[K-Tech] Korean tech firms race to build homegrown AI foundation model SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - South Korea’s top technology firms, artificial intelligence startups, and academic institutions are vying to lead a high-profile government initiative aimed at developing a sovereign AI foundation model — part of the country’s broader push to establish itself as a global AI powerhouse. The Ministry of Science and ICT said Tuesday it had received proposals from 15 consortia — described by officials as “elite teams” — July 22, 2025

South Korean retail investors dump gold as stocks rally SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - South Korean retail investors have turned net sellers of gold for the first time in over a year, pivoting toward equities as the country’s main stock index soared to its highest level in nearly four years. Between July 1 and July 21, individual investors unloaded a net 15.9 billion won, or approximately $11.4 million, worth of gold on the Korea Exchange, with a sharp 11.1 billion won sold in a single day on July 21, according to exchange data. Proprie July 22, 2025

TWICE's world tour kicks off with immersive panoramic stage performances SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - K-pop girl group TWICE will fly to Osaka, Japan this weekend for concerts as part of the first leg of their world tour, their agency JYP Entertainment said on Monday. Kicking off the tour with concerts in Incheon, Gyeonggi Province over the weekend, the nine members are set to perform in Osaka on Saturday and Sunday, before heading to other Japanese cities such as Fukuoka and Tokyo in September. They will also travel to Macau, the Philippines, and Singapore July 21, 2025

Independent prosecutors summon ex-first lady to appear for questioning SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Independent prosecutors on Monday asked former first lady Kim Keon Hee to appear for questioning early next month. Prosecutors led by Min Jung-ki, who are investigating a slew of allegations involving Kim, including the acceptance of a luxury handbag, involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, election-related meddling in candidate nominations, and several other accusations, summoned her, about three weeks after forming a team for the probe. According July 21, 2025

OPINION: Beyond borders -- Advice for students considering college abroad SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - For students looking to study abroad, particularly in the United States, the current climate is fraught with uncertainty. With concerns around global conflicts and sharp political changes, as well as the impact of COVID-19 still fresh in our memory, a growing number of students are shifting perceptions about traditional destinations for university overseas. Students are also considering more diverse options. In my capacity as Director of University and Caree July 21, 2025

Korea's new finance minister pledges swift tariff talks with US SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea’s newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Koo Yun-cheol, pledged on Monday to move swiftly in pursuing tariff negotiations with the United States, citing national interests and practical outcomes as top priorities. Speaking at his inaugural press briefing at the Government Complex in Sejong, Koo emphasized the urgency of the talks, which come amid a fast-approaching deadline for a proposed mutual tariff suspension by Washi July 21, 2025

[K-pop] Netflix animation 'K-pop Demon Hunters' tops global streaming chart, fuels real-world fandom SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - The animated Netflix film K-pop Demon Hunters continues to dominate globally, reaching No. 1 on FlixPatrol's "TOP 10 on Streaming in the World" on July 20. The film, which premiered on June 20, led daily VOD rankings across 941 platforms in 167 countries, including Netflix and Amazon. Blending K-pop stardom with supernatural action, the film centers on two fictional idol groups, Huntrix and Saja Boys, who double as demon slayers while dominatin July 21, 2025

S. Korea's security chief visits Washington for urgent talks as tariff deadline approaches SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - South Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac has arrived in Washington, D.C. on Sunday (local time), returning just 11 days after his previous trip, to prevent a looming trade conflict with the United States and finalize plans for a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korean officials predict that Wi will meet U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio, who also serves as National Security Advisor. Wi July 21, 2025

Scorching heat returns with vengeance as monsoon season ends SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - Scorching heat has returned, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius across the country, as the monsoon season ended with a last bout of torrential rains that battered southern regions over the weekend. With recovery efforts from flooding and landslides still underway, temperatures climbed to as high as 34 degrees, prompting the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) to issue heat advisories for most parts of the country on Monday. Daytime hig July 21, 2025

SK Ecoplant under scrutiny over alleged accounting irregularities linked to IPO SEOUL, July 21 (AJP) - SK Ecoplant, the environmental services arm of South Korea’s SK Group, is under scrutiny by financial regulators over allegations it inflated revenues at its U.S. subsidiary to bolster its valuation ahead of a planned initial public offering. The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) is set to hold a key audit committee meeting on Thursday to review the results of a months-long investigation into the company’s accounting practices. A preliminary hear July 21, 2025