Samsung seeks to capitalize on US push for domestic chip production SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics aims to capitalize on rising U.S. demand for domestically produced advanced semiconductors, with plans to begin cutting-edge 2-nanometer production at its facility in Taylor, Texas starting next year while rival TSMC maintains a Taiwan-first strategy. The South Korean chipmaker is installing 2-nm production equipment at the plant with aims to start operations by 2026, according to industry sources on Sunday. Samsung and TSMC are the tw August 11, 2025

Lee's first pardon includes slew of 'controversial' political figures SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung has decided to pardon a slew of politicians and several others to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day which falls on this Friday, despite some public criticism that is likely to stir a fresh round of political disputes. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting chaired by Lee on Monday, just a day after his return from a weeklong summer vacation. According to the Ministry of Justice, the special amnesty aimed at "prom August 11, 2025

South Korea seeks tariff exemption for polysilicon exports to US SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - South Korea is seeking an exemption from possible restrictions on polysilicon exports to the U.S. According to a document submitted to the U.S. Commerce Department early last week and disclosed in the Federal Register on Sunday, Seoul requested "special consideration" to exempt South Korean companies from potential import restrictions on polysilicon, a key material for solar panels and semiconductors. The request was made amid U.S. President Don August 11, 2025

Top online bookstore suffers another ransomware attack SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Online bookstore Yes24 suffered another ransomware breach on Monday, just two months after its previous attack in June, raising alarming concerns about data security. The latest attack comes amid security experts' warnings that the country's largest bookstore's decision to negotiate with hackers during the initial June incident may have made it an easy target for future attacks. The firm said the incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m., but the August 11, 2025

KHNP begins on-site survey for nuclear power plant project in Czech Republic SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) began the first stage of its project for building a nuclear power plant in Dukovany, Czech Republic by conducting an on-site survey with a launch ceremony last week. The year-long survey, scheduled to conclude by August next year, will examine the characteristics of the proposed construction site to provide essential data for the plant's design. The ceremony last Saturday was attended by KHNP President and CEO Hw August 11, 2025

Consumers feel the pinch as grocery prices soar SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Grocery and food prices jumped 3.5 percent in July from a year earlier, marking the sharpest increase in recent months as the costs of rice, instant noodles and seafood soared, market data showed on Monday. An index gauging the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, compiled by the KOrean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), climbed to 125.75 last month, adding pressure on households already strained by rising costs including a recent hike in public August 11, 2025

Lee meets Viet Nam's top party leader in Seoul SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung met with Viet Nam's top party leader in Seoul on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. To Lam, the general secretary of the Communist Party, arrived in Seoul the previous day for a meeting with Lee, the first state visit by a foreign leader since Lee took office in early June. In a meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, To began his talks by saying he was honored to be the first state gues August 11, 2025

Third-largest South Korean ethylene producer on brink of going bust SEOUL, August 11 (AJP) - Petrochemical company Yeochun NCC (YNCC) is on the brink of default due to financial insolvency amid industry downturns. According to industry sources on Sunday, the country's third-largest ethylene producer is likely to go bust if it fails to secure 310 billion won (about $223 million) in operating funds by Aug. 21. The company has suffered prolonged losses due to an oversupply of ethylene feedstock from China. The joint venture was established in 19 August 11, 2025

South Korea to send envoys to Indonesia SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - A handful group of lawmakers will visit Indonesia this week to strengthen biliteral relations with the Southeast Asian country, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters on Sunday. Led by Cho Jeong-sik of the ruling Democratic Party, the group will head to Jakarta for a three-day visit starting Monday. The move is part of broader diplomatic efforts by President Lee Jae-myung, who has sent special envoys to various Asian and European countries August 10, 2025

Son Heung-min makes MLS debut for LAFC SEOUL, August 10 (AJP) - Striker Son Heung-min made his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut for Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Saturday, just days after finalizing his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. Son's earlier-than-expected debut was anticipated after he was included among the substitutes for the MLS club's away match against Chicago Fire FC. At SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, Son came onto the pitch in the 61st minute to replace Venezuelan forward David Martí August 10, 2025