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  'Charity thermometer' in Gwanghwamun nears fundraising goal SEOUL, January 9 (AJP) - An installation dubbed the "charity thermometer" in downtown Gwanghwamun reached 98.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, about a month after its launch as part of the annual campaign by the Community Chest of Korea to help those in need. With a goal to collect 450 billion Korean won (around US$306 million), its temperature rises by one degree for every 1 percent of the fundraising target. The fundraising campaign will run until the end of the January 9, 2026
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  Farewell to CES 2026 LAS VEGAS, January 09 (AJP) - The world’s largest consumer electronics and information technology trade show, CES 2026, wrapped up four-day run in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday. The annual event brought together global companies and visitors, showcasing next-generation technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous driving and healthcare solutions. Across exhibition halls, demonstrations highlighted practical applications and commercialization potenti January 9, 2026
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  Korean skaters prepare for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics SEOUL, January 09 (AJP) - January 9, 2026
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  Seoul opens 'climate shelters' for rest during extreme weather SEOUL, January 08 (AJP) - Seoul has rolled out a network of “Climate Companion Shelters” to protect residents from extreme weather, offering rest and evacuation spaces during cold waves and heat waves. The program aims to reduce weather-related health risks by providing easily accessible refuges across the city. The city has established 450 shelters in partnership with the private sector, focusing on facilities commonly used in daily life, including convenience stor January 8, 2026
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  North Korea's Rodong Sinmun becomes accessible in South Korea SEOUL, January 08 (AJP) - Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, has been reclassified from "special materials" to "general materials," making it accessible without identity verification or special procedures. The newspaper, classified as subversive publication in 1970, can now be viewed at the National Assembly Library, National Library of Korea, national university libraries, and the Ministry of Unification's North Korean M January 8, 2026
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  PHOTOS:Evergreen in Seoul, even in icy winter SEOUL, January 8 (AJP) - While Arctic-level cold grips Seoul, the greenhouse at Seoul Botanic Park in Magok remains lush, green and humidly warm. Beneath the glass dome, temperatures stay steady, and dense foliage retains its vivid color, offering a striking contrast to the wintry landscape outside. Located in Gangseo-gu, Seoul Botanic Park stands next to Magoknaru Station, where Subway Line 9 and the Airport Railroad intersect. The surrounding Magok dis January 8, 2026
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  KOSPI continues to test new heights SEOUL, January 08 (AJP) - South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI touched fresh milestone of 4,600 won to gallop toward much-anticipated 5,000 on Wednesday. The KOSPI opened 19.60 points, or 0.43 percent, lower at 4,531.46. The buying spree sent the Korean won higher at 1,449.40 versus the U.S dollar. Retailers joined in full force to pick up foreign selling. January 8, 2026
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  PHOTOS: South Korea greets 2026 with the first sunrise SEOUL, January 1 (AJP) — The Year of Byeongo (the Year of the Red Horse) has begun, marking the start of 2026. On the first day of the new year, most regions across the country are expecting clear skies and weather, which makes watching the sunrise more enjoyable. However, the morning temperature in Seoul is forecast to plunge to minus 11 degrees Celsius, bringing frigid weather. January 8, 2026
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  Countdown begins ahead of BTS' full-group comeback SEOUL, January 8 (AJP) - Since earlier this week, promotional displays for BTS' full-group comeback in late March have adorned the staircases of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts near Gwanghwamun in central Seoul. As one of the country's major cultural venues, hosting a wide range of performances and exhibitions, the center was an ideal place to promote the septet's return with a new album set for release on March 20, according to their management agency. Th January 8, 2026
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  [CES 2026] CES 2026 Sneak peek: Samsung and LG turn exhibition spaces into experience hubs SEOUL, January 07 (AJP) - January 7, 2026