China conducts military exercises near Taiwan

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - China launched extensive military drills around Taiwan, prompting concern from Japan and other regional neighbors. The exercises, involving naval, air and ground forces, came in response to recent remarks by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te asserting the island's independence. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the situation on Monday, saying that Japan will "carefully monitor the developments and prepare to respond to any continge

October 15, 2024

Translators share fond memories of working with Nobel winner Han Kang

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Han Kang, the South Korean winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, made her breakthrough in the English-speaking world with her first translated novel (her third in Korean), "The Vegetarian." Published in English in 2015, it was an immediate success, making the Evening Standard bestseller list. It went on to win the Man Booker international prize the following year for Han and her young English translator, Deborah Smith. In the summe

October 15, 2024

Young Poong, MBK secure additional 5% stake in Korea Zinc via tender offer

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - Young Poong Corp. and MBK Partners have acquired an additional 5.34 percent stake in Korea Zinc through a month-long public tender offer, potentially securing the upper hand in the battle for control of the world's largest zinc smelter, financial sources said Monday. While the consortium concluded the tender offer that day, they fell short of their target of acquiring between 6.98 percent and 14.61 percent. However, they moved closer to a majority votin

October 14, 2024

PHOTOS: Nongshim opens K-Ramyun Supermarket in Seoul

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - Nongshim Co. has partnered with Korea Mart in Seoul's Myeong-dong district to operate K-Ramyun Supermarket. The store, which opened on Oct. 7, combines a supermarket and snack bar, allowing visitors to shop for ramyeon and dine at the same time. Customers can purchase their preferred ramyeon and cook it on-site. They can enjoy their meals at tables shaped like large cup noodles, explore brand stories, and use character photo zones.

October 14, 2024

Han Kang's books sell like hotcakes after Nobel Prize win

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - Koreans are snapping up Han Kang's books following her Nobel Prize win last week. A throng of people lined up in front of Kyobo Book Centre, the country's largest bookstore chain in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, even before it opened early Monday morning, rushing to get their hands on her books. Best known for her surreal novel "The Vegetarian," which won the International Booker Prize in 2016, Han won this year's Nobel Prize in Liter

October 14, 2024

Korea's largest robot expo to showcase latest innovations

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - About 300 robotics companies will showcase their latest products at RobotWorld 2024, South Korea's largest robot exhibition, to be held from Oct. 23 to 26, organizers said. Hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the 19th annual event will take place at KINTEX exhibition center in Goyang, northwest of Seoul. About 250 Korean companies and 50 international firms, specializing in areas such as smart factory automation, autonomous logistic

October 14, 2024

Yoon names former chief of staff as new ambassador to China

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol named his former chief of staff Kim Dae-ki as the new ambassador to China, the presidential office said Monday. Kim's "deep understanding of Chinese society, history, and culture, along with his fluency in Chinese," makes him well-suited for the role, the office explained in a statement. Kim's extensive experience is expected to "not only enhance diplomatic relations between the two countries but also bring

October 14, 2024

At least 19 injured in train accident in southern India

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - At least 19 people were injured after a train collision in southern India, according to news reports on Saturday. The incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on Friday in Tamil Nadu. A passenger train carrying 1,360 passengers collided with a stationary freight train, causing 12 of its coaches to derail. At least 19 passengers were injured, with four in critical condition, railroad authorities said. The scheduled operations of 18 trains were canceled as a

October 14, 2024

Unification Ministry snubs North Korea's warnings over alleged South Korean drones

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The Ministry of Unification here on Monday strongly condemned North Korea's recent threats of "catastrophic consequences" over South Korean drones allegedly flying over Pyongyang. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, issued a warning over the weekend, threatening that Seoul would face "terrible consequences" if drones from South Korea were detected in North Korea's airspace again. The latest threats came

October 14, 2024

Korea Zinc takeover battle reaches crucial deadline

SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - A monthlong battle for control of Korea Zinc, the world's largest zinc smelter, reaches a critical juncture on Monday as a tender offer from a consortium led by its largest shareholder expires. Young Poong Corp. and private equity firm MBK Partners have offered 830,000 won ($612.30) per share for up to 14.61 percent of Korea Zinc's stock. The offer, which has been raised twice, concludes at 3:30 p.m. local time. In response, Korea Zinc Chairman C

October 14, 2024