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  Hong Sang-soo's latest film invited to Berlinale SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - Director Hong Sang-soo's latest film has been invited to compete at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, which opens next month. It marks the sixth consecutive year Hong has been invited to the festival since 2020, having taken home awards five times for his films including "A Traveler's Needs" (2024) and "The Woman Who Ran" (2020). Hong's 33th feature, "What Does That Nature Say to You," which wil January 24, 2025
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  AI and health tech lead the trends at CES 2025 SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - CES 2025, held in Las Vegas on January 7 (local time), opened with an electrifying atmosphere, drawing immense attention from attendees. Many keynote speeches were sold out early, and exhibition halls featuring major Korean companies like Samsung Electronics, SK, and LG Electronics were packed with visitors. LG Electronics' "World Premiere" event became even livelier with a surprise appearance by hip-hop star will.i.am. This year’s CES s January 24, 2025
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  Legal battle looms over Korea Zinc management SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - A high-stakes legal battle is looming over the management of Korea Zinc after the company thwarted a hostile takeover attempt by restricting the voting rights of Young Poong at a shareholders’ meeting on Wednesday. The maneuver hinged on a technical article of Korea's commercial law, which nullifies voting rights when a subsidiary of one company owns more than 10 percent of another company that holds a stake in the parent firm. The restriction January 24, 2025
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  India celebrates Republic Day in Seoul, highlighting growing ties with S. Korea SEOUL, January 24 (AJP) - A warm glow lit up Sebit Island, an iconic venue on the Han River, as the Indian Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted a grand celebration on January 23 to honor India’s Republic Day. The venue was adorned with tricolor decorations symbolizing the Indian flag, while the serene waters of the Han River reflected the festive lights. Guests from diverse backgrounds—foreign diplomats, business leaders, academics, and cultural figures—gather January 24, 2025
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  Yoon rejects martial law allegations once again at hearing in impeachment trial SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol showed up for a hearing in his impeachment trial over his botched martial law debacle last month at the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul on Thursday. It was his second appearance after his previous attendance earlier this week. Yoon, who has been held in a solitary cell since his arrest last week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power over the debacle, met with former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who also appeared as January 23, 2025
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  Hyundai Motor's net profit rises in 2024 on rising EVs demand SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor reported a 7.8 percent jump in net profit for 2024, fueled by growing global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid EVs, according to a regulatory filing on Thursday. The company posted a net profit of 13.22 trillion won ($9.2 billion) last year, up from 12.27 trillion won in 2023. ​Despite the profit boost, operating income slipped 5.9 percent year-over-year to 14.23 trillion won, while sales soared 7.7 percent to a record 175.23 trill January 23, 2025
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  Chief of broadcasting watchdog reinstated after court rejects impeachment SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Lee Jin-sook, chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), has been reinstated to her position following a court ruling overturning her impeachment over a controversial decision-making process at the broadcasting watchdog. The Constitutional Court of Korea on Thursday failed to reach a majority of six votes, with four of its eight judges voting for her impeachment and the other four voting against, clearing the way for Lee's return to work. January 23, 2025
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  Two Korean Americans appointed to key positions under new Trump administration SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Two Korean Americans will take key roles under the new U.S. administration following the inauguration of Donald Trump earlier this week. The Pentagon said on Tuesday John Noh has been named deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia in the U.S. Department of Defense. Noh will oversee policies related to South Korea, Japan, and other regional allies. His responsibilities include developing security and defense strategies for East Asia, strengthening bi January 23, 2025
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  South Korean FM, new US Secretary of State reaffirm alliance in first phone conversation SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke with newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the first time over the phone on Thursday. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here, the two discussed various issues including the bilateral alliance between South Korea and the U.S, as well as trilateral cooperation with Japan. Cho expressed hopes for the continued strong alliance with Washington under the new U.S. administration, following January 23, 2025
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  Korea's Charm Vit Group to develop $550-million leisure complex in Hanoi SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - South Korea’s Charm Vit Group is making a significant bet on Vietnam’s entertainment sector with plans to build a $550 million horse racing and leisure complex on the outskirts of Hanoi. Chairman Lee Ho-woong, grandson of the late founder Lee Dae-bong, met with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc on Jan. 10 to finalize details of the ambitious project. During the meeting, Ho pledged government support, emphasizing his commitment to January 23, 2025