K-chip and defense boom reshapes career paths for Korea's elite talent pipeline SEOUL, May 28 (AJP) - Over the past year, South Korea's manufacturing powerhouses — semiconductors and defense — have staged an epic rise with soaring share prices and record earnings reshaping the ambitions of the country's brightest young people. Semiconductor departments at Yonsei University and Korea University, once considered niche engineering tracks, are now competing directly with medical schools for top science students. The Air Force, meanwhile, has b May 28, 2026

Gyeonggi gubernatorial candidates set to face off in first TV debate SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - Three major gubernatorial candidates for Gyeonggi Province are set to clash in a televised debate on Wednesday night, just two days before early voting begins, ahead of the June 3 local elections. According to the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission, Choo Mi-ae of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), Yang Hyang-ja of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), and Cho Eung-cheon of the minor Reform Party are scheduled to face off in a live debate co May 27, 2026

Historic folk festival set to return in Gangneung next month SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - A folk festival with over 1,000 years of history, is set to return in Gangneng, Gangwon Province next month with eight days of ritual, performance and communal celebration along Namdaecheon, a stream running through the heart of the city. The festival, known as Gangneung Danoje, recognized as both a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a national intangible heritage of South Korea, runs from June 15 to 22 in the eastern coastal city. One of Kor May 27, 2026

Starbucks Korea boycott hits sales after "Tank Day" backlash SEOUL, May 27 (AJP)-Starbucks Korea under Shinsegae Group suffers commercial fallout on top of reputational damage from its “Tank Day” controversy, with payment volumes and new app installations dropping sharply in the week following the backlash over marketing tied to South Korea’s May 18 democratization movement. According to data released Wednesday by AI analytics firm IGAWorks’ Mobile Index, Starbucks Korea’s weekly payment volume fell to 23.69 bil May 27, 2026

Overpass collapse in Seoul disrupts over 120 KTX trains SEOUL, May 27 (AJP) - More than 120 KTX bullet trains have been suspended or had their routes adjusted after a collapse at a demolition site in Seosomun, western Seoul, according to the state-run rail operator. The disruptions, affecting multiple lines from the first trains on Wednesday, came after an overpass under demolition collapsed the previous day, killing three workers and injuring three others. KORAIL said a power outage on overhead railway lines between Seoul Station and May 27, 2026

Korea holds off on IEA oil release, eyeing August crunch SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - South Korea is holding back on releasing its share of the International Energy Agency's record emergency oil stockpile, opting to preserve the buffer for a potentially graver supply crunch in August as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut. With the June 9 deadline for Seoul's pledged contribution just two weeks away, Yang Ki-wook, director general for industrial resources security at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, told reporters May 26, 2026

At least 3 dead as old overpass in Seoul partially collapses during demolition SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - An old overpass in Seoul partially collapsed on Tuesday while workers were demolishing it, as part of the city's broader effort to remove aging infrastructure and spruce up the capital. The accident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on the overpass in Seosomun, western Seoul, which has been gradually removed since last Summer and is scheduled to be fully demolished by early next month. At least three were dead, several were injured, and rescuers are still sea May 26, 2026

AJP Watch: Shinsegae vows to make amends "regardless of cost" over Starbucks Korea blunder SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday delivered a second public apology within a week over Starbucks Korea’s controversial “Tank Day” promotion, bowing repeatedly in a televised appearance and pledging to restore public trust through action rather than words after what the group described as a “serious” failure in historical awareness. Speaking at the Josun Palace hotel in Seoul, Chung bowed deeply three times during May 26, 2026

Shinsegae chief's apology over Starbucks controversy - text SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) -Below is the full statement of Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin's apology over Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" controversy. To the people of the nation, I stand before you today with a heavy and apologetic heart. First, as chairman of Shinsegae Group, I sincerely bow my head in apology and ask for forgiveness from the bereaved families of the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the bereaved family of the late activist Park Jong- May 26, 2026

Police locate missing foreign national hiker in Korea after safe return home SEOUL, May 24 (AJP) -A woman believed to be a foreign national who was feared missing on Mount Cheolma after reporting that she had lost her way while hiking had safely returned home, authorities said Sunday, ending a two-day intensive search operation. According to the Gyeonggi Northern Fire and Disaster Headquarters, police located the woman at her residence in Seoul’s Gangbuk district at 10:51 a.m. Sunday. Officials said she was found in stable condition with no apparent in May 24, 2026