Aju Media launches AI-focused business channel as Korea pushes AI ambitions SEOUL, July 08 (AJP) - South Korean media company Aju Media Group launched what it described as the country's first television channel dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence on Wednesday, seeking to establish a platform covering AI policy, business, investment and technology as competition in the sector intensifies. The company officially launched ABC (AI Business Channel) at an opening ceremony in Seoul, kicking off a two-day series of events bringing together July 8, 2026

South Korea urges US to reconsider proposed tariffs over alleged forced-labor imports SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - South Korea urged the U.S. earlier this week to reconsider its proposed tariffs on imports linked to forced labor, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). In a statement submitted to the USTR last Monday, South Korea said it believes the proposed action against the country "is unwarranted and needs to be revised," while sharing Washington's concerns over the "use of forced labor in global supply chains and th July 8, 2026

Newly uncovered U.S. military report identifies Dokdo as part of Korea after WWII SEOUL, July 07 (AJP) - A newly uncovered U.S. military report has revealed that American authorities recognized Dokdo as part of Korea in 1948, offering fresh documentary evidence that could strengthen the historical basis for South Korea's sovereignty over the East Sea islets. The document, titled Report of Bombing of Liancourt Rocks, was prepared by the Far East Air Forces (FEAF) on June 24, 1948, after a U.S. Air Force bombing exercise mistakenly struck Dokdo on June 8 that July 7, 2026

Election watchdog seeks to move ballots as protests over election disruptions continue SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - As monthlong protests in southern Seoul over alleged irregularities including a shortage of ballots and other disruptions during last month's local elections have continued, the National Election Commission on Tuesday sought support to help resolve the situation. In a parliamentary hearing held at the government complex in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, the commission, which takes care of the country's elections, said moving the ballots stored at an indoo July 7, 2026

Seoul high school baseball team seeks forgiveness in Gwangju over May 18 taunts SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) -Kids or not, South Koreans are learning that mockery of historic tragedies comes with serious accountability, as Seoul-based Paichai High School's baseball team traveled to Gwangju on Monday to offer a formal apology to players of Gwangju Jeil High School and local residents and seek their forgiveness for taunting chants mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The apology came one week after Paichai players shouted "Let's go to Star July 6, 2026

Facial recognition now mandatory for mobile phone sign-ups in South Korea SEOUL, July 6 (AJP) - Starting Monday, South Korea is rolling out stricter identity verification procedures for signing up for a mobile phone line, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT said. To open a new account, customers must now complete identity verification via facial recognition. The measures aim to curb voice-phishing scams involving illegally obtained mobile phone lines. The country's three major mobile carriers and other operators will apply the strengthened July 6, 2026

South Koreans must choose their words under new online rules SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - South Koreans are being forced to watch their language and behave online as amendments to the Information and Communications Network Act take effect on July 7. The mock tests are already underway. Rather than making direct assertions, some users now recommend softer wording — phrases such as "it is said," "some claim" or "I heard" — reflecting growing uncertainty over where the legal boundaries of July 3, 2026

From Starbucks to teen baseball, May 18 mockery carries a dear price SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) -Starbucks' May 18 controversy continues to reverberate across South Korea, with the country's largest coffee chain under Shinsegae Group paying for the blunder through a dent in sales while a Seoul high school baseball team is seeking forgiveness from a rival school in Gwangju after taunting its players with Starbucks-related slogans during a national championship game. The episode underscores the strict social boundaries surrounding the May 18, 1980 July 3, 2026

Lee's approval rating rebounds to 54% SEOUL, July 3 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung's approval rating has rebounded in about three weeks. In a survey of about 1,005 adults nationwide conducted by pollster Gallup Korea earlier in the week, 54 percent of respondents said Lee is doing well, up 3 percentage points from the previous poll in the second week of last month. About 36 percent disapproved of his performance, while 10 percent remained undecided. Among Lee's supporters, the most-cited reason was &q July 3, 2026

Another 3,600-ton submarine slated for launch later this year SEOUL, July 3 (AJP) - Another 3,600-ton submarine is expected to be launched later this year, the South Korean Navy said on Friday. According to the Navy, the second vessel in the Jangbogo-III Batch-II series, named after Seo Hui, an eminent diplomat from the early years of the Goryeo Dynasty, is slated for launch in the second half of this year, ahead of its scheduled delivery in 2028. The Navy said the name was chosen in recognition of Seo's diplomatic achievements July 3, 2026