Journalist
Im Yoon-seo and Kim Yeon-jae
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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South Korean military holds artillery drills near border SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - Live-fire artillery drills were conducted along the inter-Korean border for the first time in several years, military authorities said on Tuesday. To enhance the military's combat readiness, around 60 rounds were fired from more than a dozen self-propelled howitzers, hitting targets at a firing range in Paju, Gyeonggi Province the previous day. The drills came about seven years after Seoul and Pyongyang signed a cross-border pact in 2018 pledging to cease hostile activities near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The military pact signed on Sept 19, 2018 amid a thaw in relations with North Korea under the former President Moon Jae-in halted artillery and other military exercises and reconnaissance operations along the inter-Korean border. But North Korea's continuous provocations, missile launches, and its recent bizarre campaign of sending trash-filled balloons toward the South effectively invalidated the pact, prompting Seoul to decide to resume training and other drills in June last year. "The recent drills have boosted military morale," said a military official, vowing to "remain fully prepared to respond immediately and accurately to any enemy attack." 2025-04-22 15:38:08 -
Seven dead or injured in suspected arson at Seoul apartment SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - A suspected arson fire broke out at an apartment building in southern Seoul on Monday, leaving one person dead and six others injured. According to emergency responders, the fire began around 8 a.m. on the fourth floor of a 21-story apartment building in Bongcheon-dong, southern Seoul. Witnesses said smoke and flames quickly spread, with residents seen hanging from balconies and some attempting to escape through windows. Two elderly women suffered serious burns and injuries from falling, while four others were taken to the hospital with various injuries. Police identified a 61-year-old man found dead at the scene as the suspected arsonist. He lived on the third floor and was previously involved in noise-related disputes with neighbors upstairs. One altercation in September reportedly required police intervention. Investigators say he is suspected of deliberately setting the fire. At the scene, authorities recovered a battery-powered device, possibly an electric pesticide sprayer or power washer, along with what appeared to be a suicide note. In the note, the man apologized to his family and asked his daughter to take care of her mother. The letter also contained 50,000 won (approximately $36) in cash. Before the fire at the apartment building, the man is believed to have ignited another fire using the same spray device at a small studio apartment where his mother lived. “We are investigating whether the fire was linked to noise-related disputes and are also reviewing the suspect’s mental health records,” said a police official. 2025-04-21 15:03:55 -
South Korean tourist killed during robbery in the Philippines SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - A South Korean tourist was shot and killed during a robbery in the Philippines on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry said Monday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the South Korean Embassy in Manila said a male tourist was attacked in the afternoon near Koreatown in Angeles City, north of Manila, by two armed men on a motorcycle. According to witnesses, the victim was shot when he tried to fend off the robbers who attempted to steal his bag. The tourist was transported to a hospital about 30 minutes after the incident, but later died from the gunshot wounds. The embassy has requested an investigation and is offering support to the victim’s family. Police are working to identify the two Filipino suspects involved in the shooting and to find out what happened during the incident. Sunday’s case is the latest in a string of attacks targeting South Koreans in the Philippines. In early April, a South Korean national was abducted from his home and held for 20 days before being released. Just a month earlier, another South Korean was shot and killed during a robbery in central Manila. According to the foreign ministry, 38 South Korean nationals were killed in the Philippines between 2015 and the first half of 2023, accounting for nearly 44 percent of all South Korean homicide victims in the Asia-Pacific region during that time. The ministry called on South Koreans traveling or staying in the Philippines to "remain alert and take all necessary measures to ensure their safety." 2025-04-21 11:02:03 -
Unidentified balloons with leaflets discovered south of DMZ A file photo released by North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency on July 14, 2024, shows anti-North Korea leaflets being burned. SEOUL, April 19 (AJP) - South Korean police said Saturday that balloons carrying anti-North Korea leaflets were found near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). More than ten balloons were discovered last week in areas just south of the DMZ. Military and police believe they were launched from two sites nearby, though the sender remains unidentified. “The balloons seem to have fallen short and landed near the DMZ,” a police official said. A civic group is reportedly planning to resume leaflet launches next Wednesday, after canceling a similar attempt last October. The move comes as spring winds, especially southwesterly breezes, make it easier for balloons to travel north. “These campaigns disrupt daily life and make residents feel unsafe,” a police official said. Police and local governments have been keeping watch day and night since last year to stop the launches. 2025-04-19 16:41:53 -
Apink drops new fan song celebrating 14th anniversary SEOUL, April 19 (AJP) - K-pop girl band Apink released a new digital single on Saturday, celebrating the 14th anniversary of their debut. According to their agency Choi Creative Lab, “Tap Clap” is Apink’s first full-member release in nearly a year and serves as a fan song. Member Kim Nam-joo contributed to the lyrics, expressing gratitude to their fans. With a bright sound and emotional melody, the track is accompanied by a music video that captures the group’s everyday moments Since debuting on April 19, 2011, Apink has continued to release fan-dedicated tracks each year, standing out as one of K-pop’s longest-running girl bands. 2025-04-19 16:07:08