Xi meets Putin in BRICS summit in Kazan

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Xi emphasized that China and Russia have developed a successful approach to their relationship, characterized by non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third parties during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, Russia on Tuesday. He acknowledged the progress in China-Russia relations, highlighting several significant achievements. Xi expressed his hope for extensive discussions with Putin and other world leaders about t

October 23, 2024

Japan rail giant JR Central raided in bid-rigging probe

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Japan's biggest high-speed rail operator Central Japan Railway (JR Central) and five other firms are being investigated by antitrust regulators over suspected collusion in railway bridge maintenance contracts, news reports said. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) on Tuesday raided the Tokyo-based JR Central and its affiliates including JR Central Consultants, along with engineering firms Dainichi Consultant, Tonichi Engineering Consultants, and Japa

October 23, 2024

Ireland, UAE sign bilateral treaties to combat organized crime

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed two bilateral treaties on Monday on extradition and mutual legal assistance, aiming to tackle organized crime and drug trafficking. Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee traveled to Abu Dhabi to formalize the agreements with her UAE counterpart, Abdullah Bin Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi. These treaties, negotiated since last year, are expected to aid in the extradition of Sean McGovern, a senior member of I

October 23, 2024

IMF cuts Japan's growth outlook to 0.3 percent

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced Japan's economic growth forecast for 2024 to 0.3 percent from its July projection of 0.7 percent, citing disruptions in the automotive supply chain and a cooling tourism boom. The Washington-based institution said on Tuesday Japan's growth trajectory would improve to 1.1 percent in 2025, reflecting anticipated increases in wages and domestic consumption, while maintaining its broader global growth foreca

October 23, 2024

U.S. charges Iranian official in plot to assassinate dissident in New York

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Ruhollah Bazghandi, a senior official in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday for his role in a 2022 plot to assassinate Iranian American dissident Masih Alinejad in New York. Charges against Bazghandi and three other Iranians, including murder-for-hire and money laundering, were revealed in an updated indictment. While the Justice Department did not name the target, Alinejad, a journal

October 23, 2024

OPINION: Kim Jong-un sends North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine – here's what this means for war

SEOUL, October 23 (AJP) - It is still unclear how many North Korean soldiers will find their way onto the killing fields of eastern Ukraine. What is clear is that the drive to recruit fighting forces from North Korea is at least in part politically motivated. But is it also a tactical masterstroke that will boost the Russian war machine's chances of a definitive victory? The political aspect appears straightforward. The use of foreign forces from an enemy of the United States de

October 23, 2024

PHOTOS: National Folk Museum showcases traditional funeral dolls

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - The National Folk Museum of Korea is presenting "Parade," a special exhibition featuring traditional Korean funeral dolls known as kokdu, from Oct. 23 to March 3, 2025. The exhibition displays about 250 pieces from a collection of 1,100 kokdu dolls donated by Kim Ok-rang, director of the Kodu Museum, who spent 50 years collecting these ceremonial figures. Kokdu dolls, decorative wooden figurines used in traditional Korean funerals, were designed to accom

October 22, 2024

PHOTOS: Seoul holds sign language cultural festival

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - A sign language cultural festival was held at Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul on Tuesday. The event provided visitors with opportunities to learn and practice sign language firsthand. The festival featured various programs including a sign language poetry contest, cultural performances, and interactive experience booths.

October 22, 2024

PHOTOS: KES 2024 opens at COEX, highlighting AI innovations

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - The Korea Electronics Show (KES) 2024 opened Tuesday at COEX in Seoul, featuring 520 companies from 13 countries showcasing their latest AI technologies. The four-day event presents innovations in mobility, robotics, and environmental solutions, demonstrating how AI is reshaping various industries. Companies from the United States, Japan, Germany, and China are among the international participants displaying their technological advances.

October 22, 2024

BLACKPINK's Jennie makes Billboard Hot 100 debut with latest single

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Jennie's latest solo track, "Mantra," has debuted on this week's Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, which was released on Monday. Unveiled on Oct. 11, the single by the member of K-pop girl band BLACKPINK ranked at 98th on the chart. "Mantra," with its upbeat rhythms and energetic vibes, delivers an empowering message, encouraging people to shine in their own unique way. The song also debuted at No. 5 on Spotify'

October 22, 2024