North Korean hacker slapped with US sanctions over cyber scam SEOUL, July 9 (AJP) - A North Korean hacker, accused of being involved in a scheme for illegal cyber activities, was slapped with sanctions along with several Russian firms, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said Monday. The department said it sanctioned Song Kum-hyok, linked to a hacking group run by the North's Reconnaissance General Bureau, known as Andariel, for facilitating North Korean IT workers to find remote jobs overseas with "falsified identities and nationalities." These workers, mostly based in China and Russia, allegedly installed malware into company networks to "generate revenue for the regime's efforts to circumvent sanctions through its digital asset theft, attempted impersonation of Americans, and malicious cyber-attacks." Under the sanctions, all their assets are frozen, and they are barred from doing business in the U.S. 2025-07-09 16:02:52

Trump claims South Korea pays 'very little' for USFK upkeep SEOUL, July 9 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump once again raised the issue Tuesday that South Korea is paying "very little" for the upkeep of maintaining some 28,500 U.S. troops here, arguing that it should pay for its own defense. "We rebuilt South Korea. We stayed there..... and they pay us very little for the military," Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House, while falsely claiming that 45,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea. "South Korea is making a lot of money, and they're very good..... but, you know, they should be paying for their own military," he added. Recalling cost-sharing negotiations with Seoul under the so-called Special Measures Agreement (SMA) during his first term, he also claimed he had demanded that South Korea pay US$10 billion per year for the upkeep of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). "I said for South Korea as an example, you know, we give you free military, essentially very little, and I think you should pay us $10 billion a year," he said. But the deal, in fact, did not proceed, which he blamed on a "rigged election," while South Korea later reached an agreement to shoulder $1.03 billion under the former U.S. President Joe Biden administration. The agreement is currently scheduled to take effect from 2026 and remain in place until 2030, with annual adjustments based on consumer price inflation. 2025-07-09 11:22:32

Seoul sees hottest early July temperature on record SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - The temperature in Seoul soared to 37.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday afternoon, the highest ever recorded for early July in the capital, according to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). The record high temperature comes as an early heat wave continues to persist, breaking the previous record of 36.8 degrees set in 1939. Other parts of the country also sweltered through record-high temperatures, with Busan at 34.5 degrees, Inchon at 35.6 degrees, and Daejeon at 36.3 degrees. The nationwide average temperature in the first week of July stood at 28.1 degrees, the highest for this time of year since 1973. The heat wave is expected to linger until mid-July, with some rain later this week in the capital region and mountainous Gangwon Province likely to bring some brief lull. 2025-07-08 17:20:48

Kim Jong-un visits mausoleum on his grandfather's death anniversary SEOUL, July 8 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the mausoleum of his grandfather and regime founder Kim Il-sung to mark the 31st anniversary of his death, state media reported on Tuesday. Kim junior visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang around midnight, accompanied by senior party officials, according to the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He "paid high tribute to the statues of the great leaders" and made "a deep bow of best wishes for immortality to the great leaders," KCNA said. He has made customary visits almost every year to the mausoleum, where the embalmed bodies of his late father and grandfather lie in state. But unlike last year's large-scale commemorative ceremonies, this year's were marked by low-key events, with no mention of mass gatherings or other festivities. 2025-07-08 15:05:04

Ex-President to face another arrest as prosecutors seek detention with new charges SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - A hearing to determine whether to re-arrest former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law debacle last year is set to be held later this week. The Seoul Central District Court said Monday that the hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, following a request by independent prosecutors seeking Yoon's arrest on fresh charges related to his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law. Yoon is expected to attend the hearing to defend himself against the charges. Independent prosecutors, who took over the case about a week after President Lee Jae-myung took office early last month, filed the request after summoning Yoon twice for questioning on June 28 and last Saturday. Yoon, who was arrested in January on charges of insurrection and abuse of power before being released in March, cannot be arrested again on the same charges, so prosecutors are now seeking to detain him on new charges of falsification of official documents, obstruction of official duties and other accusations such as attempts to evade questioning. They allege that Yoon ordered officials to destroy martial law–related documents and reportedly called only the minimum number of cabinet members required for quorum, likely preventing any objections from being raised. Yoon reportedly denies all these allegations, citing the illegality of his detention. 2025-07-07 16:54:14

First heat wave warning issued as scorching heat grips capital SEOUL, July 7 (AJP) - This summer's first heat wave warning was issued in Seoul and surrounding metropolitan areas on Monday, with scorching heat and tropical nights persisting for more than a week. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), the warning was issued for the capital region at around 10 a.m., about 18 days earlier than last year amid an early heat wave after the monsoon season ended sooner than usual. Such a warning is issued when "feels-like" temperatures remain above 35 degrees Celsius for at least two consecutive days or when severe damage is anticipated due to extreme heat. Other parts of the country have also suffered from record- high daytime temperatures over the weekend. The mercury rose to 38.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday in the southeastern city of Uljin, the highest for July since relevant records began in 1971. Donghae in Gangwon Province also recorded a new daily high of 38.3 degrees while nearby Samcheok reached 39.0 degrees, the highest temperature recorded in the country so far this year. The muggy weather is expected to continue throughout this week with daytime highs hovering between 32 degrees to 37 degrees nationwide. Most parts of the country will continue to swelter through tropical nights, when temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees. Meanwhile, Typhoon Danas, this year's fourth typhoon, is moving north but is not expected to directly affect the Korean Peninsula, having weakened to a tropical storm after making landfall in southern Taiwan last weekend. "But the tropical air mass brought by the typhoon may further intensify the country’s heat and humidity," the KMA forecast. 2025-07-07 15:51:15

K-pop anime film soundtrack tops US music chart SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - A track from "KPop Demon Hunters," a new Netflix animated film inspired by the K-pop industry, has topped the American music charts. Global streaming platform Spotify said Friday that "Your Idol," performed by the film’s fictional boy band Saja Boys, ranked No. 1 on its daily top songs chart in the United States. It is the fourth K-pop track to top the chart, following Jungkook’s "Seven," Jimin’s "Who," and BLACKPINK’s Rosé with "APT." Other songs from the soundtrack also placed high, with "Golden" and "How It’s Done" landing at No. 2 and No. 8, respectively, and "Soda Pop" coming in at No. 10. The film follows Huntr/x, a fictional Korean girl group battling evil spirits while competing with the mysterious boy band Saja Boys. The film’s album was produced by top hitmakers from The Black Label, including Teddy Park, Kush, and Vince — renowned K-pop producers known for crafting hits for globally popular groups like BIGBANG and BLACKPINK. 2025-07-05 18:08:31

Japan travel demand drops over fears of July earthquake SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - Travel demand from South Korea to Japan has dropped sharply amid growing fears over a rumored major earthquake expected to hit Japan in July, leading to widespread trip cancellations and a sharp decline in airfares and hotel bookings. Round-trip tickets to major Japanese cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are selling for just over 100,000 won ($70) on weekends in July and August, as demand remains weak despite the peak travel season. The sharp decline appears to be linked to an old Japanese manga that has resurfaced online, which claims a devastating earthquake will occur in July. The comic, “The Future I Saw,” published in 1999 by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, gained attention after it allegedly foresaw the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and also hinted at another disaster in July 2025. More than 1,000 earthquakes have been recorded since June 21 around the Tokara Islands, a remote island chain in southern Japan located between Kyushu and Okinawa, two of the country’s southernmost islands. On Wednesday and Saturday, tremors measuring magnitude 5.6 and 5.3 were observed, respectively. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has said that the area remains seismically active and has urged residents to be prepared for possible evacuation. The frequent tremors have raised public concern that they could foreshadow a larger earthquake elsewhere in Japan, a fear that aligns with long-standing warnings about the potential for a catastrophic event in the Nankai Trough, an underwater fault off the Pacific coast. Japanese government estimates suggest such a disaster could result in up to 298,000 deaths and $1.8 trillion in economic losses. The rumors have begun to affect travel across Asia. Hong Kong-based budget airline Greater Bay Airlines announced it will suspend flights to Yonago and Tokushima, two smaller Japanese cities, starting in September due to falling demand. Some hotels in Taiwan have also reported a surge in cancellations. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) said the seismic activity is unlikely to directly affect the Korean Peninsula, though experts noted that faint tremors may still be felt. While no official travel advisory has been issued, travelers are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidance from Japanese officials. 2025-07-05 17:11:05

Gov't set to distribute cash vouchers after passing $22.7 bln supplementary budget SEOUL, July 5 (AJP) - South Korea on Saturday approved a 31.8 trillion won ($22.7 billion) supplementary budget aimed at reviving the economy and supporting livelihoods. The cabinet meeting, held at the presidential office in Yongsan, followed the budget’s parliamentary approval the night before. President Lee Jae-myung, who presided over the meeting, said the move was in response to the country’s “difficult economic conditions” and urged each ministry to ensure the smooth implementation of the measures. A central part of the budget is a 13.8 trillion won ($9.7 billion) cash voucher program designed to boost private consumption. All 51.17 million citizens will receive between 150,000 and 550,000 won ($109–$400), depending on their income brackets and region of residence. Those in non-capital or population-declining areas will get the highest amount. The voucher budget was initially set at 13.2 trillion won ($9.4 billion) but was increased by 600 billion won ($430 million) during National Assembly deliberations, led by the ruling Democratic Party (DP). “Handing out cash efficiently and quickly will play a key role in stimulating demand and aiding economic recovery,” Lee said. The first round of payments is expected to be made as early as this month. The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) criticized the move, warning it could worsen the national debt, which has already surpassed 1,300 trillion won ($930 billion). The debt-to-GDP ratio has also climbed to nearly 50 percent. Meanwhile, the meeting was also the first for new Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, confirmed earlier this week. Kim said he felt a “strong sense of responsibility” and would work with urgency and accountability as the President’s chief aide. 2025-07-05 10:50:00

Bong Joon-ho's 'Parasite' voted 'best film of 21st century' by NYT readers SEOUL, July 4 (AJP) - Director Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film "Parasite" has been voted the "best movie of the 21st century" by the readers of the New York Times. According to the daily, a survey of over 200,000 readers choosing the top 100 films named Bong's 2019 film as their top pick, followed by David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive" (2001) and the Coen brothers' "No Country for Old Men" (2007). Another film by Bong, "Memories of Murder" (2003), also made the top 100, placing 49th. Compatriot Park Chan-wook's films "Oldboy" (2003) and "The Handmaiden" (2016) were also included, ranking 40th and 67th. Earlier, "Parasite" also took the top spot in a similar survey last month by the daily, in which more than 500 filmmakers, actors, and film critics voted for the 10 best movies released since January 2000. 2025-07-04 15:53:49