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  TRAVEL: Walking through the independence history of Malaysia, diverse ethnicities working as one KUALA LUMPUR, October 02 (AJP) - On Aug. 31, 1957, Malaysia peacefully liberated itself from British colonization. Its first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, raised his fists and declared the full independence of the nation. Today, the once British site for colonial officers stands as Independence Square, also known as Merdeka Square. While not particularly large, the square has the highest flagpole in all of Malaysia, with the country's flag standing upright sur October 2, 2025
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  PHOTOS: October brings burst of color to Korea's landscapes SEOUL, October 01 (AJP) - The Korean Peninsula is undergoing a dramatic seasonal transition, as October ushers in the full splendor of autumn. Across South Korea, the landscapes are beginning to transform, with mountains and fields now donning the brilliant, kaleidoscopic hues of fall foliage and late-season flowers. This annual display of natural beauty coincides with a palpable sense of anticipation among the public. Excitement is building nationwide as people prepare for the October 1, 2025
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  TRAVEL: A trip to Banguris Homestay, an authentic Malaysian experience to the core KUALA LUMPUR, October 1 (AJP) - Located in Selangor, one of Malaysia's largest states, the Sepang District is known as the Silicon Valley of Malaysia. Deeper within the district lies Banguris Homestay, a village dedicated to showing guests how real Malay people live. With around 20 government-certified houses available for homestays, visitors can enjoy naturally ventilated rooms and authentic Malaysian food. The town boasts near-zero crime rates, and most households October 1, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Hometown bonds revitalize local market SANGJU, September 30 (AJP) - The platform at Sangju Station is usually quiet, with a sparse handful of travelers passing through. But on a recent Saturday morning on Sept. 27, the scene was one of jubilant chaos. At 11 a.m., a dedicated train rolled in, and 600 passengers — Sangju natives now living in the bustling Seoul metropolitan area — poured out, instantly filling the normally tranquil space. Their mission was simple, yet profound: a collective shopping trip t September 30, 2025
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  TRAVEL: Putrajaya – where modern Malaysia's administrative heart beats KUALA LUMPUR, September 30 (AJP) - Rising from what were once rubber and oil palm plantations, Putrajaya stands as a testament to Malaysia's ambitious modernization. The 4,931-hectare garden city, transformed from former plantations, became Malaysia's federal administrative capital after officially established in 1999. Now just 26 years young, the city prepares to host ASEAN meetings throughout 2025 under Malaysia's chairmanship. Named after Malaysia's f September 30, 2025
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  PHOTOS: In memory of Japan's forced mobilization victims SEOUL, September 29 (AJP) - South Korea held simultaneous memorial services in Seoul and Busan to honor Koreans who were conscripted into forced labor under Japanese colonial rule. At the ceremonies, religious leaders from Buddhism, Catholicism and Protestant Christianity offered rites of comfort to the victims and their families. Officials, civic leaders and ordinary citizens laid flowers and burned incense, while a student choir and traditional musician Oh Jung-hae p September 29, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Highland harvest in full swing SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - The hills of Daegwallyeong, South Korea's largest production base for prized highland vegetables, are typically a scene of bustling harvest activity as the nation prepares for the major fall holiday, Chuseok. The annual harvest of goraengji baechu (highland cabbage) and goraengji mu (highland radish) is in full swing. These vegetables are distinct because they are exclusively grown in regions situated 1,000 meters or more above sea level, giving the September 25, 2025
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  PHOTOS: At 105, philosopher Kim Hyung-seok defines a life well-lived SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - He arrived not in a wheelchair, but on his own two feet. At 105 years old, Professor Kim Hyung-seok, a living icon of South Korean philosophy, took the stage at a Seoul auditorium this week to a standing ovation, ready to share his blueprint for a meaningful life. Professor Kim, born in 1920, is more than a centenarian; he is a testament to the power of a disciplined mind and a well-nourished soul. With a clarity that defies his age, he captivated the a September 24, 2025
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  PHOTOS: Chuseok holiday is approaching SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - As South Korea moves into autumn, families are beginning preparations for Chuseok, one of the nation’s two most significant holidays alongside Seollal (Lunar New Year). Often referred to as "Korean Thanksgiving," the holiday is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude to ancestors, and celebrating the year's harvest. Chuseok, which literally means "autumn evening," falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month September 24, 2025
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  PHOTOS: The present and future of the Korean Army at Gyeryongdae airstrip SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - From the moment visitors passed through the main gate of Gyeryongdae and walked toward the venue, there was a palpable sense of tension and anticipation. The chance to see up close the military equipment usually only seen on television quickened their steps. Upon entering the airstrip with the guidance of soldiers, the scale was overwhelming. Massive tanks stood proudly with their barrels pointed skyward, helicopters spread their rotor blades wide, and September 23, 2025