[K-Food] Young chefs explore Korean cuisine in Indonesia SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Riding a global wave of enthusiasm for Korean food culture, South Korean food firm CJ CheilJedang has concluded its first overseas culinary competition, aimed at fostering the next generation of Korean food ambassadors abroad. The event, part of the company’s Cuisine.K initiative, was held in Indonesia in partnership with Akademi Sages, a leading culinary institute in the country. CJ CheilJedang served as the exclusive sponsor of the two-month compet August 5, 2025

TRAVEL: Seeking solace in cold valleys of Mount Geumsu JECHEON, August 05 (AJP) - In the thick of a Korean summer, when the humidity clings to your skin and the sun bakes the city streets, the idea of hiking a mountain may seem more ordeal than escape. But in the highlands of the Korean Peninsula, nature offers a surprising reprieve. At Mount Geumsu, which straddles the regions of Danyang and Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province, chilled streams and shaded trails provide relief even in the hottest months. Rising to 1,016 meters August 5, 2025

Former first lady to appear for questioning on Wednesday SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - While disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been stalling questioning, his wife and ex-first lady Kim Keon Hee is expected to appear for questioning on Wednesday over a slew of allegations. Once she does, Kim will become the first former first lady to be publicly summoned in the country's modern history. She has been accused of accepting bribes including a luxury handbag and jewelry, being involved in a stock manipulation scheme, and interfering August 5, 2025

Tajik teachers attend digital learning program in S. Korea SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - A seminar on digital education for teachers from Tajikistan kicked off on Monday in a central South Korean city, as part of growing educational cooperation between South Korea and Tajikistan. The two-week program, hosted by the Office of Education in Sejong city, South Korea’s administrative capital, brings together 30 Tajik teachers to explore Korea’s experience with digital tools in classrooms, teacher training, and online learning platform August 5, 2025

China's EV boom offers new opportunities for Korean auto suppliers: KOTRA SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - China’s dominance in electric vehicle production is opening a fresh wave of opportunities for South Korean companies, particularly those specializing in core automotive technologies and components, according to a new report by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). In a report released Tuesday titled “Recent Trends and Implications in China’s Automotive Industry,” KOTRA identified strong potential for Korean firms to s August 5, 2025

[K-Tech] Korean biotech firms target Middle East's healthcare markets SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korean pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are ramping up expansion into the Middle East, seizing new opportunities in healthcare as Gulf nations shift their economic focus away from oil and toward medical innovation and services. Botulinum toxin manufacturers and medical artificial intelligence firms are at the forefront of this push, aiming to tap into rising healthcare investments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, industry August 5, 2025

South Korea moves to shore up steel industry hit by US tariffs, Chinese imports SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - A joint inspection team made up of senior government officials and industry representatives visited major steelworks in the southeastern port city of Pohang on Tuesday, as South Korea confronts a deepening crisis in its steel sector driven by U.S. tariffs and a surge in low-cost Chinese imports. The team, including officials from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Trans August 5, 2025

Striker Son Heung-min's move to Los Angeles FC 'imminent' SEOUL, August 5 (AJP) - Striker Son Heung-min appears to be on the verge of joining Los Angeles FC. Son "is poised to sign with MLS side LAFC, with an unveiling happening as soon as Wednesday," ESPN reported Monday, citing sources. The American sports network added that Son is set to join LAFC for a "fee of around $26 million." Amid months of swirling transfer rumors, Son finally confirmed he is leaving Tottenham Hotspur, just ahead of a pre-season friendly August 5, 2025

POSCO joins bid to acquire Australia's historic steelworks SEOUL, August 05 (AJP) - South Korean steel firm POSCO has joined an international consortium to pursue the acquisition of the Whyalla steelworks in South Australia, as part of a broader strategy to secure low-carbon raw materials and bolster its green transition. The consortium, which includes Australia’s BlueScope Steel, Japan’s Nippon Steel, and India’s JSW Group, has submitted a non-binding expression of interest to the South Australian government. If succ August 5, 2025

KAIST study finds that inflammation during pregnancy may cause childhood asthma and allergies SEOUL, August 04 (AJP) - KAIST researchers have discovered how inflammation in the placenta during pregnancy can alter a baby's immune system, leading to stronger allergic reactions such as asthma after birth. The study is the first in the world to show exactly how this prenatal inflammation affects immune development and raises new possibilities for early prediction and prevention of childhood allergic diseases. The findings were announced on August 4 by KAIST, whose research August 4, 2025