China, Colombia to boost cooperation in industry and information technology

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Jin Zhuanglong, met with Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo on Thursday in Beijing. They discussed ways to strengthen collaboration in industry and information technology, as shared by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on their WeChat account. Murillo’s four-day visit to China began on Wednesday. This visit comes as China deepens trade and economic ties with v

October 11, 2024

China, ASEAN boost market integration amid rising protectionism  

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that the negotiations for the version 3.0 China-ASEAN free trade area (FTA) have made significant progress, as mentioned during his opening speech at the 27th China-ASEAN Summit on Thursday. Experts believe that in light of growing protectionism, closer market ties between China and ASEAN are crucial for economic growth on both sides. They also suggest that stronger economic cooperation could improve security relations bet

October 11, 2024

South Korea cuts key rate for first time in three years

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - The Bank of Korea cut its key interest rate on Friday for the first time in over three years, marking a shift in monetary policy aimed at boosting a sluggish economy amid easing inflation concerns. The central bank lowered its benchmark seven-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 3.25 percent, the first reduction since August 2021. The move ends a prolonged tightening cycle and signals a pivot toward supporting economic growth.

October 11, 2024

OPINION: Innovative South Korean novelist breaks new ground with Nobel Prize win

SEOUL, October 11 (AJP) - It's often the case that when poets write novels, they deliver arrestingly vivid and nimble prose. Han Kang's "The Vegetarian" (2007) is a case in point, and it is no doubt the work that was most influential in the Swedish Academy's decision to award her the Nobel prize in literature 2024. The committee stated that Han was awarded the prestigious prize because her "poetic and experimental style" has made her "an innovator i

October 11, 2024

Han Kang: A master of lyrical storytelling

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Announcing South Korean author Han Kang as the recipient of this year's Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy praised her "intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life." Han's work explores the intricate connection between the body and soul, the living and the dead. Through her innovative and poetic style, she has become a leading figure in contemporary literature. Anna-Karin

October 10, 2024

Han Kang becomes first South Korean novelist to win Nobel Prize in Literature

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature on Thursday, making history as the first South Korean novelist to receive this prestigious honor. The Swedish Academy selected the 53-year-old author for her "intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life." The academy praised her "unique awareness of the connections between body and soul, the living and the dead" as well as her "poetic an

October 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Netflix to release Korean historical drama 'Uprising'

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Netflix is set to release the Korean historical drama "Uprising" on Friday. Directed by Kim Sang-man and co-written by acclaimed filmmaker Park Chan-wook and Shin Cheol, "Uprising" boasts a star-studded cast that includes Gang Dong-won, Park Jeong-min, Kim Shin-rok, Jin Seon-kyu, Jung Sung-il, and Cha Seung-won. Set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasions of Korea during the Joseon era, the film tells the story of two childhood friends w

October 10, 2024

LG Electronics aims to double B2B sales to 10 trillion won by 2030

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - LG Electronics said on Thursday that it aims to double the sales of its Business Solutions (BS) division to 10 trillion won ($7.4 billion) by 2030. Jang Ik-hwan, head of the BS division, said that the company will expand its presence in the new-growth markets, including commercial displays, electric vehicle chargers and medical monitors, to achieve the goal. “Over the past 66 years, LG has accumulated valuable insights into its customers and the di

October 10, 2024

Hyundai E&C signs deal with Singaporean consulting firm to collaborate on new energy sectors

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Hyundai Engineering and Construction has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Surbana Jurong, Singapore's major infrastructure and urban development consulting firm, to collaborate in the new energy and carbon mitigation sectors, the Korean construction firm announced Thursday. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, calls for technology exchanges and cooperation in infrastructure development across areas such as next-generation power generation pr

October 10, 2024

Samsung's brand value surpasses $100 billion, ranks 5th globally: Interbrand

SEOUL, October 10 (AJP) - Samsung Electronics has achieved a brand value of $100.8 billion this year, marking a 10 percent increase from last year, according to Interbrand's "Best Global Brands" report released Wednesday. This milestone places the company in the fifth position globally for the fifth consecutive year, making it the only Asian brand in the top five. Interbrand's evaluation, which considers financial performance, brand influence on purchasing deci

October 10, 2024