President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment upheld SEOUL, April 4 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea on Friday unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle late last year. In a verdict read out live on television, presiding justice Moon Hyung-bae began by explaining the trial's constitutional and procedural legality before handing down the court's decision. Moon said Yoon's impeachment trial over his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law deemed lawful, dismissing Yoon's claims that the National Assembly had abused its power in pursuing the impeachment. He also pointed out Yoon's declaration "betrayed the public's trust in the president and constitutes a grave violation of the Constitution." With the ruling, which came about four months after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14, Yoon was immediately stripped of office. He is required to vacate the official residence, as he will be treated like any ordinary citizen. Voters must now go to the polls within 60 days to elect a new president, while Yoon faces criminal prosecution on charges of insurrection, abuse of power, and other allegations. 2025-04-04 11:24:54

Event to connect foreign job seekers in South Korea with career networking opportunities SEOUL, April 3 (AJP) - Hordes of foreigners are expected to gather for an event in Seoul next week, which aims to help those seeking job opportunities here. Hosted by Exprivé, a company that connects over 10,000 foreign influencers living here to promote Korean culture worldwide, the event, scheduled for next Saturday in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong district, will offer international students a chance to meet with businesses across various industries. The event will begin with speeches by former Korea National Diplomatic Academy Chancellor Cho Byung-jae and former Korean Ambassador to the UAE Lee Seok-gu. In particular, about 20 foreigners from various fields, currently working for major companies such as Alibaba, Kakao, Samsung, and SM Entertainment, will also attend the event to share their career journeys and work experiences while providing valuable advice and practical tips. Exprivé CEO Baek Min said, "South Korea is gradually becoming more and more multicultural, with the number of international students continuing to rise. We want to help them build successful career paths after completing their studies here." Baek added, "We expect the upcoming event to offer participants useful career strategies, along with networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals." 2025-04-03 14:46:35

Satellite images suggest North Korea bolstering drone infrastructure SEOUL, April 2 (AJP) - North Korea appears to be expanding its drone infrastructure and may be establishing a separate military unit, according to a report released by a U.S. think tank on Tuesday. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington said satellite images taken last Friday show seven newly built hangars for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at multiple sites in North Pyongan Province on the outskirts of Pyongyang, offering a glimpse into the country's "strategic UAV development activities." These images show "the completion of additional UAV hangars. This and the establishment of a small experimental and test unit of strategic UAVs suggest a continued production run" of UAVs at these sites, which are "North Korea's only known sites for the production and flight-testing of large strategic UAVs," the report wrote. As North Korea previously unveiled a drone resembling the U.S. Global Hawk during a military event in recent years, many speculated that its UAVs were largely modeled after U.S. versions. But the report analyzed that they are "not clones." The report also pointed out, "If North Korea successfully develops and deploys" its UAVs along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) with South Korea, "it will significantly increase the scope and timeliness of the nation's situational awareness in and around the Korean Peninsula." 2025-04-02 16:25:09

Voters go to polls in local by-elections SEOUL, April 2 (AJP) - Voters cast their ballots in by-elections on Wednesday to fill vacant posts in several cities and local provinces on Wednesday at some 1,500 polling stations across the country. The low-key elections come just two days before the Constitutional Court of Korea's decision on the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial later this week over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, drawing attention as they could serve as a gauge of public opinion. Among the 23 seats up for grabs are the superintendent of education in the southern port city of Busan and the head of Seoul's Guro district. Amid concerns of a record-low turnout, voting is underway until 8 p.m., with a rough vote count expected to come out around midnight. In early voting held last Friday and Saturday, voter turnout was a mere 7.94 percent. 2025-04-02 14:05:03

Trump suggests US is in 'communication' with North Korea SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that there is "communication" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, hinting at his willingness to engage with the reclusive country. "We have a great relationship, and..... there is communication," he told reporters at the White House, without providing further details. But when asked whether he plans to reach out to Kim, he said, "I will probably do something at some point." Recalling his meeting with Kim at the demilitarized zone in June 2019, he said, "(I) got to know him very well. I remember I put my foot across the line, and then I walked across the line." Trump once again described North Korea as a "big nuclear nation" and called Kim a "smart guy," as he said on multiple previous occasions. During a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte last month, Trump said, "I have a great relationship with , and we'll see what happens, but certainly he's a nuclear power." Trump's repeated comments about his relationship with Kim are raising speculation that talks may be underway among working-level officials for a possible meeting between the two. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry here declined to address the issue, saying that it is "inappropriate" to comment on the statements of foreign leaders. However, it added that both Seoul and Washington remain willing to talk with North Korea. 2025-04-01 15:09:01

Constitutional Court of Korea to decide on Yoon's impeachment this Friday SEOUL, April 1 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea on Tuesday said it will deliver its ruling on the fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol later this week, about four months after the National Assembly voted to impeach him in mid-December last year. The highest court's eight judges, who finally set the ruling date after more than a month of deliberation following Yoon's final hearing over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law, told reporters that the ruling will be broadcast live at 11 a.m. this Friday due to intense public interest. A decision to uphold Yoon's impeachment would require at least six votes in favor, resulting in his immediate ouster from office and a snap presidential election within 60 days, which could take place in early June. But if more than three justices from the court's current eight-seat bench rule against impeachment, Yoon will regain his powers until the next regular presidential election in May 2027. Police are on high alert for the day of the ruling in case protesters supporting or opposing Yoon clash or otherwise react violently to the decision. 2025-04-01 11:17:58

King Charles offers condolences over deadly wildfires in South Korea SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - King Charles III on Sunday expressed deep condolences over the massive wildfires devastating southeastern South Korea, calling the disaster “catastrophic” and extending sympathy to those affected. “My wife and I were utterly appalled to hear of the catastrophic wildfires currently burning in the southeast of South Korea, a region that I know extended such a warm welcome to my late mother during her State Visit in 1999,” The British monarch expressed his concern in a statement conveyed through the British Embassy in Seoul on Sunday. He also acknowledged the emotional and cultural toll of the fires, saying, “We can only begin to imagine the scale of the devastation, the heartrending distress of those whose lives have been so disastrously affected and the dreadful impact of these fires on the priceless, ancient heritage of South Korea.” The monarch extended his heartfelt sympathies to the victims. “We both wanted to send our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and our special prayers remain with all those whose homes have been destroyed,” he added. His message came amid growing international concern over what is now being called South Korea’s worst wildfire disaster in history. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters on Monday, the wildfires with dry air and typhoon-level winds have scorched large parts of North Gyeongsang Province and spread to nearby coastal and fishing communities as embers traveled up to two kilometers. The blaze has resulted in at least 75 casualties and destroyed over 3,400 homes and 2,100 agricultural facilities. Thirty cultural heritage sites have also been damaged, raising concern about the loss of historical assets. With April holidays approaching, when many people visit mountains, officials plan to strengthen wildfire prevention through increased patrols and stricter safety measures. 2025-03-31 11:06:29

German envoy in Seoul discusses 'Zeitenwende' SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - The German Embassy in Seoul held a casual gathering with reporters on Tuesday to provide insights on various global issues while discussing topics related to Berlin's key policies and long-term vision for the future. At his official residence in Seoul, German Ambassador Georg Schmidt began his talks by raising "Zeitenwende," which literally means "historic turning point." The term was first brought up by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, just three days after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, when he announced plans to allocate a special one-off fund of 100 billion euros to strengthen the country's defense capabilities. "After the outbreak of the war, Germany fundamentally shifted its security and fiscal policies under the concept of Zeitenwende," he said. "It was an awakening that we needed to confront the new realities of global security." The fund, which required a constitutional amendment, "passed quickly with a two-thirds majority in each chamber," the ambassador recalled. "This kind of swift consensus is rare in the country's political history." Earlier this year, Germany introduced what has been described as "Zeitenwende 2.0," which includes two large-scale projects, with about 500 billion euros allocated for defense while another 500 billion euros is earmarked for modernizing infrastructure and addressing climate change. But Schmidt said part of the fund has been also deliberately set aside for regional governments. "That helps ensure that citizens do not feel the government is spending money solely to help Ukraine while neglecting its own people." Germany's national debt is currently about 2.6 trillion euros or 63 percent of GDP. However, the debt-to-GDP ratio could rise to 90 percent, once the projects take shape. "Germany has always valued fiscal soundness," he said. "But this is a moment in history that calls for bold action." Asked about what led to such a swift political consensus, Schmidt cited two reasons. "First the country's tradition encourages political parties to cooperate on issues of national urgency. Second the pressing global situation made it clear that there is no time to waste." Germany is now the top provider of aid to Ukraine among European countries. Along with military and financial support, Germany has accepted nearly one million Ukrainian refugees. "I believe that will eventually stimulate the domestic economy," he predicted. As for the war in Ukraine, Schmidt clarified Germany's stance. "There can be no ceasefire or peace agreement without Ukraine's consent," he said. "Europe must also be involved in the negotiation process. Peace is not something we can rush." Regarding the war in Ukraine, Schmidt clarified Germany's stance. "There can be no ceasefire or peace agreement without Ukraine's consent," he said. "Europe should be involved in the negotiation process to end the war. Peace is not something we can rush." Meanwhile, Schmidt also expressed interest in further strengthening defense cooperation with South Korea, as Germany bolsters its defense sector, with automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall hiring over 1,000 new staff this year alone. The country also recently passed one of the world's most progressive immigration laws for skilled workers to address labor shortages. "South Korea is deepening its defense cooperation with Poland and increasing its presence in the European market," he cited as an example. "Since Seoul has previously procured German-made Taurus cruise missiles, there is a strong potential for mutual collaboration." Looking ahead, Schmidt mentioned Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for Germany's next chancellor, who recently voiced support for continuing the current government's Asia policy. "That would be a positive sign," he said. "We hope our strategic partnership with South Korea continues to grow." 2025-03-26 16:45:40

US intelligence chief raises alarms over North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions SEOUL, March 26 (AJP) - North Korea is "probably prepared to conduct another nuclear test on short notice," as the reclusive country has no intention of giving up its nuclear weapons program, a top U.S. intelligence official suggests. The comment came from U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as she testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Tuesday. "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is pursuing stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland," she said, adding that these ambitions aim "to bolster North Korea's leverage and stature, defend the regime and achieve at least tacit recognition as a nuclear weapons power." Gabbard also expressed concerns about North Korea's growing military ties with Russia. "Kim's recently cemented strategic partnership with Russia supports these goals by providing him greater financial, military, and diplomatic support; reduced reliance on China and the need to defer to Beijing's terms for support; and providing North Korean forces and weapons systems authentic warfighting experience," she pointed out. A separate annual assessment by her office also stressed that Kim has "no intention of negotiating away his strategic weapons programs, which he perceives as a guarantor of regime security and national pride." 2025-03-26 14:51:32

North Korea to hold large-scale festival for regime founder's birthday next month SEOUL, March 25 (AJP) - North Korea plans to hold a large-scale festival next month to celebrate the birthday of its regime founder Kim Il-sung, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the festival will take place at several venues in Pyongyang from April 10 to 17, featuring troupe performances and other events. KCNA explained that the festival aims to honor "Kim's legacy and his achievements" as well as express loyalty to his grandson and current leader Kim Jong-un. The late leader's birthday, which falls on April 15, is one of the biggest official holidays in the reclusive country, once glorified as the "Day of the Sun." However, state media have refrained from calling it that way in recent years, as Kim junior tries to consolidate his grip on power. 2025-03-25 14:15:20