South Korea, UAE agree to deepen partnership in AI and nuclear energy SEOUL, November 19 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung agreed with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to expand bilateral cooperation with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare, while deepening collaboration in the defense and energy sectors during their talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, according to the presidential office. In a joint declaration after the summit, they pledged to pursue a "new leap forward for another 100 years of part November 19, 2025

Kimchi-making costs expected to drop slightly SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - The cost of making kimchi, the country's staple side dish, for a family of four is estimated to decrease by 5.6 percent from last year to 201,151 Korean won, according to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT). The estimate came after a survey of prices for about a dozen key ingredients at about 17 farmers' markets and 36 large retailers. Despite more and more households opting to buy kimchi these days, many South Koreans s November 18, 2025

Lee seeks to expand cooperation in high-tech industries with UAE SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - South Korea aims to lay the foundation for a new phase in bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by expanding cooperation in high-tech and future industries including healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and other advanced technologies, President Lee Jae Myung said in an interview with the UAE's English-language newspaper Aletihad. Lee, who is currently in Abu Dhabi before attending the Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa lat November 18, 2025

No hostile intention toward North Korea, South Korea says SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - South Korea has "no hostile or confrontational intent toward North Korea," the presidential office said on Tuesday, suggesting that it will continue to pursue rapprochement with the North. "We have no hostile or confrontational intent toward the North," said spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. She added, "We will continue working to ease inter-Korean tensions and restore trust between the two Koreas." The remarks came just hours a November 18, 2025

Choo Shin-soo becomes first South Korean nominated for MLB Hall of Fame SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Slugger Choo Shin-soo has become the first South Korean baseball player nominated for the Major League Baseball (MLB)'s Hall of Fame. According to a list released by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) on Monday, Choo is among 27 candidates, 15 holdovers and 12 newcomers, being considered for induction in July next year. To be eligible, candidates must have played in MLB for at least 10 years and have been retired for more tha November 18, 2025

Seoul shivers in season's first subzero temperatures SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Subzero temperatures swept across the country on Tuesday, with the mercury in Seoul dropping to -2 degree Celsius. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, morning lows plummeted about five to ten degrees colder than the previous day as a cold air front descended from the north overnight. Most inland regions and eastern Gangwon areas were also gripped by subzero temperatures, with Goseong at -12.1 degrees, Yeoncheon at -8.2 degrees, and P November 18, 2025

Half of high-ranking officials own multiple homes SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - Nearly half of high-ranking government officials including lawmakers own two or more homes, a recent analysis shows. The analysis of some 2,581 senior officials, released by corporate tracker Leaders Index on Tuesday, found that 48.8 percent hold multiple homes, with 17.8 percent owning at least three. Real estate accounts for 58.7 percent of their total assets estimated at 5.71 trillion won. Apartments make up 58.9 percent, followed by sprawling pr November 18, 2025

Korea weighs standardized vet fees to address runaway inflation in pet care SEOUL, November 17 (AJP) - Three out of ten Korean households now own a pet, and the government is considering a standardized payment system for veterinary care to address soaring medical costs and widening price disparities. The move follows mounting public frustration over bills that vary dramatically by clinic and location. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the cost of a first-time checkup for a 5-kilogram pet ranges from as low as 1,000 November 17, 2025

PM orders safety measures for Han River ferry service after another accident SEOUL, November 16 (AJP) - Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Sunday instructed city officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of an accident involving a water ferry service along the Han River. His instruction came a day after one of the boats stalled near a dock in Jamsil, southern Seoul, while passing through shallow waters. Although there were no casualties or injuries, all 82 passengers aboard were frightened before being safely rescued. Stressed the need to November 16, 2025

Lee to embark on South African trip for G20 summit SEOUL, November 14 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung will embark on a trip to attend the Group of 20 (G20) summit in South Africa next week, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said during a press briefing on Friday. The multilateral gathering of global leaders is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from Nov. 22 to 23, marking the first G20 summit held on the African continent. Lee is set to depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, followed by a visit to Egypt bef November 14, 2025