OPINION: Crypto is soaring after Trump's election − but is it good ethical investment?

SEOUL, November 22 (AJP) - An estimated 18 million Americans are invested in cryptocurrency, according to the Federal Reserve. And the United States just elected a pro-crypto president. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin have become a trendy digital asset. Supporters claim that crypto subverts capitalism because it bypasses traditional bankers. Crypto can offer quick riches along with an air of high-tech sophistication. Early adopters reaped enormous rewards, many becoming milliona

November 22, 2024

PHOTOS: Expo showcases fruits and agricultural produce with family-friendly activities

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - An agricultural expo, featuring a diverse range of fruits and new varieties, opened at aT Center in southern Seoul on Thursday. The three-day expo, now in its 14th year, is hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and organized by the Korea Fruit Agricultural Cooperative Federation. It features multiple pavilions displaying various fruits such as apples, pears, tangerines, and grapes. Visitors can also take part in cooking competitions and ed

November 21, 2024

SK Hynix begins mass production of world's first 321-layer NAND memory

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - SK Hynix announced on Thursday it has started mass production of the industry's first 321-layer 1-terabit Triple Level Cell (TLC) 4D NAND flash memory, with plans to supply the product to customers in the first half of 2025. The development is expected to consolidate the firm's position as a key player in the AI memory market. It is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI memory solutions with its strong focus on HBM, coupled w

November 21, 2024

Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix in talks with Biden administration to finalize semiconductor subsidies

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - The Biden administration is speeding up the disbursement of subsidies under the CHIPS Act to finish them within his term, with attention on the upcoming approval of subsidies for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, Korean conglomerates that committed to invest in the U.S. Concerns that President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized the CHIPS Act several times, may attempt to neutralize the law after his inauguration in January have prompted these expedi

November 21, 2024

North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts become daily torment for border-town residents

Loudspeakers in North Korea are visible from Paju, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea on Sept. 5, 2024. Yonhap SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Residents living near the border with North Korea have been enduring deafening noise from loudspeaker broadcast blaring across the demilitarized zone for several months. In July, South Korea resumed propaganda broadcasts in response to a series of North Korean provocations including its bizarre campaign of sending trash-filled balloons toward the South

November 21, 2024

Hyundai Motor's first foreign CEO is strategic choice in bracing for Trump presidency

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor Company has named Jose Munoz as its new CEO, a move widely interpreted as a strategic response to the potential implications of a second Trump presidency in the United States. Munoz, who joined Hyundai in 2019 as President and Global COO, has a proven track record of success in North America. Under his leadership, Hyundai's market share in the region rose from 3.9% to 5.6% between 2018 and 2023. The company credits him with strengthenin

November 21, 2024

UN adopts resolution on North Korean human rights for 20th consecutive year

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - The UN General Assembly unanimously passed its resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations on Wednesday. The annual resolution, adopted for the 20th consecutive year, condemns North Korea for "continuing to divert its resources into pursuing its unlawful nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes over the welfare of its people." "This is just the latest in a line of resolutions presented every year for the past 2

November 21, 2024

Japan's ruling coalition agrees to raise tax-free threshold

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Japan's ruling coalition has reached an agreement with an opposition party on Wednesday to increase the tax-free income ceiling, clearing the path for a comprehensive inflation relief package amid rising consumer prices. The deal between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's administration and the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) includes raising the current threshold of 1.03 million yen (US$6,643), with discussions continuing on the specific amou

November 21, 2024

Japan hits new tourism peak as October visitors reach 3.31 million

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Japan recorded its highest-ever monthly tourist arrivals in October with 3.31 million visitors, surpassing the previous record of 3.29 million set in July. The surge in international arrivals reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Wednesday, up from 2.87 million in September, has been attributed to the depreciated yen and seasonal attractions, with autumn foliage driving increased tourism demand across multiple markets from Asia, E

November 21, 2024

PHOTOS: Food Week takes place at COEX

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - The Food Week event is being held at COEX in Seoul from Nov. 20 to 23, 2024. Hosted by COEX and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the event features 1,054 companies from 31 countries, with 1,846 booths. Food Week is Korea's largest comprehensive food exhibition showcasing premium domestic and international food products, alternative food manufacturing, automated production, smart distribution, and farm technology, presenting the future of the

November 21, 2024