PHOTOS: Plum blossoms at Tongdosa Temple

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - Amid warm temperatures reaching 18 degrees Celsius in South Gyeongsang Province on Feb. 12, vibrant red plum blossoms have emerged at Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. The early bloom drew crowds of visitors and photographers seeking a glimpse of spring’s nascent arrival. The early bloom offered a seasonal respite for those seeking to document the transition from winter, with many capturing images of the blossoms against the temple’s tranquil landscape.

March 13, 2025

Homeplus extends discount promotions amid financial struggles

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - Homeplus is extending its discount promotions until the end of the month, a move widely seen as an effort to counter deteriorating asset efficiency and mounting liquidity pressures under the private equity ownership of MBK Partners. The retailer’s fixed asset turnover ratio dropped to 0.96 as of Feb. 29, 2024, falling below the critical 1.0 threshold, according to industry sources citing the latest sales results. The figure indicates that Homeplus is st

March 13, 2025

Demand for smaller vehicles rises as women, older drivers shape market

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - The demand for small and medium-sized vehicles in South Korea is expected to climb as women and elderly drivers account for a growing share of the nation’s auto market, according to a report released Thursday by the Korea Automotive Research Institute. The report, titled “Population and Social Structure Changes and the Domestic Automobile Market,” highlights a significant shift in vehicle ownership patterns over the past decade. Between

March 13, 2025

Koreans spend seven times more on short-form video than streaming services

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - South Koreans are devoting significantly more time to short-form video platforms than to traditional streaming services, according to newly released data, underscoring a shift in media consumption habits. A report by market research firm Wiseapp Retail Goods, published Thursday, found that in February, the average user spent 48 hours and 73 minutes per month on short-form video applications such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. In contrast, they spent on

March 13, 2025

[UPDATE] Constitutional court dismisses impeachment of chief state auditor and prosecutors

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) -The Constitutional Court unanimously dismissed the impeachment motions against Chief State Auditor Choe Jae-hae and three prosecutors on Thursday, allowing them to return to their posts immediately. The court ruled that the impeachment charges lacked sufficient legal grounds, rejecting the National Assembly’s case against Choe, Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office chief Lee Chang-soo, and senior prosecutors Cho Sang-won and Choi Jae-hun. C

March 13, 2025

Actor Kim Soo-hyun loses endorsement deals amid mounting allegations

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing growing scrutiny after allegations about his romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron recently surfaced. The family of the 24-year-old actress revealed earlier this week that Kim had been in a long-term relationship with her, allegedly beginning when she was 15 and he was 12 years her senior. Under South Korean law, any romantic involvement with a minor under 16 is considered a criminal offense. Shortly after

March 12, 2025

Constitutional Court wrestles with decision on Yoon's impeachment trial

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea has yet to set a date for the final verdict in President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial over his botched martial law debacle last year. The court has reportedly been holding deliberation sessions almost every day since Yoon's hearings concluded late last month. In the meantime, the court gave prior notice that it will deliver rulings on Thursday for a series of pending impeachment cases including Choi Jae-hae, h

March 12, 2025

French film fest to showcase unreleased flicks this spring

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - The annual French film festival is set to return this spring here, offering opportunities to indulge in French films and cultural events. Organized by the French Embassy in Seoul in partnership with ARTNINE and the Busan Cinema Center, the festival under the name of French Cinema Week is supported by TV5MONDE, KBDF, Moët & Chandon, Alliance Française de Busan, and Hulotte. It will be held in Seoul and Busan from April 4 to 13. This year'

March 12, 2025

Samsung wins trademark lawsuit against Chinese firm TCL in Germany

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has secured a preliminary injunction against Chinese home appliance maker TCL in a trademark infringement lawsuit in Germany, a ruling that could set a precedent in disputes over alleged "copycat" practices by Chinese companies. The District Court of Dusseldorf ruled in favor of the South Korean tech giant last month, approximately three months after Samsung initiated legal proceedings in November 2024, according to industry of

March 12, 2025

Canadian Embassy hosts seminar on North Korean human rights

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - A seminar to shed light on North Korean human rights was held in central Seoul on Wednesday. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Canada in Seoul, brought together a wide range of attendees including those supported by the funds provided by the embassy. Non-profit organization People for Successful Corean Reunification (PSCORE) shared the outcome of its research into the working conditions of North Korean IT workers, both in the isolated country and oversea

March 12, 2025