Seoul moves to emergency response as extreme heat spell hits capital region SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) -Seoul authorities on Monday plans to tap emergency disaster funds if necessary for an expanded heat-wave response as the country's hottest and longest spell migrated to the capital region after scorching southern provinces for weeks, with temperatures forecast nearing 40 degrees in daytime in the capital region. The city administration convened an emergency heat-wave meeting to ensure relief measures were working on the ground rather than remaining on August 3, 2026

Stray Kids kicks off RUN IT world tour with five sold-out Seoul concerts SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - K-pop boy group Stray Kids successfully wrapped up it's five sold-out concerts in Seoul, officially kicking off its "RUN IT" world tour and giving fans an early preview of music from its upcoming mini album, "THIS & THAT," JYP Entertainment said Monday. The JYP Entertainment group performed at Seoul's KSPO Dome on July 25-26, July 29 and Aug. 1-2, drawing capacity crowds across all five dates. The Seoul concerts marked the o August 3, 2026

NCT 127 launches interactive 'CALL 127' campaign ahead of new album SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - K-pop boy group NCT 127 has launched an interactive promotional campaign ahead of its seventh studio album, "BLINGY," built around the idea that fans are the ones calling the group into action, SM Entertainment said Monday. SM Entertainment opened the CALL 127 website at midnight Monday as the centerpiece of the campaign leading up to the album's Aug. 24 release. Styled as a command center, the site allows visitors to browse teaser materials August 3, 2026

KOSDAQ robot stocks rise on U.S. curbs targeting Chinese rivals SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) — Robot stocks on South Korea's junior KOSDAQ market extended their gains Monday after the United States tightened restrictions on Chinese-made robots, while Samsung Electronics' expanded push into robotics reinforced expectations for long-term industry growth. TXR Robotics, which develops warehouse automation and logistics robots, jumped 29.93 percent to 17,450 won ($12.60), hitting the daily trading limit. SPG, a maker of precision motors and g August 3, 2026

US, Japan vow to continue joint yen-supporting intervention SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) -The United States and Japan vowed Monday to continue supporting the yen after admitting to a rare joint intervention last week to stabilize the currency of the world's largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasuries, which also resulted in lifting both the South Korean won and U.S. government bonds. The admission explained last week's abrupt reversal in the yen, which in turn helped lift the South Korean won as investors unwound long-dollar positions acro August 3, 2026

Seoul reorganizes military counterintelligence command SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - Seoul has launched three new military intelligence and security bodies to replace the Defense Counterintelligence Command, a powerful military unit dismantled over its alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law attempt in 2024. The Ministry of National Defense said Monday it held a launch ceremony for the new Defense Counterintelligence Headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, under the supervision of Defense Minister Ahn G August 3, 2026

South Korea to open mine clearance work to private sector SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - South Korea will allow qualified private organizations to take part in mine detection and clearance work as part of a new five-year plan to reform how the country manages landmines no longer needed for military purposes, the defense ministry said Monday. The Ministry of National Defense said it has finalized its first five-year mine action plan, which will run from 2027 to 2031. Under the plan, mine clearance will no longer be treated mainly as a military August 3, 2026

Luxury apartments in Seoul rising second-fast among 46 citie SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) -Luxury apartment prices in Seoul are rising faster than almost anywhere else in the world, deepening South Korea's wealth inequality as homeownership increasingly determines who accumulates assets, a legislative research institute said Monday. A recent report by the National Assembly Futures Institute argues that South Korea's inequality is becoming less about income and increasingly about ownership of residential property, particularly prime homes August 3, 2026

Jeju Air to replace aging fleet with more efficient jets SEOUL, August 3 (AJP) - Jeju Air has added its 13th Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with plans to purchase two more by the end of this year, the budget airline said on Monday. Jeju Air said it is the only South Korean low-cost carrier that owns its aircraft, and with the latest addition, next-generation aircraft now make up 30.2 percent of its passenger fleet. It is part of the carrier's strategic move to replace its Boeing 737-800NG aircraft with Boeing 737-8 jets to reduce costs, August 3, 2026

LG Electronics pushes deeper into Asia commercial laundry market with Thailand franchise deal SEOUL, August 03 (AJP) - LG Electronics is accelerating its push into Asia's commercial laundry market after securing a supply deal with one of Thailand's largest laundromat chains, extending its business-to-business expansion beyond its established North American and European markets. The company said Trendy Wash selected its commercial laundry products based on their durability, energy efficiency and centralized store management capabilities. LG is also expanding its August 3, 2026