkent and Incheon was celebrated at an event in Seoul on Thursday. Co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul and SCAT Airlines, the event brought together experts from the aviation and travel industry, diplomats, and other distinguished guests, offering them a valuable chance to learn about the southern Kazakh city amid deepening bilateral ties with Seoul. Kazakhstan Ambassador to Seoul Nu May 15, 2025
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  Forum highlights AI being pushed into daily life SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - South Korea is rapidly integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life, marking a shift from early-stage development to practical applications, industry leaders said at a technology forum in Seoul on Thursday. At the 3rd Mega AI Forum, held at the Korea Exchange building in Yeouido, Seoul, government officials and corporate executives convened to examine the growing role of software robots and agent AI in society. The event was hosted by Aju Business Dai May 15, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Steam, spice and history in Namdaemun Market's Galchi Golmok SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - On a warm weekday afternoon in late spring, the labyrinthine corridors of Namdaemun Market remain as lively as ever. Tucked amid its maze of narrow passageways and densely packed storefronts lies a culinary enclave devoted to a single dish: braised hairtail fish. The cluster of small restaurants is devoted entirely to the preparation of spicy hairtail stew. The roots of Galchi Golmok (Hairtail Alley) stretch back to the late 1980s, when a handful of mercha May 15, 2025
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  PPP candidate apologizes for martial law debacle to sway voters ahead of presidential election SEOUL, May 15 (AJP) - Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday apologized for disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law debacle late last year. Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim said he "sincerely apologizes" for the debacle, calling it "inappropriate." "Even if the Constitution grants a president the authority to declare martial law, it is inappropriate May 15, 2025