Friday, Jun 05, 2026
  • Turkish foreign minister urges S. Korea partnership to stabilize global governance SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - South Korea and Türkiye must leverage their diplomatic influence to address a deepening crisis in global governance and stabilize a fragmented international order, the Turkish foreign minister said Thursday. Speaking at the 143rd International Policy Forum at Korea University in Seoul, Hakan Fidan warned that the current international system is unsustainable and requires coordinated
    Turkish foreign minister urges S. Korea partnership to stabilize global governance
  • DP sweeps local elections but defeats in key races signal challenges ahead SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - The ruling Democratic Party (DP) swept 12 of 16 metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races in this year's local elections on Wednesday, claiming an overall victory, but the results exposed growing vulnerabilities in Seoul and other battlegrounds that could reshape the political landscape.
    DP sweeps local elections but defeats in key races signal challenges ahead
  • From chalkboards to AI: How South Korea turns election night into must-watch TV shows SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - With vote counting for this year's local elections underway on Wednesday, millions of viewers did not simply refresh their phones for results; they sat down and watched. The country's election night broadcasts have evolved into some of the most elaborate live television events in the country.
    From chalkboards to AI: How South Korea turns election night into must-watch TV shows
  • Two ex-justice ministers see contrasting fortunes in local elections key battlegrounds
    Two ex-justice ministers see contrasting fortunes in local elections' key battlegrounds SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - Two former justice ministers, both once seen as potential presidential contenders in the liberal and conservative camps, saw sharply contrasting fortunes in Wednesday's local elections. Former leader of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon won a parliamentary by-election and is headed to the National Assembly.
  • Seouls progressive education chief wins second term
    Seoul's progressive education chief wins second term SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - Jung Keun-sik won a second term as Seoul's education chief in the June 3 local elections, extending progressive control over the capital's education office. His victory gives progressive education leaders four more years in Seoul, South Korea's education hub. It is also expected to add momentum to their key policies.
  • Voter turnout for local elections hits 61%
    Voter turnout for local elections hits 61% SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - Voter turnout in Wednesday's local elections reached 61 percent, the National Election Commission (NEC) said Thursday. It marked a sharp increase from 50.9 percent in the previous local elections in 2022 and was the highest turnout in any local elections since 1995, when it reached a record 68.4 percent.
  • Oh Se-hoon reelected Seoul mayor after dramatic overnight reversal
    Oh Se-hoon reelected Seoul mayor after dramatic overnight reversal SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - Incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) was re-elected Thursday after a nail-biting overnight count, defeating Democratic Party (DP) candidate Chung Won-o in the closest and most closely watched race of this year's local elections.
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ASIA Insight>

ASIA DEEP INSIGHT: US Defense Chief speech in Singapore brings tough choices for Seoul The world is changing fast, and the recent defense meeting in Singapore proved it. United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue, and his words carry a heavy message. For South Korea, sitting right between major global powers, his speech is a loud wake up call. The days of relying on a system where America promises to protect everyone without asking for much in return are officially over. Washington wants friends to pay more and do much more on their own. This new
ASIA DEEP INSIGHT: US Defense Chief speech in Singapore brings tough choices for Seoul
Expanded World Cup brings new chances for Asia as South Korea looks beyond 11th straight berth Expanded World Cup brings new chances for Asia as South Korea looks beyond 11th straight berth SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - This year's World Cup, now just over a week away, will be remembered as special for several reasons. It will be the first hosted by three countries in the quadrennial football extravaganza's history, spread across vast distances in North America and, most notably, the first to expand from 32 to 48 teams. For Asia, the number itself matters almost as much as the tournament. What once felt like a narrow gate to the sport's grandest stage has widened significantly

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AJP Focus>

Explosion at Hanwha Aerospace plant casts doubt on planned satellite launch SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - The planned launch of a satellite-carrying solid-fuel rocket off Jeju remains uncertain following an explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's plant in Daejeon that left seven people dead or injured. The Ministry of Employment and Labor raided Hanwha Aerospace’s headquarters in Seoul and its Daejeon plant on Thursday in connection with the fatal explosion. The Ministry of Employment and Labor raided Hanwha Aerospace's headquarters in Seoul and its Daejeon plant on Thu
Explosion at Hanwha Aerospace plant casts doubt on planned satellite launch
Ballot paper shortage disrupts local elections as ballot box remains unretrieved Ballot paper shortage disrupts local elections as ballot box remains unretrieved SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - A rare logistics failure disrupted this year's local elections in Seoul, where ballot papers ran out at 14 polling stations, delaying voting and angering voters. At one station, a ballot box remained unretrieved as of Thursday morning, fueling further criticism of the already embattled National Election Commission (NEC) over its handling of the vote. The NEC is the independent agency responsible for overseeing the country's elections. The disruption began around

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Entertainment Producer Klozer set to release first full-length album SEOUL, June 4 (AJP) - South Korean producer and artist Klozer is set to release his first full-length album on Thursday, according to distributor Danal Entertainment. The 10-track eponymous album is scheduled to be available on AURORA, Danal Entertainment’s global music distribution platform, as well as other music streaming sites. All songs on the album were written and composed by Klozer. The title track, "More Than Expected," features Babylon and Newaile. The R
Producer Klozer set to release first full-length album