North Korea holds key party meeting ahead of major anniversaries SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - North Korea wrapped up a plenary meeting of the Workers Party to review policies and plans for the second half of this year, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the official state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the three-day meeting, which began last Saturday and was chaired by its leader Kim Jong-un, was convened "to conduct the interim review" of major policies for this year and "to discuss and decide on the issues arising in the course of expanding and deepening short-, intermediate-, and long-range plans for economic construction." According to KCNA, discussions also covered preparations for upcoming key anniversaries and other events including the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party's founding, which falls on Oct. 10. Kim delivered a speech, but details were not disclosed, with KCNA merely saying that the "respected comrade" made an "important speech." The North's rubber-stamp parliament also "unanimously" decided to convene a party congress, "which would be another important watershed" for the party, without specifying a date. The meeting drew attention from many pundits as they sought to gauge how Kim would respond to recent conciliatory gestures by the new U.S. and South Korean administrations, amid rising hopes for reengagement with the isolated country. 2025-06-24 17:11:56

Lee taps dozen nominees for ministerial posts SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung on Monday named a dozen new ministers to fill posts in his Cabinet. At a press briefing, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said the nominees were selected "based on their expertise and experience" in line with Lee's pragmatic approach that emphasizes skills and performance. Among the picks included Ahn Gyu-baek, a five-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), who was nominated as defense minister. Once approved, Ahn is expected to become the first civilian to lead the ministry since 1961, when former strongman Park Chung-hee seized power through a military coup. Former unification minister Chung Dong-young was nominated to return to the role. Kang stressed Chung's peace-oriented philosophy and his ability to facilitate dialogue with North Korea while easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Former first vice foreign minister Cho Hyun was named foreign minister, while Kim Young-hoon, who led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions was nominated as labor minister. Baek Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research, was nominated as science minister and Han Seong-sook, former Naver CEO, as minister for SMEs and Startups. Both are expected to bring private-sector experience in digital innovation to enhance the country's tech competitiveness. Other nominees include DP lawmaker Kim Sung-hwan as environment minister, Jun Jae-soo as oceans and fisheries minister, and Kang Sun-woo as minister of gender equality and family. Former lawmaker Kwon Oh-eul was named minister of patriots and veterans affairs. In a rare move, Song Mi-ryeong, the incumbent agriculture minister from the previous administration, will remain in her post. 2025-06-23 16:39:35

Lee's first bilateral summit with Washington unlikely anytime soon as he skips NATO trip SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - As President Lee Jae-myung opted to skip the NATO summit scheduled for early this week in the Hague, Netherlands, attention now shifts to when he will hold his first bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Initially, it was expected that the two leaders would hold their first meeting either on the sidelines of last week's Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada or this week's NATO summit. "Lee had considered attending the NATO summit, but he decided to skip it this time in consideration of various factors including internal affairs and other pressing issues amid the escalating situation in the Middle East," presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said on Sunday. Lee, who took office earlier this month, already faces numerous tasks while still in the process of forming his cabinet and appointing key aides, as he had no time to spare for a full transition period, because he was elected to replace former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol after the Constitutional Court of Korea's ruling in April to impeach him over his botched martial law debacle late last year. The ongoing deadly conflict between Iran and Israel, which could negatively impact the country's security and economy, made him even more busy as he needs to closely to monitor the situation and comes up with relevant measures. Amid the U.S.' overnight military operation over the weekend dubbed "Midnight Hammer," which struck three Iranian nuclear sites including a secret underground uranium enrichment facility in a remote mountainous area near Tehran using powerful "bunker-buster" bombs for the first time, uncertainty also looms over Trump's participation in the NATO summit. This development led Lee to forgo his trip to the European country, as he would once again be unable to sit down with Trump, after their planned meeting in Canada fell through last week due to his early departure. During their first phone conversation shortly after Lee's inauguration, the two leaders agreed to meet as soon as possible, either on the sidelines of a multilateral gathering or through a bilateral visit. However, with current domestic and international circumstances not permitting, it is unlikely that Lee will visit Washington soon, although Seoul aims to hold a summit no later than August to avoid excessive delays in coordination between the two allies. If current domestic and international circumstances linger, their first meeting may instead take place on the sidelines of the high-level session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September or at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for the country's southern historic city of Gyeongju at the end of October. Meanwhile, there are fears that the U.S. could resort to similar strikes against North Korea if future denuclearization talks with the renegade country fail, although many experts believe that is unlikely, as Pyongyang reportedly has about 50 nuclear warheads, which can be mounted on intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. 2025-06-23 15:53:58

Yoga enthusiasts in Seoul gather to celebrate international day SEOUL, June 21 (AJP) - An event celebrating the International Day of Yoga was held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Saturday, bringing together hundreds of participants from both the Korean and Indian communities. Co-hosted by the Korean Yoga Association and the Embassy of India in Seoul, the event featured a series of yoga sessions, performances, and speeches aimed at deepening public understanding of yoga. Attendees included yoga practitioners, instructors, embassy officials, and citizens from many different fields, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga in South Korea. The International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated annually on June 21, was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and adopted by the United Nations the same year. The day aims to promote the advantages of practicing yoga as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. “This year, as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the International Day of Yoga, we are reminded of how Yoga has truly become a global phenomenon. What began as a spiritual discipline in ancient India more than 3000 years ago has today evolved into a holistic way of life practiced all around the world,” said Indian Ambassador to Seoul Amit Kumar in his remarks at the event. “Yoga has transcended borders, cultures and generations establishing itself as a universally accepted practice to nurture physical, mental and spiritual well-being.” Kumar noted that nearly 8 million people in South Korea also practice yoga, expressing hope that today’s event would encourage even more people in Korea to explore yoga. “Here in Korea, the sight of numerous yoga enthusiasts taking part in our annual IDoY events is heartwarming...As we reflect on this decade-long journey of the IDoY, we are reminded that Yoga is not just a practice, but a worldwide movement - a powerful symbol of global harmony, shared humanity, and the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom in a modern world." The event included a mass yoga session led by instructors, along with yoga-themed dance and cultural performances, offering participants a chance to engage with various aspects of yoga. 2025-06-21 21:03:45

Heavy rain advisory issued as monsoon front arrives in Seoul SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - A heavy rain advisory was issued for the Seoul metropolitan area and parts of Gangwon Province, as this summer's monsoon front brought downpours of up to 30 mm per hour. As the seasonal monsoon rain swept through the capital region, the Seoul Metropolitan Government ramped up efforts to prevent flooding and damage, implementing preemptive measures in flood-prone and low-lying areas. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) predicted up to 100 mm of rainfall across the country until Saturday, with thunderstorms and strong wind gusts expected in some areas. The KMA warned the public to stay updated on weather alerts and remain cautious, especially those in areas with weakened slopes, riverbanks, and steep terrain, where heavy rains could cause landslides and flooding. 2025-06-20 16:29:45

Concerns mount over South Korea's defense cost-sharing as US sets 'new standard' SEOUL, June 20 (AJP) - Many Pundits here have begun to speculate about a possible renegotiation of South Korea's defense cost-sharing deal with Washington, after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier this week that the U.S. has set a "new standard" for defense spending with its allies around the world including those in Asia. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell also said Thursday that its European allies are setting a "global standard" for alliances, which is to spend 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, and that should apply to Asia as well. Parnell further elaborated that it is "reasonable" for countries in the Asia Pacific to increase their defense budgets, given China's military buildup and North Korea's development of nuclear weapons and other missiles. These remarks came just weeks after the Pentagon chief said at NATO headquarters in Brussels early this month that NATO allies are close to reaching an agreement to raise defense spending over the next decade, adding, "Countries there are well exceeding 2 percent and we think very close, almost near consensus, on a 5-percent commitment to NATO." But the Defense Ministry here argued Friday that South Korea has already spent a significant amount compared with other key U.S. allies. "South Korea is among the countries with a high defense spending ratio in proportion to its GDP," the ministry said in a statement. South Korea spent about 66 trillion won (US$47.8 billion) on defense last year, accounting for about 2.8 percent of its GDP. Meeting the 5-percent level would require increasing the budget to over 118 trillion won (US$85.5 billion). Besides, Seoul and Washington, after multiple rounds of talks last year, already reached an agreement on an 8.3 percent hike for the upkeep of maintaining some 28,500 U.S. troops here, with Seoul shouldering 1.52 trillion won (US$1.14 billion). The agreement will be effective from 2026 through 2030, with annual adjustments based on consumer price inflation. But these issues are likely to be put on the agenda at the upcoming NATO summit scheduled for early next week in the Hague, the Netherlands, raising concerns about a possible significant hike in South Korea's defense burden. President Lee Jae-myung has not yet decided whether to attend the summit, but if he does, he could sit down for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their first planned bilateral meeting fell through last week at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada due to Trump's early return to Washington amid a deadly conflict in the Middle East. 2025-06-20 14:53:38

Gov't to hand out cash vouchers to boost consumption SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - All South Koreans will get a cash voucher ranging from 150,000 won to 500,000 won (US$109 to $362) depending on their income brackets, as early as next month. It is part of plans to boost private consumption and revive the economy, as President Lee Jae-myung signed off on a supplementary budget worth 20.2 trillion won ($14.5 billion) during a cabinet meeting in Seoul on Thursday. The budget, which still requires parliamentary approval, also includes support for struggling small business owners and financially vulnerable individuals by easing their debt burdens and resolving insolvencies. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) called for swift approval to help those facing financial hardship, while the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) criticized the move as a populist policy, arguing that simply handing out cash from the state coffers would only increase the national debt, which has now risen to 1,300 trillion won. The debt-to-GDP ratio also climbed to 49 percent, nearing 50 percent. Lee plans to deliver a speech on the budget at the National Assembly early next week, according to his office. He is also scheduled to meet with DP and PPP leaders at his temporary residence in Hannam-dong this weekend. 2025-06-19 16:34:13

Seoul International Book Fair kicks off, welcoming over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - South Korea’s largest book fair kicked off on Wednesday at COEX in southern Seoul, drawing thousands of literature lovers, authors, and publishers from around the world. The Seoul International Book Fair, co-hosted by the Korean Publishers Association (KPA), features over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries. Among the attendees was former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who took part in an event held during the fair and also delivered a speech. Taiwan participated in the fair as this year’s guest of honor, reflecting growing interest in Taiwanese culture among young Korean readers. “There has been a growing number of young Koreans visiting Taiwan in recent years. They’re increasingly curious about our lifestyle and society,” said Michelle Tu, Senior Coordination Manager of the Taipei Book Fair Foundation. “Taiwanese and Korean youth also share common challenges like housing, politics, and social pressures. These parallels have fostered a deeper mutual understanding.” Chile also marked a strong presence as the only participating country from Latin America. Its booth captivated visitors with colorful children’s books and literary works by Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American woman to win the prestigious prize. “This year, our participation in the fair holds special meaning. We are celebrating 80 years since Gabriela Mistral, one of Chile’s most important poets, became the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize,” said Chilean Ambassador to Seoul Mathias Francke. “Later, she was joined by other great writers, including Han Kang, the first Asian woman to receive the award, whom we are also honoring here today.” “We’ve decorated our booth with photos of Gabriela Mistral, and created a special space where visitors can explore her life and work,” he added, expressing hope that the beloved poet will serve as a bridge to help Korean readers discover more of Chile’s rich literary tradition. Saudi Arabia also attracted attention with rare books from the Middle East, including a century-old volume about Arabian horses and camels. “This 100-year-old book shows how the animals were raised and trained in Arabic culture, including their diet and role in daily life,” said a Saudi Arabian booth exhibitor. The fair runs through Sunday offering various exhibitions, author talks, and cultural programs that continue to foster cross-cultural connections through books. 2025-06-18 23:54:10

Lee holds first bilateral meeting with Japanese PM in Canada SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Canada on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Tuesday. After speaking over the phone last week, they met in person for the first time since Lee took office earlier this month. Lee began the talks with ice-breaking remarks likening the two countries to neighbors sharing a "front yard," and added, "There may be differences in opinion, but both countries should overcome them to build a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship." Congratulating Lee once again on his election, Ishiba also agreed on closer cooperation and expressed hopes for "more exchanges" between Seoul and Tokyo, highlighting the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. Lee further stressed the need for "enhanced cooperation across various fields" to address global challenges including tariff-related disputes and a new round of deadly conflict in the Middle East following Israel's surprise attack on Iran last Friday, which triggered retaliatory strikes and heightened military tensions in the region. The two leaders talked for about 30 minutes and wrapped up the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to resume shuttle diplomacy, which will involve reciprocal regular visits to each other's countries. Meanwhile, Lee is returning home later in the day, wrapping up his brief trip to Canada, where he met with leaders of nine countries and the head of the United Nations. 2025-06-18 10:03:53

Bilateral talks between Seoul and Washington canceled as Trump leaves G7 early SEOUL, June 17 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung, who is in Canada attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit, was unable to hold his planned talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. According to the presidential office here, the two were scheduled to sit down for talks on the sidelines of the summit, but the meeting was canceled after Trump decided to cut his G7 trip short. In a press briefing in Calgary, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lak also said, "Trump is hurriedly returning to Washington due to a deadly conflict between Iran and Israel, which has made it difficult for him to hold the biliteral meeting as planned." He added that the U.S. asked for understanding over the cancellation. Meanwhile, Lee has already held a series of talks with other leaders including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and is set to have a one-on-one meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. With the first bilateral meeting between the new South Korean and U.S. leaders falling through, the next possible occasion would be the NATO summit, which is scheduled to take place in the Hague early next week, although Lee has not yet decided whether to attend. 2025-06-17 15:37:24