Journalist

박세진
Choe Chong-dae
  • North Korean and Russian youth hold friendship gathering in Pyongyang
    North Korean and Russian youth hold friendship gathering in Pyongyang SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - A joint friendship event between young people from North Korea and Russia was held at the Central Youth Hall in Pyongyang on Sunday, North Korea’s state-controlled media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported Monday. The gathering, designed to strengthen cultural ties and solidarity between the two countries, was attended by Mun Chol, chairman of the Central Committee of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, North Korean university students in Pyongyang, and a visiting delegation from the United Russia Youth Guards, led by Anton Zemidov, chairman of the group’s Coordinating Council. According to KCNA, Mun Chol praised what he described as the Russian people’s resistance to hostile forces and expressed support for Russia's leadership under President Vladimir Putin. He said that youth from both countries would remain “true comrades and comrades-in-arms,” citing the close relationship between the leaders of North Korea and Russia. Speaking on behalf of the Russian delegation, Zemidov expressed appreciation for the hospitality shown during their visit and conveyed admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing him as a strong and dedicated leader. He also thanked North Korea for its support of Russia’s international positions and pledged that Russian youth would stand in solidarity with their North Korean counterparts in opposing Western influence. The event also featured a cultural performance by North Korea’s youth art troupe, including renditions of Russian songs. Participants from both countries joined in group dances and musical performances, wrapping up the event in a festive atmosphere aimed at deepening youth-level ties. 2025-04-21 17:14:02
  • Seoul court permits limited filming of Yoons second insurrection hearing
    Seoul court permits limited filming of Yoon's second insurrection hearing SEOUL, April 21 (AJP) - Former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court at 10:00 a.m. Monday, for the second hearing in his trial on charges of leading an insurrection, marking the first time the public has seen him seated in the defendant’s chair. Photographs and video footage of Yoon in court were released following the hearing, after the Seoul Central District Court approved limited media coverage. The court cited “the high level of national interest” in the case, despite Yoon’s opposition to the filming. Media were allowed to record from designated areas prior to the start of proceedings, though live broadcasting remains prohibited. The case centers on the so-called “December 3 Martial Law” incident, in which Yoon declared a military-backed emergency decree. On Dec. 3, 2024, he cited threats from “North Korean communist forces” and “anti-state elements” as justification for the order. The decree was enforced with the deployment of 1,580 troops, 107 military vehicles, 12 Black Hawk helicopters, and more than 9,000 rounds of live ammunition. Despite the show of force, 190 lawmakers entered the National Assembly and unanimously voted to lift martial law just hours later. Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and officially removed from office on Apr. 4, 2025. He now faces trial for insurrection and abuse of power in what has become one of the most significant legal cases in South Korea’s modern history. As during his first appearance, Yoon avoided the main courthouse entrance. The Seoul High Court authorized him to use the underground parking lot, and he was escorted from his residence in Seocho District, located a short distance from the court. 2025-04-21 09:43:09