Samsung Biologics shareholders approve spin-off with overwhelming support SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Samsung Biologics Co. said on Friday its shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve a plan to spin off its investment division, with 99.9 percent backing the proposal at an extraordinary general meeting in Incheon. The approval paves the way for the creation of Samsung Epis Holdings, a pure holding company that will take over the parent's entire stake in biosimilar developer Samsung Bioepis, while Samsung Biologics will remain as the surviving entity October 17, 2025

OPINION: Stricter regulations push young people's dreams of owning home further out of reach SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - "I waited for the government to bring housing prices under control, but now it's almost impossible to buy a home even with dual incomes," lamented one salaried worker. Two years ago, he put off purchasing a home, but his dream has now collapsed, following a new set of even stricter real estate and loan regulations announced earlier this week by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Under the measures aimed at curbing soaring ho October 17, 2025

Samsung invests in US biotech firm specialized in early cancer detection SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics and Samsung C&T will jointly invest $110 million in Grail, a U.S. biotechnology company specializing in early cancer detection, as the South Korean conglomerate expands its footprint in digital health care, the firms said Friday. Grail, a subsidiary of Illumina, has developed technology that detects cancer-related DNA fragments in blood samples and uses artificial intelligence to predict both the presence and likely location of c October 17, 2025

Swedish royals tour SM Entertainment to explore K-pop's global reach SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel visited SM Entertainment on Thursday, highlighting the growing cultural ties between Sweden and South Korea and the global influence of the K-pop industry, the company said Friday. The royal couple’s visit to the Seoul-based entertainment powerhouse was part of their official trip to South Korea, which focuses on fostering exchange in the cultural and creative sectors. At SM Entertainme October 17, 2025

OPINION: Rising tide of hate, from Washington to Seoul SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - The legacy of Donald Trump’s presidency continues to cast a long shadow across the world. His overt flirtation with white nationalism and xenophobia helped normalize racial prejudice in American discourse — and its ripple effects have not stopped at the U.S. border. Across Europe and Asia, far-right movements have found renewed confidence, reshaping politics and stoking divisions once thought to have faded into history. In Europe, anti-immi October 17, 2025

Seoul confident of Washington's "understanding" on Korea's FX situation SEOUL, Oct. 17 (AJP) – Seoul held firm against U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand that Korea’s pledged $350 billion investment be made in upfront cash, expressing confidence that Washington’s financial and trade officials understand Korea’s vulnerability to large foreign capital outflows. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said U.S. officials have shown understanding of Korea’s position. “I met Secretary S October 17, 2025

USFK lodges protest over raid by prosecutors SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has lodged a protest over an abrupt raid on its base in Pyeongtaek in July. In a letter sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this month, Lt. Gen. David Iverson, deputy commander of the USFK, expressed concerns over the July 21 raid of Osan Military Base by independent prosecutors investigating disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law debacle late last year. Washington took issue with the raid, s October 16, 2025

Asian stocks upbeat, KOSPI leads the pack to new highs SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Asian shares extended gains on Thursday as expectations for a U.S. rate cut outweighed concerns over renewed trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Korea’s benchmark KOSPI jumped 2.49 percent to close at a record high of 3,748.37, driven by strong foreign and institutional buying. Nine of the top 10 blue chips advanced, led by an 8 percent surge in Hyundai Motor and a 7 percent rise in Kia Motors amid growing optimism for a breakthrough in October 16, 2025

Chinese shoppers turn increasingly budget in Korea, duty-free shops shift strategy SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Chinese tourists are returning to South Korea in full force under the one-year visa waiver for group travelers, but their spending behavior has changed dramatically. Rather than binge shopping at duty-free stores, visitors are now showing a preference for budget-friendly and value-driven purchases. The post-pandemic shift reflects growing familiarity among Chinese consumers with Korean brands and retail platforms. Instead of traditional package-tour splur October 16, 2025

Asian Culture Calendar SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - South Korea Oct. 16 - Nov. 9 Seoul Performing Arts Festival Oct. 1 - Dec. 14 Scent of Korea in Silla Oct. 20 -29 Seorabeol Pungnyu (APEC Commemorative Performance) Oct. 18 - 22 Road Theater (Film and Drama Shooting Location Tour) China Oct. 24 - 26 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championship Japan Oct. 22 Jidai Matsuri Oct. 27 - Nov. 5 Tokyo International Film Festival Taiwan Oct. 24 - 27 Art Taipei Fair Thailand Oct. 20 - 29 Thail October 16, 2025