North Korea directly names Trump administration, warns of response SEOUL, February 22 (AJP) - North Korea warned on Saturday that it will respond to the “enemies’ military strategic threat” with its own "strategic means," directly naming the Trump administration for the first time. A statement from the chief of the Information Office at North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense on Saturday said, “Since the emergence of the Trump administration, the U.S. and its vassal forces are getting evermore pronounced in their military provocations threatening the security environment of the DPRK.” The official cited the recent dispatch of a B-1B strategic bomber to the Korean Peninsula as an example. North Korea accused Washington of ramping up provocative military movements in the region, saying, "The U.S. is also mulling again staging the large-scale joint military exercises Freedom Shield, which includes seven rounds of brigade-level joint field maneuvers more compared to that of last year, in March in collusion with ROK in order to push the military tension in the region to an extreme phase." The ministry further claimed that the U.S. is attempting to justify its nuclear buildup while branding North Korea’s nuclear deterrence as illegitimate, arguing that such efforts "can never work on the DPRK ." It is highly speculated that Pyongyang is setting the stage to justify future military actions or using the suspension of U.S.-South Korea drills as a potential precondition for talks with Washington. In recent weeks, North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has repeatedly issued press statements, responding swiftly to U.S.-South Korea joint drills, strategic weapons deployments, and discussions on North Korea’s denuclearization. While Pyongyang previously referred broadly to the "U.S." or "U.S. administration" in its statements, this time it directly mentioned the "Trump administration." 2025-02-22 15:09:45

Trump warns of tariffs over foreign regulations on U.S. tech firms SEOUL, February 22 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he would take strong action, including tariffs, against foreign governments imposing unfair regulations on American tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta. “What they’re doing to us in other countries is terrible with digital,” Trump said on Friday, directing his administration to address what he described as unfair trade practices harming U.S. companies. He accused foreign governments of restricting the success of American tech firms and diverting economic benefits that should remain in the United States. A White House official said Trump has instructed his administration to consider potential responses, including tariffs, “to combat the digital service taxes (DSTs), fines, practices, and policies that foreign governments levy on American companies.” Although he did not name specific countries, South Korea is seen as one of the countries that could come under scrutiny. The U.S. government has long raised concerns over Seoul’s network usage fees and restrictions on cross-border data transfers, viewing them as trade barriers for American firms. If tariffs are imposed, South Korea’s IT sector and economy could take a hit, given its deep ties to global markets. Trump also took aim at digital service taxes imposed by France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, calling for a review of whether to reinstate trade measures under U.S. law. His move is expected to escalate tensions over digital trade regulations, particularly with the European Union and South Korea. However, it remains unclear whether the administration will follow through with tariffs or pursue legal action, as Trump may prioritize other policy issues, including geopolitical conflicts and domestic economic recovery. 2025-02-22 14:30:32

Yoon faces additional charge for alleged interference in arrest attempt SEOUL, February 21 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing new charges of obstructing law enforcement by using an agency responsible for his personal security, police said Friday. Police said Yoon instructed the Presidential Security Service (PSS) to block officers from executing his arrest warrant. They explained that they had obtained encrypted messages exchanged between Yoon and PSS Deputy Chief Kim Sung-hoon via "Signal," a highly secure American messaging app. Investigators say Yoon directed Kim to ensure that the security team would intervene to prevent an arrest attempt if one were made. The exchanges reportedly took place on Jan. 3, the day of the first arrest attempt, and again on Jan. 7. "While we cannot disclose the exact contents of the messages, we believe they provide direct evidence that Yoon ordered efforts to block his arrest," a police official said. Tensions reportedly arose within the PSS over Yoon’s directive. Kim, considered a hardliner, relayed the order to staff, but some members refused to comply. On Jan. 15, during the second arrest attempt, some PSS officers did not intervene, leading to Yoon’s detention. They questioned the legality of blocking law enforcement officers and chose not to follow the directive. The suspicion that President Yoon interfered with the execution of his arrest warrant was part of the initial request for Deputy Chief Kim’s detention. However, the investigation has been hindered by prosecutors repeatedly rejecting Kim’s detention request, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. Since Yoon remains the sitting president, it is unclear whether legal proceedings on these charges will continue until the Constitutional Court reaches a verdict on his impeachment. 2025-02-21 16:23:32

UN urges Ukraine to protect North Korean POWs, opposes forced repatriation SEOUL, February 21 (AJP) - The United Nations urged Ukraine on Thursday not to repatriate North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). North Korea allegedly deployed over 10,000 soldiers to Russia to assist Moscow's war in Ukraine, and two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield in Russia's Kursk region last month. "International humanitarian law (IHL) requires POWs to be treated humanely at all times and with respect for their honour in all circumstances," UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokesperson Liz Throssell told Voice of America, a U.S. government-funded news network. "The detaining authorities must give due consideration to their obligations under the principle of non-refoulement. We call for strict adherence to IHL which includes obligations to respect and protect POWs, to minimize civilian harm, and to ensure accountability," she added, urging Ukraine to comply with its obligations under the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the forcible return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution. Elizabet Salmón, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, also expressed concern about the risks the solders may face if repatriated. "My main concern is the safety of these prisoners of war. Regarding the Third Geneva Convention, we should interpret it combined with non-derogable human rights even at a time of war, including the right to life and freedom from torture." Salmon also pointed out North Korea’s longstanding record of human rights abuses. "The international community is concerned about the human rights situation in for a long time. We need to take this into consideration and respond affirmatively to preserve their safety based on their requests," she said. Meanwhile, South Korea reaffirmed its policy of accepting defectors from North Korea. "North Korean soldiers are considered compatriots under the Constitution. Respecting their choice about repatriation complies with international law, and no one should be sent back to a place where they might face persecution," the Foreign Ministry here said earlier this week. The ministry added that Seoul will provide "protection and support to all who wish to come to this country." 2025-02-21 11:09:48

Constitutional Court to hold final hearing in Yoon's impeachment trial next week SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - The Constitutional Court of Korea will have the final hearing of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial next week over his botched martial law debacle last December. After wrapping up the 10th hearing on Thursday, the court said it will hear final statements from both sides including Yoon at 2 p.m. on Feb. 25. Once next week's hearing concludes, the court will begin its deliberation to decide whether to impeach or reinstate him, which normally takes about two weeks, meaning that any decision is expected to be made by mid-March. Yoon apparently believes in his return to office, with his legal representatives quoting him as saying later in the day, "I will quickly resume my duties and lead the country by integrating people from different generations." In the day's hearing, which began at 3 p.m., an hour later than the previous session, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been suspended from his post, appeared as a witness to testify alongside Cho Ji-ho, the head of the National Police Agency who had repeatedly declined to appear, citing health reasons. But Cho again refused to answer most questions. Cho is one of the key witnesses in the allegations that Yoon ordered the arrests of political figures during the short-lived martial law debacle on Dec. 3 last year. Yoon appeared for the hearing as well but left just a few minutes after his arrival at the court to avoid an encounter with Han, who claimed to have opposed the martial law declaration and expressed concerns but was unable to stop it. Earlier in the day, Yoon also attended a preliminary hearing in his separated criminal trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul. But the hearing ended in just 13 minutes, with another session scheduled for March 24, as such hearings are usually intended to clarify the main disputes of the case. 2025-02-20 17:57:52

Japanese Embassy hosts event in Seoul to celebrate emperor's birthday SEOUL, February 20 (AJP) - The Japanese Embassy in Seoul hosted an event at a hotel in central Seoul to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's birthday on Wednesday, bringing together government officials, diplomats, and other distinguished guests. Japan's overseas missions elsewhere have also been holding similar annual celebrations in observance of the emperor's 64th birthday, which falls on Feb. 23. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne in 2019. Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima stressed the significance of this year's event, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo. South Korea's first vice foreign minister Kim Hong-kyun who attended the event, also emphasized the need for continued cooperation. "Seoul and Tokyo have built mutual trust over the past 60 years, and we should further develop bilateral relations," Kim said in his congratulatory message. The evening included a ceremonial toast with the countries' national anthems being played. A portrait of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako was also displayed on the occasion for the first time, amid recently improved relations between the two countries. But a group of anti-Japanese activists gathered and staged a rally in front of the hotel, as the two neighboring countries remain at loggerheads over several political and historical issues. 2025-02-20 14:16:12

Trump comments on North Korean soldiers in Russia, hints at possible deal to end war SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday commented on North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia to assist its war in Ukraine. "Soldiers are being killed by the thousands on a weekly basis," Trump said. "Apart from Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, a lot of Koreans have been killed. We want to end it. It's a senseless war. It should have never happened." Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, he mentioned the issue for the first time since taking office. Trump also hinted at a possible impending deal with Russia to end the war. "Russia wants to do something," he said. "I think I have the power to end this war." He then added that he may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, before the end of this month. 2025-02-19 16:31:11

Former SNU scholar appointed to head non-profit foundation for school safety and youth education SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - Former Seoul National University president Sung Nak-in was appointed as a new chairman of a non-profit foundation dedicated to promoting school safety and youth education on Tuesday. Founded in 1999 with the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan as its first chairman, the foundation has been instrumental in raising awareness about school safety while providing educational resources and scholarships to underprivileged students to support their education. A vetted academic, Sung served as a presidential adviser for education reform and also as a legal adviser for a committee under the Ministry of Justice, where he played a key role in enacting laws aimed at enhancing school education in 2005. He has also written numerous books to help improve understanding of legal issues. "With my extensive experience and expertise, I will dedicate myself to creating a more secure society with fewer conflicts and greater legal justice," said Sung as he began his new role as the fifth chairman of the foundation. 2025-02-19 14:41:29

Constitutional Court holds hearing in Yoon's absence SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - President Yoon Suk Yeol skipped a hearing for his impeachment trial, over his botched martial law debacle last December, which was held at the Constitutional Court of Korea in Seoul on Tuesday. Yoon's legal representatives said that he had intended to attend but changed his mind at the last minute, as the day's hearing would primarily focus on arguments from previous sessions, with no witnesses present. Except for the first two hearings, which began in mid-January, Yoon has appeared at six consecutive sessions, actively defending himself. Meanwhile, Yoon's 10th hearing, expected to be his last, will be held on Thursday as scheduled. Earlier, Yoon requested a postponement, as his separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection and abuse of power is scheduled to take place on the same day. But the court rejected the request to reschedule. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who has been suspended from his post will appear as a witness in the upcoming hearing, along the Cho Ji-ho, the head of the National Police Agency. Attention is on Cho, who has cited health reasons for refusing to appear twice. It remains to be seen if he will attend this time. Cho is one of the key witnesses in the allegations that Yoon ordered officials to arrest several political figures during the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. 2025-02-18 17:46:18

Over 140,000 visitors enjoy outdoor sledding along Han River this winter SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - Winter recreational facilities in parks along the Han River in Seoul ended their seasonal operations last week after attracting more than 140,000 visitors over the past two months, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city government said on Monday that more than 140,000 people visited three outdoor sledding rinks —Ttukseom, Jamwon, and Yeouido — between late December and last Sunday. They drew about 1,300 visitors a day and 4,400 visitors on weekends and holidays, a slight increase compared to the previous year. The rinks, featuring an 80-meter slope, offered more than just sledding, with other fun activities such as ice fishing, bumper cars, and bungee rides. "They were especially popular with families with kids on outings," said a city official, attributing the increase in visitor numbers to affordable prices for using the facilities. The parks will be converted into water parks and swimming pools during the summer season. "We plan to make Han River parks a vibrant year-round leisure spot for Seoulites," the official said. 2025-02-18 14:00:35