Opinion: why Kim-Putin deal is coded message aimed at China and how it worries Beijing

SEOUL, June 24 (AJU PRESS) - The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, paid a visit to Pyongyang this week and signed a defense pact with reclusive North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, as he looks for new allies who can help him increase Russia's supply of munitions for the war in Ukraine. As part of this mutual aid deal, the two leaders promised that each country will come to the defense of the other if attacked. Kim also promised North Korea's full support for Putin's invasi

June 24, 2024

Opinion: Amid scorching heat, 900 people died this week in Saudi Arabia. Climate change has made Hajj pilgrimage more risky

SEOUL, June 21 (AJU PRESS) - Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world embark on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The mass migration is unparalleled in scale, and pilgrims face numerous health hazards. Mecca is considered the holiest city for Muslims. And Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory religious duty for Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially capable. The 2024 Hajj pilgrima

June 21, 2024

Opinion: Putin-Kim summit has roots in an alliance of 'isolated' nations built over decades

SEOUL, June 20 (AJU PRESS) - The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has spent two days in Pyongyang, meeting with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, and signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership." Few details are being released about this deal and its expected ramifications for rearming Russian forces stretched by the Ukraine war. But the Kremlin said the agreement would mean each country would come to the aid of the other if attacked. At the top of the agenda fo

June 20, 2024

Opinion: Denmark bans noodles for being too hot – what you need to know about chilli heat

SEOUL, June 19 (AJU PRESS) - Chilli peppers – love them or hate them, they've got a heat that's hard to ignore. Recently, their fiery nature has even caused a bit of a stir in Denmark, where Buldak Ramen noodles have been banned for being dangerously spicy. So, what's behind the burning sensation we experience when we bite into a chilli pepper, and why do some people seek out the masochism of a super hot curry or Korean instant noodles? The culprit: capsaicin

June 19, 2024

Opinion: TikTok star Munya Chawawa takes on N. Korea in new documentary – it follows a long tradition of western media poking fun at Kim family's regime

SEOUL, June 18 (AJU PRESS) - Munya Chawawa, who is best known for his satirical comedy sketches aimed at educating and entertaining a Gen Z audience, has made a new documentary about Kim Jong-un's North Korea. "How to Survive a Dictator" premiered at Sheffield's DocFest on June 13, and will be broadcast on Channel 4 later this year. The documentary attempts a fresh take on North Korea. It includes serious interviews with experts, activists and escapees from the c

June 18, 2024

Opinion: Unemployment and economic travails loom large over Modi's third term

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - After a year-long spectacle of grand roadshows spanning the nation and heated debates with rival parties, Narendra Modi, leading the coalition of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured victory in national elections, ensuring the way for his historic third consecutive term as India's Prime Minister. However, his victory falls short of expectations. The NDA alliance won 292 seats combined, far behind his bullish target of 400 seats. Modi&rsqu

June 17, 2024

Opinion: Apple insists its ChatGPT tie-up will protect users' privacy

SEOUL, June 17 (AJU PRESS) - Apple, a company known for its longstanding commitment to user privacy, has received flak since unveiling its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy at its Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10. This relates to the centrepiece of Apple Intelligence, which gives users access to OpenAI's powerful generative AI tool, ChatGPT. Some users welcomed the new features, which will initially only be available from the autumn on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max p

June 17, 2024

Opinion: China's premier visits Australia for first time in 7 years – what can we expect?

SEOUL, June 14 (AJU PRESS) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Australia from June 15 to 18. It is the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years, and signals a further thawing of the once-frosty relations between the two countries. Who is Li Qiang? The premier leads the State Council and is ranked second in the seven-member governing Politburo. Only President Xi Jinping, as the head of the Chinese Community Party, outranks him. In the same way as both o

June 14, 2024

Opinion: Inflation is cooling, but not fast enough for Fed: Policymakers now expect only one rate cut in 2024

SEOUL, June 13 (AJU PRESS) - It was a double-whammy Wednesday for economic-data enthusiasts. During the morning of June 12, 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published its latest inflation figures. The news was relatively good, showing that inflation rose 3.3 percent in the year to May 2024 – less than some analysts had expected. A few hours later, the Federal Reserve concluded its June meeting by holding interest rates steady – as forecasters expected – and r

June 13, 2024

Opinion: Australia's expanding military importance

KENOSHA, June 12 (AJU PRESS) - Outside Sydney Australia, a major development is unfolding. A nondescript building will house the first factory outside the United States to build the Lockheed Martin Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, known as GM-LRS. This weapon is proving crucial in Ukraine’s defense. Wider deterrence roles also are promising. Australia is increasingly important in the growing, multifaceted contest with China. This development follo

June 12, 2024