Korea witnesses aging workforce trend in SME labor market

SEOUL, April 22 (AJU PRESS) - Amidst Korea's rapidly aging population and a trend of young individuals steering clear of smaller enterprises, the labor market has seen a rise in the number of older workers in 2023. Data from Statistics Korea revealed on Monday that individuals in their 20s and 30s comprised 30.9 percent of the total small-and-medium-sized enterprise (SME) workforce of 25.3 million. Employees aged 50 and above constituted 47.8 percent of the workforce. The p

April 22, 2024

AI translation service for foreigners gains momentum in Korea

SEOUL, April 22 (AJU PRESS) - The booming tourism industry is driving the adoption of innovative solutions, with AI translation services taking center stage. These services, capable of real-time speech-to-text conversion, are removing language barriers for non-Korean speaking visitors. Leading the charge is Lotte Department Store, a subsidiary of the Lotte Group. Recognizing the influx of foreign customers, particularly at its Jamsil branch, which is receiving roughly 700 daily inqu

April 22, 2024

Opinion: Bitcoin is halving again – what does that mean for cryptocurrency and market?

SEOUL, April 22 (AJU PRESS) - Bitcoin, the largest and most talked about digital asset, has been on a rollercoaster of a ride since its launch in January 2009. With a market capitalization that reached a high of more than US$1.4 trillion (£1.125 trillion) this February and volatile swings since, bitcoin has attracted lots of attention recently. Now a hotly anticipated recurring event that happens roughly every four years is taking place: the bitcoin halving. This could have

April 22, 2024

Opinion: How will US foreign policy affect Joe Biden's chances of re-election in November?

SEOUL, April 22 (AJU PRESS) - When big questions about American foreign policy collide with an election, it's rarely good news for a sitting president. Like many leaders before him, U.S. President Joe Biden has had some of these questions thrust on him, such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some have their origins in past administrations, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Most are a mixture of both, such as Israel’s retaliation against Gaza and the role of Iran.

April 22, 2024

Photo shows BTS' V wearing Army antiterrorism unit uniform

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) - A photo of BTS member V wearing the attire of South Korea's Army antiterrorism unit was unveiled on Friday on a Facebook community dedicated to military issues. The 28-year-old is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service in the Special Duty Team stationed in the northeastern city of Chuncheon. SDT members are selected through a screening process involving physical tests — push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5-kilometer (0.9 mile) run &m

April 19, 2024

VIDEO: Photojournalism exhibition being held at Gwanghwamun

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) - The 60th Korea Press Photo Exhibition is underway at Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul, from April 18-22. The annual exhibition showcases scores of outstanding press photos that document significant events in Korea from the past year. The event is organized by the Korea Press Photographers’ Association (KPPA). Also on show are this month’s KPPA awards winners selected from works of more than 500 members in 12 categories, including IT, spot news, general

April 19, 2024

Mysterious cat deaths spark fear among pet lovers in Korea

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) - Pet lovers in Korea have been shocked as nearly 60 cats have died of a mysterious illness since March, which they speculate to be linked to local cat foods. As of Friday, at least 152 cases, including 57 fatalities, have been reported, according to Life, an animal rights activist group. Affected cats showed acute neurological and muscular symptoms, including kidney failure and difficulty standing or moving. Sick cats were found across the country r

April 19, 2024

Korea's largest nuclear energy expo to take place in Busan

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) - The "International Nuclear Energy Expo 2024," the largest nuclear power exhibition in Korea featuring 100 global companies will kick off in the southern port city of Busan for three days starting on April 24th. Exhibitors will focus on presenting solutions related to small modular reactors, which are claimed to be smaller and safer than conventional reactors. The nuclear energy expo will take place in BEXCO, a convention center in eastern Busa

April 19, 2024

Billboard, Kakao Entertainment join hands to promote K-pop

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) - The Billboard magazine has partnered with South Korea's Kakao Entertainment to boost the global presence of K-pop, the U.S. magazine said Friday. Billboard's President Mike Ven and Kakao Entertainment's co-CEO Joseph Chang have recently signed a partnership agreement on cooperation in Korean music-related content and promotion of K-pop artists' global activities. The two sides will also come up with a new K-pop-related business model.

April 19, 2024

Paraguay to adopt Korean as second foreign language subject

SEOUL, April 19 (AJU PRESS) – Paraguay will adopt Korean as a second foreign language for middle and high school students starting in August, Seoul officials said Friday. The education ministries of Korea and Paraguay have recently signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in providing Korean education in the South American country. Under the agreement, Paraguay will include Korean as a regular second foreign language option that can be taught in secondary-level

April 19, 2024