Na Hong-jin's sci-fi thriller 'Hope' to hit theaters next week SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - Director Na Hong-jin's latest film "Hope" is set to hit theaters next week, about two months after the sci-fi thriller made its world premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival in May. Set for release on July 15, the 160-minute film starring veteran actor Hwang Jung-min along with Zo In-sung and Jung Ho-yeon revolves around a story set in a demilitarized border village where unidentified objects suddenly appear. July 7, 2026

Volunteers serve Samgyetang to help vulnerable residents beat summer heat SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - Workers and volunteers from the Korean Red Cross shared a traditional meal with underprivileged residents at an event in Seoul on Tuesday. The event coincided with Chobok, the first of the three summer days along with Jungbok and Malbok, which come every 10 days apart and are collectively called Sambok, when Koreans traditionally eat samgyetang or chicken soup with ginseng, to beat the summer heat. More than 50 employees and volunteers July 7, 2026

Pump prices drop below 2,000 won amid easing tensions in Middle East SEOUL, July 6 (AJP) - Pump prices fell to below 2000 won (about US$1.3) this week as international crude oil prices declined amid ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding late last month to end the months-long conflict in the Middle East. According to the Korea National Oil Corporation's website Opinet on Monday, the average retail price of gasoline at gas stations nationwide stood at 1,952.1 won per liter i July 6, 2026

South Korea's parliament opens under opposition boycott SEOUL, July 06 (AJP) - Ruling-majority National Assembly of South Korea on Monday opened for extraordinary session under the boycott of the main opposition People Power Party. The session was called after 161 Democratic Party lawmakers, led by acting party leader and floor leader Han Byeong-do, submitted a formal request for the extraordinary session on July 3. The National Assembly duly announced the opening of the session in accordance with the request. People Po July 6, 2026

Tech expo in Seoul showcases cutting-edge quantum technologies SEOUL, July 2 (AJP) - A tech expo dubbed "Quantum Korea" kicked off its three-day run at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul on Thursday. Under the theme "Quantum in Action, Grand Challenges for Innovation," the expo, now in its fourth year, runs until Saturday, bringing together about 56 companies and research institutions from 12 countries to showcase the latest advances in quantum technologies. Booths from South Korean institu July 2, 2026

Large lithium batteries banned from Seoul subways SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - Passengers are no longer allowed to bring large-capacity lithium batteries on subways in Seoul under new regulations taking effect on Wednesday. They are prohibited from bringing lithium batteries exceeding 160 watt-hours (Wh) and battery-powered personal mobility devices, including electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric unicycles into subway stations and other railway stations in metropolitan areas. The ban, which came after a series of fires inv July 1, 2026

What better way to beat Seoul summer than with samba heat? SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - The vibrant sounds of Brazil echoed through central Seoul on Wednesday as Lotte World Adventure brought a burst of carnival spirit to Myeong-dong, staging a colorful street performance to mark the start of its annual summer festival. Brazilian dancers in dazzling feathered costumes paraded along Myeong-dong's UNESCO Street, captivating shoppers and tourists with energetic performances that briefly transformed one of Seoul's busiest c July 1, 2026

Heat advisory grips Seoul while monsoon approaches SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - Seoulites sought temporary relief from the scorching heat under shaded areas and other resting spots including the Cheonggyecheon Stream in central Seoul on Tuesday, as a heat advisory remained in effect across the capital. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), daytime temperatures in Seoul climbed to around 33 degrees Celsius. The KMA said heat advisories remain in place for Seoul, parts of the surrounding metropolitan area, and the c June 30, 2026

The undying love of yellow milk SEOUL, June 29 (AJP) - Milk may have arrived from the West, but banana milk is unmistakably Korean. It is also a favorite of the Huang family. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and his daughter Madison are known to hand out bottles of the iconic yellow drink whenever they visit South Korea, introducing friends and colleagues to one of the country's simplest—and perhaps most enduring—culinary souvenirs. Half a century after its debut, the squat yellow bottle June 29, 2026

Young Koreans take their revote campaign to university district SEOUL, June 29 (AJP) -Young South Koreans demanding an investigation into the June 3 presidential election over ballot shortages have shifted their protest to Seoul's university district as the movement's original rally site in Jamsil has increasingly come to be dominated by hard-line conservative activists. The steady beat of drums drew curious glances from pedestrians in Hongdae on Saturday as hundreds of young demonstrators marched through one of Seoul's busiest com June 29, 2026