Experts urge easing proof standards, turning Pohang's quake legacy into a cultural asset SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Legal and academic experts called for fairer compensation standards and stronger accountability in the long-running case over the 2017 Pohang earthquake, saying South Korea must rebuild public trust while preventing similar disasters. The discussion took place on October 23 at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, where the "Pohang Earthquake Damage Policy Seminar" gathered lawyers, professors, and local representative October 24, 2025

East Asian markets upbeat before Trump's arrival next week SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Asian markets ended mostly higher Friday on optimism surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming Asian tour, which includes back-to-back summits with leaders of South Korea, China, and Japan. In Seoul, the KOSPI climbed 2.0 percent to close at 3,921.52, reclaiming the 3,900 threshold as chip bellwethers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix extended gains. Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.3 percent to 49,282.19, supported by expectations of rene October 24, 2025

Rare freshwater fish returns to life in Seoul's Cheonggyecheon Stream SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Cheonggyecheon has run through the heart of Seoul for more than six centuries — once a bustling stream in the old market district during the Joseon Dynasty, later entombed beneath concrete as the city modernized. Since its restoration in 2005, the waterway has evolved from a civic project into a living symbol of ecological renewal — proof that nature, when given room and care, can return even to the center of a metropolis. Ne October 24, 2025

HOT STOCK: Korea's battery stocks going up, up, up — but analysts warn against chasing golden moment SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - South Korea’s secondary battery shares are leading Seoul’s tech-driven rally, fueled by stronger electric vehicle (EV) sales and booming demand for energy storage systems (ESS). As of 3:15 p.m. Friday, Ecopro jumped 5.6 percent to 85,100 won ($59), extending its surge amid renewed optimism in the battery sector. LG Energy Solution rose 4.8 percent to 465,500 won, supported by sustained institutional buying across major battery makers. Isu Chemic October 24, 2025

HOT STOCK: Korean refiners rally on Russia sanctions, petrochemicals join ride SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - South Korean refinery shares surged Friday as oil prices spiked following U.S. sanctions on Russia’s top refiners, Rosneft and Lukoil, elevating petrochemical sector long weighed down by overcapacity and an industrial slowdown. SK innovation, the market leader, jumped 7.6 percent to 133,900 won ($93.2), while S-Oil gained 2.5 percent to about 74,900 won. The rally followed a sharp climb in West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude prices after W October 24, 2025

D-7: Korean Inc. to indulge APEC guests with latest innovations SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - A drone gala will light up the night sky and hydrogen-powered limousines will shuttle guests who can try out the world's first tri-fold smartphones. K-Pop Demon Hunters-themed snacks and K-beauty items will be everywhere. All things Korean — now globally adored — will fill the APEC venue in Gyeongju next week as Korean Inc. flaunts its latest innovations and hottest creations. From semiconductor titans to clean-energy pioneers, this year' October 24, 2025

Seoul gears up for Halloween with safety measures SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Friday that several safety measures have been implemented in about a dozen areas in the capital, ahead of Halloween later this month. Under the measures effective until Nov. 2, district officials, police, and firefighters in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety will carry out patrols, inspections, and traffic control in Seoul's entertainment district of Itaewon, trendy alleys around Hongik Un October 24, 2025

South Korea makes baby step in same-sex recognition through census inclusion SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - South Korea has taken a small but symbolic step toward recognizing diverse family structures by including cohabiting couples for the first time in its national census — a quiet shift in a country still wrestling with traditional views on marriage and gender. The 2025 Population and Housing Census, conducted from Wednesday through mid-November, now includes a new category for "unmarried cohabiting partners," the Ministry of Data and St October 24, 2025

Pohang earthquake victims call for justice and stronger prevention measures SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - The National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, was filled with citizens on Thursday morning as a forum titled "Pohang, Asking Again: Accountability and Prevention of Recurrence" took place on October 23. Residents of Pohang, victims’ groups, and experts in law and geology gathered to discuss the long-running damages lawsuit stemming from the 2017 Pohang earthquake, which is now under review by the Supreme Court. Many October 24, 2025

Son Heung-min vies for 'Newcomer of the Year' after stellar MLS debut season SEOUL, October 24 (AJP) - Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has been named for Major League Soccer (MLS)'s "Newcomer of the Year." According to the finalists for the American league's year-end awards announced on Friday, Son was named among them. The awards recognize the "top performers during the regular season" across 16 MLS clubs. With the winners set to be announced in early December, other contenders for the award include Danish footballers October 24, 2025