China honors foreign expats, pledges increased support

SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - China recognized 100 foreign experts on Monday, with the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award for their significant contributions to the country's development. At a ceremony in Beijing, State Councilor Shen Yiqin presented the awards and committed to enhancing support and opportunities for international professionals working in China. Shen emphasized that the Chinese people deeply appreciate the foreign experts' notable role in advancing China

October 2, 2024

Xi Jinping calls for national growth on PRC anniversary

SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed confidence in the Chinese people's ability to achieve remarkable feats and contribute to global peace and development at a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China early this week. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday, Xi, who also heads the Communist Party of China and the Central Military Commission, addressed an audience of about 3,000 Chinese and inter

October 2, 2024

LG Chem develops new material to prevent battery fires

SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - South Korea's leading chemical company LG Chem said Tuesday it has developed a new material that could significantly reduce the risk of fires in electric vehicle batteries. Its research team created a temperature-responsive safety-enhancing functional layer that acts like a fuse, cutting off electrical flow when temperatures rise abnormally. The ultra-thin layer, about 1 micrometer thick, is placed between the diodes and the current collector in the

October 2, 2024

India arrests cryptocurrency fraudsters linked to game app

SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India has arrested cryptocurrency fraudsters associated with the game app Fiewin in collaboration with cryptocurrency exchange Binance, according to news reports. The arrested individuals lured users into online betting and gaming. Once the payment amounts accumulated, they froze the accounts, siphoning off about $47.6 million from victims through cryptocurrency wallet transfers to evade detection. During the investiga

October 2, 2024

India resumes non-basmati white rice exports amid rising domestic surplus

SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - India has resumed exports of non-basmati white rice amid a significant rise in rice surplus. Basmati is a type of rice known for its low stickiness and long grains. On Saturday, the Indian government removed tariffs on non-basmati white rice exports and set a minimum export price of $490 per ton. This move is seen as part of the Indian government's efforts to ease rice export restrictions. On Friday, the government lowered the export tariff on parboi

October 2, 2024

Japan's Ishiba elected prime minister, calls snap election

SEOUL, October 02 (AJP) - Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was confirmed as prime minister by parliament on Tuesday, immediately announcing a general election for Oct. 27 amid economic challenges and security concerns. The 67-year-old Ishiba, known for his expertise in defense matters, secured a majority in both houses of parliament, paving the way for the formation of his cabinet. The snap election call, however, has dra

October 2, 2024

OPINION: Iran's strikes on Israel are latest sign that conflict in Middle East is spiraling, presenting rising global security threats

SEOUL, October 2 (AJP) - Iran fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, 2024, amplifying tensions in the Middle East that are increasingly marked by "escalation after escalation," as United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres put it. Iran's attacks – which Israel largely deterred with its Iron Dome missile defense system, along with help from nearby U.S. naval destroyers – followed Israel's killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the longti

October 2, 2024

AI robot Hyodol selected for state elderly care project

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Hyodol, a Korean robot maker, said Monday that its artificial intelligence-powered companion robot has been selected for a government pilot program providing long-term care benefits for the elderly. The initiative, carried out by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service, aims to support daily living and physical activities for home-based long-term care recipients. Beneficiaries can purchase or rent devices within an ann

September 30, 2024

SME body promotes Korean food, beauty products at US event

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - The Korea Federation of SMEs (KBIZ) has promoted Korean food and beauty products at a major Korean cultural event in the United States. The LA Korean Festival, with around 400,000 annual attendees, is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the western U.S. It features traditional cuisine, beauty products, and K-pop entertainment. This year, the festival took place at the Seoul International Park in Los Angeles over four days, starting on Thursday.

September 30, 2024

Diet sensation Queen Wasabi named face of health supplement company Foodology

SEOUL, September 30 (AJP) - Korean rapper Queen Wasabi, who gained attention for her recent drastic weight loss, has become the brand ambassador for local health supplement company Foodology. Queen Wasabi, whose real name is Kim So-hee, lost 16 kilograms over 2 1/2 months before performing at the Waterbomb music festival in early July. The rapper, who debuted in 2019, is known for her unique style and confident performances. Her weight loss regimen included diet, exercise and con

September 30, 2024