Xi reaffirms commitment to strengthening ties with N. Korea in reply to Kim Jong-un's letter

The Korea Times - Oct 22, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to strengthening ties with North Korea, saying the two countries have long supported each other across generations, the North's state media reported Thursday. Xi made the remarks in a reply sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday, responding to Kim's Oct. 1 congratulatory message marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of China, in which Kim pledged to further develop their traditional friendship and safeguard shared interests. Xi said the two countries are geographically connected and that their friendship and shared destiny have long been defining features of bilateral relations, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Xi also highlighted the outcome of his state visit to North Korea in June, saying the two leaders reached important common understandings on deepening bilateral ties and further strengthening strategic guidance for their development. "China is ready to work with North Korea to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two nations, consolidate mutual political trust, ex

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Kentucky bourbon master eyes global expansion with Korean bartenders

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Kentucky bourbon master eyes global expansion with Korean bartenders

Jefferson’s Bourbon founder Trey Zoeller was in Seoul last week for a special event in Korea, offering a unique opportunity to introduce his Kentucky-based brand to Korean consumers. It marked the finale of a six-month program involving 40 Korean bartenders who explored the brand and developed their own cocktails using its bourbon. Zoeller, who founded the brand with his father, Chet Zoeller, in 1997, came to Korea to recognize the bartenders whose cocktails for the Camp Jefferson program sold the most and best reflected his vision for the brand. In 2023, Zoeller and his late father were inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. During the event, he shared insights into the brand with the participating bartenders, explaining how his passion for outdoor adventure helped shape its identity beyond bourbon-making traditions. Zoeller said he was surprised to see his bourbon transformed into a variety of creative cocktails he had never imagined before. “I loved it. There was so much creativity that came through so many different variations of products that I never had. I tasted every

Merck opens new semiconductor materials facility in Korea

Oct 22, 2026

Merck opens new semiconductor materials facility in Korea

Merck opened a new production facility for key materials used in semiconductor deposition in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, Thursday, underscoring its commitment to expanding its presence in Korea's chip industry and strengthening a local-for-local supply chain. According to the company, the new facility produces molybdenum precursor solutions used in semiconductor manufacturing. New Merck Electronics CEO Benjamin Hein, Head of Thin Films Business Bing Han and other company executives attended the opening ceremony, while North Chungcheong Province Gov. Shin Yong-han delivered a congratulatory video message. This marks Hein's first visit to Korea since his appointment as Merck's Electronics CEO in May. During a press conference a day before the opening ceremony, Hein said customers increasingly want integrated solutions backed by local support, requiring closer cooperation between Merck's materials business and its delivery systems and services business. "What customers expect is that you provide an integrated solution. They don't just want to buy the precursor. They don't just wa

FTC to collect public opinion on draft guidelines against 'AI washing'

Oct 22, 2026

FTC to collect public opinion on draft guidelines against 'AI washing'

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Oct 22, 2026

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Korea, US conclude multinational maritime mine warfare exercise off Busan

Oct 22, 2026

Korea, US conclude multinational maritime mine warfare exercise off Busan

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Cuba seeks closer ties with S. Korea amid prolonged US embargo: envoy

Oct 22, 2026

Cuba seeks closer ties with S. Korea amid prolonged US embargo: envoy

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Oct 22, 2026

NK leader's sister warns of border countermeasures, loudspeakers to be ready within days

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Oct 22, 2026

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Oct 22, 2026

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Busan shark returns to canal after brief exit

Oct 22, 2026

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Oct 22, 2026

Veterans minister to pay tribute to 2 late former presidents

Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul will visit the graves of two former presidents, including controversial former dictator Park Chung-hee, the veterans ministry said Thursday, following through on his pledge to honor past leaders regardless of political differences. Kwon was set to attend a memorial ceremony later in the day marking the 20th anniversary of the death of Choi Kyu-hah, the 10th president, from December 1979 to August 1980, at the Daejeon National Cemetery and pay his respects, according to the ministry. Choi assumed office following the assassination of Park in October 1979 and resigned under pressure from then Army Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, who took power through a military coup. Choi is the shortest-serving president in post-Korean War history. Kwon plans to visit the Seoul National Cemetery on Monday and pay tribute to Park, the ministry said. Kwon's moves are considered rare, as paying respects to controversial past leaders like Park has often drawn criticism, especially from the liberal bloc. Kwon, a Cabinet member in the liberal Lee Jae Myung government, has expressed a commitmen

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