China unveils sweeping economic measures to boost growth

SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - Chinese officials unveiled a range of significant policy measures aimed at supporting the country's economy on Tuesday. These include reductions in both the policy rate and the reserve requirement ratio (RRR), designed to foster a favorable financial environment conducive to stable economic growth and high-quality development. Foreign media described these actions as "broader-than-expected," signaling the government's commitment to susta

September 25, 2024

OPINION: AI is fueling deepfake porn crisis in Korea. What's behind it – and how can it be fixed?

SEOUL, September 25 (AJP) - It's difficult to talk about artificial intelligence without talking about deepfake porn – a harmful AI byproduct that has been used to target everyone from Taylor Swift to Australian school girls. But a recent report from startup Security Heroes found that out of 95,820 deepfake porn videos analyzed from different sources, 53 percent featured Korean singers and actresses – suggesting this group is disproportionately targeted. So, what&

September 25, 2024

Nat'l football team's head coach denies nepotism in his appointment

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Hong Myung-bo, the head coach of the Korean men's national football team, came under intense scrutiny on Tuesday as he appeared before lawmakers at the National Assembly. During a parliamentary session of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee attended by Hong and other officials from the Korea Football Association (KFA) including chairman Chung Mong-gyu, calls were made for clarification regarding the controversies surrounding his appointment in J

September 24, 2024

Korea Zinc rejects hostile takeover bid

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Korea Zinc, a leading global non-ferrous metal refiner, on Tuesday rejected a hostile takeover bid by Young Poong and its partner, private equity firm MBK Partners. In a press conference, Vice Chairman Lee Je-joong labeled the bid as “predatory behavior” and warned that a takeover could lead to the leakage of core technologies abroad, jeopardizing South Korea’s industrial competitiveness. Lee said Korea Zinc’s employees are co

September 24, 2024

Korean short-story collection longlisted for French literary award

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Korean novelist Park Sang-Young's queer novel has been longlisted for France's prestigious literary award. The French edition of "Love in the Big City," released in August this year, is vying for the Prix Médicis, one of the most prestigious literary awards recognizing works of fiction annually in France. Other included works are "Question 7" by Australian author Richard Flanagan, "The MANIAC" by Chilean nov

September 24, 2024

Kishida vows continued support for Ukraine in meeting with Zelenskyy

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Ukraine during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Kishida, who is set to step down later this week, pledged that Japan would maintain its backing for Ukraine on Monday, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry. The two leaders agreed to sustain close coordin

September 24, 2024

Philippines boosts maritime presence in disputed South China Sea

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - In a new development following recent confrontations, the Philippines has deployed naval and coast guard vessels to Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea. This move, announced by National Maritime Council spokesperson Alexander Lopez, aims to counter Chinese claims in the area. The action comes after the withdrawal of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, which had been stationed at the shoal since May and was involved in multiple collisions with Chinese vessels in Au

September 24, 2024

North Korea celebrates victory at U-20 Women's World Cup with rare coverage

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - North Korea was quick to report its victory in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup held in Colombia, with its state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun featuring the coverage prominently on the front page on Tuesday. Under the headline, "The country's proud daughters who raised our great state's honor," the daily praised the women's football team's 1-0 victory over Japan in the final match held over the weekend. It is rare for the iso

September 24, 2024

Two Filipino domestic workers missing in Seoul

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Two Filipino domestic workers participating in a pilot program introduced by the South Korean government and Seoul City have gone missing. The workers left their accommodation on Sept. 15 during the Chuseok holiday and have not returned or made contact since. Authorities are attempting to reach the workers' families in the Philippines and have notified the Philippine Embassy. The missing workers are part of a group of 100 Filipino domestic helpers w

September 24, 2024

Lawmaker claims Google's possible tax evasion in Korea

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - A recent analysis by Rep. Choi Soo-jin of the People Power Party has raised concerns about Google Korea's potential tax evasion. The lawmaker's study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Jeon Seong-min of Gachon University, suggests the tech giant significantly underreported its revenue and tax obligations in South Korea. According to the analysis, Google Korea's declared revenue for 2023 was a mere 365.3 billion won ($270 million),

September 24, 2024