• 
  Over 1,200 people evacuated as fire engulfs COEX in southern Seoul SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - A fire broke out at COEX in southern Seoul on Friday, prompting the evacuation of about 1,200 people including visitors and workers there. No casualties were reported, and the blaze was extinguished in about two hours. According to firefighters, the fire started around 11 a.m. at a restaurant on the second floor of the multi-purpose complex. A score of fire trucks with over 100 firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the fi April 25, 2025
• 
  Lantern festival to light up downtown Seoul this weekend ahead of Buddha's Birthday SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - Colorful lanterns will illuminate the streets of Seoul over the weekend as the two-day festival kicks off ahead of Buddha's Birthday, which falls on May 5 this year. About 20,000 Buddhist devotees and other revelers are expected to turn up for this year's festivities featuring lotus-shaped lanterns, including parades, various activities, and performances in downtown Seoul. As lantern-bearing participants will gather for parades on Saturday and Sund April 25, 2025
• 
  PHOTOS: Historic diplomatic mission to Japan reenacted SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - To mark the 60th year since the normalization of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan, observances are underway to honor the Joseon Tongsinsa, the diplomatic mission dispatched from Korea to Japan during the Joseon Dynasty. On Thursday, a reenactment of the Joseon Tongsinsa procession was staged at Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul. Separately, the Seoul Museum of History has mounted a special exhibition dedicated to the Joseon Tongsinsa, which will remain open un April 25, 2025
• 
  Seoul Central Masjid reopens after months-long restoration SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - The Seoul Central Masjid reopened its doors on Friday, following a major six-month restoration that brought new life to South Korea’s largest Islamic place of worship. The ceremony took place at the masjid in Itaewon and drew community members, diplomats, and representatives from both South Korea and Türkiye. The renovation, backed by the Turkish government, was carried out with the help of master artisans from Türkiye. Traditional tiles, ca April 25, 2025
• 
  SK Telecom to divest entire Kakao stake in $300 million block deal SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - SK Telecom said Friday it will sell its entire stake in Kakao Corp. through a block deal valued at 413.3 billion won ($300 million). The sale involves 10.8 million shares of the internet company. SK Telecom said the move is aimed at securing funds for the full acquisition of SK Broadband, as well as investments in future growth areas, including artificial intelligence. SK Telecom signed a stock purchase agreement in November to acquire the remaining 2 April 25, 2025
• 
  Korea will negotiate with US to eliminate tariffs SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - South Korea and the United States have agreed to hold negotiations aimed at eliminating mutual tariffs and item-specific duties before a July 8 deadline, South Korean officials said Friday, following high-level trade talks in Washington. The talks come ahead of the expiration of a 90-day mutual tariff suspension instituted under U.S. President Donald Trump. The two nations now hope to forge a comprehensive agreement — referred to by South Korean offic April 25, 2025
• 
  PHOTOS: Joseon-era folk paintings on display in Seoul SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - An engaging exhibition at the Amorepacific Museum of Art offers a sweeping view of Joseon-era "minhwa," the vibrant and often whimsical folk paintings that flourished from the late 18th through the early 20th centuries. Drawing from 19 institutional and private collections, the show features over 100 works that underscore the distinctiveness of Korean traditional art, a realm where creativity often defied rigid artistic April 25, 2025
• 
  'Squid Game' director to receive gong at Gotham Awards in June SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has been in the global spotlight for his hit Netflix series "Squid Game," will be honored with an award at the annual Gotham Television Awards in June. Hwang will be feted with the Creator Tribute at the American film awards, which recognize "the iconic artists and creators who have enriched the landscape and pushed the boundaries of TV," with this year's ceremony scheduled to take place in New York on Jun April 25, 2025
• 
  As Trump targets pharma, Korean biotech firms reassess US strategies Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a series of stories examining how the Trump administration's economic policies affect South Korea's key industries. SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - South Korean pharmaceutical companies are bracing for the fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and drug price reforms that could reshape the global pharmaceutical landscape and disrupt overseas supply chains. The Trump administration has launched a national security investigat April 25, 2025
• 
  Event in Seoul highlights Central Asia's tourism potential SEOUL, April 24 (AJP) - An event to promote tourism to Central Asia and its cultural heritage was held in Seoul on Wednesday. Co-hosted by the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat and the embassies of several Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the event brought together a group of regional experts, diplomats, and other attendees, offering a chance to deepen understanding of the region. April 24, 2025