Samsung Display to supply OLED displays for Qualcomm's platform

SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Samsung Display has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qualcomm Technologies to supply OLED displays for Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Experience Development Platform, the companies said Tuesday. The collaboration will incorporate Samsung's 34-inch 6K (6,008 x 934) wide OLED display into Qualcomm's cockpit demonstration kits, showcasing features including AI graphics, infotainment systems, and autonomous driving information visualizati

February 4, 2025

Gold prices soar as tariff tensions drive investors to seek safe assets

SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - Gold prices in South Korea soared to an all-time high on Tuesday as investors sought safe-haven assets amid rising trade tensions and global economic uncertainty. The price of gold on the Korea Exchange (KRX) hit 139,980 won ($95.87) per gram as of 10:40 a.m., marking a 1.43 percent increase from the previous day and extending a 3.6 percent surge from Monday. The rally represents a 60.8 percent jump from a year ago, setting the highest level since the marke

February 4, 2025

Korea's two leading shipbuilders to compete for $5.4 billion destroyer program

SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - The Korean government has cleared Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to compete for a contract to build the country’s next-generation destroyers, intensifying a high-stakes battle between the nation’s leading shipbuilders. The decision by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on Monday effectively doubles the pool of qualified bidders for the Korean Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) program, an 8 trillion won ($5.4 billion) project

February 4, 2025

Cold snap here to stay despite arrival of spring

SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - A freezing cold snap will grip the country throughout the week, with morning temperatures plunging below -10 degrees Celsius, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said on Tuesday. The fresh cold spell arrived just a day after Ipchun or the official beginning of spring by the lunar calendar. Early morning temperatures dropped to -10.5 degrees in Seoul and Incheon, -7.7 degrees in Daejeon, -4.9 degrees in Gwangju, -6.1 degrees in Daegu, and -4.4 degr

February 4, 2025

Samsung E&A wins $1.7 billion UAE methanol plant contract

SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Samsung Engineering & Construction Americas (E&A) has secured a $1.7 billion contract to build a methanol plant in the United Arab Emirates, the company said Tuesday. The project, awarded by UAE's state oil company ADNOC, involves constructing a facility capable of producing 5,000 tons of methanol per day at the Taziz Industrial Complex in Ruwais. The engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract covers a construction period of 44

February 4, 2025

PHOTOS: Kyungdong Market is culinary haven preserving Korean traditions since 1960s

SEOUL, January 31 (AJP) - Unlike Seoul’s bustling tourist-centric markets, Kyungdong Market remains a stronghold of local food culture, serving the city’s residents since the 1960s. With its extensive selection of produce, seafood, meat, fruits, and medicinal herbs, the market offers a rare glimpse into the everyday culinary traditions of Korea. During the winter months, the smells of steaming sundae-guk (blood sausage soup) and simmering fishcakes fill the air, drawing in shop

February 4, 2025

Constitutional Court postpones ruling on dispute over justice appointment

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea on Monday postponed its ruling on the legality of Acting President Choi Sang-mok's refusal to appoint a justice to fill the court's vacant seat. Just a few hours before the expected ruling, the court abruptly changed its plans, announcing that it would hold a hearing next Monday, with the ruling on the case postponed indefinitely. Many speculate that the move came amid concerns about being seen as rushed or improper

February 3, 2025

Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics falls below 50 percent

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - Foreign ownership of Samsung Electronics slipped below 50 percent for the first time in more than a year, reflecting mounting investor concerns over semiconductor demand and the company’s position in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence market. As of Friday, foreign investors held a 49.99 percent stake in South Korea’s largest company, down from 56.55 percent in July 2024, according to data from the Korea Exchange. Over the past six m

February 3, 2025

Vietnamese rapper becomes social media sensation in South Korea

SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - Vietnamese rapper 7dnight is emerging as a new talent in the hip-hop scene as his song "Không Sao Cả" gains popularity on social media, crossing borders from his homeland to his second home, South Korea. The 23-year-old rapper has worked as a migrant laborer in South Korea for seven years, transporting steel at construction sites during the day while developing his rap skills at night. Despite a congenital condition that left him with only two fin

February 3, 2025

OpenAI CEO to announce Kakao partnership during Korea visit

SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will visit South Korea on Tuesday for a private workshop with local developers and to announce a strategic partnership with the country’s tech company, Kakao, according to sources. The event, dubbed "Builder Lab," will take place at Seoul’s Plaza Hotel, reflecting the intensifying global race in artificial intelligence. Altman’s visit marks his third trip to South Korea, following previous stops in June 2

February 3, 2025