• 
  K-pop behemoth HYBE apologizes for controversial internal documents SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Talent agency HYBE apologized on Tuesday amid a scandal involving its internal documents containing inappropriate comments about K-pop singers and aspiring stars, particularly regarding their appearances. "We sincerely apologize to all artists, staff and fans suffered by the revelation of these documents," HYBE's CEO Lee Jae-sang said in a statement on Tuesday. The formal apology came about a week after the behemoth faced criticism at a Nat October 30, 2024
• 
  South Korea signs moon exploration pact with NASA SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) – The space agencies of South Korea and the United States have signed an agreement to cooperate in space science, exploration and aeronautics, including the U.S.-led lunar exploration program, officials said Wednesday. The Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA) signed the research agreement with the U.S. space agency NASA, three years after Korea signed the Artemis Accords, a series of non-binding multilateral arrangements between the U.S. and partner co October 30, 2024
• 
  Turkish embassy in Seoul celebrates 101st anniversary of creation of republic SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - The Turkish Embassy in the Republic of Korea celebrated Tuesday the 101st anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye with a special event at a hotel in central Seoul. Highlighting Türkiye's history and legacy spanning thousands of years, Turkish Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Salih Murat Tamer said, "With the strength we draw from our past, we look to our future with confidence," during his opening speech. The a October 30, 2024
• 
  Korea Zinc shares tumble 30% after announcing new share sale plan SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Shares in Korea Zinc fell nearly 30 percent Wednesday after the world's largest zinc smelter announced plans to issue new shares worth 2.5 trillion won ($1.81 billion). The announcement came as the company, backed by U.S. investment firm Bain Capital, strives to fend off a takeover bid from its largest shareholder, Young Poong, and MBK Partners. The company's board approved the issuance of 3.73 million new common shares at 670,000 won per share, October 30, 2024
• 
  Russia may use North Korean troops for combat operations: Pentagon SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - A "relatively small number" of North Korean soldiers are now in Kursk, a Russian territory occupied by Ukraine, with another 2,000 troops in eastern Russia moving toward the Ukraine border, the Pentagon said on Tuesday. "We remain concerned that Russia intends to use these soldiers in combat or to support combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk," Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder told reporters during a press briefing. But October 30, 2024
• 
  Samsung SDI reports 72% profit drop in Q3 SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Samsung SDI Co., one of South Korea's major electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers, revealed on Wednesday a 72.1 percent drop in third-quarter operating profit to 129.9 billion won (US$93.8 million). Revenue fell by 29.8 percent to 3.94 trillion won in the July-September quarter. Although battery supply to its North American partner facilities increased, its flagship battery division saw operating profit plunge 85 percent from a year earlier to October 30, 2024
• 
  Shinsegae to split into two separate groups; heiress named department store chair SEOUL, Oct. 30 (AJP) — South Korea's Shinsegae Group announced Wednesday it will split into two separate groups, each centered on Shinsegae Department Store and the E-mart discount store. The retail conglomerate promoted Chung Yoo-kyung, president of the department store, to chairwoman to head the new Shinsegae-led group. Her brother Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, will oversee operations centered on E-mart, the group said. The split completes a succes October 30, 2024
• 
  OPINION: Amid the West's wavering aid to Ukraine, North Korea backs Russia in mutually beneficial move SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently accused North Korea of plans to send 10,000 soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence later gave credence to Zelensky's assertion, as the country's legislators noted that North Korea has already dispatched 3,000 soldiers to Russia. North Korea lending a helping hand to Russia is nothing new. The country has already provided Russia with significant munitions to supplement its de October 30, 2024
• 
  PHOTOS: Red Cross holds charity bazaar in Seoul SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - The Korean Red Cross held its 41st annual Red Cross Bazaar at COEX in Seoul on Tuesday. The bazaar offered a variety of items including food, clothing, accessories, household goods, and donated items for sale. All proceeds from the bazaar, which has been held annually since 1984, will be used to support families in crisis and vulnerable populations. October 29, 2024
• 
  South Korean man held in China on alleged espionage charges SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - A South Korean man has been detained in China since late last year on alleged espionage charges, China's foreign ministry revealed on Tuesday. The man in his 50s, whose name has not been disclosed, was arrested at his home on suspicions of violating Beijing's anti-espionage law, which was amended to broaden the scope of espionage activities and took effect in July this year. China has detected an "illegal activity in accordance with the law, October 29, 2024