North Korea given exemption for medical supplies from WHO SEOUL, March 20 (AJP) - North Korea is expected to receive some medical supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO) after the United Nations Security Council approved an exemption from international sanctions, Radio Free Asia reported on Thursday. According to the U.S. government-funded news outlet, the exemption, granted on Feb. 13, allows the WHO to send vital equipment to the isolated country. The shipment, valued at approximately $63,000, will include 20 types of medical devices, such as carbon dioxide incubators, test tube centrifuges, vertical autoclaves (sterilizers), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines. The shipment, worth about $63,000, will include 20 types of medical devices such as carbon dioxide incubators, test tube centrifuges, vertical autoclaves, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) machines. The WHO expects that the equipment will help diagnose and manage infectious diseases including those preventable by vaccines. Since North Korea sealed its borders in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, childhood vaccination rates have reportedly declined sharply, raising concerns about the spread of preventable diseases. Last year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) provided North Korea with 7.1 million doses of essential vaccines, though experts believe that should remain far insufficient. 2025-03-20 10:14:52

Foreign ministers of South Korea, China, and Japan to sit for talks in Tokyo this weekend SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - The foreign ministers of Korea, China, and Japan will hold talks in Tokyo this weekend, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Minister Cho Tae-yul will leave for the island country on Friday to sit for a trilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, slated for Saturday. The upcoming meeting comes more than a year after the last one, which took place in the southern port city of Busan in November 2023. The three are expected to discuss various regional issues including diplomatic and security matters, and explore ways to strengthen cooperation between the neighboring countries. Cho will hold separate one-on-one meetings on the sidelines of the trilateral meeting. Their discussions will also likely include preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, scheduled to be held in Gyeongju in the latter half of this year. 2025-03-18 17:56:32

South Korea ranks 41st in global democracy index SEOUL, March 18 (AJP) - South Korea ranked 41st overall in an index gauging the level of democracy worldwide, according to an annual report compiled by a Sweden-based research institute and released on Monday. The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden surveyed some 179 countries to assess their levels of democracy for last year and South Korea was among five countries "in a substantial decline" along with Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Denmark topped the index, followed by Estonia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Norway. Among neighboring countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan was ranked 27th, while China and North Korea were ranked near the bottom at 173rd and 178th, respectively. With the index categorizing countries into four "types of regimes" – "liberal democracies," "electoral democracies," "electoral autocracies," and "closed autocracies," South Korea was classified as a country with electoral democracy rather than liberal democracy. The institute pointed out that nearly 40 percent of the world's population suffered from autocratization last year and cited South Korea as one of many countries undergoing this trend, alongside Argentina, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. It also flagged South Korea, along with Moldova and Romania, as a country where "media bias and self-censorship are becoming increasingly more common," pointing to media freedom being "undermined in still democratic countries." Nevertheless, the country's ranking improved by several notches from 50th the previous year, as many other countries also experienced a drop in their rankings. The institute evaluated that roughly 72 percent of the world's population now lives under some forms of authoritarian rule, the highest since 1978. The latest report comes after a similar assessment by the British think tank Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) last month, which downgraded the country from a "full democracy" to a "flawed democracy," a status it had maintained since 2020. 2025-03-18 15:11:42

Jennie's first solo album debuts at No. 7 on Billboard 200 chart SEOUL, March 17 (AJP) - Jennie, a member of K-pop girl band BLACKPINK reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart with her first full-length solo album. The impressive entry on the chart for the week ending March 13 makes her the quartet's third member to land in the chart's top 10 as a solo artist, following Rosé and Lisa. Jennie became "the third member of the chart-topping quartet BLACKPINK to notch a solo top 10 – and all three have come in the last three months," said the American music chart on Sunday. The Billboard 200 ranks the most popular albums in the U.S. based on sales, streaming, and downloads. According to her agency, more than 660,000 copies of the album have been sold since its release on March 7, achieving the highest first-week sales for a female K-pop solo singer this year. "Ruby" also soared to the top of other global charts including iTunes, as a testament to her global popularity. To promote the album, Jennie held her first solo concert in Incheon last Saturday, which came after her performances in Los Angeles and New York earlier this month. 2025-03-17 10:13:16

Actor Kim Soo-hyun denies allegations of inappropriate relationship with late actress SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun denied allegations of being involved in an inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, in a statement released by his agency on Friday. After a brief denial, the actor said the previous day that he would come clean sometime next week, but he apparently couldn't remain silent any longer as the controversy snowballed further with more evidence surfacing about his alleged long-term romantic relationship with the actress. "The two Kims had been seeing each other from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, but only after she became an adult," the statement said, dismissing swirling online speculations that the actor had a relationship with the actress while she was still a minor. "Kim has been suffering from severe psychological distress since the actress's sudden death, as groundless rumors have kept spreading," the agency said. The 24-year-old actress, best known for her role in the 2010 hit action thriller "The Man from Nowhere" was found dead of apparent suicide at her home in eastern Seoul last month. Despite the statement, many seem unconvinced due to a love letter allegedly sent to his girlfriend, which was revealed during a live feed on a YouTube channel. The letter is believed to have been written sometime in 2018, when she was 17. That would make their relationship not illegal if consensual, even though she was still a teenager. But it often faces social stigma in South Korea. The agency also accused the channel of disseminating unverified information and provocative photos. "Kim is enduring a great deal of pain," it said, adding that his life has become unbearable due to paparazzi relentlessly trying to capture his every move since the allegations emerged. 2025-03-14 18:16:32

Racy teaser clip stirs controversy ahead of reality show featuring kids SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Cable channel MBN's upcoming reality show featuring young K-pop wannabes is set for release later this month. Some 59 contestants under the age of 15 from over 70 countries have been selected as finalists for "Under 15," slated to air on March 31, where they will compete for a chance to become K-pop's next big stars. But a teaser clip released on Thursday stirred unexpected controversy, raising concerns over whether it is appropriate for children as young as eight to appear on the show. The clip shows them wearing heavy makeup and skimpy outfits. The producer of the program said, "Viewers will be able to see these talented contestants as they pursue their dreams with strong determination, proving that age is no barrier to launching a career in the showbiz industry." 2025-03-14 16:03:46

Actor Kim Soo-hyun to address accusations over relationship with late actress SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun will publicly respond to allegations concerning his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who took her own life last month, his agency announced on Thursday. Kim, 37 years old, is one of South Korea's most popular actors, known for his roles in hit TV dramas like "My Love from the Star.” Kim Sae-ron, who gained fame as a child star in the 2010 crime noir "The Man from Nowhere," later struggled to maintain her career. Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, stated that it will address the allegations in the coming days. "We will make a statement next week based on clear evidence to correct the facts and respond to baseless rumors," the agency said. The rumors, which Kim's agency described as "baseless," stem from claims made by the YouTube-based South Korean quasi-media outlet Garosero Research Institute on Monday. Citing statements from the actress’s family, the YouTube creator group claimed that Kim had been in a romantic relationship with the late actress for six years, beginning when she was 15 years old. In South Korea, it is illegal for an adult to engage in a physical relationship with a person under the age of 16. Kim categorically denied all accusations in a statement on Monday, and his agency vowed to take “the strongest possible legal action” against Garosero Research Institute. However, on Wednesday, the actress’s bereaved family released letters and photographs they claim Kim sent during their reported relationship. Among the items were two photos in which Kim appears to kiss the actress on the cheek. The release of the images and handwritten letters sparked widespread public backlash, with online commentators suggesting that Kim’s alleged conduct—if verified—could constitute grooming, a term used to describe the process by which an adult builds trust with a minor in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them emotionally, physically, or sexually. Meanwhile, past remarks from Kim’s agency about Kim Sae-ron have resurfaced online as the family introduced the letters and photographs. In March 2024, the actress posted a photo on social media in which she and Kim appeared close, cheek-to-cheek in an intimate setting. The post quickly fueled speculation about a possible relationship, prompting Kim’s agency to issue a firm denial. “We do not know why she posted such a photo online,” the agency said at the time. “The photo has led to unnecessary misunderstandings and unfounded speculation about the actor. Our company will take strong legal action through our legal representatives against any defamatory comments, malicious slander, or insulting posts that harm the actor’s reputation and dignity.” At the time, the actress’s post was met with harsh criticism online. Having faced significant backlash following a 2022 drunk-driving incident, for which she was fined, she was accused of attempting to revive her faltering career. Some media outlets labeled her an “attention seeker,” while others described her as “unrepentant Kim Sae-ron with self-made marriage rumors” after she shared another cryptic post on Instagram. Her family alleged that prior to her March 2024 post, the actress had received a legal notice from Kim’s agency demanding repayment of 700 million won (approximately $530,000). The agency had allegedly covered the sum on her behalf following her 2022 DUI incident, during a period when it represented her. Kim, who founded Gold Medalist, had brought the actress on board. However, after her exclusive contract with the agency expired in 2024, Gold Medalist sent a legal notice demanding repayment. According to the family, the two actors had already ended their relationship by the time of her drunk-driving incident. The family further alleged that the actress attempted to contact Kim after receiving the notice but, after failing to elicit a response, posted the image online in an effort to reach him. "She just wanted to know the truth," the actress's aunt said. "She wanted to know if Kim had sent her the notice," she added. Several fan accounts dedicated to Kim shut down following the release of evidence, with some acknowledging that the proof appeared “clear and concrete.” Brands that had signed the actor as their model have begun distancing themselves, with some quietly removing him from their websites and declining to renew contracts. 2025-03-13 17:00:29

Actor Kim Soo-hyun loses endorsement deals amid mounting allegations SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing growing scrutiny after allegations about his romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron recently surfaced. The family of the 24-year-old actress revealed earlier this week that Kim had been in a long-term relationship with her, allegedly beginning when she was 15 and he was 12 years her senior. Under South Korean law, any romantic involvement with a minor under 16 is considered a criminal offense. Shortly after the allegations started swirling online, provoking a barrage of criticism, the actor faced the cancellation of several endorsement deals. Beauty brand Dinto was quick to halt all promotional activities with him, while Shinhan Bank, which endorsed the actor as the face of the bank, took a cautious approach, saying that it is "closely monitoring the situation." But angry fans have voiced their outrage against him, calling for boycotts of the products he has been promoting. The actor currently has around a dozen endorsement deals with major domestic and international brands including Homeplus, Tous Les Jours, Jo Malone London, and Prada. The allegations emerged after the young actress, best known for her role in the 2010 hit action thriller "The Man from Nowhere," shocked the nation when she was found dead of apparent suicide at her home in eastern Seoul last month. In a recent interview with a quasi-news channel on YouTube, the family claimed that the actress' agency had sent a legal notice demanding repayment of 700 million won (approximately $530,000) that she allegedly borrowed from her date after a 2022 drunk-driving incident. Once seen as one of the most promising starlets, Kim's career came to a halt after the incident, which coincided just ahead of the release of Netflix's hit drama series "Bloodhounds," resulting in most of her scenes being cut. The incident dealt a huge blow to her acting career, as she faced financial struggles after being repeatedly denied roles amid persistent criticism. The producer of the series also filed a compensation claim in damages caused by her drunk-driving scandal. Unable to pay as the primary breadwinner in her household, she reportedly turned to her alleged boyfriend for financial help. But after the scandal, they seemed to go their separate ways for some reason, and leaked text messages show the actress trying to reach him and begging for more time to repay the borrowed money. But the actor immediately denied all the allegations through his agency, calling them "malicious fabrications" and threatening "the strongest possible legal action" against the channel. However, a couple of intimate photos showing him kissing her on the cheek suggest a possible close relationship. The timing of her death has also raised eyebrows, as it was on his birthday. Moreover, the actor did not attend her funeral, despite being from the same agency. The actress's mother pleaded, "I only want my child to be remembered and honored as the talented actress she was. Please help ensure that she is not reduced to gossip but instead recognized for the career and legacy she left behind." 2025-03-12 18:03:21

Mugshot of teacher accused in brutal stabbing of young girl unveiled SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - The identity and personal details of a 48-year-old teacher accused of fatally stabbing a young girl last month were unveiled on Wednesday. Police in Daejeon said they decided to disclose the mugshot of Myung Jae-wan online for about a month after reviewing the case the previous day, given the heinous nature of the crime. Under South Korean law, police can disclose personal information only when there is clear evidence linking a suspect to a crime or if the criminal has confessed. Suspects also have the right to have their face and personal details withheld until they are found guilty in a court of law. Myung, who has suffered from depression and other mental health issues, allegedly stabbed the 8-year-old student at an elementary school in Daejeon on Feb. 10. The crime has sparked public outrage and led to calls for stronger security measures to ensure school safety. Police also revealed that preliminary investigations showed Myung had searched for weapons or murder-related information online before the crime, suggesting that she targeted a victim to express her anger stemming from domestic disputes, work-related grievances, and other complaints. A crime involving the murder of a child under the age of 13 could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment in South Korea. 2025-03-12 14:48:22

Ex-ambassador to Thailand tapped as US point man in East Asia SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - A former U.S. Ambassador to Thailand has been nominated as a candidate for the post of assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday on his social media platform Truth Social that he has picked Michael DeSombre for the role. "I am pleased to announce that Ambassador Michael George DeSombre will be nominated as the next United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific," he said. The position, which plays a crucial role in formulating U.S. policies toward China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, requires Senate confirmation before the appointment can be finalized. "I am honored that President Trump has given me the opportunity to serve our great country again!" DeSombre wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, just hours after Trump shared his post. DeSombre, a legal professional with profound expertise in mergers and acquisitions in Asia from his time in Hong Kong, previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand from 2020 to 2021. Having earned his master's in East Asian studies at Stanford in addition to a law degree from Harvard, he is currently working as an attorney at New York-based law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. He is reportedly proficient in Chinese and speaks halting Korean, as his wife is of Korean descent. 2025-03-12 10:50:56