Korea to require e-commerce businesses to pay sellers within 20 days

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - The Korean government plans to require e-commerce businesses to pay sales proceeds to sellers within 20 days after a consumer confirms a purchase, the Korea Fair Trade Commission announced Friday. The FTC also plans to require them to deposit at least half of the sales proceeds in financial institutions to ensure that sellers can recover some of their money if a platform goes bankrupt. The FTC announced these law revisions as part of efforts to prevent e

October 18, 2024

Pilot program for hiring Filipino domestic helpers hits snag

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - It has been more than a month since around 100 workers from the Philippines who arrived in Seoul in August started working as domestic helpers in South Korean homes after completing a monthlong training here. They were hired as maids or nannies under part of a pilot program initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government which aims at relieving difficulties faced by young couples who struggle to balance childcare and household chores. However, their hirin

October 18, 2024

Festival showcasing latest design trends kicks off in Seoul

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - A festival featuring the latest design trends kicked off at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in central Seoul on Thursday. With a special focus on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the design industry, the festival, hosted by the Seoul Design Foundation, is expected to attract a horde of artists, designers, and industry workers as it showcases a diverse array of exhibitions and other programs. Visitors can explore innovative artworks and crafts

October 18, 2024

BLACKPINK's Rosé releases collaborative song with Bruno Mars

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - Rosé, a member of K-pop girl band BLACKPINK, released a new single called "APT." in collaboration with American pop star Bruno Mars on Friday. The catchy, upbeat song with a guitar riff will be included in the New Zealand-born star's upcoming album "Rosie," slated for release on Dec. 16. Rosé's 2021 solo song "On The Ground" ranked 70 on the Billboard's main singles chart at the time of its release.

October 18, 2024

Ex-president's daughter appears for questioning in DUI fender-bender

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - Former President Moon Jae-in's daughter Da-hye appeared for a questioning at a police station in Yongsan, Seoul on Friday. She was caught driving under the influence after hitting a taxi while attempting to change lanes in Itaewon, Seoul in the wee hours of Oct. 5. The 31-year-old's blood alcohol concentration was 0.149 percent, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08 percent for license revocation. The taxi driver, who reportedly settled with her, sus

October 18, 2024

North Korea calls South Korea 'hostile foreign country'

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has warned that he won't hesitate to use physical force if the North's sovereignty is infringed, calling the South "a foreign and clearly hostile country," state media reported on Friday. Kim's hostile remark during his inspection of a military unit came just two days after the North blew up part of inter-Korean roads and railways across the border earlier this week. The detonation means "not onl

October 18, 2024

Indonesia may lose parliamentary opposition as all parties signal support for new government

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - Indonesia's political landscape faced a potential shift as the last remaining opposition party in parliament indicated its willingness to support the incoming government on Friday. Puan Maharani, speaker of the House of Representatives and member of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), said, "We firmly support the next government to build Indonesia's future." The PDI-P, led by former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, was the

October 18, 2024

China lodges protest after Taiwan opens representative office in India

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - China has signaled discomfort with Taiwan's opening of its third representative office in India. During a regular press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China has lodged a stern protest with India regarding Taiwan's official launch of the office in Mumbai. "There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of China's territory," she said. China firmly opposes any country it has

October 18, 2024

Dubai's global village opens with new attractions and cultural delights

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - UAE's global Village in Dubai, the country's leading multicultural family destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, officially opened its three iconic gates on Wednesday, marking the start of Season 29. A key event in Dubai's annual calendar, Global Village is recognized for its vibrant performances and activities, as well as its role in supporting the city's cultural, recreational, and community-driven initiatives. Running unt

October 18, 2024

Philippines holds memorial for Korean businessman killed by police in 2016

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - A memorial service for Jee Ick-joo, a Korean businessman killed by Philippine police officers in 2016, will be held on Friday at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Manila. The event, marking the eighth anniversary of Jee's death, will be attended by representatives from the Korean Embassy, the Filipino-Korean Association, and Philippine government officials. The ceremony will include speeches, floral tributes, and a formal request from Jee&#

October 18, 2024