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  Spiritual Asia (27): Jainism reshapes India's economy and culture This is the twenty-seventh installment of AJP's Spiritual Asia series, which explores the religious traditions, philosophical ideas and moral foundations that have shaped Asia's civilizations. In this concluding chapter of our three-part journey through Japanese Shinto, we examine how a faith rooted in reverence for nature was transformed into an instrument of the modern state, and how it later returned to everyday life. A religion does not survive for centuries because July 2, 2026
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  Kazakhstan's new constitution opens reform era SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - Kazakhstan's new Constitution entered into force on Wednesday, replacing the charter that had governed the country since 1995 and marking the culmination of a reform process that began nearly four years ago. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a statement from the presidential office, called the moment "a truly epochal moment" and the start of what he described as a new era of progress, reform, and modernization. The document was approved by re July 1, 2026
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  Spiritual Asia (26): Another great enlightenment born alongside Buddhism This is the twenty-sixth installment of AJP's Spiritual Asia series, which explores the religious traditions, philosophical ideas and moral foundations that have shaped Asia's civilizations. In this concluding chapter of our three-part journey through Japanese Shinto, we examine how a faith rooted in reverence for nature was transformed into an instrument of the modern state, and how it later returned to everyday life. Human history holds certain rare stretches of time. July 1, 2026
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  South Korea's grand chip bet Korea's semiconductor history has always carved out a path in the midst of crisis. Even when the country first ventured into memory chips in the 1980s, the world doubted it could succeed. Japan was ahead, the United States held the core technology, and Taiwan was opening up a new path called foundry manufacturing. Yet Korea did not give up. Companies worked through the night, engineers pushed past the limits of process technology, and the state eventually recognized, howeve July 1, 2026
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  Spiritual Asia (25): Why Korean shamanism is still alive today This is the twenty-fifth installment of AJP's Spiritual Asia series, which explores the religious traditions, philosophical ideas and moral foundations that have shaped Asia's civilizations. In this concluding chapter of our three-part journey through Japanese Shinto, we examine how a faith rooted in reverence for nature was transformed into an instrument of the modern state, and how it later returned to everyday life. ​​​​ The great path of world shamanism, Japanese June 30, 2026
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  Reflections on 35 years of Quebec–Korea partnership SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - On the evening of June 24, the rooftop gathering at Art Nine in Seoul's Dongjak District felt less like a formal diplomatic event and more like a warm family reunion. Hosted by the Quebec Delegation in Seoul to celebrate Quebec's National Holiday (La Fête nationale), the reception marked a profound milestone: the 35th anniversary of Quebec's institutional presence in Korea. Quebec, Canada's predominantly French-speaking province, i June 30, 2026
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  Op-Ed: Civilian control should not be confused with civilian interference The debate over civilian control of the military is one of democracy's greatest achievements. But invoking civilian control to justify political or bureaucratic interference in military affairs is something entirely different. South Korea's Ministry of National Defense has increasingly expanded its involvement in operational military matters that traditionally fall within the authority of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). What is presented as an exercise in democratic c June 30, 2026
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  Anatomy of KOSPI roller coaster It takes a strong stomach to ride the KOSPI roller coaster. The benchmark soared as if there were no ceiling, lifting investors to dizzying heights as they celebrated what seemed an unstoppable ascent. Then came the plunge. Within days, the market unraveled. An index racing toward historic highs suddenly became synonymous with panic. Four trading sessions encapsulated explosive gains and breathtaking losses, euphoria and fear, optimism and despair. This was no ordinary bout o June 30, 2026
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  Spiritual Asia (24): Gut, the mountain spirit, the seven stars, and the ancestors This is the twenty-fourth installment of AJP's Spiritual Asia series, which explores the religious traditions, philosophical ideas and moral foundations that have shaped Asia's civilizations. In this concluding chapter of our three-part journey through Japanese Shinto, we examine how a faith rooted in reverence for nature was transformed into an instrument of the modern state, and how it later returned to everyday life. K-culture re-awakens the spirituality of Korean shama June 29, 2026