PHOTOS: Various events mark North Korean Defectors' Day

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - Various events are underway this week to celebrate the first North Korean Defectors' Day, which falls on July 14. This national day was designated this year to support North Korean refugees as they build new lives in the South. An exhibition is taking place at Seoul City Hall's Citizens' Hall from Monday to Saturday, showcasing photos and videos depicting the lives of North Koreans and their human rights conditions. The Seoul Forum on North Korean

July 13, 2024

PHOTOS: Exam-takers' mecca in Seoul faces decline amid shifting career prospects

SEOUL, July 12 (AJU PRESS) - Seoul's Noryangjin Goshichon area, long known as a mecca for test-takers, is facing an unprecedented downturn as interest in civil service careers wanes. The neighborhood, once bustling with aspiring civil servants from across the country, now struggles with declining enrollment in its numerous academies. This year, competition for government positions hit an all-time low, reflecting a shift in job seekers' preferences away from public sector careers.

July 12, 2024

PHOTOS: Photo exhibition highlights rampant disposable culture of today

SEOUL, July 12 (AJU PRESS) - The "22nd Century Relic Exhibition" by photographer MJ Kim is being held at the Dream Forest Art Center in Seoul from July 12 to August 11. Under the theme "Traces and Environment to Leave for Future Generations," the exhibition showcases 38 photographs of disposable items and trash taken by MJ Kim since 2019, along with related videos. Actress Kim Hye-ja serves as an audio docent. "In the past, digging in the ground yielded celadon and w

July 12, 2024

PHOTOS: NewJeans named promotional ambassadors to promote tourism to Korea

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - K-pop girl group NewJeans will serve as promotional ambassadors for Korean tourism for this year. At an event held at Grand Hyatt Seoul in the capital on Thursday, the quintet received a plaque from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to carry on their role in promoting Korean tourism. They will engage in various promotional activities primarily targeting the young demographic, which constitutes about one-third of Korean tourists. As part of such eff

July 11, 2024

VISUALS: Virtual artist Suvi makes debut with dance single 'Suncream'

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - Virtual artist Suvi made her debut with a dance single titled "Suncream" on Thursday. The 22-year-old, 170-centimeter (5'7")-tall digital singer is a member of Studio Meta-K's virtual artist group, "Season." "Suvi" means "summer" in Finnish. "Suncream" tells the story of a mermaid emerging from the sea in search of love, only to discover the joys of summer instead. The choreography for the song

July 11, 2024

PHOTOS: Trendy hub vs. old shantytown: Jongno transformation highlights Seoul's social inequalities

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - In the heart of Seoul, Jongno 3-ga offers a sobering reminder of Korea's rapid social changes and enduring inequalities. The neighborhood, long known as a gathering place for the elderly, has evolved into a vibrant district that draws visitors of all ages. Trendy shops and bustling pocha (traditional Korean pubs) line the streets, transforming the area into a hotspot for young professionals and tourists alike. However, the district's newfound populari

July 11, 2024

VISUALS: Aidin Robotics presents AI-driven touch-sensitive technology

SEOUL, July 11 (AJU PRESS) - Aidin Robotics from Korea demonstrated AI-driven technology with human-like strength and touch sensitivity. This innovation is aimed at helping human workers avoid unnecessary accidents and improve work efficiency, according to Aidin CEO Lee Yun-haeng on Tuesday. Aidin's main products include sensors capable of measuring force. Integrated into robotic grippers, these sensors measure and control the force to ensure safe handling of objects. Th

July 11, 2024

PHOTOS: Medical workers call for public healthcare reform

SEOUL, July 10 (AJU PRESS) - The Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union held a rally in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on Wednesday. Union members urged the government to enhance the nation’s public healthcare system. They also raised concerns about wage arrears in hospitals and the restructuring of medical workers. Following the rally, a public forum on healthcare was held in the National Assembly with the participation of members of the Health and Welfare C

July 10, 2024

PHOTOS: Exhibition in Seoul showcases long-lost Korean paintings

SEOUL, July 9 (AJU PRESS) - A special exhibition celebrating the 140th anniversary of the signing of the first diplomatic treaty between Korea and Russia opened its doors to the public in central Seoul on Monday. Officials from both countries and other distinguished guests, including Russian Ambassador to Korea Georgy Zinoviev and Kim Sun-myung, head of Pushkin House's cultural center in Seoul, gathered for the exhibition's opening, highlighting its significance. The exhibition fea

July 9, 2024

PHOTOS: Reporters, editors honored at Foreign Language Newspapers Association's ninth anniversary

SEOUL, July 9 (AJU PRESS) – Cui Jinning, a reporter from The Aju Daily, and three other journalists from foreign-language newspapers in South Korea were honored Tuesday for their distinguished news articles and activities. The Foreign Language Newspapers Association of Korea celebrated the ninth anniversary of its founding with a ceremony at the Korea Press Center in central Seoul. The association consists of three English newspapers – The Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Times,

July 9, 2024