Opinion: Hainan FTP gains momentum, underscoring China's commitment to opening up SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) will officially launch an island-wide independent customs operation on December 18, 2025. This milestone in the development of the Hainan FTP sends a clear and unequivocal message to the world: China remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding hig September 16, 2025

Lee Chang-yong to become Korea's first central bank governor to deliver lecture at IMF Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong is set to become the first South Korean central bank governor to deliver the prestigious Michel Camdessus Central Banking Lecture at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. The lecture series, named after the IMF's longest-serving managing director, is a high-profile forum designed to foster collaboration with central banks and address key issues in monetary policy and the global economy. Past speakers have inc September 16, 2025

Rookie boy band to hold three-day Tokyo Dome concert early next year SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Rookie boy band RIIZE will hold a concert in Japan early next year, their management agency SM Entertainment said on Tuesday. According to the agency, their three-day concert is scheduled for Feb. 21 to 23 in Tokyo. "They will meet fans at Tokyo Dome for three days, just two years and five months after their debut in September 2023, becoming the fastest K-pop boy band to perform on such a large-scale stage, a testament to their immense popularity September 16, 2025

South Korean auto exports hit record high despite global tariffs South Korea's automobile industry is demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of global economic pressures, reporting record-breaking exports and strong domestic performance for the second consecutive month. According to a report released by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Tuesday, the sector's growth was driven by robust demand for eco-friendly vehicles and a successful pivot to new markets. Auto exports reached a record $5.5 billion in Augus September 16, 2025

Seoul holds off US trade deal despite Japan's tariff edge SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korea is holding out in protracted trade negotiations with the United States and resisting pressure to sign a deal quickly even as Washington grants Japan a softer tariff regime that could erode Korean competitiveness. According to the Federal Register, the U.S. Commerce Department confirmed a preferential 15 percent tariff rate on Japanese automobiles and auto parts starting Tuesday, a significant discount from the 27.5 percent rate applied to September 16, 2025

KOSPI rises to new all-time high for 5th straight day SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index surged at the open on Tuesday, hitting a new all-time high for the fifth consecutive trading day and extending a historic rally. As of 9:23 a.m., the KOSPI was trading at 3,428.88, up 21.57 points (0.63 percent) from its previous close. The index opened strong at 3,421.13, immediately surpassing the record of 3,407.31 set just Monday. The new record marks the 11th consecutive session of gains for the index, dri September 16, 2025

Soundtrack of K-pop anime continues historic run on Billboard charts SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - One of the main theme songs from Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" stayed atop the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart this week, extending its streak on No. 1 for five weeks. "Golden" from the anime's soundtrack, claimed the No. 1 spot on the chart for a fifth week, becoming the "sole longest-leading hit by an animated act in the chart's 67-year history," Billboard said Monday. The song de September 16, 2025

Hyundai Motor averts strike with union deal SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor's labor union has reached a new wage and collective agreement with management, averting a full-scale strike after months of tense negotiations. The agreement was finalized after a vote by union members. According to the company, Tuesday, 52.9 percent of its union members who participated approved the deal. The new agreement includes a 100,000 won monthly increase in the base salary, a performance bonus package of 450 percent plus 15 September 16, 2025

Korean firms explore stakes in $45 billion Alaska LNG project SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - South Korean companies are emerging as early partners in a multibillion-dollar plan to export natural gas from Alaska, signaling growing alignment between Seoul’s energy ambitions and Washington’s push to expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Posco International last week became the first Korean firm to formally engage with Glenfarne Alaska LNG, the project’s developer, signing a preliminary agreement that covers potential LNG im September 15, 2025

Park Chan-wook's latest film wins award at Toronto film fest SEOUL, September 15 (AJP) - Director Park Chan-wook's latest film "No Other Choice" received an award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which wrapped up on Sunday. The thriller, an adaptation of American writer Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Ax," won the inaugural International People's Choice Award, a prize given to the most popular international film at the festival as voted by audiences. The feat came after the film's lead September 15, 2025