Journalist
Antre Lim
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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Police to step up protection for presidential candidates amid rise in political threats SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - South Korean police are preparing to strengthen security around presidential candidates ahead of the June 3 election, responding to a sharp rise in threats and politically motivated incidents following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Authorities say they are reviewing plans to increase the number of officers assigned to each candidate’s security detail, noting that recent months have seen an unusual spike in extreme acts such as arson, assaults, and even attempted self-immolation tied to political unrest. "We are considering expanding the number of security personnel compared to the last presidential election," a senior police official said Sunday. "We are preparing educational programs that address the growing number of threats surrounding candidate protection." During the 2022 presidential race, the police deployed 150 officers for candidate protection. This time, officials are considering raising that figure, though a final decision has yet to be made. Those selected will receive additional training from the police special forces unit. Under current rules, official security is deployed once each political party formally nominates a candidate. In previous elections, up to 30 officers were assigned per candidate, but that number is expected to grow this year. The level of protection, known as “Eulho” (Type B) security, is similar to what is provided for the prime minister or speaker of the National Assembly and remains in place until the election outcome is confirmed. The renewed focus on candidate safety follows the near-fatal stabbing of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in January 2024. The attack, which occurred during a public event in Busan, left Lee with life-threatening injuries and prompted widespread concern over the vulnerability of high-profile politicians. The suspect was arrested at the scene and later charged with attempted murder. The incident became a turning point in public debate over political security, prompting calls from across the political spectrum for stronger protections, especially during campaign season. Lawmakers and civil society groups warned that deepening political polarization and volatile public sentiment had created an environment ripe for violence. Lee, who announced his candidacy for the upcoming election earlier this week, is among those expected to receive enhanced protection as campaigning ramps up. Police are also preparing to coordinate more closely with local governments and campaign organizers to manage crowds and monitor protest activity around major events. 2025-04-14 18:03:57 -
Namwon kicks off countdown to Chunhyang Festival with press day SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - Namwon City hosted a press day and ambassador networking event on April 10 in Seoul to mark 20 days ahead of the opening of the 95th Namwon Chunhyang Festival, South Korea’s longest-running local cultural celebration. Held at Park Hall in the Peace & Park Convention Center in Yongsan-gu, the event brought together travel journalists, foreign correspondents, influencers, and cultural figures to preview this year’s expanded festival lineup and global ambitions. The Chunhyang Festival is rooted in Chunhyangjeon (The Tale of Chunhyang), one of Korea’s most iconic folktales and a cornerstone of the Pansori storytelling tradition. It tells the story of Seong Chunhyang, the daughter of a lowborn Gisaeng, a female court entertainer, and her steadfast love for Lee Mongryong, the son of a nobleman. Despite separation, social boundaries, and the abuse of power by a corrupt magistrate, Chunhyang remains loyal—her story enduring as a symbol of integrity and resilience. The press event unfolded in two parts. In the first, Namwon officials laid out the highlights of this year’s festival, themed “The sounds of Chunhyang open the world.” Attendees were invited to explore more than 150 programs spanning Korean traditional music, global collaborations, and fusion performances that combine sound and technology. The festival will run from April 30 to May 6 in Namwon. The session was hosted by traditional musician and 1992 Miss Chunhyang winner Oh Jung-hae, who guided the audience through a promotional video on the festival’s legacy before introducing a live showcase. Jung Myung-hee, representing the Jo Gap-nyeo Traditional Dance Conservation Association, performed Seungmu, a meditative monk’s dance. Oh then followed with a performance of Sori, a traditional Korean vocal style. One of the most anticipated moments came with a Hanbok fashion show featuring past Miss Chunhyang titleholders and Namwon Mayor Choi Kyung-sik. The models wore designs by master Hanbok designer Kim Hye-soon, offering a striking visual tribute to Korean elegance and tradition. The second session focused on global outreach. Namwon City introduced plans to expand the Chunhyang Ambassador program through new networking opportunities with former and current Miss Chunhyang winners. A roundtable discussion is expected to follow, as part of preparations for the festival’s centennial in 2030. Launched in 1931, the Namwon Chunhyang Festival celebrates the love story of Chunhyang and Lee Mongryong. This year’s edition includes 100 performances featuring the sounds of Korea, international fusion, immersive cultural experiences, and the city’s signature Gugak showcase. The official Miss Chunhyang pageant will take place on April 30, and for the first time, contestants from the United States and Canada will join the competition. Other highlights include the return of the Theborn Zone and Barbecue Zone in partnership with celebrity chef Baek Jong-won, expanded venues across Gwanghalluwon Garden, Yocheon streamside, Guemam Park, and the Canola Flower Garden, as well as new additions like a 300-person community concert titled Life Is But a Dream and a Chunhyang Festival Archive Exhibition. 2025-04-14 16:36:42 -
India's ambassador joins lantern lighting in Seoul to mark Buddha's Birthday SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - India’s Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar and his spouse participated in a lantern lighting ceremony at Dongguk University in Seoul on Apr. 9 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Buddha. The event, organized by Dongguk University with the participation of the Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea, was attended by over 500 people and featured the lighting of 16,000 lanterns. “This celebration holds profound meaning for both India and Korea,” Ambassador Kumar said during an opening speech session. “In India, there is deep reverence for the teachings and philosophy of Lord Buddha. As the land of his enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana, India is home to some of the most sacred sites in Buddhism, visited by thousands of South Korean pilgrims every year.” Held on the university’s campus, the ceremony symbolized the spiritual and cultural ties between India and South Korea, brought to life by the sea of lanterns representing compassion and wisdom. The ambassador noted the unique civilizational journey of Buddhism across Asia, not by conquest, but through monks, scholars, and seekers. “Lord Buddha’s core teachings, the Middle Path, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path, offer timeless guidance in today’s turbulent world,” he said. “They speak to inner peace amidst anxiety, non-violence in times of conflict, and mindful living in an age of distraction.” The ambassador also reflected on the deep-rooted Buddhist connections between the two countries, citing architectural influence from India in early Silla temples, and the historic journey of Korean monk Hyecho, who traveled to India in the 8th century and wrote one of the earliest foreign travelogues of the country. During his visit to South Korea, Ambassador Kumar said he had the opportunity to visit several temples and praised the country’s rich Buddhist history. He added that India is prioritizing restoration and development of major pilgrimage sites and working with partner countries like South Korea to preserve manuscripts, promote academic research, and expand spiritual tourism. He also highlighted the Indian government’s recent decision to designate Pali, a language used by Buddha, as a classical language. Citing recent examples of India-South Korea Buddhist exchanges, Kumar mentioned the 2021 donation of a statue of Buddha to Tongdosa Temple, which was founded by monks who had traveled to India. The temple was built near Mount Yeongchuk, whose shape resembles the Rajgir mountain range where Buddha preached the Dhamma. In 2023, more than 100 senior monks from South Korea’s Jogye Order undertook a 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage across India’s sacred Buddhist sites to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. “I was privileged to meet them in Lucknow, where the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh hosted them,” he said. Reflecting on the ceremony itself, Ambassador Kumar said, “I am deeply moved by the 16,000 lanterns lit today, each symbolizing a prayer, a hope, and a commitment to compassion.” Quoting Buddha, he added, “Thousands of candles can be lit from a single flame, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.” 2025-04-14 16:07:05 -
Indonesia attracts S. Korean beauty industry to Bali expo SEOUL, April 14 (AJP) - The Embassy of Indonesia in South Korea hosted a briefing session on Monday to promote the upcoming "Bali Wellness and Beauty Expo 2025," inviting around 50 South Korean business operators from the beauty, cosmetics, wellness, and travel sectors. The event was held at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul and served as a platform to introduce the inaugural expo and possible collaboration opportunities between the two countries. “This expo aims to strengthen Bali’s position as a leading destination for wellness and beauty tourism, not only in Asia but globally,” said Zelda Wulan Kartika, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Indonesia. “We hope this event will serve as a bridge for collaboration between Indonesian and Korean businesses, and we warmly invite Korean participants to attend the expo and experience the healing traditions and innovation Bali has to offer.” The Bali Wellness and Beauty Expo 2025 is scheduled to take place from June 27 to 29 at the Bali Beach Convention Center in Sanur. Under the theme “Grow Well in Bali: Where Wellness Becomes Beauty,” the event is officially supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Bali Province and will include exhibitions, workshops, networking sessions, talk shows, private demonstrations, and cultural programs. Feri Agustian Soleh, Co-founder and Project Manager at MELALI MICE -- the organizing company behind the expo -- presented detailed information about the event. He emphasized Bali’s infrastructure and cultural assets as key strengths for wellness tourism, noting that Sanur offers a peaceful atmosphere with sunrise views and new resort developments. “Indonesia is a major global exporter of essential oils,” Feri said, highlighting that the country produces over 90 percent of the world’s patchouli oil and large shares of nutmeg, clove, and citronella oils. He encouraged South Korean businesses to recognize Indonesia’s role in supplying raw materials used in many K-beauty products. More than 25 exhibitors have already registered for the event, including members of the Indonesian Aromatherapy and Moringa Associations, according to the event organizer. The venue features 3,750 square meters of exhibition space and can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors. MELALI MICE, based in Bali, has nearly 20 years of experience in tourism and event management. Feri also introduced members of the expo advisory board, including Korean aromatherapy expert Louis Lee. The Indonesian Embassy and organizers said they are looking forward to welcoming more South Korean participants to the event in June and fostering stronger ties between the two countries’ wellness and beauty sectors. 2025-04-14 15:13:31