Asia races toward solar as energy security trumps fuel imports SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - From rooftops in Manila to industrial parks outside Seoul, Asia is rapidly turning to solar power as Middle East instability and soaring AI-driven electricity demand force governments to rethink energy security. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year exposed the vulnerability of fuel-importing economies across Asia, accelerating what analysts describe as a race to generate more power at home. For many governments, renewable energy is increasing June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Scenes from first World Cup SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) -South Koreans were united at lunchtime Friday, erupting in cheers, gasps and sighs of relief as they gathered at Gwanghwamun Square, offices, restaurants and homes nationwide to watch the national team's opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. June 12, 2026

Disgraced ex-president sentenced to 30 yrs in prison over drone-related charges SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Friday over one of several charges related to his botched martial law debacle in 2024. In a televised verdict, the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul found him guilty of ordering the dispatch of drones to North Korea several times in October 2024, about two months before his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. The court determined that the drone dispatches were intended to esca June 12, 2026

Italy honors Lee with highest state decoration SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Italy rolled out a red carpet and gave some of its highest state honors to President Lee Jae Myung during his state visit on Thursday, highlighting deepening ties as the two countries upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership and expanded cooperation in technology, defense, and trade. Lee received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Italy's highest-ranking state decoration, typically awarded to foreign heads of state and indi June 12, 2026

SpaceX buzz, ceasefire hopes send KOSPI soaring back above 8,000 SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - The KOSPI once again proved one of the world's most volatile major stock indexes, surging more than 7.6 percent Friday morning as hopes for a Middle East ceasefire and excitement surrounding SpaceX's Nasdaq debut sparked a broad-based rally in technology shares. As of 10:57 a.m., the benchmark KOSPI was up 7.76 percent at 8,366.47 after opening 6.44 percent higher. The index earlier jumped as much as 8.50 percent to 8,424.13. The sharp advance tri June 12, 2026

South Korean comic book artist receives France's highest cultural honor SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Comic book artist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim has received one of France's highest cultural honors, Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON) said on Friday. Gendry-Kim was awarded a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enrichment of French arts and literature. She has garnered attention at home and abroad for works including her autobiographical novel "Le chant June 12, 2026

Homeplus asks Meritz to double emergency loan SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - Embattled hypermarket chain Homeplus asked its largest creditor, Meritz Financial Group, to extend 200 billion won ($131.4 million) in emergency operating funds, saying the 100 billion won loan currently under review falls short of what it needs to survive court-led rehabilitation. Meritz, which had long balked at the retailer's loan requests, signaled a day earlier that it could lend up to 100 billion won — the amount jointly guaranteed by Homeplus& June 12, 2026

HOT STOCK: SpaceX suppliers Korea in focus after historic debut SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - The historic Nasdaq debut of SpaceX has turned investor attention to the Korean companies inside its supply chain, with KOSDAQ-trading HVM and Sphere among the names positioned to benefit as the world's most valuable private space company enters the public market. HVM, which has supplied specialty metals to SpaceX directly since 2023, manufactures the high-strength alloys and titanium used in rockets and spacecraft, one of the few Korean firms with a co June 12, 2026

World Cup 26: Red floods Seoul as Taeguk Warriors begin World Cup journey SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) — South Korea's 2026 FIFA World Cup journey began not in Mexico but in the heart of Seoul on Friday, where office workers in red jerseys streamed into Gwanghwamun Square carrying coffee cups, national flags and hopes of a winning start against Czechia. Hours before kickoff at Guadalajara Stadium, the broad plaza beneath the statue of King Sejong was already buzzing with chants, K-pop music and the rhythmic beat of drums as supporters gathered for o June 12, 2026

South Korea agrees to launch CEPA talks with Morocco SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) - South Korea has agreed with Morocco to begin talks to expand trade and industrial cooperation, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources said on Friday. According to the ministry, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited Morocco earlier in the week and met with his Moroccan counterpart Omar Hejira to discuss ways to boost trade and investment and broaden economic cooperation between the two countries. During their talks, both sides agreed to form a consul June 12, 2026