AJP Asia Intelligence Agency

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First Test Voyage of Arctic Shipping Route Begins from Busan First Test Voyage of Arctic Shipping Route Begins from Busan

A new challenge has begun in South Korea's shipping history. The Panstar Acro, the country's first container ship to test the Arctic shipping route, has departed from Busan New Port. This 2,758 TEU vessel will pass through the Bering Strait and enter the Northeast Passage, stopping in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland before returning to Busan in early October. This marks the first time a container ship has navigated the Arctic route in a decade.The significance of this voyage exte

Toronto Celebrates BTS Weekend as Group Performs at Rogers Stadium Toronto Celebrates BTS Weekend as Group Performs at Rogers Stadium

Group BTS's visit to Canada has turned Toronto into a festive atmosphere.BTS is set to perform at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on August 22 and 23 as part of their 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' IN TORONTO.' Both shows sold out quickly, marking the group's only performance in Canada during this world tour, drawing significant local and international attention.On August 21, the city of Toronto declared August 22 and 23 as 'BTS Weekend' in anticipation of the concerts. During this period, the iconic 'Toro

Government and Party Agree to Ease Tax Burden for Non-Resident Homeowners Government and Party Agree to Ease Tax Burden for Non-Resident Homeowners

The government and the Democratic Party have agreed to ease the tax burden on non-resident homeowners and transfer authority for redevelopment and reconstruction projects involving fewer than 500 units to local leaders. This initiative aims to reduce market uncertainty stemming from tax reforms while accelerating housing supply in the metropolitan area by decentralizing approval powers. On August 23, the Democratic Party and the government held a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's reside

Banks Accelerate Downsizing and Real Estate Sales to Secure Capital Banks Accelerate Downsizing and Real Estate Sales to Secure Capital

Banks are rapidly downsizing as they adapt to the rise of digital banking. They are reducing the number of branches and restructuring their networks to focus on smaller outlets while selling off underutilized real estate to bolster their capital.According to the Financial Supervisory Service, as of the end of June, the total number of branches for KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, and Woori banks was 2,702, an increase of 11 from 2,691 in June of last year. However, the number of branches for these fou

Tax Breaks for Large Corporations Surge 82% in a Year, Small Businesses Lag at 4% Tax Breaks for Large Corporations Surge 82% in a Year, Small Businesses Lag at 4%

Last year, tax breaks for major corporate groups surged by over 80% compared to the previous year. In contrast, the increase in tax breaks for small businesses was limited to just 4%, significantly raising the share of tax breaks allocated to large corporations.According to the '2025 Tax Expenditure Statement' received by Representative Lee Yang-soo of the People Power Party from the Ministry of Economy and Finance on August 23, tax breaks for inter-affiliated corporate groups amounted to 4.2685

IAGIS Expands from Building Management to Urban Development IAGIS Expands from Building Management to Urban Development

IAGIS Asset Management is broadening its scope from being a "building management company" to a "city development company." As South Korea's largest real estate asset management firm, IAGIS is rapidly expanding its business areas and scale, from the IOTA Seoul project, which is reshaping the area around Seoul Station, to the Seoripul mixed-use development in Gangnam and data centers.As of the end of last year, IAGIS reported approximately 73.3 trillion won in assets under management (AUM). Among

NOLs Summer Campaign Concludes with Significant Increases in Bookings and Membership NOL's Summer Campaign Concludes with Significant Increases in Bookings and Membership

Nol Universe's travel and leisure platform NOL has successfully concluded its summer peak campaign, NOLDAY.NOL reported on August 21 that during the campaign, which ran from June 15 to August 17, there was a consistent increase in reservations, purchases, new memberships, and visitor metrics.Notably, the total number of integrated bookings increased by 24% compared to the same period last year, while the number of purchasing customers rose by 18%. The number of new members grew by 30% compared t

KB: August Apartment Prices in Seoul Rise 1.14%, Southern Gyeonggi Continues Strong KB: August Apartment Prices in Seoul Rise 1.14%, Southern Gyeonggi Continues Strong

Apartment prices in Seoul increased more in August compared to the previous month. However, the outlook index for future price increases has fallen for two consecutive months, indicating a divergence between actual price trends and market sentiment. In Gyeonggi Province, areas such as Suwon's Yeongtong District, Yongin's Suji District, and Hwaseong's Dongtan District, known as the 'semiconductor belt,' led the price increases.According to the 'August National Housing Price Trends' report release

Gong Hyo-jin Discusses Her Role in Gyeongju Journey Gong Hyo-jin Discusses Her Role in 'Gyeongju Journey'

배우 공효진이 대체 불가한 생활 연기로 또 한 번 공감의 영역을 넓혔다.영화 '경주기행'은 수학여행에서 돌아오지 못한 막내딸 '경주'를 위해 8년의 기다림 끝에 '죽이는' 여행을 떠난 네 모녀의 가족 복수극이다. 극 중 공효진이 연기한 '장주'는 일찌감치 가업을 돕고 동생들을 건사해 온 든든한 첫째다. 맏딸의 고단함과 애틋함을 능수능란하게 그려낸 공효진은 치열한 서사 안에서 단단한 안정감을 부여했다."글에서부터 감독님의 색깔이 확실히 있었어요. 예를 들면 경주가 엄마에게 오기 전

President Lee to Meet with Democratic Party and Business Leaders This Week President Lee to Meet with Democratic Party and Business Leaders This Week

이재명 대통령이 이번 주 더불어민주당 신임 지도부와 소속 의원, 주요 그룹 총수들을 잇달아 만나 정치권과 경제계를 아우르는 전방위 소통 행보에 나선다. 9월 정기국회를 앞두고 당·정·청의 입법·예산 공조를 다지는 동시에 인공지능(AI)·반도체 분야의 대규모 투자 계획과 정부 지원 방안을 점검할 전망이다. 23일 정치권에 따르면 이 대통령은 오는 25일 김민석 민주당 대표와 한병도 원내대표를 비롯한 최고위원과 주요 당직자들을 청와대로 초청해 만찬을 함께한다. 이어 28일에는 민주당 의원들을 청와대 영빈관으로 초청해 오찬