South Korea hit hardest by US tariffs in 2nd quarter

SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) - South Korea was hit hardest by tariffs on its exports among major U.S. trading partners in the second quarter of this year, an analysis suggests. The Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) said Sunday that tariffs on the country's exports to the U.S. increased by US$3.23 billion during the period between April and June, ranking sixth behind China ($25.93 billion), Mexico ($5.52 billion), Japan ($4.78 billion), Germany ($3.57 billion), and Vie

September 21, 2025

Data breaches affect more KT subscribers than initially reported

SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) - Additional data breaches at mobile telecom provider KT have affected more subscribers in broader areas than initially reported. According to a report submitted Sunday by the country's second-largest mobile carrier to Hwang Jung-ah, a lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, such cases also occurred in Dongjak and Seocho in southern Seoul and other areas, not just the previously reported locations of Gwangmyeong and Geumcheon in southwestern Seoul and

September 21, 2025

Soundtrack of K-pop anime extends reign on UK chart for seventh week

SEOUL, September 21 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" extended its reign at No. 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart to a seventh consecutive week. According to the chart, "Golden," one of the main theme song from the K-pop-themed anime, maintained its hold on the top spot for the week of Sept. 19 to 25, beating English singer-songwriter Olivia Dean's "Man I Need." Since debuting at No. 93 after i

September 21, 2025

Korea's eating culture continues to fascinate

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Whether it’s instant ramyeon or a royal feast, one thing is clear: Koreans take eating seriously. The country’s rich history of mukbang – videos showcasing the enjoyment of food – has now evolved into elaborate global productions. The latest example is "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," which recently climbed to No. 1 on Netflix's non-English TV chart, underscoring worldwide fascination with Korean cuisine and the

September 19, 2025

South Korean army blends fun and firepower in Ground Forces show

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Military bands struck up "Golden," the chart-topping theme from Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, as tanks stood in long rows and children darted between armored corridors. Overhead, parachutists trailed colored smoke. South Korea, still technically at war with North Korea, is now among the world's leading defense exporter. Yet when the Army opened its annual Ground Forces Festival at Gyeryongdae airfield, it made sure the awe was mixed wi

September 19, 2025

String of major data breaches raises serious questions about Korea's cybersecurity

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - South Korean officials bowed their heads in apology during a televised press conference Friday but offered little comfort to a highly connected society grappling with yet another string of mass data breaches. "The government is coordinating across agencies to minimize damage and prepare fundamental measures rather than temporary responses," said Vice Minister Ryu Je-myeong of the Ministry of Science and ICT. "In light of these inciden

September 19, 2025

NVIDIA–Intel tie-up to bring opportunities for Korean chipmakers

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - A tie-up between U.S. chip-design giants NVIDIA and Intel is expected to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) computing infrastructure — creating new opportunities for South Korea’s memory and packaging technologies that support advanced AI chips. The $5 billion partnership, under which NVIDIA will acquire a 4 percent stake in Intel, could unite the current and former leaders of global chip design, pending regulatory approval. The announ

September 19, 2025

Lee to head to New York early next week to attend UN General Assembly

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will embark on his trip to the U.S. next Monday to attend the UN General Assembly's annual high-level session in New York. In a press briefing on Friday, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Lee will begin his week-long itinerary by delivering a keynote speech at the assembly's 80th session on Sept. 23. He will then preside over an artificial intelligence (AI)-themed open debate the following day, making him the fi

September 19, 2025

Resolving visa issues is critical for Korea to act out U.S. investment: FM Cho

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Resolving visa issues is critical for South Korean companies to press forward with their various multi-billion-dollar projects in the United States, Korean foreign minister emphasized Friday. Although visa issues are not a formal precondition for Korean investment in the U.S., foreign minister Cho said they are "an extremely important matter" that should be resolved before major projects move forward. "Protecting our nationals and invest

September 19, 2025

Drugstores rising as must-visit stops in Seoul for foreign visitors

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Drugstores are must-visit stop in Europe, famed for their iconic pharmacy brands — and Korea is fast emerging as a beauty mecca of its own, fueled by a social media-driven reputation for affordable skincare. Tourists are now venturing beyond the ubiquitous Olive Young chain, browsing independent pharmacies where shelves are lined with beauty products labeled in English, Chinese, and Japanese. “I read about this cream on Instagram Threads

September 19, 2025